How to load riding mower in bed

First off, I am a total truck n00b, but have been learning a bunch (and spending, stupid group buys) on TW.

My question(s) is this...Can I safely haul a John Deere LA100 (entry level riding mower for a homeowner, nothing fancy) in the bed of the 2012 TRD OR?

If so, is there anything special I need to do?

I ask because the frosted side of me says" just drive the dang thing full speed up some 2x6s on the tailgate into the bed, just watch out for the rear windows". The shredded wheat side of me says, " The tailgate may buckle so take it off, use metal ramps designed for ATVs, and then secure the mower with some straps.

The city boy in me says its easier to pay the Deere Dealership the 10 bucks to pick up and drop off, the cuntry boy in me says thats why i got a truck, to save ten bucks. The bro in me says, "WTF u looking at!" But that is another story.

So please, help a n00b

 

Until you have the metal ramps, let John Deere do it.

 

Use metal ramps,

I wouldn't worry about your tail gate when you have them. I carry a 220 kawasaki bayou in the back of mine with the rear tires sitting on the tail gate

Strap it down and go.

just wait for metal ramps

 

x3 on metal ramps.

 

Check the width of your mower deck plus any attachments before you load -- the 42-inch cut 125 that we have here won't fit between the wheel wells in the bed of my Tacoma with the deck attached.

 

You could also do the classic redneck hill trick.

I see this all the time and laugh!

 

i forgot about warning to check fit...woops

definitely check on the fit.

 

thank gang, metal ramps it is.

I was going to measure the bed and the deck first, but thanks for the reminder on that.

Where is a decent place to pick up ramps? Harbor fright?

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=res8Qtx-MHE

 

lol, his friend is dead, lolz

 

Northern Tool or if one is closeby, Tractor Supply Co. TSC

 

any auto parts store probably has them in stock as well.

 

Redneck hill trick actually works really well... just sayin

 

Yeah, but the Deere Dealership doesn't have a hill. But they probably have ramps...hmm.

 

Build a ramp about ten feet behind the truck, get liquored up, then Bo and Luke Duke it into the back.....add a ring of fire for extra flare.

otherwise, metal ramps....I've loaded a few with some help from mi amigos while backed up to a curb as well.

 

Hahaha...+1 for making my morning with that video...

Wonder what happened to that guy...

Also, any time your friend wants you to wait until he gets his camera before you do something, you're probably doing it wrong...

 

If they'll deliver it for $10, let them do it. No need to go out and buy $80+ ramps, spend your time driving to and from the dealership, loading, unloading, tying down, etc. for something that will most likely be moved once. I can understand that you have a truck and want to use it but you can't beat $10 for delivery.

The dealership will have ramps but you'll still need to get the mower off the truck... Also, keep in mind about 3 - 4 guys could lift the damn thing into the bed of the truck.

 

Just one warning on the ramps. Don't try and sit up tall in the seat and drive it up there - the tractor might tip backwards and hurt you a little bit when it comes down landing on you!

I have loaded mine on my truck by picking up the front wheels and let it rest on the tail gate. Then pick up the rear and push it forward. Easy, but don't hurt your back. Best if you have someone to help. I am a 6'-4" farm boy, so I have done it myself, but don't recommend it. Also, I parked with my rear wheels in the curb valley so that the end of the tail gate is lower to the driveway - every inch that you don't have to pick it up helps.

 

x2

 

This^^^