hay rack stringers

MNPete · Apr 22, 2014

Hi all-

I found an elm tree whose top blew out this winter that I think will saw out to some good hay rack stringers. I'm posting to ask your opinion on what dimension I should saw. It looks like I might be able to get a 16' log out of this tree.

M Nut · Apr 22, 2014

I use 4x6-16ft long for square bale racks. (about 120 square bales) I use 6x6-20ft for round bale racks. (11 5x5 rounds)

caterpillar guy · Apr 22, 2014

4x6 would be heavy enough for what you want to do. Though 6x6 would set better. Elm will need to be oiled reasonably often to keep the wood worms out of it. Used oil on them each year would do it. Elm needs to be kept inside more than White oak. It will rot out in a few years if left outside.

JMS/.MN · Apr 22, 2014

I have 2 16 foot and 2 18 foot thrower racks. All use doubled 2x8 stringers, since solid timbers ere not available. 18 footers take 140 bales from the thrower, if stacked will hold about 200 bales. I added spreaders between the stringers to stabilize them.

paul · Apr 23, 2014

2x8 actual, or 1-1/2 by 7-1/4?

Three inch total would seem thin to me, but the spacers help.

I'd use 3 2x6 and make it 2 inches lower.

I would worry about a home sawn elm warping to where they wouldn't give a level hay rack and a bit heavy wood for the job, but 4x6 would be about right.

Dad was the type that used what was around, we had a hay rack with some ash, maple, and black walnut planks for the floor, because that was laying around 'worthless' otherwise to him....... When I grew up a bit more and was loading that rack, I always figured I was working on the most expensive hay rack in the state.

Paul

LorenMN · Apr 23, 2014

I built several hay racks using 4x6 oak stringers. Had close to 150 bales on the loads without a problem. I built the racks with oak 8" long 2x8"s across the stringers, then an oak 2x6 on each side to keep the planks level. Use hot-dipped galvanized carriage bolts instead of zinc plated.

Josh in Pa · Apr 23, 2014

I've always used rough sawn 3x8 oak for stringers, and 3x4 or 4x4 for cross pieces.
Josh

JMS/.MN · Apr 23, 2014

Store bought, not rough sawn. So 1 3/4? Yeah, I often wished they were 3 2x8s. I don"t like weak, sagging foundations, and I added the spreaders later. Axle spacing factors in as well.....overhang, front and rear.

Part Time Pete · Apr 23, 2014

I use 3x8 rough cut larch, or double 2 x 8 pressure treated for the main rails and 2 x 6 rough cut larch for the cross pieces. I use flashing on the tops of the main rails to protect them from collecting chaff and rotting (that's usually the first place to go)

ASG · Apr 23, 2014

I build several each each to sell. Upto 18' built with 3"x10" brdige timbers. Over 18' I use 3"x12" bridge timbers. Never had one break and don't have to worry about blocking up to clear the wheels.

hay rack stringers

MNPete

Member

M Nut

Well-known Member

caterpillar guy

Well-known Member

JMS/.MN

Well-known Member

paul

Well-known Member

LorenMN

Member

Josh in Pa

Member

JMS/.MN

Well-known Member

Part Time Pete

Well-known Member

ASG

Member

Similar threads