A walk-behind tractor is a useful thing for those who have a large plot of land. But this technique can be used not only for plowing, harrowing and other field work. If you attach a trolley to the walk-behind tractor, it can be used as a cargo vehicle. It’s easy to make a spacious wheelbarrow with your own hands. A trailer for a walk-behind tractor allows you to transport hay, bags of grain, vegetables and other cargo.
Restrictions on use
The safety issues of a driver driving a walk-behind tractor with a cart have not been worked out, so it is not possible to drive such a cargo vehicle everywhere. The traffic police does not allow driving on public roads, although in rural areas sanctions are unlikely to be applied to the violator. However, it is better to be careful and not break the rules. You can safely drive equipment with a trailer in the following places:
- along the road laid between the field and the forest belt;
- In the woods;
- on a dirt road passing through a meadow, steppe, etc.
You are also allowed to move within your area and in the vicinity of the village (where there is no roadway). The main thing is that there is no risk of an accident. Trailed structures are sold ready-made, therefore, there is no explicit prohibition on their use. In winter, a wheelbarrow can be attached to a snowmobile to transport firewood or animal feed.
Materials and tools
Before making a towbar for a Neva walk-behind tractor or another brand with your own hands, you need to clearly imagine what the end result will be. It can be helpful to visit a store that sells factory trailers and see how they are built. A walk-behind tractor with a cart is a stable vehicle because it rests on 3 or 5 wheels. A trailer can carry an impressive amount of weight, but exactly how much depends on the characteristics of the model (you need to read the instructions). Here's what you'll need to make your own trailer:
There is a simpler option - a rolling dump truck, similar to a tow truck. It can also transport cargo. The elements that make up a homemade rolling device: two wheels, two pipes and a detachable drawbar. The device is convenient because it does not take up much space when stored.
Main parts of the cart
The typical design of a trolley for a motor cultivator consists of a certain set of elements, but it is easy to modify it to suit your needs. For example, the owner of a walk-behind tractor may decide that additional components are needed. The main details will be:
The cart rests on two or four wheels. Accordingly, it turns out to be biaxial or quadriaxial. What to choose, the owner of the walk-behind tractor decides for himself. The version with four wheels is more stable, but it is more difficult to manufacture. In addition, a two-axle cart weighs more than a two-wheeled cart. It is recommended to focus on the power of the walk-behind tractor.
If the power of the equipment does not exceed 5 hp. s., the optimal dimensions of the trailer in length and width will be 1.5 and 1 m. When the parameters of the body are calculated, pieces of the corrugated pipe are cut to the required length and a frame is welded from them. The design is quite rigid, so there is no need to install reinforcing elements in the corners. In order for the seam to be smooth and of high quality along its entire length, you should work on a flat surface, preferably using electric arc welding.
Body assembly and painting
The sides of the trailer are framed with a 25-30 mm profile. Sheathing is assembled from sheet metal, which is then attached to the corrugated pipe with threaded connections. The metal for the body must be free of rust. If there is corrosion, it is removed mechanically, and then the surface is coated with a priming rust converter. The body is fitted to the frame. If all dimensions match, perform a test assembly. Then they disassemble, set the body aside, and cover the frame with oil paint. It is necessary that there are no unpainted elements left anywhere.
Helpful advice : If possible, it is better to use a polymer-based dye. The primer should not be neglected in this case either, because adhesion is better on the treated surface. Powder dyes are more resistant to abrasion, and surfaces coated with conventional oil-based compounds need to be renewed at the beginning and end of the season.
The body flooring is also coated with paint, after which it is installed in its place. Fix the joints with fasteners, then paint the protruding parts of the bolts so that corrosion does not appear in these places. If the dried paint has come off in some places during installation, these areas are touched up. A drawbar is made from the thickest pipe.
Steering gear
Since the design provides for a tilting trolley, special axles are made from the bottom in the middle. To prevent the folding mechanism from jamming when lifting, it is necessary to maintain alignment. Reinforcement bushings are attached using a plate 5-6 mm thick. The same parts are welded to the coupling device (drawbar), which serves as the base frame.
