John Deere B Float

[K Thomas]

Looking for suggestion on pulling a trailer with my John Deere B. We have several events here in So Cal that I will be pulling my trailer as a float. I have a 10K trailer with a 2 5/16 ball that I will tow tractor on it and then pull with the tractor in the parades. There is no 2 5/16 ball that will fit the hole on the tractor draw bar as it is only about .85 inches. I was just wondering what others have done. Any suggesti

ons are welcome.

 

[James1911]

Bolt on an attachment with correct size hole for ball.

 

[James1911]

Bolt on an attachment with correct size hole for ball.

 

[Fixingfarmer]

You probably will also have to shorten a hitch if you want one in the 2 5/16 ball. And don’t use the safety chain on top chain to the tractor. Goes without saying if you have the fabrication skill this can be made with 2 holes attaching at the normal hitch pin hole and farther back fairly heavy duty but if you are asking the question type in that 45006 number on Curt’s website and you have an easy hitch.

 

[used red MN]

with 2 holes attaching at the normal hitch pin hole and farther back

That’s a good idea. Just to be less confusing I personally would call the second hole as being farther forward on the drawbar in normal tractor nomenclature. And yes if that bottom plate the larger bolt is going through only looks to be 3/8” more beefing up is definitely required.

 

[old-9]

Looking for suggestion on pulling a trailer with my John Deere B. We have several events here in So Cal that I will be pulling my trailer as a float. I have a 10K trailer with a 2 5/16 ball that I will tow tractor on it and then pull with the tractor in the parades. There is no 2 5/16 ball that will fit the hole on the tractor draw bar as it is only about .85 inches. I was just wondering what others have done. Any suggestiView attachment 87799ons are welcome.

https://www.external_link.com/tsc/product/weigh-safe-2-in-to-2-5-16-in-clam-shell-converter-ws07 hope this works.. it is a clam shell converter for a 2 inch ball. joe

 

[old-9]

https://www.external_link.com/tsc/product/weigh-safe-2-in-to-2-5-16-in-clam-shell-converter-ws07

 

[Fixingfarmer]

That’s a good idea. Just to be less confusing I personally would call the second hole as being farther forward on the drawbar in normal tractor nomenclature. And yes if that bottom plate the larger bolt is going through only looks to be 3/8” more beefing up is definitely required.

Yes my apologies forward instead of back.

 

[Jim.ME]

https://www.external_link.com/tsc/product/weigh-safe-2-in-to-2-5-16-in-clam-shell-converter-ws07

TSC is seen as a competitor selling parts. The software blocks links to their website.

 

[caterpillar guy]

First I would probably reinforce the drawbar sticking back some with another bar bolted under it with a spacer for the swig plate . Then because I'm cheap I would just get a piece of tubing out of my iron pile that would fit over both bars and drill a hole to fit the drawbar. Weld a piece in the back end for the ball or just drill a hole in the end for the tube with a piece in the tube to hold the ball from squashing the tube though if the tube is about 3/8-1/2 thick no reinforcement needed. ball would set right on top of tube. No money out except for some juice to run drill and weld or not.

 

[55 50 Ron]

Looking for suggestion on pulling a trailer with my John Deere B. We have several events here in So Cal that I will be pulling my trailer as a float. I have a 10K trailer with a 2 5/16 ball that I will tow tractor on it and then pull with the tractor in the parades. There is no 2 5/16 ball that will fit the hole on the tractor draw bar as it is only about .85 inches. I was just wondering what others have done. Any suggestiView attachment 87799ons are welcome.

I think a 2 5/16 ball will easily fit into that drawbar hole because the 2 5/16 doesn't mean the ball hitch mounting stud or bolt. I think .85 (greater than 3/4) will easily accept the ball mount which I bet is no larger than 3/4.

 

[55 50 Ron]

Looking for suggestion on pulling a trailer with my John Deere B. We have several events here in So Cal that I will be pulling my trailer as a float. I have a 10K trailer with a 2 5/16 ball that I will tow tractor on it and then pull with the tractor in the parades. There is no 2 5/16 ball that will fit the hole on the tractor draw bar as it is only about .85 inches. I was just wondering what others have done. Any suggestiView attachment 87799ons are welcome.

