skid steer towing

[ajordan193]

whats everyone use to haul their skid steer around with....looking for trailer pics and what you use to tow with.

[NateV]

Check my pics out. Don't have one of the skid but one the truck and trailer. This is my dads stuff. His skid is a Case 60xt

[Dirt Digger2]

heres a shot of one...this pic its hooked to a 250 diesel but i hate doing it...usually pulled with a 350 diesel dump

[ajordan193]

anyone haul a 8k pound skidsteer and equipment trailer with 3/4 gas truck (V10)?

[Scag48]

We use an F350 for the brunt of the towing, but the ideal truck for towing was our F450. Selling it, won't be availalbe for use next year.

[patpls]

Hi Procut, I pull a 763 Bobcat around in a 12k dump trailer behind a 03 chev 2500hd. It wasn't my ideal vehical but I've been pleasently surprised. Pull probably 150 200 miles per week with the Bobcat, rest of the time getting rock or pallets of pavers , block etc, apart from only 10mpg I am really happy with the 4wdiscs. The trailer has electric brakes too, and I will swap to a dmax but theres always something else to get....

[sunray]

I pull my T-190 around on a 14 foot 12000#trailer with a2500 hd.
It has a 8100 vortec with Allison trans and it works great, not to say a diesel won't be nice to have but you work with what you have.

[sunray]

Sorry wrong picture,here it is.

[Gravel Rat]

Most people around here pull skid steers behind a regular P/U truck just make sure its a heavy duty 3/4 ton or a 1 ton and make sure you have good brakes on the truck and trailer.

[mow king]

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e146/mgc9876/IM000983.jpg?t=1165542229

Not exactly a skidsteer..but it weighs about the same as a mid-size skidsteer and its the same trailer I use.

[Gravel Rat]

Myself I wouldn't carry a machine bigger than a 6000lb unit behind a P/U truck a 7000lb mini would be really stressing a srw P/U truck especially if its a TT a gooseneck would be a little easier on the truck.

[ksss]

I use a 3500 and a 5500 both Duramax powered and a dump truck to tow with. The trailers are a Towmaster 18K GVW bumper pull, Walton 31', 24K GVW gooseneck, and a Walton 12K GVW pull behind. I don't have anything that weighs less than 7700 pounds. Towmaster builds one of the best trailers on the market without a doubt. Like everything else of quality, they are expensive but well worth it.

[Dirt Digger2]

that picture i showed is a 2000lb trailer with a 9000lb machine...so that 250 is pulling 11k

[smalley360]

http://www.resize2mail.com/resized/57/ctmpphpPCJIWR.jpghttp://www.resize2mail.com/resized/04/ctmpphpd9vXrp.jpg
I'm at the max for the Xterra but it does the job for now. Total weight for the tractor and the trailer is 5,000 lbs. The trailer has brakes which helps greatly. Moving up to a 4100 dually Chevy.

[smalley360]

http://www.lawnsite.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=69401&stc=1&d=1166040827I'm at the max for the Xterra but it does the job for now. Total weight for the tractor and the trailer is 5,000 lbs. The trailer has brakes which helps greatly. Moving up to a 4100 dually Chevy.

[tnmtn]

started with the ford now have the chevy to tow heavier loads.

[DBL]

right now before we get our dump truck i tow my buddy's gehl 6635 skid loader around with my 2500 cummins

[bobbyg18]

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d703b3127cce8dd7efc3060e00000016108AbNmTdm0YtT

[ajordan193]

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d703b3127cce8dd7efc3060e00000016108AbNmTdm0YtT

What model thomas is that...i almost bought one just like that. How do you like it? Do you have any more pics?

[GreenMonster]

F-350 Dually 1 ton dump, 7.3 diesel automatic usually tows the ~7K T190 or 331 MiniX. We just upgraded the 331 to the new 335 model which is a little over 9K. I haven't towed that yet though. I'd don't think it will be much of a problem for the diesel, except I live at the bottom of a long hill and I always hate pulling up that hill, and hate stopping at the bottom of it.

I also have a F-350 pick-up with 5.4 gas v-8. It will also pull both, but doesn't do quite as good a job as the diesel. It also has a tougher time stopping, and whereas it's not as heavy, I've had it slide downhill on me before when loading on and incline. No problem on the same incline when trailer was attached to the dump.

We have a 5 ton Hudson equipment trailer

I'd really like to have an F-550.... maybe next year.

[Timberman]

I pull a bobcat S150 on a 20', 10,000 lb Pequea skid steer trailer. Leaves room on the trailer for the bucket, harley rake, and either an auger or root grapples. Pull it with a 99 dodge 2500 cummins 4x4. I pulled with the truck stock for a year, then did some upgrades (towing tranny/injectors/box/gauges/exhaust/intake/fuel system/suspension), and its a towing beast now. The trailer is scared.

[dozerman21]

Timberman- I did many of those mods to my truck, and "towing" is always a good excuse for your wife or anyone else who doesn't understand dumping money in a truck for more power.:D You never know when you might have to embarrass a Mustang!:weightlifter:

Go diesel!:drinkup:

[Timberman]

Sshhhh! You'll blow my cover! My wife doesn't realize the power bug bit me, she thinks these things are just normal maintenance stuff. :laugh:

Hard to stop adding power once you start. I added stuff just for towing, not racing, but they did speed the truck up a whole lot. I'm getting one other box soon, that should give me another 60 hp or so, and I'll probably stop there for a while. You're right, it is fun to blow the doors off people every once in a while, and roll a nice black cloud at the same time.

