Here is how you can build a Hay Bale Cart. This project requires some basic tools. The finished haycart is a fun and functional tool for you. This plan is great for beginners and experienced carpenters alike. You will be able to build one in a day!
Full build plans are available here!!
Stabilize the suspension system
If you're planning to build a Hay Bale Cart, the first step is to stabilize the suspension system. The suspension system is what absorbs the energy emitted by road bumps and dissipates it. It also keeps the tires in optimal contact with the ground, which increases overall tire grip. It also reduces body roll by transferring weight from the high side to the lower side.
Install guard rails
If you want to protect people while they ride your hay cart, you need to install guard rails on it. They will prevent people from falling or getting hurt if they slip and fall on hay. They can also make it easier to stack tall hay bales on your wagon. To install guard rails on a hay cart, follow these simple steps. Weigh the risks and benefits of installing guard rails on your hay cart.
When installing guardrails, remember that the posts themselves cannot withstand the impact of the vehicle. It takes the guardrail as a whole to protect people. Some factors to consider include the height of the rail, the type of soil, and the distance between the rail and the hinge point. A guardrail that deflects significantly can lead to pocketing. This is dangerous because it allows the vehicle to flip. Another potential problem is a rail failure.
Another good reason to install guard rails on a hay cart is to protect livestock. This is especially important in areas where livestock and vehicles are present. If there is a high volume of traffic, you may want to consider installing guardrails on hay carts as a precaution. However, it is not always feasible to install them. You may have to install the guardrails yourself. There are many options to choose from.
When installing guardrails on a hay cart, you must first understand the types of guardrail. Guardrails come in different materials, including wood and steel. Some guardrails contain mesh or netting components. A guardrail can also be transitioned into a fixed anchor, such as end terminals. A guardrail can also be designed to be tall enough to prevent a person from falling over it.
Besides being an important safety precaution, guardrails also provide a visual appeal to hay carts. The MGS rail is more durable than other models. Its mounting height is higher, and it uses larger posts and blockouts. The rails must be located four feet away from the gauge corner of the frog. Once installed, the guardrail will help protect the hay cart from potential damage caused by a derailment or batter.
Design/build a wagon bed
The components of a hay cart are running gear and interchangeable beds. The running gear is made up of wheels and axles connected by an extendable reach. The front axle assembly is attached to a tongue. Some models also have rear wheel brakes. The bed is supported by a cross beam called a bolster. The bed may also have vertical bolster stakes to prevent it from sliding sideways.
The floorboards must fit snugly over the hinge bolts. Some people like to drill holes first and weld them onto the frame. If you do weld the brackets to the frame, ensure that you have enough room to bolt the tongue to the bed. However, if you are building a hay cart for a family or a farm, it is best to consult a professional before starting.
To build a wagon bed, first measure the distance between the bolster irons on the wagon's chassis. This will determine the length of the deck. Then, cut two pieces of wood stringers to the required length, adding about two feet to each end. Install carriage bolts and nuts to secure the stringers to the bolster irons. Make sure to measure the length of each piece and use the longest piece of wood.
The rim is made of white oak, and the spokes are mortised to the rim. Rivets are positioned on the spoke ends to prevent them from splitting. The spokes themselves are made of 12 gauge formed sheet metal. Some wagon makers even put linseed oil on them to make them moisture-proof. A steel tire is then placed snugly upon the wheel to provide a wearing surface. The spokes are also tight to the hub.
The wooden wagon was common on American farms until the mid-1950s. Early man discovered friction when moving heavy rocks. He used the same principle to move flat rocks by rolling them on a flat surface. Once the wagon started rolling, it was very hard to stop. This is where a clevis hitch comes in handy. You can then use a flat piece of plywood to cover the edges.
Invest in bale handling equipment
When building a hay cart, you can also invest in a mechanical bale handler. These machines can be used to move large bales safely and easily. They come with a large number of options, such as stackers, modified skid loaders, wrappers, and bale banders. While they cost a bit more upfront, mechanical bale handlers are well worth the money in time and labor savings.
The capacity of small square bales is limited by their size. Therefore, manufacturers focus on increasing capacity and moving efficiently. Other factors that manufacturers keep in mind are durability and functionality. Farmers are evenly split between making large square and small square bales. Some want to produce smaller bales for better price and ease of use. Others are big producers with tight tillage timelines. Regardless of your farming goals, investing in bale handling equipment is an excellent idea.
Bale handling equipment is essential to the success of any hay operation. By building a hay cart, you will have a better chance of generating higher yields and lowering your costs. Aside from having the ability to feed multiple crops, a hay cart will allow you to handle large round bales easily. If you aren't sure how to build a hay cart, check out a few videos on YouTube. Then, start building one!
The best hay cart for small square bales is built with a large bale-handling system. The largest round bales are approximately three feet across and four feet long. The largest square baler can handle 20 tons of hay an hour. It is a large investment and requires an initial investment of $60,000 or more. But it's worth it in the long run.