Utility Trailer Question

[PhilG327]

Wow. I'm impressed that you can haul that much stuff around with any 2-wheeler. My BCS has been in the shop for a spring tune-up the past 3 weeks, but I will retrieve it tomorrow and start getting it setup with the tow coupler as soon as I get a large patch of prickly-ash cut.

 

[CADplans]

Ready to roll.
View attachment 602530

I think next I'd like to figure out a mount for a chainsaw, and maybe a better seating system. Still, I'm pretty happy with how useful it is given I had the trailer lying around. Anyone know if you can buy a rattle can of paint in Grillo Green?

I think that model trailer just seems to attract children,,,

:thumbsup:

 

[PhilG327]

So.... I finally got all the bits and pieces together along with the BCS back from its Spring TuneUP. Yes, it works but I have to admit I'm not totally satisfied with the results. First, I used a simple 2x6 across the front of the small utility trailer as a temporary seat. Trouble is I keep sliding around and fear I may eventually slide right off! Not good. Also, the BCS has a VERY wide turning circle when used this way. I assume there's nothing I can do about this. And, the clutch does not fully release so it creeps forward even when the clutch lever is locked open. Will have to investigate further. Hope to get a good picture soon. Sudden rain storm prevented any photo opportunity today.

 

[Ford850]

Yes they are a little cumbersome to turn. It sounds like you need to adjust your clutch cable to prevent creeping. It's easy to do, and here's a video with instructions: Clutch adjustment for BCS & Grillo walk-behind tractors--STANDARD DRY CLUTCH type.MOV - YouTube

 

[Ford850]

Here are a few pictures of my 605 in use with my trailer.

 

[Tandem]

The tongue on my trailer is quite low so I had to make a different type of adapter to make up the height difference and connect to the BCS Curved Coupler (92247720).

 

[WesKootenay]

The tongue on my trailer is quite low so I had to make a different type of adapter to make up the height difference and connect to the BCS Curved Coupler (92247720).

Very nicely done, lots of adjustment. A lot nicer than my piece of used gas pipe

 

[PhilG327]

Thanks for the video. I am really crunching gears now so will have to adjust the clutch asap. I added some vinyl sheets I had to the wood seat and foot rest, but I still seem to be sliding around a lot. Will have to find a solution to that too.

 

[PhilG327]

UPDATE: found a pipe scrap at the local ACE Hardware store which fit the tow coupler from Earthtools perfectly. Simple assembly and off I go. Unfortunately, I've found some problems. Clutch adjustment when I switch controls around is a real pain. Wide turning radius makes use in the orchard difficult. With any real load in the trailer, the BCS doesn't have enough traction to climb my hills. Have to split any loads and do two trips. Board for a seat was a lousy idea as I keep sliding around on turns and slopes. Really had hoped this would work, but need to rethink whole idea.

thanks for all the suggestions, input, links, ideas and etc. much appreciated !

 

[Freep]

You may have already consulted these, but I think there are procedures for switching the handlebars around to ensure they work properly.

As far as sliding, you might install a couple of pieces of wood on either side of where your butt goes to make a sort of low-rent 'bucket' seat. Let us know if that works. I have similar plans in the works, and a board was among them.

 

[WesKootenay]

Clutch adjustment when I switch controls around is a real pain.

Do you mean when you turn the bars around to use a front-mount implement? When I do that on my 732 it always snags the clutch cable on the gear shift linkage, keep meaning to re-route it.

Wide turning radius makes use in the orchard difficult.

I put a spring clamp on the safety switch so I can steer holding one bar at a time - (does that make sense?)

Board for a seat was a lousy idea as I keep sliding around on turns and slopes.

You must have really uneven ground Phil. I've been using the same piece of 1x6 for years.

