Pianotech

Does anyone have any ballpark knowledge of various plate weights? I wish to test a trailer that I made some years back. It is made of welded steel tubing - I am at best a beginner amateur welder - although I'm fairly sure most of my welds on the trailer are pretty good (structurally, if not aesthetically). I've used it for some years to trailer my bicycle around (wow, 50-lb. load!), but I have a trip planned to drive from Michigan to Florida with about 400 bd.-ft. of spruce in tow (about 950 lbs.). I built the trailer with an axle-less suspension system rated at 400 lbs. So I recently upgraded to a similar system rated at 1,200 lbs. I wish to test-drive my trailer near home to make sure it can survive a 1,000-lb. or so load. I could put my 20" planer on the trailer - at 950 lbs., that would be a perfect test load. But then again, I'd sure hate to see my $$$$$ planer sliding down the freeway at 60 mph! So I'm thinking of loading the trailer with as much heavy junk I have around as I can find. I do have a open-pinblock upright plate, a Baldwin M plate and a square grand plate that I consider expendable. Anyone know about how much those plates might weigh? Thanks!

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

Terry,

The baldwin M plate should be around 350 lbs or so. The square is probably closer to 650.


Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-07-2019 10:35
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Plate Weights

Does anyone have any ballpark knowledge of various plate weights? I wish to test a trailer that I made some years back. It is made of welded steel tubing - I am at best a beginner amateur welder - although I'm fairly sure most of my welds on the trailer are pretty good (structurally, if not aesthetically). I've used it for some years to trailer my bicycle around (wow, 50-lb. load!), but I have a trip planned to drive from Michigan to Florida with about 400 bd.-ft. of spruce in tow (about 950 lbs.). I built the trailer with an axle-less suspension system rated at 400 lbs. So I recently upgraded to a similar system rated at 1,200 lbs. I wish to test-drive my trailer near home to make sure it can survive a 1,000-lb. or so load. I could put my 20" planer on the trailer - at 950 lbs., that would be a perfect test load. But then again, I'd sure hate to see my $$$$$ planer sliding down the freeway at 60 mph! So I'm thinking of loading the trailer with as much heavy junk I have around as I can find. I do have a open-pinblock upright plate, a Baldwin M plate and a square grand plate that I consider expendable. Anyone know about how much those plates might weigh? Thanks!

 

Attached is pic of trailer with hunk of square grand on it (pretty heavy by itself!).

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

I estimate those are both vastly exaggerated weights. A massive old Transposing Heintzman upright (extra wide for the extra 10 keys) plate weighed in at 189.6 lbs, and a 5'8" Bush and Lane plate weighed in at 198.1 lbs. 

------------------------------
Philip Stewart, RPT
NJ Piano Service
609-774-7571
www.njpianoservice.com
njpianoservice@gmail.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-07-2019 21:07
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Plate Weights

Terry,

The baldwin M plate should be around 350 lbs or so. The square is probably closer to 650.

Uhhh...is that a car or a go-cart you're hauling it with?  🤣

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 07-07-2019 10:35
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Plate Weights

Does anyone have any ballpark knowledge of various plate weights? I wish to test a trailer that I made some years back. It is made of welded steel tubing - I am at best a beginner amateur welder - although I'm fairly sure most of my welds on the trailer are pretty good (structurally, if not aesthetically). I've used it for some years to trailer my bicycle around (wow, 50-lb. load!), but I have a trip planned to drive from Michigan to Florida with about 400 bd.-ft. of spruce in tow (about 950 lbs.). I built the trailer with an axle-less suspension system rated at 400 lbs. So I recently upgraded to a similar system rated at 1,200 lbs. I wish to test-drive my trailer near home to make sure it can survive a 1,000-lb. or so load. I could put my 20" planer on the trailer - at 950 lbs., that would be a perfect test load. But then again, I'd sure hate to see my $$$$$ planer sliding down the freeway at 60 mph! So I'm thinking of loading the trailer with as much heavy junk I have around as I can find. I do have a open-pinblock upright plate, a Baldwin M plate and a square grand plate that I consider expendable. Anyone know about how much those plates might weigh? Thanks!