Assembling a hinge joint with your own hands requires increased precision. The basis is a stainless steel circle with a diameter of 5 cm. The studs are also machined from steel, only hardened. Since the intensity of movement of the hinge will be low, you can do without bearings, the main thing is to regularly lubricate the mechanism.
The steering structure is fixed to the coupling device. The horizontal hinge is made removable, the bushing from it is bolted to the drawbar. The steering joint is located vertically on the towing pin.
When everything is ready, perform a test loading and check if there are any problems during movement, during turns, when starting, stopping, etc. If the equipment with a trailer works normally in all modes, the structure is ready for operation. If the power of the walk-behind tractor allows, the cart can be loaded with 300 to 700 kg.
A homemade trailer is several times cheaper than a factory one., and it will serve for decades. The main thing is to use high-quality materials, observe dimensions and carefully assemble.
A walk-behind tractor is an irreplaceable and necessary piece of equipment that is useful for working on a personal plot and in the garden. With its use, you can easily cultivate a plot of land and transport many different cargoes, for example, tools, hay, various crops, fertilizers, planting material, and garden waste. If the standard walk-behind tractor model does not include a trailer, there is a solution to the problem - this is a homemade cart for the walk-behind tractor.
There are walk-behind tractors: light, medium and heavy (professional). Models differ in their weight, power and functionality. The walk-behind tractor can be equipped with a hiller, grouser, plow, potato planter, mower, walk-behind rake, seeders and planters. Motorized cultivators are considered analogues of walk-behind tractors, but this equipment was created to perform only one function - cultivating the land in rare cases, there are small additional capabilities.
- an indispensable device on a personal plot;
- simple materials and technologies are used when creating;
- saving money, because the approximate minimum cost of a new trailer is from 12 thousand rubles and a used one from 8 thousand and above.
Disadvantages of factory trolleys:
- a unit that suits all parameters is not always available for sale;
- technical parameters and quality do not always correspond to the inflated price.
Trolley dimensions for walk-behind tractor
The dimensions of the trailer depend on the required load capacity. A standard size body that can support a weight of 2.5 cwt is equal to:
- width – 1150 mm;
- length – 1500 mm;
- height – 280 mm.
When the parameters of a suitable trolley have been selected, you need to calculate the number of meters of rolled metal and the number of channels for manufacturing the frame and hitch.
Preparing a list of materials
It is recommended to write a list of necessary materials based on what is already available and, as necessary, add the rest to promote prefabricated work. If, instead of a profile pipe of square and rectangular cross-section, round pipes are already available. It is recommended to develop the construction of a device based on your own raw materials.
Drawing of a simple trolley for a walk-behind tractor
The cart is designed for a cargo weight of 450-500 kg, not taking into account the driver’s body weight. It can easily fit up to 8 bags of potatoes.
Trolley drawing
- – support for hanging areas;
- – console;
- - carrier;
- – footrest;
- – seat;
- – frame (frame);
- – body;
- – support beam 3 pcs., (beam 50x50);
- – bolts (M 8);
- – persistent design (steel pipes 58x4);
- – wheels.
Step-by-step assembly and finishing These are the most difficult tasks:
- you should select the necessary parts;
- rust removal, converter treatment;
- if necessary, trim off all excess if indicated in the drawing;
- fit the parts and combine.
Trolley frame
Iron angles and cut pipes with round and rectangular sections are the most suitable parts for constructing the cart frame. The structure requires difficult working conditions, for example on uneven (rutted) terrain.
Advice: the elementary frame for the unit is constructed from a pair of pipes and wheels on bearings. The body and frame are connected with pins. Additional installation of springs will soften shaking on potholes.
Trolley carrier
The cart for a motor cultivator has a wheel axle - it is a steel pin with a diameter of 3 cm and a length of 1 m. The dimensions of the rod are selected taking into account the dimensions of the body, so that the wheels do not protrude beyond its limits. The structure is welded through support corners, gussets with longitudinal hinges and frame beams.
