Trailer ramp modification suggestions

[Jay4200]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Here's the sketch.)</font>

I got it from your description, but thanks. That idea is so rediculously simple, it HAS to work! I was all about lengthening the ramps, but I like this idea way better.

As they say on the Guiness commercials..."BRILLIANT!"

I'm gonna make a couple and see if it solves the issue, though I can't imagine it failing. The nice thing is that the planks don't really have to be too terribly long - the rear tires are fairly close to the ramp when the 'hoe hits. 12' timbers would be nice, but it'd be a cold day in **** when I could pick one of those things up.

Thanks again - Jay

 

[Jay4200]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Apologize if I'm acting a dumb question, but does the hoe hit the trailer if you try backing it on?)</font>

Yes, and by a country mile. My backhoe's subframe bracket hangs off the rear of the tractor at least 3 or 4 feet. I haven't measured it, but it's probably 6-7 feet from the center of the rear wheels, and all of about 6" off the ground (redneck low-rider). Even with the bucket sticking straight up, the frame would crash into the trailer 3 - 4 feet before the rear tires hit the ramps.

Jay

 

[Jay4200]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Another pic, they slide in under the back for storage. Heavy but they work. )</font>

Nice ramps. They look heavy though. My trailer has it's ramps permanantly attached on a pivot - I thought about both lengthening my ramps on pivots, or making ramps like yours that would hook onto the existing ramps halfway up. The independent ramps mean hoisting a bunch of weight though - ugh, getting tired just thinking about it /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif.

Jay

 

[gclark94560]

Hi All!

Great thread and just what I was thinking about! I have a Yanmar YM2000 that weighs just under 1700 pounds. I have an 8X12 "Landscapers" trailer. It has a drop down ramp covered in expanded metal for driving mowers in and out. I am sure that it would never hold the YM2000.

I am wanting to build two removable ramps out of angle iron but am not sure how heavy the metal needs to be to support 1700 pounds. I figure they need to be 6 or 7 feet long.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Greg

 

[kentrodngun]

Greg - Hi, I've got a 16' landscape trailer with a drop down gate. Doesn't even flex when I go up it with my 3,000 lb + tractor & attachments. The "screen" was ripped up pretty good when I got the trailer, so I use a 3/4" sheet of plywood instead - works great.

 

[john_bud]

Hi All!

Great thread and just what I was thinking about! I have a Yanmar YM2000 that weighs just under 1700 pounds. I have an 8X12 "Landscapers" trailer. It has a drop down ramp covered in expanded metal for driving mowers in and out. I am sure that it would never hold the YM2000.

I am wanting to build two removable ramps out of angle iron but am not sure how heavy the metal needs to be to support 1700 pounds. I figure they need to be 6 or 7 feet long.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Greg

You can weld on 2 pieces of 2"x2"x 3/8" angle to each side to support the weight and strengthen it. I did that to sections of cheap ATV folding ramp. It was originally rated for 800# and I have used it to load a mule with 800# in the bed on the trailer. Total load 2100+. Ramps have held up well for 5 years.

If no welder, they you can use bolts to attach 2x10's to the current ramp or just lay them on top.

jb

 

[gclark94560]

Well - you guys are right on the landscaping trailer drop down ramp. I talked to the maker and they said it would probably hold the YM2000 but might bend some.

So I added two more 2X2X1/8 angle iron pieces where the outside edge of the back tires would hit. I then added 10 cross braces between the existing and added braces.
I also added a third hinge in the center to add ridgidity.

Sure is heavier to put back up now! Haven't given it the drive on test yet. Trying to build up courage!

Greg

 

[schmism]

Sure is heavier to put back up now! Haven't given it the drive on test yet. Trying to build up courage!

Greg

there are a number of spring assist designs that will help lighten the load.

 

[gclark94560]

there are a number of spring assist designs that will help lighten the load.

I have seen those. Anyone have any idea of how strong of a spring is needed. Perhaps a garage door spring?

Greg

 

[AlanB]

I used the strongest garage door springs that Lowes had in stock, I forget the lb rating on them. Used a pair of them and cabling to do our mowing trailer tailgate and it works real well. My 10 year old now safely opens and closes the gate.