Semi trailer mover

[bdog]

I want to build an attachment to hook on to my skid steer to move my semi trailer around with using my skid steer. My trailer is a 53' step deck. I have tried and my skid steer can pick up the front just fine with the bucket lip under the front edge of the trailer. I would like to be able to maneuver the trailer under a shed which would be virtually impossible to do with my road tractor.

My thoughts are to rig up a glad hand with a valve and a quick coupler so that I can supply air to the trailer and release the brakes. Connect the hose open the valve releasing the brakes and shut the valve and disconnect hose. That part should work.

I was then thinking of either buying a skid steer quick attach plate and starting from scratch or rigging up something that slips on to my pallet forks. Basically all I need is a plate with a hole in it for the king pin. It is as a flat as a pancake here and I don't plan on moving it at more than a walking speed. My only concern is the kingpin is set back a bit on the trailer so this attachment will be a bit in front of the the loader which increases leverage. Might make it a bit tippy. Anyone ever built anything like this?

 

[Sysop]

Local semi-truck repair place here uses a dolly type device under the trailer (like you see under the front of the second trailer on a dual trailer setup) that has a pintle hitch on the front. They use a SSQA adapter they put a pintle hitch on and move trailers all over their lot. They have an air tank on the roof of the skidsteer, I assume to unlock the brakes.

 

[bcp]

Some ideas:



From:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...es-modifications-post2983537.html#post2983537



Bruce

 

[LD1]

Local semi-truck repair place here uses a dolly type device under the trailer (like you see under the front of the second trailer on a dual trailer setup) that has a pintle hitch on the front. They use a SSQA adapter they put a pintle hitch on and move trailers all over their lot. They have an air tank on the roof of the skidsteer, I assume to unlock the brakes.

Was thinking the same thing.

Something like this 215 Custom Trailer, Spencer IA - 11696661 - CommercialTruckTrader.com

With the leverage, I think that is gonna be the deal breaker. But since it isnt ment to town down the highway, and only unloaded and at low speed.....You wont need one of those expensive units. But I think you are gonna need wheels on the ground under the pin. Perhaps make something like the dolly with an old truck axle? or hay wagon running gear?

Or if you could come up with something to connect the pin to the bucket like you want.....but feat being tippy, You could add a couple of tires mounted to a carriage UNDER the bucket that can raise and lower with the aux hydraulics.

Kinda how implement wheels work on large farm equip. Pull up with the contraption under the trailer, raise the loader to engage the pin, use hydraulics to lower a set of wheels and lift the trailer off the jacks.....drive away?

 

[mopower01]

I run spotter for a local trucking company, so here are my thoughts. If you want to move it short distance at low speed I would not worry about lifting it at the kingpin. Build an attachment for your pallet forks that will go around the kingpin to push/pull the trailer, but have the load carried by raised metal blocks that sit further back the forks. Grease up the blocks and you should still be able to steer it by the kingpin.

 

[Xfaxman]

"Back in the day", I used a piece of channel iron on the fork lift attachment, to move the gooseneck trailer.

You should be able to do something similar for the king pin.

From April/2004:

 

[4570Man]

Do you have a set of pallet forks? I made a fairly simple piece similar to the one Xfaxman posted that goes on my forklift to move a gooseneck trailer. My forklift pushes a trailer around way more accurately than can be done with a vehicle.

 

[bdog]

I do have pallet forks and I have a thing built that slips over them with a trailer ball that I use for moving smaller trailers. I am not sure if my forks are up to the task though. I bought them for a smaller tractor years ago they may only be rated around 3k. I am guessing the weight of the front of the semi trailer is at least 5k.

 

[mopower01]

If that's the case you may need to build some form of dolly to take the weight. just a thought, but what about wheels that go under the feet of your landing gear? you could have a hydraulic cylinder set up to steer them and run the line to the skid steerer. then all you have to do is push.

 

[Al 2]

Not what you asked for but for general interest check out the Haulle Hydraulic Trailer Tug . Look here and scroll down to the last video. Videos - Media
Al