Hay wagons

[RTC63]

I was asked to use my '40 J.D.-B TO PULL A 7X14 size hay wagon on a paved mostly flat, private road this summer. A 2 mile round trip. I'm afraid the tractor just isn't the right tool for the job. Transporting concerns force me to keep the tractor weight around 4000 lbs. Am I correct in assuming the tractor is under powered for this? I looked at some other tractors in that weight range, a WD45, M.H.50 and a Farmall 240 but they ain't cheap and I ain't getting rich off this. Anybody with some knowledge about this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

 

[Hoofer B]

It will do it. That is what tractors are for.

 

[Rich'sToys]

I should think it would work, but a little more info would be helpful--is this a one time thing, or more often? Empty wagon, or loaded? Hilly or flat ground? What are you hauling?

 

[560Dennis]

How confident are you the B brakes will hold it downhill in road gear with+high center of gravity load with out spiking or Jack knife stopping.
your b tire’s roadworthy
like not enough info , mostly flat , and weather day of the trip .road surface gravel

 

[Gordy in Mn.]

I had one and road gear is five and half MPH. Gordy in Mn.

 

[Mark Poss]

How much weight on the hay rack?

 

[BarnyardEngineering]

Not enough information. Pulling this hay wagon doing WHAT, exactly? Pulling it around empty? Pulling it around loaded with hay? Pulling it around loaded with people? Do you just need to get from point A to point B, or is time of the essence?

Is your concern power, or weight? You say you don't think it's powerful enough, then talk about weight. They're two different things.

On flat, dry, hard ground, a small tractor can safely pull and stop well more than its own weight.

 

[RTC63]

So, my apologies for lack of details. This is for giving hay rides to people once a week all summer. Average weight of an adult at 200 lbs @ 20 adults per ride( less probably, and half those riders kids) realistically 3000 lbs a ride. On mostly flat ground and paved. A 2 mile round trip at 5-8 mph is about 25 minutes a ride. I have been a tractor hobbiest for more than a decade and own fords, farmalls and J.D.s but all are on the smaller side and I never work them so this is why I'm asking. Since the general public is involved, I'm trying to get answers before I commit. Thanks again.

 

[560Dennis]

What the condition of the tires on the wagon ? 2ply side wall ? Dry rots .

 

[RTC63]

The tractor is in very good unrestored condition. I have owned it about 8 years. I have done a complete clutch, brakes, and have done some trans work on it. Fluids, tune up that kind of thing over the years. It has 11-2x 38 tires, 90% tread on pressed steel but I do have cast wheels for it as well.

 

[RTC63]

I have not looked at the wagon yet although I'm told its in excellant condition, and I know they have stored it indoors. They have done this before

 

[RTC63]

With the cast wheels the tractor weighs about 3850with me on it. My best guess is it would be pulling a wagon of roughly the same weight, when loaded, possibly a little more on occasion. The tractor is stock, in good mechanical condition. I guess my question is, Is it practical to assume this tractor could do this job 4 hrs a week, or am I totally off base?

 

[Blackhole49]

So, my apologies for lack of details. This is for giving hay rides to people once a week all summer. Average weight of an adult at 200 lbs @ 20 adults per ride( less probably, and half those riders kids) realistically 3000 lbs a ride. On mostly flat ground and paved. A 2 mile round trip at 5-8 mph is about 25 minutes a ride. I have been a tractor hobbiest for more than a decade and own fords, farmalls and J.D.s but all are on the smaller side and I never work them so this is why I'm asking. Since the general public is involved, I'm trying to get answers before I commit. Thanks again.

My biggest concern would be whether your insurance will cover you. I believe the tractor is capable s long as the brakes work as they should.

 

[Loosehandle]

I was asked to use my '40 J.D.-B TO PULL A 7X14 size hay wagon on a paved mostly flat, private road this summer. A 2 mile round trip. I'm afraid the tractor just isn't the right tool for the job. Transporting concerns force me to keep the tractor weight around 4000 lbs. Am I correct in assuming the tractor is under powered for this? I looked at some other tractors in that weight range, a WD45, M.H.50 and a Farmall 240 but they ain't cheap and I ain't getting rich off this. Anybody with some knowledge about this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

These days I wouldn't do that for hire with any tractor, too much liability risk.

 

[560Dennis]

Air up the tires now , that way got get the picture of what it is , check pressure when it time to hit the road next summer .
got a slow moving vehicle sign ? Got them at tractor supply ( farm dealers store ) in case you don’t

how much experience do you have with loaded wagons in road gear ?
hows the draw bar on the B .loose and sloppy or rock solid tight? Got pin with safety clip so it won’t fly out on you shucking back forth .

 

[RTC63]

I realize there are many questions related to something like this and every one is irrelevant if the tractor is a poor choice to use. The draw bar condition is a good point to consider. Since the road is private it is closed to all traffic which is one of the reasons i considered it. I believe the physical condition of my tractor is very good. My concern was more about weather that size tractor is sufficient to do the work.

 

[Rich'sToys]

It should be fine. As mentioned, make sure your liability coverage is in order and your tires are in good shape. An SMV sign is a good idea, even though traffic is not a concern. If I recall, a '40 B is still a 4-speed, so road gear is only 5 or 6 mph. You won't have any problems. Go for it!

 

[RTC63]

I cant thank the YT community enough. Great answers and great questions too. Thank you very much!

 

[will-max dairy]

I cant thank the YT community enough. Great answers and great questions too. Thank you very much!

One subtle thing to think about is your brake lock and holding power.

Slowing a wagon going down a hill with brakes is one thing.

What if your tractor stalls, or you need to stop going up hill for some reason?

Your B should be safe, as in, I believe that the brakes are mechanical. So.. if you stalled going up a grade. Would you be able to use the brakes after the engine stalled, and is there a way to lock the brakes or put the machine in park?

I had a harrowing experience with a Farmall 706 once... hydraulic brakes... they don't work when the engine stalls. It had an ignition issue out of the blue going up a hill hauling an empty wagon. The engine stalled, I was surprised and couldn't get the park lever thrown down fast enough. The brakes stopped working, tractor rolled back and jackknifed the wagon. It was an empty haywagon that the tractor would hold easily, with working brakes, or the park lever thrown down.

I don't think the loss of hydraulics applies to your B. But... just take a moment to think about what would you do if the engine stalled going up a grade. You'll probably be fine... but better to think about it beforehand than to be surprised by it like I was.

 

[NY 986]

I was asked to use my '40 J.D.-B TO PULL A 7X14 size hay wagon on a paved mostly flat, private road this summer. A 2 mile round trip. I'm afraid the tractor just isn't the right tool for the job. Transporting concerns force me to keep the tractor weight around 4000 lbs. Am I correct in assuming the tractor is under powered for this? I looked at some other tractors in that weight range, a WD45, M.H.50 and a Farmall 240 but they ain't cheap and I ain't getting rich off this. Anybody with some knowledge about this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

The road to heck is paved with good intentions. In this case it means the chances are great that something will go wrong. Even if you operate the tractor responsibly somebody could get injured screwing around and their lawyer will be looking for a pound of flesh from everybody involved. People will be your friend until something goes wrong then look out. Sad that we have to think this way but better to let the owner of the hay wagon find their own tractor to pull the wagon. If you insist on doing this then review your insurance policy for liability.