[jwholden]

I have a 16' trailer to carry my Bobcat 763, backhoe, and pallet forks. I have never liked this trailer and am considering a replacement. I've been looking for one built sturdier, with a pallet fork rack, and a heavy duty jack. I know I could make modifications to my current trailer, but want to weigh the option of getting one designed right from the start.

I have been thinking about what I may put on this trailer in the future. Could be a T190 Bobcat or a compact TLB such as a Bobcat B200/250 or Kubota L35. Here's where the problem comes in. These compact TLB's are around 19' when transported.

How much overhang do you get away with when loading a trailer? I assume the backhoe can hang off the back a bit. I have considered getting an 18' trailer to replace my 16 footer, but the added weight and length leave me wanting to stay at 16'. However for $200 I can get the extra 2' and be sure that everything will fit in the future, but the trailer will be a little longer and heavier. My goal is to stay under 10 K gross weight.

Doing a bit of thinking aloud here and curious what you guys are using to transport compact TLB's. Thanks.

[Paul]

One of the problems you run into is weight distribution. Longer equipment might not put the weight where you need it on the trailer. This can cause poor handling by having to much weight on the tongue or too little tongue weight causing the rear end of the truck to lift or push. A good 18' to 19' trailer will run about $5K. The extra weight capacity will serve you better in the long run.

[jwholden]

One other quick question,

What is a Dexter Torflex axle? Is it worth the extra investment?

[HRLand]

Torflex axels use torsion or twisting force to support the weight rather than leaf springs. Most enclosed trailers use this system but I've never seen it on a construction trailer.

[Bill Schwab]

We have two trailers with torque flex axles...Personally, I hate them and would npot buy another trailer with them on, so long as I had the time to wait for the one I wanted.

Would much rather have real springs, even though they ride rougher. We have issues with uneven tire wear on both trailers that we have never had on a spring suspension system.


For what you are transporting John, my choice would be a 20 or 25' dove tail trailer with a 20 ton capacity. You could use it for brick, trees, or equipment and would never wear it out because typically you run lighter than that. You can find them at auction for 4-5K, a new one will set you back 10K plus or minus

[site]

I tow my Kubota L35 with a Hudson 21'. Its a cheap trailer, but it's light. The L35 weighs about 7400lbs, so you need a light trailer to keep the GVW under 10,000. I could probably get by wit a little shorter, but it's nice to have some room.

[Pelican]

I'de stay away from the torque flex axle in this application too. They seem to work better in light duty applications, from what I've gathered from cut away views they are a square tube axle mounted in a rubber cushion that twists for suspension. I'm not sure this would hold up well for the load you want to carry.

[diginahole]

My enclosed trailer has torflex axles. It does seem to give a much softer ride than leaf springs. For my application, tools on shelves and such it's nice. For a float I would also opt for traditional springs, they seem much stronger.

[jwholden]

Thanks for the input guys. As I weigh the options it appears I am looking at a different animal for a Compact TLB than a skid steer or Track Loader. Not to say an 18-20' trailer couldn't carry a skid steer as well. However, by the time you make the trailer long enough for a CTLB the steel is getting thinner. It's a typical situation of making comprimises to make one trailer work for everything.

Do you remember when you got your first machine and a 10,000 lb GVW trailer seemed like a lot of weight. Ahhh...the good old days.

[r schipul]

Don't forget that you rarely place the bucket flat against the front of the trailer. I have always felt safer wrapping the bucket over the front of the trailer edge before chaining it down for transport. By doing so the whole tractor moves forward on the trailer by approx. 2'. I would still recommend an 18' trailer. Our Kubota 3600 doesn't overhang our trailer whether we transport the bucket flat on the trailer or overhang it against the front of the trailer.