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can't put tractor on new trailer

#1

B

boston

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?


#2

R

Rivets

Try this. Take a 2X4 and put it under the ramp. The extra height may be all you need to keep from snagging.


#3

J

jymie

I was having this issue also, what happened to me was over time my deck was becoming lower and lower, the reason was that right where the deck is welded and connects to the piece that lowers and rises the deck was getting worn, ultimately the weld broke and I needed to have it rewelded. If thats not the problem, you may need to re adjust the deck height by lowering the deck all the way to the ground to the 1st setting #1 and adjust the deck height screws. Good luck.


#4

reynoldston

reynoldston

I have the same problim when I pick up repair jobs with differant brand mowers. I find I have to also use the 2X4 or 4X4 under the back edge of the ramp. I am going to keep a eye on this thread maybe for a better answer ?


#5

exotion

exotion

reynoldston said:
I have the same problim when I pick up repair jobs with differant brand mowers. I find I have to also use the 2X4 or 4X4 under the back edge of the ramp. I am going to keep a eye on this thread maybe for a better answer ?
Click to expand...

Another reason I like my side ramps. Also reverse into the trailer it might help


#6

wjjones

wjjones

jymie said:
I was having this issue also, what happened to me was over time my deck was becoming lower and lower, the reason was that right where the deck is welded and connects to the piece that lowers and rises the deck was getting worn, ultimately the weld broke and I needed to have it rewelded. If thats not the problem, you may need to re adjust the deck height by lowering the deck all the way to the ground to the 1st setting #1 and adjust the deck height screws. Good luck.
Click to expand...



Yep the same here my deck was out of adjustment, and the front link hole is worn a little it was making the deck was hanging on the end of the trailer. If you raise the front a little just be sure to raise the back the equal amount the front is supposed to be 1/4th to 1/2" lower than the rear of the deck. I have loaded my friends zt on there, and it does the same thing.


#7

wjjones

wjjones

Another option is low prifile tires on the trailer to drop it down a little.


#8

M

mowerguy

I run into the same problem as well picking up repair mowers. I usually keep a 4x4 in the bed of my truck and put it under the jack stand. Crank it up to lower the back end of the trailer. Works fairly simple but not fun doing all that cranking.


#9

Ric

Ric

I used to carry a 2x4 but that got old, I solved that issue by turning my hitch bottom side up, gained 2 1/2" in height at the hitch and dropped the rear of the trailer, no more problems with decks snagging.


#10

reynoldston

reynoldston

Now that sounds like a good idea raising the front of the trailer but also a lot of work. I would have to first disconnect the trailer from the vehicle, jack up the front of the trailer, then install stands or jacks under the rear of the trailer so when I put all the weight on the back I don't have the front of the trailer fly up. I am also thinking of buying a cheap ATV wintch and mounting it in my trailer somehow to pull mowers that not runing onto the trailer.


#11

M

mowerguy

I just leave the trailer hooked up to my truck. All it does is raises the back end of the truck and lowers the rear end of the trailer. Drive the mower up the trailer and then jack the trailer back down and off you go. Pretty simple. Just make sure the trailer is latched to the ball or you will be kickin yourself.


#12

CauZey

CauZey

Idk if somebody said it already or not but mine did that and I tried backin it on the trailer and it worked fine but it would not drive on forward.


#13

reynoldston

reynoldston

Mower season will be coming soon so the repairs will start coming.
Like I said I am loading a lot of different makes and models. I have tryed backing on and going on forward but some times it just hits and the mower hangs up.
The next time I load one that hits I am going to try to leave it hooked to the car, raise the trailer and car together and try it that way thanks for the idea.


#14

metz12

metz12

a guy i work for has that problem. he runs a craftsman and a cub cadet. he is able to back up the trailer and it works with both tractors. he also carries a 4x4 like the other guys in the thread just in case.


#15

Ric

Ric

mowerguy said:
I just leave the trailer hooked up to my truck. All it does is raises the back end of the truck and lowers the rear end of the trailer. Drive the mower up the trailer and then jack the trailer back down and off you go. Pretty simple. Just make sure the trailer is latched to the ball or you will be kickin yourself.
Click to expand...

Just asking but I don't know if that's such a good Idea. I'm not sure if the latch and ball clamp in the coupler can take that much lifting pressure.


#16

exotion

exotion

Ric said:
Just asking but I don't know if that's such a good Idea. I'm not sure if the latch and ball clamp in the coupler can take that much lifting pressure.
Click to expand...

Yah I have to use a 3 in drop hitch and I lifted the trailer with truck hooked up and I bent the reciver I fixed it but yah


#17

M

mowerguy

I've always had that fear but yet to have any problems. I've done it with numerous riders and zero turns. I guess when I put the tongue through my tail gate I'll find another way. A guy I work for actually showed me this method. He has a few race cars and uses a small trailer to move them from his house to the shop. They sit low the way it is and it has worked fine for him all this time. Not saying something couldn't happen, just haven't seen it yet.


#18

J

jymie

reynoldston said:
Now that sounds like a good idea raising the front of the trailer but also a lot of work. I would have to first disconnect the trailer from the vehicle, jack up the front of the trailer, then install stands or jacks under the rear of the trailer so when I put all the weight on the back I don't have the front of the trailer fly up. I am also thinking of buying a cheap ATV wintch and mounting it in my trailer somehow to pull mowers that not runing onto the trailer.
Click to expand...

Why not just use the jack that raises the front of the trailer without unattaching it, I'm sure you could get a few inches that way, don't unhook, thats dangerous.


#19

B

boston

I tried the wood at the bottom of the ramp and it didn't work because the tractor couldn't get up the ramp. Not because of the wood but it was still too steep for the deck to clear it. I tried backing it on and forward.


#20

midnite rider

midnite rider

​
boston said:
I tried the wood at the bottom of the ramp and it didn't work because the tractor couldn't get up the ramp. Not because of the wood but it was still too steep for the deck to clear it. I tried backing it on and forward.
Click to expand...

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.


#21

Ric

Ric

midnite rider said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.


#22

jekjr

jekjr

boston said:
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?
Click to expand...

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.


#23

B

boston

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


#24

exotion

exotion

boston said:
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"/>
Click to expand...

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


#25

midnite rider

midnite rider

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


#26

B

boston

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


#27

S

SeniorCitizen

boston said:
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?
Click to expand...
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.


#28

BHLC

BHLC

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


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