[naturalimage]

f250 5.4 with Bobcat 185

hard on fuel but good all around

[farmboy555]

Sorry don't have any pic's. I haul my 853 with all my attachmnet's = 709 backhoe, fork's & 2 Buckets. On my 20+5 14000lbs gooseneck trl, pull it with a F350 4x4 SRW Powerstoke. dennis

[JTS Landscaping lawn]

i have a gmc 2500 5.7 that i tow a 9000lb skidsteer on a 20ft gooseneck only rated for 8600 but ive easly pulled 13000 with it

[02DURAMAX]

I pull an LS 190 on my 02 Chevy 2500HD Duramax and i have no problem pulling...on a 20ft trailer.

[heather lawn sp]

03 Bobcat 463 ON BOARD 05 chevy K2500HD. Its kinky but it slids in just under the 9200 lbs limit. Truck 6300 lbs, 463 Bobcat 2700 lbs. 2 1700 lb ramps to ramp brackets on rear bumper. Been doing this since '94 with a '94 443 & '93 SRW K3500 chevy.

[tnmtn]

03 Bobcat 463 ON BOARD 05 chevy K2500HD. Its kinky but it slids in just under the 9200 lbs limit. Truck 6300 lbs, 463 Bobcat 2700 lbs. 2 1700 lb ramps to ramp brackets on rear bumper. Been doing this since '94 with a '94 443 & '93 SRW K3500 chevy.

i would love to see a picture of that. i have had thoughts about how it would be nice to be able to load up on a flat bed and go.

[zedosix]

hard to tell exactly but that is one of the best trailers out there for towing. It is a t12t towmaster. 16' long tilt bed, 12,000 gvwr.

[N&CLandscaping]

will an F350 pull a Bobcat T300?

[zedosix]

will an F350 pull a Bobcat T300?

With the class 5 hitch and receiver, no problem. Is it a diesel?

[Scag48]

Yeah, a 350 will pull it. That's about the heaviest machine I'd put behind that truck, though. At 10K pounds, you're pushing 13-14K just for machine and trailer.

We haul apples with our F350. We have a 20 foot gooseneck that weighs right around 4500#. We put 16K on the trailer. Truck pulls it just fine, just don't try to set any speed records going uphill. The only way we can get away with this is that WA state law says that if you're a farmer, you can run a truck of up to 40,000# GVWR without a CDL.

[Potchkins]

http://www.lawnsite.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=69401&stc=1&d=1166040827I'm at the max for the Xterra but it does the job for now. Total weight for the tractor and the trailer is 5,000 lbs. The trailer has brakes which helps greatly. Moving up to a 4100 dually Chevy.

this is a wreck waiting for a place to happen

[B. L. Landscaping]

if i was going to haul a machine that big i would recommend getting a gooseneck trailer they tow alot smoother than a bumper pull.

[zedosix]

if i was going to haul a machine that big i would recommend getting a gooseneck trailer they tow alot smoother than a bumper pull.

Now thats something I'd like to see "a gooseneck trailer on an xterra" You figure it would be any smoother?

[Fieldman12]

You know yes these are high numbers to tow. I can honestly tell you though growing up on a farm all my life and being around farms it was nothing to haul weights like this with a 250 truck let alone a 350. I just have to laugh sometimes when I see what these todays trucks are weighted for including trailers. I bet especially in the farming world there where way more over weighted than was weighted correct trucks with trailers. Not saying its the correct thing to do but I would not be all that worried about it. I use to work for Terra and pulled more weight than that on a gooseneck truck with an F350 single axle. Of course most people dont know it but if you farm you can get around the CDL law. As long as your withing a 150 mile radius of your house. I can go hop in a new W900 Kenworth right now and take a load of grain to Cincinnati grossing 90,000 lbs. Other than an overload ticket of 10,000 over they could not touch me. They may recommend I get the CDL but that is it as long as it's for my farm. There is many laws that dont apply to a farm that do to other businesses. Such as I can haul an articulated tractor on a detach drop deck and dont need any permits for it. Try that with any other business and your in big big trouble.

[FearThisDeere]

I think today manufactureres and the governemnet are more concerned about the driver's ability than what the truck can acutally do. Yeah, I have pulled 8k lbs. with a Dakota, but it did it. Was it smart? No! Would I do it again? If I had to. Times are changing.

[leaflandscape]

This is our little rig, the bobcat only weighs about 1900 lbs.

[turboawd]

why dont manufacturers put hitches that have the same rating capacity as the vehicle?
it doesnt make sense to put a 6k pound hitch on a vehicle rated to pull 10k, for example.

[ksss]

Very good question. I think people actually take for granted that since I have 1 ton dually my hitch is already built to pull those kind of loads. Of course they are not. Hard lesson to learn the hard way.

[kkls2006]

whats everyone use to haul their skid steer around with....looking for trailer pics and what you use to tow with.

No pics yet (still trying to figure out how to pull them off the Costco Web Site) But we pull our S175 with a 04 Chevy Silverado 3500 Dump (8.1L Allison Trans) and a 18' 6 ton Camsuperline Trailer.

