Sled

[bracabric]

I have a lot of stones in a couple of fields of mine that vary from 1/2 Lb. to 5 Lb. some residue from Glacial activity a few million years ago I think, well, I needed to move a lot to make hardcore for an approach to a Bridge that I built some time ago and still not having found an old Truck axle to make a trailer with I was somewhat stuck. Then I thought do I really (almost pensionable) want to throw heavy stones up to a trailer? how about a bale sled/sledge that would be much less back breaking and cheap to build, so ...












The runners are made of 2"X10" matured Oak 9' long (it's 5" wide) that I got for US$40 the decking is 1" thick pine that cost US$18 for twelve 12' long pieces, the two 8 1/2 ton pull shackles I got from a Flea market for US$5 and the cable and nails were free!

I put 3 tons of rocks on the first time and it handled that fine, It tried to catch up with the Tractor going down a slope that was well, interesting !
It's not the high tec project so many of you do, but I'm more at home with wood and it was certainly economical !


Dick

[GuglioLS]

Hi Dick,

Looks like a handy sled you built to haul off those rocks. The wood you used looks to be of furniture quality. It would be fun to ride! Have you piled on the stones? if so how did it work for you?

Larry

[bracabric]

Hi Larry, I was a bit worried that the shackles would pull out of the ends of the oak runners, I put metal straps each side and added a couple of bolts as well as the shackle pins and with the first load of stones being a little in excess of 3 tons there was no problem I still want to build a trailer but cannot (as yet) find a suitable axle on which to base it, still I've plenty to do and it will happen when it happens. I may build a detachable mirror image of the front end and sides of the sled to clip on the back from time to time. I put quite mature oak down as the runners as it's a lot harder than the pine we have available in abundance and should wear a lot longer.
Furniture quality? no not really, the oak would have to be fully seasoned and although the pine was supposed to be mature, it was still wet and even though I clamped all the boards tight before nailing them, I bet as soon a the dry weather returns there will be gaps between them ! Also as an Antiques dealer of some 35 years standing, it's Georgian Mahogany and English oak and walnut for me, I have a 1450s oak gateleg table at the farm(amongst other things) I bought many years ago that is my pride and joy and although I have been offered large amounts for it I won't part with it and hopefully my son will cherish it when I "pop my clogs"
Dick

[3RRL]

Hi Dick,
What a clever idea !!
We forget (at least I do) that you can pull tons of stuff on sleds like that. It's gonna come in handy for many other projects where you have to move a lot. Not just for rocks, but for moving dirt or logs or shrub, etc. It's a trailer without wheels is all. You really only need the wheels for an easier pull, which your tractor should have no problem pulling that load. After all, a trailer has limits too.
For rural use, that sled is a heck of an idea!
Oh, and thanks for the great photos too. I always enjoy them.
Rob-

[linus69]

That is very cool Dick, they built the pyramids with sleds like that, I like it.

Paul

[studor]

Nice work Dick
I too have rocky ground and have been using an old car hood to move some pretty big rocks but your drogue or rock boat is certainly more refined ;D
Steve