We are looking for feedback on an idea that we have devised for a horse trailer hay rack loader. Here are the basic features:
Lightweight Costs under $500 Operable by one person Portable Does not require electricity or battery hookup Lifts up to 300 pounds Not permanently attached to the horse trailer
Posted 2011-06-28 10:46 PM (#135254 - in reply to #135253) Subject: RE: Horse Trailer Hay Rack Loader
New User
Posts: 4
Location: Laurel, MT
Thank you for the help, but we are not looking for one to buy. We designed one to sell and are looking for feedback as to if there are people who need a way to load their hay racks without a tractor. If there is such a need, we are interested in their opinions regarding the way it should be designed.
Posted 2011-06-29 12:15 PM (#135262 - in reply to #135254) Subject: RE: Horse Trailer Hay Rack Loader
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by kautzcm on 2011-06-28 10:46 PM
Thank you for the help, but we are not looking for one to buy. We designed one to sell and are looking for feedback as to if there are people who need a way to load their hay racks without a tractor. If there is such a need, we are interested in their opinions regarding the way it should be designed.
Posted 2011-06-30 7:02 AM (#135294 - in reply to #135245) Subject: RE: Horse Trailer Hay Rack Loader
New User
Posts: 4
Location: Laurel, MT
Thanks for your comments. I have seen the Bale Bucker (and similar products) and am not interested in having to attach an extra ladder or other unsightly equipment to my trailer. I also want to design it in such a way that it can be offered for half the price. I would like to find out what others with horse trailers might be looking for if the Bale Bucker design is not what they want.
Posted 2011-06-30 9:02 AM (#135299 - in reply to #135245) Subject: RE: Horse Trailer Hay Rack Loader
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
Most of my camp outs, I just put the hay bales in the bed of the truck, I can easily fit 6 bales in the bed.
On the rare trip when I need to take more than that, Or when I am taking more camping stuff and using the bed for other items, I load the hay up into the hay rack. This is maybe a once a year event. And I have just tied a rope around the bale and heave-ho'd it up into the rack area or lifted it up with the bucket on my loader.
Would I spend #1,000 for a contraption to save that 30 minutes of physical labor? Not at this point in my life.
There are definitely folks that would use this more than I. Individuals with smaller stature, with out the physical strength to do the lifting, or people who don't own a tractor. But it is somewhat of a limited market. I think it would make a great hobby business, But I doubt you would ever get ramped up to production line capacity. You will have to look at what volumes you would need to make this ecconomical. Maybe partnering with a LQ conversion company to install it with each conversion.
Posted 2013-05-21 9:18 AM (#152190 - in reply to #135245) Subject: RE: Horse Trailer Hay Rack Loader
New User
Posts: 1
Location: Trenton, GA
kautzcm, YES, there is a real need for this type of Hay Loader for a horse trailer!
Within the Equestrian trailing and camping community, there exist a rather large - and getting larger, I might add - group of senior riders that need some type of low cost, non-motorized and hopefully collapsible hoist that would allow them to mechanically lift hay bales safely up and onto their hay carriers atop their trailers.
With square bales being produced with higher density, a.k.a. more weight, it is difficult and sometimes impossible for a senior equestrian citizen to man-handle bales to the top of a trailer.
I believe... "Build It and They Will Come (Purchase It)!"
Thanks for the question, and "Damn the Torpedoes, Full Speed Ahead" with your product. Ultimately, the marketplace will determine its viability and success in the Equestrian community!
Posted 2013-05-22 9:34 PM (#152221 - in reply to #152190) Subject: RE: Horse Trailer Hay Rack Loader
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by 19gamecock67 on 2013-05-21 9:18 AM
kautzcm, YES, there is a real need for this type of Hay Loader for a horse trailer!
Within the Equestrian trailing and camping community, there exist a rather large - and getting larger, I might add - group of senior riders that need some type of low cost, non-motorized and hopefully collapsible hoist that would allow them to mechanically lift hay bales safely up and onto their hay carriers atop their trailers.
With square bales being produced with higher density, a.k.a. more weight, it is difficult and sometimes impossible for a senior equestrian citizen to man-handle bales to the top of a trailer.
I believe... "Build It and They Will Come (Purchase It)!"
Thanks for the question, and "Damn the Torpedoes, Full Speed Ahead" with your product. Ultimately, the marketplace will determine its viability and success in the Equestrian community!
Horse Trailer Hay Rack Loader