[kkls2006]

No pics yet (still trying to figure out how to pull them off the Costco Web Site) But we pull our S175 with a 04 Chevy Silverado 3500 Dump (8.1L Allison Trans) and a 18' 6 ton Camsuperline Trailer.


Test


71261

[kkls2006]

Wow Finally figured it out!!!

[leaflandscape]

Nice truck, is that an 8 or 10 foot dump body?

[kkls2006]

Nice truck, is that an 8 or 10 foot dump body?




Thanx it's 8 foot.... I'm glad it's not a 10' with the extended cab it would be way to long for what I use it for.

[MRBsx2]

My truck and trailer F-450

[Scag48]

Dude, I love your setup. That F450 is an awesome color. Nice stuff :drinkup:

[leaflandscape]

Nice chrome too, you can add a few bucks to your estimates lookin' that good.:dancing:

[MikeAtv]

Have you checked out the new 450s yet?

[MRBsx2]

Thanks, yea i do a lot of masonry work and light excavating, and yes i have checked out the new ones i think they look pretty good.

[MikeAtv]

I went by the Ford pickup plant were there made yesterday and saw some of the new ones. the spoiler looks diffront. I like the look.

[YellowDogSVC]

i run an f350 4x4 2005 model with the tow command. Been a good truck with a few annoying problems but very comfortable truck.
Would like to have a bigger truck to haul with but this works in the tight locations I often find myself. For the skidsteers, having a flatbed just makes sense. I can load two implements on the truck, and a skidsteer and bucket on my trailer. Can switch attachments by bringing truck home without having to haul trailer as long as my extra skidsteer at home to load or unload.

[YellowDogSVC]

will an F350 pull a Bobcat T300?

And then some..

[YellowDogSVC]

:laugh: And for my light loads..

[JDSKIDSTEER]

:laugh: And for my light loads..I want one to call on customers. The Cat salesman gave me a hard time the other day because I was driving the Ranger calling on customers instead of F350. I told him it that I was trying to make the customers feel sorry for me so they would buy from me.:laugh:

[YellowDogSVC]

I want one to call on customers. The Cat salesman gave me a hard time the other day because I was driving the Ranger calling on customers instead of F350. I told him it that I was trying to make the customers feel sorry for me so they would buy from me.:laugh:

JD: I thought driving a nice truck to a bid made an impression or difference. After 10 years, I don't see that it makes much difference other than an initial impression. Price and selling yourself is what I have works the most. I lose bids to the cheap guy with the cheap truck often so I know price is more important than chrome to a lot of folks!
A buddy of mine drives a compact pickup, no signs, wears shorts, etc., and gets plenty of work. He doesn't have a huge gas bill either!

[JDSKIDSTEER]

JD: I thought driving a nice truck to a bid made an impression or difference. After 10 years, I don't see that it makes much difference other than an initial impression. Price and selling yourself is what I have works the most. I lose bids to the cheap guy with the cheap truck often so I know price is more important than chrome to a lot of folks!
A buddy of mine drives a compact pickup, no signs, wears shorts, etc., and gets plenty of work. He doesn't have a huge gas bill either!I was just to lazy to unhook the trailer from the chrome wheeled truck. :sleeping:

[YellowDogSVC]

I was just to lazy to unhook the trailer from the chrome wheeled truck. :sleeping:

i've done that too. Took the "old dually" on a bid and broke down to boot!

[ajordan193]

Well guys thanks for all the info it was much appreciated. I purchased a mustang skidsteer and it towed fine behind my V10. A diesel is in the future for sure but in the mean time this does the job. I borrowed a trailer from a friend so i'm still looking at trailers for the spring, might go dump or regular equipment. Thanks again.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c18/Ajordan193/12.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c18/Ajordan193/12-1.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c18/Ajordan193/STANG.jpg

[MikeAtv]

Hey yellowdogsvc i ike the truck. Is that a Texas brushguard?

[YellowDogSVC]

yes, keeps the cedar branches off me and helps push the deer out of the way..

[ksss]

Looks like a Ranch Hand if I am not mistaken. I have one on my 3500 as well.

[mrusk]

When i was in Texas a couple of months ago i was shocked that almost every truck had one of those big ranch hand bumpers!! I felt naked driving my dodge with the sissy stock bumper!

[Gravel Rat]

Everything is big in Texas :laugh:

[YellowDogSVC]

When i was in Texas a couple of months ago i was shocked that almost every truck had one of those big ranch hand bumpers!! I felt naked driving my dodge with the sissy stock bumper!


and you should! you can get a ticket for not having a cow catcher mounted to the front of your truck down here! :nono: :)

[YellowDogSVC]

Everything is big in Texas :laugh:

Texas is a place where you can move a lot of dirt without a lot of regulations interfering. Many large ranches here that are not under scrutiny from regulations about dirt moving... So, yes, lots of guys have big toys. Wish I had some of the big ones too.

[02powerstroke]

I pull my skidsteer around on a 12,000 pound trailer behind an F-250 no problem I have upgraded springs and air bags in the back.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/bryrylan/Image043.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/bryrylan/Image042.jpg

[Lawn Enforcer]

That's a pretty cool set-up with the plow on the Bobcat.:clapping:

[02powerstroke]

That's a pretty cool set-up with the plow on the Bobcat.:clapping:

Thanks man

[YellowDogSVC]

yeah, nice truck. I want some bigger tires!

