Your advice ?

[Barryh]

Barry,

That's a nice looking trailer. With 12" sideboards, it should be very versatile for you, and haul everything you need to haul.

A decent weight-distributing hitch should cost you no more than $300-350... There's more expensive ones out there, but I bought the 8000 lb version of this hitch (Hidden Hitch brand, American made in Michigan) when it was on sale for $249.95 with free shipping.

Hidden Hitch WEIGHT-DISTRIBUTING SYSTEMS : JC Whitney: Auto Parts & Accessories

Thanks, I really like the trailer I just hope no one try’s to steal it setting outside. I put a top and bottom lock on it for starters. I'll try driving with a light load and then go from there. Thanks for the info and link I have it book marked.

 

[woodlandfarms]

What sort of price did you get on the 16" trailer

Carl

 

[toy]

Thanks, I really like the trailer I just hope no one try’s to steal it setting outside. I put a top and bottom lock on it for starters. I'll try driving with a light load and then go from there. Thanks for the info and link I have it book marked.

Your trailor looks like mine except I didn't get the dovetail [Icould have gotten the dovetail or the flat bed for the same price but I choose the flat bed] , I got two sets of ramps for mine but they hook on a rail instead of a hinge. My intent is to put a hinge on mine and putting one ramp on the outside on both sides and the other set spaced out to the center and put mesh metal to connect the two together that way the whole back of the trailor will be a ramp but so far it is a round toit job that probably won't get done.

 

[Barryh]

What sort of price did you get on the 16" trailer

Carl

Great service big selection. My trailer before the control box spare tires locks ect was 1,995. Compared to around here this was a great price. Here is a listing of all of their trailers if your interested. Sometimes their site can be very slow.

As far as quality It seems to be well built. I have heard stay away from (freedom axles) they are cheaply built.

I have not checked to see which axles I have on my trailer, but it is rated for 7,000 lb. For my needs I'm sure what ever I have, it will be fine. The guys at Dubberly did say they have high quality trailers, and have very few complaints. Of course they are out to sell trailers so what would they say. I think they were on the up and up.

Dubberly Tractor: Equipment for Sale in Chester, VA

 

[Barryh]

Your trailor looks like mine except I didn't get the dovetail [Icould have gotten the dovetail or the flat bed for the same price but I choose the flat bed] , I got two sets of ramps for mine but they hook on a rail instead of a hinge. My intent is to put a hinge on mine and putting one ramp on the outside on both sides and the other set spaced out to the center and put mesh metal to connect the two together that way the whole back of the trailor will be a ramp but so far it is a round toit job that probably won't get done.

Toy,

great idea, I plan to do something very similar, just haven’t gotten that far into the thinking process yet. That's why I choose the Equipment trailer over an landscape trailer so I would have the option of loading from any side and additional ramps.

 

[Barryh]

I know this question might be reaching a little bit, but I have to ask.

Has anyone bought, or have any experience with this particular machine or have one like it?

How much damage might it do to someone’s yard? Would there be a way to limit damage.

Are the hydraulics any good. Looking at the specs how well do you feel it might hold up in a commercial setting ect? Thanks for any input.

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

 

[J_J]

I know this question might be reaching a little bit, but I have to ask.

Has anyone bought, or have any experience with this particular machine or have one like it?

How much damage might it do to someone’s yard? Would there be a way to limit damage.

Are the hydraulics any good. Looking at the specs how well do you feel it might hold up in a commercial setting ect? Thanks for any input.

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

The only damage would be is that you have to use the bucket to move it around the yard with the bucket. You could adapt this to the PT with a quick-attach .

 

[Barryh]

The only damage would be is that you have to use the bucket to move it around the yard with the bucket. You could adapt this to the PT with a quick-attach .

J.J. I was hoping you would chime in.

I was thinking use the PT to anchor, and move it around. How would you rate the hydraulics? ect. I know this is probably not a lot of money to pay for this type of equipment, but I'm trying to keep the over head down.

I feel the Robin engine was a good start. I’m thinking of specializing in Pond Design, and installations, thus the heavy trailer. This would be my main use along with my PT. Later I plan to move up to a 425 to go along with it.

Although I think my 180 may have an advantage over the wider 425. I might be able to get it though residential gates where the 425 may be to wide.

 

[Barryh]

Hmmmm was not really thinking, this machine is very wide. It may present a problem getting through gates.

 

[MossRoad]

I know this question might be reaching a little bit, but I have to ask.

Has anyone bought, or have any experience with this particular machine or have one like it?

How much damage might it do to someone’s yard? Would there be a way to limit damage.

Are the hydraulics any good. Looking at the specs how well do you feel it might hold up in a commercial setting ect? Thanks for any input.

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

Just something to think about and I'm definately not trying to be a downer .... have you looked into insurance for your business yet? The reason I ask is because you are looking at a backhoe and asking about trenching. I have heard, and it may not be true but you should check into it, that business insurance goes way up when you start digging holes for money. The thing I recall is anything deeper than 3' requires a different level of insurance. Could just be something that is required around here where I live and may not apply in your neck of the woods. May not be true at all. Could be an urban legend for all I know. However, you should check into insurance rates and be sure to tell them what you want to do before you buy equipment that may not pay for itself in a reasonable amount of time.

 

[MossRoad]

The only damage would be is that you have to use the bucket to move it around the yard with the bucket. You could adapt this to the PT with a quick-attach .

