How far would you drive a tractor?

bdog · May 10, 2010

I am looking at buying a tractor that is about 100 miles away. It is pretty much rural farm roads between here and there. The tractor is a newer cab model 100 hp with lights, etc. I don't have a trailer big enough for it and was thinking of driving it instead of shelling out $500 for someone to truck it. Any one ever roaded a tractor this far?

Egon · May 10, 2010

It should work. May wear off some rubber?

massey driver · May 10, 2010

bdog said:
I am looking at buying a tractor that is about 100 miles away. It is pretty much rural farm roads between here and there. The tractor is a newer cab model 100 hp with lights, etc. I don't have a trailer big enough for it and was thinking of driving it instead of shelling out $500 for someone to truck it. Any one ever roaded a tractor this far?

When my Uncle was buying and selling tractors my cousin and I had the pleasure of driving them home from the sales and once sold we usually had to deliver them.The furthest we drove a Massey super 90 [open platform]was 70 miles we kinda tag teamed my Uncle followed in his truck and the two of us would switch off and on due to it being in the spring and not too warm.Took about 5 hrs. If not for it being so cold we'd have not done that but at just above freezing temps we needed to warm up.Being in a cab etc you'll have no problems just time consumming almost like sitting in the tractor and doing field work for many hrs.Many farmers spend way more hrs a day in there tractors then that.Larry

wvpolekat · May 10, 2010

I would road it. I drove my 2N 15 miles one time because it was easier than getting the trailer.

rekees4300 · May 10, 2010

Wonder if U-Haul would have a trailer big enough?

kebo · May 10, 2010

rekees4300 said:
Wonder if U-Haul would have a trailer big enough?

I seriously doubt U-Haul would have anything that size. A tractor that big will take a pretty serious trailer, not so much the length but the width and weight capacity would be more important. Sounds like maybe the OP doesn't have the towing rig needed to haul it. Just don't think I would want to drive a tractor at about 15 mph for 100 miles but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do!:laughing:

MarkV · May 10, 2010

A 100 miles is a long way in my mind. You are sure going to take a good number of years off the tires.

MarkV

Mousefield · May 10, 2010

Don't forget about insurance for the rig if you do drive it on the road.

TripleR · May 10, 2010

You will lose some rubber and of course burn some diesel, but it probably has a pretty tall road gear and as someone said, not much difference than driving one in a field all day.

Jaylegger · May 10, 2010

Sounds like a great excuse to see some countryside.

RoyJackson · May 10, 2010

I'm sure a tractor that size will have ag tires. Not too comfortable, but I'd do it. You might want to take a pillow with you (for your back or butt).
Figure about 6 hours or a bit more (assuming the tractor's top speed is 25 MPH) and have someone follow you with fuel, food and something to drink (NO BEER OR OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES!!). Preferably, the escort driver would be able to drive that tractor too, in case you need a break. It'll also be a good idea if the escort vehicle has a magnetic SMV sign on the truck or tailgate.
The escort driver must be the patient type too, BTW. At 25 MPH, you'll feel like you're moving right along...but that escort driver will jst be puttering.

BTW, check the laws in your state too, before commencing this trip.

Thomas · May 10, 2010

Great advice given.
If I,someone to follow w/tools maybe two way radio of some sort..long ride may want to take turns.

Scotty370 · May 10, 2010

In Texas, (as long as it's not DFW), heck yeah! In New York.....duh.... Nah! Lots depends on the roads, traffic along the route, escort vehicle, relief driver, Motel, (if your wanted to 'two-day' it, etc. I'm sure it would get boring, but your call! Could it be done, absolutely! ~Scotty

No question on the 'radios' Thomas......~S

Make and Model would be nice to know....

crusty 1 · May 10, 2010

I know a guy who drove a tractor from S Dakota to Minnesota! Talk about a trek. Too cheap to have it trucked,but he did it:confused2

ave

beenthere · May 10, 2010

Drive it... just 5-6 hours on the tractor. Much longer times than that while plowing, discing, or planting. And baling, picking, etc.

Should have plenty of towns along the way for fuel, water, food and rest stops.

No big deal.

oldnslo · May 10, 2010

To save the tires air them up higher than normal. Will ride a little rougher but saves a tremendous amount of tire wear.

I have sat a cultivated corn for 7- 8 hrs traveling a whopping 2 - 3 MPH now that gets boring and you have to drive straight or the corn disappears too.

Roy

Duffster · May 10, 2010

Some of these responses are just plain goofy. :confused2:

It is about a 5 hrs drive, no big deal you won't miss the rubber off the tires.

I have driven several round trips to a dealer or mechanic that was 50 miles away, no biggy I would do it again in a heartbeat.

nwbearcat · May 10, 2010

I wouldn't worry much about the trip itself. I'd be more interested in when it last had any service. Make sure the driveline has been greased if it's a fwa w/ u-joints, check the oils, including the front axle, and find out if they've been changed lately, and maybe change out the fuel filters, that long at wide open you'll be drawing quite a bit of fuel through it. Might be worth having a tool box and the stuff to change them again depending on the life it's had, again you may stir up stuff in the tank and no worse place to have a broke down tractor than in the middle of the road. If it is a fwa and you want to get fancy, some say the tires will wear a bit better if they're turned around backwards, dunno if that's true, I know they wear different, but don't know if they really wear less. You could check the alignment of the front, and make corrections according to the manual. I wouldn't expect any horrible damage to occur due to a one time trip like that.

banjodunn · May 10, 2010

G'day Go for it this is not a huge distance even on ag tyres just pump them up a bit as stated earlier bigger hp ag tractors are pretty comfy to drive seat wise as they are designed to bounce across paddocks, as stated check your fluids and keep an eye on the gauges and not too loud on the radio so you can hear any strange noises. Turning the front wheels around (ag tyres fwa) does reduce the wear but if this is the only road work you are going to do then i would not bother. Sit back enjoy the scenery and the drive, amazing how much more you see at 25mph. I used to work with a bloke that had to drive new chamberlain tractors from the wharf in Melbourne to the dealership in Dimboola some 170 miles they would all go down in the car and then drive five back towing the car on an 'A' frame he said it was not alot of fun during winter though

Jon

JoeinTX · May 11, 2010

I think you're good, BDog.

You'll need to pack a lunch, let the wife/GF know you won't be around for a while, get your best beer drinking bud on board..............and get on with it.

I know the Panhandle pretty well, lots of tractors and equipment running up and down state and farm-to-market roads.........and lots of don't care from county/state officers so long as you're not mucking up the works.

I'd be tempted to get it hauled for time and trouble's sake, but, if you wanna drive it away then do the above and enjoy the trek.

Once roaded a Case 4wd from Canyon to just south of Dumas while working for my uncle 20-odd years ago for the summer. Didn't know anything or any better so I just did as told and got in and drove it 70 miles home, but, I thought it the best thing in the world.