Trolley drawing
- – housing of the rotary system;
- – drawbar (pipes 49x3);
- – footrest frame 4 pcs., (corners 25x25);
- – Thrust structure – 4 pcs.;
- - stiffening rib;
- – strips 25x4 (overlays).
Helpful information! The design of the trolley carrier is a mechanism made from spare parts, fastened together by welding. The load will be placed mainly on the rotating structure and on the trailer coupling area. It is recommended to add parts of the steel structure (ribs) in this place for strength.
Body
It can consist of metal or boards (20 mm), the structure must be reinforced with steel corners. The trailer body is attached to the frame by several fixed supporting parts (50x50 timber). Load placement for single datum carts is to locate a center of gravity that does not intersect the wheel pin line. It is recommended to install stiffening ribs on the sides and bottom. If the trolley is intended to carry loads in bags, then there is no need to make folding sides.
Advice: To quickly unload the trailer, the rear wall of the body is made to open or a mechanical device is added to turn the cart over.
Walk-behind tractor with body, connection system
To couple the trailer with the walk-behind tractor, you need to make a console. The top of the support should copy the contours of the cultivator handle, because the fasteners are made with the console of the suspended structure. The lower part, which consists of an axle and two bearings for the drilling rotor (RUB) secured by a rotating carrier assembly. The place in the middle of the bearings must be lubricated and covered with anthers. Under conditions of heavy load on the trailer during operation. It is recommended to make the hitch and carrier movable.
The connecting mechanism of the cart is mounted in the cylindrical body of the longitudinal hinge, the structure is secured with a thrust ring. This type of design will allow the wheels of the cart to rotate independently. It will be much easier to control the walk-behind tractor when traveling over uneven areas.
- Console.
- Anther.
- Bearings.
- Frame.
- Spacer sleeve.
- Bearing.
- Spacer tube.
- Washer.
- Nut (M 20x2.5).
- Lubrication device.
- Drawbar.
Wheels
According to reviews from experienced craftsmen, it is recommended to select tires from a motorized stroller and install them complete with the central part of the wheels. There is a nuance - this is turning the ends of the axle rod so that it fits the dimensions of the diameters of the hub bearings. As a result, the trolley can be used with these wheels for many years.
An iron circle with a diameter of approximately 30 mm fits perfectly into the workpiece for the wheel base point. The central shaft should be connected to the longitudinal hinge and corner supports by welding.
If ordinary wheels with an axle are selected:
- a corner is attached to the transverse part of the frame or a part of the pipe is welded to it;
- A hole should be drilled at the bottom of the corner or pipe to secure the fittings and the wheel axle.
Cart bottom
It is best to make the bottom of the cart from sheet metal, the thickness of which is 2-3 mm. An edged board will also work, but will be less durable. After spending 3-4 days on the job, you will get a cart that will last for a long time.
At the stage of completing the homemade structure, the driver’s seat is firmly fixed and the wheels are installed. For convenience, it is necessary to make a footrest so that the legs are not in the canopy. The cart for the walk-behind tractor can be safely used with your own hands. The assembled trailer can be painted if desired and used with dignity without any difficulties!
A ready-made homemade trolley for a walk-behind tractor is an indispensable design for easy transportation of various loads.
The walk-behind tractor is a universal unit that, when combined with additional equipment, is capable of performing any work in agriculture. This includes plowing a field, cultivating and loosening the soil, but many also dream of making a transporter out of a walk-behind tractor.
But, given the fairly high cost of the trailer, there is no longer enough money to purchase additional equipment, so many farmers resort to designing it themselves. In this article we will look at detailed instructions for making a trailer for a walk-behind tractor with your own hands. But first of all, let's get acquainted with the types of hand tractors.
Types of walk-behind tractors
Before you begin to consider the instructions for making a trailer, the first step is to determine its carrying capacity. Factory devices are capable of transporting loads weighing from 300 to 1000 kg, but, of course, this depends on the characteristics of the tractor itself.
Depending on power and performance, all hand tractors can be divided into:
- lungs
- average
- heavy.
Depending on the type of tractor, the dimensions of the trailer are selected. For lighter ones, the best option would be a body no wider than 1 m and no longer than 1.15 m. It is in this volume that you can fit up to 300 kg of weight.
