Loading into my van?

CatLady · May 10, 2011

I plan to buy a basic riding mower (probably 42", maybe a little bigger). I read about people transporting them in minivans or vans. I have a passenger van, not cargo. Will I be able to drain all fluids and prevent it from leaking on the floor with a tarp? (Or treated plywood if necessary.)

If yes, there's the issue of getting it loaded. Is there any kind of lift that works well? I know a ramp is the usual, but the right kind of lift or jack, if not too expensive, might be useful for me in other purposes. Could I strap the mower onto a wood pallet and use a manual pallet jack to load it? I may go this route, it's cheap.

If I get ramps, since I don't plan to use it much, I am thinking of getting a cheap set instead of a good set. The van sits pretty low, compared to a truck, so that helps.

I would rather own the lift or ramps instead of renting a trailer, since it pays for itself in about 5 rentals. I saw someone said used trailers were on CL for $150 or so, but I am only seeing them for around $400 for the ones with ramp or tilt, especially when you consider the cost of adding lights. Also the cost of insurance. I don't plan to use it a lot, though if I owned it, I'd find ways to use it more.

Thanks!

s78wingrider · May 11, 2011

I can drive mine in my full size Dodge van with a ramp, but have to watch my head! I'm 6' 4" If it's fairly new, nothing should leak. Aaron :confused2:

Sabretooth · May 11, 2011

Same dad use to load the lawn tractors in the van with 2 wood planks. Just a regular F/S dodge and Ford van before getting a trailer
Do not know about mini van

travis potter · May 11, 2011

If you drain the flouids then you can't drive it in or out of the van.If uou use ramps they must have a lip that attaches to the van or they will slide out (experance). If you could find a lift I think it would be expensive. A pallet jack only goes up a few inches, not high enough to load in the van. HF has a small trailer that would work for short distances I wouldn't use it on a long trip. Just my thinking.

Egon · May 11, 2011

What about tie downs?

Gary Fowler · May 14, 2011

I am thinking that the roofline on a minivan is so low that you run the risk of getting your body trapped between mower and top of the van. You would for sure have to be humped over against the wheel to load it. Not an ideal way to drive a lawnmower. Just look for a light weight lawnmower hauling trailer. I saw one advertised in Harbor Freight with 1100 lb. capacity which is plenty for transporting a lawnmower. Lowes sells them also. A boat trailer can be decked to accomdate a lawn mower and they are available for a couple hundred or less (sometimes you can get a boat with it )

mjncad · May 14, 2011

You could always do this.

SLHawkins · May 14, 2011

CatLady,
Your best and safest bet is to get a trailer. A pallet jack and lift large enough to pick up the lawnmower will take up all of your space in the van leaving you no room for the lawn mower. Ramps made from 2x6s or 2x8s will work for loading (the longer, the better). And, you can by aluminum tips at lowe's, home deport, Tractor Support for about $20 or so. I would not recommend using the boards without them. A trailer will pay for itself after only a couple of trips. And, you should be able to find what you need on craigslist or e-bay. And, whether you put it in the back of the van or on a trailer, get some straps to secure it.

Hawk