Good trailer length/width for tractor & bush hog?

willy1947 · May 27, 2004

I hope to purchase a Kubota L3830 with FEL and 6' bush hog.

Just wondering what size/length of trailer I should get. I have lots of experience with trailers, so I've got a good idea but thought I would get some input since I've rarely hauled a tractor w/FEL and with bush hog attached.

I am thinking about a 16'+2' dovetail that is extra wide (6'10" between fender wells). I know the bush hog will stick out a little, but that is ok. However, I've found a good deal on a 16' with 6'4" between the fender wells. I'm afraid this is too short and possibly the rails on the sides would be too narrow for a bush hog to fit between.

How do those of you load a tractor with FEL and bush hog? How well do they balance on a trailer? Could you load the bush hog up front and then pull the tractor up behind it and have the FEL over the top of the bush hog? I think this would help save length, but what about tongue weight?

I would go with a gooseneck, but $$$ is an issue. I used to have a 30' gooseneck, sure wish I still did /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

It will be towed behind a 2004 Dodge 3500 dually, 4x4, with the cummins and 6 speed. So, my tow vehicle should handle anything I put behind it /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Thanks,
Dave

bsnead · May 27, 2004

I use a 20' Hudson to haul my L3130 w/ 5' bush hog.The tail wheel just hangs off the back.

soarkrebel1 · May 27, 2004

I have a 20" and i believe it's 6'6" wide. it's rated at 7000 lbs.
I like it cause i can put a set of disc's and my tractor and bushhog on it fine.

Now i have to kind of play with it to balance it right. i usually make sure the back tractor tires are right around the back set of tires. the first time i hauled it i had to far forward and i knew it real quick cause i was low ridin in the rear.

I opted for a 20' thinking it would get the whole package on the trailer . it doesnt. i still have some cutter hanging off which isn't a big deal. the thing i like though for me is that i can get two implements on the trailer at once.

i would recommend the bigger trailer.

BB_TX · May 27, 2004

Definitely go with the wide trailer. My 6' cutter measures about 74"+ wide. That would make loading it on 6'4" trailer tedious trying to get exactly centered each time. I got an 83" wide trailer.
As far as length, I have hauled mine on a 16" (that is what I have) but it does extend out the back quite a bit. I don't haul very much or very far so it works fine for me. If you intend to hual it often, I would go with the longer trailer if budget allows.
As for balance, look at your tractor and look at the trailer. You may want to take some measurements of your tractor. When I was looking I found quite a bit of difference in the front to back position of the trailer axles. Some just did not look like they would balance well with my tractor.

Dave___in___CT · May 27, 2004

Hi...

I'll say 18' minimum... with NO dovetail...
For less of an incline... get 6' long loading ramps instead of the usual 5' ones...
...can add springs for ease of lifting/lowering 'em... (at least on the Hudson trailer I have)

The dovetail bottoms out on certain inclines... or at least bends the license plate... and robs you of 2' of flat deck...

This 10,000 GVW setup works well for my Kubota L3130 w/ LA723 loader & BH90 backhoe...

Dave...

NATTYBUMPO · May 27, 2004

I have a K L3010 w/ FEL and a 60" Bush Hog. I think the frame size is the same as the L 3830. My trailer is 18' with a small beavertail. I put my spare tire on the bed in front and rest the FEL lightly on the spare. My rear tires are placed between the dual trailer tires and the BH over hangs maybe a foot or so (just the tail wheel). My trailer balances and tows real well when setup this way. Good luck.

Natty B.

TMAC · May 27, 2004

Willy I have a 8' x 20' 9,950lb. GVW deck over trailer with 2ft dove. With my TC45's bucket in the fully extended dump position and pulled as far forward as I can with the teeth up against the front tie down bar on the trailer my 6ft. Squealer's tailwheel barely hangs off the back.

After figuring your specs on the length of your tractor with front end loader and 6' bush hogg your going to be just over 22ft long. My specs were just over 23ft. From that you can subtract a few feet by extending your bucket in the dump position. I'd say shoot for a 20 footer with ramps or tilt. If possible get a goose neck as you explained you wish you still had. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif A lot easier and safer to pull that way as you probably already know. Brakes on both axles is nice. I feel a lot better that way but then again I am pulling it with a F-150 who wouldn't. It's all she wants to handle with that load. Only have to haul it 6 miles from my current residence to my property I just bought back in December. Other than that my father has a 3/4 ton Dodge Cummins I can use too for pulling, like to the dealer. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Here's a pic of my trailer. Sorry I don't have one with the tractor loaded on it for reference. Hope this helps. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

TMAC · May 27, 2004

Another agle!

TMAC · May 27, 2004

One of the tongue.

