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Premier
08-10-2011, 02:03 PM
I run all of my gear on the back of my ute but from time to time it would be useful to have a simple mower deck on the A frame of one of my trailers.
My question is...what is the preferred length of drawbar from the front edge of the mower deck to the towball hitch, I need to determine whether I need to extend it or not?

Obviously weight is not a real issue but I dont want to restrict my turning circle.

Your help would be appreciated.

Cheers ;)

Premier

Tender Lovin Lawn&Garden
08-10-2011, 02:43 PM
I am not 100% sure on this but i would say if you where to turn your car and almost jack knife the trailer you wouldnt want the car to be touching anything but draw bar.

happymowin
08-10-2011, 03:39 PM
its really a measure of the width of your tow vehicle, the wider your tow car, the longer the bar has to be not to touch it.

jackknife the trailer on your tow car and see how far you can build onto the draw.

and "weight is not an issue" it sure can be, depending how much weight you have on there, it may make your tow vehicle sag or give you heaps of jolts when it goes over bumps.

HPM
08-10-2011, 06:04 PM
Its a good idea to make up a rough template from cardboard to see if it will fit/look ok/etc. Thats what i do and sometimes the design will change before i start manufacture..

St George
08-10-2011, 06:09 PM
4020this is my setup with draw bar from center of towbar to toolbox 820mm.done some sharp turns in sydney and so far no damage .....yet! sorry for the photo but im not good with computers

Tender Lovin Lawn&Garden
08-10-2011, 07:03 PM
I think the roblem is your driving up where the rest of us drive across lol

PaulG
09-10-2011, 01:58 AM
Rocket trailer!


Here it is spun around for those like me with a stiff neck!

4021

Premier
09-10-2011, 08:03 AM
Thanks for the tips...

I "G" clamped a piece of timber to the A frame (Representing the front edge of the deck) and did a jack knife test...everything seems to clear OK.
The distance from the front of the deck to the tow hitch is 840mm which is similar to one of the comments here so it looks like I'm good to go.

Cheers ;)


Premier

edbeek
29-04-2013, 08:52 AM
Planning on extending the drawbar on my 7x4 trailer to add a toolbox/mower box and to make it easier to reverse.
It's only a 750kg atm trailer so I think a whole new 100x50x2.5 @ $16+/metre is overkill so thinking a 100x100x3 extension of scrap laying around should do the job.
The dimensions should work for clearance @ jackknife and @750kg max, towball weight won't be an issue on my vehicle.
Present A frame is 50x50x2.5 so I've added a brace rod, and reinforced the join to the 100x100 with a plate and gussets.

Any thoughts on my proposed mods?
Wondering if anyone notifies Transport Dept of alterations to dimensions?
6233

simo
29-04-2013, 09:21 AM
1 metre + should be fine for most
Mine is 900mm on a hilux 6ft wide tray no with no problems...

PaulG
29-04-2013, 09:42 AM
Dimensions look fine.

Not sure about QT Ed. Do you need to get mods like this blue-plated like you do with certain mods to engines, seating etc?

edbeek
29-04-2013, 11:08 AM
Thanks Simo. Mine is a trayback Hilux too so should be good.

Paul, I think technically you would need to at least advise them, but whether anybody does or not, I dont know. Maybe under 750kg they don't care much anyway.

Blaktop
30-04-2013, 08:03 AM
Edbeek, that's almost what I had done to my trailer. I needed an extra 300mm so I could mount a toolbox, took it to a trailer place and that's what they did. I was a little doubful about the strength but it's been done for over a year now with no problems. A couple of months ago I was involved in a rear end collision. I had all my gear onboard including the rideon, ended up with the full jackknife.....the toolbox hit the ute around the back wheel. Destroyed the toolbox ($99 at SCA), bent the drawbar up under the ute, the ute was a write off but the trailer/drawbar was perfect.

The toolbox is 1400mm wide and the distance from towball to toolbox is 1050mm. Longer drawbars are easier to reverse....:)

http://www.chiefontour.com/store/drawbar.jpg

edbeek
30-04-2013, 09:29 AM
Thanks for doing the crash testing for me Blacktop.:)
I'm now thinking of just having a shorter mower box and fold the handles up, as my mower with the handles extended is wider than the trailer anyway.
I'll fashion a removeable lid for it so I can use it as a toolbox to carry chainsaws, fuel oil etc when the ute & trailer are full of firewood.

