Tell me how to load my tractor and skid steer on the trailer correctly

[BubbaBillyBob]

All--

I have a 2016, 4wd Mahindra with a backhoe and other stuff coming my way. I also have a '05 Komatsu SK 1024 turbo that weighs about 7600lbs. My question concerns where a load is positioned on the trailer (H&H electric/hydraulic tilt bed with upgraded frame and axles). How do I know the appropriate amount of weight to put on the rear end of my pickup (2016 Ram Limited, SRW, 6.7l Cummins, 8300lbs)? Is there a "by eyeball" method?

Thanks.

--Bill

 

[Rustyiron]

When in doubt, I'll just watch for several inches of truck drop to get you close on the tongue weight.

 

[PHPaul]

When in doubt, I'll just watch for several inches of truck drop to get you close on the tongue weight.

Exactly, tho I'd specify "several" as 3 or 4.

Edit: That's AFTER the truck returns to normal stance while loading. Driving up the ramp will lift the back of the truck unless you have jacks or blocks under the rear of the trailer. Once your fully on the trailer with no load on the ramp(s) watch the back of the truck as you inch forward. You'll see it start to settle as the weight transfers to the hitch.

 

[BubbaBillyBob]

Rustyiron and PHPaul--

I have a tilt bed trailer. Would the process be to get the machine centered over the trailer axles, lower the deck to the level position and measure the drop of the truck's rear end looking for a 3" to 4" drop? If not in that range, move the machine backward or forward to get the proper drop?

--Bill

 

[George2615]

I recently upgraded from a 7K H&H tilt bed to a PJ 14K tilt bed but loading is the same. I've also used the 3-4" drop rule. Measure the truck rear bumper height with nothing on the trailer then put the tractor on the trailer, lower the deck and move the tractor forward to give a 3-4" drop of bumper height. Then chain everything down and your good to go.

 

[sikmusicfreak8]

You want a hair more weight on the tongue of the trailer, forward of the axle. Like they said, should squat the truck a bit. For me, this is how I load mine:

 

[Deere Dude]

I would load it where you think it should be then go and weigh it to get the exact weight prescribed over the tongue. This is probably more important if you have a bumper pull trailer.

 

[sikmusicfreak8]

I would load it where you think it should be then go and weigh it to get the exact weight prescribed over the tongue. This is probably more important if you have a bumper pull trailer.

Not a bad thing to do, but I feel a bit overkill. Throwing on more or less implements would throw that out the window anyhow.

 

[RUSTBUCKET BRONCO]

this is how I load mine:


looks like the lazyboy is way to far forward :twocents::thumbsup:

 

[jim44]

The mud flaps on my dually end about 3" from the ground. I move forward until they just touch the ground. Seems like a pretty good gauge, and it drives just fine like that.