Swinging Gate Wheel Problem

[Leeboy20]

I bought a couple wheels for my swinging 10 foot gate to make things easier when opening and take some stress off the posts. I dont quite understand how i can make these work and be able to keep the little dogs in. One of the problems are, when they start swinging, the wheel wants to rotate and then jam on the post. I dont want to fabricate a new mounting spot, making the wheel stick way out so it can free spin. Only thing would be to tack the wheel so it doesnt spin. Any ideas? Take a look at the pics.

 

[pattenp]

I think you are going to be stuck with having to offset the wheel further from the gate so it can spin without hitting. I can't visualize any other way.

 

[Outlander]

Mine hangs down below the level of the gate as it rests against a ground level deck. Not practical in your case.Having it stick out might be you only choice...depending on where it is in your yard that may not be so bad an eye sore (if that is your concern).

I won't even suggest the "get a bigger dog" option as I have had to do some creative work to keep my little dog in too

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Why does the wheel need to pivot? Most gates using support wheels simply have a wheel with a rigid mounting, it only rolls along one path.

Charles

 

[Outlawmws]

Ditch the castoring wheel and get a fixed wheel. Mount it using U clamps to the post(s) sideways. You will also want to lay in some paver or brick for the wheel to rest on instead of dirt/grass, or it wil mire in the rainy season...

 

[Leeboy20]

Princess auto only had 2 options for wheels, and the 2nd option was a much smaller wheel which didnt take air, but it did have a spring on it. I dont miind off setting it, just wondering how? I guess the mig would have to come out

 

[Zeke]

That's really a poor design. If it had to hang completely below the gate bottom, it doesn't need an offset bracket. If it was meant for inside the gate, the offset is inadequate.

Take it back.

 

[Wes Tex]

Outlawmws is correct. I have a much heavier gate with two fixed wheels that roll across a concrete driveway. I cannot imagine how it would work without fixed wheel(s). A larger wheel would also help.

 

[Leeboy20]

Any chance one seeing a picture of what you guys have for fixed wheels please? Thanks

 

[srmofo]

ditch the swivel caster. I havent put any wheels on a gate, but I have placed a wheel under my sheet goods storage rack.

I used a fixed caster mounted to a large 1/4 plate to distribute the weight. The same theory whould apply to your gate, although mounting it to a spring mechanism would be advisable unless you are pushing the wheel over smooth concrete

heres the link to my storage rack
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=137019

EDIT after looking at your setup a little closer, I think I have a solution. Just weld the swivel solid. 3 or 4 tacks between the 2 plates where the thrust bearing is would turn it into a fixed caster while still providing the offset needed for the spring mechanism

 

[BD1]

Here's a few pics
.
http://www.bing.com/shopping/search?q=wheel+for+gate&qpvt=wheel+for+gate&FORM=HURE#x0y0

 

[NUTTSGT]

Ditch the castoring wheel and get a fixed wheel. Mount it using U clamps to the post(s) sideways. You will also want to lay in some paver or brick for the wheel to rest on instead of dirt/grass, or it wil mire in the rainy season...

I believe every gate wheel that I have seen is fixed. I would think the caster will cause nothing but problems being outside in the weather.

 

[Leeboy20]

I was bored today , so i welded up a bracket and it works, but i think i will return the wheel and find a solid one. Unless i find this is good enuff. The thing with princess auto, is the warranty never runs out, thats why i opted not to tack weld it into a solid one.

 

[kenners]

Bracket looks good, you might want to run a brace from the backing plate on wheel to the bottom horizontal tube on gate for some stabilization.

 

[99SVT]

Here ya go:

http://www.tractorsupply.com/gate-wheel-3603522

 

[Leeboy20]

I would still have to modify that one somehow, so the gates can close tightly together. Im sure its pretty simple