Can't load my tractor!

[Jay4200]

Yeah don't drive on without the trailer hooked up. I did this several times with a 4 wheeler trailer we had at work. It was a very small, short trailer, just big enough for the 4 wheeler. I got to where if I did it very slow, it would work. The problem is the rise in the front of the trailer and then the slamming back down can be very sudden and hard. On this little trailer, loading a 4 wheeler, no damage was done but only because it was so small and the weight was low, on a big trailer with a heavier tractor, alot of damage could be done.

I've done that several times with my ATV too onto a 250# trailer - which is precisely the reason I didn't try it with my 2000# trailer and 6000# tractor. I could only imagine the carnage.

JayC

 

[Jay4200]

Got a photo of the back of the trailer? actually, truck and trailer would help too. We had a cotton picker that was hard to load with short ramps. We made a longer ramp by using 4x4's about 4 feet long, and set the regular ramps on top of it.

How much $$$ you want to throw at this? could you modify the trailer and put a short beavertail on it?

This is the best pic I could find - I don't have one of truck/trailer on flat ground. Ignore the screwed up exposure too - I cranked up the brightness so you can see the trailer ramps. Negative on the backhoe for loading/unloading too. I've done plenty of manipulation with my BH, and I could load with it, but it's not the kind of solution I'm looking for. Besides, there's that whole tipping over thing...

I'm not going to modify the trailer - I'd dump it and get a new one first. However, I'm trying to avoid that too - I'm not going to be hauling this thing around much, maybe a couple of times a year at best, so I don't want to go too crazy. I think getting a taller hitch (ball, BTW) is my best chance for now - I think the front rides lower than the back (its been a while). I need to take some measurements first, but I think I can raise the front 4-6", which might just do the trick.

JayC

 

[Jay4200]

Since you have 4 wheel drive, how about this expensive option? - build wheels to replace the skid shoes on your out riggers and drive drive on with front wheel pulling you until the back tires touch the ramps. Then you can raise the outriggers and drive the rest of the way.

That's just crazy enough to work! That'll be plan 'C'.

JayC

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

This is the best pic I could find - I don't have one of truck/trailer on flat ground. Ignore the screwed up exposure too - I cranked up the brightness so you can see the trailer ramps. Negative on the backhoe for loading/unloading too. I've done plenty of manipulation with my BH, and I could load with it, but it's not the kind of solution I'm looking for. Besides, there's that whole tipping over thing...

I'm not going to modify the trailer - I'd dump it and get a new one first. However, I'm trying to avoid that too - I'm not going to be hauling this thing around much, maybe a couple of times a year at best, so I don't want to go too crazy. I think getting a taller hitch (ball, BTW) is my best chance for now - I think the front rides lower than the back (its been a while). I need to take some measurements first, but I think I can raise the front 4-6", which might just do the trick.

JayC

try flipping the hitch over -- bull the ball, flip the hitch, install the ball -- if you already have a 2" drop hitch, this should give you the 4" you want.

 

[firemanpat2910]

I agree with raising the front of trailer. that might not be enough though. I have a trailer with ramps that are 8' long yes 8 feet!!!! I use it to haul my forklift on. keeps the angle very slight and solved all clearance issues, But boy are they HEAVY!

 

[Diamondpilot]

Man, those ramps are short. I would weld on 2' long extensions to the ramps. That would probably take care of it. Could be done at my local welding shop for a Case of Bud Light and $100 for materials.

Chris

 

[20 20]

From looking at your trailer picture, those ramps are SHORT, mine are twice that. Your problem isn't your trailer it's your ramps.

 

[tractorski]

how about putting some pieces of 2x10 or someting similar under the ramps where they sit on the ground? This might give you enough room.

 

[Egon]

Seems I have the same problem but smaller tractor and bigger trailer.

I have jacks on the back of the trailer so it can't lift the tongue. I also have to use 6x6 x 4 Ft. long wooden baulks under the ramps to get the clearance.

For your situation extending the ramps may be the best solution but these will be heavy. Consider building two wooden ramps from two inch wood material that you can handle and store sep[aretly on the trailer.

[ the two jacks on the back of the trailer work well as just yesterday my neighbour pulled my Field Ornament onto the trailer with his tractor.

Pic of loaded trailer attached.
Pic. of field ornament.

 

[Jay4200]

From looking at your trailer picture, those ramps are SHORT, mine are twice that. Your problem isn't your trailer it's your ramps.

It really doesn't matter. The front and back wheels are 6' apart. With ramps any shorter than 6', the front wheels are still 2' up on the deck with the back wheels on the ground. In order to solve the problem by lengthening the ramps, I'd have to double the wheelbase - and good luck working with 12' ramps! The planks on the ground will work, I just need to stack more of them. If I can get a decent set of handles to mount on the plank assemblies so I can actually grab them, I can handle considerably more weight. Off to Home Depot on the way home from work today...

I also took some measurements and recalculated the proper hitch height - I need to pick up 3" to get level. This only buys me 1.5" at the back, but every little bit helps. I tried to flip my ball mount, but the ball mounting nut is hopelessly stuck - I attacked it with dual pipe wrenches with 5' handle-extensions, a MAPP torch, and a quarter can of PB Blaster, and still couldn't get it to budge. I'm going to have to buy another ball and mount, I guess.

JayC