[dirtybiz]

We have a 29' gooseneck that we pull behind my 06 Dodge 3500, this way i can haul up to 4-5 attachments (2 rows of attachments on front of trailer) and the bobcat towards the back, have pics, but still figuring out how to post. We also have a 20' tilt bed trailer for tighter spots and pulling behind our new F-650 :). Picture is of old truck, 03 Ford F-250 w/air bags, 6.ohno, loved the truck, but truck loved the dealership shop more. This is a big load however, and would trust very few employees to navigate this thing around town. Truck on, no pictures of trailer with new truck yet...

[Scag48]

That's a nice setup. I have a cousin who lives in Bozeman :drinkup:

[MikeAtv]

thats a really nice setup. What size trailer is that?

[dirtybiz]

It's a 29' Titan (25' plus 4' beavertail), a little big for around town, but nice cuz i can get everything i need on it.

[mrusk]

You defiently wouldn't want tod rive up those ramps foward with the skid steer!

The thing i like about my trailer is i got extra long ramps and can drive my 246 up foward no proablem. I only pull up foward when i am solo loading the machine up on the side of the road and don't want to waste time lineing everything up.

That is a sweet setup though.

[dirtybiz]

driving up the ramps isn't a problem, it's backing down that scares me, that's why i prefer to back it on

[YellowDogSVC]

We have a 29' gooseneck that we pull behind my 06 Dodge 3500, this way i can haul up to 4-5 attachments (2 rows of attachments on front of trailer) and the bobcat towards the back, have pics, but still figuring out how to post. We also have a 20' tilt bed trailer for tighter spots and pulling behind our new F-650 :). Picture is of old truck, 03 Ford F-250 w/air bags, 6.ohno, loved the truck, but truck loved the dealership shop more. This is a big load however, and would trust very few employees to navigate this thing around town. Truck on, no pictures of trailer with new truck yet...

I imagine the views are worth the hard work every day!

[SinjonAssociates]

We have a 29' gooseneck that we pull behind my 06 Dodge 3500, this way i can haul up to 4-5 attachments (2 rows of attachments on front of trailer) and the bobcat towards the back, have pics, but still figuring out how to post. We also have a 20' tilt bed trailer for tighter spots and pulling behind our new F-650 :). Picture is of old truck, 03 Ford F-250 w/air bags, 6.ohno, loved the truck, but truck loved the dealership shop more. This is a big load however, and would trust very few employees to navigate this thing around town. Truck on, no pictures of trailer with new truck yet...

How much did the trailer cost you? I am looking for one about that size.
George

[JDSKIDSTEER]

I have class B CDL's and passed written comination test yesterday 1st try.:clapping: Now after I get through busy week with Deere meeting and ARA show in Atlanta next week I will take driving test. I have to take it in a tractor trailer just to pull a Goosekneck. What a joke. :dizzy:

[dirtybiz]

I beleive i payed $8,100 without looking it up, it was a decent deal at the time and they have gone up since then, i would expect to pay almost 9k for the same trailer now. I have seen other brands cheaper and some more expensive, but i think this is quality built trailer for a reasonable price. Unless of course you wanna spend lots, go for a Wilson, steel fram, aluminum decking, my dad has one it is the cadilac of flatbed trailers.

Hey that really sucks that you have to get your cdl to pull a gooseneck! I have mine, but don't need it to pull my gooseneck. Driving test here was such a joke!

[RockSet N' Grade]

So JD....good luck on your driving test. So what is the distance you are suppose to stop in front of a rr crossing? Watch for that one overpass you go under and remember the posted height. Check your mirrors each __second interval? (my driving instructor and I were in such sync checking mirrors, i had to tell him to sit back so i could see where i was going because he was blocking my view). Have fun parallel parking between the cones........let us know how you do.

[dozerman21]

Have fun parallel parking between the cones........

No doubt. That's the hardest part. The rest was a breeze, other than being a little nervous. Also, make sure you don't swing out to your left before you turn right. My instructor was pretty firm on that.:rolleyes:

[JDSKIDSTEER]

Thanks for the advise guys. I got my class B's to drive a school bus and made 100 on driving test, but I practiced with the best bus driver in the county for a week abou 10 years ago. I am going though a 3rd party for the driving test. for $250.00 I can practice then take the test in a small combination with automatic transmission.....What a joke. Then I can drive our Pete and haul cotton pickers if I wanted to.....:laugh: What a joke. I wont be driving the Pete unles I drive with our truck driver for a while. If I start I might have to fill in and then I would not have time to sell. I hope I get enough practice time.....Thanks for the tips. I will have to study up.

[TerraFirma Excavating]

I'm going to call my dealer in an hour to order a new 2008 F-450 PICKUP with the new 6.4 twin turbo diesel. With the 4.88 gear option it is rated to tow 24,000 on gooseneck or fifthwheel. Going to order the King Ranch model with all the goodies. Only about $10,000 more than you can get a loaded F-350, but can pull much more.

I really didn't want a first model year truck/engine but really like the looks of this truck. Supposedly the 6.4 has had more testing than the 6.0. I can't complain at all about my 6.0's anyway. I have 2 of them now and 35,000 miles on one and no problems what so ever, other one has 10,000 miles and no problems.

