Stupid BX24/Trailer question

[richardbro]

Just got a used 10,000lbs GVWR tailer for hauling wood/hay/tractors. Trailer load can go up to around 7500lbs and I've got it attached to a GMC 2500HD with tow package that can tow 10,000lbs, so all weight restriction bases are covered. Drawbar and hitch are rated for 12,000lbs.

So, I tried loading my little BX24 w/BH/FEL and got half-way up the ramp backwards (BH first) and didn't feel good about hitting the throttle and continuing. As with any new operation with these beasts, I need to work it through and make sure I'm not going to do something stupid

Questions:
-Is backwards the right way to go?
-I seem to need to rev up and 'go for it' going backwards - the engine is at the point of stalling at my normal (chicken) RPM rate half-way up the ramp.

Other question:
-When bringing the tailer home with the GMC V8 6L, 4.something tranny, I put it in trailering mode - the engine seemed to complain a bit less. Is hauling an empty 2500lbs trailing in haul-mode the right thing to do or should I only flip to that mode when actual loading the trailer?

 

[Duffster]

Just got a used 10,000lbs GVWR tailer for hauling wood/hay/tractors. Trailer load can go up to around 7500lbs and I've got it attached to a GMC 2500HD with tow package that can tow 10,000lbs, so all weight restriction bases are covered. Drawbar and hitch are rated for 12,000lbs.

So, I tried loading my little BX24 w/BH/FEL and got half-way up the ramp backwards (BH first) and didn't feel good about hitting the throttle and continuing. As with any new operation with these beasts, I need to work it through and make sure I'm not going to do something stupid

Questions:
-Is backwards the right way to go? Probably not
-I seem to need to rev up and 'go for it' going backwards - the engine is at the point of stalling at my normal (chicken) RPM rate half-way up the ramp.

Other question:
-When bringing the tailer home with the GMC V8 6L, 4.something tranny, I put it in trailering mode - the engine seemed to complain a bit less. Is hauling an empty 2500lbs trailing in haul-mode the right thing to do or should I only flip to that mode when actual loading the trailer?

A few RPM wont hurt anything.

I doubt you need the Tow/Haul for the empty trailer but it can't hurt.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I agree, you just need a little rpm's. I like to use 4 wheel drive when I am loading to help prevent wheel spin and possibly slipping off the ramps. Forward or backwards is simply a matter of balance of the load. My tractor rides much better back on the trailer for example.

As for the truck I would use tow haul mode all the time. Much easier on the tranny and make sure you have a brake controller in the truck to activate the electric brakes on the trailer. I hope the trailer has brakes. Also, make sure you secure the tractor properly once on the trailer. Now have fun!

Chris

 

[Skyco]

Were you in low range? If not you should be.
Keep in mind also many people instinctively press on the pedal when it begins to bog, this is the wrong thing to do on hydrostatic drive, let up and go slower. Takes some getting used to.
I go up a heck of lot steeper ramps than those when I load into my dump trailer.

 

[some zilch]

i, too, would use tow/haul mode even empty. automatic transmissions do not like heavy towing in overdrive, as it makes way too much heat. i would never buy a truck that i cant use overdrive when towing, so i have all standards.

 

[richardbro]

Thanks for the replies
- yes, I have an electric brake controller and the trailer has brakes on both axels.
- I will try in low range with more rpms, backwards

 

[NuBota]

Had the same apprehension my first time up on the trailer - agree with Chris, 4WD, low range. I pull in forward as well because the weight sits better (18' trailer) - I actually had the most pucker backing off the trailer the first time.

Now after a handful of trips, I am comfortable. I still crawl, but no pucker....

 

[pat32rf]

When in doubt- lower range, 4wd but keep the rpm up so you are producing the hp that you need. If it still don't feel good then it probably isn't...
I personally think that hydrostats (and ROPS)are the major safety invention of the last 25yrs or so. You don't have to race the engine and dump the clutch anymore to creep a few inches up that ramp. Just slow and easy. Lift your toe to stop anytime, anywhere