Country Manufacturing 2 Ton Dump Wagon

[davx]

Howdy All,

Been a while since the last post, been focused on a home renovation project. Just got some tax dollars back and decided to invest in some equipment for use around the property. I wasn't too concerned with name brand items but was looking for a good value. We ended up ordering a WoodMaxx WM-8M and a Country Manufacturing 2 ton dump WAGON. Everything is on order as of this moment so I'm mainly posting out of excitement but I've been researching what types of modifications or part substitutions may need to be done to the wagon. Of course, some of this will depend on what things look like when it arrives, not sure if the company has improved the design over the years. I fully expected to have to do 'some' work on the wagon based on others experiences I've read here.

I purchased the unit from the website for $1149.00 plus $120 for shipping to Michigan, I figure a 3.5" x 24" 12V cylinder kit with remote is going to run about $500+. That actually was a question I had. I don't have power beyond on the Deere 4310 and I liked the idea of an independent battery operated solution, will that be ok or will the cycle time be annoying?

For now the plan is to use it to haul brush, straw, and the occasional dirt or rock pile. Eventually once I'm confident that the wagon is not a safety hazard I'd like to make some removable seating for rides.

Some improvements I've seen mentioned are:
Tubes for the tires, check/fix the welds: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/185492-country-manufacturing-2-ton-dump.html
Kingpin and tierods: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/63986-country-manufacturing-repairs-part-2-a.html

I'll try to keep on this thread with some pics once things arrive.

 

[deerehunter/operator]

trying to figure out where or if I have seen that sign in your Avatar. Im not too far from North Branch and get to Lapeer frequently.

 

[davx]

Howdy,

Deere hunter.. these signs are issued by the Historical Society of Michigan. Fortunately they aren't that uncommon around our area (Elba/Hadley) although we know of a few farms that just simply don't have them displayed.

 

[davx]

I received my order on Friday and immediately set to putting it together. I ran into an issue where the H frame is not square. This is preventing me from installing the dump hinge pin properly. The bed has to be twisted so far over to get the pin in place that the bed no longer falls between the two guides on the front axle. Also, it looks like on one of the end panels a strip of paint was sprayed on then the cardboard was placed over it while still wet.

I did contact the company and they were surprised to hear about this. They are sending out a new frame and have credited me for the panel. My experience with them so far is that they have been prompt and taken care of any issues.


Square?


Issue putting bed down.


Paint


I'll get a few more pics of the build when I tear it down and replace the frame.

 

[davx]

I got the new H frame in the mail, it worked. The bed went on nice and straight with the new frame.

Here is how the unit arrives in the mail. Overall the packaging is great, however, the wife said her and the delivery guy had a heck of a time getting it off the truck. I was at work.







I guess they haven't updated the pin setup on the front axle:




The build is going ok, I recently got the piston.. just waiting on the pump.



The piston is 3.5" x 24" 2500 psi.

 

[jackel440]

Looks pretty neat.not much to it though.look forward to how well it performs for you.

 

[davx]

An update on the build.

I had a bit more time this weekend to put more of the system together.

There aren't many options for mounting a pump and battery on the wagon as it comes so I set about welding up some supports.

I found these old porch supports laying around the farm and decided to re-purpose them.



Drilled a couple of holes to fit screws into the bottom of the pump housing. Also tied the ground strap to this location.



Next I needed to support the battery. I was out of room in the middle section of the cart so I decided to make a side carriage of sorts for it.





I'm not one to pass up a chance to arc weld, I need all the practice I can get... Frankly I'm horrible at it.



It's all in there, I think I still need to alter the configuration a bit. I'll probably flip the cylinder (rotate in position) so the hydro hoses loop around front and don't turn so sharp, I know that's a big no no.



I'm also experimenting with some way to keep debris and water off the pump and battery components. I'd like some protection but I'm also afraid of trapping moisture under the bed wood.




I should note that the filler strip they give you for the bed is a bit thin. To solve this I simply inserted some shims in each corner equally under the metal side lips.

I think a bit more tinkering and I'll have it put together this weekend.

 

[davx]

Well, not wanting to double post images over my slow internet connection I'll just shamelessly direct you to another post on my experience so far: Elba Farm House

 

[TnAndy]

I'm not one to pass up a chance to arc weld, I need all the practice I can get... Frankly I'm horrible at it.

I tell folks I'm a certified Farm Welder........as long as it doesn't leave the farm, it will probably be ok......probably.....




Enjoying the thread. I need a wagon like this !

 

[davx]

Thanks. I think after this build I got a little better with the E6011. Before I was trying a circular motion, after watching a few videos I started to realize I had to use what they call 'whip & pause' with a fast freeze rod like this. I think I'll probably try a few drills like this one once I can get setup for them

If you are looking for a wagon like this I would rate my overall experience with the company as good. They seem to be at the best price point I could find for what you get. They are responsive to email/calls and even took care of an issue I had. As others noted on this forum, be prepared to make a few alterations to fit your particular situation. One other consideration is that these wagons/trailers they make are not rated for the road.