Plan on getting a Big Tex 26' + 5' beavertail gooseneck trailer rated for 25,900# trailer GVWR. Should be able to haul my skidsteer and compact excavator at the same time no problem.

[YellowDogSVC]

Do you have a commercial license? I wanted an f450 but didn't want to go up in class because of the combo weight rating.

[TerraFirma Excavating]

Yes, Class A CDL with doubles and triples and tanks. Let my HazMat expire because I didn't get the background check before I had to re-new.

[dirtybiz]

I would like to get a 450 or 550 someday with a dump for work to, but might as well have a 650, cuz you have to have cdl anyhow once you hook up to a trailer, here anyhow. That 450 sounds sweet, i hope the 08's are good, want to get back to ford, just not the 6.0. How much are one of those all loaded up, 50k+??

[TerraFirma Excavating]

Haven't got a firm price yet, but a F-450 Pickup King Ranch crew cab loaded with everything; heated leather seats, power moonroof, power rear slider, reverse sensors, PTO, towing package, snowplow package, etc... should come in as an X-plan price of about $54,000. Don't know when I'll get the exact price because I am special ordering it.

Build on on Kelley Blue Book http://www.kbb.com/ It should give you a fairly good estimate of cost and allow you to see what options are offered.

I like buying my trucks loaded. I keep them in good shape and they are real easy to sell in 2 or 3 years. I might even have my current truck sold to a friend of my wifes.

[dozerman21]

TerraFirma- How much does a Bix Tex that size go for?

[dozerman21]

Also, do you know how much it weighs?

Thanks!

[YellowDogSVC]

Plan on getting a Big Tex 26' + 5' beavertail gooseneck trailer rated for 25,900# trailer GVWR. Should be able to haul my skidsteer and compact excavator at the same time no problem.

Watch out with the Big Tex. Quality has gone DOWN HILL recently. I do not like my 2005 big tex 12pi. Has been a load of trouble and all could have been avoided had quality been on the priority list. In one year had to rewire, replace magnets because of wiring problems, replace floorboards because of substandard 2nd grade pine and reweld cracks that should have been welded correctly at the factory. All of this in the course of a year. My Magnum trailer, on the other hand, has lasted 7 years with same load. Just retired it and sold it for nearly 2/3 what I paid for it. I doubt the Big Tex will be worth much after 5 years! If you can find a Magnum, check them out and compare differences in the two companies. Just my opinion:usflag:

[Scag48]

I heard the same thing about Big Tex these days, kinda sad, they used to be the best. Walton, Felling, or Towmaster/Contrail are some of the best trailers you can buy. We have a Walton dump trailer and it is by far the best built trailer we've ever owned. 3 years old and it works like the day we bought it.

[YellowDogSVC]

I bought a top hat. REally like it. Could have used higher quality American made tires but other than that it's a solid 14k dump trailer.
I compared a '98 magnum to a 2005 Big tex. Same size, (2) 6k axles 16 utuility with ramps. The magnum weighed in at just over 3k lbs. The big tex about 400lbs lighter. That's a lot of metal and better wood. The magnum had oak decks and no need to replace them after 6 years with tracks and a few without hauling a large frame skid steer. Even the ramps are cheesy on the big tex. I really wish I had spent the extra money on the magnum or even a comparable top hat. But that has been my experience. Even the jack was cheesy and not even rated for a 12k trailer! It came with a $20 jack that lasted 1 month! Went to tractor supply and bought a bulldog and have had no problems but I shouldn't have had to do that much less all the wiring, replacing tires and the spare mount. Don't get me started on that!

[JDSKIDSTEER]

I usually use Betterbuilt trailers and like them, but we have a local trailer company P&T trailer that just built one to my specs I am trying out. 10 ton goose-neck 20 with 5 ft. dove tail pin up ramps so I can haul more and added a deck on top of neck to haul attachments. I sell for $6800.00 after I use for 6 months. I will try to get a picture up in a few days. Looks great and pulls great. Just got it this week. Selling like this keeps me in a new trailer all the time.

[YellowDogSVC]

I bought a top hat. REally like it. Could have used higher quality American made tires but other than that it's a solid 14k dump trailer.
I !

I have to correct myself. I meant to say I bought a PJ trailer. I looked at TopHat and liked them but they didn't have the dump I wanted. PJ has been a good trailer but isn't as stout as the magnum line.

[JDSKIDSTEER]

Thanks for the advise guys. I got my class B's to drive a school bus and made 100 on driving test, but I practiced with the best bus driver in the county for a week abou 10 years ago. I am going though a 3rd party for the driving test. for $250.00 I can practice then take the test in a small combination with automatic transmission.....What a joke. Then I can drive our Pete and haul cotton pickers if I wanted to.....:laugh: What a joke. I wont be driving the Pete unles I drive with our truck driver for a while. If I start I might have to fill in and then I would not have time to sell. I hope I get enough practice time.....Thanks for the tips. I will have to study up.I passed road test.....All I need to do is drag my but into DMV and update license. Also had a in house class with Tennessee DOT. He showed me in the federal department of motor vehicle manual that federal law requires anyone in any state pulling a trailer rated more than 10,000 lbs. to have a class A. This includes bumper hitch. Most officers do not know this though. I have been told so many different things I did not know what to believe until I saw it in writing.

