How far would you drive a tractor?

[Fuddy1952]

I have a John Deere 3038. My 94 yo Mom lives 15 miles away, most of it is moderately heavy traffic (about 5-6m. heavy 4 lane traffic). I don't have a trailer (don't want to rent truck&trailer, rather pay someone to do the work). I have a bush hog, she has about 15 acres really needing cut. 3 ft. pines growing all over it).
Top speed is about 12-13mph. Would you drive it over there?
If all back roads or 5 miles I'd do it without question.

 

[RickB]

I'd put a rotary beacon and SMV on it, make sure the hazard lamps worked and have at it.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I wouldn't. Heavy 4 lanes of traffic? Nope. Not even 5 miles, but 15?

But hey, you asked.

I would trailer it over there. Rent or borrow, don't you have any buddy's with truck and trailer?

I've always thought that having a tractor without a truck/trailer to haul it is like having a boat but no boat trailer.

 

[two_bit_score]

Personally I would not if back streets or roads were not available, but that is just me.

You are in a much better position to evaluate the risk on that highway.

 

[pjbci]

I’m used to driving larger tractors and combines much longer distances and love the 4-lane stretches without worry because of the size. That being said, on such a small tractor I’d do what post#2 said plus a good rear view mirror and have at it.

 

[Darryle]

We used to drive them all over, we went about 50 miles from the farm once for a big sprigging job, IIRC, it was about a section of land. That was a huge tract for this area for someone not to own their own equipment.

 

[dirttoys]

I have a John Deere 3038. My 94 yo Mom lives 15 miles away, most of it is moderately heavy traffic (about 5-6m. heavy 4 lane traffic). I don't have a trailer (don't want to rent truck&trailer, rather pay someone to do the work). I have a bush hog, she has about 15 acres really needing cut. 3 ft. pines growing all over it).
Top speed is about 12-13mph. Would you drive it over there?
If all back roads or 5 miles I'd do it without question.

Yup, make sure you are legal, and there is no minimum speed limit. Stay out of the way as best you can, and have someone escort you in a car or truck if possible.

Best,

ed

 

[Nacademus]

At the very least I would have a chase car to act as a buffer on the busy stuff. Have your signage, 4 ways, and whatever beacon you can muster. 15 miles isn't really that bad but it could be nerve wracking. Most cagers are idiots.

 

[bdog]

About ten years ago I didn't have a trailer large enough and drove the tractor I bought home about 110 miles across state lines. I was on a fairly major highway and went through several towns.

 

[3Ts]

I don't think the chase car is a good idea. It blocks the view of the traffic coming upon you and they won't be able to see the SMV sign or the beacon. 5 miles I'd do, the 15 miles not so much and on 4 line highways, definitely not.

You're talking about over an hour on the road one way. I'd check to see if there is someone in her area that would do it. It might be cheaper and all around easier to hire someone.