The planning process began with online research to collect ideas regarding dump carts. Initial inspiration was the Polar HD trailers. I also liked the Bosski trailers I particularly liked the tandem walking arms, but I decided this was excessive for the size of my property especially considering it's mostly flat. It did need to have a dump that could be electrified if necessary, but also balanced well to dump manually.
I was very meticulous with tracking the cost of the cart. I ordered some pieces pre-cut where it made sense, while others I cut myself to keep costs down. Metals Depot has very reasonable prices, but through Covid and over the course of the project metal prices did climb dramatically. For instance, in July of 2020 a 2"x2"x2'10" piece of 11 gauge steel tube was $16.96. In July 2021 I ordered another piece of the same tubing, but 2'8" for $35.69!
I really love the look of the Carlisle HD Field Trax tires, but they are pricey. I couldn't justify it since bald tires would work fine for the application. I opted for some knock off Ocelot P3026 4-Ply tires in size 20x10x10. Here they are standing next to standard 16" Garden tractor tires. I mounted them on 10x8 black steel wheels for a golf cart. Mounting them turned into quite the adventure, but I got it sorted after buying tome tire irons at the old HF.
Costs:
Metal - 207.01
Tires - $103.50
Wheels + Trailer Axles - $143.05
All of the steel for the dump bed was actually recycled from an old kitchen table! This probably saved me at least $100 given how much metal prices had shot up.
A teaser layout of the sub-frame. Next post I will show the fabrication of the dump bed hinges and axle "holders".
