Wagon Yard
At the castle construction site in Friesach, a gravel cart, a stone cart and a timber cart are used. The invention of the horse collar in the 9th century significantly improved the draught performance of odd-toed ungulates and horses. Heavily loaded carts, originally pulled by oxen, cannot be used on site, as the path is too steep for oxen.
The carts are two-axle vehicles and feature a turntable steering system, which became widespread in the 13th century. As was customary in the 13th century, the wheels are fitted with a one-piece iron tyre. This tyre is heated and then pressed hot onto the spoked wheel. As it cools, the tyre contracts and fits tightly around the felloes. This reduces rim wear and stabilises the entire wheel structure.
The stone cart delivers approximately 350 kg of rubble uphill. The gravel cart is loaded with around 40 shovels of gravel. Long squared timbers (up to 8 m) are transported using a long-load cart, which is designed so that its longitudinal axis can be adjusted. A wheelbarrow is used to transport light materials.







