Inconsiderate drivers and tractor operators, bad mix...

[ptsg]

Speaking of construction. It is amazing how permits, escorts and such are often required for loads that don't even pose a threat to the motoring public, and then the huge agricultural equipment has no restrictions for the most part. BIGGEST problem, I beleive, is that you are never sure what they are going to do. Is he going to turn any minute or drive another ten miles down the road? In my mind, THAT should be somehow addressed.

That could be easily addressed by using the indicators.

I know in the US, you need to have the 4 way flashers on. Why not have a beacon so the indicators could be free for what indicators really need to do: Indicating a change of direction.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I disagree. So many flashing lights on various tractors, they are meaningless. Our JD doesn't shut off the turn indicator automatically after a turn. Is a bulb just burned out or a bad connection, looking like a turn signal but it's the four ways. Who studies the lights on a big tractor they are behind looking for meaning? There should be a beacon and NO flashing lights except for turns and brake lights. I can't think of the number of times I have gone up a grade, with a tractor trailer next to me, that I "thought" wanted into my lane because he has his four ways on.

It has to be a universally adhered to system if it's going to work. Maybe a msg board. Turning left or right shortly. That kind of thing.

 

[ptsg]

I disagree. So many flashing lights on various tractors, they are meaningless. Our JD doesn't shut off the turn indicator automatically after a turn. Is a bulb just burned out or a bad connection, looking like a turn signal but it's the four ways. Who studies the lights on a big tractor they are behind looking for meaning? There should be a beacon and NO flashing lights except for turns and brake lights. I can't think of the number of times I have gone up a grade, with a tractor trailer next to me, that I "thought" wanted into my lane because he has his four ways on.

It has to be a universally adhered to system if it's going to work. Maybe a msg board. Turning left or right shortly. That kind of thing.

What did I just say? Maybe it wasn't clear enough. No flashing lights, except for a beacon on top of the cab or ROPS. Then the indicators would be free to actually indicate where you're going.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Sorry. My Mistake.

Still without an auto off feature, I could see some issues. Also, few implements seem to have lights.

AND, it still wouldn't convey other information. No need to pass a machine in potentially dangerous maneuvers if you know he is turning in a minute or two.

Maybe a sign. I am on CB channel 28. Talk to me. lol

 

[ptsg]

Yeah, it always comes down to drivers paying attention to what's going on. Both the tractor driver by turning off the indicator when not needed and whoever comes behind needs to look in front and not down to the phone and also to adequate the speed to the conditions in hand.

 

[5030]

Sorry. My Mistake.

Still without an auto off feature, I could see some issues. Also, few implements seem to have lights.

AND, it still wouldn't convey other information. No need to pass a machine in potentially dangerous maneuvers if you know he is turning in a minute or two.

Maybe a sign. I am on CB channel 28. Talk to me. lol

Maybe up you way in Canada but not down here. Everyone I know that farms like I do, has amber flashing lights on every implement (unless it's a close coupled like a 3 point mounted rake or a post hole digger)). If it's a trailing implement. it has lights (flashing amber) and the Federally required SMV placard. In fact, all my implements have not only amber flashers but red running lights and brake lights as well.

The issue is, no matter how in compliance you are, there is that unknown factor of a distracted driver and there are a boatload of those out there. People in general don't take driving seriously until they get wadded up and injured or killed.

No one I know of (farmers) use a CB. We all use FM transceivers. No chatter, no BS.

 

[5030]

Yeah, it always comes down to drivers paying attention to what's going on. Both the tractor driver by turning off the indicator when not needed and whoever comes behind needs to look in front and not down to the phone and also to adequate the speed to the conditions in hand.

Never seen a tractor with self cancelling turn signals. It might exist but I've never seen one. When I put on my signal to signal my intent, my running lights automatically switch from 4 way flashers to a solid amber light on the opposite side of the turn and on the turn side, flash and yes, I have to manually turn them off (return the turn signal lever to the neutral position).

 

[Industrial Toys]

All of my equipment has VHF Motorola FM Radios. Unlike in the movies, it would be worthless talking to others. CB (and I say that as a Ham operator) still has it's place, especially since the trend and congestion is long gone. I carry one with a mag antenna. If I'm stuck in a traffic jam, it's the ONLY way of knowing what's going on. You can throw your smart phone away. Gravel pits here still use CBs to talk to ANY trucker that comes in there.

Traditionally farmers here are the cheapest people you would ever want to meet. New modern equipment has saftey lighting, but the older farmers won't even replace that faded old SMV dangling from their wagon with a piece of crooked hay wire.

 

[ptsg]

Never seen a tractor with self cancelling turn signals. It might exist but I've never seen one. When I put on my signal to signal my intent, my running lights automatically switch from 4 way flashers to a solid amber light on the opposite side of the turn and on the turn side, flash and yes, I have to manually turn them off (return the turn signal lever to the neutral position).

Oh I wasn't aware of that feature. It does make sense.

Over here, we have Brake lights, marker lights, turn signals, high and low beams. It's also requires the SMV sign and a beacon. The tractors do have a license plate, insurance and a title.

While there are still some idiots, the majority of the drivers will actually respect the tractors and machinery in general.

 

[Reb954]

While there are still some idiots, the majority of the drivers will actually respect the tractors and machinery in general.

ptsg, it is the same here. It is just the few idiots that people notice the most. Those that show respect don't get noticed.