 

Attached is pic of trailer with hunk of square grand on it (pretty heavy by itself!).

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

PWG... that's a Fiat..
 My wife says she doesn't Fiat in that...lol

------------------------------
Leslie Koltvedt
Marietta GA
734-657-7034
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-07-2019 21:07
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Plate Weights

Terry,

The baldwin M plate should be around 350 lbs or so. The square is probably closer to 650.

Uhhh...is that a car or a go-cart you're hauling it with?  🤣

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 07-07-2019 10:35
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Plate Weights

Does anyone have any ballpark knowledge of various plate weights? I wish to test a trailer that I made some years back. It is made of welded steel tubing - I am at best a beginner amateur welder - although I'm fairly sure most of my welds on the trailer are pretty good (structurally, if not aesthetically). I've used it for some years to trailer my bicycle around (wow, 50-lb. load!), but I have a trip planned to drive from Michigan to Florida with about 400 bd.-ft. of spruce in tow (about 950 lbs.). I built the trailer with an axle-less suspension system rated at 400 lbs. So I recently upgraded to a similar system rated at 1,200 lbs. I wish to test-drive my trailer near home to make sure it can survive a 1,000-lb. or so load. I could put my 20" planer on the trailer - at 950 lbs., that would be a perfect test load. But then again, I'd sure hate to see my $$$$$ planer sliding down the freeway at 60 mph! So I'm thinking of loading the trailer with as much heavy junk I have around as I can find. I do have a open-pinblock upright plate, a Baldwin M plate and a square grand plate that I consider expendable. Anyone know about how much those plates might weigh? Thanks!

 

Attached is pic of trailer with hunk of square grand on it (pretty heavy by itself!).

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

It would be wise to talk to some trailer or truck rental companies and not take a chance. Do you really want to risk your life and someone else's life hauling all that weight down the interstate ?  I had a friend who lost a tow behind trailer that somehow came loose and passed him on the highway. Keep in mind the heat generated by tires of any size and all of the road hazards. I see lots of boat trailers aside the highway with blown tires, bent axles etc. Recently a van hauling a car on a tow trailer flipped over and tied up traffic for hours. Maybe renting a small moving truck is a better way to go....

------------------------------
James Kelly
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-07-2019 10:35
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Plate Weights

Does anyone have any ballpark knowledge of various plate weights? I wish to test a trailer that I made some years back. It is made of welded steel tubing - I am at best a beginner amateur welder - although I'm fairly sure most of my welds on the trailer are pretty good (structurally, if not aesthetically). I've used it for some years to trailer my bicycle around (wow, 50-lb. load!), but I have a trip planned to drive from Michigan to Florida with about 400 bd.-ft. of spruce in tow (about 950 lbs.). I built the trailer with an axle-less suspension system rated at 400 lbs. So I recently upgraded to a similar system rated at 1,200 lbs. I wish to test-drive my trailer near home to make sure it can survive a 1,000-lb. or so load. I could put my 20" planer on the trailer - at 950 lbs., that would be a perfect test load. But then again, I'd sure hate to see my $$$$$ planer sliding down the freeway at 60 mph! So I'm thinking of loading the trailer with as much heavy junk I have around as I can find. I do have a open-pinblock upright plate, a Baldwin M plate and a square grand plate that I consider expendable. Anyone know about how much those plates might weigh? Thanks!

 

Attached is pic of trailer with hunk of square grand on it (pretty heavy by itself!).

