"Lawn Tractors" and Carts

[timb]

Re: \"Lawn Tractors\" and Carts

I solved the cart problem by finding an 1987 JD318. It needs a little TLC but is basically sound - and probably strong enough to tow my Jeep up the driveway. It's got a big-cube 18hp engine and I suspect as much metal in the frame as any two typical 2003 lawn-and-garden tractors. I think the rear axles are 1 3/8" or heavier - not the 3/4" or 1" of newer stuff.

I suspect your 108 was very well built in it's day and if it hasn't been beat will continue to pull it's own weight (literally) for a long time. Enjoy.

 

[LBrown59]

Re: \"Lawn Tractors\" and Carts

Power to pull a cart isn't the problem.
Brakes aren't a problem.
A trailer pushing or draging you down a dry concrete driveway with the brakes on and the tractor wheels locked tighter than a drum- Now that's a problem.

 

[Joe1]

Re: \"Lawn Tractors\" and Carts

I have a friend that in 1985 had an "old" 12 hp wheelhorse tractor which was probably 10 - 12 years old then. He used to pull my light utility trailer on his farm. The trailer weighed 180 lbs empty with a 44" X 54" interior dimensions and 24" sides. He would put in 800+ lbs of firewood and pull it out of the woods up some steep hills with the wheelhorse. He also put a few bails of hay in it and with 4 or 5 adults pulled it up and down the hills of his property for hay rides on his annual pig roast picnic. He even got the front wheels of the tractor off the ground going up one hill, but the little 'horse pulled it. It did have a manual transmission.

When I get a lawn or garden tractor to go along with my CUT, I intend to use the LT or GT to pull that same trailer.

I can't imagine you would have any trouble pulling a cart with your tractor.

 

[Panache]

Re: \"Lawn Tractors\" and Carts

I have a Rubbermaid trailer. It is rated at about 1500 lbs and made of recycled plastic. To say it has taken a beating is an understatment. I used it with a ATV before I got the lawn tractor. I extended the tounge by 18 inches and put a rod end on it w/ a 5/8" hole. I put a cat 0 lower pin on the tractor vertically. this allows movement side to side and front to back with no slop. I adapted my Ranger with this setup also. It allows the trailer to roll with no damage to the hitch. I can take pics if you like.

 

[GerardC]

Re: \"Lawn Tractors\" and Carts

<font color="blue"> I can take pics if you like. </font>

Post 'em. Gerard

 

[johndeere2210]

Re: \"Lawn Tractors\" and Carts

Here is a picture of the cart we built. It is 3 x 5 x 3 foot tall. It has dual wheels on each side and dumps. Have pulled it with lawn mowers, ATVs, and our CUT. Rolling loads are not a problem as long as the towing vehicle has the weight and braking to stop them.

 

[Panache]

Re: \"Lawn Tractors\" and Carts

Here is the trailer hooked to the tractor.

 

[GerardC]

Re: \"Lawn Tractors\" and Carts

I like it. I tkink I'll try that myself. Thanks for the photo. Gerard

 

[Panache]

Re: \"Lawn Tractors\" and Carts

I have devised a different way of attaching the rod end but that pic did not come out good. I will post it when I get a better one. I get the rod end from Graingers. Item number 6G192.

 

[rotr]

Re: \"Lawn Tractors\" and Carts

timb,
For the last four years I have been using a small lawn cart purchased from H.Depot The original cost was $80, I think the cart still sells for the same price.

It has a 3/8 in. axle (low carbon hot rolled steel), rated at 1 ton and has a dump type bed with pull off tailgate.

Right now, I use it for carry a 13.5K generator, Oxy and Act. welding tanks, small 110 150amp mig and assorted tools (all at the same time).

The only problem I have had is flats. The tires are very thin and should be changed out (I've been to lazy and to cheap and just keep plugn em. They are starting to look like Swiss Cheese rejects). /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

RonC.