Need to know how to go about cutting up a semi-trailer frame

Ok guys and gals, here’s the scoop

Got an email for a job to remove what is essentially the remaining frame from a semi-trailer that was left on a property and deteriorated. It can’t be towed or anything so we’re thinking it would have to be cut up. What’s the best tool to use? I’m thinking of pitching the idea of buying a cutting torch but that’s a decent chunk for an up-front cost. Thoughts?

I’m thinking Patriot’s going to be my man on this one but anyone else who has dealt with these in the past, I would very much welcome their input.

PICTURES!

http://i.imgur.com/heelcoV.jpg

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http://i.imgur.com/3L2SGbt.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/cHl8nt1.jpg

Well I have done a few of them, there is a lot of work involved labor, trash (wood) I would have to charge the customer $300.00 for the job that would cover your labor and torch, gas / oxygen, there is not as much weight there as you may think.

You can rent a torch with all the tips and gauges, don't buy one for this job it will cost you more for the set up than you will net.

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Originally Posted by 1956

You can rent a torch with all the tips and gauges, don't buy one for this job it will cost you more for the set up than you will net.

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But a torch is the way to go you think? I’m definitely willing to rent one, I just don’t know where to do that. Have to do some research.

Tool rental shop. Yes a torch would be so much faster.

1956 is absolutely right, there is not as much weight as one might think.

Based on the condition of the steel, the rust is going to be a pain to cut with a torch. Most burners know that the gas of a torch heats the metal and the oxygen does the cutting. The rest of the recipe that few consider is the fuel is actually the metal you are cutting. Rust is a poor fuel for a torch. You can cut rust and even cast with experience, but it is time consuming. Unless you plan to do more of this type of scrapping, I would not buy a torch. The expense and learning curve will not make it worth it. My recommendation would be to use a Quickie Saw (also called a demo saw) with a cutting wheel for metal. Cut in pieces that you can handle. If you have equipment you can make less cuts.

If this was my project, I would burn the wood after a good snow fall. Make sure you notify the neighbors prior to doing it. Then using a skid loader, winch, and trailer it would be loaded in two pieces and hauled directly to the yard. I actually did one because it served as weight on top of several grain bins hauled to the yard. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Sorry Mechanic. You posted while I was on the phone.

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Originally Posted by Patriot76

1956 is absolutely right, there is not as much weight as one might think.

Based on the condition of the steel, the rust is going to be a pain to cut with a torch. Most burners know that the gas of a torch heats the metal and the oxygen does the cutting. The rest of the recipe that few consider is the fuel is actually the metal you are cutting. Rust is a poor fuel for a torch. You can cut rust and even cast with experience, but it is time consuming. Unless you plan to do more of this type of scrapping, I would not buy a torch. The expense and learning curve will not make it worth it. My recommendation would be to use a Quickie Saw (also called a demo saw) with a cutting wheel for metal. Cut in pieces that you can handle. If you have equipment you can make less cuts.

If this was my project, I would burn the wood after a good snow fall. Make sure you notify the neighbors prior to doing it. Then using a skid loader, winch, and trailer it would be loaded in two pieces and hauled directly to the yard. I actually did one because it served as weight on top of several grain bins hauled to the yard. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

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This is excellent information, Patriot. You are the man.

My suggestion would be as patriot said a gas demo saw . You can rent one At homedepot or Etc. Or a big angle grinder .

Matty,

I did a pop up camper and a 2 axle tow behind camper last fall and this spring. Pain in the ass disposing of all the non metal. As others have said, not that much metal for the effort. I used a trusty sawzall, but a torch or gas cut off saw would have been quicker.

I would normally advocate for using a BFH. In this case I agree with the others an suggest a BFS. ;)

Have fun, be safe.

Sirscrapalot - I am trapped in this body, and there is nothing I can do about it. - Dudley Moore

Doesn't Harbor Freight sell a heavy duty semi trailer cutter upper tool?

Parter saw?

What is a Parter Saw? I would love to know more about it? Always willing to learn, just slow about learning.

Google image search it I don't know how to copy images on this tablet. Computer down:(

What I get..

http://www.concretesupplyhouse.com/i...ts/K750_lg.jpg

Sirscrapalot - Still prefers the term BFS.

Yup thats it I've heard of the fire department using them so they have to be good.

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Originally Posted by Patriot76

What is a Parter Saw? I would love to know more about it? Always willing to learn, just slow about learning.

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Partner saw is just another name for a gas demo saw with the round disc blades. Most people here are referring to it as a gas demo saw.

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Originally Posted by scrapping4ever

Yup thats it I've heard of the fire department using them so they have to be good.

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I did 12 years on a fire department. We had these, but with newer technology they got used a lot less. We used them on car roofs, but an air chisel was better. Lighter and didn't throw sparks. We used them for venting roofs at a fire scene. Then we got specially designed "chain saws" that had depth gauges / safety covers and carbide bullet chains. These suckers would fly thru any roof. Nails were no match. We did have to replace a few chain teeth once in a while

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Originally Posted by mthomasdev

I did 12 years on a fire department. We had these, but with newer technology they got used a lot less. We used them on car roofs, but an air chisel was better. Lighter and didn't throw sparks. We used them for venting roofs at a fire scene. Then we got specially designed "chain saws" that had depth gauges / safety covers and carbide bullet chains. These suckers would fly thru any roof. Nails were no match. We did have to replace a few chain teeth once in a while

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Here is a link for any one interested in the saws used by the fire service today.

BULLET® Chain