ride-on carrier rack pics

[americanlawn]

I promised I'd show pics once we dug out of winter. We just got this one back today. Our other carrier is basically the same. Both racks are made of (USA) steel & aluminum. Pic #3 shows the "twin receivers" (square tubes) instead of relying on just one in the middle. This eliminates "wobbling" and allows for a much heavier payload. In our state, anything that hangs over 48 inches requires lights. Our carriers are 47 1/2 inches. We carry both T3000's on the back of GMC & Chevy 2500HD pickup trucks.

Comments? Let 'em fly :waving: Thanks

[GREEN-UP]

You have any problems when you hit some "big"bumps in the road? Will it work on a f-250 van?

[americanlawn]

I realize our "twin receiver" carrier racks are overkill, but we did not feel comfortable with the single hitch receivers on the market --- cuz they wobble and eventually crack. Ours does not wobble whatsoever. Our carriers were made locally, and the fabricator told us they could safely carry loads over 900 lbs -- maybe more. Cost per carrier rack = $850. I drove our T3000 back today from the welding shop. It was not even strapped down.

The receivers are welded on each side of the frame (about 4 feet apart). Doesn't matter if it's a pickup or a VAN. These carriers "don't move"...even crossing RR tracks, bumps,etc. We ran our first T3000 all year in 2008 on our first "twin receiver" rack. It never wobbled, and experienced no wear, bending, etc whatsoever.

We first checked with B & B (Nebraska). They build carrier racks for PG, TURFCO, etc. But they only offer "single receiver" carriers. (That was kinda a letdown for me) I asked them about the Z-Spray carrier w/castor wheels>>> they said, "Do you plan to drive over 45 mph"? I said "of course". I won't go into what they told me, but anyone can call B & B and get it from the horse's mouth.

'Des Moines Portable Welding' built both carriers. He also signed up for lawn service at home & business. Today was a good day. :usflag:



You have any problems when you hit some "big"bumps in the road? Will it work on a f-250 van?

[robertsturf]

Larry, I like the new rack. I can't wait to uprgrade the one you sold me. But we had real snow last week-end. Too bad you only got 1/2". I think I brought it back with me!!

[americanlawn]

Sounds good B. Keeping the center receiver while adding a 2nd receiver off to the side will make a huge difference. (This comes from the guy who fabricated our carriers). Good luck bud -- you are on the right track. :waving: BTW - this was probably the most important thing you learned during your visit. :waving:
Larry, I like the new rack. I can't wait to uprgrade the one you sold me. But we had real snow last week-end. Too bad you only got 1/2". I think I brought it back with me!!

[heritage]

Sweet!

Can you post a couple pic's of the back of the truck with the rack removed?

I want to see how the reciever work was done, so I can show my welder.

Thanks,

Pete

[americanlawn]

I'll try, but I'm lazy :laugh:. We'll see. Bottom line is to weld each receiver on the outside of the truck frames. It's a simple deal, and I can't understand why others have not done this before. It's safer, can handle mucho heavier loads, etc.

It baffles me why nobody else has ever come up with this??? Question for all: Am I the best or what? :laugh:

Anybody that answers "no" = an Osama supporter. :laugh:

[lifetree]

Very nice rack !!

[MStine315]

How timely. I just took my B&B rack to one of Runner's (Joe) buddy's today for the same thing. He called tonight and said it's done, so maybe I'll have some pic's. tomm. Did the same thing, added another tube on the passenger side. Looks good Larry.

[rcreech]

Looks good Larry!

I guess I will have to say you are the best becaue that is better then the alternative!!!! :laugh:

Is that a mirror or do I see two Z-Sprays....I a mean T-3000's in the picture? :laugh:

[RABBITMAN11]

:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

[RigglePLC]

Sweet, Larry.
I wish mine were made of mostly aluminim. Rust is a problem. Notice the rust around the expanded metal traction strip on the far left ramp. I just painted it and in 3 months rust is bleeding through the paint. I then coated most of it with rubberized undercoating.

