A number of years again, I spent masses of phrases right here on HobbyFarms.com expounding on the advantages of wood trailers and wagons. I highlighted a number of benefits presented through picket—it’s simple to switch, it’s now not as slippery as steel when rainy, it’s quite quiet when hauling equipment down a gravel street or bumpy box, and so on.
However the primary receive advantages I interested in his how simply wood trailers and wagons may also be repaired. You’ll be able to rebuild wood decks and facets from scratch if wanted … which is just right, as a result of I’m afraid my trusty crimson wagon is due for a just about entire general.
A Dependable Device
Technically, my crimson wagon is a two-wheeled trailer, now not a wagon. However semantics apart, it’s some of the closely used items of kit on my farm.
It was once outdated and a little beat up after I put it to paintings, and between me and its earlier proprietor I will be able to’t believe what number of miles it’s traveled. All the way through the spring, summer season and fall, I exploit it virtually ceaselessly to hold tree branches to sweep piles, haul water to the bushes in my orchard, delivery grime and compost, acquire hay bales off fields, transfer equipment and provides, and extra.
Utilization Put on & Tear
However my crimson wagon is appearing its age. Hauling water hasn’t been its favourite venture. A small leak in a hose adapter on my 35-gallon leg tank (which I must truly repair) signifies that the plywood decking will get rainy in puts, and through the years the decking has gotten somewhat comfortable in a single spot.
Now not a large deal because it’s a small trailer and I don’t stroll round inside of. However it’s achieving the purpose the place I’ll wish to set up new decking quicker moderately than later.
The edges of the wagon are the larger factor. The unique lumber has misplaced such a lot paint that my crimson wagon is only recognizable as “crimson” anymore. Alongside the best way, the lumber has slowly deteriorated, and now massive numerous branches and hay bales crack the picket as they lean someway on bumpy floor.
My makes an attempt to make stronger the perimeters with scraps of lumber labored for some time, however now it’s now not sufficient. The unique facets not dangle screws or nails securely.
I rebuilt one facet of the crimson wagon quite a few years again, and it’s held up neatly. However the different two facets are on their final legs.
Circling again, that’s the good thing about a wood trailer. If I have been the usage of a steel trailer that had rusted to the purpose the place the perimeters and deck have been failing, I’d be out of success so far as DIY upkeep are involved—I’m no welding or metalworking skilled.
However I will be able to care for woodworking no sweat.
In order that’s an upcoming venture on my time table: rebuild my trusty crimson wagon from the body up. I’ll have to buy new plywood for the decking, however I’ve a stash of lumber that shall be easiest for the perimeters. I actually have a hefty bucket of crimson paint left over from portray a barn that can make my crimson wagon crimson once more.
It may be laborious to put aside time for initiatives like this (the crimson wagon nonetheless works beautiful neatly, in spite of its problems), however making the hassle to handle apparatus is vital. Care for your apparatus, and it is going to can help you take just right care of your farm. My crimson wood trailer has served faithfully for a few years, and it’s surely earned a rebuild.