Transport BX in pickup bed?

[aeronutt]

I might have the need to transport a BX about 1000 miles in the next few months.

Am I just asking for trouble if I try saving fuel and hauling the tractor in the bed? My alternative is a 25' gooseneck trailer that weighs 6500 lbs empty. It seems like wretched overkill. My fuel burn for the trip would be doubled. If I had a smaller trailer, I'd choose that for sure.

Specs tell me the tractor will physically fit in an 8-foot bed and the weight is within what my truck is rated to carry. The loader would have to sit on the open tailgate and I'd probably need to remove the 3pt arms so the back tires could get right to the front of the bed. Getting it in and out would be pretty easy by removing the tailgate and backing up to a loading dock, which I have at both ends. Anybody have experience with this?

 

[bcp]

No help, but it reminds me of this.

Bruce

 

[ironpony]

I see no problem as long as you do not exceed the trucks ratings. I think it is referred to as pin weight for the rear axle.

 

[85Hokie]

I am gonna say bad idea......

go to your nearest U-Haul - rent a small trailer from them.

You really do NOT want the bucket hanging out the back - tooooo many popo's will see that and say ......mmmm......sir........uh.....

 

[eipo]

As long as it physically fits inside the dimensions of the bed with the tailgate down included, I don't see any issues.

The only thing that would keep me from doing it is having the ability to tie it down. There isn't really anything in the bed rated to tie down a tractor of that size.

Sent from a field

 

[Dr Honda]

I have mixed feelings on this.

I currently have a Ram 1500, and I would say, "No Way"... but my old Cummins (2500) would ride real nice with 1000# of scrap aluminum in the back.

So... if it's a 2500/3500... then that would be fine.


BUT...........


Having the pointy end of the FEL sticking out the back could be a No-No in some places.

AND...

Can you secure it well enough if there is an issue?


AND FINALLY....

I would be worried about the loading, and un-loading. I've seen way too many vids of lawn tractors, and guys loading RZR/Ranger type vehicles, and a ramp slips. When a RZR falls... it can take the bounce. But if your BX slips... it will break, and probably hurt the truck.


With that last one out there... I would rent the $40 trailer. (cheaper than the potential damage) But I wouldn't pull out a HD trailer, since it will kill your MPG's. Heck... the fuel savings will cover the rental.


My 2 cents... take it for what it's worth.

 

[hodge]

I would rent a trailer. The loader is going to stick way out back, and be a problem. Plus, that is a lot of weight up high. And, as mentioned, you have to secure it in the bed well enough for it to stay put in the event of an accident. You aren't going to have tie downs heavy enough to hold that tractor in the bed. A trailer would be much safer, and the money saved from a lawsuit would more than pay for the rental and extra fuel.
There are marginal ways of doing things, and sound, safe ways.

 

[aeronutt]

Thanks for the sanity checks. I didn't even consider the tiedown points or the high center of gravity. The tiedown loops in the corners of the bed would be completely blocked by the tires. Especially the back tires at the front of the bed. I'll look into renting or borrowing a standard car trailer and make sure there's no doubt about safety.

 

[D2Cat]

My friend bought a Skid Steer up in your neck of the woods and hauled it back himself. He wanted to use a trailer he had (and bought from me) and I told him he's foolish to haul an 7000# machine on a trailer with 3500# axles to save some money.

He finally rented a trailer, $80 and he got a good spare and if he had trouble it wasn't his responsibility to repack a bearing or fix a tire. All went well.

I'd suggest the same for your trip.

I'd have to have a pretty good reason to haul a machine 1000 miles. I'd rent the machine there and do the work and come home!

 

[Grouse Feathers]

Good choice, that high center of gravity would have scared me.

 

[Diydave]

Back in the old days (less traffic on the local rds), we'd take a tricycle tractor, drive the front end onto the truck bed, chain it in place, and take off, sans tailgate... Cops nowadays DO then to take umbrage at that...

 

[bcp]

Thanks for the sanity checks. I didn't even consider the tiedown points or the high center of gravity. The tiedown loops in the corners of the bed would be completely blocked by the tires. Especially the back tires at the front of the bed. I'll look into renting or borrowing a standard car trailer and make sure there's no doubt about safety.

Measure first. The BX is so much narrower than a car it might not fit both left and right wheels in the wheels rails of a "car trailer." Flat bed would be better.

Bruce