Did your trailer shop have to certify the mods or anything?

Blaktop
30-04-2013, 04:39 PM
Not as far as I know. I just left it with them for a few hours while I was gardening, came back, gave them $180 and it was all over. Not sure what the regs are in QLD.

geoff1969
30-04-2013, 07:47 PM
Did your trailer shop have to certify the mods or anything?

not sure officer it was like it when i brought it :i dunno:, your the first person ever out of many random road side breath testing stations and regerstration checks to ever question it :i dunno:......

edbeek
01-05-2013, 01:37 PM
I saw the Transport Dept this morning and all that's required is a new 'Self Assessment' with the new dimensions and a 'Change of Vehicle Particulars Notification'.
Weren't interested in any certifications or inspections.
Not a big deal really, but for piece of mind, if I ever have an accident I'd like to know that the trailer matches the dimensions that they have on their records.(which are based on my previous Self Assessment)

edbeek
20-05-2013, 07:25 PM
I attacked my drawbar over the weekend. Still have a bit of fiddling to do with the mower box. Also got my toolbox for the back of the ute almost finished.
A big paint job to come over winter and some signage. :)

6299 6300

imoww
20-05-2013, 07:32 PM
I had the same idea with my 6x4 trailer.

The only issue is.... If your mower is a Honda Self propelled, The handle bars (once folded down) extend beyond the trailer's width.


I run all of my gear on the back of my ute but from time to time it would be useful to have a simple mower deck on the A frame of one of my trailers.
My question is...what is the preferred length of drawbar from the front edge of the mower deck to the towball hitch, I need to determine whether I need to extend it or not?

Obviously weight is not a real issue but I dont want to restrict my turning circle.

Your help would be appreciated.

Cheers ;)

Premier

AJD Mowing
20-05-2013, 07:34 PM
Good stuff edbeek I love making stuff with the welder.. I got my trailer off ebay and gave it a total makeover looks the goods now...

imoww
20-05-2013, 07:40 PM
I bought this trailer on ebay a few months ago. All painted now and looking new. The tool box was already on it. It's secured pretty good too.
6301

AJD Mowing
20-05-2013, 07:42 PM
How Much Matt? Got any after shots?

imoww
20-05-2013, 07:43 PM
Got me puzzeld... How did you do the modifications for the trailer? Was the tub off another trailer?
4020this is my setup with draw bar from center of towbar to toolbox 820mm.done some sharp turns in sydney and so far no damage .....yet! sorry for the photo but im not good with computers

AJD Mowing
20-05-2013, 09:02 PM
Thats a steep hill he is parked on :laughing:

imoww
21-05-2013, 07:49 AM
Ill take a pic today Dean.

imoww
22-05-2013, 02:14 PM
6319here it is Dean.

imoww
22-05-2013, 02:16 PM
the dirty tool box top is from todays work

imoww
27-05-2013, 04:44 PM
6336 The trailer cost $1000. Dean...And now with the signs

happymowin
27-05-2013, 04:53 PM
i love the signage,

you can clearly see that you do MOWING, and your phone number is nice and big/clear,

i see so many guys with fancy signs that you cant read what they do OR their phone number, especially froma distance - but i spose the signwriting guys like to do fancy stuff.

the ones i mean have fancy writing(script?) , not clear and easy to read, or lots of graphics, some with just BLA services, or BLA - what is BLA, how do i know what they do?

nice job mate,

if you dont mind me asking, did you mean the trailer cost $1000 initially, or after your repairs, or as it stands with the sign writing?

also, if u dont mind me asking how much did the signwriting alone cost?

one day, when i semi retire, i look forward to a smaller trailer like this, easier to park, etc, and by then i will set myself up to take NO green waste away, so wont need a big trailer. probly still want a gal trailer, but maybe not, thinking it could be enough to paint tar on the inside, and line the floor with ply covered with tar again - as it will only be machines in it, not green waste hanging about in there.

