minor engine upgrade?

[N.Daynes]

I’ve been using my Pickup now for a few months & I love it. I drive it almost every day for work purposes.
I only have one issue that I hope someone can help me with. I think I need a bigger engine.
The reason is I have just purchased a PowerFab 125wt (British army version) towable digger. The digger can be towed with a family saloon. But I don’t think the minor will manage it.
Can anyone tell me if it will pull it? (I think the digger is just under 750kg)
If not I would like to upgrade the engine. I would like a simple swap job without having to change all the props, diff etc., if possible.

So I’m not asking much then, or am I?

I look forward to your replies.

Thanks in advance

Nick[frame][/frame]

[mike.perry]

If you tell us what year your pickup is and what engine it has, we can tell you what upgrades there are

[beero]

750 kgs, about 15cwt. I would worry that even with a bigger engine it would be a case of the tail wagging the dog.

[mike.perry]

The legal max weight of an unbraked trailer is 50% of the gross vehicle weight of the towing vehicle.(Law)
The recommended max weight of a braked trailer is 85% of the GVW of the towing vehicle.(Caravan Club)
The kerbside weight of a 1098 van is 779kg (Driver's Handbook) = a trailer weight of 662kg and I would imagine that a pickup is lighter

[bmcecosse]

Yes - as above - I think you are over the legal weight limit for towing with your Pickup........

[dunketh]

750kg for the digger alone?
Blimey - add the weight of a small ramped trailer and you're looking at basically driving around with a Ford Fiesta attached to the back.
Not sure how long your clutch will last - and even with a 1275 it'll be a hard slog, certainly not a nice drive. Braking might be interesting too!

[beero]

I think that paticular digger uses it's own wheels and has an A frame, so no trailer, but 750kg is still a lot, probably equal to the weight of a pickup.

[bmcecosse]

And the towed weight must not be more than 85% of the towing vehicle weight.

[N.Daynes]

Hi all Thanks for all your replies. Been away for weekend to the Brighton speed trials supporting a friend that was racing.

My pickup is a 1098cc from 1971. It has brake servo and front disc brakes. The towable digger has no trailer photo below.

Going buy all your replies it’s not looking likely I’ll be able to tow it.

I shall have to have a rethink.

Thanks to all

Nick[frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

Maybe without the bucket it will 'just' fall in the range ?

[N.Daynes]

Hi,

That’s given me an idea. The version of the digger I have has a removable 10HP Honda engine with the hydraulic pump that can then be used on its own as a breaker. (I have the army version of the digger). I can only just lift the engine etc. so that should lighten the digger enough.

Thanks for that

Nick

[bmcecosse]

Crikey - sounds like a very useful/multi-purpose tool! So yes - remove bucket and engine - and get it officially weighed - and keep the weight ticket to 'prove' it can be towed.

[N.Daynes]

I presume I could put bucket and engine in the pickup and still be able to tow the digger.

Nick

[linearaudio]

Be very careful about the weight balance if you start taking bits off! If your powerpack is sat between the wheels and you remove it, but leave the jib on, it may get a bit tail heavy even with the bucket removed. Doesn't honestly look like the sort of thing I'd want behind a moggy!

[mike.perry]

It does not matter what size engine or what brakes you have, the towing limits are the same for a Series MM on 7 in brakes as a 1275 on servo discs.

[bmcecosse]

Yes - carry the weight in the truck - properly secured of course, and I suggest as far forward as possible.