Your advice ?

[Barryh]

Would like some feed back from you guys. I am setting up a Lawn care / Landscaping business. I'm looking at trailers right now. So for you guys that haul your PT with a trailer.

I am looking at several brand new 16 foot dual wheel trailers, with electric brakes, stake side utility trailers that have a rating of 7,000 pounds. I can build up the sides for leaves, branches load my PT on, with room for other equipment.

This also gives me the option of hauling a car, or large tractor, just in case down the road, I wanted to buy something along the lines of a Bob Cat, or for just hauling rocks or heavy objects ect.

My question, how much trouble would it be, or how hard are these trailers to maneuver all day long around town in and out of traffic in the 16 ft configuration. I would be hauling it with my F-150 6.5 short bed. Would a 14 ft make that much difference??

The other question is, how durable do you think the Tree Stump Cutter, and Auger would be for commercial use on my little 180. I know the newer version cutter has replaceable blades. I would guess the 180 version is just as sturdy / as the unit for the larger machines, or am I wrong on this? Thanks for your help.

 

[bbabineau]

Would like some feed back from you guys. I am setting up a Lawn care / Landscaping business. I'm looking at trailers right now. So for you guys that haul your PT with a trailer.

I am looking at several brand new 16 foot dual wheel trailers, with electric brakes, stake side utility trailers that have a rating of 7,000 pounds. I can build up the sides for leaves, branches load my PT on, with room for other equipment.

This also gives me the option of hauling a car, or large tractor, just in case down the road, I wanted to buy something along the lines of a Bob Cat, or for just hauling rocks or heavy objects ect.

My question, how much trouble would it be, or how hard are these trailers to maneuver all day long around town in and out of traffic in the 16 ft configuration. I would be hauling it with my F-150 6.5 short bed. Would a 14 ft make that much difference??

The other question is, how durable do you think the Tree Stump Cutter, and Auger would be for commercial use on my little 180. I know the newer version cutter has replaceable blades. I would guess the 180 version is just as sturdy / as the unit for the larger machines, or am I wrong on this? Thanks for your help.

Barry

I have an 18 foot trailer and, while it is a chore to manuever in town, it is somthing that you will get use to doing. It would certainly do what you have in mind but I have one comment. If you really think you may some time get a Bobcat, you may want to up the axels to 10K. A Bobcat plus the trailer weight could easily exceed the 7k you are thinking about. I haul a 5k car and with the trailer weight I have a total of 6.5k which would leave little capacity for fuel or any luggage in the towed car. I bought the 10k capacity and am glad that I did. Upgrading the axels to 5k each should be minimal cost option.
I have a 1430 so cannot comment on durability of the 180 implements. I will say that the augers are probably the same but the drive head may be beefier on the 1430.

 

[Barryh]

That’s the kind of advice I was looking for. I really don’t think I will be getting a Bobcat just wanted to have the option. I think it would be another PT a 425, but if I did buy a Bobcat, it would be a smaller one with 1,300 lift capability. Not sure what the weight on the smaller Bobcats are, haven’t really looked into it that far. Guess maybe I should.

I was thinking I have my truck bed for fuel and the small equipment like blowers trimmers. The trailer would mostly be for the PT when needed and a couple of commercial mowers.

Now if you don't mind me asking, how do these trailers handle in snow, and ice when in tow with electric brakes do they tend to fish tail with or with out brakes?? Or do you even venture out at all during the bad weather. I was thinking in terms of ice and snow removal using the PT in parking lots ect. Thanks for your reply.

 

[BobRip]

That’s the kind of advice I was looking for. I really don’t think I will be getting a Bobcat just wanted to have the option. I think it would be another PT a 425, but if I did buy a Bobcat, it would be a smaller one with 1,300 lift capability. Not sure what the weight on the smaller Bobcats are, haven’t really looked into it that far. Guess maybe I should.

I was thinking I have my truck bed for fuel and the small equipment like blowers trimmers. The trailer would mostly be for the PT when needed and a couple of commercial mowers.

Now if you don't mind me asking, how do these trailers handle in snow, and ice when in tow with electric brakes do they tend to fish tail with or with out brakes?? Or do you even venture out at all during the bad weather. I was thinking in terms of ice and snow removal using the PT in parking lots ect. Thanks for your reply.

I recommend that you get brakes on both axles of the trailer. Normally they have it on only one. The upgrade cost was only $140 for mine. Seems like cheap insurance.

 

[Barryh]

I recommend that you get brakes on both axles of the trailer. Normally they have it on only one. The upgrade cost was only $140 for mine. Seems like cheap insurance.

Thanks Bob, the one I'm looking at does have brakes on both axles. Have you ever taken yours out in snow or ice with a load, or is this just a big No No??

I've never towed a trailer of any kind. Common sence tells me, it could be a real bad move, I have no problem driving around in the stuff in 4x4 when needed normally.

 

[BarryinMN]

In snow a 6x16 trailer is likely to track in the pickup tracks a 7 or 8x16 will be making new ruts & is dependent on the road characteristics snow depth etc for how interesting it gets.

