Awesome! That didn't take you long, either, from design to execution. Well done!
Pulling Trash Can With Tractor - Sleeve Hitch Edition
Well it's done. Proof of concept that is for an alternate means of transporting my garbage can down the long drive on those days when there is too much mud to walk it.
My first thought was to build something I could use to pull the can. But after seeing a commercial product for cars/trucks that carried the can, I was inspired to find a way to lift and carry it using the tractor and a sleeve hitch.
When I set out I was just protyping with wood, to help we determine what to order in the way of metal. After starting with OSB for working out the shape, I then switched to real lumber. Then after cutting the first piece I began to realize there was a chance I could achieve a completely working unit out of wood alone if I beefed it up. I was correct, and it worked. I ended up with a sleeve hitch lift that handles a can + contents weighing in at 180lbs. Anything more and the actuator clutch kicks in. I think I can use it just the way it is, with a little paint of course.
To use the lift all I have to do is put the drop the arm onto the sleeve hitch and drop the pin in. Back the tractor up to the front of the can till the arm contacts the horizontal lift bar that is part of the can. Once contact is made I just press the sleeve hitch lift button on the dash and up she goes. Using this technique it will lift about 130-140lbs.
To get the full 180lbs I need to add a couple of straps between the sleeve hitch and the can to emulate a 3-point hitch lift methodology. When I do this capacity increases.
You can see the straps in the last two pictures.
My first thought was to build something I could use to pull the can. But after seeing a commercial product for cars/trucks that carried the can, I was inspired to find a way to lift and carry it using the tractor and a sleeve hitch.
When I set out I was just protyping with wood, to help we determine what to order in the way of metal. After starting with OSB for working out the shape, I then switched to real lumber. Then after cutting the first piece I began to realize there was a chance I could achieve a completely working unit out of wood alone if I beefed it up. I was correct, and it worked. I ended up with a sleeve hitch lift that handles a can + contents weighing in at 180lbs. Anything more and the actuator clutch kicks in. I think I can use it just the way it is, with a little paint of course.
To use the lift all I have to do is put the drop the arm onto the sleeve hitch and drop the pin in. Back the tractor up to the front of the can till the arm contacts the horizontal lift bar that is part of the can. Once contact is made I just press the sleeve hitch lift button on the dash and up she goes. Using this technique it will lift about 130-140lbs.
To get the full 180lbs I need to add a couple of straps between the sleeve hitch and the can to emulate a 3-point hitch lift methodology. When I do this capacity increases.
You can see the straps in the last two pictures.
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Garbage can gave it away.... I use those robbers too
Excellent job with this!!!
Unless I'm hallucinating, with the implement raised, the top of it appears to be at the same height that your hand would be if you were pulling it behind you.
So, if the weight is too much to lift the can, just turn the can around around, tilt it back, and hook the handle over the (raised) block, then use the tractor pull the can on its wheels. Sort of like the "yellow thing" in the other thread.
One question about the design. The connection between the (ripped) 2x4 cross support and the vertical laminated arm looks like it would be subject to quite a bit of torque. Are you worried about that, or does it look pretty solid when you raise and lower the can?
Mike
Unless I'm hallucinating, with the implement raised, the top of it appears to be at the same height that your hand would be if you were pulling it behind you.
So, if the weight is too much to lift the can, just turn the can around around, tilt it back, and hook the handle over the (raised) block, then use the tractor pull the can on its wheels. Sort of like the "yellow thing" in the other thread.
One question about the design. The connection between the (ripped) 2x4 cross support and the vertical laminated arm looks like it would be subject to quite a bit of torque. Are you worried about that, or does it look pretty solid when you raise and lower the can?
Mike
1 - 20 of 33 Posts
