Hay Wagon out of Truck/ Car Frame??

ryanwheelock · Mar 17, 2010

I have 1 normal hay wagon but could use another. Wondering if anyone else has made one out of a car or truck frame? I think I could make one for cheaper than buying the normal running gear. Here in northern Mich hay wagons are hard to come by, everyone that has one dont want to sell it. The one I have took me 2 1/2 years to find. Just wanted to see if someone has some pros and cons if I tried to do this.
Thanks
Ryan

Janicholson · Mar 17, 2010

Purchase a 1-1/2 ton long frame truck chassis.
(wrecking yard back row)
replace the springs with spacers that set the frame top at an appropriate height.
Scarf all extra metal brackets and attachments off of it.
Make a pivoting tongue with an attachment to the drag link to allow the wheels to steer with the tongue (requires thinking about the geometry)
Use appropriate tires and wheels to do the job. (probably not 8.5X20). Put hardwood rails (2X4) on the top of the frame and attach with carrage bolts sunk below the surface. Deck it with tongue and groove yellow pine (1-1/2X6" exposure) across the frame rail strips. Screw these to the rails with Tapcon blue screws (rust free and tough). Put 2X4 edging on all 4 edges, sitting on the top outside edge, and screwed to each 2X6 plank) Preservative spray, or deck finish, do not paint. Jim

GWG · Mar 17, 2010

I saw on Creigs list # 1643619446...Des Moines..Slater, Iowa looks like a well built hayrack....I have seen back in the 30's...40's wagons made out of old car frames..worked well for then....antiques now

John Harmon · Mar 17, 2010

In the 50's and 60's it was not had to find a old truck or car with solid beam front axle and heavy frame and many were converted into farm wagon running gears. In 2010, I don't know if any are left for such use. As far as a rack for a hay wagon.what the use? Small bales? Chopped? large bales etc.Build the platform from lumber.Pressure treated Yellow Pine would be my choice for framing and this new composite deck material for the deck or again 2"x12" treated yellow pine if available. Stainless screws and rust proof bolts,to fasten it together and the rack will last many years. The gear itself can be had at any Ag. dealer or good farm store.

Rick Kr · Mar 17, 2010

I see no problem in doing that. Have seen quite a few around here and there. A guy bought my old 3/4 ton van for scrap 2 years ago. He saved the motor/trans and then made a wagon out of the frame.

He had to fab the tie rods to the tongue he made but other than that, straight forward. Seems running gear for wagons has gotten expensive the last couple years.

But factor in the price of new decking before starting. I still see wagons around $500 with decent decks. By the time you but a new deck on a truck frame, plus fab a hitch figure $300-400.

Rick

PJH · Mar 17, 2010

Looks like you'd have to block the rear axle solid to the frame to keep it from being tipsy when loaded high with hay. I know it needs to twist over uneven ground, but the front suspension should allow that??

farmallman · Mar 18, 2010

I'm just over the river north and here my neighbours have made hay wagons out of old bus frames... might be bigger than what you need or can handle but its worth it if you can get an old bus for cheap and do all the work yourself... He has three of them and my dad even has one he keeps around that people borrow if needed... If your curious i think the snow has melted enough thst i could get a pic or two... let me know.

Hay Wagon out of Truck/ Car Frame??

ryanwheelock

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Janicholson

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GWG

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John Harmon

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Rick Kr

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PJH

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farmallman

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