Getting too old to step up 22”

[WinterDeere]

So, we know trucks need to be higher to allow for the heavier suspension and more travel required to handle heavier loads. Same reason a 3500 is always taller than a 1500, of similar configuration (eg. 2wd vs 4wd). But are makers falsely making them even taller than really required, in an effort to make one look tougher than the next? Cosmetics have a lot to do with truck sales, especially for younger guys and the grocery-getter crowd.

I don't mind the step-in height to the cab of my stock height RAM 1500 4x4 Outdoorsman, although it's fun watching my young kids climb in at the carpool lane. But I also wouldn't mind a lower bed height, if it were achievable without sacrificing hitch tongue weight limits, as tongue weight is the one thing I have trouble not violating regularly on this truck.

I'm running something like a 9" drop on my hitch to level out my tandem axle trailer. Back in the 1990's, I was running 4" or 6" drop hitches with the same trailers. Things have gone up.

 

[big bubba]

OP: good work on your step project. has the step low ground clearance posed any problems? regards

 

[orezok]

OP: good work on your step project. has the step low ground clearance posed any problems? regards

Nope. Well, none yet

 

[Yander]

So, we know trucks need to be higher to allow for the heavier suspension and more travel required to handle heavier loads. Same reason a 3500 is always taller than a 1500, of similar configuration (eg. 2wd vs 4wd). But are makers falsely making them even taller than really required, in an effort to make one look tougher than the next? Cosmetics have a lot to do with truck sales, especially for younger guys and the grocery-getter crowd.

I don't mind the step-in height to the cab of my stock height RAM 1500 4x4 Outdoorsman, although it's fun watching my young kids climb in at the carpool lane. But I also wouldn't mind a lower bed height, if it were achievable without sacrificing hitch tongue weight limits, as tongue weight is the one thing I have trouble not violating regularly on this truck.

I'm running something like a 9" drop on my hitch to level out my tandem axle trailer. Back in the 1990's, I was running 4" or 6" drop hitches with the same trailers. Things have gone up.

Wouldn't be surprised if they aren't making them higher for sales. I have a 2002 Toyota Tundra 4x4 and I have running boards but never use them. I can step right in but I am 6'4" too. Wife uses them. It is lower than anything newer. I kind of like it that way. It is hard for a tall person to use running boards because running boards put us up too high and we end up hitting our heads getting in, at least I do.

Might be wise if a manufacturer had a lower 4x4 and marketed it to the boomer who doesn't want to climb into a monster truck. I know it would appeal to me.

 

[WinterDeere]

Just like idiots willing to finance way more truck than they can really afford, short-changing retirement and other things for the sake of a car payment, this governs the direction of the auto industry. Maximized profits, thanks to idiots who care more about how their truck looks, than how it really works for hauling.

I lament the demise of manual transmissions, manual transfer cases, manual locking hubs, and every other thing that made a truck more useful than comfortable. I have a sedan which I drive when the weather's nice and I'm not hauling a trailer, but I appear to be the odd man out, with too many using their trucks as glamour statements and daily commuters.

That's not to pretend I can't enjoy luxury and cosmetics too, I do enjoy my heated seats and climate control, and try to keep my truck mostly free of serious dings and scratches. But when it gets in the way of the truck being useful, like stupid-high tailgates, then luxury and cosmetics be damned.

 

[CobyRupert]

Rather take the time and money making extra steps and hand holds than spending time and money healing from a spill. In it for the long haul.

IMHO, if really in it for the long haul, stretching every day is the answer.
It only takes time, no money and is the singular most important thing you can do “for the long haul”.
I’d argue that flexibility is the largest and most important indicator on how many more days you have left on this spinning ball.

Flexibility is directly connected to mobility, which impacts strength, and balance, the probability of falling and many many more issues.

 

[Smokeydog]

IMHO, if really in it for the long haul, stretching every day is the answer.
It only takes time, no money and is the singular most important thing you can do “for the long haul”.
I’d argue that flexibility is the largest and most important indicator on how many more days you have left on this spinning ball.

Flexibility is directly connected to mobility, which impacts strength, and balance, the probability of falling and many many more issues.

No reason both techniques can’t be beneficial. We enjoy considerable safety and comfort benefits with modern equipment ergonomic improvements.

