Mower loading problem

[mmlawncare]

I have an eXmark 32" walkbeind and everytime I load and unload it off my trailerthe deck scrapes on the gate hinges. I do not have the deck set down real low. It is at normal height. Any advice on how to keep it from doing this BESIDES loading it backwards? I don't really want to do that...but it that is the only way I guess I will have to. Thanks!

[grasschaser]

Push back on the machine to lift the front wheels up in the air and that should raise the deck up also. It would be like riding a wheelie into the trailer. My 36" scrapes also and I just lift the front up and that eliminates this problem.

[Fyr55]

I do the same as grasschaser, but be careful ! I witnessed a guy the other day putting his w/b on the trailer forward, it bounced and he let go of the brake sending the w/b into the side of the trailer blade first. Of course I stoped to see if he was OK, he was fine but bent a blade.

[mmlawncare]

Yeah I have tried popping up the front end and it sorta works, I guess practice will make perfect...

[Maddog]

I also have had the problem with loading my 33". I do the same thing as grasschaser. I just lift the front wheels of the ground and run it up the gate.

[jrservices]

Have the same problem with our 48'' exmark, but mainly only if the deck is set low. I also lift front up, but do it slowly so it doesn't get away.:p

[mmlawncare]

This is starting to sound like the only way. I popped up the front end this afternoon (before it started raining...this rain is really starting to bug me. Sorry to all ya'll out there that need it. I'll try and send some your way. I'll be glad to get rid of it for a while!) and ALMOST hit the wall but I recovered. Felt a little dumb, but at least no one was watching...lol. Oh well...thanks guys!

[Maddog]

I had the same problem with the lawn tractor that I use as a back up. I couldn't lift the front wheels on it so to keep the deck from hanging up I took two 2x8's about 24-30" long beveled the ends and mounted them to my ramp up towards the hinge side of the ramp at the tire with of the mower. It worked okay but made the ramp a little heavier, but not too much.

If I had to do it again I think I would buy a trailer that has the dove tail type tail on it.

[wormy712]

With Practice you will be able to load it with no problems at all. just be careful when it is wet. get a good foot hold so you dont slip.

[McBillNLex]

Take a look at how your trailer rides in relation to your tow vehicle. My Guys kept tearing a repaired deck corner on an old Lesco WB. I kept them in the shop one morning and made them load, unload, and then do it all over again 10 times one afternoon when they brought it back torn again. They were also complaining about loading it back on the trailer if caught by a sudden rain.

As I looked at the truck / trailer combo, I noticed the trailer deck was sitting almost dead level. This causes a more pronounced lip at the ramp / deck intersection. Within reason of course, I like a backward slope to my trailer, because it lessens that lip. It also keeps my landing gear, chains, and electrical cord farther from the ground. I think you'll also find that the more gradual slope will make sudden shower loading a little less traumatic.

Just a thought, I hope it helps

Bill