Towing Questions

[Sockwell]

FWIW, I hope yall realize I want to get there as quickly as I safely can. Hence the trailering question. The manual says it has a max speed of 16 mph. The only times I've gone any distance on the road, I've either had the mower or a Firminator hitched up. The highest I've seen the speed register is 13. Normally, it runs about 11 and will drop to 7 or 8 on a good grade. I'm not poking along because I want to.

 

[4570Man]

What kind of road ways are they. I'm surprised your tractor is that slow. My L3240 will keep up with it if not outrun it.

 

[Sockwell]

Hilly country roads, the last mile is a rutted gravel road.

 

[ClaySlayer]

For only 4 times a year I'd phone a friend. Unless you can come with a way to make two quick trips...take cutter first (come up with a way to unload without the tractor) then go back and get the tractor. That should also allow you to use your current trailer (assuming it's rated for the weight). Probably quicker just to drive the tractor...

 

[Soundguy]

At 8m away, I would be afraid to trailer slightly over max or at max.. baut as pointed out, it's almost a wash on time between load and unload vs drive.

 

[orezok]

A WD hitch is mandatory for this load. At 10,000# you are somewhere between 1000# and 1,300# on the ball. The factory receiver is only rated for 5000# towed and 500# on the ball.

Even with a WD hitch, you probably exceed the trucks capacity. My '13 with HD payload is limited to 1,130# on the ball with WD hitch.

 

[Soundguy]

A WD hitch is mandatory for this load. At 10,000# you are somewhere between 1000# and 1,300# on the ball. The factory receiver is only rated for 5000# towed and 500# on the ball.

Even with a WD hitch, you probably exceed the trucks capacity. My '13 with HD payload is limited to 1,130# on the ball with WD hitch.

that's why GN is so nice once you get over 10K trailers.

 

[Sockwell]

Yes, I'm better off to just drive the tractor there. That's what I will do. It's not worth the expense to trade trucks.

 

[Soldier415]

Yes, I'm better off to just drive the tractor there. That's what I will do. It's not worth the expense to trade trucks.

Sounds like a smart plan. I got myself in a pickle with trailers by using manufacturer listed weights to calculate how much trailer I would need. Loaded up on a 7k trailer which would have been fine according to my calculations, but somewhere there was over 800lbs more weight than I anticipated when I actually put it on the scales.

EDIT: Here is the thread: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/trailers-transportation/369963-just-got-new-trailer-may.html

 

[Steve1300]

I used three high capacity scales to measure my tractor and trailer setup. I feel much more comfortable after actually weighing it all. I wanted individual weights to use for later rather than loading up and going to a weigh station.

It turns out that I am A-OK on all weights and tractor tongue weight, so my comfort level has increased. I'd recommend going to a weigh station rather than simply guessing. (And, I'd add that I know the possible outcomes of just figuring out (guessing) for yourself. It can hurt.)

 

[Fallon]

I used three high capacity scales to measure my tractor and trailer setup. I feel much more comfortable after actually weighing it all. I wanted individual weights to use for later rather than loading up and going to a weigh station.

It turns out that I am A-OK on all weights and tractor tongue weight, so my comfort level has increased. I'd recommend going to a weigh station rather than simply guessing. (And, I'd add that I know the possible outcomes of just figuring out (guessing) for yourself. It can hurt.)

Or your local gravel pit or landscape materials lot. They usually have a truck scale they don't care if you use if they aren't busy.

 

[Redlands Okie]

Yes, I was off. It looks more like 7850#. The tractor is listed at 4,224#, the loader is 1,300#, the bucket is 322#, the (2) loaded 17.5L-24's are 913# total, then add 1,095 for the mower. It looks like the real weight is about 7,850, so I'd figure about 8,000 for the load. Overall, I guess y'all have confirmed what I figured: I'm better off not doing it. And I'd rather learn that here than on the side of the road. I've been down the road of trading up to a 3/4 ton to tow a specific load and I won't do that again. It's not worth the cost. The question was asked because I've leased some land 8 miles away. I only need the tractor at that property 4 times per year. I'm probably better off just taking the extra hour to ride the tractor.

8 miles one way ? Kick the tractor into 2 wheel drive and hi gear and in 30 minutes your there. Rough roads and such as you mention even at a hour it probably take you that that long to hook up a Trailor and load the tractor and tie it down and then unload and unhook it all.

 

[DieselBound]

Lots of talk about towing capacity but I don't see anyone mentioning total COMBINED vehicle weights. GCVW is everything, your truck (and all that's loaded in it) and then the trailer and all its contents. Your trailer could be under max but you could still be over if you have a lot of stuff piled in the truck.

I'd mentioned to someone else in a similar bind to RENT a truck. I believe he reported back that that's the direction he was going to go with, that the cost really wasn't as much as he thought it might be.

I like the idea of hitching up an ATV/UTV to the back of the tractor. If you encounter an emergency situation the tractor is likely going to be way too slow to get you to help. (of course, most would want something other than what I have -Polaris Brutis [HST], which can only be counted on for about 25 mph [assuming not going up hill!])

 

[bdog]

When I bought my case JX-95 I didn't have a trailer that could handle t so I drove it home - 110 miles. It took about six hours but I got real acquainted with it and had a cab and AC / radio so I didn't mind.

 

[Sockwell]

When I bought my case JX-95 I didn't have a trailer that could handle t so I drove it home - 110 miles. It took about six hours but I got real acquainted with it and had a cab and AC / radio so I didn't mind.

Wow, that is a long ride. BTW. I went over and did my last work for this year last weekend. No big deal. For 4 or 5 trips a year at 16 miles round trip, I'll just continue to ride. Thanks for the replies, guys.