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Iron Rose
ParticipantWelcome Bill
know what you mean about horse machinery. Between the iron buyers and the people who use good pieces as yard art , not much left for those of us that still use it. I have started to design and built what I need. Built a three wheel for cart with a hydraulic 3 point hitch last winter(works okay but will have to tweak a couple of things this winter). Working on a ground drive PTO addition for future use.Welcome
Dan
SE MinnParticipantWe have always been a mixed power operation. Works the best for us Tractors used for heavy tillage and harvesting ,teams used for planting, cultivating,most haying operations, feeding and manure hauling . Both have there place, without tractors we would have to try and hire labor and keep more horses around. Comes down to the bottom line
ParticipantWe have used mixed power (Horses and Tractors) in are operation for years. We use tractors to do the heavy tillage, loader,and PTO work. While the horses are used for planting , cultivating, haying, feeding, etc. Not uncommon to have both in the same field at the same time. Fact is that a lot of are equipment can be used either way. While it takes more dedication to use horses if the tractor is there it can be done. We try to keep at least one team harnessed and ready to use everyday, if not we usually grab the tractor instead of catching and harnessing a team.
The pure economics of having mixed power is that we can cut down on the number of horses that we need. With one medium sized tractor can do the work of four or more teams. This allows us to have better horses that get used therefore are better broke, and always bring better price if sold.
Lets face it even a lot of the Amish are not purists and use some sort of mechanical power. So enjoy your tractor and hope that it always you to use your horses more.
Good Luck
Dan
SE MNParticipant. Furthermore, to insinuate you shouldn’t use a ferrier because he’s Amish is an ignorant (bordering on racist/ predjudice) thing to say.
There are a lot of good Amish farriers out there and I have worked with many of them. My problem is not with the Amish but with the people that think that just because they are Amish, they know all there is to know sbout horses. Thats like saying that because I drive a motor vechile I am a mechanic. A good Farrier is a good Farrier be he Amish or English.
As far as cost I too am blown away buy what some people pay or charge. There seems to be Two schools of thought on Farriers, use the one that will work the cheapest , or use the one that charges the most because he must be better . True drafts are for the most part more difficult to do and shoes are higher priced. I Charge by the hour plus material ($75.00 hr working time) So figureing travel time, insurance, vechile expense, and time spent on continuing education, then figure in your expense of hualing and time spent My rates are not out of line.
ParticipantMy amish farrier charges me $20 per horse. They stay on.
Just because they stay on dose not mean they are propery shod!!!!! I’ve had to fix way to many Amish screw ups.
Dan
SE MinnParticipantI have been shoeing horses professionally for more that 40 years and will agree with Carl that it’s not rocket science. Although there are somethings that a person should know before attempting to do his own. The anatomy and function of the foot and leg should be at he top of the list. You have to know what you are working with. Second his if you are unsure of how to fix a problem don’t try it, chances are you will make it worse. You can’t learn everything from a book a lot as to be learned under the horse . Over the years I have taught many people to trim there own animals . I would rather show someone how than to have to try and fix a bad job.
One last comment on the price of shoeing “you get what you pay for” The shoer that charges the least may not be giving you the best service. There are a lot of shoers out there that are only interested in how much the can make and not the quality of there work or the horse. Basically there philosophy is “IF I CAN’T DAZZLE THEM WITH MY BRILENCE I’LL BAFFLE THEM WITH MY BS”
Enough Said for now
Dan
SE MNParticipantI’m in the process of building a three wheel cart with a 3point hitch . For power I’m using a 12 volt pump set up off a power lift gate from a delivery truck ( found used one on craigslist for $35) . Lift is not real fast (approx 30 seconds for full stroke of 8 inches) but has enough pressure to do the job. There are other 12 volt pumps that deliver more flow if speed is needed. At this time I haven’t been able to field test the unit , but works in the shop.
Your idea of a wheel driven hyd pump is something that I have been thinking about for some time. Although I decided to go with the 12 volt system because I could lift the hitch with out moving. My figuring is not in vain though . I’m now designing a ground drive PTO. Present plans are to weld roller chain to the inside of the wheel and use a sprocket drive. Looks like it will work on paper, but I’ll see when I get started.
If anyone has done this or has any other ideas on ground drive PTO I would welcome any inputs.
Good Luck on your project
Dan Rasmussen
SE MNParticipantI keep track of differant types and grades of steel in my rack with differant colors of spray paint. A spot of paint takes a lot of guess work when looking for a certain grade of steel.
ParticipantI usually roll all ,sorts of ideas around in my head when designing a project . When I have it sort of figured out then I will try to put it down on paper. The real trick is when I start to build it , then I usually figure it out as I go. That probably why my hair is getting thinner ,spend to much time scratching my head . Usually build things by the seat of my pants , then cutting it apart and redoing it till I’m satisfied. Can always see ways I could make it better.
I have been working on a three wheel fore cart with a three point hitch this winter. Almost done with it then got the bright idea of adding a grownd drive PTO. Still working on that part ,while thats a project for next winter. Problem is that I really don’t need a PTO (go figure).
Iron Rose
Dan Rasmussen
SE MNParticipantIn my opinion Geldings are generaly stronger than mares ,but tend to be lazier. Have worked both and don’t have a real preference , mares do seem to have more heart and give you more. Mares are a real plus if you use tie stalls.
ParticipantBeen building a 3 wheel fore cart this winter . Looking forward to giving it a try. Temp this morning around 0 and a good covering of snow so it looks like I’ll have to wait awhile.
Dan
ParticipantLike the looks of your arch. Thought of building one few years back but never got around to it. I always design and build all my own (many times redesign and rebuild tell I’m satisfied with it) presently am working on a for cart equipped with a three point hitch. Again great looking arch hope you enjoy it.
Iron Rose
DanParticipantLooks like a regular V plow arrangement have seen plans but not sure just were. I think that it may of been in an article in the SFJ years ago, possibly conact them and see if they can be of help.
Anouther type of plow that I have seen some of the Amish use is a type that collects the snow and then has a trip gate to dump the load out of the way. Don’t know were you can get plans for that ,but could try to draw a sketch if you would like.
Dan
ParticipantWhat do you mean by a “shelter plow” ? Never heard of one can you discribe it or post a picture, could be called somethimg else.. I’m located in SE Minn
ParticipantMy favorite reply to the people that try to belittle me for the way I do things is to Ask them ” how much money do i owe you”? Usually shuts them up. For those that don’t ,they don’t matter .
Dan
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