Trailer for BX23

RayCo · Aug 28, 2005

Hi group,

I currently have a single axle trailer, 5.5' x 10', with a GVW of only 2130 pounds. I originally got this for hauling around an old Wheel Horse tractor. It does fine for that, and the tractor just barely squeezes on when I have the 3pt grader blade attached. Is anyone here interested in depressing me by telling me that if I were to get a BX23, this would not be enough trailer for it? The length of the trailer is one thing, and I could probably get around that. But the weight rating is another story... It seems to me that I'd need a beefier trailer. If this is the case, I'm going to have to factor this additional cost into my tractor purchasing decisions as well.

Thank you

johnday · Aug 28, 2005

Welcome to TBN Ray /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif, and thanks for letting me ruin your day. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Yup, your going to need a heavier trailer, 7K minimum, with tandem axles. I'm not sure how much your BX will wiegh, there are plenty on here that do though. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif And I'd think 16' would be minimum also. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

escavader · Aug 28, 2005

NO WAY!!!!!!!!ARE YOU DEPRESSED YET? Been there done that.2700 lb tractor,with hoe/and more if tires are loaded.
heres my opinion,based on laws,and my opinion .....14ft,mimimum tandem,with electric brakes both axles, tracter should be hooked 4 corners,with chain and binders,also chain and binders each attachment[fel,and hoe][this was from maine state police] also properly equip tow vehicle,this aint no riding lawnmower.
ALAN
Is your investment worth risking? Whats another 1500-2000 ,to get set up properly,when you already spent 16000

DannyD · Aug 28, 2005

Here is what I have. See photo. As for tying down, I use 4 10,000 pound straps, one on each corner of the tractor. Brakes on each axle, 6 ply tires. (something I need to do). That is 16' flat with 2 foot dovetail, and very sturdy ramps.

Junkman · Aug 28, 2005

I believe that straps are not legal as being the only tie downs. I believe that it must be chained down at all 4 corners with chain.

DannyD · Aug 28, 2005

not where I live. Lots of trailers full of more than my tractor with straps.

Dont really know. It holds good, and been over 65 with it

RayCo · Aug 28, 2005

****. This is all significantly different from what I needed for carrying around a John Deere lawn tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Now the next that I'll hear is that I need a 1 ton truck to pull around a BX23.

Thanks all

Junkman · Aug 28, 2005

( /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Now the next that I'll hear is that I need a 1 ton truck to pull around a BX23.

Thanks all )

If you think that it will help you get it past the wife, let us know and we will all start making suggestions. I tend to like diesel 4 wheel drive units best, but I promise that there will be lots of suggestions of $40K + trucks to pull around a $3K trailer for a $????.00 JD Lawn Tractor..... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

nasdaqsam · Aug 28, 2005

Oh course if your going to go the expense of the 1 ton you might as weel throw a dump box on it. Have we spent enough of your money yet? Just let us know we have more ideas if needed.

escavader · Aug 28, 2005

Dont stress too much on the tow vehicle.I haul mine up steep treacherous grades to my mountain retreat,here in MAINE ,with my jeep cherokee 4 by 4.Hauled bota,bucket of flat rocks,extra fuel,14ft tandom,tools etc,last trip.figure im pulling 5000lbs plus with my straight 6.
A nother feller told me he hauled his bx-23 with a little gmc pick up.A good safe hitch,well maintained buggy,and id attemp it with a 4 banger if i had a low gear for hills.them load distrubution hichs are nice they say,i aint got one,the bota gives me perfect tounge weight. nOTE THIS PICTURE WAS TAKEN WHEN I MISTAKENLY USED THEM WIDE HEAVY RATCHET STRAPS,ALMOST LOST HER,DONT DO IT,INVEST IN THE CHAIN BINDERS
ALAN

RayCo · Aug 28, 2005

I guess for tow vehicles I'll be alright then. I have a 95 Dakota with a 318 V8, trans cooler, and all that, or an 02 Navigator. They have 7,000/8,000 pound towing capacities, I believe. But I'm really depressed about my trailer now! I just recently got it, and I liked it a lot. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Maybe I'll sell it along with my Wheel Horse when that goes.

Thanks all.

DannyD · Aug 29, 2005

escavador, what caused the straps to break? I haul mine all the time with them, and not been a problem YET anyway. When they delivered both my 2200 and the 23 they used straps smaller than what I use, in fact smaller than what I would use on a lawn mower. Mine are rated at 10,000 pounds.

I pull mine with a Sport Trac, 4wd, 6 cylinder engine, auto trans, using the tow feature with no problems.

nasdaqsam · Aug 29, 2005

( escavador, what caused the straps to break? I haul mine all the time with them, and not been a problem YET anyway. When they delivered both my 2200 and the 23 they used straps smaller than what I use, in fact smaller than what I would use on a lawn mower. Mine are rated at 10,000 pounds.

I pull mine with a Sport Trac, 4wd, 6 cylinder engine, auto trans, using the tow feature with no problems. )Danny, the problem is not in hauling it. Almost any heavy duty strap will keep it from rolling around.

The problem is in an accident situation. Only a chain will hold the tractor on the trailer. Straps tend to just slice through or snap. 3,000 lb tractor hitting an unmovable object. It's something about math......

LBrown59 · Aug 29, 2005

( ****. This is all significantly different from what I needed for carrying around a John Deere lawn tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Now the next that I'll hear is that I need a 1 ton truck to pull around a BX23.

Thanks all )

You don't need a big beefy truck to pull it but you do need one to stop it.

escavader · Aug 29, 2005

M y straps didnt break. T he straps were close though hanging on by a thread,right where they attached to the hooks-no they werent rubbing.We have bumpy roads and even though i was babying it, the straps failed. HEaVIEST STRAPS I COULD FIND TOO,keeper brand like 3 inchs wide brand new,had 4 on tractor.Something about the tractor able to flex...at tires? i tightened them down as hard as i could too.Never had a problem before with straps.It is hard to convince people straps and tractors dont mix,until you see it yourself.be CAREFULL IF ITS WORKING FOR YOU,BUT I HOPE YOU KEEP A GOOD EYE OUY.
ALAN

escavader · Aug 29, 2005

L BROWN.
A properly equiped trailer will stop it self
ALAN

DannyD · Aug 29, 2005

I do watch very closely. I tighten mine down till the tractor squats, then stop. Leaves a bit of give, but have never noticed a strap giving way or loose when I got where I was going. I am going to look into chain binders though, Learning from your experience might be a good lesson to take to heart.

Ken_H · Aug 30, 2005

Here is what you really have to consider no matter where you live. Many years of investigating accidents has taught me. Anyones worst case scenario.

If you have to lock your brakes up to avoid an accident or hazard for whatever reason, and your strapes break and that tractor comes off that trailer, or trailer does not track right while breaking, and someone gets seriously hurt or worse yet dies.

Just about guarnteed to face criminal charges and serious civil penalties. Not worth the risk to try and save a few dollars.

Got to have a truck and trailer that can handle the weight and ability to stop without a shift in load or direction of travel, prevent swaying etc.

I'm sure some of you knew this already but thought I would share that as I've heard many times at the scene of a major crash, "I didn't know that". It won't help your situation at all.

Don't mean to upset anyone by this post.. Take care. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif