Building your own small wood hauler.

[Kevin in Ohio]

I had gotten one of those cheap pull wagons years ago and knew it wouldn't last. I started gathering pieces for a rebuild and when the hubs broke out on the wheels I decided it was time. I wanted to keep the costs low so I scavenged everything here. Did some splitting for a friend in trade for some box tubing he had.

Wheels and tires came from a MTD riding lawn mower a buddy was scrapping. The are nice as the front axle assembly is a box and easy to use. My goal was to be able to get it through a walk in door but yet be able to handle some weight. I put about 1/4 of a cord on it so it's easy to see why the original gave up. I didn't mind the raised level of it either as it means less lean overs for me.

As I said, I had the main floor allready but if you want to make one from scratch all the is needed is a simple angle iron floor assembly. I used box tubing to beef it up but it comes down to what you have on hand.

I had beefed up the floor and ends with some 1 1/2" Box tubing that was 1/8" thick. With the amount of weight I put on it the original sides had given up. I made these so I can slide in extensions when I'm filling my supply for the Winter. For just feeding the stove I leave the extensions off.Main frame was getting springy and the writing was on the wall.

One set of rims were trashed out as the spindles broke from the wheel so some replacements were scrounged. They are now doing the same so some heavier pieces were needed. Getting ready to take off the old gear here.

Had a buddy that was junking out a riding lawnmower and asked if I wanted anything. That's what got the ball rolling for this redo and want to keep the cost low. Different sized tires and it will jack up the deck floor but will save leaning over for me, a plus.

Rear wheels have 2 flats in the hub to make the axles "lock" so the can drive the unit. I just want a simple slip so I'll have to get these round.

Set the wheel assembly up in the drill press and drilled them to size.

We're good to go now and it'll accept a 3/4" shaft.

Up next is the mounts for the wheel assemblies. I want them to be bolt on so I can use them on something else if needed. I used some 1 3/8" box tubing that is 1/8" thick. This design will tie everything up and spread the load. Just winging the locations and build from there. I drill the box tubing on the drill press then clamp it to the frame as shown here. Keeps the holes straight and true that way.

Had a piece of triple wall pipe laying around that will make a nice axle tube. 1/2" wall and just needed a little upsize with a drill. The old lathe took care of that.

For the stands for the axle tube I'm using box tubing. Got the angle needed with a T bevel and transferred the angle to the chop saw. Made them all the same length.

 

[Kevin in Ohio]

Here is a trick that makes it easier. Instead of trying to tack the uprights on the frame, do it on the bench. I use the straight edge of the table as a guide and measure the needed spread. A couple of small tacks where they join and they will stand up on their own. here you can see both together and the are the same.

After checking everything I tacked them on, then tacked the centered tube. Rechecked and put a few beads to keep it in place, I'll final weld it all up later.

Here you can see the original small tack weld and once it's all checked, put on a strength weld.

Since there are no bearings, I gun drilled the axle and tapped it for a grease zerk. I crossed drilled a single hole in the middle so the grease can work out from there.

Decided to make some bent straps to add a little strength where the axle tube meets the box tubing. This bender is great for this type of stuff.

Welded on and it's not going anywhere now.

Next is narrowing the front axle. want the tires on the front and back to have the same outside width so 9 inches has to be removed. Chop saw will make this quick and easy.

Cleaned up the cuts and ready to weld back together.

 

[Kevin in Ohio]

Back as one now and I'll mock it on to see what I need for risers to make it sit level.

This is how I get my measurements. I measure up from the floor on the rear tires and raised the front to the same measurement. Got the distance between the frame and front axle box tube and cut some spacers. Tacked on and checked okay so I'll build from here.

With the axle tacked up, the steering was next. Need a wagon, center style system so I cut the head off a 1/2" bolt. Drove it in about 3/4 of the way and welded it. Then ground flush.

Keeping it centered with the spindles and in the center of the arms is important. This will prevent binding when using. Once checked it was tacked on.

Steering rod was cut to length and ready to weld up. This is the way I do them and not the only way. 2 pieces of steel will keep the straight and I grind the ends like a blunt pencil, then tack.

Grind flush with an angle grinder and rotate. repeat till done all the way around. You'll see why later.

Rod as one again and straight.

I then grind another 1/2" bolts head flush to the body and lay a couple of pieces of steel on both sides. Then clamp with Vise grips and do the aligning. Again, VERY critical to get everything centered and straight so the pivots work in unison.

 

[Kevin in Ohio]

Now that the steering is squared away I slid the wheels on. Used the box tubing to make some angle braces and checked for clearance around the tires and linkage. took awhile to get the angles right.

