1947 Cub - Parade Duty Question

[HDMan]

I have a 1947 Cub, all restored, and just love it. I have volunteered to pull a float in the City of Appleton (Wisconsin) Christmas Parade...yes, I said CHRISTMAS parade...not "Holiday" Parade.

Anyway, we have a HUGE float that is set on a relatively new hay wagon. This thing is a MONSTER. All steel frame, steel floor, about 24 feet long, 12 feet wide...and heavy. I removed my draw bar a few weeks ago and put on a 3 point hitch adapter, which with a draw bar insert, is much stronger than the original draw bar (which I kept as well).

Here is my question, this trailer rolls easy...one man can huff it on level concrete, but would not try to stop it if it was rolling. There is a hill on the route of this parade that is not steep, but still a hill. I would say a 5-8% grade. Should I worry about not having enough power to pull this thing? I already intend to let the float ahead of me get up the hill before I start my run so I don't have to stop, but these people have put 100's of hours into their float and I would not want to NOT make it up a hill. I don't think I have anything to worry about, but I still wanted to ask. This is all on NEW pavement. Thanks.

HDMan

[Mike Schmudlach]

A hill in Appleton? What are you going on the bridge over Lake Butt de Mort. I wouldn't worry about power as much as I would worry about the brakes to stop it. A Cub is a bit small for your project.
Mike in Southern Wisconsin.

[Carm]

The Cub should pull it just fine, but I have to agree with Mike about the brakes. What are the chances of a test pull?

[Eugene]

I would get a bigger tractor. Christmas parade, to many people around to get hurt in case something goes wrong.

Eugene

[HDMan]

Slow parade...very slow...84 floats, over an hour in duration for about 8 blocks. The route is College Avenue from the PAC (new) heading East.

Brakes were not my concern only because we are going slow. A bigger tractor is not an option, since this is my only one. OK...the Cub is out...I will use an ATV or something....

A test pull is not an option.

Thanks.

HDMan

[jostev]

I think that I wuld choose the Cub over an ATV. Just my opinion, but the ATV doesn't have the torque of a Cub. at least from my expirence.
Have fun, good luck, Jostev

[Eugene]

Check with your local tractor dealer or a neighbor farmer. Perhaps he will loan you one for the parade if you explain your circumstances.

Eugene

[jostev]

I agree with Eugene, renting one (worst case) would be worth it rather than having something very bad happen.

[HDMan]

Renting a tractor is not an option as I have no way to get it to the parade. My ATV could pull my Cub all over the yard, and it has 4W Disc brakes. The only problem is that I took the Cub to my office today and dropped it off for the parade. I will have to bring it back home tomorrow and put the ATV on the trailer.

My trailer is JUST big enough for the Cub...so a bigger tractor would never fit on it. Too bad, the Cub would have been great for the parade.

HDMan

[Bigdog]

I think the cub would be better than an atv for pulling the float. Just use common sense.

[Jim Becker]

I thought the average ATV only weighed 500 to 700 pounds. Doesn't matter how good the brakes are, trying to pull much more than the ATV weighs involves a death wish.

[Marion(57 Loboy)]

The only thing I'd use to tug that size and weight with innocent bystanders around is my freshly washed and waxed superduty. The focal point will be the float anyway, so, I'd have a family member or friend man the Cub so it could still be in the parade. In not much time and for not much $$$ you can decorate the tow vehicle some too !

Also, a float that size and weight oughtta have one axle with brakes and a breakaway system on it in perfect working order.

Just call me worry-wart, but that's my story and I'm stickin to it !

[400lbsonacubseatspring]

you said you have a trailer that transports your cub....

bring the cub to some desolate area that has a similar hill and a good place to stop yourself at the bottom., pack that trailer full of whatever heavy you can find, putting it way over weight. pull it up the hill, and when there's no one around you, and your nerves are ready,....push in the clutch and see if you can stop yourself with the brakes alone.

before doing that, make sure you have the brakes well balanced and the pedals locked, of course.

drive it around a bit and get used to the weight, and see if it's something you're comfortable with. My guess is it'll be just fine if you're careful.

ATV's have the HP and the Brakes, but a heavy trailer will pull them down the hill with their brakes locked or tires spinning, because the weight's just not there. think tandem rig uphill in an ice-storm.

I am able to move my new camper (6000 lbs) two axles in the middle up and down my dirt lane stopping and starting wherever I like. I don't move very fast, but it doesn't feel much different aside from the front end wanting to come even more off the ground than normal. The lane has a good pitch on it....at least 8%, maybe more.

We aren't talking about human cargo, in my situation, however, but a whole lot of fun is being lost daily to "what if"......................

[Eugene]

I wasn't thinking of renting a tractor. Perhaps you can get a loaner from a dealer if you put his business sign some place on the tractor.

Eugen

[Bob Grieb]

Why not pull the float with the truck and ride the Cub in the parade with nothing in tow??

Would seem safer!!!