Hay Ride Wagon Build

[sixdogs]

Update. I contacted several companies that build or say they sale running gear to not get replies or quotes. Horst said I can get one from my local JD dealer as they are a dealer for the distributor. My local JD place said they cannot get any type of wagon running gear and can’t get parts for the old JD ones. Distributor said they can’t sale to me and I have to use my JD dealer. That loop is not the answer.

After giving up, I ordered a complete wagon from Zimmerman in PA. It is the Stoltzfus brand hay ride wagon. I ordered it mid February and received notice it is ready and will ship out next week, hopefully. They sent a picture. My plan is to make it as close to the Radio Flyer Town & Country as possible. One of my employees is an artist and is going to paint the logo for Radio Flyer on it for me. I will add Grandpa’s to the logo for fun.

I will need to repaint the wheel hubs red but other than that I think they did pretty good. It is a 7x16 on a 6 ton running gear with automotive type steering.

As a side note I did not tell my wife I ordered it as the price is probably not something she would appreciate. Oh well it will be worth it when those kids get to ride.

I will be getting them new wagons of their own too.

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This is the goal.

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Your thinking on this will leave a smile on every kids face. Even old timers will get a laugh. It looks like the perfect parade wagon.

Please keep posting pics of the progress.

 

[K5lwq]

Honey, I’m home!

Wife was shocked. She said “You do realize you only have 3 little grandkids don’t you?” I told her I don’t know how fat they will get. Don’t want to exclude anyone.

Here is the video she took as I was driving up with it.

 

[sixdogs]

Honey, I’m home!

Wife was shocked. She said “You do realize you only have 3 little grandkids don’t you?” I told her I don’t know how fat they will get. Don’t want to exclude anyone.

Here is the video she took as I was driving up with it.

I'll bet when it's done she will be front and center with the grandkids and an ardent supporter of the wagon build.

 

[LouNY]

Now a nice set of steps in the rear or front right.

 

[K5lwq]

Now a nice set of steps in the rear or front right.

They offered to build steps for it. They even make a wheelchair lift for them.

I elected to not get the steps thinking they may get in the way if used for other purposes. I think 3 bales stacked will be easy enough for everyone to get in if they are baled tight.

 

[LouNY]

In isn't bad, but after some traffic and then it's time to get out some of those bales get a trough in the center and it's easy to get a toe under a string.

 

[K5lwq]

In isn't bad, but after some traffic and then it's time to get out some of those bales get a trough in the center and it's easy to get a toe under a string.

Good point. I will have to think on this some. Something light and portable would be nice.

 

[sixdogs]

Good point. I will have to think on this some. Something light and portable would be nice.

We used a Rubbermaid two step plastic stool. On its own it's great but if someone stood along side and offer a hand of stability for those going up or down, there would be almost no chance of someone falling. Problem solved and keeps your wagon looking like you want.

 

[K5lwq]

The bed floor is about 36” tall. So a little taller would be nice. I am looking at some folding stairs that have 4 steps. Just not sure how far out the A frame would keep the top step from the back of the wagon. Definitely would be a gap to step across.

 

[K5lwq]

Maybe something like this would work? 21” high leaving a 15” step into the wagon.

Horsemens Pride 3 Step Mounting Block

Durable plastic 3 step that is 21 high, 18 wide, and 31 long with three steps. The mounting block is great to take along or just to use at home. Comes in black, red, green, and blue.

www.bigdweb.com

 

[bigtiller]

How about getting 3 old couches, one up front and one on each side and making a portable conversation pit.

 

[sixdogs]

The bed floor is about 36” tall. So a little taller would be nice. I am looking at some folding stairs that have 4 steps. Just not sure how far out the A frame would keep the top step from the back of the wagon. Definitely would be a gap to step across.

I have seen flip down steps to get into parade wagons. It keeps the look of the wagon correct and the steps flip down when needed. Someone will always have to assist those getting in and out.

 

[sixdogs]

Your little red wagon is a neat idea and there are lots of ways to stray from the mission. My opinion is the closest duplicate to the original kid's wagon.

When that's done, let the rest figure itself out and go with whatever doesn't change the original purpose. Compromises blur visions.

 

[K5lwq]

Your little red wagon is a neat idea and there are lots of ways to stray from the mission. My opinion is the closest duplicate to the original kid's wagon.

When that's done, let the rest figure itself out and go with whatever doesn't change the original purpose. Compromises blur visions.

This is so true! Even with the logo it needs be consistent with this goal. I have asked many people because of the comments here and they all seem to agree it should be personalized. But whatever it ends up being, it must have the same appearance as the original.

Thanks for this insight.

 

[EddieWalker]

My first thought after watching your video is that you need a BIGGER tractor!!!! That wagon makes your tractor look like a little toy.

I think you need the stairs to be permanently attached to the wagon. You don't want to rely on somebody putting them in place for an elderly person to climb down on and risk falling off of them.

My thought is to weld on a set of very solid stairs to the back of it with a railing that either folds up all the way, or is permanent for most of the way with the last step being able to fold down if you think it might hit something.

That wagon is just too high up in the air to risk anybody getting hurt, and not having solid stairs means that eventually, somebody is going to get hurt.

I wonder if patio chairs would work for sitting? It's too nice for just hay bales!!!!

 

[K5lwq]

My first thought after watching your video is that you need a BIGGER tractor!!!! That wagon makes your tractor look like a little toy.

I think you need the stairs to be permanently attached to the wagon. You don't want to rely on somebody putting them in place for an elderly person to climb down on and risk falling off of them.

My thought is to weld on a set of very solid stairs to the back of it with a railing that either folds up all the way, or is permanent for most of the way with the last step being able to fold down if you think it might hit something.

That wagon is just too high up in the air to risk anybody getting hurt, and not having solid stairs means that eventually, somebody is going to get hurt.

I wonder if patio chairs would work for sitting? It's too nice for just hay bales!!!!

Yeah, my tractor is a toy no doubt.

My dad sure did not concern himself with falling when he made me climb into cotton trailers to walk down the cotton. Then have to jump up and pull myself out so the picker could dump the next load.

I might one day build a bench that could be installed and removed for the times we don’t mess with hay. But for now I like the idea of having it open. I had them build it so the sides could be removed and the wagon used for other purposes if needed. Not sure I ever will but like the idea of keeping that option.

 

[2manyrocks]

Getting in and out of the wagon as a kid was the part where it would tip over.

Then there was going down a hill and trying to stop.

 

[K5lwq]

Getting in and out of the wagon as a kid was the part where it would tip over.

Then there was going down a hill and trying to stop.

I don’t remember trying to stop going down hills. I do remember wanting to go faster and loosing control resulting in a crash. Then getting up to do it all over again.

 

[K5lwq]

I asked our marketing consultant on ideas for the logo. She likes Frazier’s Flyer (our last name) and instead of Town and Country put Friends and Family. She quickly sketched this out. Man I wish I had her talent. Thoughts?

 

[EddieWalker]

Looks good!!!!