On ice remember your PU had ABS the trailer does not, I generally throttle back the braking power. You do not want to lock the trailer wheels, result can be an expensive jacknife.

For trailer maneuvering a short wheel base tow vehicle and long WB trailer is easiest, think Semi.

I've seen landscape trailers with expanded metal walls to store all tools - hand, weed wackers, gas cans, etc. PU is used to store crew protective gear, water, etc.

Check the tires on the trailer you are looking at, a 10K may have better tires for curb hopping etc. 7K may be car tires.

A mid size bobcat tips the scales @ 7-9K lbs, add stuff and your whole tow scenario may need to upgrade.

Towing in fowl weather is do-able just slow down for conditions, biggest problem is washing off the road spray & salt from equipment.

 

[Barryh]

In snow a 6x16 trailer is likely to track in the pickup tracks a 7 or 8x16 will be making new ruts & is dependent on the road characteristics snow depth etc for how interesting it gets.

On ice remember your PU had ABS the trailer does not, I generally throttle back the braking power. You do not want to lock the trailer wheels, result can be an expensive jacknife.

For trailer maneuvering a short wheel base tow vehicle and long WB trailer is easiest, think Semi.

I've seen landscape trailers with expanded metal walls to store all tools - hand, weed wackers, gas cans, etc. PU is used to store crew protective gear, water, etc.

Check the tires on the trailer you are looking at, a 10K may have better tires for curb hopping etc. 7K may be car tires.

A mid size bobcat tips the scales @ 7-9K lbs, add stuff and your whole tow scenario may need to upgrade.

Towing in fowl weather is do-able just slow down for conditions, biggest problem is washing off the road spray & salt from equipment.

I was wondering about the trailer tracking or following the tow vehicle. Thank everyone for the info, that's a lot of what I needed to know. The 16 footer I'm looking at comes with 15" car tires. That's a big help in making my decision.

 

[Highridge]

Good advice so far!
I've got a 14' landscape that I pull w/ a F250 & 6.5 bed. The trailer is a little bit wider than the truck but I like that so I can see it in the mirrors better. In the snow, I like to dial down the output on the brake controller just to be safe. Also, if you've ever backed a single axle trailer, a tandem axle is a breeze compared to it.
Also if possible, get some big D-rings welded to tie the PT down. I put 4 on each corner of the trailer.

 

[Barryh]

Good advice so far!
I've got a 14' landscape that I pull w/ a F250 & 6.5 bed. The trailer is a little bit wider than the truck but I like that so I can see it in the mirrors better. In the snow, I like to dial down the output on the brake controller just to be safe. Also, if you've ever backed a single axle trailer, a tandem axle is a breeze compared to it.
Also if possible, get some big D-rings welded to tie the PT down. I put 4 on each corner of the trailer.

Ahhha... I didn't know they had a dial down. So you can soften the brakes for snow ect... Is that on the installed under dash box ? How is your 14 ft when adding the PT, do you think there would be room for a few walk behind commercial mowers along with the PT, if I were to use the pickup bed for smaller stuff?

 

[Highridge]

I think you could with the 180. With the 1430, I put the grapple bucket in first then the 1430 and just have enough room to close the gate. I should have gotten a 16'. When I move the brush cutter, it has to rest on the front rail.

"Ahhha... I didn't know they had a dial down. So you can soften the brakes for snow ect... Is that on the installed under dash box ?"

That's right. The actual controller that you buy and hookup can adjust how much power goes to the brakes. It helps when you go from carring a light load to a heavy load, like the 1430.

 

[Kendall69]

I purchased a 16' Dump trailer, with ramps, and front and rear tie downs.
It triples as a tractor hauler, and dump truck, tool and equipment hauler. I haul it where needed, fill it up with debris, drive the load to the dump, come back get the tractor and off I go.

I can also use it to pick up gravel, manure, trash etc. The dump part is sweeeet. Back up and push a button. At the end of the day the last thing you want to do is get to the dump and shovel out a few ton of debris.

With just a flat bed hauler it was just a one use trailer.

 

[BobRip]

Thanks Bob, the one I'm looking at does have brakes on both axles. Have you ever taken yours out in snow or ice with a load, or is this just a big No No??

Barry, my use has been limited so far. Most of my use seems to be hay rides, parades, moving mother-in-law and taking the PT to friends houses to help them. Actually, that has been all of it. No wait, I have to drive it to get in inspected.

I had an earlier trailer with no brakes. I was coming down a hill in wet weather and lost control (just a little loss) for a few seconds. A car was coming from the opposite direction. I regained control in time, but I went out and bought a new trailer with brakes. I gave the old trailer back to the guy who gave it to me.

 

[ddonnell]

Barry,

Just a heads up that you probably already know, but if you dump that dual axle trailer in a tight spot (e.g. a deadend driveway apron) where you can't maneuver the truck to turn it around, make sure that you have a hitch hookup on the PT to do the 180 turn. Won't happen by human power!

