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DougE's avatar
DougE
Explorer
Jul 19, 2015

Lawn Tractor Trailer Spotter?

I have a 10' V-nose cargo trailer (stealth camper) and a 16' car hauler. Due to some power pole guy wires I have about a 15' offset I have to maneuver through to get my trailers in the back yard. I can get there with my pickup but it's not easy. Has anyone explored the limits of using a lawn tractor to spot their trailers? I have a Sears Lawn Tractor with a V-twin engine and hydraulic drive. I know there's definitely a fairly low limit on the size of trailer that could be moved this way, but how have you rigged your lawn tractor and what size trailer have you had success moving?
Seeking Advice
  • Wishbone51's avatar
    Wishbone51
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2015
    I've moved a full cargo trailer with my little John Deere lawn tractor. I was surprised how much power it had. I used the little wheel that goes on the bottom of the jack so that there was no hitch weight.
  • Raften's avatar
    Raften
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2015
    I have a Park 360 trailer tug that allows me to put a twenty foot boat in a storage space at my home that is very tight and twisty. Slow as a snail but lots of torque to move and position.
  • PA12DRVR's avatar
    PA12DRVR
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2015
    Not on point, but for maneuvering my 30' flatbed in a crowded community storage lot, I put a hitch on front of my truck. Best $249 I ever spent: instant response, more direct change to trailer direction, etc.
  • Pogoil's avatar
    Pogoil
    Explorer
    Jul 21, 2015
    Call the power company and I bet they may be able to adjust those guy wires for you. When placing a pole on my property they were happy to work with me on alternate placement of the guy wires.

    Pogoil.
  • hotbyte's avatar
    hotbyte
    Explorer
    Jul 21, 2015
    Heck, they move railcars by hand...anything is possible :)

  • tatest's avatar
    tatest
    Explorer II
    Jul 21, 2015
    It is certainly possible, and I've seen RV dealers use lawn or garden tractors this way, although they usually use one that is large enough to put the hitch ball on a front end lift, which can better handle the load than the usual rear hitch point, and offers some maneuverability advantages.

    It really depends on the tongue load vs limitations of the particular tractor. Trailers can be spotted as well by hand operated trolleys, if surfaces are smooth enough, grades are slight, and gearing is adequate.
  • bucky's avatar
    bucky
    Explorer II
    Jul 21, 2015
    A golf cart is more suited to this task than a riding mower is. The electric motors have monster torque values. I once pushed my daughters car a 1/4 mile with one when it ALMOST made it to the shop.
    One would move either of your trailers nicely but a TT of any size would probably kill the thing.
  • DougE's avatar
    DougE
    Explorer
    Jul 20, 2015
    In general I was trying, read will not, spend more than $1000 for a powered dolly. I was looking for ideas by someone who had made a mod to their lawn tractor to do this (picture's please?).

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