Choosing Trailer & Safety

Lucid

Member
Own a Farmall 200 that's a tricycle type, and would like to match up a trailer for it. Looking around for awhile just window shopping and learning. Now I would like to ask this community of their advice!

[i:c72878f0ed]I want to load the tractor + implement (disc ie), and transport to a friend's property occasionally. Also would like to take to my local fair once a year. And any other use in the future acquiring. ;-)[/i:c72878f0ed]

From what I can figure is I would need a tandem axle deckover. Maybe around 8 x 16 at the smallest. How will I load with only two ramps? Make a third or find trailer with heavy gate?

Tow vehicle is a '96 Ford Bronco with 302 v8. Estimated vehicle weight is 4,587 (GVWR 6,050). From my figuring... I have a GCWR of 11,500 lbs. So with a typical trailer I should have about 4,000+ of towable cargo?

The other part of my post is about [b:c72878f0ed]safety[/b:c72878f0ed]. Read about people getting killed trying to load tractors, and using them too. My Dad's boss died in a roll over. What are the best methods to load & unload tractors? Any other advice welcome!
 

Don't even think about needing a third ramp. Loading with two is easy, safe, and a non issue. Be sure ramps are self cleaning. not wood. My smaller trailer is tandem with bed between the fenders which means that the deck is lower, with shorter ramps, which I believe is safer. For safety, if the area is not flat and level, always park facing up or down hill as opposed to on the side hill. On a slope always chock the wheels of the trailer to avoid trailer surfing.
 
I would go with a Car tpye hauled 18" would be best. the deck is down between the wheels makes for easir=er loading also tows nicer since the center of gravity is lower than a deck over. Mine has 2 3500 lb axles andI haul a allis WD45 with one emplement without any problems. If you go larger with a bronco for a tow vehical you won"t be happy. I notaced a big differance between towing a 16" and a 20" behind a Blazer. short wheel base tow rigs get very sensietive to a long trailer behind it. Don"t let anyone talk you into a bigger heaver trailer because you might need it some day. your bronco isn"t up to the task.Your tractorhas a listed wieght around 3,500 lbs ad 500 for one emplement and 2000 for the trailer. 6,000 will safely load on a 7,000lb trailer. and your bronco will pull it. as always trailer brakes and a controler are required.
 
Going to depend a lot on the type disc you have. If a drag type disc without tires then you will have to pull the tractor on 1st with disc trailing and then unhook disc and back the tractor up over tounge to get enough tractor weight back far enough to haul with a light tow vehicle. You will also need the third ramp if doing this. If just loading tractor you can do it with two , just hit it at an angle and once your front is on the deck crank it sharp towards the center and both rears will be lined up. Takes a little practice to get the entry angle correct. You will be lucky to get a disc and tractor on a 16'er and there won't be any room to adjust load fore/aft. Mine is a 20'er inc. the beaver tail and I can pull a late JD "B" and an 8' drag disc on and then unhook and back the tractor up over the hitch and keeps my tounge weight right where it should be. Make sure the disc is set straight in transport mode so you can hand pull it back off and drive away to unload tractor. I think your 200 is a little lighter than my B so maybe you can get away with leaving it hitched up and being ahead further.
 
I don't see 16' trailer being anywhere near enough.

In fact. I'd go 24' so you have room to adjsut the load.. .. though a 20 will probably get you crammed on with the disc.

3rd ramp? make one.. or buy one. many custom sales places will sell you another ramp. I just welde dmine up. If not too wide you can get a drop deck lowboy.. just have to deal with fenders on the sides.. all depends.

On the trailer itself.. i was gonna say gooseneck.. but not with a bronco.

I personally wouldn't tow over 16' with a 1/2 ton truck anymore... I pulled way to many marginal loads way too many years. I passed 3/4 ton ( ok for most aprt ).. and went to 1 ton dually.

there's your safety margin.. thick as bread loaf. more rubber on the road. extra weight. all things that will help you whent he stuff hits the fan.