Here is mine. Almost same truck, (3500). One of the side rails is removed to show detail. The stainless steel bolts are in readiness for adding the back rail. The whole thing can be taken off in 6 pieces that weigh less than 50 pounds each. I had the welder add taillights/turnsignals. Also an aniti-hop-out bar for added security, if I hit a big bump (not shown). Tie downs for chains are a nice feature.

Actually my receiver tubes are (I think) bolted to a c-channel spacer directly underneath the frame rails. They are the same width as the frame rails.

[grassman177]

i think you have a very nice rack there, able to hold a zspray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!without a heavy truck and huge trailer!!!haha. very good idea to weld to the frame like that. very good idea indeed!

[ZSpray Info]

I realize our "twin receiver" carrier racks are overkill, but we did not feel comfortable with the single hitch receivers on the market --- cuz they wobble and eventually crack. Ours does not wobble whatsoever. Our carriers were made locally, and the fabricator told us they could safely carry loads over 900 lbs -- maybe more. Cost per carrier rack = $850.




Larry, I know when you talked to Andy at the Des Moines show and visited our shop, you said you were interested in a Intermediate but didn't want to pull a trailer. Our Intermediate is 46" wide and 680 lbs. Since you found a carrier rack capable of transporting up to 900lbs, this can be accomplished.

You could even purchase our Junior, 640 lbs. which has 220lb fert capacity, has 18 gallons of liquid capacity, a 16hp v-twin electric start engine, all stainless steel chassis, zero turn, 50' hose reel. A variable speed hydraulic drive hopper which can vary your spread pattern from 4-25'. A GPS speedometer so you actually know your ground-speed to calibrate your machine accurately. 16" tall front tires to climb curbs. Varying spread widths of 2, 4, 6, or 8 feet with 4 Air Injected tips, which are much more precise and offer better coverage than one Flood Jet tip. TeeJet and Hypro recommended these for our application. We use the same high quality hydrostatic drivetrain as the top mowers in the industry. All of these features for a $1100 less than your current unit.

[RigglePLC]

I just crawled under and looked at my spreader rack receiver tube mounting scheme. My frame has a c-channel steel 4" spacer which is bolted to the frame with 4 heavy duty bolts. The 4 feet long receiver tube is welded to the bottom of the spacer so that it clears the back bumper just right. The spacer c-channel has a cut out to accomodate the origninal bracket for the springs. Same set up on the right side. For added stiffiness, there is a sturdy steel square tube connecting the two receivers--welded. This set up can be removed with eight bolts and moved to my next truck--if they still make 'em. LOL!

Tail lights and all--it cost a lot more.

If anyone is planning on having one built--don't let them use expanded metal for the traction strips--it is rust prone (unless aluminum or stainless.) Probably adhesive rough traction strips would work better. A few reflective strips for night visibility is probably a good idea.

[DUSTYCEDAR]

I like the 2 tube rack idea

[americanlawn]

Good point. I talked to Dsm Portable Welding again today (signed him up for lawn care)...He's D.O.T certified, and he has built other twin receiver racks for different applications. He says 900 lbs is very conservative, and he is also against using castor wheels on a carrier. Will you guys be building any of these twin receiver racks? I think it would be a plus for Z-Spray owners. The Intermdediate might end up sticking out a little more than 48", but then all you need to do is add brake lights (like B & B does).

We like all sizes of Z-Sprays, especially the Intermediate w/larger hopper. But we also like our T3000's. T's & Z's are the best.
:usflag:
Larry, I know when you talked to Andy at the Des Moines show and visited our shop, you said you were interested in a Intermediate but didn't want to pull a trailer. Our Intermediate is 46" wide and 680 lbs. Since you found a carrier rack capable of transporting up to 900lbs, this can be accomplished.

You could even purchase our Junior, 640 lbs. which has 220lb fert capacity, has 18 gallons of liquid capacity, a 16hp v-twin electric start engine, all stainless steel chassis, zero turn, 50' hose reel. A variable speed hydraulic drive hopper which can vary your spread pattern from 4-25'. A GPS speedometer so you actually know your ground-speed to calibrate your machine accurately. 16" tall front tires to climb curbs. Varying spread widths of 2, 4, 6, or 8 feet with 4 Air Injected tips, which are much more precise and offer better coverage than one Flood Jet tip. TeeJet and Hypro recommended these for our application. We use the same high quality hydrostatic drivetrain as the top mowers in the industry. All of these features for a $1100 less than your current unit.

