[Tim Harrigan]

Either is fine with me. Whatever works.

[Tim Harrigan]

@Does’ Leap 32230 wrote:

Here she is…..

[IMG]https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6OXbldIYvHE/TyvYL-4hs7I/AAAAAAAABLg/HP-233khRvg/s800/P1030596.JPG[/IMG][IMG]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZKem3hw_O-k/TyvYNCjrBQI/AAAAAAAABLo/sS9haD1WY5E/s512/P1030597.JPG[/IMG]

• How do you arrange/secure your chain to keep the boat from running up on your horses going downhill?
• How do you keep your stuff (chainsaw, gas, stones, or whatever the case may be) from rolling off your boat?
• How are folks using their boats? Other than the traditional hauling stone, I have read about Tim hauling logs and Mitch hauling his logging gear to the woods and back when cutting and twitching with a single horse.

George

http://www.draftanimalpower.com/showthread.php?4780-Ox-Logging-Skidding-Single

George, nice stone boat. Don’t get that one dirty. Did you saw up your own ash?

Here is a link to the video that I posted some time ago skidding some logs on the boat with Will. At about 1:21 you can see a close look at the stake pockets that I have on the sides and in the back of the boat to chain or lash things down on the boat. I chain the logs, bungee cord other smaller stuff including my saw. One thing I keep meaning to do is to make a tool box to carry hand tools, chaps, helmet, chains, water etc. I have always just used a few 5 gal pails lashed down with bungee cords, gets the job done but that’s all I can say about it. I keep picturing a tool box I sit on and ride on. I will have to make it a priority rainy day job.

I also have two stake pockets at the back of the sled that I use for securing stuff, but the main use is to stabilize the boat on icy or snow covered ground. I run one chain, sometimes two, from the hole in the head of the boat, underneath the boat, up over the back end and hook to the stake pockets. Acts as a bridle chain to hold back the sled going downhill, and the front-to-back arrangement give pretty good side-to-side stability on a side-slope.

You can also use a pole with the boat if that works better. I do that with young steers but a chain gives more maneuverability in a tight spot, might not work with horses. I can’t do that now working single.

I also use a boat for hauling round bales out to the feeder, and I salvage dropped hay around the round bale feeder by stacking on the boat and hauling to the run-in shed for bedding. Check fences with it, load it up for conditioning your team, ride on it. Very versatile, useful and simple implement.

[Tim Harrigan]

Yes, spruce-pine-fir. When I chain the log I run a choker around it and run the end through the hole in the front of the boat. That holds the end of the log down and lifts the back end off the ground if it is a long log. So the 2 inch piece just gives 2 inches of clearance under the log for the chain. The 1/4 inch plate won’t give any clearance for the choker.

[Tim Harrigan]

I know mowers without dolly wheels can carry tongue weights around 40 lb or so, and some logging arches are tongue heavy, 80 lb or so to help counteract the weight of heavy logs, but it seems like with most things you have options to balance it out OK.

[Tim Harrigan]

Andy, cattle have a lot of strength in their neck and shoulders so it is hard to say other than more weight will sap their strength faster than less if they are working hard. I would not be overly concerned about 50 lbs for a large team, but would try to avoid more than that if possible. What do you have with that much tongue weight?

[Tim Harrigan]

I make mine just a bit shorter tip to end than 8 ft so I can put it in the back of the pickup and close the gate. That works well for me, I can easily carry a 12-14 ft log and keep it off the ground with that length. I like 2 inch oak planks but SPF works OK as well. I cut two cross pieces of 2×2 oak and secure them about 1 ft in from each end with 3/8 inch lag screws. I like the 2×2’s because with the boat planks plus the 2×2 the logs carry about 4 inches off the ground, helps them ride clear even with a wow in the log in many cases. Carriage bolts would work as well, just a little more work sinking the heads from the bottom. Probably work better than lag screws with SPF, SPF does not secure lags all that well, too soft. Will you be skidding logs with the boat?

One weakness with a 1/4 inch flat bar is you will have problems wrapping a choker chain around the log at the front, if you are thinking of doing that.

[Tim Harrigan]

No, but I agree with your assessment. I will keep it in mind when I buy another one, on the list. Thanks for the heads-up.

[Tim Harrigan]

OK, I remember that now. Are you happy with the snatch blocks, and your system in general now that you have had to make them grunt a few times?

[Tim Harrigan]

George, thanks for this link and thanks for reminding me of it. I looked at it briefly when you posted but then forgot about it before I could get back to it. When you get the grab set up sorted out post some pictures. I want to get a good sense of how they are applied.

Is that Amsteel Blue line you are running? How do you like it, and what are you using it for?

[Tim Harrigan]

Yes, good job. My preference would be, though, to describe in more general terms the content of certain discussions were we mention certain board members, e.g. Pam and Jason in regard to meeting attendance, etc. I think it would be adequate to just state that the exec comm discussed the importance of participation in board meetings. I would prefer to not mention names unless there is a specific reason to do so. Not complaining, just want to avoid potential hard feelings.

[Tim Harrigan]

So do you dog in on each side of a log, like a set of tongs, dog in with one on the end like I think Tristan said, or dog in to two logs and pull side by side or a train. Are these the same as the dogs they used when rafting years ago? I can see where in some applications these would pull easier than a chocker chain and maybe hold better than tongs. Dog in on the ends, or side of the log?

[Tim Harrigan]

yeah, Sean, the empty stall, the empty halter, yoke or harness hanging on the wall. Nothing seems so lonely. But when you knew there was nothing more you could do it was the greatest act of kindness for an old friend. It was a bad day, but remember all the good ones. You did the right thing my friend.

[Tim Harrigan]

I know in some cases they would ice down the skid trails for easier travel.

[Tim Harrigan]

Thanks, Elke. I will check these out based on Will. Holsteins or Swiss will be larger though. By rump height, are you referring to the tail head? Pin bones?

[Tim Harrigan]

If you have some experience with dairy free stalls you have a good sense of what you need. One of the key things with width is you do not want them swinging sideways. I am trying to think through scaling up to a full grown Holstein or Swiss and I am just not sure. I am thinking 8 feet might not be enough if you use a brisket board and allow for lunge space. Also, I am picturing my full grown Dutch Belts and I am not sure if 4 feet is enough. Five might be better. If the stalls are not elevated maybe the length is not quite as critical. Can you hold off on building permanent stalls until you have some experience with a full grown team? Not fun tearing them out if they are not right.

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