Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I know they make ramp kits out there, and less expensive ones that bolt a regular 2x10, etc... The trick in all of them, it to strap the overhanging lip to the tailgate to secure it... With that said, has anyone done transport of any large OPE via just regular wood planks. Is there a method of doing it ~inexpensively~ yet safely ? Or even a plank platform ? I'm looking at 2 stagers and possibly used vs new. Otherwise, I'm inclined to possibly break down a 2 stager down (remove the shoot and handlebars) and the remainder should just fit inside the SUV just fine.

I have fit a few 2 stage machines in the back of my first generation Honda CRV just fine without taking them apart.  It is a bit of a tight fit on top, but they fit for me.

If it is only going to be a 1 time thing, a couple people can pick it up and do it.

Make sure you put the handles in first though, otherwise it won't fit so well.
I had an old 8/24 Ariens and a walk behind leaf blower both in at once fully assembled.

I don't have any ramps, the stuff I picked up was all non-running and we just used the 2 person method.

This is a perfect example why I wanted to add a flatbed to my fleet ;-) I could always just U-Haul it and get their smallest trailer and hook it to the back of my X... Due to the considerably lower height, it might be a better ways to go if I end up needing to haul a SS. I took a look at van rentals but I try to avoid car rentals as much as I can unless I'm on vacay or away on business. Those utility vans get beat up, bad transmissions, etc.

If you simply need to get what you bought home, most places deliver.  Even a lot of used ones you can get delivered.

If you're going to make your own ramps from wood, you should use the proper grade of lumber. Straight-grained, knot-free, and free of defects, Various thicknesses and species will determine what the weight-bearing load-rating is.

http://63.234.227.130/SLTC/etools/scaffolding/planking.html

You can probably use 1/8" to 1/4" thick angle-iron to reinforce the board edges, but you have to ask yourself, is it worth the time and cost, compared to buying commercially made aluminum or steel ramps. I just bought a set of 7' aluminum folding ramps for my utility trailer. They have a 1400 lb load rating, and I got them for $99. "on sale". (reg, $179.)

chefwong wrote:
Wow, from a single stage to a 2 stage snowblower, shed, loading ramps, trailers, and now a flatbed truck.  Wooo hoo !  It all started just a few snowflakes.

Plan for the future and get a F350 Super Duty Duallie from the start so you can haul the future garden tractor around.  :)  They make 4WD with heated cab and stereo too.  Just a thought.

aa335 wrote:

I wonder if chefwong is from New Jersey.....

My SUV is pretty poppy. I use it to tow the track rat. Wish I would use it more for utilitarian use like sheet goods and stuff.... Ha, You guys gave mr David a good old flogging. Just because I looked at the wear edge specs of the paddles put's me in the same boat ;-) It was more of figuring out was it ~worth~ even buying aHS621 instead, but then dumping at least $100+ more into it, assuming it was at least a 7 year+ machine and would need the drive belt and paddles changed.

There are some vague similarities to the self-proclaimed mechanical engineer with vast HVAC theoretical knowledge in need of real world practical experience.  That guy could tell the snow plume mass flow rate from looking at youtube videos.    :)  Amazing talent.  When he gets upsets, everyone is Democrat.

He also got flogging from another forums too.  Well deserved.  Some people over there got whiff of his coming.  He's been a boy scout lately.

Pertaining the HS621, not a good cost analysis if you looking to get one and keep it running.  The rubber parts and other replacement parts are expensive.  But it could end up being a collectible classic.  I'm not going to try to convince you to get a used HS621.  You know if you want one.

Most snowblowers weigh less than 250 pounds or so. Two average men can pick them up and load them into an suv or on a pick up truck fairly easily, no need to spend money on ramps unless you plan on carting your snowblower around often.

giocam wrote:
Spoken like a fit young fella, who's never had his back go out on him at the least opportune time.