 

[Barryh]

I purchased a 16' Dump trailer, with ramps, and front and rear tie downs.
It triples as a tractor hauler, and dump truck, tool and equipment hauler. I haul it where needed, fill it up with debris, drive the load to the dump, come back get the tractor and off I go.

I can also use it to pick up gravel, manure, trash etc. The dump part is sweeeet. Back up and push a button. At the end of the day the last thing you want to do is get to the dump and shovel out a few ton of debris.

With just a flat bed hauler it was just a one use trailer.

The dump trailer does sound really sweet, but I'm trying to keep my over head low starting out, so it will be a standard equipment trailer for starters. I’ve never been to the dump as of yet, so I would be curious as to what they charge ball park. What is the procedure for the average Joe in dumping debris..

 

[Barryh]

Barry, my use has been limited so far. Most of my use seems to be hay rides, parades, moving mother-in-law and taking the PT to friends houses to help them. Actually, that has been all of it. No wait, I have to drive it to get in inspected.

I had an earlier trailer with no brakes. I was coming down a hill in wet weather and lost control (just a little loss) for a few seconds. A car was coming from the opposite direction. I regained control in time, but I went out and bought a new trailer with brakes. I gave the old trailer back to the guy who gave it to me.

I'm sure I'll be using mine for a lot of the same uses, so no brakes does contribute to loss of control in bad weather. Even though I am an excellent driver in bad conditions. The scenario you just described is exactly what I worry about rolling along down hill in snow and ice. I’m glad you recovered in time.

Its one thing if I mess up my truck or trailer I can deal with that. It’s a whole different matter if I endanger someone else in those conditions. An out of control 6,000 pound trailer, and a mother with kids in the back of their little compact, coming from the other direction come to mind. Not sure I would ever live that down.

 

[Barryh]

Barry,

Just a heads up that you probably already know, but if you dump that dual axle trailer in a tight spot (e.g. a deadend driveway apron) where you can't maneuver the truck to turn it around, make sure that you have a hitch hookup on the PT to do the 180 turn. Won't happen by human power!

I won't have the PT with me all of the time. I just had my first hernia operation a few weeks ago. Guess that's what I get for playing Superman.

At 53, I am still very strong and husky, but I guess old age is finally starting to catch up with me. So that will be something to think about, and be a very big concern.

 

[BobRip]

Its one thing if I mess up my truck or trailer I can deal with that. It’s a whole different matter if I endanger someone else in those conditions. An out of control 6,000 pound trailer, and a mother with kids in the back of their little compact, coming from the other direction come to mind. Not sure I would ever live that down.

I will do everthing I can to avoid that situation.

 

[bbabineau]

I can't comment on the snow as I live in California and have never pulled my trailer in the snow. I would suggest that if you do not have the hitch on the PT which makes it easy to turn the trailer around that you consider putting a hitch on the front of the truck. When I first got my trailer I found that I could easily run it down my curved drive with it on the front of the truck and put it in my dead end parking area where it would be ready to hitch the next time I wanted to drive off.

 

[Barryh]

I can't comment on the snow as I live in California and have never pulled my trailer in the snow. I would suggest that if you do not have the hitch on the PT which makes it easy to turn the trailer around that you consider putting a hitch on the front of the truck. When I first got my trailer I found that I could easily run it down my curved drive with it on the front of the truck and put it in my dead end parking area where it would be ready to hitch the next time I wanted to drive off.

Sounds like good advice, here at home I have the PT to move it around. I'm more worried about when I'm out driving around getting into a tight situation, since I’ve never towed a trailer before.

We hired a contractor last month to finish our basement. He had a 12 ft enclosed and a hard time mauvering around out front. So a 14 or 16 foot trailer is going to be fun. I will be enlarging the parking area this summer with the PT. So I'll set it up for maneuvering space with the new trailer in mind.

 

[MossRoad]

We have a car hauler trailer with an all steel deck. It is great for the PT and all our attachments. It is rated at 7000# and weighs 1500# so it has a usable capacity of 5500#. That is plenty for the PT and attachments.

Theoretically, I could put the PT and two tons of dirt on it. It has brakes on both axles and I use a Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller in our van.

I like the car hauler because I can load it from the side with the PT. I put 2X12s on stakes for easily removable sides. I take them off to load implements from the side or skids with the pallet forks. I also take them off to sweep the last bits of material off the side and into the bucket. Works great. I'll try to dig up some pictures of it.

I have no trouble moving it around town or backing in and out of drives, etc... but I will mention this... I have visited your town and many other towns "out east". Your streets and drives are noticably narrower than ours! That is a fact. You just have to remember that you have that thing back there with those wide fenders and plan trips to avoid narrow roads and long dead ends that will require backing out of. I recommend that as you go out to estimate your jobs, take note of the roads leading into and out of them and make some notes as to the easiest routes in and out.

Also, don't forget the PT will fit in the back of a full size pickup with the tailgate removed and ramps that can affix to the truck. You could put equipment racks on the sides of the pickup and drive the PT up the center.