Building a DIY dog sulky / cart.

[shadow_man]

Hi,

Anyone doing this before?

I've got a Staffie / Pit type mix that I think this would be perfect for!:
[video=youtube;12ZlXquqU8g]https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=12ZlXquqU8g[/video]

I'm looking for DIY plans, so far I've only managed to find a PVC design:
http://www.sonic.net/~cdlcruz/carting/pvccart.htm

Any idea's on where I can look to find designs / ideas on building one?

Thanks,

 

[AstroTurf]

Hi,

Anyone doing this before?

I've got a Staffie / Pit type mix that I think this would be perfect for!:
[video=youtube;12ZlXquqU8g]https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=12ZlXquqU8g[/video]

I'm looking for DIY plans, so far I've only managed to find a PVC design:
http://www.sonic.net/~cdlcruz/carting/pvccart.htm

Any idea's on where I can look to find designs / ideas on building one?

Thanks,

Cape flats, ask the guys that build the donkey carts...

 

[shadow_man]

Actually this looks pretty good, wonder how hard it will be to find 2x identical old bike frames to chop up...

http://furwheeldrive.com/howtobuild.htm

 

[AstroTurf]

Actually this looks pretty good, wonder how hard it will be to find 2x identical old bike frames to chop up...

http://furwheeldrive.com/howtobuild.htm

No idea in Cape town but here I would go to a local bicycle/fireworks shop around the corner from me and ask them for two identical bent frames.

 

[bokdrol]

Surely can't be too good for the dog? Surely bad for joints and bones? I mean, how lazy can you get?

 

[grok]

Surely can't be too good for the dog? Surely bad for joints and bones? I mean, how lazy can you get?

Eh? Ever googled images of sled dogs, they seem to be having so much fun!

 

[Beachless]

What tools do you have? Its relatively straight forward to weld something like that.

 

[bokdrol]

Eh? Ever googled images of sled dogs, they seem to be having so much fun!

View attachment 125117

From what I understand about real sled dogs is that they have a crap life. But they are bred fit for purpose, I am not sure staffies are bred to pull things. Rather check with your vet before you go ahead.

 

[Colin62]

Rather check with your vet before you go ahead.

I'm pretty sure the staffie will be better than the vet, unless he's got a particularly strong (and dumb) vet.

 

[bokdrol]

lol!

 

[Packer]

Hi,

Anyone doing this before?

I've got a Staffie / Pit type mix that I think this would be perfect for!:
[video=youtube;12ZlXquqU8g]https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=12ZlXquqU8g[/video]

I'm looking for DIY plans, so far I've only managed to find a PVC design:
http://www.sonic.net/~cdlcruz/carting/pvccart.htm

Any idea's on where I can look to find designs / ideas on building one?

Thanks,

Those Cape donkey carts invariably use a cars differential as the axle. This is much too heavy for a dog. Lightness of construction is key. Those PVC plans may be an excellent option. Lightness (and strength for purpose) sound as if they have been catered for.

 

[Packer]

Hi,

Anyone doing this before?

I've got a Staffie / Pit type mix that I think this would be perfect for!:
[video=youtube;12ZlXquqU8g]https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=12ZlXquqU8g[/video]

I'm looking for DIY plans, so far I've only managed to find a PVC design:
http://www.sonic.net/~cdlcruz/carting/pvccart.htm

Any idea's on where I can look to find designs / ideas on building one?

Thanks,

Those Cape donkey carts invariably use a cars differential as the axle. This is much too heavy for a dog. Lightness of construction is key. Those PVC plans may be an excellent option. Lightness (and strength for purpose) sound as if they have been catered for.

 

[shadow_man]

What tools do you have? Its relatively straight forward to weld something like that.

I can get access to an engineering shop (cousin runs a mechanical engineering company).

I'll probably ask him to help - as I work in IT and the only power tool I really know my way around is a keyboard

I was thinking of taking 2x old bmx's and cutting them, then welding in a bar for the seat + a third wheel in the front to alleviate some weight.

 

[shadow_man]

Surely can't be too good for the dog? Surely bad for joints and bones? I mean, how lazy can you get?

Dog's were bred for this purpose not so long ago. Pitbulls / Rottweilers / Bigger breeds etc used to pull carts often.

Not working a working dog is cruelty in itself.

 

[itareanlnotani]

You're just a lazy <insert expletive here> Jerome!

 

[Beachless]

I can get access to an engineering shop (cousin runs a mechanical engineering company).

I'll probably ask him to help - as I work in IT and the only power tool I really know my way around is a keyboard

I was thinking of taking 2x old bmx's and cutting them, then welding in a bar for the seat + a third wheel in the front to alleviate some weight.

That would be the best in my opinion you can use the 2 BMX rear triangles like the link you posted and then just fabricate the frame to join rear triangles and front steering section of one of the BMX's. You can then link up the 2 rear brakes to one lever and have 3 wheel braking and front steering which will come in handy if the dog spots a cat on the other side of a busy street.

 

[Rocket-Boy]

Both staffies and pits are crazy strong so will pull it no problem.
Both breeds are very prone to overheating though and dont know when to stop so just bear that in mind.
It will be a great way to get your dog some serious exercise though.

 

[Packer]

I can get access to an engineering shop (cousin runs a mechanical engineering company).

I'll probably ask him to help - as I work in IT and the only power tool I really know my way around is a keyboard

I was thinking of taking 2x old bmx's and cutting them, then welding in a bar for the seat + a third wheel in the front to alleviate some weight.

The key here is LIGHTNESS! What you are proposing, I would venture, would be too heavy. Remember the breed of dog you are using. A Staffie (I had one) is strong enough but is relatively light for your purpose. The friction coefficient is poor. They will ‘wheelspin’ in pl ace. They will have difficulty handling gradients even if you succeed with your cart project.

 

[Username:]

The local Husky sledding clubs have them see if you can find their details online