( Could you load the bush hog up front and then pull the tractor up behind it and have the FEL over the top of the bush hog? I think this would help save length, but what about tongue weight? )

You can do it that way but it is so nice to be able to leave her hooked up unload the unit and get to work. I wouldn't worry about your tongue weight too much, you have the truck for pulling it and plus I'm assuming at least a Class IV hitch if it has the factory installed tow package on it, maybe a class V on your truck? I put air shocks on my little F-150 bought a weight distribution kit and she isn't bottomed out yet. That weight distribution kit made a big difference but didn't have it at the time this picture was taken in case your wondering where it's at.

Good luck Willy in whatever you get! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Have a good Memorial Day!!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

TMAC · May 27, 2004

Willy I just notice your location is in Southern Indiana, the trailer I have is HawkinLine if you noticed in the pics. I'm pretty sure they're located right off the North side of the outer belt of Cincinnatti OH. There might be a trailer delear somewhere around your area that might carry HawkLines. Might want to check them out they're pretty nice trailers. I really like mine so far, just wish I had your 1 ton pickup. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Libertine · Jun 5, 2004

willy1947:

Just a suggestion . . . go with deck OVER wheels. I got a 22' gooseneck with a lower deck (between wheel wells) and wish I'd spent the extra to the bed over wheels with a full dovetail and full width ramp. With the ramp up, you don't loose flat space at rear i.e. no wasted length. Also, you have to be careful of dragging if you end up getting a BH later (the angle of departure is very low on most CUT hoes). The 6'-7' between wheel wells can be a bit tight (although it will certainly handle the CUT by itself and most implements. But the full width deck does not limit you near as much (could load an over width implement for example). Wish I'd gotten the wider deck over.

JEH

TORQUIN · Jun 27, 2004

Here are example pics of my L3830 on a 20 ft flat bed, 16ft flat with a 4 ft dove tail. No pics with the rotary cutter on it yet.

Chris

KiotiJohn · Jun 27, 2004

Chris, with that dove tail on there, do you ever have any problems with the backhoe hitting while trailering? Looks like it might scrape at the bottom. thanks John

Egon · Jun 28, 2004

Seeing as you have had trailers and towed before all I can say is to get the longest lowboy that fits into your plans. I'd prefer ramps to dovetail but that is only my personal preference.

Egon

40Kchicks · Jun 28, 2004

I have a 20 low profile gooseneck trailer. Its great for my skid steer because I can fit an extra bucket and post hole auger on it. The problem is that when I bought my M9000 it won’t fit between the wheel wells. So I’m going to upgrade to a 24’ deck over gooseneck with either a dovetail or tilt. If I get the tilt I will have to build the trailer myself because my budget won’t allow me to buy a tilt.

My point is to try and get a deck over trailer. They accommodate the wider loads and also they are easier to load with a loader like when doing hay or lumber.

Eric

willy1947 · Jun 29, 2004

If I was to get a deck over gooseneck, will I have trouble loading my tractor with the bushhog attached?

I did get me tractor, FEL, yard box, and 6' bushhog on a 16' + 2' trailer. The bushhog hung off the rear, but it was pretty balanced and pulled well.

Thanks,
Dave

TORQUIN · Jul 1, 2004

( Chris, with that dove tail on there, do you ever have any problems with the backhoe hitting while trailering? Looks like it might scrape at the bottom. thanks John )

I have only put it on the trailer twice now (only had the Kubota just over 2 weeks). Dragged the bucket once, because I did not make sure it was all the way up before trying to load (it leaks down a little, but the dealer says this is normal). When the BH is up where it is supposed to be, with the pins locking the boom in place, there is plenty of clearance.

Chris

KiotiJohn · Jul 2, 2004

( When the BH is up where it is supposed to be, with the pins locking the boom in place, there is plenty of clearance. )
Thanks for the reply Chris. I would have thought, being so low, that the dove tail would cause the very bottom of the BH boom to hit as you head up the trailer front first. Glad to hear you don't have that problem. John

skid mark · Jul 7, 2004

Hi Dave-

( If I was to get a deck over gooseneck, will I have trouble loading my tractor with the bushhog attached?
)

I don't think that you'd have any problem. Like so many other things, bigger is often better. I really like the deck over the wheels also. There are some things (like round bales of hay) that just don't fit between frame rails of low boy trailers.

The attached picture is the trailer I use to do some occasional mowing for friends. If I raise the bush hog, it does not hit the trailer as I back up the ramps. I back up so I can put the weight of the tractor over the trailer axles instead of over the truck bed. The trailer bed is 27' (22' + 5' flip ramps).

Mark

ps: I noticed your car collection looks similar to mine. Used to own 42 Willys MB Slat Grille. Currently own '56 CJ5. Wife drives 2000 Wrangler.

willy1947 · Jul 8, 2004

I like the setup. I want to go back to a gooseneck again, but need to wait until I can keep it at my property. Currently storing it my parents house means it has to be backed down a 1/4 mile driveway. I had a 29' gooseneck before and it was great trailer, just hard to park at their house (getting into the yard was not an option /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif)

Yep, my jeep collection may need to shrink a little. Getting too many toys.

Dave