Carl Bert
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2010
- Messages
- 856
- Location
- Rockland county, New York
- Tractor
- Kubota B26, John deere X595
I wanted to get some insight as to how everyone out there in "tractor land" loads and tows their tractor. I have a Kubota L3200 w/ BH 77 backhoe. I transport it on an 18 ft. dual axle trailer (no brakes on trailer) and I have found that if I back my tractor on the trailer instead of pulling it on forward, I actually put more weight towards the hitch, and axles which makes the tow a lot more stable. I do plan to get brakes on the trailer because I'm towing it with a 2004 Nissan Titan (5.6L v8) and althought it pulls it with no problems, it can be a little "hairy" at times when its time to stop. I posted these pics to see if anyone else has had my idea, and also wanted to note that even though the backhoe bucket extends over the front rail, I have had no problems with turn radius.....the bucket never gets close to the tailgate even in sharp turns.<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=296263"/><img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=296264"/><img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=296265"/>
Why would you want to put more weight on the hitch? You need to balance the load on the trailer so there is minimal weight on the hitch. You don't want the trailer picking up the back of the tow vehicle, but you also don't want too much weight on it. What I do is get a measurement from the tongue of the trailer to the ground when the trailer is empty. When I load the tractor, I pretty much balance it so I maintain that same measurement.. Not sure if that's common practice, but it works great for me.
Oh and I would definitely recommend brakes on both axles.