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

Terry

A couple of things.  First am I seeing a Fiat as your tow vehicle?  You need to check the ratings on the vehicle before taking a long trip towing a heavy weight.  Second you can take advantage of commercial scales to weigh your vehicle and trailer empty then add all your bulk to get over the 400 desired load.   It will cost you about 10 to 20 bucks for the trips over the scales but would be money well spent.  In piano life 400 lbs is not a very large piano.  The fact that your trailer is open and I am guessing your load of lumber will be relatively flat should help you as well as you will generate less wind resistance.  A short trip across town with a load is much different than a longer road trip with hills and slopes entering into the mix at highway speeds.  The suggestion of a rental vehicle has merit as well.  Good luck!

------------------------------
Norman Cantrell
Piano Clinic
Lawton OK
580-355-5003
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-07-2019 10:35
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Plate Weights

Does anyone have any ballpark knowledge of various plate weights? I wish to test a trailer that I made some years back. It is made of welded steel tubing - I am at best a beginner amateur welder - although I'm fairly sure most of my welds on the trailer are pretty good (structurally, if not aesthetically). I've used it for some years to trailer my bicycle around (wow, 50-lb. load!), but I have a trip planned to drive from Michigan to Florida with about 400 bd.-ft. of spruce in tow (about 950 lbs.). I built the trailer with an axle-less suspension system rated at 400 lbs. So I recently upgraded to a similar system rated at 1,200 lbs. I wish to test-drive my trailer near home to make sure it can survive a 1,000-lb. or so load. I could put my 20" planer on the trailer - at 950 lbs., that would be a perfect test load. But then again, I'd sure hate to see my $$$$$ planer sliding down the freeway at 60 mph! So I'm thinking of loading the trailer with as much heavy junk I have around as I can find. I do have a open-pinblock upright plate, a Baldwin M plate and a square grand plate that I consider expendable. Anyone know about how much those plates might weigh? Thanks!

 

Attached is pic of trailer with hunk of square grand on it (pretty heavy by itself!).

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

I thought your little trailer looked pretty neat.  I have several trailers, here's my thoughts. I have a heavy duty single axle trailer that can carry 1500lbs. I use it to go pick up gravel and haul trash to the junk yard. I have an enclosed double axle horse trailer which can hold a lot more weight. I wouldn't use my small trailer for long distance because it can sway with a lot of weight on it. Having a dual axle provides much in stability.  Having the right truck is also important for long distance. I currently have a 150 and it barely is enough power to travel over passes. Minimum is a 250 in my opinion for pulling a trailer long distance.
Good Luck
-chris

------------------------------
Troubles are Bubbles, and they just float away.
chernobieffpiano.com
grandpianoman@protonmail.com
Knoxville, TN
865-986-7720
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-08-2019 08:09
From: Norman Cantrell
Subject: Plate Weights

Terry

A couple of things.  First am I seeing a Fiat as your tow vehicle?  You need to check the ratings on the vehicle before taking a long trip towing a heavy weight.  Second you can take advantage of commercial scales to weigh your vehicle and trailer empty then add all your bulk to get over the 400 desired load.   It will cost you about 10 to 20 bucks for the trips over the scales but would be money well spent.  In piano life 400 lbs is not a very large piano.  The fact that your trailer is open and I am guessing your load of lumber will be relatively flat should help you as well as you will generate less wind resistance.  A short trip across town with a load is much different than a longer road trip with hills and slopes entering into the mix at highway speeds.  The suggestion of a rental vehicle has merit as well.  Good luck!

------------------------------
Norman Cantrell
Piano Clinic
Lawton OK
580-355-5003

Original Message:
Sent: 07-07-2019 10:35
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Plate Weights

Does anyone have any ballpark knowledge of various plate weights? I wish to test a trailer that I made some years back. It is made of welded steel tubing - I am at best a beginner amateur welder - although I'm fairly sure most of my welds on the trailer are pretty good (structurally, if not aesthetically). I've used it for some years to trailer my bicycle around (wow, 50-lb. load!), but I have a trip planned to drive from Michigan to Florida with about 400 bd.-ft. of spruce in tow (about 950 lbs.). I built the trailer with an axle-less suspension system rated at 400 lbs. So I recently upgraded to a similar system rated at 1,200 lbs. I wish to test-drive my trailer near home to make sure it can survive a 1,000-lb. or so load. I could put my 20" planer on the trailer - at 950 lbs., that would be a perfect test load. But then again, I'd sure hate to see my $$$$$ planer sliding down the freeway at 60 mph! So I'm thinking of loading the trailer with as much heavy junk I have around as I can find. I do have a open-pinblock upright plate, a Baldwin M plate and a square grand plate that I consider expendable. Anyone know about how much those plates might weigh? Thanks!

