Gauge Wheels On BB

[Neil L]

I would like to make up gauge wheels for my box blade and be able to move them to my rear blade as well, and would like to know the following:

1. Should you be able to adjust the height above and below the cutting edge?

2. Do you need to change distance away from the cuttins edge? Is there an optimal location so no need to move them?

3. Do they need to swivel, or is a fixed axel ok?

Many thanks,
Neil

 

[HomeBrew2]

1. I'd say the wheels should be able to be adjusted mostly below the blade and slightly above. I think I centered mine but can't remember.

2. Depends who you talk to and what you're doing I guess. Mine will extend 3' out but I actually only use them up close. My entire property is rolling and I don't intend to "land level" any of it so I have found no need for the extra length.

3. I guess if you're only going straight or can build a stout enough system and don't mind dragging the wheels around a corner, swivels may not be necessary. I'd recommend making the swivels though.

 

[kwolfe]

I am actually finishing my wheels for my BB.

1. I would say you want both. This way you can scrap the desired amount, or spread material to a desire thickness.
2. I agree with Homebrew on this. Mine are adjustable from 3' to 1'. Not extra work except a few extra holes drilled.
3. I would definitely make them swivel. I could not imagine tires holding up to lateral movement like that.

 

[teg]

kwolfe, Got Photos? (or if you posted them already, I search for them) Teg

 

[Neil L]

All very good points. always good to check out ideas with you all before cutting and fabrication, it saves a lot of rework time.

More pix would also be great. I notice that Homebrew has his mounted on the ends of the box. I suppose this is to maximize the stabilizing effect.

Thanks to all, any other advise is welcome

Best,
Neil

 

[HomeBrew2]

... mounted on the ends of the box. ...

It was mostly so I could just weld the receiver along the back and one side of the box and didn't have to fab anything to attach it.

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

Neil, when I built mine I used 10" swivel casters. One the shaft going down to the wheel I drilled 5/16 holes every 1/2". I also drilled 1 hole in the mount the down shaftgoes through. so I can put a pin through it to set the height. I tried spacers the first time and didn't like them.I wil see if I can post son pictures later.

 

[kwolfe]

I will try and post them tomorrow. My design is easy and requires no welding (I wish I had a welder), but for now, just holes and bolts.

 

[Neil L]

Hooked on HP,

Interesting as I had gone down the thought trail of spacers.

I will be using 2.5" OD pipe with 2" +/-OD pipe and copper sheet metal as bushing, with grease fittings, for the swivels that "home brew" brought to my attention. I need to think through how to keep things in place with pins, as it sounds easier to adjust.

Thanks for everyones thoughts,
Neil