Keep at it. :thumbsup:

 

[PhilG327]

Thanks to all for your advise and pictures. While the utility trailer does work as "advertised", it has proven to be unusable on my rough and hilly acreage. Turns are just too wide and with any load in the trailer (plus me) it cannot climb my hills. I took the coupler off the trailer this morning and put back the original pieces to tow it behind my old TroyBilt mower. What I really need is a Kawasaki Mule or a Polaris Ranger, but those are all out of my price range. Even used ones are too expensive and the only ones I could afford are rust buckets or in need of a motor rebuild. Will just have to make do for now.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[jaxs]

Thanks to all for your advise and pictures. While the utility trailer does work as "advertised", it has proven to be unusable on my rough and hilly acreage. Turns are just too wide and with any load in the trailer (plus me) it cannot climb my hills. I took the coupler off the trailer this morning and put back the original pieces to tow it behind my old TroyBilt mower. What I really need is a Kawasaki Mule or a Polaris Ranger, but those are all out of my price range. Even used ones are too expensive and the only ones I could afford are rust buckets or in need of a motor rebuild. Will just have to make do for now.

Thanks again everyone!

Join the club,I have made do for so long it has become habit and I hardly notice any longer. :confused3:

 

[Hiptfarms]

As someone who has owned 2 different Polaris Rangers (the first 2x4 was stolen and we bought a 4x4 to replace it), I'd advise anyone to avoid a Polaris. Reason being, the body integrity is crappy plastic that tends to crack wherever a screw goes through it. We contacted Polaris when the cracks in the floorplan started to show up around 7 months into ownership and were told that the warranty was only 6 months. 8500.00 and they wouldn't consider replacing the plastic floor pan that was obviously a design flaw. We swore we would never buy a Polaris again. Also, the clutches have buttons and ramps that wear and are super expensive to replace. I just replaced the secondary clutch myself with a Polaris part and it was nearly 500.00. That doesn't include the primary clutch which costs an additional 600 bucks. Inknow a bunch if people like them, but the next time I buy a UTV it will be a Kawasaki Mule or a Kubota.

 

[PhilG327]

Update: I solved my problem by purchasing an ancient Kawasaki Mule 2500. Looks a little rough but runs great and went up and down all my trails with no problems at all

 

[WesKootenay]

Update: I solved my problem by purchasing an ancient Kawasaki Mule 2500. Looks a little rough but runs great and went up and down all my trails with no problems at all

That sounds a lot nicer than being dragged around by a 2-wheeler :thumbsup:
I'm not familiar with the Mule but it sounds good - 600cc, 2WD?

 

[PhilG327]

Sorry for the delay in replying. Kawasaki Mule 2500 is 2WD with a 600cc motor. Really looking forward to spring and using it again.

 

[Big wheels are better]

freedomlives,
I am not aware of any powered trailer for the BCS machines, but I will look around. Might be expensive though and I am on a very tight budget.

There are. They require a synchronized PTO and the tractor and trailer must have same size tires.

 

[Big wheels are better]

Yes he's sitting on the edge. It's a 3" wide lip, comparable to the comfort of a bicycle seat. It would be very easy to attach a 2x8 to the lip for a more comfortable seat - there's a good 5 inches of flat just around the corner from the front lip and adding a bench wouldn't be an issue. At times I stand on the coupler for extra weight on the drive wheels - might be nice to add a standing platform to that, maybe attach through where the hitch pin is.

It works great on _dry_ hilly uneven land. I can add more articulation if I please, I would have to mill or grind a slot rather than use the clearance in the pin hole.

On a wet hill with a full load, traction is definitely an issue. I've had to get off and push. Wheel weights or engine weights would help.

It's actually very easy to steer with all that leverage on the handle bars too.

What direction are you worried about it tipping over? Sideways I think you'd have a hard time tipping it unless your load is very top heavy. Center of gravity is really low on both the BCS and the trailer. Tipping like BCS wheels off the ground shouldn't happen with the length of the coupler and the weight of the BCS.

I hadn’t thought about standing on the tongue. Thanks for the tip!