can't put tractor on new trailer

Ric

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Is your trailers floor level when it is attached to your tow vehicle hitch. If not you will need to get the proper lift or drop for your drawbar ball mount so that the trailer sits level. This will also help in the handling characteristics of your trailer though not as much as proper weight distribution on your trailer. Mount the ball to one side of the drawbar for lift or flip it and mount the ball for drop. They also make a drawbar that you can mount the ball level with the receiver. If your equipment still will not clear the pivot point of your ramp once it is level you will either need to extend the ramp or back up to where the ramp will sit on ground that is uphill in relation to the level trailer. If you are loading really heavy equipment such as a large tractor etc, you should have the front wheels of the tow vehicle chocked and jack stands or comparable support under the back end of the trailer to keep from picking the back wheels of the tow vehicle off the ground. If not you can create a condition I call trailer surfing. I have seen it happen and it is not a pretty sight.

Rider you are 100% correct, and the part about weight distribution on your trailer is very important. If you're loading a single mower you don't have the problems with weight distribution like you do with two. I found that out when I added the GS and ended up with my 48" ZTR in the front of the trailer. Had to compensate big time for that move.
 

jekjr

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I recently bought a 6x12 landscape trailer and my craftsman lawn tractor won't drive up because the deck of the tractor snags/gets caught on the edge of the trailer where the ramp meets the frame. What can I do to make it drive up? Make ramps or buy a zero turn?

I recently bought a 5 X 12 used. It was the same way with my craftsman and even my Kubota deck would touch although it would go on. I went to a local tire store that sells use tires and traded the taller tires that were on the trailer for a pair that were a good bit lower profile. That changed the angle of the ramp some and it helped. Putting anything under the bottom of the ramp will help if I ever need to take any more angle off as well. Also raising the tongue of the trailer a little bit will take o
Angle off as well. I have a Rapid Hitch on my truck that makes that easy but you can buy hitches that plug into a receiver hitch with all kinds of drop.... On them.
 

boston

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Im using a bumper hitch right now so the front/reciever is slightly higher up than the back, and the tractor won't go up. I'm planning on getting a frame mounted hitch soon because it will be more level. I'm also putting new rear shocks on my truck which will raise it up even more. Also, the ramp is not long for a trailer of that size. I posted pics of it

ForumRunner_20130228_093541.png



ForumRunner_20130228_093645.png
 

exotion

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Im using a bumper hitch right now so the front/reciever is slightly higher up than the back, and the tractor won't go up. I'm planning on getting a frame mounted hitch soon because it will be more level. I'm also putting new rear shocks on my truck which will raise it up even more. Also, the ramp is not long for a trailer of that size. I posted pics of it

<img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=12598"/>

<img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=12599"/>

That looks like it would make it you have the deck on the highest setting?
 

midnite rider

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Your trailer deck already appears to be higher in the front. Leveling out the deck by lowering it any will just make the ramp to trailer transition angle greater chance of bottoming out the mower deck. My suggestion would be to extend your ramps or backing up to a curb or higher approach area to your ramp. You could use a two piece ramp to extend your existing ramps such as pictured below. You still would need to elevate your end to your existing ramp with some wood post etc. though. Also you could replace your wheels and tires with smaller diameter ones though this may be cost prohibitive.
11205.jpg
412dLpXzmGL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
 

boston

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The mower deck is at the highest setting. Maybe if I buy curved steel ramps it would work. What do you guys think?
 

SeniorCitizen

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I recently bought a 6x12 landscape trailer and my craftsman lawn tractor won't drive up because the deck of the tractor snags/gets caught on the edge of the trailer where the ramp meets the frame. What can I do to make it drive up? Make ramps or buy a zero turn?
Change the trailer axle to about a 4" dropped axle or make from a piece of cotton wood a couple of 4"- 5" tall ramps to drive the rear pick up wheels up onto letting the power of the engine do the hard work.
 

BHLC

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Have a longer gate built. Or use the curved ramps.
 
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