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Small Cabin Forum / Cabin Construction / The good and bad news (ATV and cart connection)
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optimistic
Member
# Posted: 24 Feb 2013 09:20am
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I got back from land yesterday. My ATV was there (good news) and it started right up. I was also lucky enough to find a strong built yard cart and buy it on my way there. I moved about 3.5 tons of crushed stone to my site using a snow shovel, the cart, and ATV.... I can barely type now....

Bad news: I couldn't finish the pad in time so I will push the shed by a week. But a bigger problem: I broke something in the yard cart. I either put too much weight or it happened when I tried to turn back with reverse which put a lot of pressure on the wheels - because now the wheels are not turning and they are leaning on the side of the cart - rendering the cart into a sled basically. I am attaching pictures.

My biggest concern is to try and fix it next time I go up so I can haul more rock. I took some pictures of the side of it so hopefully you guys can advise me on fixing it - if it is even possible.

Another thing, less of a concern. I took pictures of the hitch I connect to my ATV and how the cart is connect. They are two holes basically. So I put a bolt there yesterday. How do I properly connect them?

http://s258.beta.photobucket.com/user/ubgone/library/cabin

neb
Member
# Posted: 24 Feb 2013 09:31am
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It is hard to tell for me but I would say the axle is bent or rod connecting both wheels. The wheels will tip in toward the cart if that is whats happening. It will need to to be straightened and if the case it should be a stronger axle. Problem will occur again.
The bolt is fine but you may want to install a ball hitch to the unit and cart. It would be a way smoother rotation and pulling device.
Good luck

Martian
Member
# Posted: 24 Feb 2013 09:34am
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It looks like either the axle has bent or the bearings are crushed. Pull the wheel and check to see which is the problem. If the cart was bought used, then I'd lean towards the bearings having failed. Hopefully, the axle wasn't damaged. If the axle is bent, the only option is to straighten or replace it. Make smaller loads, buy a heavier duty trailer, or take the tires off and put runners on it like a real sled.

Tom

manny
Member
# Posted: 24 Feb 2013 09:45am
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Neb is correct. The axles are way to lite.Your going to need someone who can weld. And If you go with bigger axles than you will have to get bigger wheels to fit the axle. Just my 2 cents.

Rob_O
# Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:15am
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Looks to me like the axles is bent as well



Rick004
Member
# Posted: 24 Feb 2013 12:34pm
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They look like wheelbarrow tires , just take out the cotter pins and the whole axle should slide out . Either stick it in a vise and straighten it out or get another rod the same size and diameter to replace it but don't forget to Make sure there are little holes drilled for the cotter pins ! It looks like that trailer is not designed for more than a couple hundred pounds of stuff at a time especially if its rough terrain than maybe less !

Storogoth
Member
# Posted: 24 Feb 2013 01:24pm - Edited by: Storogoth
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I bought a $200 Harbor Freight trailer and built a platform to attach to the frame. I then used the slots for the vertical stakes to build sides for the trailer to hold dirt, etc. I can tow the ATV up on the trailer, then attach the sides (they bolt together with carriage bolts & wing nuts) and use the the same 1 7/8" hitch to attach it to the ATV ball to drag it around. The axle is good for 800#, rated for highway travel and I have put well over 1000# of gravel in it to tow with the ATV. Although I have a few hours of work building it, there is probably less than $300 invested. Here is a link to a pano shot that you can see the trailer on the left. Not the best picture but you get the idea. It really works great when I need to move road base, logs or even a couple of people around the property. I just wish that I had bought a bigger ATV because when it's really loaded down it has a hard time pulling up a steep slope.

http://www.coloradopeak.com/images/TruckCamper.jpg

optimistic
Member
# Posted: 24 Feb 2013 04:22pm
Reply 


I am sure I killed it... The wheels have air in them and seem to be decent.

I guess I will have to just take it to someone to fix.

If I can only rent a decent trailer for next weekend.... But I don't think I can rent such a thing.

rayyy
Member
# Posted: 24 Feb 2013 08:49pm
Reply 


Lolll,I'm sorry,Opt,I think yah done bent the 1/2 inch axle.A little heat from a tourch and a few wacks from a hammer might work to bend it back down.

Thunder9
Member
# Posted: 25 Feb 2013 08:12pm
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Can't help ya with the trailer, but you do have a really nice looking piece of land. What state are you in?

As for the cart, maybe start over with a heavier built trailer.

optimistic
Member
# Posted: 25 Feb 2013 08:46pm
Reply 


Should I even attemp to take it to someone to fix?

Who do I think it to? mechanic? welder?

Rick004
Member
# Posted: 25 Feb 2013 10:16pm
Reply 


Actually it is an easy fix ! Like I said earlier pull out the cotter pin holding the tire and the axle should pull out if its not too bent . Take it to a handy man somewhere and he will either bend it back straight for You or buy another rod and have it cut the same size !

Rob_O
# Posted: 25 Feb 2013 10:48pm
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Quoting: optimistic
Should I even attemp to take it to someone to fix?

Who do I think it to? mechanic? welder?


Just pull the cotter pin at the end of the axle and slide the wheel off. Put a length of pipe over the axle and bend it back straight.

VTweekender
Member
# Posted: 25 Feb 2013 11:18pm
Reply 


I agree with Rob, pretty easy fix...

You could also go with a Jet Sled like I suggested to start with, this one has an optional ATV hitch... http://www.amazon.com/Shappell-54-Jet-Sled-Multi-Purpose/dp/B002RWBPQM/ref=pd_sim_sbs _sg_3

Anonymous
# Posted: 26 Feb 2013 12:19am
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Quoting: Rob_O
Just pull the cotter pin at the end of the axle and slide the wheel off. Put a length of pipe over the axle and bend it back straight.


And most likely it will bend again and that time break off.

ClimberKev
Member
# Posted: 26 Feb 2013 09:28am
Reply 


ATV's are incredible powerful. We typically use a full size trailer for moving wood with a 400. Have you tried attaching a ball hitch and using the U-Haul trailer?

optimistic
Member
# Posted: 26 Feb 2013 12:44pm
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That's exactly my plan - rent the 4'x7' uhaul trailer and use it to haul stone with the atv.

But after buying this cart - I want to fix it.

Dillio187
Member
# Posted: 26 Feb 2013 12:52pm
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like the others said, bend the axle back, and don't put so much weight in it, and go slow with it.

Anonymous
# Posted: 26 Feb 2013 01:49pm
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Quoting: Dillio187
bend the axle back, and don't put so much weight in it, and go slow with it.


Bring a pipe, bend it straight, , easy fix.

Since you now KNOW the size of the load that is TOO BIG, go half-size on your loads. Twice as many trips will get you DONE in much less time than all the hassles of searching out a new cart or bracing the old one.

Work to your deadline, you can deal with the cart later.

Popeye
Member
# Posted: 26 Feb 2013 05:42pm
Reply 


Your pic doesn't show clearly, but I believe you could eliminate the axle and remount the wheel with a grade 8 bolt and nut.

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