Metal frame to support 250 gallon tote

[hog_down]

How thick and what size tubing to use? I was asked to provide a price for a welded metal frame to support a 250 gallon tote 3 feet off the ground. A gallon of water weighs roughly 8 lbs, so at least 2000 lbs in the air. Thoughts? Advice?

Thanks in advance.

[TX03RUBI]

Personally I’d use 2” 11 gauge square tubing. It’s not scientific, but I’ve built enough that I’d feel comfortable supporting that kind of weight with it.

[Dale Moser]

Cross bracing...

[hog_down]

Personally I’d use 2” 11 gauge square tubing. It’s not scientific, but I’ve built enough that I’d feel comfortable supporting that kind of weight with it.

Have a diagram? Any other support or bracing, other than just a cube?

[batmaninja]

cinder blocks.

[DedDuk]

Ive had metal frame and used cinder blocks. May have a pic somewhere

[CabezaBlanca]

cinder blocks.

X2. Cheap and easy.

[Blank]

2"x2"x1/8" A36 angle or 1 1/2" steel tubing will easily hold the weight, with proper bracing. I'd expect a charge of about $500 for either.

If placing on concrete or hard dirt and pavers, concrete block stacked up with interlocked corners would definitely be a cheaper solution. Use a 3/4" plywood top.

[timoub007]

If it only has to be three feet off the ground the easiest thing is to stack it on top of another tote. They are made for this. We stack them two high all the time and some people go three or four high.

T

[Wampuscat]

I’ve raised them up on a simple 2x6 platform with 4x4 legs. Simple and easy to build at camp with no power tools. Just a saw and hammer like dad used to do. Don’t need to overdo it. You can even go way higher simply by angling the legs out a little.

[TX03RUBI]

Have a diagram? Any other support or bracing, other than just a cube?

I don’t. If time allows in the morning I’ll try to sketch something out. Moser is right though. Cross bracing is a must IMO.

[DedDuk]

If it only has to be three feet off the ground the easiest thing is to stack it on top of another tote. They are made for this. We stack them two high all the time and some people go three or four high.

T

So 1 tote will support the weight of another tote filled on top of it? I have wondered about this.

[Wood Man]

Yes. A full tote weighing over 1 ton will stack on top of another tote. Even if tote on bottom is empty. I’ve ordered thousands in my day.

[deerplanter]

So 1 tote will support the weight of another tote filled on top of it? I have wondered about this.

They usually have a metal frame around them to support the one on top. They stack up at the plant like this all the time.

[PYBUCK]

https://discussions.texasbowhunter.com/forums/index.php

This guy has 2 for sell that look like they would hold 2 or 3 totes