Moving my gooseneck horse trailer

stormking · Mar 27, 2008

My neighbors just let me store my horse trailer in their shop. It's a tight steep gravel driveway entrance. I got backed down in there with my truck(not 4wd) but I'm sure I can't get it out (barely could get unhitched truck out). I have a 2004 Kubota L3130 HST with 723 loader and heavy duty bucket. What are my best options for using my tractor? Is it better to put a ball hitch on the loader or use something off the 3-point? I'm a female doing this myself so I'm really worried about safety. I don't want to flip my tractor. The horse trailer weighs 3800lbs. with a tounge weight of about 1200.

MrJimi · Mar 27, 2008

This is only a suggestion from the other side of the USA, I would use the truck again with a helper spotting you
It put it there and it should come out same way

deereguy · Mar 27, 2008

Sounds like you might be able to use one of those 3pt hitches with a gooseneck hitch on the top of the 3 pt. Maybe TSC has them? Is the incline towards the barn or did you back up the hill to the barn? I would thing the tractor with weight (dirt) in the bucket and in 4WD and going SLOW and EASY (safe), you shouldn't have troubles.

Good Luck!!

RobS · Mar 27, 2008

I'm with MrJimi on this one. I'd use your truck and a 4X4 helper truck if you need more traction. That's an awful lot of trailer for a CUT, especially if the terrain is not flat.

I watched a couple of trucks pulling very large boats at a ramp once. They'd load one, and use both trucks to pull it up the ramp. Unhook the first one and repeat the process with the second.

Be safe!

Jimbrown · Mar 27, 2008

Unless you are going to keep using the storage area it is hardly worth the cost to try and rig up anysort of goosneck hitch. In order to get it out I would beg one of my horsey friends with a 4x4 to try and haul it out.

bota7800 · Mar 27, 2008

The trailer dealer where I has some repairs made routinely uses an old JD to move GN trailers around. However, my gut reaction is that I don't think my B7800 could move it reliably. I have no data as I have never tried it but I would not want to experiment in someone else's building on a steep drive.

Looking at my owner's manual, the B7800 can have a drawbar weight of 1100 lbs and a max trailer weight of 3300 lbs.

I would look for a friend to help like Jimbrown suggested.

GaryCrowell · Mar 27, 2008

Hitch the truck to it and have someone drive the truck while you pull the truck (& trailer) with the tractor. Trying to jury rig a way to hitch a gooseneck to a tractor is asking for trouble.

sandman2234 · Mar 27, 2008

Pulling the truck with the tractor is probably the best way, and be sure to use the drawbar on the tractor as a hitch point.
There is another way, by putting the horses you are hauling to good use, and let them assist in pulling the truck and trailer up the hill.
David from jax

pat32rf · Mar 27, 2008

Put a heavy load in your bucket before you start, then use a long nylon strap or rope to pull the truck. Once you get the Bota to the top of the hill you are laughing.(Hence the looonng rope) Between the added traction of the full bucket, the stretch of the nylon and the stability of the truck you should have no problem....Using the bucket is asking for disaster.

zzvyb6 · Mar 27, 2008

Take a horse water trough and stash it in the back of the trailer. Take a hose and fill it with water. That will lighten the hitch load with counter weight.

Then take a fence post and lay it across the loader crossbar (behind the bucket). Pick up the front of the trailer at the frame edge by resting it on the fence post (not the ball cap) and ease it out of the shed. Back it around and then PUSH it up the hill. The water will lighten the front trailer load. The position of the post will lighten the hydraulic cylinder loads (instead of using the bucket edge) as will using the trailer house edge. If you are still worried, put a heavy implement on the back (rototiller, mower, etc). Make sure the tires have rated pressure in them so they don't mush out on you. Take it slow and don't raise it up so high you tear off the garage door.

Good grief. More electricity used worrying that getting the job done....

Either it picks it up or it doesn't. If it does, do it. If it doesn't don't give up. While you are at it, air up the trailer tires if they are soft. That will make it push easier.