One note about the quick attach... if you weld a quick attach plate to where the hitch is on a unit like that, it will be rigid. That is, it will not oscillate with the terain like the mower decks do and that will make it hard to push/pull around without stressing the quick attach system. You would need to put a pivot in that would allow it to roll side-to-side to relieve that stress. It would be better to put a ring or ball hitch on it so that it can oscillate over the landscape independantly of the tractor.

 

[Barryh]

Just something to think about and I'm definately not trying to be a downer .... have you looked into insurance for your business yet? The reason I ask is because you are looking at a backhoe and asking about trenching. I have heard, and it may not be true but you should check into it, that business insurance goes way up when you start digging holes for money. The thing I recall is anything deeper than 3' requires a different level of insurance. Could just be something that is required around here where I live and may not apply in your neck of the woods. May not be true at all. Could be an urban legend for all I know. However, you should check into insurance rates and be sure to tell them what you want to do before you buy equipment that may not pay for itself in a reasonable amount of time.

Good point, I plan to look into that also, thinking 3 ft may be as deep as needed for most ponds anyway. I'm also wondering about a contractor’s license. I'm sure there are state wide regulations on breaking ground if you specialize in landscaping. Hoping it is just a pay as you go yearly thing without to many requirements. Thanks for the input I will be checking into all of this before I buy any more equipment.

I do have a plan B in case this doesn't pan out. I'm thinking a custom built pre fab water feature. Small to large units build here transported there. Stay above ground except minor digging light landscaping, digging maybe a foot or so. I feel there may be a market for that sort of thing. I've not really seen it done, other than home depot pre formed ponds. I could be wrong.

 

[Barryh]

I just ordered this fold up ramp for quick loading of my, commercial Walk behinds, PT and other equipment. Just to use on short runs around town instead of hauling my 16 ft trailer, or until needed for landscaping jobs or additional equipment.

The weight limit is suggested 1200, my PT-180 weighs in somewhere at 1260. Anyone ever use one of these for loading their PT’s ? I'm thinking worst case I can put some additional support under the ramps for the PT.

I’m hoping like most products that it is somewhat over manufactured for at least another 100 pounds or so.

ATV trailer hitch ramp system

 

[Barryh]

Hmmm wasn't thinking of adding on my weight driving up the ramps. I guess I will have to bulid some addtionial supports to place under the ramps when loading the PT.

 

[MuncyBob]

Last summer a buddy had a minor emergency, it was either get the PT to his house or we don't play cards that night! Rented a pair of ramps that were rated for 1200 lb and braced the mid section of the ramps with a pair of jack stands..worked like a charm! This was with the rock bucket attached and up a fairly steep incline into the bed of my truck which is a bit higher up than most 3/4 ton pick ups.

 

[Barryh]

Last summer a buddy had a minor emergency, it was either get the PT to his house or we don't play cards that night! Rented a pair of ramps that were rated for 1200 lb and braced the mid section of the ramps with a pair of jack stands..worked like a charm! This was with the rock bucket attached and up a fairly steep incline into the bed of my truck which is a bit higher up than most 3/4 ton pick ups.

Great minds think alike. That's exactly what I had in mind, right where the ramps have the fold up joint. You just answered my question. It’s always good to be prepared for an emergency. I would hate to ruin card night, or go without having that weekend brew. Thanks much

 

[ernemats]

Теплота і ласка. У такі неспокійні дні дітки потребують підвищеної уваги до себе. Їх потрібно частіше брати на ручки, обіймати, гладити і заспокоювати. Відмінно подіє тиха спокійна улюблена пісня, проспівана улюбленим маминим голосом.

removed link

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[MossRoad]

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Don't you read Ukrainian?

She said....

Warmth and caress. In such restless days, children need increased attention to themselves. They need to be held, hugged, stroked and soothed more often. A quiet, calm favorite song, sung in mom's favorite voice, works perfectly.

 

[scotts562]

Been running my own landscaping business for the past 25 years. My advice on some of the questions you have asked.

Don't bother with the stump grinder for the pt. Works better as a trencher than a stump grinder.

Get a copy of The Pond Builder's Bible and Succeeding and Prospering with Water Features by Aquascapes. These books will help shorten your learning curve. Your market may be different but here there are not many who can/will troubleshoot or repair existing water features.

I am pulling 12 and 14 foot trailers, but the trucks I pull them with have 12 to 14' flatbeds/dumps. Being able to stop is arguably more important then being able to go. I avoid pulling a trailer in snow whenever possible. When you upgrade trucks, consider a flatbed. They are much nicer to work out of and you can side load them with materials and attachments while the trailer is still attached. Your current rig is over 10k in combination. Get very familiar with DOT regulations.

Your state may be different, but in mine, there is no builders license needed for general landscaping work. For ponds, a licensed electrician is needed to install a 110v outlet from the house to the pond location, but the rest (digging the hole, plumbing the pond, plugging in the pump, etc.) is unregulated. The only exception may be ponds deeper than 4'.

For my insurance, tree work and snow removal have rate increases, the rest is included as part of a standard policy. I strongly recommend you find and independent insurance agent who will shop multiple companies for you to find the best rate.

Hope this helps.

 

[scotts562]

Just reskimmed your posts. A couple more tidbits.

Most ponds are dug to two to two and one half feet deep. Fish overwinter just fine in ponds this deep with a bit of water circulation.

Rocking in a pond is hot, heavy work.

I paint my side boards and glue/staple plywood strips to the ends. Also, leave the stakes a little loose in the stake pockets. This makes them a little less prone to splitting/warping and sticking in the stake pockets.