[RockSet N' Grade]

JD..........good-on-ya for passing your road test......Congratulations

[Scag48]

good-on-ya

What are you? Canadian?! Hahaha, I love that phrase, I use it from time to time.:drinkup:

[work4green]

I passed road test.....All I need to do is drag my but into DMV and update license. Also had a in house class with Tennessee DOT. He showed me in the federal department of motor vehicle manual that federal law requires anyone in any state pulling a trailer rated more than 10,000 lbs. to have a class A. This includes bumper hitch. Most officers do not know this though. I have been told so many different things I did not know what to believe until I saw it in writing.

Do you have a copy of the federal DMV manual? I'm curious if you have the publication number and section that is written. We're having a hard time figuring out what GA requires.

My dad was having a gooseneck hitch installed in his Dodge 3500 dump truck when the shop told him that to pull a heavy trailer, he would have to get a CDL. We have found conflicting and vague information both on the GA DMV websites and in person at the state patrol office.

We're trying to find something that straightens this out. Up to this point we'd always heard that 26k was the limit for a CDL. My dad had the CDL long ago so it would be nothing for him to pass the test again. I have read some things from the GA DOT that formal training is required to get the CDL. I don't understand why its necessary for us to learn to drive a full size big rig just to pull a smaller gooseneck. Did you get the Class A or B licensing? :dizzy:

[dozerman21]

Do you have a copy of the federal DMV manual? I'm curious if you have the publication number and section that is written. We're having a hard time figuring out what GA requires.

My dad was having a gooseneck hitch installed in his Dodge 3500 dump truck when the shop told him that to pull a heavy trailer, he would have to get a CDL. We have found conflicting and vague information both on the GA DMV websites and in person at the state patrol office.

We're trying to find something that straightens this out. Up to this point we'd always heard that 26k was the limit for a CDL. My dad had the CDL long ago so it would be nothing for him to pass the test again. I have read some things from the GA DOT that formal training is required to get the CDL. I don't understand why its necessary for us to learn to drive a full size big rig just to pull a smaller gooseneck. Did you get the Class A or B licensing? :dizzy:


You should be able to find all the info you need at your local license branch, or DOT headquaters. I don't know about GA, but here you don't need any formal training, you just have to pass all the written tests and the driving test for a Class A.

[AWJ Services]

You should be able to find all the info you need at your local license branch, or DOT headquaters. I don't know about GA, but here you don't need any formal training, you just have to pass all the written tests and the driving test for a Class A.

It is the same here.

The limit for a vehicle is 26k as is every where.

In Ga you can have a max of 29k vehicle,trailer,payload combined before CDL.

[work4green]

Ok, I've found some things in the commercial drivers training manual from the state of GA DOT. The guy at the state patrol office my dad talked to gave several conflicting answers so I won't rely on the word of a gov't official(not that I will rely completely on a government document either :hammerhead: ).

In GA, if you pull a trailer that weighs 10,001 pounds or more, you need a class A CDL if used for commercial purposes. There are exemptions for farmers and private use. If you drive a truck with a weight of more than 26,000 pounds you need a class B CDL, unless you're towing a trailer over 10,000(in which case you need a class A CDL.) Basically most skidsteer outfits will need a CDL class A driver. A lot of bobcats are over 8000 lbs, and a trailer is easily 3-4k lbs or more, add an attachment or 3 and you're well into CDL territory.

The grey areas for me now are:
1. If you are towing an empty trailer with a weight rating over 10,000 lbs, you may need a class A CDL, even if it actually weighs under 10,000. :dizzy: If this is not true, we'll get the trailer and drive around with it empty until we can take the class A skills test.
2. It looks like in GA you need a DOT # on the truck if you use it for commercial purposes regardless of weight- which would apply to all lawn care trucks. For this the driver would also need a health card and physical. :dizzy:

AWJ, I wish you were right but that is not what the state CDL training manual says. I've heard a lot of stories from local guys having problems with DOT enforcement lately.

[ksss]

Those are Federal Guidelines not just GA. The entire CDL process is supposed to be the same across the country. Your right pulling a trailer that is over 10K plus 1 requires a CDL

[AWJ Services]

AWJ, I wish you were right but that is not what the state CDL training manual says. I've heard a lot of stories from local guys having problems with DOT enforcement lately.

Look on the back of your drivers license.
I was off.It is combined less than 26,001 lbs.
There are slight variances from state too state too allow normal everyday things.
My Takeuchi salesman goes through dot scales all the time.
He does not have a cdl.That is why he could not deliver the TB153 because it would put him over the 26000 combined.
But if you get Federal dot numbers then you have too abide by all federal dot rules.
Any vehicle of 10k gvwr or higher has too have dot numbers if used for commercial purpose.
If it has DOT numbers the driver has too have a health card with him while driving.
If you have DOT numbers you have too have DOT inspection on the vehicle.
The trailer has too be inspected as well if pulled by a DOT numbered vehicle.

The CDL is no problem too get.

[AWJ Services]

I've heard a lot of stories from local guys having problems with DOT enforcement lately.

