The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Drying and Processing => Topic started by: farmfromkansas on December 23, 2018, 07:01:50 AM

Title: connecting kiln carts
Post by: farmfromkansas on December 23, 2018, 07:01:50 AM
How do you guys connect your kiln carts?  I have the track finished, and have 2- 20' carts and one 5', was considering using some straps to attach them together, should a guy use short pieces of chain, strap iron, or just weld the carts together?  Thinking my track is not probably absolutely perfectly flat, just good as i could make it, using gravel and ties. Railroad cars are not attached solid, as the tracks are not perfect.
Title: Re: connecting kiln carts
Post by: YellowHammer on December 23, 2018, 08:54:08 AM
I use 3 foot standard Auozone type tow strap and hook them together so they can spread about 6 inches apart when pulled out, but they can butt against each other when pushing in.   Definately don't make a permanent connection, is very useful to have a removable connection so you can remove to isolate carts, load or unload individually or get a little flexibility if the track flexes.  I also use a short tow strap to connect the first cart to my pull out vehicle, such as a UTV, 4 wheeler, tractor, etc.  
Title: Re: connecting kiln carts
Post by: scsmith42 on December 23, 2018, 09:36:14 AM
I use short lengths of 1/4" galvanized chain to keep them relatively tight together.