Ideas for new Pioneer equipment

Here’s a thought regarding using a single on a machine modeled on the riding cultivators such as McD & JD:

I have a smallish 2-bob sleigh with both shaves & a pole. The shaves are offset so that the horse walks in one (I believe the near) runner track. Assuming an appropriate draft load, could the same thing be done with a riding cultivator?

Just a thought,

Mark

Yes – you’ve got my idea already – and it could be useful to me if it was on a forecart, too – IF it’s scaled to use by a team of large-standard donkeys or ponies. It’s really hard to find equipment that’s usable for those of us who don’t have the large drafts; even some of the “Haflinger/Fjord” -sized stuff is pushing the limit in weight.
Another suggestion would be some sort of small logging-arch add on. That toolbar you suggested looks interesting, too, if it’s scaled down. That’s my main frustration = if it’s small/lightweight enough for a single or pair of donkeys, it’s usually just too weak to last, too. I need light, but sturdy – a real WORKING system. I know several people in just this general area that have BLM donkeys/mustangs that’d love to work up their gardens w/ them, if there was a system designed for them.

Most excellent post, Erika!

{Um, had to blink at that “Mr. MoonShadow” bit…}

This is exactly what they are contemplating right now. A light frame with clearance and a tool bar for interchangeable implements. They are becoming more aware of the needs of people with smaller projects and less draft power.

Carl

we made up a ground driven forecart out of a mc9 mower a dozen years ago. it wasn’t my idea. it works well. strip off everything, and attach a 20 tooth sprocket to the pitman shaft, and build a tail shaft paralell on bearings over the pole with a 50 tooth sprocket on front and a six spline pto coupling on its end. done. the pitman shaft turns 28 times to one revolution of the drive wheel, 26 on a regular gear. and is reduced by 2.5 with the chain and sprockets. it turned a two basket tedder easily in any kind of hay with a team, and now with three horses, does the same with a four. and we also rake with a 9′ rotary rake and two horses can handle that. i’d send you a photo, but that may be beyond my capabiliies.

I saw the first GD pto cart by I and J Mfg. at HPD. I never saw it operate until SDAD.

I was very impressed with what two medium sized mules were able to do with over the waist high Johnson Grass. It was so cool to hear the whirring of the mower and no other noise and see the grass flattened after a pass. I think the folks are continuing to refine this machine and it seem to work very well in the current version. They also have a heavy duty GD cart that runs a square baler and a haybine with bigger hitches.

I and J Mfg. LLC
5203 Amish Road
Gap, Pa. 17527
717-442-9451

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Hey Mitch,

Any chance you (or Penny) could get a couple of pictures showing the gear setups on your cart ? – I had a hard time following the description (as often happens – I need a picture). Sorry.

hi geoff, all it is is a 20 tooth srocket on the pitman shaft to a 50 tooth sprocket on the tailshaft. i could unbolt the drive and lay it on the floor easily. the whole thing is made up together and just bolts on to the three pole bolts. also remember that sheild is pretty important with long tailed horses. also had to cut and weld the seatpost so i could swing left. i’ll see about another photo.