I need a loader tractor for yard use and to pull a 12,500 lb boat to and from a boat ramp over level roads on a dual axel trailer. The most strain would be pulling the boat out of the water at the ramp. Would a 4800 series tractor be capable? Thanks. JW
Tractor for towing a boat
- Thread starter Orangejuice
- Start date
at 3.500# the tractor pulling a 12k trailer I would do it in low gear and very low speeds on the flats, in my yard, in/out my sheds no problem.
On a boat ramp with the slope and potential wetness, not this cowboy.
I wouldn't worry about strain, a little worry about braking, a lot of worry about boat ramp traction.
On a boat ramp with the slope and potential wetness, not this cowboy.
I wouldn't worry about strain, a little worry about braking, a lot of worry about boat ramp traction.
North Idaho Wolfman
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MX4800?
M4800?
Not without some serious ballast weight added!
And I would only consider it with turf tires!
M4800?
Not without some serious ballast weight added!
And I would only consider it with turf tires!
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I got a 6-way plug on the back of my tractor, not sure what it was for, but looks like what's on my pickup truck ...
If you could utilize the boats brakes with a controller, would be very helpful for launching the boat, without the tractor too!
With the last tractor NIF showed, with the box full of iron ...
If you could utilize the boats brakes with a controller, would be very helpful for launching the boat, without the tractor too!
With the last tractor NIF showed, with the box full of iron ...
Trailers should always be hitched to the swinging drawbar rather than the three point hitch and tongue weight should be within the limit of the drawbar. Operators have been injured or worse when towing overhauling loads from the three point hitch as the hitch can rise (unless mechanically locked in place) and the trailer can disconnect when braking or going downhill.
As others have already mentioned, turf tires recommended and appropriate ballast necessary.
How steep are the ramps? I have used my M6040 that weighs 9k to move my 35ft trailer that weighs in at 8800lbs around my yard and at spots I’ve unloaded to reposition the trailer empty.
It moved it no problem but I would be more concerned about the brakes on the tractor. Or just loosing traction on the way up or down.
Can’t use a truck to launch?
Edit. This model might work.
It moved it no problem but I would be more concerned about the brakes on the tractor. Or just loosing traction on the way up or down.
Can’t use a truck to launch?
Edit. This model might work.
What it can do, and what you should do, are different questions.
I have a 4000lb ski boat. I used to tow and launch it with a BX, but my boat ramp is on my property, and I never went out of L gear. I used the 3ph towbar that everyone recommends against, and lifted the 3ph when pulling out, which puts a lot of weight on the rear wheels.
Was it "safe". Well, no. The boat weighed about 3x as much as the tractor. But it easily moved it, and as long as I wasn't going fast, it stopped it. On a hill, or if you needed to panic stop because a kid or dog ran out in front of you, no way that'd be safe. But when I'm only tickling around about 300 meters in L gear, plenty safe. And yes, the 3ph when lifted can mean you're pulling from higher than the axle, and lift your front wheels. I'm used to my tractor front wheels being lifted (also the rear wheels). If the front wheels come up, perhaps it's time to ease up on the HST pedal, or lower the 3ph a bit. Some common sense does make things work a bit better.
I now tow a similar size boat with a B2601. Not much heavier than the BX, but quite a bit more traction. Also, not safe.
For your 12000lb boat, you'd ideally want a tractor that's 9k lbs or more. But, depends how far you're going, how fast you're going, how steep any hills are. Tractors regularly pull loads that are way heavier than the tractor is. And as others have said, if you can drive the trailer brakes things get a fair bit safer. I can't imagine buying a huge machine just to tow a boat - that's a lot of $$$. As others have said.....are you sure your truck won't pull it (or buy an old used F350 or something)?
I have a 4000lb ski boat. I used to tow and launch it with a BX, but my boat ramp is on my property, and I never went out of L gear. I used the 3ph towbar that everyone recommends against, and lifted the 3ph when pulling out, which puts a lot of weight on the rear wheels.
Was it "safe". Well, no. The boat weighed about 3x as much as the tractor. But it easily moved it, and as long as I wasn't going fast, it stopped it. On a hill, or if you needed to panic stop because a kid or dog ran out in front of you, no way that'd be safe. But when I'm only tickling around about 300 meters in L gear, plenty safe. And yes, the 3ph when lifted can mean you're pulling from higher than the axle, and lift your front wheels. I'm used to my tractor front wheels being lifted (also the rear wheels). If the front wheels come up, perhaps it's time to ease up on the HST pedal, or lower the 3ph a bit. Some common sense does make things work a bit better.
