Wheels idea for a chicken coop/tractor

[mflowers]

I have been trying to figure out how to make a cheap but long lasting axel that also doesn't look homemade... Here is what I am doing, I hope it's helpful.

- 48" x 5/8" steel rod (tractor supply, $7)
- 10" Wheels (tractor supply, $9.99 each)
- 4 5/8" Washers
And the key to my plan...
5/8" Clamping Collar (Fastenal, $1 each). This should hold the wheels in place and turn my steel dowel int a functioning axel...

I'll add pictures of everything as I go along...

Pre-wheels pic

 

[fried green eggs]

Cute Coop

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[Massey]

how much weight do you think that axel will hold, see the thread i just started 'a little problem' in this section too,

 

[Dirtrider73068]

It should work, I would also suggest when running the axle rod under the coop to put most of the rod where there is support across the whole length but leave enough for the wheels, that way the rod does not tend to bow under strain, or might even if have a table saw use a dado blade and dado a groove just big enough for the axle rod to sit in to keep it from wanting to move other than slide a little side to side if you know what I mean.

 

[altemusprime]

This axel is made from 1 1/4" rigid galvanized conduit attached to run with conduit hangers and deck screws. PVC spacers between sides of run and then reclaimed "wire-spool" wagon wheels, another spacer, and screwed on end caps. Will support a lot of weight, and moves very easily with one person over rough ground.

 

[mflowers]

Here are some pics of the coop with the wheels added. Working perfectly.

 

[haileybass]

Cool spool idea