 

[jmc]

For a home-brew step on a tractor, I'd borrow the idea on a lot of utility trucks' rear steps- make the uprights from 3/4" to 1" steel cable. Stiff enough for support; flexible enough to survive hitting something.

 

[oldballs]

We had the barn roof re-shingled a few years ago. As I came down the driveway on the tractor, I saw one of the lads hop from the ground onto the bed of the pickup truck. No hands. I couldn't believe it, so when I got there I asked him to do it again, and he did. This was pre-Covid and I was still going to the gym, and part of my routine was to put one 3-inch platform on top of another and hop up. So I was hopping 6 inches and this kid was levitating what, 40 inches?

I'll be 91 in a couple weeks. Does that make me the senior member here?

You got me beat cuz I won't be 91 for 10 months.........But I don't need no step up...... yet ....at least for the B2620. The B2650 has a step already built in and I do use it. Being 5'2'' and trim means that I don't have much to lift.

To get into the back of my F-250, I just step on the bumper and swing one leg over......That has worked for me so far. My old fashioned diamond plate running boards are handy however.....especially for older passengers.

Cheers,
Mike

 

[jmc]

For a home-brew step on a tractor, I'd borrow the idea on a lot of utility trucks' rear steps- make the uprights from 3/4" to 1" steel cable. Stiff enough for support; flexible enough to survive hitting something.

A picture is worth a thousand....

The second one from a scrap tire might be easier, especially with multiple rungs.

 

[Xfaxman]

And if needed a 2 steps:

 

[Jeff Lary]

I too made a step for mine; I hung mine from chains though so that if I hit anything while in the wood's I would not bend anything the step would just swing out of the way.

 

[JLH4]

^^^^^ did the same thing.

 

[MaxLee]

I turned 80 this year and remember a friend suggesting I write my age on the back of my glasses to remind me not to try the things I did 20 years ago. Now with back problems and a hernia, I think I understand but I an't giving up just yet.

Getting up into the cab of my Ford 6000 can be challenging. It is not just the steps but also the very small opening just in front of the left hand rear wheel - see picture. Refilling the diesel from a 20 itre container while balancing on the step is an interesting job too

That tractor is a beast lol

 

[Williy]

I use the frame of the backhoe and then the
step provided works for me you see I'm 83
and so far can still get around OK Praise the
LORD!

willy
About the Anti-Christ

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www.amazingfacts.org

 

[Doofy]

My biggest problem with the tractor step is its width. Being old,fat and arthritic means I need both feet on that step before stepping in the cab. Heavy boots don't help either.

 

[DHD]

I've had my B7800 since 2005 and that 22 inch step up is more noticable the older I get.
I've been searching the tractor forums looking for ideas in adding a step.
So glad to find this thread.
I like that idea of having a step you can put both feet on it at the same time.
I don't own a welder so I'm presently building a bolt together step.
Other than a coat of paint and some anti-skid product being applied on the step
I think I'm nearly finished. This step is 17.75 inches wide.
Ground clearance is 14 inches.

 

[masseyrider]

I have a pair of Massey 563 tractors. Both under a 800 hours.
I was going to trade them in for new Massey 2706Hs.
A bit more horse that I really don't need but... I like new toys.
Went to the dealer, climbed up on one, too high.
They put the fuel tank under the foot rest so you can fuel from the ground. Nice. But now you have to climb steps to get to the operators seat.
I only fuel them up a few times a summer, however I climb off and on all the time.
I'm keeping the 563s.
My old man warned me not to get old, but did I listen.

 

[WinterDeere]

My old man warned me not to get old, but did I listen.

Exploring the alternative ain't no picnic.

 

[frogpond]

I heartily endorse the steps from Paul Short at Specialty Repairs. They are worth the price! I put them on my bx25d, no mower. Easy install, nicely made, non-skid expanded metal tread. I work in very rough woods, and they have not been bumped loose or bent after 2 years.

I also have his backhoe steps, which attach to the outrigger cylinders. They are far safer and easier than the stock ones. I have wonky knees, too, and these really help.

If you have the time and skills to make your own, go ahead. But I would rather work with the tractor, rather than on the tractor. And these steps are a lot cheaper than orthopedic surgery.

The Shorts were great to deal with, and delivery was quick.