How to Maintain a Horse Buggy
For some, having a horse buggy is a means of transportation. In Quaker and Amish communities this is the preferred way to get around. Other uses for a horse buggy include racing, pleasure riding, farm uses and hiring out for special events. Whatever the use, proper buggy maintenance is important to get many years of service for the investment.
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Instructions
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Provide proper housing for your buggy. A carriage house, barn or shed will do the job. This is the first step to overall buggy maintenance and care.
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Paint your buggy once each spring. This improves not only the appearance of the buggy, but also provides a protective weather proof coating for exposed wood.
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3
Check the wheel rims for tightness each spring. Wooden wheels expand and contract in different temperatures and the metal band around the wheel will need to be adjusted accordingly.
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Take the wagon to a blacksmith to ensure wheel tightening is done properly. This is usually an all day process and involves removing the metal band, driving wooden joints together and tightening screws and bolt. The rim is then heated in a fire and replaced. It is then pounded down and dipped in cold water.
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Double check the buggy for parts that need to be replaced. This can include axles, horse shafts, seats and other parts. These should be ordered from a reliable parts dealer or local buggy works.
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Tips & Warnings
Proper maintenance of a horse buggy is important for quality, prolonged use. If you're not sure how to replace parts or do the wheel work yourself, take your buggy to a qualified blacksmith or buggy craftsman for service.
