OT mule team Harvester demonstration

You are correct Richard, that is the Don Thomas outfit in Waitsburg WA. That film was shot the first year of Mule Harvest, 1982.

The first year this was done mules were brought in from MO to supplement Don's as he did not enough to make up the 33 hitch and he wanted a matched set..

Although this film does not show it the start time was a long time as the old timers could not always remember how to hook the hitch. The mules were very patient and put up with it.

The combine still exists although tragically it is sitting outside deteriorating in the elements. I would like to convert the machine back to pull with a 9U but it has two flat tires and there is no way I can afford to obtain new ones.

The machine is owned by a good friend of mine. I wish someone would find a good home for it. I am sure it could be for sale.

In any photos I have seen of these types of horse drawn headers (combines) in the US they either use what I would call a light horse or mules or donkeys (not sure of the difference between a mule and a donkey)
In Australia on headers any photos I have seen they always used draught or heavy horses

There must be a reason for using lots of lighter horses instead of fewer heavier horses ????

Anybody have any ideas as to why ?


Paul

Great post very interesting thanks.

In any photos I have seen of these types of horse drawn headers (combines) in the US they either use what I would call a light horse or mules or donkeys (not sure of the difference between a mule and a donkey)
In Australia on headers any photos I have seen they always used draught or heavy horses

There must be a reason for using lots of lighter horses instead of fewer heavier horses ????

Anybody have any ideas as to why ?


Paul

[quote="mrsmackpaul"]In any photos I have seen of these types of horse drawn headers (combines) in the US they either use what I would call a light horse or mules or donkeys (not sure of the difference between a mule and a donkey)
In Australia on headers any photos I have seen they always used draught or heavy horses

There must be a reason for using lots of lighter horses instead of fewer heavier horses ????

Anybody have any ideas as to why ?


Paul[/quote]


Paul,
Here is a link;

http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2012/08/difference-between-a-donkey-and-a-mule/

In any photos I have seen of these types of horse drawn headers (combines) in the US they either use what I would call a light horse or mules or donkeys (not sure of the difference between a mule and a donkey)
In Australia on headers any photos I have seen they always used draught or heavy horses

There must be a reason for using lots of lighter horses instead of fewer heavier horses ????

Anybody have any ideas as to why ?


Paul

George Washington received a donkey, "Royal Gift", to be used in breeding mules from Spain and is credited with helping to get mules established in the farming industry.

http://www.mountvernon.org/digital-encyclopedia/article/royal-gift-donkey/

Not many folks know this but now our Forum members have had their knowledge expanded! I find this happens nearly everyday on this Forum.

JanM

Both the links provided are excellent information and very accurate. I have been riding and packing mules for over 30 years and have never owned a horse. You either love them or hate them, and it takes just a little different personality to really deal with them. We currently have 4 mules and my wife says there's a jackass here to but I haven't ran into him yet.