[americanlawn]

Cool rack Riggle! Basically the same as ours. I'm sure we'll have to deal with rust down the road. Problem is, steel is needed for rigitity. Aluminum can be used for the platform & ramps. We learned the hard way....fill the receivers with grease before you slide in the tubes. Helps to prevent corrosion. We used a forklift & chain to pull off our other rack last fall. Slightly bent one of the tubes. :hammerhead: Oh well.

RC & everybody else -- thanks....this idea is worth bragging about. :laugh: I hope manufacturers switch to 2 receivers instead of just one. Just for piece of mind if nothing else. BTW, if Z-Sprays use these, you might need a one ton truck like Riggle has.

Sweet, Larry.
I wish mine were made of mostly aluminim. Rust is a problem. Notice the rust around the expanded metal traction strip on the far left ramp. I just painted it and in 3 months rust is bleeding through the paint. I then coated most of it with rubberized undercoating.

Here is mine. Almost same truck, (3500). One of the side rails is removed to show detail. The stainless steel bolts are in readiness for adding the back rail. The whole thing can be taken off in 6 pieces that weigh less than 50 pounds each. I had the welder add taillights/turnsignals. Also an aniti-hop-out bar for added security, if I hit a big bump (not shown). Tie downs for chains are a nice feature.

Actually my receiver tubes are (I think) bolted to a c-channel spacer directly underneath the frame rails. They are the same width as the frame rails.

[MStine315]

Got mine back today. It's a B&B rack. I had Runner's buddy weld an extra tube on the passenger side, then tie into the right side of the receiver. They did a great job, and I would drive a truck onto it now without worry. Should have done it 2 years ago. One thing he said, as others said, was to take it out once a month and grease the tubes. Now that it doesn't wobble I can sure see it seizing up tight.

[grassman177]

very nice mod, i like the idea of the truck mounted carrier, but it doe s not work for us. we often take two ride ons and enough fert to go 9-10hrs. like two pallets!!!!! this is wayy too much to be able to use this kind of set up Larry would argue this point, but you see we do more massive days then i think possible with only this set up. though like it and it works for many, it is not a viable option for me. that is where the "heavy truck and trialer" are truely needed. Hope that even makes sense

[rcreech]

very nice mod, i like the idea of the truck mounted carrier, but it doe s not work for us. we often take two ride ons and enough fert to go 9-10hrs. like two pallets!!!!! this is wayy too much to be able to use this kind of set up Larry would argue this point, but you see we do more massive days then i think possible with only this set up. though like it and it works for many, it is not a viable option for me. that is where the "heavy truck and trialer" are truely needed. Hope that even makes sense

I agree!

I have always ran the pickup with a carrier and some days at lunch I would have to go back and refill at lunch!

With my Z I would probably have to go back and refill by 10:00 am! :laugh:

No seriously...I can now leave and drive one way with 250 gallon of water and two pallets and don't have to worry about running out of anything!

There is a lot to be said for that!

I am still going to run my other truck with the rack...but only locally!

[grassman177]

yeah, you got a serious nice set up gong there rod !! depending on the round, we either use the tank truck or reg truck. then depending on what to be done, we use our regular big lawn trailers or we have a new small one just fresh out the paint booth. we got this for lawn apps and travel with equipment to the dealers to save gas. i am posting pics after this weekend of the new tailer when we get the new floors in it.!!

[RigglePLC]

Larry and Marc,
you made a really important point about lubricating the receiver tubes. I take my rack completely apart to remove it, (one tube at a time) no problem--takes 15 minutes. However...when I attempted to remove it with a lift truck one day--very difficult. The reason, we discovered, was that even the slightist angle of pull, or the slightist difference in height of the forks...caused the tubes to jam as if we were pulling sideways with a chain. It took many tries and shifts of angle and height of forks and shaking the tubes manually to remove mine. I suggest practice taking it on and off a few times on the first day when it is new, clean and greased. The experience will save you time (and profanity) later. Does anybody have a solution for this problem?