For medium-sized units, the body length can reach 1.5 m, where up to 500 kg can be loaded. And the dimensions of the trailer for heavy walk-behind tractors can reach 3 m in length with the same 1 or 1.2 m in width.
Types of trailers depending on the device
Trailers for walk-behind tractors, depending on the specifics of the work, can be:
- with a folding body;
- with stationary;
- with folding rear or folding side walls;
- the folding mechanism can be mechanical or hydraulic;
- with a hand brake (usually a self-moving device is used on trailers for heavy tractors).
When developing the design of a trailer for a walk-behind tractor, it is imperative to take into account its center of gravity. It should be shifted forward relative to the axis closer to the front side. This will not only increase the stability of the transporter, but also ensure optimal controllability during movement.
Trailer design for walk-behind tractors
Having decided on the carrying capacity and power of a hand tractor, you can begin to design trailers. First, let's look at the design of a simple trolley without a folding body. At first glance at a trailer in a branded factory design, it will seem that its design is complex.
But in reality this is not the case, because it includes the simplest parts that are attached to each other in the most ordinary way (bolted and welded connections). The device does not contain complex components that need to be manufactured using sophisticated equipment. So, what elements does a walk-behind tractor trailer consist of?
1. Clutch device for walk-behind tractor.
2. Articulated rotary device (console).
3. Driven.
4. Step.
5. Driver's seat.
6. Frame.
7. Body.
8. Support beam.
9. Hinge lock.
10. Rear hinge device.
11. Axle with wheels.
We looked at the design of a trailer without a hand brake. If it is necessary to provide a spontaneous movement blocker, then the wheels and calipers can be taken from the rear axle of a small car. They already have a drum-type manual locking mechanism.
The figure presented earlier shows all the recommended trailer sizes for a manual tractor of average power, about 5 hp. The body material can be not only boards, but also plywood, rolled sheets, and profiled metal sheets.
It is also clear from the device that the carrier is fixed to the central pipe by inserting it inside and through. Its second end at the rear is hinged, which allows the trailer wheels to change their position relative to the plane of the tractor axis without creating inconvenience when overcoming holes and potholes. The “pipe-in-pipe” technology provides the required stability during the straight-line movement of the walk-behind tractor, without distorting the frame, thereby not creating emergency situations.
Carrier device
Now let's take a closer look at the design of the carrier. It, as can be seen from the drawing, does not have many details:
1.
Rotary mechanism.
2.
Drawbar.
3.
Step.
4.
Stiffening ribs on the hinge.
The coupling of the walk-behind tractor with the trailer is carried out through a hinge joint, which consists of a steel axle, bearings and a flange. A hand tractor is attached to the latter using a bolted connection.
An important factor in the quality connection of the walk-behind tractor and the trailer is a well-designed hinge. Therefore, it is recommended to use at least 4 stiffeners made of steel strip with a thickness of at least 4 mm.
Trailer frame design
From the diagram below you can see that the frame structurally includes various types of profile and round pipes welded together. The thickness of the profile is selected based on the required load capacity of the trailer.
What do we see in the drawing?
1.
A brace that strengthens the structure of the seats.
2.
Driver's seat frame.
3.
Seat support or post.
4, 5, 9, 10.
Front and rear struts.
6.
Frame or outer frame of the platform.
11.
Reinforcing cross member.
12.
Central axis.
13.
An axle made of a rod with a diameter of 30 mm.
14.
A scarf made of rolled sheets 4 mm thick.
If you are interested in how to make a screw wood splitter with your own hands, then you can read more about this in.
The frame also provides a seat mount, which can be folding or stationary. Depending on this, the type of design of the folding device is selected.
Method of fastening the carrier and central pipe
Bolts and studs are used to secure the carrier. A hole for the fastening element is machined in the central pipe. The ends are fixed to the spar. To make the drawbar, use a pipe with a cross section of 60x30 mm.
The frame is the basis of the supporting structure. Traverses are made of steel squares (25x25 mm). To strengthen them, cross sections are used. The racks are made from pipes that are connected to 2 sides of the structure.
