Robert_in_NY
Super Member
- Joined
- Aug 1, 2001
- Messages
- 8,588
- Location
- Silver Creek, NY
- Tractor
- Case-IH Farmall 45A, Kubota M8540 Narrow, New Holland TN 65, Bobcat 331, Ford 1920, 1952 John Deere M, Allis Chalmers B, Bombardier Traxter XT, Massey Harris 81RC and a John Deere 3300 combine, Cub Cadet GT1554
Ok, looks like we will be going with the "traditional" deck as I need to have sides (we have a kicker on our baler). Perhaps a laminate beam will still work.....
Aaron Z
The beam will work fine. Just seal each piece first before assembling then top it with a metal cap and don't worry. I just replaced my one beam that rotted by laminating 3- 2"x8"x18'. Stained them all first then glued and screwed then bolted them together. Topped them with an aluminum cap and put it in. I also had to double up the 4x4 joists as most of them were cracked where the beam rotted. As soon as I was done I took it to the field and put 200 bales on it without any issues. I am not worried about the beam rotting away anytime soon either. Good luck with your build.