[AT] Weekend issues

[Mark Greer]

If you're anywhere near any small sawmills, have one of them cut some White Oak in 8/4 x whatever width you think you need. That will be strong enough to load any mower you want to and it will likely be much less $ than any store-bought dimensional lumber. Store them out of the weather and after they're fairly well dried out, coat them with used oil. They should last you many, many years.

----- Original Message -----
From: Dennis Johnson <moscowengnr at outlook.com>
To: Antique tractor email discussion group <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Sent: Mon, 19 Sep 2016 19:40:28 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: [AT] Weekend issues

Farmer,

I agree that there are many solutions to this, engineered wood (but they would not like rain or elements), store bought aluminum ramps if I locked them in place, steel ramps, and combinations of wood and steel. Custom cut from a mill with full 2" thickness might be the best option if I can find a mill and take some time to go get them. Maybe it is time to switch to 2 X 12 boards but will need to carry them on edge because I do not want to have mower offset too much to the side.

What is frustrating is that I have used 2 X 8 or 2 X 10's for 20 plus years to load LAWN MOWERS. That is why Cecil's comment about good wood going outside the USA got me to thinking that he may have a valid point. I switched to 2 X 10's when I got mowers a little bit heavier than what I had 20 years ago. Every 5 to 10 years something happens and I need to replace the wood. The center support method has some issues on dealing with truck and trailer suspension flex. When I have something a bit heavier (like my Bolens 1502H) I had done the center support blocks. 

I like this method because they are reasonably light, cheap, weather resistant if treated. They are quick to put up and down. And I have a post welded to the trailer and a hole in one end of the ramp where I can just put them down over the pin and drive off with no worry. I have not had problems with anyone trying to steal a board.

Another thing that bothers me is that the new board has about 1 inch of extra deflection compared to the old 2 X 10 that has aged 3 or 4 years.

Thanks
Dennis

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