Max landplane for ATV?

NS Gearhead · Nov 30, 2013

I've got a couple options as far as material goes for my landplane build.

First; I've got an old zamboni blade. It's probably 6"X1/2", 6' long.

I've got some 4"X1/4" pipe I'm going to use for the side to sides,

and 3X1/4" angle as the blade support.

So, I've got two options for the "runners"; 4" wide X 10" tall, 1/4" I beam, or 4" tall X 1.5" wide, 1/4" C channel. Kind of oposite extreems, but both free.

Secondly; how wide should I go? I'm thinking 48"? 36" long... maybe only 24"? This will be for driveway and trail, and I'd like the option to tow it with the atv, Tracker, or Jeep. I'm kind of worried the C channel won't provide enough height for the side to side pipes.... but the I beam's heavy... wich might make it too much for the fourwheeler. I suppose most of the drag will be blade depth thought... Thoughts?

Should I bite the bullet and buy something like 4" wide, 8" tall C channel? If I'm only going 2' long, I'd only need 4', wich shouldn't break the bank.

3930dave · Nov 30, 2013

What size ATV do you have, engine displacement wise ?

What is it tow-rated for ?

Rgds, D.

NS Gearhead · Nov 30, 2013

Hmm, good point. I've currently got a Arctic Cat 425... but it's a loaner. I do plan to get my own at some point, and it's a safe bet it'll be in the 450+ range. Should be in the 1,000lb range... but the weight of the plane is not a difinitive indicator of how much forse will be required to pull it. I'm guessing with the material I already have and my two options above I'm probably going to be in the 250lbs range, give or take 50lbs... so I suppose the difference between the I beam or C channel won't make that much difference. Hmmm. Still interested in opinions.

3930dave · Nov 30, 2013

I'm not an ATV guy, but the feedback I've heard from guys I trust is plowing snow goes much nicer with a 650+ machine. Not saying a 425 won't work, but I'll leave the rest of the machine comments to knowledgeable utility ATV'ers......

I'd want to know the factory tow rating on the ATV, before sizing a plane. Keep in mind that the tow rating on an ATV is likely for a rolling load - something on wheels or runners. So, if it was mine, I'd be derating the tow limit somewhat, due to the plane being a ground engaging tool. How much to derate ? Need some experienced ATV wrenchers in here for that % guesstimate.

I'd collect your typical local soil in a 5 gal. pail and weigh it - and adjust what you are weighing for moisture - add water for your max working conditions. For something as small as an ATV, regional soil conditions are going to be a big factor - nice if you are moving mostly sandy soil.

So, with that "5 gallon" weight established, you can go about sizing the plane box for what you deem as a reasonble soil load.

That's the process I'd follow, sorry I don't have more exact #'s to pass along.....

One more thing.... I'd price out drive-train parts for the ATV in question, ahead of time.

Obviously, the operator is a big variable.... but there are plenty of threads on here of guys breaking stuff on SCUTs etc, when doing heavy ground work.

Rgds, D.

lilranch2001 · Nov 30, 2013

I do not think there is enough frame under an ATV to attach a land plane to it, and not break the frame.
One big root or rock and O CHIT! :duh:
How are you going to lift the land plane?

This just seems to be a bad idea in my mind......
I have never heard of anyone doing this before, have you searched this site to see if anyone has?

And doing it with a loaner idea is just bad mojo

jenkinsph · Nov 30, 2013

If you have a larger and heavier vehicle that might work much better.

NS Gearhead · Nov 30, 2013

jenkinsph said:
If you have a larger and heavier vehicle that might work much better.

2200lbs Tracker, and 5200lb Jeep... but I just thought it would be nice to be able to use the atv as well.

The ATV's frame and drivetrain will hold up... it'll either pull it or spin.

This'll just be used on class A gravel.