I would be curious too hear the whole story.
I live 20 minutes from Griffin and have no problems what so ever.
Most skids and trailers together will weigh over 10k.
No way all them guys got CDL's.

[Travel'n Trees]

We use a 2500 hd, we wouldn't think about it with our f-550 it just doesn't have enough brakes or power and it is buring the turbo up with the od off, I have been forced to use my wifes escalade since I didn't feel safe enough with the f-550 all the way back from New Orleans.

[work4green]

AWJ, Where near Griffin do you live? I've moved out to Senoia since I last edited my profile. I've talked to several folks around Newnan and Senoia who know or have talked to someone that has been fined. I won't type all the details here, but you could talk to the folks at K&K welding in Griffin if you want to get closer to the root of the grapevine. So far what I've read in the CDL manual is that if the trailer is over 10,000 lbs, and you're using it commercially, you need a class A CDL. A bobcat is probably a little over- but maybe they are selectively enforcing that. I'll agree that there is no way all those guys we see running around here with them have CDL's. They probably don't know they need one. I didn't. I have seen some downright scary rigs on the road around here. Oddly its the professional looking ones that I see with a GSP or GaDOT enforcement officer sitting behind them on the side of the road.

[JDSKIDSTEER]

I had a Tennessee DOT officer show me in the federal commercial law book.....If the trailer is rated heavier than 10,000 lbs you need class A anywhere in the states. That is providing the officer knows the law and they enforce it. I hear they under a lot of pressure to start enforcing the law. Most people I know do not have class A. I just got mine.

[JDSKIDSTEER]

Look on the back of your drivers license.
I was off.It is combined less than 26,001 lbs.
There are slight variances from state too state too allow normal everyday things.
My Takeuchi salesman goes through dot scales all the time.
He does not have a cdl.That is why he could not deliver the TB153 because it would put him over the 26000 combined.
But if you get Federal dot numbers then you have too abide by all federal dot rules.
Any vehicle of 10k gvwr or higher has too have dot numbers if used for commercial purpose.
If it has DOT numbers the driver has too have a health card with him while driving.
If you have DOT numbers you have too have DOT inspection on the vehicle.
The trailer has too be inspected as well if pulled by a DOT numbered vehicle.

The CDL is no problem too get. Read further and it states unless trailer wt is over 10,000 lbs. I argued with DOT when he pulled the book out and made me look like a fool at a saftey meeting. My class B license stated on the back I could pull a trailer 10,000 lb. or less, my A's state on the back I am allowed to pull trailer over 10,000 lb.

[dozerman21]

I know a bunch of concrete crews running F-450 sized trucks, pulling a mid to large sized skid steer. Most of them didn't have DOT numbers until recently, and I'm sure none of them have a CDL, let alone a Class A. I also wasn't aware of the 10,000lb.+ rule. I'll spread the word to them. DOT has been cracking down a lot on those sized trucks and trailers.

[AWJ Services]

AWJ, Where near Griffin do you live?

Jackson



I've talked to several folks around Newnan and Senoia who know or have talked to someone that has been fined. I won't type all the details here, but you could talk to the folks at K&K welding in Griffin if you want to get closer to the root of the grapevine. So far what I've read in the CDL manual is that if the trailer is over 10,000 lbs, and you're using it commercially, you need a class A CDL.

There is a difference between the trailer weighing no more than 10k and towing more than 10k.
Weight distribution plays a large part.
Take your trailer too scales and place just the trailer wheels on it.
You cannot however go over the 26k GVWR total.

It is a fine line for sure.
I bringing too your attention the loopholes.


1. If you are towing an empty trailer with a weight rating over 10,000 lbs, you may need a class A CDL, even if it actually weighs under 10,000. If this is not true, we'll get the trailer and drive around with it empty until we can take the class A skills test.
2. It looks like in GA you need a DOT # on the truck if you use it for commercial purposes regardless of weight- which would apply to all lawn care trucks. For this the driver would also need a health card and physical

There is a difference between GVWR limits and actual weight.
You cannot mix the terminology.

I know you mentioned earlier that your Dad uses a Dodge 3500 which will have too have either Federal or Georgia dot numbers if used for a business because it is over 10k GVWR.
As of now only vehicles above 10k need numbers.
There will have too be new laws put into place too differentiate vehicle types that it will apply too.
I mean is realistic too expect your Cleaning Lady driving here minivan too have Dot numbers.:)




Read further and it states unless trailer wt is over 10,000 lbs. I argued with DOT when he pulled the book out and made me look like a fool at a saftey meeting. My class B license stated on the back I could pull a trailer 10,000 lb. or less, my A's state on the back I am allowed to pull trailer over 10,000 lb.

I agree.

[JDSKIDSTEER]

I am looking on the back of my old class B license and this is what it says..{ SingleVeh>26,000 GVWR, W/Veh in Tow <10,000 GVWR }

My new class A says { Combined Veh>26,000 GVWR,W/Veh in Tow>10,000 GVWR }

[JDSKIDSTEER]

Our human resource lady gave me a Federal Motor Carrier pocket handbook to keep in my truck. I think you can pick one up at a truck stop or truck parts store. You can call 1-800-327-6868 and may can order form J.J.Keller who publishes them. The laws are not written in layman's terms and still are confusing for us workin folks. This is how crazy knowing the laws can be. It says on the cover that it is updated monthly. I wonder if she is going to get me another one next month,,,:laugh:

[JDSKIDSTEER]

Do you have a copy of the federal DMV manual? I'm curious if you have the publication number and section that is written. We're having a hard time figuring out what GA requires.

