[Carl Russell]

I have never used Banixx, but usually after soaking will inject hydrogen peroxide, and or Iodine into the abscess area for anti microbial treatment. I also have used Ichthamol, diapers, vet wrap, and duct tape for dressing the wound. As far as I understand Ichthamol has no antibacterial properties, but acts like epsoms salts to soften the affected area and to draw out the infection so that it can drain. I would still use some type of antibacterial to treat the infection. Banixx would probably be just fine,

Carl

[Carl Russell]

Amen, Brother Geoff…. 😯

[Carl Russell]

I know Donn, 😯 It’s just that I love being active that early in the day, and I have to find things to do that don’t involve the horses until later in the day. If I could have them ready to go at 5am, it would be my dream state….. I guess I need some stable staff…

It’s just part of the system management. The horses allow me to work in a low capital operation, that has many other holistic components, so managing them all by myself creates a schedule that has a mind of its own, so to speak, and those ideals of what I would like to do with the horses are just an example of how expectations come up against reality, and animal power has some significant realities related to time management.

Carl

[Carl Russell]

I will not offer much over what anyone else has said already, just to say that these are some of the most important questions that distinguish the work we are trying to do. I believe that in all mamnagement systems we run into bottlenecks and road blocks. The challenge is how to determine where the changes need to occur. IF animal power is as important as it I think it is, then I generally look to the system that is creating the challenge, rather than the power source…… Meaning, where are my expectations creating barriers that limit my choices.

For example, and this is just my two cents, if you have established a system that is based on using mechanical devices that can be employed at anytime, and with little prep time, then bringing animals into that system is going to present challenges. This does not give you an answer to the best grazing system choices, but perhaps there are changes in the way you use the power that could accommodate the animals and their needs better.

I often dream of having the time in my schedule to bring in the horses at 3am, to be harnessed and in the woods by 5am…… But it just is not going to happen in this iteration of my life.

[Carl Russell]

I have one…. know nothing about it, but I have interchanged many parts from the McD and Farm-all mowers. Mine has a cracked fly wheel housing, so I’m babying it these days, trying to find a replacement. I have really enjoyed the mower though over the years.

[video]http://youtu.be/TYddNJR-Lks[/video]

[video]http://youtu.be/LWMF9vaE1dw[/video]

[Carl Russell]

I never make water available to my animals in their stalls. I keep a watering barrel with fresh water, and lead them to water 2-3 times daily.

Carl

[Carl Russell]

I have a few 5/16″ logging chains that are at least 15 years old with virtually no apparent wear.

I also have several 3/8″ chokers that I use semi-regularly.

I actually use the 5/16 in a 3/8 slot with no adverse effect. My hooks, and hitch slots can accommodate both size chains, but I generally agree that 3/8″ chokers are overkill for horses…. even small tractors and crawlers….

Carl

[Carl Russell]

Hey Donn, great work so far….. I personally would not even make a soft steel version, just will not hold up… I think it will be a detriment to the idea…. it will appear to be poor workmanship, just like the darned hold-back hooks that look so good, but stretch out in a few weeks.

Just my two cents having used both under, and over-engineered equipment in the woods. Much wiser to err on the side of over-engineered. Probably costlier initially, but you’ll only need to buy one. And that is advertising you cannot pay for.

Carl

[Carl Russell]

nice

[Carl Russell]

There are several extensive discussions on here relating to mower poles and dolly wheels. Just search for dolly wheel, and you should find lots of points that address your questions.

It’s not that I don’t want to see more discussion, I just want to point out the depth of archive already on this site.

If/when you find something good, reply to one of those old threads to bring it back to life.

Good luck, Carl

[Carl Russell]

George, that was one of Andy Carson’s draft buffer wiffletrees. Extensive discussion in this thread…. http://draftanimalforum.org/forums/topic/draft-buffers/page/12/

Carl

[Carl Russell]

Just to be clear I do not feed chain all the way through. I can grab a link withing 2 of the choker and all I have is a small loop through the eye. It is grab and go, and it never gets caught on stumps, brush, or roots when dragging on the ground.

I have handled a lot of hooks and hooked a lot of chokers, and have found no better hook for efficiency, handling, and holding up to abuse, than a bitch link.

Here is a picture showing the bitch link on a log…. I have never had one come unhooked being hitched like this.
Carl

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[Carl Russell]

Here are two variations that I have given thought to over the years, but have not had the manufacturing skills to make them happen.

One important feature that I keep trying to improve is keeping the length short as possible, so the swivel should have its own clevis end…

Anyway, that’s my 2.5 cents, Carl

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[Carl Russell]

I like George’s design. I use the set-up I have precisely because I want to be able to hook to any piece of equipment I have, not just choker chains, so the ring should double as a handle, and as a hitch point for tongue hooks, or hammer straps. If the loop was a bit heavier than 1/4″, maybe 3/8″, and hardened then it could become a multipurpose hook.

Carl

[Carl Russell]

I am just refreshing this thread for the Flacks. They still have animals available.

Thank you, Carl

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