This coupling method allows the pipe to partially rotate without changing its position in the longitudinal direction when the walk-behind tractor moves.
Wheel axle
The wheel axle can be made of a steel rod with a diameter of at least 30 mm with axle shafts welded at the ends, onto which wheels with a hub are in turn mounted. To securely fasten them to the axles, locknuts and cotter pins should be used, and the fit on the axle should first be ground for the bearings in the caliper.
If it is necessary to install a brake, then a lever near the driver's seat, a cable system and drums should be provided for it.
As you can see, having the drawings and a complete manufacturing algorithm at hand, if you wish, you can make a trailer for a walk-behind tractor or other vehicle yourself.
Below, we invite you to watch a video on how to make a trailer for a walk-behind tractor with your own hands:
Buying a walk-behind tractor as a necessary means of production has become a necessity for many, but for normal operation of the unit, you must buy a trailer as part of the kit. However, the proposed models do not always take into account the necessary features, and this is one of the reasons that many owners of such assistants prefer to independently design a trailer for a walk-behind tractor with their own hands.
- trailer frame;
- body;
- axle and chassis;
- hitch.
To make the work easier, you need to purchase or use ready-made elements:
- passenger car wheel hubs;
- wheels assembled with tires;
- tow hitch for a vehicle.
Types and purpose of models of main structures of walk-behind trailers
The main types and models of trailers for self-made walk-behind tractors are classified according to the type of homemade body part design:
- one-piece structures;
- transformable structures with folding sides;
- tipper body types.
The one-piece design of the trailer includes a rigid, non-removable side body. Due to the rigidity of the design, the trailer allows you to transport cargo both in bulk and in packaged form. The body has a large rigid frame platform connected by a welded joint to the side guards. A folding tailgate is provided for loading and unloading.
Transformer structures are trailers for universal use; they have the functions of both a rigid body trailer and a platform for transporting large cargo. The frame base is a rigid base, and folding or removable sides during transformation form an additional area of the flat platform.
The tipper type of walk-behind trailers allows for tipping and unloading of bulk cargo without additional effort.
Assembling a homemade trailer for a walk-behind tractor
When starting to implement a project, a DIYer needs:
- create a working draft or drawing (drawing);
- prepare material for the frame and other main components;
- prepare the workplace;
- mark the main structural elements of the trailer;
- lay out and adjust alignment angles;
- collect part templates;
- carry out the adjustment of the purchased entire units to the structural elements.
Required tools and materials
To carry out the work, you need to prepare all the necessary tools:
- welding machine;
- grinder with a set of cutting and abrasive discs;
- measuring instrument - tape measure, metal ruler, protractor, square, marker and chalk, metal scriber;
- hammer, chisel, pliers;
- bench vice, set of clamps, welding clamps;
- drill, set of metal drills;
- riveter
The required materials will be:
- steel square or rectangular pipe 60×60 or 60×30 mm;
- steel square pipe 30×30 or 25×25 mm;
- corner 25×25 mm;
- channel;
- springs of the Moskvich passenger car;
- steel sheet 2 mm thick;
- galvanized sheet 1 or 0.8 mm thick;
- fasteners, bolts, nuts, rivets.
For a rigid body model, instead of a spring-loaded wheel set on springs, you will need a regular beam.
For trailer wheels, ready-made car wheels from a Tavria, Moskvich or Zhiguli passenger car are suitable.
The wheels need to be selected immediately with the hubs, this will facilitate further assembly of the homemade product.
Frame
The trailer frame is an all-welded structure in the form of a frame lattice made of a square pipe. Traverses made from a 25×25 mm square form the cross members of the frame, and the spars are made from a 60×60 or 60×30 mm pipe. After marking, all structural elements are cut and laid out on a flat surface, the joints are welded with small seams, and each joint of the elements is checked with a square. After assembling the structure, final welding of all parts is carried out along the perimeter of all planes. The frame is painted after treating the surface with a metal primer.
Chassis
In making a homemade trailer for a walk-behind tractor, the chassis is the most difficult element.