 

Attached is pic of trailer with hunk of square grand on it (pretty heavy by itself!).

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

Even my old Chrysler Town and Country mini-van was only rated for 1200 lbs towing. I cannot imagine a Fiat doing what you propose. Running to the dump or carrying junk here and there is one thing. Long distance towing is something else entirely. The wear and tear on the transmission (if it survives) could be very detrimental long term. 

Currently my 2013 Honda Pilot is rated for 4500 lbs but it labors even towing my 3000 lb gvw trailer under certain circumstsnces.

Just some well meaning thoughts.

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-08-2019 11:19
From: Chris Chernobieff
Subject: Plate Weights

I thought your little trailer looked pretty neat.  I have several trailers, here's my thoughts. I have a heavy duty single axle trailer that can carry 1500lbs. I use it to go pick up gravel and haul trash to the junk yard. I have an enclosed double axle horse trailer which can hold a lot more weight. I wouldn't use my small trailer for long distance because it can sway with a lot of weight on it. Having a dual axle provides much in stability.  Having the right truck is also important for long distance. I currently have a 150 and it barely is enough power to travel over passes. Minimum is a 250 in my opinion for pulling a trailer long distance.
Good Luck
-chris

------------------------------
Troubles are Bubbles, and they just float away.
chernobieffpiano.com
grandpianoman@protonmail.com
Knoxville, TN
865-986-7720

Original Message:
Sent: 07-08-2019 08:09
From: Norman Cantrell
Subject: Plate Weights

Terry

A couple of things.  First am I seeing a Fiat as your tow vehicle?  You need to check the ratings on the vehicle before taking a long trip towing a heavy weight.  Second you can take advantage of commercial scales to weigh your vehicle and trailer empty then add all your bulk to get over the 400 desired load.   It will cost you about 10 to 20 bucks for the trips over the scales but would be money well spent.  In piano life 400 lbs is not a very large piano.  The fact that your trailer is open and I am guessing your load of lumber will be relatively flat should help you as well as you will generate less wind resistance.  A short trip across town with a load is much different than a longer road trip with hills and slopes entering into the mix at highway speeds.  The suggestion of a rental vehicle has merit as well.  Good luck!

------------------------------
Norman Cantrell
Piano Clinic
Lawton OK
580-355-5003

Original Message:
Sent: 07-07-2019 10:35
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Plate Weights

Does anyone have any ballpark knowledge of various plate weights? I wish to test a trailer that I made some years back. It is made of welded steel tubing - I am at best a beginner amateur welder - although I'm fairly sure most of my welds on the trailer are pretty good (structurally, if not aesthetically). I've used it for some years to trailer my bicycle around (wow, 50-lb. load!), but I have a trip planned to drive from Michigan to Florida with about 400 bd.-ft. of spruce in tow (about 950 lbs.). I built the trailer with an axle-less suspension system rated at 400 lbs. So I recently upgraded to a similar system rated at 1,200 lbs. I wish to test-drive my trailer near home to make sure it can survive a 1,000-lb. or so load. I could put my 20" planer on the trailer - at 950 lbs., that would be a perfect test load. But then again, I'd sure hate to see my $$$$$ planer sliding down the freeway at 60 mph! So I'm thinking of loading the trailer with as much heavy junk I have around as I can find. I do have a open-pinblock upright plate, a Baldwin M plate and a square grand plate that I consider expendable. Anyone know about how much those plates might weigh? Thanks!

