Maintenance check

[Cartfall]

Whether you are piutting your carriages away for the year for just starting the season as we are down here--it is a good time to do a once over on your cart or carriage.

In preparation for my 25 mile CTD next weekend, I had some rattles that needed attending.

The screws that were holding the front of the seat on were a little loose.
Fixed thoses,

Had a flat tire, so I had my tire guy (hubby) change the tube. In the process we determined there was a high speed rattle in each of the wheels. After our adventure in the water a couple of month ago, it seems the bushings were absoltely dry and metal was wearing on metal. So a grease job was in order and an bearing check done. Wheels are now nice and tight.

I knew the shafts needed some mainenance and paint. In the process I found two cracked welds. Mr. Maintenance is working on them as we speak.

Banging down those trails at the speeds and miles we do, sure is beginning to take its toll. I am thinking about a little bit more substantial cart.

So check those nuts, bolts, welds, all of it. Now is good a time as ever. Go over your harness as well.

[RidesAHaflinger]

Great advice. My Mr. Maintenance repacked the bearings on mine last fall. It's probably due for another service. Thanks for the reminder.

[lisae]

I've been meaning to post a question, maybe you could help? I refinished a Meadowbrook over the summer and I'm looking at the change into winter weather already. We have a three sided metal barn, no garage space or heated area. So basically we can keep it dry, but it will be at the mercy of the temps which go at least to 10 below in January on occasion, usually it's 10 to 35 degrees.

I currently have it propped up with two by fours stuck under the shafts where they meet the cart, so no pressure on the shafts, but resting on its wheels. How do I store it? It's oak and hickory, stained with two coats of outdoor 'red oak' stain.

I am envisioning getting the shafts into the air and setting up some sort of stand to rest the axles on so it doesn't sit on the wheels all winter. Then, a good layer of tung oil and tarps?

My prior cart is a metal training cart, no wood worries. Thanks!

[Ashemont]

Looks like the guys are going to be busy. Joe's replacing the master cylinder on one of the carriages and we're doing minor stuff to the others. But danged if I can figure out where on my carriage the two screws I found on the floor of the horse trailer belong :confused: Guess I'll have to go over it with a magnifying glass :winkgrin:

[Cartfall]

I've been meaning to post a question, maybe you could help? I refinished a Meadowbrook over the summer and I'm looking at the change into winter weather already. We have a three sided metal barn, no garage space or heated area. So basically we can keep it dry, but it will be at the mercy of the temps which go at least to 10 below in January on occasion, usually it's 10 to 35 degrees.

I currently have it propped up with two by fours stuck under the shafts where they meet the cart, so no pressure on the shafts, but resting on its wheels. How do I store it? It's oak and hickory, stained with two coats of outdoor 'red oak' stain.

I am envisioning getting the shafts into the air and setting up some sort of stand to rest the axles on so it doesn't sit on the wheels all winter. Then, a good layer of tung oil and tarps?

My prior cart is a metal training cart, no wood worries. Thanks!

Wood is not going to be bothered by temperatures. Rain, snow, sleet, etc are the greatest problems to wood. Particularly if you put a good coat of marine varnish on it when you redid it.

As for keeping the shafts from warping--I built a cart stand out of 2 inch pvc. It was cheaper than buying one. It lets the shafts rest in their normal position horizontally equally balanced. I even built it so it can be broken down for travelling to shows. If you have a hacksaw, can glue the pipe together, you can build one. A chop saw would be even greater if you have access to one. Much quicker and cleaner cuts.

Just my opinion. I would not store a wooden cart with the shafts in the air if possible.