[ShooterK2]

I have a 6 1/2 x 16 landscape trailer with 4 ft. walls and gate. I bought my first ZTR yesterday ('06 Cub Cadet 48" Z-Wing) and love the mower so far, but it hangs up on the spindles at the top of the trailer ramp. I can back up to a curb and unload and it's fine (no rubbing), but I won't always be able to do this. Anyone else ever have this happen? Suggestions on a solution?

 

[whosedog]

You might have to have an extension welded onto the gate,it worked for mine.Or if possible can the gate hinges be reversed,put underneath?

 

[tallimeca]

check your hitch angle......you might be able to elevate it a bit. If not, lengthen your tailgate. You will damage the deck and cutters.

This problem is seen more so on stand on units because you can't just tilt them back like walk behinds. Usually on guys with tailgates that a too short.

 

[ShooterK2]

Yeah, I thought about extending the tailgate, but then the extension would stick up higher than the rest of the trailer walls when in the "up" position. I don't guess it will hurt anything though.

 

[ShooterK2]

Oh, and as for the hitch angle, I considered that, but it's already got the trailer tilted back slightly. I don't think I want to go any higher.

 

[TimsLawnCareVA]

Maybe try backing it on the trailer. It may help.

 

[carrier_joshua]

just throw a piece of 2x4 under the end of the ramp, untill you can get it extended.

 

[JeffNY]

Our mowers hit the hinges on the ramp, same size trailer. We've lived with it for 2 years now, but this year I think im going to extend the gate 10-12". Im just afraid it will be too heavy to lift after.

 

[whosedog]

Our mowers hit the hinges on the ramp, same size trailer. We've lived with it for 2 years now, but this year I think im going to extend the gate 10-12". Im just afraid it will be too heavy to lift after.

Then you add the lift assist kit(2 big springs) works great.

 

[JeffNY]

Then you add the lift assist kit(2 big springs) works great.

Good idea.

 

[WholeSaleSteve]

Rather than exten have a welding shop weld a "foot" so to speak under the up of the ramp to adjust the angle. The deck will be a couple of inches or so off the ground and not flush but the mower will go over 2-3"s no problem and then up the ramp. In my opinion its cheaper than extending the ramp itself and the longer the ramp the heavier it will be and more prone to bending.

Just my thoughts =) Goodluck! Congrats on your new mower!

 

[unkownfl]

Yes have a piece of 2 inch square tube welded to the gate where it hits the road. Then you don't have to worry about skate boarder hitting your trailer like a ramp.

 

[WholeSaleSteve]

Unknown...lol!!!! I love the image I get of that!! haha

 

[ALC-GregH]

You could add a small piece of 2x6 as a plate that will lay in the path of the tires on each side so when the front casters ride up on them it will allow for more clearance on the spindles. Bevel both ends with a circular saw and screw them in place. You'll have to find the exact place to put them so you'll need to pull the mower up until the spindles touch then park it there and mark where the 2x6 piece needs to be placed so that they're under the front caster at that point when pulling the mower up on the trailer. It might be 10 inches from the back of the trailer or it could be 5 inches. You'll have to mock it up to get it right. Hope that is clear enough that you understand what I mean.

 

[unkownfl]

You could add a small piece of 2x6 as a plate that will lay in the path of the tires on each side so when the front casters ride up on them it will allow for more clearance on the spindles. Bevel both ends with a circular saw and screw them in place. You'll have to find the exact place to put them so you'll need to pull the mower up until the spindles touch then park it there and mark where the 2x6 piece needs to be placed so that they're under the front caster at that point when pulling the mower up on the trailer. It might be 10 inches from the back of the trailer or it could be 5 inches. You'll have to mock it up to get it right. Hope that is clear enough that you understand what I mean.

This would put the weight closer to the pivot point in thus not creating such a heavy load to lift as opposed to adding the weight furthest from pivot point. Good idea but looks kinda tacky IMO.

 

[trooper8870]

We had the same issue with the last trailer we purchased. We just had a 12" extension added and the problem was solved, but you will absolutely need a lift assist mechanism.

 

[ALC-GregH]

This would put the weight closer to the pivot point in thus not creating such a heavy load to lift as opposed to adding the weight furthest from pivot point. Good idea but looks kinda tacky IMO.

Sometimes the word tacky falls right along the lines of cheap. I agree it's not the prettiest thing to have on there but it works very well. Virtually no cost to do and they can be removed easily if needed. It's really not a matter of weight but more so WHEN the pivoting point happens. AS the front casters come off the pieces of 2x6 the back of the mower is raising up so nothing really gets in the way. Yes it's tacky and cheap.

 

[ShooterK2]

ALC-GregH I was thinking about that exact same thing last night. It will be trial-and-error to get it right, but it should solve the problem. I really don't want to extend the gate if I don't absolutely have to, but I've gotta do something. Mine doesn't just drag....it gets STUCK and you have to push it back off. And it does it whether I'm backing on or driving on forward.
I think I'll play aroung with some 1x6 boards and see what I can come up with. I guess if I painted them black like the trailer it may not look TOO bad. We'll see.
Thanks everyone for the input.

 

[topsites]

Too steep an angle on the gate, how and where you park the truck can and does affect this,
however if it's on a perfectly level surface it should clear at least then.

Also it's not the spindles sticking, it's the blade bolt, it's not good, one day it will tear that grate up.

I am, of course, assuming you have put the deck in the "transport" position.

 

[ALC-GregH]

You could also raise the hitch ball by changing the draw bar. In turn lowering the back of the trailer by a few inches. Not sure if you have room for the trailer to go down some in the back but this is another alternative. The spindles on my Tiger Cub would bump going on the trailer at only one of my stops. I just changed the draw bar for one with less drop. I also had the room to do it.