 

Attached is pic of trailer with hunk of square grand on it (pretty heavy by itself!).

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

I second James Kelly's response.  My brother is retired from the insurance industry and has seen the tragic results of homemade trailers.  Homemade trailers have killed, period.  Welds are a skill either done by machine or man and protect us all.

If you decide to use your trailer please publicly post when and where so we can avoid you.

------------------------------
Tim Coates
Sioux Falls SD
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-09-2019 17:20
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Plate Weights

Even my old Chrysler Town and Country mini-van was only rated for 1200 lbs towing. I cannot imagine a Fiat doing what you propose. Running to the dump or carrying junk here and there is one thing. Long distance towing is something else entirely. The wear and tear on the transmission (if it survives) could be very detrimental long term.

Currently my 2013 Honda Pilot is rated for 4500 lbs but it labors even towing my 3000 lb gvw trailer under certain circumstsnces.

Just some well meaning thoughts.

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 07-08-2019 11:19
From: Chris Chernobieff
Subject: Plate Weights

I thought your little trailer looked pretty neat.  I have several trailers, here's my thoughts. I have a heavy duty single axle trailer that can carry 1500lbs. I use it to go pick up gravel and haul trash to the junk yard. I have an enclosed double axle horse trailer which can hold a lot more weight. I wouldn't use my small trailer for long distance because it can sway with a lot of weight on it. Having a dual axle provides much in stability.  Having the right truck is also important for long distance. I currently have a 150 and it barely is enough power to travel over passes. Minimum is a 250 in my opinion for pulling a trailer long distance.
Good Luck
-chris

------------------------------
Troubles are Bubbles, and they just float away.
chernobieffpiano.com
grandpianoman@protonmail.com
Knoxville, TN
865-986-7720

Original Message:
Sent: 07-08-2019 08:09
From: Norman Cantrell
Subject: Plate Weights

Terry

A couple of things.  First am I seeing a Fiat as your tow vehicle?  You need to check the ratings on the vehicle before taking a long trip towing a heavy weight.  Second you can take advantage of commercial scales to weigh your vehicle and trailer empty then add all your bulk to get over the 400 desired load.   It will cost you about 10 to 20 bucks for the trips over the scales but would be money well spent.  In piano life 400 lbs is not a very large piano.  The fact that your trailer is open and I am guessing your load of lumber will be relatively flat should help you as well as you will generate less wind resistance.  A short trip across town with a load is much different than a longer road trip with hills and slopes entering into the mix at highway speeds.  The suggestion of a rental vehicle has merit as well.  Good luck!

------------------------------
Norman Cantrell
Piano Clinic
Lawton OK
580-355-5003

Original Message:
Sent: 07-07-2019 10:35
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Plate Weights

Does anyone have any ballpark knowledge of various plate weights? I wish to test a trailer that I made some years back. It is made of welded steel tubing - I am at best a beginner amateur welder - although I'm fairly sure most of my welds on the trailer are pretty good (structurally, if not aesthetically). I've used it for some years to trailer my bicycle around (wow, 50-lb. load!), but I have a trip planned to drive from Michigan to Florida with about 400 bd.-ft. of spruce in tow (about 950 lbs.). I built the trailer with an axle-less suspension system rated at 400 lbs. So I recently upgraded to a similar system rated at 1,200 lbs. I wish to test-drive my trailer near home to make sure it can survive a 1,000-lb. or so load. I could put my 20" planer on the trailer - at 950 lbs., that would be a perfect test load. But then again, I'd sure hate to see my $$$$$ planer sliding down the freeway at 60 mph! So I'm thinking of loading the trailer with as much heavy junk I have around as I can find. I do have a open-pinblock upright plate, a Baldwin M plate and a square grand plate that I consider expendable. Anyone know about how much those plates might weigh? Thanks!

 

Attached is pic of trailer with hunk of square grand on it (pretty heavy by itself!).

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------