[Paulk]

Welcome to the forum.  I too was in a similar situation and with this forum and some other resources I have taught myself alot.  Paulk

[Paulk]

Im in Sesser near Rend Lake.  Your not too far away.  Paulk

 

[Paulk]

He left the front wheels on the tractor and attached a tongue to the front of the frame rails. Then he removed the steering shaft so the wheels are basically dolly wheels. That is how I remembered it anyways, and if I can get a hold him I might try to go get some pics and look it over.

I know he likes to use it breaking new mules since it has brakes if things get hairy plus he can vary the load applied to them. He really doesnt use it as a farming tool but more as a conditioning and training tool.

[Paulk]

Donn I dont want to hijack the thread but I have a friend that built a wd45 power cart several years ago that he runs a bush hog, sickle mower etc.with. I have only glanced at it but if you need help or an idea I could look at it or talk to him about it. If I ever get my sled finished and my regular forcart built I might build a wd45 cart since I have one with a bad engine already.

[Paulk]

I’m not real familiar with the systems but I do know that security systems installed in houses and business have the option to have smoke and heat detectors in stalled to call the fire dept. direct if either is detected. There is even an app for it for your smart phone. We recently had a security system installed at work but didn’t go with the fire protection option.

If you or a friend is real crafty there are heat sensors and smoke detectors available that could just be wired to sound an alarm or flashing light etc. it would just take a little engineering to build the system.

Here is a link to give you the idea. You could mount the controler in your house and then would just have to run wire to the barn and could mount sensors in different locations.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#fire-detectors/=lzpxwd

[Paulk]

And thanks to the rest for any info also. Paulk

[Paulk]

Thanks for the info Grey. I at least have a little better understanding of how to measure. Funny you mention the seamstress tape as I just bought one a couple days ago to measure my mule to keep track of his weight gain. My harness is adjusted all of the way out and is still a little snug so I am reluctant to take measurements from it. The worst thing is knowing what proper fit is, as I am very green yet. I have done extensive research and have an idea but it is not the same as having experience. I had a chance to buy a new team harness with everything but the collars made from beta for $850 but I was scared that it wouldn’t fit when i got home.

I have been to several auctions and saw harness sell for half or less of new but if it cost me the other half to have it modified then I really don’t gain. I am all about saving money but I’m starting to think instead of buying equipment for him to pull maybe I should invest in a new harness?

I can buy a new harness with collars and hames from an Amish harness maker that is 30 miles away for about $700 I’m wondering if it would be worth the money to be able to take my mule there and have him measure and fit everything the way it should be. The knowledge I would gain and knowing it fits correctly maybe worth the extra money. I wish I had someone close that could teach me because everything I’m doing is pretty much trial and error. Luckily my mule is very patient and doesn’t get excited about much. Sometimes I wonder if he is laughing at me when I do something dumb!

[Paulk]

I have a hard time letting them go but I keep telling myself that I cant keep them all. I wish I had the time and experience to be able to break young ones but I have been just getting the ones that have become pasture ornaments but were broke once upon a time. I work with them on the ground and move to the saddle then once they seem to be doing good I decide to let them go. I found that there is no better way to stay sane in this world than to spend a little time with a mule!

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