[americanlawn]

Warning. Please read. An important factor I just learned about: "Even though I can build twin-receiver carriers that hold over 900 pounds, all this weight is "behind the pickup truck's wheel base". 3/4 & one ton pickup trucks are not made to handle this much weight that far back."
This was a quote from our fabricator. He said all pickups will "sag down way too low" and cannot be driven safely with this much weight on the back end (leverage). He said it's no wonder why guys transport heavier units on trailers.

[ted putnam]

Warning. Please read. An important factor I just learned about: "Even though I can build twin-receiver carriers that hold over 900 pounds, all this weight is "behind the pickup truck's wheel base". 3/4 & one ton pickup trucks are not made to handle this much weight that far back."
This was a quote from our fabricator. He said all pickups will "sag down way too low" and cannot be driven safely with this much weight on the back end (leverage). He said it's no wonder why guys transport heavier units on trailers.

Out of curiosity, what is the threshold weight your fabricator considers safe to carry behind these type pickup trucks before he then considers it to be unsafe? Just wondering.

[rcreech]

Warning. Please read. An important factor I just learned about: "Even though I can build twin-receiver carriers that hold over 900 pounds, all this weight is "behind the pickup truck's wheel base". 3/4 & one ton pickup trucks are not made to handle this much weight that far back."
This was a quote from our fabricator. He said all pickups will "sag down way too low" and cannot be driven safely with this much weight on the back end (leverage). He said it's no wonder why guys transport heavier units on trailers.

I just added Timbren's to both of my 3/4HD trucks and they will keep your truck from "sagging". The ride on isn't what made my truck sag...it was the 125 gallon on water and 30-40 bags of fert! :laugh:

http://www.truckspring.com/timbren-rubber-springs_899.html

[americanlawn]

ted & rc -- We went back to our (D.O.T. certified) fabricator yesterday with 50 bags of fert in the back of our truck. We figured this would be a full load (150 gallons & 30 bags of fert)--while still hauling a ride-on on the carrier rack. It sagged somewhat. The guy said it would be alright, but would not recommend any more weight whatsoever. Told him about a Z-Spray Intermediate, but he was not happy. All I (personally) know for now. The guy is dot cert, so I an't gunna yank his chain......he has insurance to pay for.

[rcreech]

ted & rc -- We went back to our (D.O.T. certified) fabricator yesterday with 50 bags of fert in the back of our truck. We figured this would be a full load (150 gallons & 30 bags of fert)--while still hauling a ride-on on the carrier rack. It sagged somewhat. The guy said it would be alright, but would not recommend any more weight whatsoever. Told him about a Z-Spray Intermediate, but he was not happy. All I (personally) know for now. The guy is dot cert, so I an't gunna yank his chain......he has insurance to pay for.

I don't think I would put a Z Int on the back of a pick up no mater what (unless it was the rack with wheels).

It is twice the machine as my PG and my PG made it sag. I bet the Timbrens will make that change though! I will still be running a PG this spring also, so I will find out very soon!

[americanlawn]

Rod -- you & Billy C have the best set-up I've seen! Cool deal. But we're sticking with the T. Your bro, Larry

[ted putnam]

I was just wondering if you knew Larry. I didn't mean anything by it. Me, myself(my own personal opinion) would not consider anything like what I've seen pics of to be safe other than something like Real Green or Rodney's setup. I've carried my PG on a trailer with a 300 gal skid unit for the last 5 yrs. I don't consider that safe either but to me is safer than a rack with a ride on (of any make) hanging on the tail end of a pickup. Like I said...JMO

[rcreech]

I was just wondering if you knew Larry. I didn't mean anything by it. Me, myself(my own personal opinion) would not consider anything like what I've seen pics of to be safe other than something like Real Green or Rodney's setup. I've carried my PG on a trailer with a 300 gal skid unit for the last 5 yrs. I don't consider that safe either but to me is safer than a rack with a ride on (of any make) hanging on the tail end of a pickup. Like I said...JMO

Ted,

I see where you are coming from...but I have done it for four years and I don't even think about it now!

