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Do the Amish make their own buggies?

Test your knowledge of Amish buggies!

Tour guides at The Amish Farm and House recently took a field trip to an Amish-run carriage machine shop to see how Amish buggies are put together.

It was a great opportunity to further our understanding of how Amish buggies are made and to learn more about how an Amish business operates. At the Amish manufacturing shop we visited, they were manufacturing buggy wheels, frames, and brakes.

These parts will be shipped all over the country for Amish and Mennonite use. Locally, these parts can be shipped to another carriage shop in the area for the box frame to be added.

This business is run by an Amish family, but not all of the employees are Amish. Approximately 15% of the staff working there are English (non-Amish).

Fun facts about buggies

buggy wheels up close

1. If it’s an Amish buggy, the rims of the wheel are likely steel, and if it’s an Mennonite buggy, the rims are probably rubber.

2. Another interesting tidbit we learned about buggies is that the front wheels are always smaller than the back wheels, so that the box frame will be level.

3. Did you know? Not all Amish buggies are the same color. They look different in other parts of the state and country. Learn more here!

 

 

Do the Amish use electric power in their businesses?

buggy chassis in sunlight

The Amish do not use electricity in their homes, and Amish businesses are no exception. This manufacturing business was completely off the grid (and therefore not using electricity). Instead, they were using solar, pneumatics, a diesel motor, and air power.

Do you know how many carriage shops there are in Lancaster County?

We’d say there are no fewer than 20 carriage shops here in the county.

 

 

 

Aren’t all of the Amish farmers?

buggy wheels up close

You might be surprised to learn that not all Amish families operate farms. Here in Lancaster County, roughly 20-25% still farm. The rest of the Amish population works in other industries, which includes carriage shops! Examples of other businesses the Amish might run might be: construction, farm equipment, repair shops, furniture, weld shops, cabinet making, quilt shops, restaurants, and more. These shops could be in addition to farming or their sole business.

If you ever want to learn more about the Amish way of life, be sure to join us for a tour! You can book on our website or give us a call at 717-394-6185.

Posted: April 1, 2024

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