My dad was having a gooseneck hitch installed in his Dodge 3500 dump truck when the shop told him that to pull a heavy trailer, he would have to get a CDL. We have found conflicting and vague information both on the GA DMV websites and in person at the state patrol office.

We're trying to find something that straightens this out. Up to this point we'd always heard that 26k was the limit for a CDL. My dad had the CDL long ago so it would be nothing for him to pass the test again. I have read some things from the GA DOT that formal training is required to get the CDL. I don't understand why its necessary for us to learn to drive a full size big rig just to pull a smaller gooseneck. Did you get the Class A or B licensing? :dizzy:I had B's but was told I had to have A's. I fanaly found it in the pocket hand book.....law 383.91....definatly shows A's for trailers rated in excess of 10,000 lb GVWR.

[sgrprincees]

I just thought I'd throw in that in North Dakota, you will still need your CDL if you're over 26k lbs combined, but your trailer can be up to 16k lbs gvw without a cdl.

[DaveArk]

Arkansas CDL requirements:

You must have a CDL to operate:
• A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of
more than 26,000 pounds.
• A trailer with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds if the
gross combination weight rating is more than 26,000 pounds.
• A vehicle designed to transport more than 15 persons
(including the driver).
• Any size vehicle which requires hazardous materials placards.

http://www.asp.state.ar.us/divisions/hp/pdf/cdl_manual_2003.pdf

[JDSKIDSTEER]

Arkansas CDL requirements:

You must have a CDL to operate:
• A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of
more than 26,000 pounds.
• A trailer with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds if the
gross combination weight rating is more than 26,000 pounds.
• A vehicle designed to transport more than 15 persons
(including the driver).
• Any size vehicle which requires hazardous materials placards.

http://www.asp.state.ar.us/divisions/hp/pdf/cdl_manual_2003.pdfGood information. It makes a lot more sense to me. In my book it does state a class C can be defined as anything that does not meet the definition of a A or B. If the truck and trailer combined is 26000 lb GVWR or less I think that would be correct.

[SinjonAssociates]

Do most of these laws vary state to state or are they Fed with States adding their own laws to the requirements. I have an F250 with a 22K goosneck trailer. What level CDL would I need for Colorado?
George

[JDSKIDSTEER]

Do most of these laws vary state to state or are they Fed with States adding their own laws to the requirements. I have an F250 with a 22K goosneck trailer. What level CDL would I need for Colorado?
George
These are suppose to be Federal laws according to Tennessee DOT officer I spoke with.

[GreginAlaska]

I took this off the State of Alaska website. I have a cousin-in-law that works for the Alaska DOT, she says the State of Alaska just uses the federal laws. She also told me the same thing that was told to JD, that anything pulling a trailer over 10K needed a CDL. The thing is, she told me this when she was with one of her co-workers and it started an argument between them. The co-worker used the example of a pick-up at 9900 GVWR and a trailer at 16,000 GVWR. That would make a GCWR of 25,900.

Would this fit the need for a Class A? No, GCWR is less than 26,001.

Would it meet the requirements of a class B? No, no single vehicle GVWR is over 26,000.

Would it meet the requirements of a class C? (And here is where it might get confusing) No, the GCWR is less than 26,001.

Take the 9900 GVWR pick-up out and put in an F550 at 18,000 GVWR and you need a class A, GCWR is greater than 26,000 and trailer is greater than GVWR of 10,000.

Take the 16,000 GVWR trailer off the F550 and put on a 9000 GVWR trailer and you will need a class C. GCWR greater than 26,000 but tow vehicle is less than 26,001 GVWR and trailer is less than 10,000 GVWR

Take away the F550 and put in an F750 at 33,000 GVWR and you will need a class B. GCWR more than 26,000 and tow vehicle is greater than 26,000 GVWR but trailer is less than 10,000 GVWR.




COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE CLASSES AND ENDORSEMENTS:
GCWR = Gross Combination Weight Rating: The value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded
weight of a combination vehicle. See C-020 for examples of combination vehicles.
GVWR = Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a
single vehicle.


Class A
Any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 or more pounds provided the GVWR of the
vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds. (18 wheelers, logging trucks, etc.)


Class B
Any single vehicle with a GVWR in excess of 26,000 pounds or any such vehicle towing another
vehicle that does not weigh 10,000 pounds or more (dump trucks, cement mixer trucks, box trucks,
motor coaches).



Class C
A motor vehicle or a combination of vehicles that:
1. The GCWR is greater than 26,000 pounds, the GVWR of the towing vehicle is 26,000 pounds
or less, and the combined GVWR of the vehicle or vehicle(s) being towed is 10,000 pounds or
less; or
2. Does not meet the definition of a Class A or B commercial vehicle and; is
a. Designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver.
b. Used in the transportation of materials found by the United States Secretary of
Transportation to be hazardous for the purposes of 49 U.S.C. 1801-1813 (Hazardous
Materials Transportation Act) and which requires the motor vehicle to be placarded under
the Federal Hazardous Materials Regulation (49 C.F.R. Part 172, Subpart F)