(Did you miss part 1? Check it out here>> )
Once you have the sledge built, consider what will be pulling it, how it will be pulled and how heavy the loads will be.
In my case, the loads would be moderately heavy for what was a quick and dirty construction for quick and dirty work. I knew that simply attaching a chain or cable from my drawbar to each runner might work. However, it would definitely stress the runners as they were pulled to the center as well as forward.
What I needed was a king of reverse singletree.
A singletree is a common element of a draft harness. Hooks on the end of length of wood or steel attach to the harness on each side of the horse. A chain at the center of the singletree hooks on to the tongue of the implement. This device divides the load evenly between the two sides of the horse.
I used a length of cedar post for the reverse singletree. I attached it at its ends to each of the runners with heavy-duty wire.
I then used a chain from my ATV drawbar to the center of the “singletree.”
This ensured that the major force exerted on the runners would be straight ahead with minimal torque on turns. A quick run down the road demonstrated potential for success.
Three loads later, it was proven a success.
So the next time you have a load you need to move, consider making a sledge. It is as fast and easy as you wish to make it or as fine a piece of craftsmanship as you have time and talent to make.
While wheeled carts entail loading material up, sledges sit low and close to the ground. There is no concern over center of gravity, and they are easy to load, ideal in fact for stones and heavy objects that can be rolled into place.
Once you have it, you may well wonder how you ever got along without it.
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