[Addendum: A reader pointed out the links below were not working. We've repaired the links.]
Today's product review departs from some of the things we've touched on in past reviews. Instead, I'll review one of the best homestead purchases we've ever made: Our Gorilla cart.
As we've gotten older, our philosophy is to work smarter, not harder. This Gorilla cart puts that philosophy into real-life practice. It holds something on the order of 1500 lbs., turns on a dime, and has a dump feature. It also takes a tremendous amount of abuse without complaint. The larger version is also designed to pull behind an ATV (all terrain vehicle).
Look at the size difference between the gorilla cart and our biggest wheelbarrow. Now ask me which one totes heavier loads more easily.
Here is the cart's "dump truck" feature.
These carts aren't cheap, but they're sturdy, well made, and well worth the price. They come in two different sizes: A 10-cubic-foot cart (which is the one we own, with its 1500-lb. capacity), and a 7-cubit-foot version (which has a 1200-lb. capacity). If you're looking for a universal multi-use work aid, we can't recommend these carts highly enough.
Now for some book recommendations.
In 1966, a high school English teacher in Georgia came up with a brilliant idea: To capture the traditions, skills, and legacy of the original pioneers of the Appalachian Mountains before this remarkable generation (and the knowledge they possessed) died out. Accordingly, he led his students into increasingly comprehensive interviews with people all across the region. The resulting series of books, called Foxfire, was one of the most remarkable and seminal collections of first-hand pioneer knowledge ever assembled. If you've never read them, you should.
But in 1972, another very similar project was begun by a different high school class, this one located in Missouri and organized by Ellen Gray Massey. Like Foxfire, it was a collection of first-hand old-time knowledge and skills, but focusing on residents of the Ozark Mountains. This lesser-known companion project resulted in a two-book series called Bittersweet (Bittersweet Earth and Bittersweet Country).
These volumes are absolutely fascinating and chock-full of traditional ways and skills. Here are the descriptions:
• Bittersweet Earth: A description of the folklore, handicrafts, and customs of the Ozarks includes discussions of cooking, camping, moonshiners, and exploring caves
• Bittersweet Country: A collection of articles that were originally published in "Bittersweet" magazine, concerned with individuals, customs, folklore, and the way of life of the Ozarks
We'll never know why these books never achieved the same level of fame as the Foxfire series, because they're truly wonderful. They seem to be out of print and there are no new copies available, but Amazon has quite a number of used copies.
(Obligatory disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, if you purchase through those links, we earn a small commission.)
Happy reading! Or carting!
We also have a Gorilla Cart and love it! My only complaint is it does not have a "brake" feature at all, so if you are parking at anything resembling a slope it likes to roll away. It rolls so smoothly that grass is insufficient to keep it from rolling. I've started keeping a small block of wood in the cart that I use as a chock whenever I use it.
ReplyDeleteYour affiliate links are not working.
ReplyDeleteThank you! We've repaired the links.
Delete- Patrice
We also have a Gorilla cart and when the tires blew we opted to get the same size but hand truck tires which are no flat tires. It really helped us a lot, no more tire blow outs (guess we over loaded it or something). I love it so much that I got myself a Gorilla 2 tire wheel barrow which I use for everything also. Our main wood mover in the winter is the cart but the wheel barrow is my partner in the gardening season. When hubby does a project he loads up the cart with what he needs and pulls it with him. Can't say enough good things about our Gorilla products, we love them both.
ReplyDeleteI was looking at gorilla carts the other day at TS. First I think I want a sled though, to pull over rough terrain in the woods. Like something hunters use to drag meat out of the woods. I also think a sled might be better for my garden work right now, moving large pots and bags of dirt.
ReplyDeleteBut I have two old electric lawnmowers (with rugged tires) where the lithium batteries finally died at 10 plus years. I was thinking of disassembling the mowers for the wheels and blades. Before doing that, or buying a gorilla cart, I'll compare the wheels.
I'm a junk-aholic. Can't throw useful stuff away.
I picked up the smaller Gorilla cart at a yard sale for $30. I didn't know if it would be worthwhile or not because I have a giant (albeit heavy) wagon. This one has the dump feature, woohoo! It is wonderful for filling with compost when planting trees or tomatoes!! Instead of carrying the 50# sacks of feed across the pasture to the feed room when the pasture is underwater (common during hurricane season!) I just pull it in my easier to maneuver, much lighter Gorilla wagon. I *should* be carrying it for the exercise but I figure lifting it off the truck to the wagon, then out of the wagon and carrying it to the feed bins should count, right?
ReplyDeleteI loved the Foxfire books. Didn't know about Bittersweet. Thanks for letting me know!
ReplyDeleteThere is sooooo much GREAT past information lost in this new society tis completely incomprehensible.
ReplyDeleteThe good old "What If" comes to mind as to what would really happen 'If and When'. And yes we all have our ideas of what, not the point.
Long past and forgotten information may become the savior needed at some time in the future.
With that said, the Foxfire Books are one of the better series, and yes Back to Basics and others are equally necessary, but start somewhere.
Remember, "What If" XYZ hits your life, family, community, area, state, country. Ask one of the communities hit just this year from a natural or man-made catastrophe.
Get the idea?
I still own my much-read Foxfire books.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, I got foxfire books as a wedding gift in 1983.
ReplyDelete