dwe8922

I have a 24' Featherlite that weighs about 8,000 lbs loaded, and I'm looking for something that can turn it around on field grass. I want to build a small shop, and doing so will make it impossible to turn around the trailer with my truck. The ground should be either level or a slight decline. I found this on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TRAIL...ht_2936wt_1167

Any thoughts on this?

J richard

Looks similar to the tow dollies to put the plane back in the hangar, makes life much easier than hooking up a truck...

disasterman

There are some small gas motor versions out there. My brother in law has one for his feather 24 and loves it.

Paul 996

That is a fantastic idea

gums

pretty trick!

Kein_Ersatz

With any incline, I wonder if there would be enough traction on grass to pull 8000 lbs rolling weight up any incline. Pushing it up may work, given the tongue weight pushing down on the tractor, but pulling may be an issue. Same goes for going down hill while pushing, not much traction for drag / braking if tongue facing uphill. On flat ground may not be an issue if grass is dry.

Empty trailer may not be an issue, but then a riding mower with a hitch would do it too. Loaded to 8000 lbs on grass seems to limit options, add in any incline and wet grass, even more concern it could get away from you.

YMMV

kurt M

Plans point out that it is not recomended for for over 3000 pounds if used on grass or any kind of incline.
I have used a machine that was originaly built as a car pusher but had a ball hitch added. It had lawn tractor type tires and this set opf plans calls for quad ATV type tires which might help some. The machine we have has plenty of torque but getting the ground to take the torque is another thing. Unless the surface is clean, dry and not shiny smooth the traction is less than the power of the machine. I would expect this machine to have some of the same issues wiht the tires tearing the grass rather than moving the trailer.

Coochas

I've spent some time researching these types of movers but have not yet pulled the trigger on buying one. There are a bunch of battery powered ones but I like these AC ones: http://www.powermoverinc.net/htmls/pmaccarts.html
I am thinking about getting the AC8 for my 22 foot trailer. Brady who owns the company will want to talk with you to determine your needs before he'll sell you one. I've emailed back and forth a number of times with him and will probably get one soon (maybe Santa?).

dave-C2

+1 on Powermovers with AC motor. They are slow and heavy, but powerful and rugged.

VERBOTN

David
Stop mucking around get a CAT-D9. My grandfather used to modify them for a variety of applications

dwe8922

I looked at one of the gas models, but want to stay away from another motor to care for. The AC versions are interesting as well. I agree that traction will likely be a problem, and I would think balancing tongue weight will be challenge too. My tongue weight is between 1000-1300 lbs.

Christian- what does "retired" mean? I just mounted my Etrack tire rack, and it's really tight....clearance of about 1" on top and bottom of tire!

Mussl Kar

At some point this winter I will be designing one to move my 28" gooseneck. Slightly different challenge because of the extra weight involved. It will most likely mount to the 2 jacks.
Also note that the one that uses a winch motor will have a short duty cycle before the motor gets too hot. Cool idea though.

VERBOTN

@David:

but it fits correct? 1-nch 1-mm whats the diff? Looking forward to seeing your project.

Circuit Motorsports

I know a couple people who went with a forklift for this application and have been very happy with it. Can be found for pretty cheap on craigslist and if you have the room are useful for more than just trailer moving.

kurt M

Forklift and grass = yard art.

Unless you get a con site type that has large soft air tires. My small hard tire fork truck is 3 tons