The basis of the chassis is a beam with hubs at the ends. The channels are joined to each other in such a way that they form a square. The joints are welded with a continuous seam. Wheel hubs are installed at the ends of the axle and welded.
The accuracy of the axle assembly is checked by checking the parallelism of the planes of the wheel rims. The connection between the frame and the beam is carried out using springs, while the ends of the springs are installed in welded brackets on the frame, and the beam is pressed against the central part of the springs using an earring.
The chassis installed on the frame is additionally checked for resistance to overturning. As in a car, the axle spring group must have rubber bushings in the frame mounting bracket.
Body, frame trim
The platform is marked relative to the grid in such a way that allowances are left for attaching the side posts. The front and side boards are firmly installed, and the rear board is made removable on door hinges.
The sides of the trailer have a frame structure made of 25x25 mm corners. The corners are butt welded, the seams on the inside are cleaned to the level of the metal plane.
Removable sides are assembled in the following sequence:
- side frame;
- The galvanized iron sheet is adjusted to the size of the frame;
- The side panels are cut out and secured with rivets through the corner.
The bottom of the body, made of a 2-mm iron sheet, is installed on the frame and welded with a small seam around the perimeter every 3-5 cm.
The installation of the boards begins with the installation of the front board, then the side boards are installed and connected with a welding joint.
The tailgate is secured last - first the hinges are marked and welded, and then the latches.
Other design details
After assembling the frame and body, a folding seat is installed - a wooden bench placed on top of the front side with support on the sides.
As a trailer brake system, it is recommended to use elements of the brake system of a car whose hub and wheels are used in the design. To ensure reliable operation of the brake system, it is recommended to provide an additional lever lock.
Attaching the trailer to the walk-behind tractor
The trailer drawbar, like the frame, is made of 60×60 or 60×30 mm pipes. This is a double beam design with a connection in the coupling device. The coupling device is installed at the point where the drawbar beams meet. The rear ends of the pipes are welded with overlap and reinforcement to the trailer side members.
The coupling of the trailer with the hitch of the walk-behind tractor should ensure ease of rotation of the propulsion unit when moving and at the same time reliable connection with the trailer.
In a simple version, an earring made of a metal rod or fittings with a diameter of at least 20 mm can be used as a standard hitch. As an option, a standard car trailer hitch and tow bar are used.
For reliable articulation and ease of control of the walk-behind tractor, a pipe with a diameter of 40 mm and a length of 100 mm is welded at the junction of the drawbar beams. The axle of the towing device is installed inside the pipe on two bearings. On the trailer side, the pipe is plugged with a washer to fix the towbar axle; the diameter of the washer hole corresponds to the diameter of the towbar axle.
The axle of the trailer hitch, on one side, has a thread for fixing with a nut and a stud, and on the other, a welded hitch for connection to the walk-behind tractor.
The hitch at the end of the axle facing the walk-behind tractor is made of a square pipe 60x60 mm, 80 mm long. A through hole in the pipe, drilled through two opposite sides, must correspond to the diameter of the locking pin of the walk-behind tractor hitch and fit securely inside the towbar. Inside, the square pipe is reinforced with additional metal plates. The edges of the pipe are rounded so as not to create additional difficulties when turning.
On the trailer side, the towbar axle is secured with a nut and a locking pin.
As a result, when connecting the trailer hitch into the hitch eye of the walk-behind tractor and fixing the hitch with a finger, the walk-behind tractor and the trailer must be securely connected, ensuring stability and ease of control when moving.
Owners of personal plots and gardeners often use a walk-behind tractor. It can be seen in almost every subsidiary farm. Technology is indispensable and necessary for performing various types of work. In addition to soil cultivation, a mechanized device can be used to transport cargo (hay, fertilizers, planting materials, firewood and garbage). If you purchase a walk-behind tractor or a snowmobile without a trailer, you shouldn’t be upset, because you can make a trailer hitch for the walk-behind tractor with your own hands.
The configuration of the walk-behind tractor can be very diverse:
- Hiller.
- Grunt
- Plow.
- Potato planter.
- Seeder.
