Trolley for CCKW axles.

[pfarber]

Somehow I have amassed more axles than I know what to do with. And no matter where you put an 8ft long 700lb+ plus axles they always seem to get in the way. So I made a trolley to move them around.

Here's the trolley with a split axle:

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Top view:

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Its a very simple design, 4x4x6s mainly and a 10x12x2 with some casters from Harbor freight. Total cost is about $70 to make. The casters are 330lbs each so they will handle well over 1/2ton (HF item #69852).

The length is 42 inches and that allows the supports (10x12) to fit next to the spring seats:

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The support is notched otherwise the axle will roll off:

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[pfarber]

Getting the axle onto the trolley was an adventure. My gantry crane could not reach it, so I had to use floor jacks.

Using the old 'jack up one side at a time trick' I was able to use the scrap 4x4 cut into 10 in segments to raise the axle up:

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With the trolley next to the axle it was easy to lift on end and slide it over:

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The design of the trolley (42 inches from end to end) will fix BOTH split and banjo axles. Plus, just by dumb luck, the height of the axle is just right to sit on the floor and work on the bearings.

My plan is to make two more, then add on a 'second story' to allow two axles to be stacked. Its a lot of weight but the wood will take it. The bottom trolley will have to be lifted and supported by 4x4's as the cost of casters that can support a ton is quite a lot of money. I may add another set to the bottom so there will be 8 of the current wheels ( rated at 330lbs each) should support (8x330) well over 2500lbs

[pfarber]

Couple PMs/emails:

Why 24 inches: Didn't want to risk a narrow track and have the dolley fall over. An axle with drums/wheels is not something you want falling over, even from a few inches. You might get away with using 20 or 18 inches wide... but 24 inches is a proven winner

Will it fit a Banjo: YES. I'll have photo's of the next dolley with banjos and also split axles stacked.

Cheaper casters: The casters I bought are regularly on sale at HF. Right now they are like $6.99 (reg. $7.99) each. These are the highest load rated wheels before you get in the $15-$19+ range. For the $30 these casters cost vs lighter ratings go ahead and try it and let me know... but I like my toes and plan to keep them. Ignore the review from the nit wit on the HF site.

Bolts: Go to TSC and buy the screws by the pound. The ones I used for the 4x4 had 9/16ths head and were 5 inches long. The side supports had 1/2 head and were 3 inches long. IIRC all the bolts were less than $10.

Why not pressure treated wood: I bought what was cheaper. Pressure treated lumber is 'wet' and kinda nasty to work with. I don't plan on putting these outside, but even if I did the regular wood is not going to rot for a long time.

Do you need to take the tires off: Yes. The axle would have to be significantly higher to fit wheels and keep them off the floor. Then there is the risk of the thing tipping over (maybe the 24in of separation would stop it... don't know). My need is to move axles WITHOUT tires.

[pfarber]

I'm in the process of making the second axle trolley for a banjo axle and the 'second story' for the split axle trolley I have now.

Here is what I spent for a second trolley:

TSC (screws for frame) $3.25 (16 1/2x2 screws - for the casters 8 1/2x6 screws - hold the 24in 4x4s to the 42in 4x4s 8 1/2x3 for the vertical supports to the 24in 4x4's)

Harbor Freight Casters Item #69848 $21.16 (4 @$4.99 reg $5.99 on sale) These are 275lb rated (1100 total) and are 3in wheels vs the original dolly that used Item #69847 which are 330lb 4in wheels (1320lbs) but are @$5.99 each (reg $6.99). I don't think the axles are gonna top 1100lbs.

2 4x4x8 untreaded lumber @9.94 ($20.47) this is for the 2 42in and 2 24 inch beams.

I already had the 12in wide left over from the first trolly, so add in $13 for 2x8x12 to cut for the vertical supports.

Total for one dolly is $44.88 ($57.88 if you need the 12in board).

What I saw at HF were these: 2 Piece 1500 lb. Capacity Vehicle Wheel Dollies Item #67338 $79.99 (on sale for $59.99). I could see these easily working for a single axle. They are rated at 1500lbs and the drum/backing plate should fit in the v-groove. You can't stack them, but if you want to buy vs customize a dolly these are a viable option.