Trailer ramp modification suggestions

Jay4200 · May 5, 2006

( Here's the sketch.)

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 · May 5, 2006

( Apologize if I'm acting a dumb question, but does the hoe hit the trailer if you try backing it on?)

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 · May 5, 2006

( Another pic, they slide in under the back for storage. Heavy but they work. )

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 · Oct 30, 2006

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 · Oct 30, 2006

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 · Nov 2, 2006

gclark94560 said:
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 · Nov 8, 2006

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 · Nov 9, 2006

gclark94560 said:
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 · Nov 9, 2006

schmism said:
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 · Nov 10, 2006

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.