RTV modification...

DaryleD · Mar 23, 2007

I am buying an RTV900 in a week or less. I need ideas on how to either protect the bed, make a new bed, etc. This is going to get used pretty hard! I am going to be clearing land and hauling rocks, dirt, crushed stone, gravel, stumps etc, etc. I want to either take the bed off and make a quick and dirty one out of wood or whatever ( cheap and fairly durable is key ), or make some sort of bed insert that would protect it. I want to possibly add to the length and width as well as hight, to allow at least a couple buckets of dirt or whatever from my front end loader on my NH TC30. My bucket is 60" wide, so I would like it to be at least 60-72" to not spill any on the ground when loading it. The reason for this project, is to save the abuse on the bed while I'm doing the rough work, and then to either remove the insert or put the bed back on afterward, to be able to use it for the less abusive stuff like coard wood, carying tools,supplies, etc. It just bothers me to think of ruining the bed right off the bat. Thanks for your design ideas or other sugestions!
Daryle.

Chandler1 · Mar 23, 2007

You could make a bed insert using diamond plate but that may be kinda expensive. Probably the least expensive would be to use 3/4" plywood, since you are wanting to extend the bed about a foot you would need to have it 3/4" I think. You would need to raise the bed and see just how long you could extend it and it still be able to dump. You'll have to be careful and not put too much load on the tail end so as not to put too much strain on the hydraulics for the bed and also raise the front end of the RTV.

Using the plywood cut a sheet to fit the bottom of the bed, extending it the length you need. Maybe with the tailgate down it will be about the right length for you. Then cut and lay in the sides. You then need to rip some
2x4's to lay in the corners of the floor and sides. You need them to be at least 1x1's. Then glue and screw them in. To protect the top edge of the bed you could rip some narrow strips of plywood or 1x4's. You might be able to find some 1x2's at the lumberyard. Maybe this will work for you.

I hope you enjoy your RTV. It is a tough and hardworking machine.

art · Mar 23, 2007

We've had customers doing well with plywood inserts and 3/4" would be best for your case. Just be sure to keep that loader bucket away and you should be fine.

DaryleD · Mar 23, 2007

Thanks gents! I think that the plywood is my best option too. Do you guys think that it would be able to dump the weight of a couple loader buckets full of dirt or stone? I can't wait to get it and start using it.
Daryle.

Chandler1 · Mar 23, 2007

I think I would try one bucket load and go from there. It probably depends on how much stone is in it and how wet it is. Of course the size of the loader bucket is a factor too.

avorancher · Mar 26, 2007

I've hauled dirt and granite rocks piled as high as it would go in the original bed. Handled it OK with extra air in the rear tires, but have to have the tail lower than the front to dump it. (way over the manufac. specs)

I usually get 2-1/2 buckets in from my B7800 loader and moved 600 cu yards of rocky fill with the combination last summer.

The original bed is rather weak however, and I've bent mine every which way. One big rock shifted forward and pushed the bed up against the cab so badly that I couldn't dump it until I hammered it back in shape. Most often, it is just that the tailgate won't close without jerking it back into shape.

I would be concerned about adding weight behind the axle... it gets light in the front with fully loaded and going uphill already.

Hint: The first dent is the most painful.

art · Mar 26, 2007

YOu'll do fine and like a B-7800 about two maybe a little more as far as buckets go will be a good amount for the RTV to carry and dump. Depending on where the load is centered will depend on how it will dump.

FarmGeek · Mar 26, 2007

Hi DaryleD

If I fill my bed full of stones, it takes extra effort to make it raise and dump. Usually moving the top of the pile rearward and pulling up on the front by hand will do the trick. Like avorancher, I don't think making the bed larger will work well for your needs. The dump cylinder is just too small.

A wider bed would be nice. If I use my Bobcat to load the RTV, I end up with two little piles on the ground on each side. Kinda cute at first but a waste of time to clean up afterwards.

I put in a factory plastic bed liner. It helps things slide around (if I want them to or not) but doesn't do much to protect against anyting but scratches. I too like the plywood liner approach.

Just my .02 worth!

DaryleD · Mar 26, 2007

It sounds hopefull as long as I don't try to make the bed bigger. I appreciate the feedback! I guess I will abandon the idea of a bigger bed, but will still try to protect it though. Thanks again!
Daryle.