For those who drive -- Easy Entry Cart Questions

[user 3234]

If you were going to purchase an Easy Entry Cart for pleasure and fun driving, what "maker" would you purchase your Easy Entry Cart from and which "maker" would you not buy from? Please explain why?

I understand these are only personal preferences and I appreciate all responses. It will really help when looking at the different makers.

 

[SkipsMom]

I bought a show/pleasure cart from this group two years ago: http://www.ccfdriving.cjb.net/ I will be purchasing an easy entry cart from them later this spring.

The reasons I am so pleased with the cart is 1. Constant communication between the time my order was placed to the day it arrived. Even while I was assembling it I had questions which Pam patched through to the maker to get me an answer, that same day. It was fabulous to work w/ an honest and authentic person who made getting answers to my questions her priority. 2. The workmanship is excellent- not a blemish or scratch even after being used by me. 3. It was made to fit my 34" mini and it fits him perfectly. If my second mini was not so much smaller they could share the cart. As is, #2 is tiny so he'll get his own cart. Since I don't think he'll be able to do CDE's I'm going w/ the easy entry style. 4. The options. You can "jazz" up the cart as much or as little as you like. The prices are excellent when compared to other similar wooden carts.

For me, the service and product were outstanding and I happily recommend these well made, handsome carts. I had it one month after sending my money.

Have fun and good luck shopping! There are so many really neat carts and great cart makers out there to select from!

 

[countryrose]

My first trainer had all of us in Graber easy entry carts. I love the curvature of the shafts, well balanced and light cart. Their service is also great. I had a horse break a shaft and they rushed me replacements within 10 days at a very low cost.

I have an older all metal cart also that is much heavier, shafts are spaced closer, don't know the manufacture but I would go with wood shafts whenever possible.

GRABER MANUFACTURING and repair (812)636-7725 out of Indiana or see them on this link:

http://www.katelandfarm.com/vehicles_for_sale.htm

 

[MInx]

OK I don't know if and when I'd use this to show, probably could in 4-H , maybe local show. But I plan to use it on trails and local roads mostly and need a sturdy cart so plan to try this one. Read the info, and you'll see why we think it would be a great cart for every day use. Can't wait to order mine. Maxine

www.heindlengineering.com/carts

 

[Mnmini]

I bought a show/pleasure cart from this group two years ago: http://www.ccfdriving.cjb.net/ I will be purchasing an easy entry cart from them later this spring.

The reasons I am so pleased with the cart is 1. Constant communication between the time my order was placed to the day it arrived. Even while I was assembling it I had questions which Pam patched through to the maker to get me an answer, that same day. It was fabulous to work w/ an honest and authentic person who made getting answers to my questions her priority. 2. The workmanship is excellent- not a blemish or scratch even after being used by me. 3. It was made to fit my 34" mini and it fits him perfectly. If my second mini was not so much smaller they could share the cart. As is, #2 is tiny so he'll get his own cart. Since I don't think he'll be able to do CDE's I'm going w/ the easy entry style. 4. The options. You can "jazz" up the cart as much or as little as you like. The prices are excellent when compared to other similar wooden carts.

For me, the service and product were outstanding and I happily recommend these well made, handsome carts. I had it one month after sending my money.

Have fun and good luck shopping! There are so many really neat carts and great cart makers out there to select from!

You're right, ccf makes a lovely cart. Have you used your's for CDE's? The weight, etc. worked okay for your 34" guy in marathon/cones? I had been convinced I wanted to go all metal, but the price, carriage springs, and appearance sure are appealing. All I KNOW for sure at this point, is that I'd like to get a lighter cart for everyday (which wouldn't be too hard to beat, it's a tank), and my show cart is NOT made for off road, lol!

Thanks.

 

[whitney]

I purchased mine from Mini Express. Its a very nice cart for the money.

 

[Connie Ballard]

I just got an American Cart & Harness "B" size easy entry...and I really love it. The seat sets higher than the ones I've had before...that had red seats. The ones with the red seats, held 2 people better, but like using the American one better for starting bigger horses. The foot basket isnt as wide as the red seat (sorry dont know the mfg on those). I like the American one being little more narrow...cause I can brace my feet against the edges of the basket if someone acts silly all sudden. Its comfortable for my back too.

 

[Bluerocket]

Our Easy Entry cart was a special made one -- John Stolzfus an Amish guy in Peaqua PA (not sure how he spells that) made it for me. I have both wire wheels and wooden wheels --- and sled runners! I believe he makes the carts for Mini Express --- but I am not positive about that.

We love it

Here is a link to a picture of it -- the photo is large if I put it in here.. so go to the link instead.

http://hometown.aol.com/foxhollerfarm05/fo...ler_i000019.jpg

On another note -- we are looking at buying a metal easy entry for a "breaking" cart -- and are looking at one made locally -- Shipping is so expensive for carts -- that its not worth it for me to buy one over the internet if it has to be shipped -- simply IMO.

JJay

 

[mininik]

Jerald "Runabout" EZ Entry Carts get my vote.

:

 

[SkipsMom]

I have not done CDE's at all. In fact, going for my first driving lessons April 1 up in Iowa. That farm host a CDE later in the summer and I have that on my radar to try.

The cart weighs in right at or just over 100# and my mini, a husky guy I might add, has absolutly no problem pulling it. For trainig purposes I use a row crop field across the street from my house and it's amazing how smooth a ride the carriage springs provide going over the fairly uneven ground. In December I did a parade which of course was all on pavement and I found heaven on earth!! It was so smooth- just glided along the road! I have 24" wooden wheels which I see being used by folks in CDE and ADT so I **think** I'm on the right track.

Hope this helps some!

Leslie in Kansas

 

[Mnmini]

Thanks Leslie. Sounds like you will be having fun. Good luck with the lesson.

 

[dannigirl]

Jerald "Runabout" EZ Entry Carts get my vote.

:

I agree with this and we have 3 of the 'runabouts' We have several reasons for this. First, the seat is a little wider and allows two adults to fit comfortably even if they are of the 'extra large' variety like me. Second, they are a little bigger in the front for extra leg room. When we drive for any length of time, our legs get cramped in the cheaper ez entries and then we can't walk when we get out. We are getting a little older and our knees ect., aren't what they used to be. :bgrin And lastly, stepping into it is a little easier because of the way that it is built. It is a about 3 or 4 inches lower for stepping into. That is great for us cause we have driven into nursing homes and given rides to people as old at 101 and the less high they have to step to get in, the better and I am sure that when I get a little older, I will like it better also. It is about 1 1/2 times the cost of the cheaper easy entries, but for us it is worth saving a little longer to get this one. http://www.jeraldsulky.com/JeraldRunabout.html jeraldRunabout.html[/url

 

[user 3234]

Thanks for the reply. I never knew there were so many choices.