Brad Dirickson says to think about how you work around
your rig to preserve your body. Years ago, he began a plan of attack against the effects of physicality and efficiency out of his truck. He now drives a GMC 3500 outfitted with an Extendobed pull out.

With his shoeing rig, Dirickson believes in a minimal approach to inventory, but also working more efficiently with the layout and space provided. Probably the most noticeable feature of his rig involves the anvil and mount.

A typical farrier will lift an anvil in and out of a shoeing rig multiple times each day. That action adds up to several hundred times over a year. Improper lifting can instantly create greater physical problems. Years ago, Dirickson started using a winch to limit this daily strain on his back.

The JHM Journeyman anvil is attached to its wooden stand. Stowed away horizontally in the rig, the anvil and stand rest on steel rails. Mounted to the anvil stand are nylon skis. A bracket and eye are secured around the anvil’s waist. Dirickson mounted a winch to the slide out deck behind the anvil. He also crafted a second set of rails that attach to the end of those mounted to the deck. The winch lowers and lifts the anvil. Dirickson thought of the idea after seeing heavy oil field equipment loaded.

“I wish I thought of this 20 years ago,” he says. “I would have saved my back.”

While the winch grabs notice, Dirickson…