Wagon Construction Question

[crazyangel]

I have an older hay wagon that came to me used a while back, and I have been putting some work into it this year. What it needed more than anything else is a new deck, and I tackled that yesterday. The wood for the rack frame was in decent shape. So I just replaced the rotten deck boards with new treated 2 x 10. I am pretty pleased with the results. The thing that surprised me while I was doing the work was how the rack is attached to the running gear. The running gear has brackets to mount the rack onto, but the rails of the rack are just sitting on the gear with a couple of chains wrapped around to keep it in place. My initial reaction to this is that somebody took a pretty lame shortcut, but perhaps there is a reasonable explanation. Can anyone help me understand the benefits of simply chaining the rack to the running gear? I really want to go bolt it together, but maybe there is a reason I shouldn't.

 

[crazyangel]

Here's some before and after shots if the deck. I didn't think to take pictures of the chains when I took these.

 

[bcp]

Flexibility.

Bruce

 

[crazyangel]

Flexibility.

Bruce

That makes sense, and I haven't had any problems using it the way it is. So is that a recommendation to leave it as is? I am just trying to get smarter about the options and benefits of the approach.

 

[bcp]

Depends on your land.

Good discussion here:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/34957-hay-wagon-bolts-front-only.html

Bruce

 

[slowzuki]

The other thread covers it well, I would add I have some done both ways and the unbolted ones rarely lift off to the chain while using them.

 

[crazyangel]

Thanks for the link! That is exactly what I was looking for. TBN rocks. :applause:

 

[veerji]

I know that I will need other implements and am looking for advice on what I might need and what you all suggest to look for on used equipment. I plan on looking at auctions, craigslist, e-bay etc. Depending on how things work out I may also look for a used 5xxx series JD utility tractor in the 50 HP range.