- Rake.
- Mower.
This is characterized by the equipment’s carrying capacity, weight, power and other indicators. The walk-behind tractor can be medium, light and heavy (professional). A motor cultivator is considered an analogue of this technique, but it is made to perform one job - cultivating the land. Sometimes it may come with an additional feature.
The design of the carts is not complicated. If you have the usual tools, almost any owner can independently build a cart for a Neva motor-cultivator or walk-behind tractor. An important part of manufacturing is the correct drawing up of a drawing or sketch. The main work should begin, strictly adhering to the intended dimensions. To simplify the process, you can take the factory model of the cart as a sample. Trailers can be of large and small load capacity (500 or 100 kg). At the same time, the body differs in size.
Carts are selected for different types of walk-behind tractors with different technical characteristics:
- For heavy ones (more than 10 hp), a single-axle or two-axle cart with a body length of up to 1.5 m in width and 3 m in length can be used.
- For medium-sized ones (power up to 10 hp), single-axle trolleys with a body length of up to 1.5 m and a width of up to 1.4 m are most often used. The load capacity of such trolleys is approximately 300-500 kg.
- For light trailers (power up to 4.8 hp), single-axle trailers with a body length of about 1.15 m and a width of 1 m are used. The trolleys are designed for a load of up to 300 kg.
The sides in carts can be up to 40 cm high, and with side guards in powerful trailers - up to 60 cm. To facilitate the process of unloading or loading, the design provides an opening or removable tailgate. Models with removable side walls can also be produced.
Standard models of towbars are characterized by placing the center of gravity at the rear, which makes it easier to tip the cart and unload some cargo. Only heavy-duty models are usually equipped with a hydraulic lift cylinder. Such models must be equipped with brakes, since on steep slopes the inertial force of movement will act and it will not be possible to stop the walk-behind tractor.
Pros and cons of a homemade trailer
There are many ready-made designs offered by tractor-trailer manufacturers and third-party manufacturers. Thanks to the cart, the walk-behind tractor will be a full-fledged transport, but to decide between a purchased and homemade model, their merits need to be reconsidered: 
- An indispensable device for working in the country.
- For manufacturing, you can use simple material and technology.
- During production, money is significantly saved.
When purchasing, it is not always possible to find a unit that meets all the characteristics, and its quality and technical parameters can be much lower than the price.
Proper design
To prevent repeated reworking of parts during the assembly process, as well as to save material that could be damaged, you need to create a detailed and careful drawing. It is best to create multiple drawings of each part from all sides. This is especially true for complex parts.
When making a drawing and preparing sketches, you can miss important nuances. In this regard, the drawing need to be reviewed and studied taking into account the following points:
- Determine which main or auxiliary unit the trailer needs, and also find out the connection method. It can be carried out in different ways (welding, bolts or rivets).
- Movement and connection of stationary rotating parts (on hinges, bushings, bearings or in an axial manner).
- Are parking mechanisms necessary?
- The presence of a body tipper.
At the same time, there are many other elements that need to be taken into account and created depending on your own needs and desires. For example, not everyone will agree to make a swivel joint with their own hands, but many will be able to buy it cheaply from scrap metal. In the drawings, if necessary, clarifications and detailed drawings are made. Creating a drawing is not an easy process, but after that it is possible to complete and correctly list the necessary spare parts and tools.
Before purchasing materials and creating drawings, you need to examine the available parts, since any metal products may be useful for creating a structure or additional elements.
Development of a lightweight trolley
A dolly with a load capacity of up to 350 kg is suitable for any type of walk-behind tractor, and a dolly with a higher load capacity will require the development of additional brakes, since it will be unsafe to use (it can be used as a tow truck). To make a lightweight trailer with your own hands, size drawings can be easily found on the Internet. They need to be modified to suit your needs, depending on the availability of blanks and requirements.
The load capacity will depend on the choice of dimensions and dimensions of the body itself. To do this, you can use manufacturers' dimensions, and develop a drawing It is recommended to carry out this step by step:
- General view with dimensions of all components, such as body, frame, wheels and carrier.
