Cabover seasonal rigs have satisfied one farrier to the point of contentment — he doesn’t plan to purchase another shoeing rig as long as he’s in business.  A 1999 Mitsubishi 27-foot FH V-6 cabover turbo diesel named Lil’ Jem handles the summer’s work while during the winter months, a 1997 Mitsubishi 20-foot cabover diesel named Big Jake, takes over. The versatility and reliability of both rigs have made Justin Mischka, farrier and owner of Mischka Farrier Services in Whitewater, Wis., a farrier with a mobile shop.  

The two rigs, named after his children, have served Mischka’s farrier business well. Shoeing Saddlebreds, which make up 85 percent of his business, requires a wide variety of supplies be on hand. “You have to be prepared for any incident. If it weren’t for the Saddlebreds, I wouldn’t have these rigs,” he says.  

Big, Little Rig Features

Both cabover rigs have a tight turning radius and are easy to maneuver, Mischka says. They both fit into barns easily. Big Jake gets 11 to 12 miles per gallon and Lil’ Jem gets between 14 and 16.  

Mischka also finds security in both rigs. He says the rigs are safer because they are one unit and they both have good traction.  

WORK SPACE. Hinged doors on all sides of Big Jake allow three people to work at the same time.

Both rigs have 200,000 bumper-to-bumper warranties with engines that are guaranteed at 300,000 miles. “What I really like is that the resale value on both vehicles…