Next Project: Gauge Wheels for Rake & Blade

[SkunkWerX]

As much as I want to build a Grader next, like Ronmar's (Grademaster-style) I really could use some Gauge Wheels for my current efforts, clearing and smoothing about 1/4 acre for lawn and landscaping.

I have the wheels from HarborFreight, that take a 5/8" axle.

I have found the following pics & threads by doing searches.
I am thinking of using the Bob Reeve idea of cheap trailer jacks, for adjustability, combined with the construction used by HomeBrew and MadReferee. I don't have a large tractor, so I think the HF wheels and cheapo-trailer jacks will hold up fine.

My other requirement for myself is that my Gauge Wheels be inter-changeable between Rake and Blade, so I think using the 2" trailer hitch/sleeve idea is probably the right way to proceed.

Below are my pictorial reference links, if anyone can add anymore, please do so, especially pics! We can compile Gauge Wheel info right here, for others.

LandPride stock set-up

Mad Referee's How-To thread

HomeBrew's Grader Blades wheels

Bob Reeves genius inspired trailer-jack version
(I really like this idea!)

 

[kennyd]

Hey Skunk...
Check out the TSC in Mount Airy, a couple weeks ago they had 2 complete sets of gauge wheels for the KK rakes on a pallet outside with the clearance stuff. Didn't get a price, but I got a pallet full of sprayer parts(2 tanks, 140" boom,hoses,valve, and misc. other stuff) for $100.

If they still have them, just make a offer, they deal pretty good on the clearance stuff.

 

[dtd24]

As I was looking through the links I was thinking of how you would adjust the height. I like the Bob Reeves version as well. Nice and quick height change.

 

[SkunkWerX]

Hey Skunk...
Check out the TSC in Mount Airy, a couple weeks ago they had 2 complete sets of gauge wheels for the KK rakes on a pallet outside with the clearance stuff. Didn't get a price, but I got a pallet full of sprayer parts(2 tanks, 140" boom,hoses,valve, and misc. other stuff) for $100.

If they still have them, just make a offer, they deal pretty good on the clearance stuff.

Kenny, thanks for the heads up! That's the TSC I normally go to, but don't get there often enough. i Wondered what those pallets of stuff were..didn't know they were clearance items! Good thing to know about.

Is there another store in Westminster? Thought there was at one time?

If you get there before I do, enquire about those gauge wheels if they are still there. I saw your post about the sprayer parts...that was a steal!

 

[SkunkWerX]

As I was looking through the links I was thinking of how you would adjust the height. I like the Bob Reeves version as well. Nice and quick height change.

dtd24, not only quick, but very precise too!

I can see it now,
"1/2 turn to the right, OK! 1/4 turn to the Left! PERFECT!"

 

[hench861]

im working on the same thing i was going to buy the forks and wheels from ag supply but i like the jack set up better and i live close to a hf

 

[SkunkWerX]

im working on the same thing i was going to buy the forks and wheels from ag supply but i like the jack set up better and i live close to a hf

SCORE! I went to my HF store last night and picked up two jacks, ON SALE.
They were $15.99 a piece! I already have some 10" tall tires (4.10/3.50-4) , but, really would like to keep eveything lower, if possible.

I'm looking at some Solid wheels, 8" tall.

Not sure, still drawing and measuring.

 

[kennyd]

Kenny, thanks for the heads up! That's the TSC I normally go to, but don't get there often enough. i Wondered what those pallets of stuff were..didn't know they were clearance items! Good thing to know about.

Is there another store in Westminster? Thought there was at one time?

If you get there before I do, enquire about those gauge wheels if they are still there. I saw your post about the sprayer parts...that was a steal!

Will do, possibly Sunday I will be by there, but not sure yet...

Yes, there is a old store in Westminster, and they are building a new one now.

 

[SkunkWerX]

KennyD, thanks!

A new store?
Sounds like a grand opening sale to me!

 

[SkunkWerX]

Yesterday I assembled the Jack and Wheel Assemblies.

Used:
-The 8" Solid rubber tires from Harbor Freight. 5/8" bore w/ ball bearings, on sale for $2.99 a piece, at that price they can self destruct and be replaced easy enough. The 8" wheels will also help keep the assembly lower, in overall height. The only propblem with pneumatic tires would be possibility for a flat, and since this type of assembly could sit around for long periods between uses, the solid rubber is the safe bet for dependability.

-The 2000 lb. rated trailer jacks , also from Harbor Freight, on sale for $15.99 a piece. So far, cheap enough. The steel is what's gonna jack up my cost.

-5/8" bolts as the axles, with washers as spacers, and 5/8" Nylok nut.

-3/4" bolts to hold the swiveling wheel yoke to the jack. Also with Nylok nuts.
Hardware, so far, around $7.oo.

So far, including sales tax, right around $50 for the Jack and wheel assemblies.

 

[lhfarm]

Yesterday I assembled the Jack and Wheel Assemblies.

Used:
-3/4" bolts to hold the swiveling wheel yoke to the jack. Also with Nylok nuts.

I'm making a shopping list, but didn't see your source for the wheel yokes.

I'm hoping to follow right along with your build. Thanks for posting this.

 

[SkunkWerX]

I'm making a shopping list, but didn't see your source for the wheel yokes.
I'm hoping to follow right along with your build. Thanks for posting this.

Wheel yokes were fabricated by me.

If you weld, then you can build the swivel yokes, if not, you might be able to source some swivel tires that would bolt on.

Example:
swivel wheel

disclaimer: Haven't researched this particular wheel, so, please verify before proceeding.

Now, have to order steel, so nothing is going to happen in the next week until it arrives.

 

[lhfarm]

Wheel yokes were fabricated by me.

If you weld, then you can build the swivel yokes, if not, you might be able to source some swivel tires that would bolt on.

Example:
swivel wheel

disclaimer: Haven't researched this particular wheel, so, please verify before proceeding.

Now, have to order steel, so nothing is going to happen in the next week until it arrives.

Thanks! I'm learning to weld, but buying might be my best bet for now.

I'm looking forward to your next update.

 

[SkunkWerX]

Thanks! I'm learning to weld, but buying might be my best bet for now.

I'm looking forward to your next update.

Barry, the yoke itself is pretty easy, more cutting, drilling and measuring, by far. Only about 3 minutes of welding.

Progress will be at a stand still until the steel is ordered, and we are going out-of-town this coming weekend, so, don't anyone hold their breath!

 

[SkunkWerX]

A minor set back in my steel order.
See new thread

But I do have the 2x2 tubing to make the arm supports, so will proceed with that.

pics will follow, hopefully by tonight.

 

[lhfarm]

A minor set back in my steel order.
See new thread

But I do have the 2x2 tubing to make the arm supports, so will proceed with that.

pics will follow, hopefully by tonight.

Thanks for the update! Look forward to the progress pictures

 

[hench861]

im gathering all the stuff i need to get started too

 

[bigdad]

Hey SkunkWerX,

How do those solid rubber wheels hold up in cold weather? I had solid rubber wheels on mine and the "broke" when it got cold. Had to go with these steel wheels. I think I got them at TSC. Ball bearings.

 

[hench861]

i dont think ill be using my york rake in the cold,cant speak for any one else though

 

[bigdad]

Duh.... I guess I just use mine on a RB. Sorry.

BD