I pull a H on a 25' GN tandem deckover with flip up ramps and self cleaning beaver tail. I have a HD '3rd' ramo I can use with any of my trailers.. since the bulk of my tractors are NF rowcrops...

be safe.

excess tow vehicle may be a waste.. but sure beats insufficient tow vehicle.

late model 'farm trucks' can usually be had cheap.

I tend to prefer diesel.. but a big old gasser will do.

for instance. there is a 96-96 gas f350 near me.. va, dually.. looks good.. etc. 3100$

you see this withg allthe major brands. 90's and early 00 era dualies gas and diesel for 4 digit$ and down.

good investment if you ask me.
 
Any body that has a narrow front end tractor and only two loading ramps is asking to kill them selves trying to load their tractor on a trailer. I always back mine on and drive off the trailer, much eaiser to see the rear tires are on the ramps that way.
 
We always loaded the backhoe forwards, so that the rear bucket could sit on the beavertail and not hit any bridges. That's the way I prefer to load anything, other than a skid-steer may not climb the ramps forward. More to do with experience and comfort than anything else. I'd rather back off a ramp on the way off than back off the side of the trailer on the way on.

As far as a 3rd ramp, for the length needed for the trailer he's talking about, and the weight of his tractor, a piece of 2x12 with a piece of angle iron bolted under one end would suffice. A 4 to 6 foot piece can be had at Menard's for a few bucks.
 
If that tractor and disk is all your going to haul a 10,000 LB. trailer will work.But if your going to buy new there isn't much differance in price in go to a 12,000 LB. trailer. Also take a look at the low profile and 102" wide deckovers. They pull nice and have a lower center of gravity. The third ramp cost between $100.00-$175.00 depending on how heavy of a ramp and if you want spring assistance. I drive my tractor on forwards and back it off. I always make sure trailer is chocked before going on and coming off trailer. One thing you might look into is a weight distribution system which helps with any sway and takes some of the weight off the back of your vehicle and transfers it to front axle.
 
ive hauled with both a lowdeck [between the wheels] and deckover [ over the wheels,] both are good and have their strong points but i dont know about a deckover setup that will bumper pull, most are goosenecks, the first thing you need to know is how long is your tractor with the longest impliment you might take to the show? [ or to a job] add at least 4 to 5 feet for a beavertail ramp on the trailer, althoug you can set the impliment on the beavertail its better if you can get it fully on the deck of the trailer for a trike style tractor you will either need a third ramp or a full width ramp which will need a spring assist a trile tractor can be loaded with 2 ramps and you'll see old men do it , but its dangerous as all get out, and keep in mind that 70 year old that just did it has probably been driving that tractor since he was 7 he can probably park it on your porch too if he wanted too my favorite for my outfit is a 18 foot car hauler with a 4 foot beavertail , loading a tractor on it is plum easy i can load my tractor and a 5 foot brush hog attached and another small impliment crossways on the front of the trailer and still be fully on the trailer [ the hogs tail wheel is just on the rear of the trailer] this is a bumper pull trailer but my tow vehicle is a one ton dually with a 12 foot flatbed, and weighs 8800 lbs empty ,your bronco is marginal, but will do it, you will definatly want to step up to a equalizer hitch setup with sway control for that , they may cost some money but its insurance on your bronco, your tractor and trailer and your life,your piece of mind will thank you every mile, your going to wake up that 302 too it will have all it can handle, especially if you get in rolling hill country
 
