Interior Protection

[Dyno Dan]

I have a 36x60 machinery shed with (5) 12’ bays, 2 of which are partitioned off and enclosed. On the remaining 3 open bays, I would like to protect the outside sheet metal (from the inside) in the event of a mishap with the tractor and attachments.

What’s the best way to create a rugged barrier? Run interior purlins and throw up some OSB? Any other ideas?

 

[Stuart in MN]

Not sure you can build something practical that will withstand a tractor running into it, and if you could it would probably cost a lot more than replacing a piece of tin.

 

[matt_i]

I'd just go with the ply/osb but I would take it and paint both sides and all edges before you put it up.

It would be quite handy to have for hanging things and leaning various things. The sun would bleach the raw material grey hence the paint and typical ground moisture has been a bane of mankind's attempts at construction for thousands of years so there's that to consider. Good tight work on framing/boxing it in would be important to exclude mice and overhead, birds.

 

[stm317]

Concrete block?

 

[glentre]

Ply, OSB or even concrete block are not going to stop a wayward tractor or heavy machinery from crashing into it. I would consider using standard traffic bollards set deep and supported by concrete in the holes. Even a row of 2" galvanized pipe posts set in concrete would be substantial. Cheaper but not as strong as bollards.

Glen

 

[Dyno Dan]

Yeah, not looking to bomb proof the thing, just a nice economical barrier for the inside. I think 4x8 sheets of OSB set would suffice, of a course pre-painting like suggested. Almost like an interior wainscot made out of OSB. I’ll leave the space above that open. Also, sorry I misspoke when I said purlins.......that should have said girts to catch the OSB.

Kids or my wife.....or yes even me....are bound to jam a wheel or other object from Gator, tractors, snowmobile, ATV, or whatever into the “interior protection panel.

Thanks guys.

 

[Farmallboy15]

What about using guard rail like what is seen beside roads? I think they sell it used for cattle lots and such. Maybe check with the county engineers / DOT?

 

[fasteddie]

I think I would be more concerned about the tractor taking out on of those posts. Maybe you need some concrete filled pipes in front of those.

 

[77Birdman]

A single piece of plywood on its edge would be fine. You end up with a 4' high wainscot around the perimeter. For durability spend a little bit extra and use 3/4". No its not gonna stop ram speed, but surely you have enough sense not to run into it. In case you do get a little too close it will be more than adequate.

 

[77Birdman]

btw, that's a nice looking building!

 

[Radix2]

Since you already have the nice ceiling, I'd suggest finishing it off with the same metal on the walls. Back it up with OSB perhaps.

But I get what you are trying to do - just stop the small dents from the inside showing on the outside. The inside metal would do that and be a nice no maintainance finish.

 

[nh_yota]

Remove the back wall so the tractors can drive right through.

 

[firebirdparts]

OSB seems totally ideal to me for the purpose. Has some give, creates plenty of warning, but ultimately pretty strong.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I've seen guard rails or gate panels installed. I'm sure they were tapped a few times trying to get things as close to the walls as possible. For sure they held up better than the sheet metal would.

 

[kbs2244]

If it the same machine per space, think of a tire stop.
Like in a parking lot.
A 4x4 or 6x6 should be enough.

 

[428PI]

You can put up what my lean two has. Install 3 2x10's to make a fence around the interior.

 

[bdbecker]

You could attach 2x lumber across the face of the columns spaced as you see fit. Pretty common around here to see show cattle pens setup this way. When we setup my Uncle's shed, we used 2x8's spaced 4" apart.

EDIT:
Sorry, I basically repeated 428PI's comment. Not sure how I missed that...

 

[Dyno Dan]

Well, I ended up using OSB and 2x4's flush mounted between the posts. Nothing too fancy, but a nice little barrier from potential / future "oopsies".