Idea for keeping wear down on C Tug cart axle

[john from md]

I'm wondering if using Air Conditioning metal duct tape on the axle will work for keeping the wear down. The wheel bushings are replaceable but the axle get pricey.

Any thoughts?

[Yak Fish]

Do you have any pics? I can't say I'm familiar with the cart.

[john from md]

I don't have a camera but here is their website. https://www.c-tug.com/

[Oldbayrunner]

They recommend you don't use any type of lubricant and rinse it thoroughly with water after every use.

[john from md]

They recommend you don't use any type of lubricant and rinse it thoroughly with water after every use.

I know what they recommend but the damage gets done pretty fast when you are pulling it up and down a beach with coarse sand. The bushings are replaceable but the axle is not and is expensive. I was hoping that by putting the tape on the axle, it would get less damage.

[Yak Fish]

You could give it a shot, but after a few rotations of the tire, I'd think the aluminum tape would tear or wear pretty easily. I'm not sure what you could really do if it's a bunch of sand getting in there. I have a couple Hobie Carts as well as Boonedox landing gear and the axles are both stainless steel. I don't get any wear on those. Maybe you could retrofit a stainless tube onto the axle?

[john from md]

I thought about that but wanted to try the easy way first. I can fabricate an axle and turn some bushings on my lathe, I'm just getting lazy in retirement.

[Oldbayrunner]

I know what they recommend but the damage gets done pretty fast when you are pulling it up and down a beach with coarse sand. The bushings are replaceable but the axle is not and is expensive. I was hoping that by putting the tape on the axle, it would get less damage.

If thats the case you could do The Mullet Miller Conversion or get a better cart for sand use...
http://www.theplastichull.net/tag/c-tug-conversion/

I use a Malone Beach Hauler for soft sand and gravel as I don't like pulling my Ctug in the loose sand, not even with the Sandtrax wheels.

[john from md]

Thanks for the link. I will probably build one of those when the current bushings/axle wears out. I can't imagine pulling up the Homeport Farm incline with out a strap though.

[M_Duong60]

I think you could try it out and as long as it rolls fine I don't think there would be a big issue. As long as you overlap the tape a little and roll it so it goes along with instead of against the seam it would hold up alright.

Let me know how it turns out!

[john from md]

Hopefully I will get to try it after the monsoon rains go away.

[nhunter344]

I'm curious to see how this turns out. Ive wondered the same about the axles. Everytime I take apart the cart, there is always plastic dust on the axles. Id also like to eliminate that gawd awful squeaking. Otherwise, I love the cart.

I wonder if there is enough clearance as is to use a thin piece of aluminum flashing or similar wrapped around the axle?

[john from md]

I have not had the chance to even look at it as I am dealing with all the fallout from the rains we have been having.