(quoted from post at 05:38:47 09/04/13) ive hauled with both a lowdeck [between the wheels] and deckover [ over the wheels,] both are good and have their strong points but i dont know about a deckover setup that will bumper pull, most are goosenecks, the first thing you need to know is how long is your tractor with the longest impliment you might take to the show? [ or to a job] add at least 4 to 5 feet for a beavertail ramp on the trailer, althoug you can set the impliment on the beavertail its better if you can get it fully on the deck of the trailer for a trike style tractor you will either need a third ramp or a full width ramp which will need a spring assist a trile tractor can be loaded with 2 ramps and you'll see old men do it , but its dangerous as all get out, and keep in mind that 70 year old that just did it has probably been driving that tractor since he was 7 he can probably park it on your porch too if he wanted too my favorite for my outfit is a 18 foot car hauler with a 4 foot beavertail , loading a tractor on it is plum easy i can load my tractor and a 5 foot brush hog attached and another small impliment crossways on the front of the trailer and still be fully on the trailer [ the hogs tail wheel is just on the rear of the trailer] this is a bumper pull trailer but my tow vehicle is a one ton dually with a 12 foot flatbed, and weighs 8800 lbs empty ,your bronco is marginal, but will do it, you will definatly want to step up to a equalizer hitch setup with sway control for that , they may cost some money but its insurance on your bronco, your tractor and trailer and your life,your piece of mind will thank you every mile, your going to wake up that 302 too it will have all it can handle, especially if you get in rolling hill country


How is loading an NFE tractor on two ramps dangerous as all get out. All it is, is driving the tractor around a slight curve while going up hill. If you drive a tractor once in awhile it is something that you need to do.
 
if someone is not experienced in doing that, it can be dangerous if there not l;ined up right and dont get the front wheels on the trailer before they turn or miss the ramp with one hind wheel i have loaded a couple myself and can see where it can go bad real easy
 
A 1996 Ford Bronco is not a suitable tow vehicle.

Unless you buy something else, there is no further
point in discussing a trailer to go behind it.

@ http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090411124433AARdiTe
 
1. Loading a narrow front tractor is not "easy" or "safe." It requires near-perfect positioning and angles, perfect timing, good brakes on the tractor, and a skilled operator. You have to approach the ramps from the side, and kick the tractor around sharply while the front wheels go up one ramp. Ideally you end up with the front wheels on the trailer and the rear wheels aligned with the ramps.

It's really cool to watch when done properly, but really messy if you don't get it right. Buy, or build a third ramp.

2. You don't need a deckover for a 200. A "low-boy" or "car hauler" style trailer will carry the tractor much lower to the ground. It's a lot safer to load and more stable on the road.

3. A 1996 Ford Bronco is a poor choice for a tow vehicle. The short wheelbase and jacked-up suspension makes it very unstable by itself, worse with a heavy trailer behind.

Your Bronco is closer to 6500lbs with passengers, tools, fuel, and other "stuff." The minimum trailer will weigh is 2000lbs. That puts you at a maximum of 3000lbs for the tractor to put you right at your 11,500 GCWR.

Exceeding GCWR is not the end of the world in most cases, but with a Bronco it might not be such a good idea.
 
my trailer has a split gate. Makes loading narrow front tractors a breeze compared to a third ramp, or block of wood.
 
I have a low deck tilt trailer--5 ton ProTough
Works great for my dozer, tractor,lawnmower and atv.
 
Thanks for the comments. Gave me a lot to think about...

Hard to know how it is until you have done it before. I cannot imagine attempting to load the tractor with 2 ramps!

I could go with a low deck and adjust-in the tractor wheels if had to. Will use electric brakes and break away. Did read in my Bronco's manual about the hitch to spread the weight to the front axle. Could be a possibility.

Or can plan on getting a more suitable tow vehicle as suggested. 1 ton dually was one, anyone have any 'minimums' you would have for a tow vehicle? I just did a quick craigslist search and found this for example: http://norfolk.craigslist.org/cto/4013512239.html

The disc is 7ft fast hitch type.
 
For a 200 and a disk? Just about any long wheelbase (reg cab long box, extended cab with short or long box) truck would do. Just put good LT tires on it, not P-metrics.

That 1-ton would definitely be overkill. But cool if you cleaned her up and put an interior in her.

A motor like a 302 is going to have to really rev to pull much, just the nature of the beast.

I'd look for an old F-150 with a 300 or 351, a Dodge with a 318 or 360, or a Chevy with a 350. A fuel-injected 4.3 with the right gearing would be OK as well, but you're not gonna run with the big dogs with it, and you would probably want a weight-distributing hitch.

