LD1
Epic Contributor
Wood is tricky. With a GOOD beam.....6x12....1000# of weight right in the middle you are only gonna deflect 1/4". So I'd say the 6x12 beams are within the capacity to carry a 2000# tractor.
But the problem with trying to calculate the load capacity is wood has too many variables. What species it is, what grade, what condition it is in, further de-rating for wet-service location, etc etc. Steel doesnt have those factors.
Regarding the 2x6's for decking.....you have to calculate WHERE the load is on the 2x6. You have to treat a 2x6 as an individual beam....with supports 64" apart. Too many variables are unknown. What is the track width of the tractor? Is it gonna track right down the 6x12 beams? Are you gonna deviate and have the load right in the middle of the 2x6....how far are the 2x6's cantilevered outside the main beams. What is the weight distribution on the tractor? Are you ever gonna go across with a loader bucket full and no ballast putting alot of weight on the small tires?
Too many unanswered variables to say conclusively that 2x6's will be okay.
But the problem with trying to calculate the load capacity is wood has too many variables. What species it is, what grade, what condition it is in, further de-rating for wet-service location, etc etc. Steel doesnt have those factors.
Regarding the 2x6's for decking.....you have to calculate WHERE the load is on the 2x6. You have to treat a 2x6 as an individual beam....with supports 64" apart. Too many variables are unknown. What is the track width of the tractor? Is it gonna track right down the 6x12 beams? Are you gonna deviate and have the load right in the middle of the 2x6....how far are the 2x6's cantilevered outside the main beams. What is the weight distribution on the tractor? Are you ever gonna go across with a loader bucket full and no ballast putting alot of weight on the small tires?
Too many unanswered variables to say conclusively that 2x6's will be okay.