Heavy Chicken Tractor - Wheel Design

[lifeoffaith]

I may have gone a little overboard constructing this thing, but I'm trying to figure out how to construct an axle that will hold up. Currently I had intended on a 1/2" bolt going through a 2x4 block of wood, but the coop is too heavy and has broken the blocks twice. I think going all the way through the main 2x4 supports on the bottom with a single axle may be the only way. Those of you who have heavy coops, how did you do your wheels?

 

[4 the Birds]

A long single axle would for sure to good but you could also use a short axle at each corner block supported by a wheel on each side of the block. So double wheels at the two back corners may would be my choice if you did not go to a long single axle.

 

[EastTXChickens]

My husband is constructing our heavy tractor but it's to remain stationary most of the time, he's installing a long single axle and two wheels. He says if it was to be moved more often, he'd use double wheels bolts with a wheels on either side.

He reserves the option to change his mind once we get ours moving later this week

 

[EastTXChickens]

sorry for the confusing sentence on double wheels! He'd use bolts with wheels on either side.

 

[apteryx]

What are you planning on pulling it with? If it is heavy enough to break the 2x4 blocks, I am guessing that you might be using a lawn tractor or something similar. If that is the case, you may want to use skids (e.g. 4x4's with ends cut at an angle). Also, would it be possible to get a photo of how you have been trying to attach the wheels? This may help to identify if there is some other issue that is causing the blocks to break.

 

[lifeoffaith]

I suppose I could try that, but I plan on pushing or pulling by hand. It's heavy, but I should be able to do it once I get the wheels right. Now you got me thinking though...

Do you have pictures of that kind of design by chance?

 

[apteryx]

I suppose I could try that, but I plan on pushing or pulling by hand. It's heavy, but I should be able to do it once I get the wheels right. Now you got me thinking though...

Do you have pictures of that kind of design by chance?

Unfortunately I do not. My cousins had a coop built like that years ago and used a tractor to pull it (it's what they had). I will try to find a picture of something similar, or get a sketch for you.

 

[JackE]

Here's an axle you could adapt to the coop. Just add wheels. If you don't like that one, they have others.


http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200593637_200593637

 

[ChickInDelight]

I need 8 wheels - 4 for my tractor and 4 for the hoop coop I am about to build. What is the cheapest source? (Please don't tell me the lawnmower I just sold for $20 was worth more in wheels.)

Has anyone tried buying from a lawnmower repair shop?

 

[apteryx]

I need 8 wheels - 4 for my tractor and 4 for the hoop coop I am about to build.  What is the cheapest source?  (Please don't tell me the lawnmower I just sold for $20 was worth more in wheels.)

Has anyone tried buying from a lawnmower repair shop?

It depends in what size you want. Try harbor freight.