Halloween Haulin'

[snpower]

Evening gents!

My neighbor proposed doing sort of a hay ride in our neighborhood with my BX2360 and my 6x12 trailer. I have hauled the trailer around some with the BX but wanted to make sure adding 8 or so 70 lb. kids wouldn't be an obvious bad idea? I was going to keep the loader on and maybe add a few sandbags for ballast in the bucket as well. My wife wants to add orange halloween lights so I think we'll get some good pictures out of the event.

 

[oldballs]

I suppose that it's against the law to be on a public street with such a set up...although one might get away with it (the police) if not noticed. Surely in a residential neighborhood that's not heavily traveled, it should be safe presuming one has adequate lighting. A real hilly street might be problem for breaking. The kids would have a fun ride to be sure. Maybe you could try a test run with a mock up load just for your peace of mind. If the trailer has four wheels, there shouldn't be much load on the back end. Secure the hitch too. Happy Halloween.

 

[Archer EV]

My neighbor had a hayride several years ago. It was at night and I think he lacked adequate lighting such as flashing lights etc. The trailer was rear-ended by a car. The driver, a woman was killed. My neighbor was sued. I never heard the final outcome of the suit and never wanted to ask him about it. I don't wish to rain on anyone's parade. I enjoyed hayrides when I was a youngster but there are inherent dangers and responsibilities as was as legalities. A suggestion would be to keep it on private property or see if it could be coordinated with the local law enforcement to cordon off a block for a short time to do the ride. Good luck and have fun.

 

[AxleHub]

You didn't mention if your neighborhood is rural or suburban, that would make a difference to potential concerns IMO.

Hayrides are a fun thing, but have some kind of safety rail around the trailer so kids standing or horse play doesn't allow one to fall out( or under a wheel). Don't avoid fun activities like this, but don't avoid the reality that there are 9 times as many attornys today as 40 years ago.

Iassume the trailer and 8 pr so small kids is 1000 lbs or less - no big issue there.

 

[Cat_Driver]

Sadly in today's society one must always place liability first and foremost.

One glitch and your neighbor will own your property, you retirement fund, you kids college education, and the tractor your sitting on.

Sad isn't it. I wish my daughter could experience the Halloween I used to have, but that's long gone with all the sickies out there.

 

[PHILIP8N]

I have done hayrides with this tractor and trailer. I built the wooden sides just for this purose. I wired the tractor lights into the trailer so all running lights and flashers are on. With this size tractor, I did not see the need to hook up electric brakes, but it would not be too difficult to do. Keep a couple adults in the back to chaparone and all should have a good time. Philip.

 

[creekbend]

My neighbor had a hayride several years ago. It was at night and I think he lacked adequate lighting such as flashing lights etc. The trailer was rear-ended by a car. The driver, a woman was killed. My neighbor was sued. I never heard the final outcome of the suit and never wanted to ask him about it. I don't wish to rain on anyone's parade. I enjoyed hayrides when I was a youngster but there are inherent dangers and responsibilities as was as legalities. A suggestion would be to keep it on private property or see if it could be coordinated with the local law enforcement to cordon off a block for a short time to do the ride. Good luck and have fun.

I also experienced great hayrides as a kid. But as the other members stated, the possibility of a lawsuit is ever present. Being held on private property will certainly lower the risk of an accident with another vehicle. But this fact should be considered: You can be sued even on private property. If a stranger comes to your door asking for directions and falls while exiting your property, he has the legal right to sue. There are countless examples of these cases, and yes these cases are discussed in Law schools in this Country. It is a sad situation that people resort to these tactics, but the only obvious prevention is to "cover your back". A quick example: the country market that I go to was sued around 6 weeks ago. The reason being that a customer fell on the floor. It was raining outside, and even though the store owners always have a large floor mat ever present at the entrance to the door-both inside and out- they were still sued. I don't know how this case will pan out, but most insurance companies settle out of court in these types of cases thus avoiding larger settlements and costs. My youngest brother provided me with these facts and he is an attorney, went to Univ. Tenn. law school. Ultimately the final decision is yours. I and the other TBN members are only trying to help you and intend only the best results for your planned hayride. Have a Happy Day and good luck.

 

[creekbend]

Sincere regrets-I failed to include this fact in my previous post. Although there are many cases of legitimate lawsuits, due largely to failure to provide a safe environment;etc, there are many many cases of "Frivolous " lawsuits that occur most frequently. Those are mainly due to the fact that people use these tactics to get so called fast and easy money. How many times in your life have you seen or heard of an individual wearing a Neck Brace in Public but taking it off as soon as no one is around. Just giving an example. I do wish you the best of luck and hope that your planned hayride is a success.

 

[Danner]

Those kids weigh about 600 pounds, that's not too much for your BX. Just get a handful of glow sticks and hang them around the trailer.

Enjoy

 

[repete]

Ask you local governing body for a parade permit as you have a parade float. Tell them you will have a pilot car front and back and see what they say.

Who knows, you may even get a PD or FD escort.