This should keep it in position if I decide to use it as a tow wagon. With the axle lift you have to do something or eventually it'll fail. Pretty stout now.

With both assemblies welded to a flat surface that bolts on, they can be used for other things in the future if need be. I've learned over the years that needs change and it's nice to have options!

Used the same triple wall pipe for a swivel mount for the pull bar/steering. Plan is to make 2 bars. One with a hand pull handle and one with a hitch so you can pull it with a lawn tractor or atv. Gouged the bar and welded it. Then ground the sides flush so the handle won't catch.

Slid all the wheels on and flip it over to get a look see. Looks like something now and should be able to handle the weight I put on it better. Being higher is a plus for me as it means less bending over.

For the hand pull handle I drilled a couple holes in some equal length strap steel. Roughed the rounded ends in with an angle grinder. Bolting them together means they will be the same plus it's easier to keep the edges square.

Mounted the belt sander upside down in the vise and smoothed the edges. Saves the hands from pokes.

Cut 2 pieces of strap the same length. Bending both of the offsets for the handle at the same time to keep them the same.

 

[Kevin in Ohio]

Did the other end the same and welded it on with the pull in place.

Drilled and tapped a stainless 3/4" shaft for the pull. All done here.

For the other end I cut 6 pieces of strap the same and drilled them. $ will be for the pivots and the other 2 will be for the hitching point.

With those all welded on I made a pin fro the handle and hitch attachment. Welded a heavy washer on one end.

On the other side I drilled it and used a lynch pin for quick and east changes.

Here it is with the pull handle on. I have extension racks for it as mentioned earlier.

Hooked it up the the little Deere. It should be able to handle the weight now with ease.

Looks like a Pro street hot rod from the back but it'll help with weight distribution. I'll tear it all down now and smooth up the stuff. Then give it a quick coat of paint. I'll post it with a load on it then. Normally get close to a 1/4 cord on it when pulling it on concrete by hand. It's right at 28 inches wide at the widest point so it can still go through a walk in door. If you want bigger, you just simply scale it up. Tools that suit your needs if you will. Hope this helps someone and gives you some ideas. No need to spend money when people throw away the pieces everyday.

 

[lumberjack48]

I see your having fun, your doing an excellent job, she'll haul the mail now.:msp_thumbup:

 

[Hddnis]

Might be an optical confusion but it looks like the rear wheels are offset to the left side when looking at it from the back?




Mr. HE

 

[Kevin in Ohio]

Might be an optical confusion but it looks like the rear wheels are offset to the left side when looking at it from the back?




Mr. HE

Probably just slid out on the axle a little as I didn't bother to put the keepers on for the roll out. It's within a 1/4" anyway.

 

[Hddnis]

Probably just slid out on the axle a little as I didn't bother to put the keepers on for the roll out. It's within a 1/4" anyway.

Plenty good enough for who it's for.:hmm3grin2orange:


J/K Really nice project and a good use of scrounged parts.

What color you going to paint it?




Mr. HE

 

[Blazin]

You're a nut Kevin! In a good way though

 

[TonyK]

What no self propelled all wheel drive option?
Very cool!

 

[zogger]

Thats pretty nice!

closest I have come to anything like that is cheatin..just bought a heavy duty wagon at TSC...

 

[brenndatomu]

Love the dragster stance! :msp_thumbup:

After seeing how you build log splitters and wood haulers, I bet there's not enough iron ore left in the states for you to build something really heavy duty, like an earth mover for instance! :hmm3grin2orange:

Nice job!

 

[andydodgegeek]

Nice trailer. And as always nice work, you always impress me with your builds and its cool you stop to take pictures while doing it.

 

[Kevin in Ohio]

Plenty good enough for who it's for.:hmm3grin2orange:


J/K Really nice project and a good use of scrounged parts.

What color you going to paint it?




Mr. HE

Thanks all. I do tend to overbuild, it's a pet peeve of mine to have to redo something because of breakage.

On color, the wheels rims are so nice I'm not touching those. Got some green leftover paint so I'm leaning towards that with black racks. I tend to work in the shop on rainy days so some things get drawn out. I'll post when I get it prettied up.

 

[jthornton]

Your having far too much fun...

JT

 

[Steve NW WI]

Kevin, that's way overkill.
















I LIKE it!

 

[Jere39]

Just Wow

 

[brenndatomu]

What will you be using this for exactly, I thought you had your wood stack right next to your boiler?

Just wanted to say that you really do a great job of posting your build pics and explaining them, I don't think anybody on AS does it any better! THANKS!

 

[sarge3604]

You could use it to haul granite if you ever had too the way its built nice job gotta love welding projects:msp_thumbsup: