Heavy tractor....spreading wheels.

[KrazyChicks]

So,I just finished my beast of a tractor, and have the wheels on a lever system. Going downhill is a breeze, but trying to PULL it anywhere is a nightmare. I asically have to muscle it around, the wheels are spreading, the block I used to set the wheels off the frame a bit keeps splitting, and one tire keeps popping it's tread right off the steel base! My husband has no faith I will EVER be able to move it with ease.......so now not only do I have to improve this situation, but I have to prove my husband wrong! Lol! I built it completely on my own, well with the help of little hands, and very limited carpentry experience. I'm proud of it...this is the only HUGE hang-up. Sooooo, suggestions? We have hills everywhere....dangit, but I wonder if 4 wheels on a lever system would help. Also, I'm reading here to use pneumatic tires...I'll have to try that next. I remember eyeing those at Lowes, but opted for the rubber ones to save $.

 

[NikonD2xer]

having a few pictures of your tractor and how it built would help see what the problems are and figure a solution out for you if possible.

just a thought

 

[KrazyChicks]

Yes, thanks....I posted thread at night, now I have some pics. The wheels engaged pic shows the crack in the block too....I've replaced this block on this side 3-4 times . I got bigger pneumatic tires today to try. I might try putting these smaller wheels on the run part.....

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[KrazyChicks]

New wheels:

 

[Mrwinchester]

you may need to install a solid axle and eliminate the blocks.

 

[KrazyChicks]

A solid axle? Would that be using a longer bolt? Can you describe it please.....thanks!

 

[NikonD2xer]

now we can see what you are talking about. Thanks for the pics.

that is a very nice tractor but it looks really heavy.

What is the bottom frame made from 2x4 2x6 1x4 ? Has there been any damage to the base or just the blocks ?

What i would do is get a couple of pieces U channel either aluminum or steel to reinforce the the base of the tractor.

Then bolt through the u channel and the base to the swing arm that has the wheel on it.
Use either a bolt or a threaded rod. The bigger the better for strength.
You can use washers or nuts as spacers to gain clearance between the base and the swing arm.

Here is a diagram i tossed together in case i am not clear with directions.



with this set up i think you could do away with the block which sounds like the weakest point.

in case you have trouble with the wheels or pivot on the swing arm, you could use a u channel there to beef it up.

Good Luck

this is just what i would do.....fix it so i would not have to fix it again

 

[Mrwinchester]

A solid axle? Would that be using a longer bolt? Can you describe it please.....thanks!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/759131/please-help-with-lever-wheel-construction

http://avianaquamiser.com/posts/Wheel_lift_for_a_chicken_tractor/


Check this link out, very good information.It's hard to say your tractor looks heavy and not knowing the weight of your tractor and load capacity of the tires and rims. but i think your setup is not strong enough to lift and support the tractor especially wile its being moved. Other than that it looks like you have done a great job. i like your wagon idea with 4 tires. good luck.

 

[KrazyChicks]

That diagram is perfect! Thank you soooooo much! So clear what I need to do. I'm excited to try this! Losing the block....thank goodness! I definitely wanna fix it right! Fingers crossed this works. If the wheels didn't spread and the lever didn't scrape the door, I could raise the coop with one handusing the lever....I think it's doable. BTW, frame is still intact, no problems yet. But won't last long doing what I'm doing to move it now....I think adding the other tires, to make 4 will help....boy do I hope! Thanks so much!

 

[Mrwinchester]

now we can see what you are talking about. Thanks for the pics.

that is a very nice tractor but it looks really heavy.

What is the bottom frame made from 2x4 2x6 1x4 ? Has there been any damage to the base or just the blocks ?

What i would do is get a couple of pieces U channel either aluminum or steel to reinforce the the base of the tractor.

Then bolt through the u channel and the base to the swing arm that has the wheel on it.
Use either a bolt or a threaded rod. The bigger the better for strength.
You can use washers or nuts as spacers to gain clearance between the base and the swing arm.

Here is a diagram i tossed together in case i am not clear with directions.



with this set up i think you could do away with the block which sounds like the weakest point.

in case you have trouble with the wheels or pivot on the swing arm, you could use a u channel there to beef it up.

Good Luck

this is just what i would do.....fix it so i would not have to fix it again

Ya what he said lolo