How To Load And Tie Down Chipper On A Utility Trailer

[velvetfoot]

Hi. I have a line on a used chipper and I have to drive an hour and a half one way. I have a folding utility flatbed trailer that tilts down. I practiced with a snowblower and managed to get it on there myself, so hopefully...

The other thing is, how to tie it down so it doesn't fly off or otherwise get damaged? I was going to use a lot of tie down straps. How about wheel chocks? I don't want them to fly off either.

I'll try to put a manufacturer's pic below. It doesn't have that optional big chute. I'm thinking I could unbolt the hopper to make it a little more 'together'.

Would tilting be a big no-no? Maybe as long as the oil doesn't come out?

Any suggestions?

 

[heat seeker]

I'd strap the wheels and jack down tight, then remove the hopper to eliminate the "sail" in the wind. What speeds are you going to be driving at?

 

[velvetfoot]

Thanks. I didn't even think about the windage factor, I just was thinking of the bouncing factor.
I could go the fast way, or the slow way. I'm leaning to the slow way now , if only I can pull over once in a while to check things out.

 

[blades]

That front foot folds down for towing on a garden tractor or such so I would use that by adding a hitch point to the front of your trailer to start after that good ratchet straps ( 2" heavy duty, those thin ones arn't worth much) to secure it. go a little ways and re-tighten straps before hitting the main drag. I always use straps one to left one to right one front one back in other words a four point tie down and then a couple over the top for vertical tie down.

 

[velvetfoot]

That front foot folds down for towing on a garden tractor or such so I would use that by adding a hitch point to the front of your trailer to start after that

I'm sorry, I can't visualize. You suggest extending the arm in towing postion? Then the unit would be tilting some.

 

[blades]

By using the towing arm in the towing position it prevents moving forward or rearward but you can only do it this way if you add a receiver ( for the arm) to the trailer solidly bolted or welded in place. I do not know if that is a ball coupler on it or just a 2 plate slip pin item ( the towing arm that is ) That is how I move my bearcat chipper on highways ( trailered) as it is only good for a max of 40mph ( and that's pushing the limit) on its own unsprung wheels. Same with my splitter. I still use a bunch of straps as I do not trust any one thing. Its not a good day when your equipment passes you on the highway. ( no, I do not have that T shirt, but have seen the results many times)

 

[velvetfoot]

I got you now. A bunch of straps will be used.

 

[velvetfoot]

Well, the subject is moot now for me since the seller just wrote that someone came over and bought it.
I didn't make the trip today because the weatherman said it was going to be a washout.
The sun is coming out now.
Oh well. I know that's the way it goes, but I'm still bummed.

 

[heat seeker]

Sorry 'bout that!

But at least he called, so you didn't make a trip for nothing!

There now, don't you feel better? (just yankin' your chain…)

 

[velvetfoot]

Thanks for the condolances.
You know, I keep reading of people making great deals and so on, but it never seems to happen for me.

 

[blades]

Good deals on CL- got to be fast, the ones that jerk my chain are response only be e-mail, of which n 99.5% ends up in their spam folder and you never hear back. To be fair I have gotten some very good deals. Some so-so.