[Carl Russell]

Ronnie, a scoot is actually made for use on dry ground. Being a sled it does obviously work well on snow too, but a pole is required. On dry ground there is no need for a pole, except for very steep slopes, which adds to the maneuverability. I don’t have detailed plans, but I saw some in SFJ just a few issues ago, from a logging museum in Maine. Others may have plans, but I will look into finding some.

I can tell you how to build one though, and I will if no one come up with plans. I will be rebuilding mine soon, and will be taking pictures at the very least.

Basics are 2- 2 1/2″ x 12″ x 12′ sides. 2- 4″ x 6″ x 4′ bunks with steel bands for stake pockets. Hardwood shoes are bolted on to the bottoms of the sides to take the where. 1″ trunnel pins go through the sides into the bunks so that the sides move independent of each other. The hitch is a spreader chain that hooks into the sides just under the front bunk, this way the horses pull the outside runner when making a turn.
Bunks are 7’6″ apart so an 8’er can fit.

[Carl Russell]

Scott G;10532 wrote:

….my mind was entirely focused that morning on getting this particular cutting unit done and moving on down the road to the next job. I am beginning to get a significant backlog of contracts. …

I can tell you from experience that this is a very subtle and hard to manage source of stress. Doing a good job can be a double edged sword. It is a fundamental self-esteem builder, as well as the desired result of a good business plan, but it can also cultivate expectations from the outside world, that as we strive to respond, we are torn from the routines that support the effectiveness of our animal powered operations.

It is hard in this day and age to really be true to the animal powered pace, and at the same time satisfy the needs and expectations of modern life. I have had to stop taking work, because of too many jobs stacked up, and
I was beating myself up about not getting enough done. If it is caught early enough, this can turn into a good thing though, as I have finally gotten to a pace where I can pick and choose work that comes my way. The main thing is though, that constant nagging frustration that is the result of unmet expectations is a poor attitude for working with animals (and people).

Carl

[Carl Russell]

Ronnie Tucker;10520 wrote:

.. ..then he must need a ample dose of hickory tee apply liberally then allow to soak in for maybe 20 to 30 min then go back to work . this is a age old south method that can work on horses or mules or children .sometimes we think to long and much . i realize i have old ways but i get along allright with my work ronnie tucker tn logger

I have used the two-hander trainer plenty of times in my day as well, and although it is affective in some degree, I have found that I prefer a horse with some spirit, especially working in the woods. Today I would rather work with other methods to draw that spirit out of the horse so we both can use it to my advantage, instead of beating it out of him, or forcing it back in and putting a cap on it.

I appreciate your perspective Ronnie, just making my own review of those methods, based on my experience. I have found superior results today, as apposed to what I used to do.

Carl

[Carl Russell]

I have two little sayings that I came up with over the years, that I try to keep in my mind.

1. There is no such thing as almost, or sort of, patient.

2. If you’re in a hurry with horses, you got started two weeks too late.

We all obviously have to push the envelope, but subtlety is always in the mix.

This may not explain situations such as what Simon describes. Sorry to hear that. I hope your son recovers quickly.

There is always the chance that something unexplainable is at work. This is another reason to try not to narrow the focus on a some suspected problem, and sometimes just focusing on the desired end result and continually moving forward is all we can do.

Carl

[Carl Russell]

My experience is that the grass board/stick does what it is supposed to do in the best average conditions. It is virtually impossible to solve EVERY condition. Sometimes you just get frustrated. It is part of the art. Give yourself more time next mowing. Mow a little less. Whatever it takes to get the job done.

Your set-up looks different than some I’ve seen, and different from mine, but it looks like it would work fine. Sometimes it isn’t just a matter of raising or lowering the stick, but of decreasing the working angle against the cutter bar, so that it pushes the grass back more aggressively. However with tall heavy grass you want the board/stick to be high enough to catch the grass above its center of gravity so that it can fold it back onto the swath. I would think outside the box. Jury-rig something on there. Make the board wider. Put on two sticks.

I put a outer shoe on my mower from an old Farmall sickle bar that had a spring loaded adjustable set of pronged grass sticks. Not only can I adjust the angle, but I can also spread the prongs apart.

Like so many aspects to farming, I have seen so many different variations of this grass board/stick combo that it leads me to believe that as clever as you are, you should be able to fix something up. You may have to stop in the middle of a field and run back to the barn because the solution will hit you as you watch the grass fall over the board.

Good luck, Carl

[Carl Russell]

Scott, I have had several of these experiences over the years. It is often so unexplainable, especially in comparison to other much better days, that I have found myself pondering all of the things that you have already mentioned.

