The harnessing of a donkey
Light and of innovative design, the harness is made up of just ONE PIECE. One person is all it requires to put in place and, in only one minute. A very lightweight collar offers the animal the best tool to pull the Randoline uphill. Taking into account the modest weight spread over three wheels, the animal is capable of pulling on uphill gradients of 25% (14°).The harness was inspired by ancient models used on draught animals who worked the land until the 1960’s.. Almost identical harnesses can be seen in the National donkey working museum of Baudet, at Poitou, Dampierre-sur-Boutonne.
1 - The force of the traction exerts pressure in a straight line from the collar to the front wheel of the Randoline.
2 - The traction straps joins the collar to the aluminium forks
3 - This hook allows the attachment between the Randoline and the aluminium forks
4 - The girth (billy-band) is closed by a simple buckle
5 - A leather back strap, helped by 4 loin straps, supports the weight of the forks. Connected to the collar it keeps the harness in place
6 - There are not traditional shafts, but a single set of forks made of aluminium, suspended by a leather strap
7 - The leather breeching strap held up by the 4 loin straps allows the donkey/ pony to keep the vehicle in position during descents.
8 - A second girth attached to the aluminium forks passes round the belly of the animal. Once adjusted to the correct size, it is attached by a simple clip
Position 1 : The swingletree (tow bar) (left) attaches to the forks by a clip
Position 2 : The swingletree pushes down on the tounge of the clip which opens
Position 3 : The swingletree is caught in the clip which then closes automatically
Total : 5 secondes : who could say better ?