[john plowden]

I have been very busy with the many hats I wear – sorrry for taking so long – I have to agree with Jason that I find the internet a hard place to organizie an effort like this and always prefer to work in person … I’m here –
None of the names for the colaboration strike me as yet and I’m scratching my head to come up with one to toss out –
I feel that appropriate tecnology is key and that we would be limiting ourselves not to include forwarders or other machines whether horse drawn or otherwise -We can continue to discuss this part later – so I stick with – “To promote positive impact forest management using draft animals and appropriate technology”
(4 votes)-
I would like to combine the top two goals – And then -“To promote positive impact forest management using draft animals and appropriate technology”
(4 votes)I think it is very important to get the folks from across the pond involved –
Thank you Scott for carrying the torch –
John

[john plowden]

One line from a loop that runs to each bit ring – A friend of mine from Canada uses one line like this … can’t remember what the term is – safe enough with both sides of the mouth in hand so to speak –
John

[john plowden]

Can’t wait to see you there –
Glad you are bringing Reno – It’s nice to hear he has’nt forgotten how to log !
John

[john plowden]

Thank you Jason – I’m working on things a bit tonight and should have more figured out by morning – I’ll try to call you –
John

[john plowden]

Scott – the pin on design is what makes the rig work so well – because you are pulling from the end of the shafts they are acting as the traces and cannot lift or shift – putting all the draft directly to the load –
I make a ring/pin/short trace for the harness that attaches to the hames – I am working on a simple D ring modification for those that use them – I may make longer shafts with trace hooks and hold backs and see how that works for those that want to use western style harness with it –
no Swede – just Yankee

[john plowden]

Neat – They just need to teach him to shut the fridge –

[john plowden]

Here’s my new site – in the fledgling stages- http://www.plowdenhorselogging.com
I.m working on more pics and descriptive text –
John

[john plowden]

A ring or Slip hook on the log end – not a grab – you want to “choke” the log and a grab would not let the chain tighten itself a round the log – a grab hook on the hitch end allows you to add another chain for reach or attach to the pulling implement – Logging Choker hooks are specifically designed to not fall off the log easily and are really strong – I use 5/16″ grade 40 or 60 chain 8 feet long with logging choker hooks because they are lighter than the 3/8 chain – I have never broken one and have pulled some huge wood – Instead of a grab hook a “fid” or pin 8-12″ or longer can be used to push under the log resting on the ground so you dont have to dig through duff,snow or the roots and rocks that somehow always end up where you want to put the chain- there are chain grabbering hooks you can make out of 1/4″ rod to carry separately – or buy pre made from a logging supply co. –
Hope this helps –
John

[john plowden]

A choker is the chain and hook you wrap around a log – used with a grab hook on your evener or arch or whiffle tree etc.to pull said log –
John

[john plowden]

I try to go with 1/4 to 1/3 horse weight to last all day -There are the heavier logs that need to go as well – and the horses will pull – just not all day – 130-180bf pine is nice for the 1800# guy –
Terrain and length of hitch need to be considered –
It’s hard to explain here but the point of pivot or how far back and below the wheels are from the choker hitch point is key to decreasing draft when using an arch –
John

[john plowden]

John – Nice looking horse ! Looks like a relative of my 18hh gelding “Dan” – Good work –
I use 2 two inch rings attached to the spider ring with 10 inch lengths of parachute cord to run my lines through – Keeps them up and in place – very handy when hitching a log – also lets you drive from way off to the side without loosing line control –
John

[john plowden]

Can you post a picture?
John

[john plowden]

Peter – I have it
John

[john plowden]

I’ve used the pop in studs and found they come out easily so put a small weld on the hoof side and grind it smooth – they then stay put.
John

[john plowden]

I may have what you need – can you post a pic?
John

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