crazy dray n Cf crazy rake n, crazy wheel n 2
In logging: a dray n 1 in which the runners are not rigidly connected to the cross piece or bunk that supports the front end of the logs.
1915 Ames Forester 3.108 AR, In exceptionally wet seasons “bummers” cannot be used, because they sink too deeply into the soil to be readily moved. The “crazy dray” is employed in skidding during these seasons. This device is similar to the ones used in Idaho in white pine and fir, having two runners, attached to the center of which is a bunk . The runners are not rigidly fastened to the bunk, but may slide one ahead of the other in turning sharp curves. They are long and wide and do not sink deeply into the ground even in the wettest weather. 1931 Ludington Daily News (MI) 11 Feb 7/5, The logs are hauled to the mill’s skidways in crude horse-drawn sleds, known as “crazy drays.” 1966 DARE (Qu. N40a, . . Sleighs . . for hauling loads) Inf MI2, Crazy dray—so designed that the runners can “collapse” somewhat on a turn to get through narrow places; for hauling logs. 2004 Southwell Tall Trees 218 cMI (as of 1920s), For skidding , Grover had made a “crazy dray.” [Footnote:] The name derived from the way the dray followed the horses. The purpose of its unusual construction was to facilitate moving between stumps or over uneven ground. Rather than being rigid it was made of a single cross piece (a bunk) attached near the front of two runners. Chains to pull the dray were connected to the ends of the runners and joined together some six feet ahead, where the horses were hitched to pull the load. . . If one runner hit a stump as the dray was being pulled, the ends of the bunk could pivot and the runner would slide around the stump. On a level trail, the runners came ahead evenly. When in the woods, often one runner was ahead of or behind the other. Thus, it acquired the name, “crazy dray.”