what size is the tub/mower box, like a 6 x 4 footer?

cheers

imoww
27-05-2013, 04:56 PM
No probs Happy. The trailer originally cost me $1000.
The signage was $120.
I designed the logo for the simple reason too.

imoww
27-05-2013, 04:58 PM
The size is 7 x4

happymowin
27-05-2013, 04:58 PM
sorry mate, lol, i edited my post to ask another question, no biggie,

but hey good on ya for going "simple" and making it stand out clear as . . . . well you know

cheers mate

lolz!!!

cheers

imoww
27-05-2013, 05:01 PM
No probs Happy. Yep. I made it all clear what i do. Keep it basic for customers.....

AJD Mowing
27-05-2013, 05:17 PM
Trailer looks good Matt.. You got out of that for a good price.. Is it fully enclosed or open top?

AJD Mowing
27-05-2013, 05:19 PM
sorry mate, lol, i edited my post to ask another question, no biggie,

but hey good on ya for going "simple" and making it stand out clear as . . . . well you know

cheers mate

lolz!!!

cheers

Lets have a look at your trailer/gear Happy.. You got any photos?

imoww
27-05-2013, 05:21 PM
Fully enclosed Dean...

PaulG
27-05-2013, 05:25 PM
Good purchase that one. Saw a big ex-Jim's trailer that ended on fleabay last night for $1500 and it needed a LOT of work.

AJD Mowing
27-05-2013, 05:26 PM
Good stuff mate all locked up and dry just the way I like my gear :)

imoww
27-05-2013, 05:32 PM
HA ha ha. Yeap. Ive a few ex Jims go for allot more than they are worth on the Evilbay too.
This one was an Ex Jimos trailer too.
But the sale ended at 2am.... So lucky on that one...

Good purchase that one. Saw a big ex-Jim's trailer that ended on fleabay last night for $1500 and it needed a LOT of work.

imoww
27-05-2013, 05:33 PM
Good stuff mate all locked up and dry just the way I like my gear :)

Yep. Hey dean. Can you send me some pics of your trailer setup inside?
I saw them a while back on a post...

geoff1969
27-05-2013, 05:48 PM
thats a nice neat looking trailer imoww and as happy said the sign writing is very clear and jumps out at ya ...good job . cheers

AJD Mowing
27-05-2013, 06:01 PM
Yep. Hey dean. Can you send me some pics of your trailer setup inside?
I saw them a while back on a post...

pm me your email Matt and I will send you some through

AJD Mowing
27-05-2013, 06:12 PM
Mat this might be easier
http://www.ajdmowing.com.au/equipment

imoww
27-05-2013, 06:20 PM
Funky music there Dean....
I meant to ask for the details on what you have done to make the inside of your trailer. The timber parts.
Also. I just realised you have a tube for the garden rakes etc. How is that put on? Cable ties?

Mat this might be easier
http://www.ajdmowing.com.au/equipment

AJD Mowing
27-05-2013, 06:47 PM
I made it Matt. Hey when your in Sydney give me a call and we will have a coffee somewhere and you can have a look if ya want. Its a bit hard to say here what I did best if you have a look.
Phone 0407 769 771

imoww
27-05-2013, 07:52 PM
No probs. Will do Dean.. Ill be in sydney this wed & thurs. Ill call you on wed

AJD Mowing
27-05-2013, 08:00 PM
Wed is good but I have meetings in the City on Thurs for other stuff so Thur is out..
Give me a ring Wed morning and we can meet up.. Bring Greenie with ya :)

ian
27-05-2013, 08:42 PM
so nice of you to give directions on your site so the thieves know where to look :laughing:

edbeek
13-10-2013, 10:18 AM
I think I've finally got my little trailer finished now.
Over the last year it's got:
New Axle/springs/hubs
New wiring
Extended sides
Extended drawbar
Ztr ramps & retainers
Push mower box & mower retainers
Spare tyre carrier

6799 6800 6801

If the grass ever starts growing again here, I'll get some signage, and then start on a 10'x6' tilt trailer for the bigger ztr.

PaulG
13-10-2013, 11:14 PM
Great idea those lockdowns over the rear wheels!