I was thinking "float as in the carburetor" before I first read this post. LOL

 

[K Thomas]

I have thought about the clamshell option but most 2" balls that support 3.5k have a 3/4" shaft. To support 5k+ you have to have a 1" shaft that would require drilling or an adapter. I have found one 3/4" shaft that supports 5k and it is $120 and I think that is crazy for a 2" ball. My trailer is a 20' 10k trailer and I do not think 3.5k is enough when you have people on it. I would feel confortable with a 5k setup.

 

[wore out]

Looking for suggestion on pulling a trailer with my John Deere B. We have several events here in So Cal that I will be pulling my trailer as a float. I have a 10K trailer with a 2 5/16 ball that I will tow tractor on it and then pull with the tractor in the parades. There is no 2 5/16 ball that will fit the hole on the tractor draw bar as it is only about .85 inches. I was just wondering what others have done. Any suggestiView attachment 87799ons are welcome.

You have a very SMALL and light weight tractor with limited braking ability.

Err on the side of caution and DON'T do this.

 

[montidale]

I am with wore out. I think that’s kind of a small tractor for pulling a float. Especially with a lot of people on it. When I pull a trailer for a hay ride I use the biggest tractor I have. Even if the brakes are brand, new and dry, I question the stopping power.

 

[Rich'sToys]

You have a very SMALL and light weight tractor with limited braking ability.

Err on the side of caution and DON'T do this.

I am with wore out. I think that’s kind of a small tractor for pulling a float. Especially with a lot of people on it. When I pull a trailer for a hay ride I use the biggest tractor I have. Even if the brakes are brand, new and dry, I question the stopping power.

Pulling a float in a parade is different than pulling a loaded wagon (hay ride or otherwise) down the highway in road gear. I've been driving in parades for 40 years. You're moving slowly--usually in 1st or 2nd gear. Sometimes it's stop and go. Unless there are a lot of hills in the parade route, I don't really see what the problem is.

 

[NoDakInMN]

I think those saying the B is too small are being over cautious, especially since we know absolutely nothing about the float or how many people will be on it. We also know nothing of the parade route as to how level the ground is. Further, if stopping power is a concern, it would be easy to rig up a small system to utilize the trailer brakes.

 

[Russ from MN]

I think a 2 5/16 ball will easily fit into that drawbar hole because the 2 5/16 doesn't mean the ball hitch mounting stud or bolt. I think .85 (greater than 3/4) will easily accept the ball mount which I bet is no larger than 3/4.

Any 2 5/16 ball I have ever used has a 1-inch shank, that won't fit in a .85 hole!

 

[Russ from MN]

I think those saying the B is too small are being over cautious, especially since we know absolutely nothing about the float or how many people will be on it. We also know nothing of the parade route as to how level the ground is. Further, if stopping power is a concern, it would be easy to rig up a small system to utilize the trailer brakes.

Just recently in Wisconsin there were numerous people hurt in a hayride accident, not sure how it happened.

At least 25 people, including children, were injured when two hay wagons being pulled by a tractor rolled over during a field trip at an apple orchard near Chippewa Falls on September 18.

 

[wore out]

I think those saying the B is too small are being over cautious, especially since we know absolutely nothing about the float or how many people will be on it. We also know nothing of the parade route as to how level the ground is. Further, if stopping power is a concern, it would be easy to rig up a small system to utilize the trailer brakes.

The O.P. stated "I have a 10K trailer with a 2 5/16 ball that I will tow tractor on it and then pull with the tractor in the parades."

So the trailer is considerably larger and longer than the tractor.

I have owned a wide-front styled "B" in the past and am familiar with that spindly little drawbar and supports.

I stand by my statement that I wouldn't do this.

It would likely be just fine, but what could the liability exposure be IF something doesn't go as planned, does the O.P.'s insurance fully cover that?

Who would take the responsibility for a cobbled-up braking system?

To each their own, though, and GOOD LUCK to the O.P. however he chooses to proceed!