- Detailed view of a frame made from a square or round tube and connected by welding.
- Body and its structure. The body can be made of boards or metal.
- It is advisable to reinforce the carrier with several stiffening ribs, since the main load will be placed on it through the swivel unit and drawbar.
- The rotary assembly is a complex element that requires special attention.
Depending on the choice of material for the manufacture and strengthening of certain sections of the structure, the use of a walk-behind tractor trolley can be subject to different loads.
Manufacturing details and materials
To make a tow hitch you will need:
After preparing the necessary parts and tools, you can begin to work, but it is very important before work to clean the metal from rust using a grinder and a converter.
Trailer frame
The best option for creating a frame would be cut round and square pipes, as well as corners. The design is suitable for use on uneven roads. The frame can be made using bearings and some pipes. You also need to install the wheels. A steel rod with a diameter of 30 mm and a length of 1080 mm is suitable for creating an axle on which the wheels will be mounted. Such a rod is welded to the hinge and frame posts.
Motoblock trolley carrier
The structure is created from parts that are reliably welded. The main load is created on the rotary and coupling mechanisms, so the structure must be strengthened with metal parts by welding. To make the carrier, you need to weld the support corners, gussets with longitudinal hinges and body bars.
Homemade device body
The body for a homemade wheelbarrow can be made from suitable metal or a board with a cross-section of 20 mm. When making from boards, it is necessary to strengthen the structure with metal corners. The body must be connected to the frame at several points using supporting parts. The center of gravity in a single-axle cart should not cross the wheel axle.
When creating a dump body structure, you need to install axles for the folding device in the middle of the frame. In this case, it is important to install them coaxially and accurately orientate them, since if installed incorrectly, lifting the body can be difficult due to jamming. The axle bushings are welded through a reinforcing plate about 5 mm thick. The coupling device, which is the basis of the frame, is also equipped with such amplifiers. Conventional hinges, often used in the construction of hinged gates and gates, can be used as bushings and axles, but with a diameter that will allow them to withstand the weight of the load. After finishing welding, you need to check the free movement. This design is not dismountable, so to prevent recycling, the axles must be installed the first time.
Connecting a walk-behind tractor with a trolley
To connect the trailer to the tractor, you need to make a console. The upper part of the support can be similar to the outline of the cultivator handles, since it needs to be attached to a hinged console. At the attachment point between the bearings it is necessary to apply grease and cover it with a boot. If there is a large load on the trailer during operation, it is recommended to manufacture a movable hitch. The connecting mount of the device is installed in the cylindrical body of the longitudinal hinge and the entire structure is locked with a ring.
To make a coupling device you will need:
With this design, it is easier to control the walk-behind tractor on uneven road surfaces.
Choosing trailer wheels
Many craftsmen who make towbars leave reviews on websites that recommend installing motorcycle tires together with a central part kit. However, in this case it is necessary to grind the axle rod to match the dimensions with the diameters of the hub bearings.
A circle with a diameter of 3 cm is perfect for turning and creating a central wheel base. The central shaft, longitudinal hinges and corner supports are connected by welding. If you select other wheel pair options you can perform the following operations:
- Attach the angle to the transverse part of the frame or weld a piece of pipe.
- Drill a hole in the bottom of the angle or pipe to fix the fitting and the wheel axle.
Working with the bottom of a trailer
To make a strong bottom, it is best to use metal sheets with a thickness of 2 to 3 mm. You can also use an edged board, but the bottom will be less durable.
At the final stage, be sure to secure the driver's seat and check the installation of the wheels. For greater convenience, it is necessary to weld the footrest so that the legs do not remain in the air. The trailer can be stripped and painted to improve its appearance.
The assembly of the structure must be carried out on a flat surface. When choosing a profile of approximately 40-50 mm, you will not need to reinforce the structure with gussets. With normal and uniform welding seams, the structure will be quite rigid, so if you do not have welding skills, it is better to hire an experienced person. After painting the device with special paint, all parts will be protected from corrosion, and the cart will last longer. When creating a folding structure, it is necessary to weld the lock and use a steel pin with a cotter pin.