Wagon Build Question

[chornback]

For all of you gurus out there. I'm about to start a wagon build. This will need to be fairly robust, as it will haul around a pretty good sound system. I'll probably frame it out of 2" square, and put expanded metal in the floor/side walls. I'm guessing about 2.5' by 4' or so. All loaded, the thing will probably weigh in the neighborhood of a hundred pounds to 150 lbs.

My question is about the steering. I'm going to put 10 inch wheels on it to make it easy to pull around. Should I build the steering mechanism into the handle, like a regular wagon, or could I just put swivel casters on the front, and non swivel casters on the back? What are the pros and cons of each method?

Thanks in advance!

 

[creativecars]

What kind of terrain will it need to cross? How often? How high is the center of gravity?

 

[astroracer]

I would go the swivel casters on the front for steering. If you make the handle pivot also it will make it very manuverable. Kinda like a zero turn wagon...
This is one I built last year. Only used to haul kids in but it does the job admirably.

Mark

 

[raddksn]

I would go the swivel casters on the front for steering. If you make the handle pivot also it will make it very manuverable. Kinda like a zero turn wagon...
This is one I built last year. Only used to haul kids in but it does the job admirably.

Mark

Cool!!! I like that

 

[59 wagon man]

it might be just as cheap to buy one of those garden carts with the drop down sides from harbor freight . the small one is under $100 and i think holds up to 400 lbs and the larger one is in the $150 range and i believe is 1400 lbs, buy the time you buy all the stuff you need it might not be a bad deal specially with the good ole 20% off coupon. i've got the small one and we abuse the heck out of it and it is about 5 yrs old

 

[jimgood]

My question is about the steering. I'm going to put 10 inch wheels on it to make it easy to pull around. Should I build the steering mechanism into the handle, like a regular wagon, or could I just put swivel casters on the front, and non swivel casters on the back? What are the pros and cons of each method?

Thanks in advance!

I would go with the wagon steering. If you make both the front and rear axles pivot, I think you can even tie one diagonal pair of wheels together so it has front and rear steer for minimum turning radius (think skate board).

 

[chornback]

Thanks for the suggestions guys!
Currently we have one of those harbor freight wagons, and it isn't working out. Not the right dimensions, so this thing needs to be custom made. Perhaps I'll modify the one we have, but I'm really "steering" toward the front pivot casters, and rear fixed casters.....with at least 10 inch tires.

It will have to negotiate sidewalks, curbs, and field turf, mainly (think soft rubber beads).