18' vs 20' Trailer

Runner · Jun 16, 2011

"They get small quick don't they Runner?"

So true. By the same token, as they get bigger, they get heavier and more expensive quick, too...

Soundguy · Jun 16, 2011

RickB said:
Most DOT guys in the Northeast will write you for having the bucket flat on the deck and not chained down separately.

Hydraulic attachments must be secured. FEL buckets, backhoe buckets, etc. To the OP, 20' minimum deck length.

same here...

1 strap +1 strap for every 10' of load. each attached attachment ( loader / hoe ) must be on the deck and be strapped individually, individual implements.. like a box or rake setting behind the tractor must have it's own strap as well.

while dot does not generally mess with non commercial haulers here.. they will get private people for unsafe / unsecured loads sometimes

soundguy

soundguy

TractorRob · Jun 17, 2011

My tractor and bush hog are about 19' long with the bucket removed(but the loader still attached). I haul them on a 16' trailer with no problems, I just let the bush hog hang off the back about three feet(I do strap it down and put a red flag on the end of it). I have also hauled them on the same trailer with the bucket attached by hanging the bucket over the front rail and resting it on the A-frame. If you can afford it, then I would go with the 20 footer, but if price is a concern, then you would probably be just fine with an 18, or even a 16 footer.

trailbuilder · Jun 17, 2011

I would go with the longer, it will give you room to balance the tongue weight and axle weight....and room if you pull something bigger.

TractorRob · Jun 17, 2011

Mikeeemo said:
...I broke out my trucks taillamp with the bucket folded over the front rail...

I'm glad I'm not the only one to do that. I busted the housing on one side without knowing it. I noticed it one day walking past the truck in the driveway and thought to myself "gee, somebody must have hit my truck in a parking lot." I did not realize what had happened until the next time I hauled my tractor and had my window down and heard it when I busted the one on the other side.

TheTrailerGuy · Jun 18, 2011

TractorRob said:
I'm glad I'm not the only one to do that. I busted the housing on one side without knowing it. I noticed it one day walking past the truck in the driveway and thought to myself "gee, somebody must have hit my truck in a parking lot." I did not realize what had happened until the next time I hauled my tractor and had my window down and heard it when I busted the one on the other side.

(I just had to chuckle when i read that!) Been there, done that, was mayor of the town for a day on that! I'll bet you felt like a gold plated rocket scientist, just like i did at that point.

Live and learn!

Soundguy · Jun 18, 2011

just be glad you didn't have a hay spear in your bucket.

soundguy

TheTrailerGuy · Jun 22, 2011

George2615 said:
I agree, go with the 20'er. The price difference is not that much.

Taking the loader on and off is not something I want to do on a regular basis. I've never had my loader off.

You shouldn't have a problem driving over rough rock, you just have to go slow. Or you could stop like Chris said and only take the tractor the last mile. Only problem with that is you leave your vehicle out of you sight and possibly subject to vandalism or maybe not depending on where you live.

Turning an 18 or a 20 also doesn't make too much difference unless you are talking about 90 degree turns but that would be tough with any trailer.

It's just like when you build a new shed... get the biggest one you think you need, then get the next size bigger, because you WILL use it. 2' is not going to make or break you at this point and you will like it much better.

R_Walter · Jun 23, 2011

hillbilly rick said:
I have a Deere 2520 with a FEL and rotary cutter. The FEL acts as front ballast to balance the tractor when using the cutter. Total length is 19' from bucket tip to cutter real wheel. The FEL is 2'. Can I get by with having the loader raised a bit to overhang the front of the trailer with an 18 footer, or is that asking for trouble?

Why do you need front end ballast with a rear rotary cutter?

Rancher Ed · Jun 23, 2011

R_Walter said:
Why do you need front end ballast with a rear rotary cutter?

Because the front of the tractor will get very light when you lift the mower if you don't have any. Because of how long rotary cutters are, they can weigh less than a boxblade or some other attachment but make your front end ligher.

Ed