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Max Weight on Tandem Tilt - Washington

Joined
Jan 18, 2021
Messages
22
Location
WA
We have the opportunity to get a tandem tilt from a long time acquaintance who is retiring. He is willing to let it go cheap if we move his remaining equipment a couple times a year. The only thing I'm worried about is limiting us on a future excavator purchase.

Right now our largest excavator is a Kubota KX040, but we are about to get our septic license and want to upgrade machines. It will likely be an 8 ton excavator, but I was curious if you can move something like a case cx145, JD 135g, etc. on a 2 tandem axle tilt trailer in Washington. Their weights seem to be in the low 30k range. I know the limitation is 34000 for a set of tandems, but I'm not sure how much you can realistically transfer to the truck.
 

skyking1

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 3, 2020
Messages
7,465
Location
washington
I have a 20 ton, and that means putting 6000 on the pintle. The whole chain of parts has to be good for it.
the trailer tongue!
The pintle loop on the trailer.
The pintle hitch on the truck.
The truck!
Trailer is about 10,000, which leaves me 30,000. I am comfortably there with a 120 with thumb.
Forget about 135s and 145s.
 

skyking1

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 3, 2020
Messages
7,465
Location
washington
You can get a bigger hoe, just hire it moved if you need to. You will find that making do with the 8 ton will be the course you take.
If I had an 8 ton I would figure out how to do the job with it, or rent a bigger machine on those rare times I had to have it. Then it comes with delivery.
I am a big fan of tandem trailers and work within those limitations. They are easier on tires, turn easier and are more maneuverable.
 

suladas

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2016
Messages
1,731
Location
Canada
Around here guys move 160's on tandems, but legal for 37,400 on tandem, you could probably sneak a 145 but would depend if you remove bucket, thumb, etc too. One of the downsides is the tilt is heavier then regular trailer. You can transfer a ton of pin weight to the truck as long as it's up to the task, I put up to 16,000lbs pin weight from my triple axle tag on the truck depending what i'm hauling without an issue.
 

skyking1

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 3, 2020
Messages
7,465
Location
washington
comparing apples to Canada again. They love those sneaky guys they pay the bills at the state.
 
Joined
Jan 18, 2021
Messages
22
Location
WA
Just to clarify, the trailer is 20 ton capacity with 25k axles. The tongue should be fine to handle the weight, but I will check the tag next time we look at it and see if it specifies max tongue weight.

I do think we would be happy with an 8 ton machine and expect that is the route we will go. Just wanted to make sure it wouldn't work if we come across a great used 14 ton machine.
 

suladas

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2016
Messages
1,731
Location
Canada
Just to clarify, the trailer is 20 ton capacity with 25k axles. The tongue should be fine to handle the weight, but I will check the tag next time we look at it and see if it specifies max tongue weight.

I do think we would be happy with an 8 ton machine and expect that is the route we will go. Just wanted to make sure it wouldn't work if we come across a great used 14 ton machine.

You'd have to check but most heavy trailers like that are good for 20-25% pin weight of their GVW. Just find out that, and what it weights and figure out what you can haul, and how much hassle you're willing to do to haul a machine like removing the bucket to make it legal.
 

suladas

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2016
Messages
1,731
Location
Canada
comparing apples to Canada again. They love those sneaky guys they pay the bills at the state.

Not exactly, I never said he could have a chance at hauling a 160 like we do here, I said maybe a 145 which is about 3300 less then a 160 and you can haul 3400 less on the tandems so.....
 
Joined
Jan 18, 2021
Messages
22
Location
WA
Less than $10k. Wouldn't sound like a deal a year or two ago, but in the current market that's great for the condition. I wasn't able to find the pictures I took of it in the fall, but I believe it was early-mid 90s and made in Idaho.
 

skyking1

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 3, 2020
Messages
7,465
Location
washington
sounds very similar to the trailer I have. How is the rubber? if it is current and in good shape I think you would do well.
Look at it this way: Do you think you could flip it for the same money or a profit in the current market? My bet is you are getting a good deal under market value.
From that angle you can quit fretting about some hypothetical great deal on a 145 making the trailer too small. Come on, a great deal on a 135 or 145, in THIS market? ROFL!!
Get your 8,9,10,11, or 12 ton excavator and enjoy.
 
Joined
Jan 18, 2021
Messages
22
Location
WA
That's where I'm headed. I realized we always take at least two buckets and our Kubota has a helac tilt unit on it, so extra weight will be added. Hoping to go full on tilt rotator for the new machine.

As for the trailer, tires and brakes are great. Deck need a few new boards, but we've already got that lined up.
As for seals, I did find a 135C with 2200 hours for $50k a couple months ago. Sold faster than we could drive there though.
 
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