With a weight-distributing hitch, if you're not in a hurry, keep in mind the truck's limitations, and not piling traffic up behind you, your Bronco may not work too bad. Do you have good tires on it, and is it stock height? I wouldn't bother trying it out if it's lifted more than 2 inches.
 
Yeah that's not a bad looking truck, owner must have taken care of it.

I do have bigger tires of the Bronco, they are Dunlop RV 33x12.50 (R15)...
 
Once your tire height gets over double your rim diameter, your tires start to get a bit squirmish, but it's worth a test run at least. Air them up properly and it may not be bad. It's up to you whether you can live within the limits of the truck or not.
 
I usted to tow a 4500 lb pulling tractor with a 89
Bronco and a car hauling trailer with 5 lug wheels.
I had a Reese equalizing hitch. and had to put 10
ply tires on the Bronco. Wasn't to bad but you had
to pay attention, or the tail would wag the dog. I
also pulled a 7X16 ft stock trailer. Have hauled 5
horses. Moved up to a 03 F250. Now this is a trailer
puller. Need to have pulled with a Bronco or Blazer
to appreciate it. :) Vic
 
A Farmall 200 is a fairly small tractor, even with a disk, that tractor can't pull too big of a disk. A 16' trailer with two 3500 lb. axles will handle it fine. Your Bronco will pull it fine, you do need brakes on the trailer and a brake controller on your Bronco. You don't need a deckover, a lowboy trailer will do fine as long as your tractor is narrow enough to fit in between the sides. Get a third ramp, it sounds like you have some concerns about loading. a third ramp ain't that expensive. Also you need the brakes to be in good working condition on the tractor and always use the lowest gear to load and unload. Don't forget 4 chains and boomers to tie down. Be safe and happy tractoring. JB
 
FWIW, Suggest checking into Federal/local DOT rule changes before jumping into truck/trailer purchase, going too "heavy duty" puts you in a new ball park with them. "Generally" GVWRs of 10k# max. for each the truck and the trailer should be safe. Although some will not agree that these rules apply, it is you that may pay the tickets. "Out-of-compliance" status could also affect insurance coverage/claims.
FMCSA
 
Best advise on loading a tractor on a trailer is to have ramp set properly before you start up the ramps. Next when you start up the ramps keep your foot (OFF) the clutch until your tractor is all on the trailer deck. Same when unloading, keep your foot off the clutch until the tractor is on the ground.

Loaded and unloaded the pictured load of tractors for over ten years and even the tractor on the back I did not push in the clutch once I started to load on the ramps until both rear tires were off the ramps. It is something you have to put in your head like breathing.

pullingtractorsBonfront-vi.jpg
 
My CA Allis Chalmers (about the same size as a 200) rode many miles from the Des Moines area as far north as the Twin Cities and as far south as Kansas City behind a 4 cyl Ranger and a v6 Bronco II. I always remembered I was not going to be able to stop or go quickly and drove accordingly. Your full size Bronco will do just fine. A 6X18 trailer will be plenty big enough.
 
You'll want it as low to the ground as you can get or extra long
ramps or both. Loading my Super C with 7' fast hitch disc on to my
20+5 goose neck was spooky the 1st couple times I loaded.1st gear
and just above idle my front end came up. Fortunately every thing
happened in slow motion so no harm done.

Make darn sure your brakes are locked together and properly
adjusted to apply evenly.

I drove it on with the disc down for several trips and that worked
fine. However I hated backing it off the trailer. I now back it on the
trailer and drive it off. Much more comfortable to me.
 
Good choice, Dean. Used to drive on and back off tractors on my 23+5 GN.Scary as hell on a JD70 tricycle, etc.. The proper way is to always back them on and drive them off unless you use a loading dock at both sides of the trip.... or you use something low to the ground like a car hauler. with loooong ramps for shallow loading angle.
Ralph in OK.
 

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