Tilt Trailers and load balance

[HappyOne]

I am fed up with slide in ramps and don't like flip up ramps so I have decided to look at tilt trailers. I like the way Kaufman does their split tilt trailers. I have a second property to mow and would like to be able to take both a Zero Turn and my L5740 with a woods RD8400 on back. The trailer pictured below has a 10' fixed deck and a 14'6 tilt deck. My ZT is 7'5" long and the tractor with mower is 14'4" from the center of the front axle to the rear of the mower. My thought is to load the ZT first backing it up to the front of the trailer. Then load the tractor.

My thought is once the tilt has enough weight to lay down, where should the tractor stop. The ZD in question weighs 1400lbs so I'll have plenty of tongue weight. The tractor weight could be centered on the rear axles. Does this sound like a workable plan?

On tilt trailers in general, once you pull on far enough to tilt back flat, is that general far enough to balance the tongue weight?

This 24' 15k (14k) is about as long as I feel comfortable hauling. I would be interested in other brands with split decks and at least 8' of fixed.

 

[George2615]

I too got tired of using ramps. In late 2005 I bought a new 2006 20' MX speedloader from an H&H Trailer dealer. I have used the trailer quite a bit and like the way it handles. Mine is a bumper pull but they have goose necks also. I also changed mine from manual tilt (using the manual hyd. jack) to electric / hyd. and added a winch. Mine is power up and gravity down using the lever on the power unit to release pressure. That means it stays tilted till I release pressure on the pump. Check HHtrailer.com to look at their models. On the gravity tilt you mentioned once you pull on far enough to tilt it down I pull fwd. another foot or so but that may differ depending on brand.

 

[atgreene]

I bought a Cam tilt (16,000lb) a few years ago, never again. I have a stationary 3' forward deck to carry my excavator buckets, compactor etc and a 16' tilt. The issue I have is I can take nothing in tow and cannot take two tractors. At the time I purchased it I was mainly hauling my ecavator, but as my farm has grown I cannot haul things like manure spreader and tractor, haybine and tractor, baler and tractor etc....

 

[HappyOne]

That's why I want a 8' or larger fixed deck. I can see where a tilt deck is limiting. I just sold my Land Pride AFM and there would be no way to haul that with a tilt. I might regret the purchase some day, but right now we make two trips and hooking up the ramps and stowing them 8 to 9 times a day is robbing us of time. With a 24ft fixed trailer, we would be in much better shape than now. The tilt just seems like a time saver. Then again I have never used one.

This type of ramp holder might sway me back to a non tilt trailer.

 

[Xfaxman]

That's why I want a 8' or larger fixed deck. I can see where a tilt deck is limiting. I just sold my Land Pride AFM and there would be no way to haul that with a tilt. I might regret the purchase some day, but right now we make two trips and hooking up the ramps and stowing them 8 to 9 times a day is robbing us of time. With a 24ft fixed trailer, we would be in much better shape than now. The tilt just seems like a time saver. Then again I have never used one.

This type of ramp holder might sway me back to a non tilt trailer.

I can't tell from that picture what the advantage is?

 

[atgreene]

I had a moritz 18 +5 gooseneck before I bought the tilt. I've had tri-axles, several Hudson 10,000 lb trailers, car trailers etc....etc.....
The moritz with convertible beaver tail was by far the best. With the spring assist stand-up ramps its easier than the tilt. I can't tell you how many times a rock, gravel, a chain, snow, ice etc..etc... have been under the deck when it comes down keeping it from locking. You have to back the excavator off, sweep the frame clean or pull the strap or chain that fell out then reload. I run mine daily, and kick myself for selling my moritz revolver for a tilt.
Fwiw.

 

[HappyOne]

I can't tell from that picture what the advantage is?

I have had them with a door that you had to swing open to pull the ramps. Then you have to lay it down to close the door before mounting the ramp. With this type of lock, you just lift it, pull the ramp, then knock it down out of the way.

 

[Xfaxman]

I have had them with a door that you had to swing open to pull the ramps. Then you have to lay it down to close the door before mounting the ramp. With this type of lock, you just lift it, pull the ramp, then knock it down out of the way.

Yep, that is an advantage.

I am also looking for a tilt gooseneck, thought I had a thread on it last month, but can't find it now.

Here are some pictures the Kaufman salesman sent to me.

 

[HappyOne]

Interesting they sent yellow pictures. Last time I ask, all were black from the Nebraska lot. I was considering getting one shipped, but unloading it would be the biggest hurdle for me. It's a little far for a day trip to get one too so it would cost about the same as the shipping. I have enough tractors to lift from two sides, but lack a second skilled driver. Maybe if you and I both decide to get one, we can pool resources. I'm not far from Meridian.

 

[Xfaxman]

Interesting they sent yellow pictures. Last time I ask, all were black from the Nebraska lot. I was considering getting one shipped, but unloading it would be the biggest hurdle for me. It's a little far for a day trip to get one too so it would cost about the same as the shipping. I have enough tractors to lift from two sides, but lack a second skilled driver. Maybe if you and I both decide to get one, we can pool resources. I'm not far from Meridian.

Yep, I was surprised to see yellow, but it is easier to see small details of the trailer. The pictures are dated 12-19-2011, the salesman is:

Frank Allmer
Kaufman Trailers
Sales Consultant
336-790-2749 direct line
866-455-7444 toll free
336-859-5963 fax
fallmer@kaufmantrailers.com
702 North Silver St.
Lexington, NC 27292
Kaufman Trailers - Nobody sells a quality trailer for less!!!

I am looking at a red, 17,000 GVWR / 24 ft. Equipment Tilt Gooseneck Trailer - DELUXE - Kaufman Trailers , with a metal deck.

Then I found two other builders that use metal grating.


I haven't called Frank to see if they would build one with the grating deck and how heavy it would be.

Yep, even if I don't get one I will help unload yours with my V417. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/bobcat-construction-equipment/275747-v417-max-lift.html