Razzafratz!!!

[Donn]

My new garden utility cart arrived today:

http://www.wikco.com/images/ezhl1.jpg

It's a beautifully designed, extremely heavy duty item, perfect in every way, except one.

As I unpacked the parts, I found a bag of 10 extra 3/4" washers. I wondered why it was included, but since it was the only anomoly on the parts list, I just set it aside and proceeded to assemble the cart.

When I got to the installation of the axle and wheels, I discovered what the extra washers were for. The axle is about 2.5" too long, and the washers are meant to accomodate for that extra length.

Unfortunately, that extra axle length means I can't get the cart through a gate, and have to go all the way around the house, instead of through the gate...the shorter route.

I ordered this configuration because their website listed the assembled width as 30" and would fit through the gate. The actual assembled width is 32.5" due to the overlong axle.

It's hard to believe that such a well designed item is so far off. I'm sure they do it so they don't have to make different length axles for different wheel configurations, but it's a royal pain.

I am now faced with either dealing with it, or buying a saw blade and drill bit capable of cutting the 3/4" axle down to the proper length, and drilling it for a cotter pin.

The blasted thing is made in America, but I guess that doesn't mean much these days. I should have noticed that it's made in California.

[Phillip Allen]

looks like you've been californacated

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

Should be just a mild steel axle, so it will cut easy with a hacksaw. If it is mild steel, redrilling the hole should be relatively easy, since a good punch will put a divot in the steel big enough to keep even a portable drill relatively on track.

Of course you could make the gate wider....:D :D :D

Looks like a solid unit tho... I bought one of the double wheeled wheelbarrows about two years ago, and I'll never go back.

[Stiletto]

Looks Good, what is the frame made from, do you think it will rust?

[Donn]

Looks like a solid unit tho... I bought one of the double wheeled wheelbarrows about two years ago, and I'll never go back.

I went though a $99 Lowes double-wheeler in one season. A tire popped, and I'm looking at $50 each for flat-proof replacements. I'm gonna use the tub for cement mixing.

You'll go back when you experience the balance of this EZ-haul cart. It's an incredible difference. I tested one at a local dealer, with 400# of gravel. It's astounding. Lift it and roll it with one hand. Dumps like a dream. Turns in it's length. It really is a remarkable design, except for the axle. It's made to fit shorter and wider wheels, and the manufacturer is cutting corners by shipping the same axle with bike wheels. No extra charge for the washers.

[ishmael]

Hm, I'm not clear how a too-long axle means washers, but Peter is right, it can be cut. Drilling it well for a cotter is a different matter. If it's that screwed up, at this time of year, my impulse would be to send it back.

[Donn]

Stiletto..the frame is rolled steel tube, coated with zinc.

[Phillip Allen]

the fix is easy...don't know why all you boat builders would have a moment's problem with it...

[Phillip Allen]

A thought does occur...with the wheels set in farther, do they rub anywhere?

[Donn]

Phillip..the wheels don't get set in further. There's an axle tube which keeps them set out from the tub and frame.

The problem is the axle length. It's made to accomodate wider hub wheels. Wheels with more narrow hubs require all the extra washers.

It's a design flaw, born of cost-cutting. I'm going to make the manufacturer's life miserable if he doesn't come up with a solution.

Hell hath no wrath like a gardener scorned. :D