Bolt On Sleigh Runners

[TBigLug]

My uncle and I were discussing this today. Is there anyone who make sleigh runners to bolt in place of wheels on wagons for winter use? Don’t know how or if it would work but all the sleigh runners we come across are pretty flimsy and a hundred years old. Looking for a way to utilize our wagons in the winter as well. Thought of bending some C-channel for the runners with a plate that bolts to the hub but don’t know if it would “roll” if it came to a steep divit or not. Any thoughts?

[Simple Living]

John,
If you look at this website ( http://www.sandcreekfarmsupply.com/11.html )about 3/4 way down the very long page, they have pictures of the Pioneer style sleigh runners for a forecart. If you have a pioneer catalog its in there as well. You might be able to use them on one of your rubber wheeled wagons or take a look at making them to fit yourself. Here are prices from thier webpage. Hope this helps.

Gordon

9090…………………..Sled Runners for standard cart – set of 2………………….110#………198.00
9091…………………..Sled Runners for heavy duty cart – set of 2………………110#………198.00
9092…………………..Sled Runners for cart w/hydraulic brakes – set of 2………..132#………223.00
9075…………………..Safety Chains (for runners)………………………………………….2#……………8.00

[LostFarmer]

I have seen some runners put on a wagon. I am looking at making a set myself. The problem I see with the whole concept of pushing a runner instead of pulling a runner. Runners work best when they are pulled from the from the runner and gets some lift.

I have build a jig that bends rectangular tube the strong direction. It is essentially a die that goes in a pipe bender crease the top of the tube to bent the runner. We have made runners from 1 1/2″ square tubing with a 2″ x 1/4″ shoe, a 1 1/2″ x 2″ tube with a 2″ x 1/4″ shoe and a 2″x3″ tube with a 3″ x 3/8″ shoe. They are big and heavy. One thing for sure make sure you put a chain on the front of the runner to keep from flipping the runner over. 😮 You could also find a set of old rims that match the bolt pattern of the hub and mount the runner on that rim. It would work in a pinch but not as good as a sleigh. Kind of like a coffee pot, alarm clock, toaster. Does it all but none of it well. LF

[Mark Cowdrey]

I’d be interested to see how those safety chains are hooked. I’ve used the bolt on runners on my forecart/arch but never the chains.The only problem I have had is the “turn-up” on the back wasn’t enough for much of any snow. I added another 6″ to mine and they back fine now.
Mark

[Simple Living]

As lost farmer said, chain up the fronts of the runners. I had a set on a buggy one time that hit a furrow and flipped. Broke the whole darn mess. I should add that I have never used the pioneer type, only seen them in the book.

[Iron Rose]

I have been using bolt on runners for a few years. Took a set of bobsled runners fitted with a bracket to bolt on the wheel hubs of a regular running gear. Put a cross piece between back runners chained up to the reach. Added auto steering to the front runners (Not neededIf you use a fifth wheel wagon ). Can change from sled to wagon in less than a half hour. Works great has a wide tread that is hard to tip over.

Dan
SE minn

[Mark Cowdrey]

SL,
Chain up the fronts of the runners to what? That’s what I’m missing.:confused:
Mark

[Joshua Kingsley]

@Mark Cowdrey 24947 wrote:

SL,
Chain up the fronts of the runners to what? That’s what I’m missing.:confused:
Mark

mark,
I would run a semi loose chain from the front loop on the runner to the bottom of the forecart. That would limit how far the runner could tip forward and eliminate the ski from flipping on the axle. That is my take on the whole thing.
Joshua

[Simple Living]

On a forecart you can chain them like this so that they can’t flip over. They are chained together over the pole to prevent the flip affect. Hope these pics work.

I would guess you could chain them to the bed/box or put the chain over the pole(front) or reach in the rear.

[Mark Cowdrey]

Joshua & SL,
Thanks, makes perfect sense.
Mark

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