SA200 balance Point

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This may be a dumb question but its better than a dumb mistake.I know that the lifting eye on top of the machine is about the balance point .But how far depending on which way you face the welder backwards or forwards from the axel should you place the balance point to keep alittle toung weight.Thanks
Reply:Ideally you want about 10% of the trailer load (weight of trailer + contents) at the hitch coupler.So, if you SA200 weighs 1500 lbs (this is a guess), and the trailer weighs about 1000 lbs (another guess), then you want the tongue weight to be about (1500 + 1000) * 10% = 250 lbs.You can find the tongue weight with a simple bathroom scale and something to prop up the trailer tongue at the right height.  Safety first...If you're shifting the welder backwards and forwards to get it in the right position, I'd have help on hand to keep the trailer from tipping backwards if you move the welder too far back.  RULE #1: don't drop the welder.  Rule #2:  don't let the trailer tongue pop up and Hit you or anyone else.Benson's Mobile Welding - Dayton, OH metro area - AWS Certified Welding Inspector
Reply:Pete,If you're comfortable working with EXCEL, I can send you a spreadsheet that will calculate where to place load(s) in relationship to the hitch to yeild the desired tongue weight.  I have your e-mail address if you'd like it.As with A_DAB_will _do's suggestion, you will still need a scale to determine initial unloaded tongue and axle weights on an existing trailer as a starting point.  As such it would be just as easy to follow the trial & error placement method and weighing to confirm.DuaneMM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Thanks Duane I wasn't trying to be to hi tech about it just close I think the gen end is the heaviest right I thought if I put that to the rear which will put most of the engine in front of the axel give or take an inch or two that mite work.