I did go with a beefed up DMI hitch...but the thing is literally part of the truck!

Personally I think it is one of the better ways to go...but I just plum outgrew my setup! I only went with the box so I could carry more water and fert or I would have looked at pulling my Z with a rack with wheels.

[93gmc]

does anybody have any pictures or information on carriers with wheels on the back?? I've been looking but can't find much. I was wondering if i could make one big enough to hold a zero turn mower. i'd really appreciate any info or oppinions.

[americanlawn]

I'll bet you dollars to donuts that a Z-Spray Junior (640 lbs unit when empty) can safely be transported via a twin receiver carrier rack on the back of a pickup.

2 things:

1) Remove the spare tire underneath the pickup (we do)
2) Place the spray tank & fert bags as close to the cab as possible

The key is to reduce total weight as well as place as much weight as possible toward the front of the truck.

Should be no prob IMO if one drives a 2500HD or a 3/4 ton pickup

As far as zero-turn mowers, not sure, cuz they weigh more.

[93gmc]

does anyone have an idea on price on one??

[chrisby316]

i built a twin hitch carrier tray for our zsprays this past winter. we also have the old z trailer with the wheels on it. so far so good with the carrier. using a chevy 3500 dump and can run a full pallet of fert and the z and carrier on the back. will post pics in a bit

[americanlawn]

Twin receiver rack = $800. (that's what we last paid). When we were at LT Rich last fall, I think they said $1700 or more for their rack (with caster wheels). Not exactly sure, so it's best to contact LT Rich. I know the Z-Spray rack is built rock solid (just like all their other products). My concern would be caster wheels at highway speed (B & B's too, but I'm no expert).

Around here, we see about a 50/50 split between carrier racks & pulling a trailer regarding Permagreen Magnums. Lots of choices for sure.

At this point, I'd rather not share too many trade secrets - especially our carrier racks w/T3000's.

PM if anyone has sincere Q's. Thanks.

does anyone have an idea on price on one??

[chrisby316]

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/Kyisha17/tailor3-1.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/Kyisha17/trailor1-1.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/Kyisha17/trailor2-1.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii68/Kyisha17/trailor4-1.jpg

[chrisby316]

the rack you see above cost around 5-600 not including my time/labor

the z spray one with wheels i think we bought 5 years ago and i cost around between 1500 and 2500 dont really remember. we have had to replace two axels that have broken off while driving down the road but it normally takes a pretty hefty BUMP to snap one. up until this year we have always been modifying it for DMV or for other reasons. when we bought it we had to add rear fenders mud flaps and lights because CT state law says its a trailer and had to go through inspections as a custom built trailer because it has wheels. where as the carrier doesnt have to be registers but does need lights because it is more than 36 inches off the back of the truck. even if they werent required we would have put them on there because the machine obstructs the trucks stock lights.

[chrisby316]

can post pics of the other trailer tomorrow if someone wants to see it

[ted putnam]

the rack you see above cost around 5-600 not including my time/labor

the z spray one with wheels i think we bought 5 years ago and i cost around between 1500 and 2500 dont really remember. we have had to replace two axels that have broken off while driving down the road but it normally takes a pretty hefty BUMP to snap one. up until this year we have always been modifying it for DMV or for other reasons. when we bought it we had to add rear fenders mud flaps and lights because CT state law says its a trailer and had to go through inspections as a custom built trailer because it has wheels. where as the carrier doesnt have to be registers but does need lights because it is more than 36 inches off the back of the truck. even if they werent required we would have put them on there because the machine obstructs the trucks stock lights.

Looks good Chrisby. Good looking rack. Considering your materials cost, I'll bet a guy could have one built locally for about a grand, maybe a little less. Impressive....Curious..Do you back it on the rack or pull forward and what size Z do you carry??

[DuallyVette]

Here's a pic of a factory hitch (GM) and a Reese class V that has 2 extra coupler tubes welded to it.

I had this fabricated for a different purpose than sprayer hauling.