For me it usually works its way back to what did I do that was different. Was I distracted by people(LO) watching? Was I trying too hard to make up for lost time? Did I push back too hard when he leaned into me when I was harnessing? Was I too unyielding?

The fact that the attitude persists, leads me to believe that the problem resides in the relation between teamster and horse. In my experiences it tends to come down to the horse having one of those days where they feel they need to assert something extra, and me being too rigid. Not having the patience and flexibility that is required sometimes to get to the other side where the horse once again trusts me. This usually is made very clear the next day when I have redoubled my resolve to focus on the horse and what the horse needs, and miraculously I have a completely different horse.

Just my thoughts, Carl

[Carl Russell]

Thanks. I must have been on my way to bed when I posted this.

The drawing date is September 26th.

If you want to send a check, please make it out to White River Partnership.

Thanks, Carl

[Carl Russell]

Mark, go to “Quick Links”, and at the top of the scroll is Todays Posts.

Carl

[Carl Russell]

Oh yeah, DUH!

You can contact me, by any means you wish. I have tickets, and if you send me a check I will make out the stub and mail it back to you.

Or you can follow the horse tracks and buy one from me in person.

Carl

[Carl Russell]

Great to have you, welcome, Carl

[Carl Russell]

jenjudkins;10443 wrote:

Not to take away from your marvelous mower, Carl, but check this little gadget out! Its a garden harrow, kind of like a mini cultipacker.

I haven’t had Peanut out for work in weeks, but he was a complete star! We ground drove to the arena about 1/4 mile then did some practice stops (he has a tendency to want to take a step back when he stops, sometimes stepping on the singletree or chain). Once he was stopping without the extra steps, I hooked him up, put those tines in the sand and off we went. It was hard work for him and I took the opportunity to practice ‘whoa’ alot. He really seemed to enjoy the work and stood like a statue for unharnessing and a shower. He actually had that seasoned look in his eye by the time we were done. Very satisfying little bit of work!

Nice job Jennifer. Glad to see him coming along so well. Looks like you might want some longer lines, or shorten the heel chains. Nice work shoes!!

Carl

[Carl Russell]

Yes the DR mowers are very expensive. I have not heard of breakdowns, etc. Up close the machine seems to be very well built. Heavy duty all around. I just think the sticker shock is tough on people. To me it is a matter of being serious about managing our pastures, and although I have used my sickle bar for years, I just couldn’t get ahead of the tough brush. If I were to pay for the brush-hogging that I will do this year alone, I will have paid for the machine.

As far as projectiles coming forward, there is a deflector made of heavy rubber that hangs down in front of the cutter. Also my cart has a solid steel back plate, although that doesn’t really matter, as I run the thing in the offset position, ala sickle bar. I have hit rocks big enough to stall the motor, 1 1/2 inch saplings, and rotten logs, all of which have made loud noises, and there have been several instances where material has been thrown up and hit one of the horses. Not to mention the stings from angry bees knocked from golden rod flowers.

I would not have bought, nor would I suggest anyone buy one, if I didn’t expect my horses to be able to handle this. Yesterday I hit a piece of wood about 6″ in diameter, and 4′ long, hidden in the grass. The machine chewed this up, thumpity thumpity thump, and a piece of wood about 4″ long shot up and bounced off my mares rump. She jumped, and high stepped for about twenty feet, and as I asked her to, she calmed back down to a walk. I would have jumped too, but there was no “trouble”. I train my animals to take things in stride, and there is, in my mind, no reason why they can’t have a natural startled reaction, and learn to return to a normal working demeanor.

Carl

[Carl Russell]

Rick Alger;10436 wrote:

We’ve used a similar mower for about six years. Knocked down one inch alders as well as goldenrod, steeple bush etc. I’ve had to reinforce the deck and replace a couple tires, but overall it’s been a good acquisition. Will mow all day on a couple gallons of gas, and I believe it’s easier on the horses than a sickle bar mower.

Yes Rick, I also have finished a field that had a lot of woody brush. Because it is so heavily built, it doesn’t rattle and bang as much as a typical 3pth bush hog.

I agree it is much easier on the horses, both in terms of maneuverability, and for mowing the brushier stuff with a sickle bar requires a very steady pace, and clogs etc. can be very frustrating.

No clogging this thing.
Carl

[Carl Russell]

jenjudkins;10435 wrote:

Impressive feat, videotaping and driving at the same time 😉

Don’t do this at home:D.
Carl

[Carl Russell]

Here is a link to You Tube. A video of me using my new DR Tow Behind Brush and Field Mower.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO_ZPWLrOZc

Carl

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