Trailer mover for Bobcat M371

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Started another attachment.  I got this far and can't make up my mind on the next step.I need to beef it up a bit so I can install a boom and not twist things.  I don't want that receiver bending in any direction.  Boom will install into the receiver and then pin to a step up above (yet to be added) for stability.  As usual, this is quickly approaching overkill for my little Bobcat.  Mostly made from 1/4" scraps with a little 3/16" thrown in.  All TIG welded just cuz I can (and MIG bottle is almost empty). Attached ImagesMy name's not Jim....
Reply:I would add two gussets to the bottom of the receiver and weld them at an angle from the corners of the tube to the plate. You could cut holes in the gussets for the safety chains if you really wanted. The ROC of your machine is only 500lbs and a tipping load of 900lbs so I would say you built it plenty strong.
Reply:I like it a lot. I'd like to make one for my compact tractor (SSQA loader). Keep us posted!
Reply:Very well thought out as always. Post some action photos after your get it painted.
Reply:Boost, do the little bobcats have the quick release attach plates, looks similar to mine in the picture but looks like yours may pin sideways, my New Holland , the pins drop downward.   Did you say you were going to make a boom for it? will the boom be it's own attachment or hook to the hitch attachment.  I built one last year and use it a lot now. Very Handy. I was thinking of putting a small electric winch on it .   this one looks really good, what color?"Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum"Lincoln Idealarc 250 AC/DCMillermatic 251   Syncrowave 300   30A spoolgunLincoln MP210Hypertherm 45(2) LN 25(2) Lincoln Weldanpower 225 CV(4) SA200   1 short hood    SA250    SAM 400
Reply:I made a Plate years ago that had a receiver just like yours, only mine was for a full sized bobcat.  1/4" back plate tore out after a few years (Tore the plate NOT the weld).  But, I'd imagine a lot of that had to do with  my use of the thing.  Still, I'd try to incorporate some type of gusset under the receiver if you can, and with the jib, maybe something to strengthen from the sides.   BUT, as already touched on, the machine will likely tip before anything else happens....  Im also interested in seeing how your machine pins attachments.  I worked with a Dingo a lot when I did tree care, but cant remember back that far, or if they're the same...  Anyway, looks good, paint it and show us the finished product.
Reply:Yeah, the little bobcats have quick attaches on them.  They are smaller than anything currently made and I haven't located pre-made plates for them.  They pin from the side with spring loaded latches.  I don't have any pics of the setup.  I will try and take some tomorrow if I remember.The boom will slip into the receiver. I got it beefed up enough, I think...  Primer is drying now.  Will get some black paint later and anti slip tape on the step in a day or two. Attached ImagesMy name's not Jim....
Reply:Gusseting very nice, clean smooth lines."Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum"Lincoln Idealarc 250 AC/DCMillermatic 251   Syncrowave 300   30A spoolgunLincoln MP210Hypertherm 45(2) LN 25(2) Lincoln Weldanpower 225 CV(4) SA200   1 short hood    SA250    SAM 400
Reply:That turned out bitchen, not Jim.http://all-a-cart.comWelding Cart Kits and accessories
Reply:Definitely built plenty stout. Looks perfect."The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living and the get rich quick theory of life." -Theodore Roosevelt
Reply:Really Good JobBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Now that's what you call gusseting, a thing of beauty. Nice job.
Reply:i think the bobcat itself just became your weak point.  nice work.
Reply:You do nice work, mang!Brian LeonardAppalachian Ironworks L.L.C.434 Long Branch Rd, Marshall, NC 28753828 649 9966828 702 [email protected]
Reply:WOW! Fancy gussets... now your just showing off. You would have been fine with it welded on as original but the gussets really make it look cool. Can't wait to see it painted.
Reply:Just to be arguementative, and to promote good design , the gussets were sorta necessary.Being as the reciever didn't go all the way through to the back it was just hanging off the front piece of plate.  And it was in the center of the plate, not tied to any shoulder for stiffening.TIG...................Well...................I said I was just being arguementative"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:It does look good though Jim"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Please tell who ever is going to use the hitch to lock the trailer to the ball while in use.  A few years ago a local hog farmer was using a skid steer loader to pushing a goose neck trailer up a grade when the hitch jumped off the ball and came in the cage with him.  His son found him a few hours later pined inside the skid steer cage by the goose neck hitch.  He got by with a broken leg and a few broken ribs.  Not even a year later he did the same thing again but only suffered a broken arm. He was around 70 years old.   WIth your hitch being on the bottom of the frame this might not happen.Your hitch looks great and should do the job.Dan D.Last edited by DanD78; 03-21-2012 at 11:44 AM.
Reply:Tested it out....Works great.First pic is all finished. (I still need to file the latch holes a bit for full engagement)Second pic is the view from the drivers seat.  Perfect.Third is dragging around my dump trailer.  I know for a fact that it has 500 lbs. of tongue weight.  The Bobcat didn't buck or tip at all so I'm good to go.  My delivery came this morning so now I'm off to get boom material. Attached ImagesMy name's not Jim....
Reply:really nice job on that boost, those little machines are real back savers!!!!!
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammIt does look good though Jim
Reply:Beautiful job, should make maneuvering those trailers easy as pie. I really like the gussets. makes it look like it would handle a trailer with a real skid loader on it. lol.The non-slip pad is a nice touch.Nice baby skiddy btw.
Reply:Ya awesome Jim !    ))))Miller Synchro250 bought new 1997Millermatic200Miller Bluestar 2E . AC/DC 16hpBluestar 2E , DC Miller Thunderbolt225 AC/DC ArcLongevity 60 plasma
Reply:Got the boom done.  I also made a straight draw bar for moving farm equipment. Attached ImagesMy name's not Jim....
Reply:Boost, is that the little BC you bought for $200 on the Mechanics park heading? if so looks like you did very well on that one. Did you say it wil pick 8 or 9 hundres lbs.?"Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum"Lincoln Idealarc 250 AC/DCMillermatic 251   Syncrowave 300   30A spoolgunLincoln MP210Hypertherm 45(2) LN 25(2) Lincoln Weldanpower 225 CV(4) SA200   1 short hood    SA250    SAM 400Originally Posted by kolotBoost, is that the little BC you bought for $200 on the Mechanics park heading? if so looks like you did very well on that one. Did you say it wil pick 8 or 9 hundres lbs.?
Reply:Nice! I have a mid frame New Holland, 1700lb capacity, but would definately love to find one like that in the 2-5 hundred range to fix up. Doesn't take up as much room for handling the trailers and little 2-3 hundred pound items."Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum"Lincoln Idealarc 250 AC/DCMillermatic 251   Syncrowave 300   30A spoolgunLincoln MP210Hypertherm 45(2) LN 25(2) Lincoln Weldanpower 225 CV(4) SA200   1 short hood    SA250    SAM 400
Reply:That came out really nice looking.  Makes me want to get one!  I don't have your skills or experience with them though, so I'll keep admiring your work.  Almost as fun!
Reply:Very cool hitch receiver! Awesome craftsmanship.
Reply:What kind of primer did you use? Looks awesome too!Millermatic 211PowerPlasma 50s
Reply:I just used rustoleum primer on that.  I've since switched to Duracote (I think?).  I got two gallons of the stuff given to me and it gets thinned 50/50.  So I have 4 gallons to spray.  The stuff is pretty cool and dries as fast as you spray it.  It ain't cheap though at over $100 a gallon.My name's not Jim....