I now tow a similar size boat with a B2601. Not much heavier than the BX, but quite a bit more traction. Also, not safe.
For your 12000lb boat, you'd ideally want a tractor that's 9k lbs or more. But, depends how far you're going, how fast you're going, how steep any hills are. Tractors regularly pull loads that are way heavier than the tractor is. And as others have said, if you can drive the trailer brakes things get a fair bit safer. I can't imagine buying a huge machine just to tow a boat - that's a lot of $$$. As others have said.....are you sure your truck won't pull it (or buy an old used F350 or something)?
A tractor with Really really REALLY GOOD BRAKES would be best.
The problem is Not Pulling…. It’s STOPPING and HOLDING.
It’s a really good way to submerge a tractor, trailer and boat all in One Go.
The problem is Not Pulling…. It’s STOPPING and HOLDING.
It’s a really good way to submerge a tractor, trailer and boat all in One Go.
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I would not recommend using a tractor to launch or recover a boat at a boat ramp.
But…to address the question…HP is not going to be your problem. Your problem will be Brakes and Traction. Tractors have lousy brake systems for this task.
But…to address the question…HP is not going to be your problem. Your problem will be Brakes and Traction. Tractors have lousy brake systems for this task.
Sorry for the double post above. Don’t understand what happened.. made one post and it failed to post…. so wrote another and saved it…and BOTH showed up. 
Runs With Scissors
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A friend of mine owns a marina, and they use a “tug” to yank boats.
I think he said the “biggest” boat he can safely pull is a 40 footer.
However, their ramps are nearly flat.
Its similar to the style used for aircraft.
It looks "stupid heavy" and only goes “walking speed” when topped out (i.e. engine is screaming), and has suitcase weights all over it.
It’s probably from the 40’s or 50’s and too rusted out to make out the name, but looks “similar" to this, but with much wider tires.
My opinion is the key here is a combination of weight, gearing, and braking ability.
I think engine HP is a secondary consideration.
My gut is telling me, your 4800 is a bit of a “gamble” especially if it’s a steep ramp…..but I’ve been wrong before.
To test it, you might consider getting a larger vehicle, and connecting a tow strap to your tractor then to the truck as sort of a “safety anchor point” .
Then back it down the ramp and get a “feel” for how it pulls. If it starts to slip, or feels “Jenky” in any way, your tow strap and “anchor vehicle” would be used to help yank the combo out.
Just an idea….
I think he said the “biggest” boat he can safely pull is a 40 footer.
However, their ramps are nearly flat.
Its similar to the style used for aircraft.
It looks "stupid heavy" and only goes “walking speed” when topped out (i.e. engine is screaming), and has suitcase weights all over it.
It’s probably from the 40’s or 50’s and too rusted out to make out the name, but looks “similar" to this, but with much wider tires.
My opinion is the key here is a combination of weight, gearing, and braking ability.
I think engine HP is a secondary consideration.
My gut is telling me, your 4800 is a bit of a “gamble” especially if it’s a steep ramp…..but I’ve been wrong before.
To test it, you might consider getting a larger vehicle, and connecting a tow strap to your tractor then to the truck as sort of a “safety anchor point” .
Then back it down the ramp and get a “feel” for how it pulls. If it starts to slip, or feels “Jenky” in any way, your tow strap and “anchor vehicle” would be used to help yank the combo out.
Just an idea….
I'd like to see picture of the 12K5 boat on a dual axle trailer. Dang trailer has to weigh 3K at least, so maybe 16,000# to tow ??? Gotta be 8 bolt axles ??
I'd like to see a picture of the boat! A 12,500lb boat is a big boat by all accounts. For reference, my brother-in-law has a 27ft Quarken (shown below) which weighs a mere 5,500lb which is easily handled with a dual axle aluminum trailer.
An aluminum triple axle trailer can handle a 12,500lb boat.
So talking tractors, the trailer ratings are listed in the owner's manual. If the OP is looking to buy a tractor with the idea to pull a trailer, he/she should be aware of the recommendations from Kubota.
MX5400/MX6000
M6060/M7060
MX5400/MX6000
M6060/M7060
Depending on what it really is, fuel storage capacity can add up pretty quick. So hard to say if that is wet or dry weight. Certainly not the size of Noah’s ark or anything, but 12500 is larger than the average runabout / fishing boat no matter how you look at it.