Need advice on building roller

[Ruark]

I have an old 250 gallon propane tank (yes, it's empty) I want to convert to a roller to roll my pastures with before and after seeding. This needs to be a really low-budget project. What I need advice on is how to attach some kind of axle hubs or something on the ends, so I can pull it with the tractor.

I was thinking of welding some short 1" diameter bolts onto the ends, but wouldn't they be likely to break off? Remember it weighs about 2,100 lbs. full of water. If I can just get something "sticking out" on each end, I can handle the rest. I'm good with a stick welder, but I just need some ideas on a way to do this. Thanks.

 

[Shield Arc]

I think I'd run a shaft all the way through the tank, and use pillow block bearings bolted to the frame work.

 

[Ruark]

I think I'd run a shaft all the way through the tank, and use pillow block bearings bolted to the frame work.

Yeah, but it's hard to make it watertight with that shaft going through there. Maybe I could make the holes for the shaft just big enough for it to slip through, then weld them shut. Not sure where I could find a heavy, straight steel shaft like that, though, that wouldn't cost a fortune.

 

[Lineman North Florida]

The ones I've seen around here have approx 6" worth of shaft welded to each end of the pipe which is 24" well casing, the shaft goes in pillow block bearings which can be purchased from Agri-supply. One of the rollers is 8' wide and can be hauled on a trailer, the other is 16' and never leaves his farm, there's no need to hook anything to it less than 100 horses with 4x4.

 

[Shield Arc]

Yeah, but it's hard to make it watertight with that shaft going through there.

I'm good with a stick welder,

Really?

 

[radioman]

Yeah, but it's hard to make it watertight with that shaft going through there. Maybe I could make the holes for the shaft just big enough for it to slip through, then weld them shut. Not sure where I could find a heavy, straight steel shaft like that, though, that wouldn't cost a fortune.

it wouldnt be a problem if you got a solid steel bar going all the way thru and you weld in in place. If it leaks- mark it and drain water weld over it. :thumbsup: won't leak again .

 

[Shield Arc]

Maybe you can beat these prices locally.

Order Mild Steel 1018 Round in Small Quantities at OnlineMetals.com

 

[sweettractors]

I have an old 250 gallon propane tank (yes, it's empty) I want to convert to a roller to roll my pastures with before and after seeding. This needs to be a really low-budget project. What I need advice on is how to attach some kind of axle hubs or something on the ends, so I can pull it with the tractor.

I was thinking of welding some short 1" diameter bolts onto the ends, but wouldn't they be likely to break off? Remember it weighs about 2,100 lbs. full of water. If I can just get something "sticking out" on each end, I can handle the rest. I'm good with a stick welder, but I just need some ideas on a way to do this. Thanks.

To do a decent job, you will need to weld some 1 inch angle iron around the diameter about every 3 inches apart. > Ken Sweet

 

[moored4]

Really?

X2 :thumbsup: :laughing::laughing::laughing:

 

[Case485Guy]

Why not weld trailer spindles to each side, then you put your bearings/hub on, then fab a mount for your tow bar to bolt on the hubs, throw on some buddy bearing caps like for aboat trailer axle, then you grease it up before each use.