What Should I Do With HUGE I Beams?

Lanse · Feb 11, 2017

Hey everyone! So, to make a long story short a friend of mine bought a massive machine that was built on a trailer, about 50 feet long and madebfrom 12 or 14 inch tall I beam. He bought it used from the government and took the machinery off of it, but has no use for, or interest in, the trailer itself.

I think I can use the "box" of it for storage on my prroperty, but I need to come up with a plan for this massive frame. Its not a semi trailer frame nor does it have standard axles, its a very unique design that uses old army wheels/axles. Therefore its not really worth selling (Im getting it for free, so he doesnt have to pay to park it anymore), and I have bo use for a trailer this heavy.

Therefore I need to cut it up and make something out of it. I cant bring myself to scrap it, but I dont know what to make out of huge I beam like this. Some sort of machine that i can sell, or tractor attachment would be best. The trailer (empty) weighs about 15,000 pounds, or so we think. Any input would be welcomed, thanks.

Adirondack case guy · Feb 11, 2017

Use it for a bridge frame across a stream. All you need to do is find a stream that needs a bridge. HeHe.
Loren

RedMF40 · Feb 11, 2017

Sounds like some of it would make good overhead crane in your shop if you need to move heavy things around. Might already have that, though. Ppl also use sections of i beam for anvils.

Super51 · Feb 11, 2017

These could be sold for Bridge beam's,check the price on new beams that size and price accordingly!Steel beam,s that size are very expensive per foot!

Steve@Advance · Feb 11, 2017

You might be surprised who might want that!

They may not need it as a trailer, but could cut it up for the I beams.

You can get a good estimate of the weight by carefully measuring the I beams, go online and find the weight per foot. You could then price it about double scrap price, put it on Craigslist. I would leave it on the axles for easy transport.

49716 · Feb 11, 2017

sounds like a nice frame for a portable sawmill complete with heavy wheels

paul · Feb 11, 2017

Ibeam that long and heavy is in demand for bridges, overhead door headers for farm sheds, overhead crane rails, etc., you might be surprised what a 50 foot long piece of ibeam is worth on Craigslist.

Hate to see you cut them up short for your tasks and make something valuable worth very little. Do a little research on what you got before getting out the torch.

Paul

thepumpguysc · Feb 11, 2017

I just came from HEF, the heavy equipment forum..
They were JUST talking about finding an I beam to use as a cradle to hold hydo cylinders for teardown.
Welding a cradle in it, lined w/ aluminum or brass to cradle the rod so you don't marr the chrome.
Maybe weld on a big nub to hold the rod while you get the nut off..

jon f mn · Feb 11, 2017

Pics or actual specs on the beams would help. Same for the axles.

Jeff NWOH · Feb 11, 2017

You could build a few log splitters.

sms · Feb 11, 2017

A colleague of mine that does demolition runs into this situation with I- beams in buildings. He calls our local Ironworks/steel supplier/crane service to come and get them, the value is then bartered for service or supplies.

dpendzic · Feb 11, 2017

the term I beam was discontinued in the late 70's---they are now called S shapes---but may also be WF beams or H beams-
you will need the exact dimensions and a steel manual that has all the dimensions for the different beams to determine what you have

JayinNY · Feb 11, 2017

My house built in 1976 had 3 8" I beams in the basement holding up the house, I would try to sell them rather than cut them up, you can't beat that old steel.

Rich'sToys · Feb 11, 2017

Are there any house movers in your area? Those guys use a lot of long I beams.

sms · Feb 12, 2017

I also have some about 22 inches deep I have used for jacking houses. I have jacked and supported several buildings (including one old dairy barn) then dug out old foundations (with my crawler loader) or the dirt if no basement and put in new foundations.

VADAVE · Feb 12, 2017

Build yourself a gantry crane. With a good chain fall and a truck for the beam you could pick most anything.

JMOR · Feb 12, 2017

Keep them until you need them. When a job comes your way that needs them, they will become more valuable than anything you can 'just do now to use them up'.

sms · Feb 12, 2017

Here is a couple old pictures.

dr sportster · Feb 12, 2017

What I think is cool to make and what you think are two different things. It boggles the mind. Save them to the side a long as you can . You will think of a million ideas once you have them.

ss55 · Feb 12, 2017

Check what new steel that size sell for in your area, (transportation costs can add up in remote areas). Most steel companies have websites.

caterpillar guy · Feb 12, 2017

Sell it to me. I will use it for something sprayer trailer,ditch bridge,hay wagon,the list goes on and on.

What Should I Do With HUGE I Beams?

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