Looking for advice on backing a short log splitter with an ATV. I can (sort of) manage it but painful. Anyone that can offer tips? I'm pretty good with a pickup and trailer but this has me struggling. I'm giving thought to a front mount hitch on the ATV. Never tried such but seems it might work.
The one tip I got for backing up a small single axle trailer is to move the bottom of the steering wheel in the direction you want the trailer to go. Remembering that seems to work well for me. I also put a ball on the front of my garden tractor to use when trying to lpark my splitter in the pole barn. That works but is a lot more sensitive to steering changes. At least you can see better what you are doing.
Most log splitters have a very short tongue and that makes it more difficult backing. Lengthening the tongue helps and front mounted hitch will work very well.
Good suggestions above. I think it’s the handlebars as opposed to a steering wheel that is the challenge for me.
X2...the neighbor has front hitches on many of his tractors for backing hay wagons in the shed, very tightly! He has a 3020 JD with tricycle front end, that thing is amazing for backing stuff in tight places!
My trailer is a bit of a pain due to having 8 tires I think. It won't turn, then a whole bunch at once. More troublesome for me than my splitter but I put it in more difficult situations too.
Small trailers are hard. As soon as it starts to turn you have to follow it around with the tow vehicle. One a longer trailer you have more time to react. Aside from that use a front hitch or a ZTR mower.
Just practice a bit in the open. I taught my kids to back trailers behind a quad. I told them to stuff it in reverse and chase the trailer around the yard. Just stop and pull ahead a little if it’s going to hit the quad tire.
Front hitch on the 4 wheeler. And a quick attach plate with a ball on the skid steer. It’s the only way I move splitters anymore unless I’m pulling it down the road with a pickup.
Lol. Tried this with my nautique with the"new" nautique trailer that I am restoring. The ATV dropped to the grass as the suspension totally was overloaded, especially with my 245 lbs on the quad. I used my truck instead, and it was a tight fit between 2 maples. I had my buddy as a spotter at least, so there were no issues. It used to have a bit less tongue weight in the old trailer, but it tows so nicely now. I could move the bow block back a little, but that's not an issue now. Maybe I'll deal with that later.
Doing the same here. Let the boy run around the yard with the quad or lawn mower hooked up with the small garden trailer.
