Wheels suitable for CDE type driving...

[Sue_C.]

I have a nice little meadowbrook cart, but as I find it too heavy for my 33" and unders, I am considering re-vamping one of my EE carts. I sure wish I had the carts available here that some of you guys do!

But...I must either make do or spend a zillion on shipping...and I prefer to put my $$ elsewhere. (Like on my two new harnesses!)

Anyways, I am thinking of getting a set of wooden shafts, and changing the wheels. I do like the looks of the metal wheels, and think they would require less care, and as this is also going to be my trail cart, that's a serious consideration.

What are your veiws?

 

[RhineStone]

Depending on the type of wheels you get, don't forget to change out the axle, too.

Don't know where to help you get metal wheels, though.

Myrna

 

[Sue_C.]

Yup, I knew I would have to change the axel, that won't be a problem. Finding the wheels...THAT is a problem. LOL!

 

[Al B]

Carriage Driving Essentials

 

[Sue_C.]

Holy Hannah! That would cost over $500 CN, just to get the wheels, and then to switch-out the axel...heck, I may as well buy a whole new cart.

I did contact Pasific, but haven't heard back from them...and the Carriage Barn which used to sell nice aluminum ones, no longer do.

 

[Al B]

If you have an Easy Entry cart it has 5/8" axle so you don't have to change it. I am using the 24" wheels with the 5/8" bearing. True it doubles to cost of an Easy Entry cart.

 

[RhineStone]

Holy Hannah! That would cost over $500 CN, just to get the wheels, and then to switch-out the axel...heck, I may as well buy a whole new cart.

This is why I really try to have my new students think about what they might do in the future. So many people want to just buy "starter" equipment, then in a few years find out that it isn't satisfactory for what they want to do and have to have another whole investment in the right equipment. Another reason one of my mottos is "Buy quality, cry once". Not trying to pick on you, but help others that may also be considering the same sport. Sometimes the cheapest isn't always the "least expensive" route. I have seen it so many times, I can't even tell you.

Myrna

 

[Sue_C.]

I have eight carts, three nice convertable show carts, three easy entry, the meadowbrook, and a roadster. It isn't that I started out cheap, but when I started out with minis here, there were none being driven...and only one other person with minis within a two days drive. So, I had to have my first two EE carts custom made, and I am really happy with the one I want to convert to a CDE type cart.

Also, with the amount of horses I had, plus taking clients horses in for training, I didn't want a really "one use only" type of cart. Now, I am down to four horses, am not taking any more in for training, and am turning towards the Combinded Driving type of driving which is just getting off the ground here; so you see, it mostly the conversion I am making that is neccessitating a change in wheel type.

I can certainly see a Pacific Smart Cart in my future...was in to their shop in BC just over a year ago, oogling all the carts and marathon carriages they had awaiting shipment. But, with the cost of shipping, 14% taxes etc...that cart will probably cost me almost $4000. so I want to be reallllly sure this is what I want to do, hence, trying to do it "on the cheap".

No offence taken, just explaining my "special needs".

 

[Jetiki]

Some people use motor cycle wheels like for the motor cross stuff, They are desinged to take some serious stress. I would think that a good motor cycle shop that builds their own stuff might be able to help you out. Unless you are looking for a non air tire, maybe the solid rubber no flats inserts or whatever they are would work.

Karen

 

[Sue_C.]

I do have some very heavy duty spoked, pneumatic wheels/tires, and have the no flats for a couple sets, but there are a couple of open shows here that offer cross country courses, and wire wheels are not accepted.

I have decided to look for, and purchace a new cart, with metal and rubber wheels. It will take awhile to get the $$ together, but I think I will be happier with that, and it is by far the easiest way to go about it. Now to get a wedge seat...

I already sold one of the EE carts today, and probably the other EE as well...that didn't take long.

Thanks for all your help guys.

 

[R Whiteman]

Are these the kind you want?

These have a metal hub and fit a 5/8 axle. They will work on a Frontier and several other popular well know brands used in shows. The place I found these at is working on having a wider rim and in several heights. They are made with unfinished wood so they can be painted or stained to fit you needs. Hope this helps.

 

[Sue_C.]

I would rather have the all metal wheels...and not have to worry about water damage...but those are nice. What were they per wheel, and where are they from?

I am saving up as we speak for some form of metal wheeled cart though; pewrhaps a Pacific...I will look at them again this October when I am back in BC. I have already sold two of my old EE carts, and have the meadowbrook for sale...so much less to put away for next winter.

I just bought two of the Country Carriages harnesses with the Super V collars and LOVE them! So once I get this new cart, I will be all set. Well, partly set...I don't have my five year old mare in harness yet...but until then, will use "old chubbo", the slightly insane 17 year old in my avitar.