70 MPH and driving tractor

[thatguy]

Here in VA some of the roads have minimum speed limits - like around 45 mph.. SO unless you have a much higher range than I do, trailer it..

BTW - Dibs on left over implements if he goes for it..

Brian

 

[billbill1]

Don, in Texas the posted 70 mph must mean it's legal to drive 90 mph!! Especially the Texas drivers in Oklahoma, man they fly. I had mine set at 75 on the cruise, they were going by me and within 2 minutes they were completely out of sight.

 

[RoyJackson]

I'd consider a full sized Utility or Ag tractor on a highway.
The full sized machines with a true "road" gear can move along at 20-25 MPH. They're also of a size (big!!) to be quite visible. These machines aren't really trailerable (unless you have access to a lowboy tractor/trailer).

A CUT is a different story. Quite a bit smaller (less visible) and slower (10-15 MPH top speed.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/ftp/forms/DLhandbook.pdf

Look at pages 15-13 & 15-14, there are requirements for tractors built since 1972.

Here in Texas, it is legal and mostly done on rural roads. But during hay season (May-Nov for summer grasses), they are frequently on the road and they don't pull off the road for traffic. I commute 53 miles each way and on the way home (late afternoons) I'd say at least once a week I pass a SMV.

Around here where TxDon and I live, the predominate crop is hay. This requires 3 different implements to harvest in a timely manner. It is not feasible to load/unload equipment for a trip of less than 10 miles.

 

[chh]

Actually a lot of farmers in this county drive on the highway. I worded the post neutral for all opinions and reasons why you feel this way, and for the ones who do it, how they make it as safe as possible. I thank you for you thoughtful opinion. PaulChristenson's link is the only information I could find put out by an "official" agency.

If anyone hears of a tractor involved in an accident on a highway please post.

Thanks.

There are a lot of Ag tractors roaded here in Oklahoma. Flashers and SMV are a must. About 7 years ago on a hilly 2 lane near me a man was killed just after dark roading a IH 454 or 464 home after haying cattle. He had done this regularly for years since the highway part was only about a 1/4 mile until he turned onto a county road. He was just about to turn back into his driveway when hit. The car topping the hill apparently never saw him. Their speed was a minimum of 65 mph(maybe faster) he was slowing preparing to turn. He was killed instantly, the tractor broke into 3 or 4 large pieces and everyone in the car survived. The remains of the tractor are still setting(the last I noticed) in front of the old filling station that sits in front of his house.
I have seen one other tractor that was involved in the same type of accident but the speeds were much slower. A IH about 75 hp and a Caddy. Both were totaled but everyone survived.
I have roaded a tractor as far as 65 miles once because I couldn't find anyone to haul it(Ford 9600) and have to put my current tractors on the highway short distances at times, but given the opprotunity I will load and haul it if going more than a couple of miles.

 

[dixiedrifter]

Personally when roading a tractor I prefer to move them at night after 9PM when most folks are off the road.

I have a strobe going, my flashers, and my rear work lights on to illuminate the impliment I'm carrying... basically try and light up the entire area like a football field.

My theory is this, during the day, it takes longer to react to a tractor than at night. At night, somehting that has a crapload of bright flashing lights on it will definatly register as "wtf is that in the road, I need to slow down" long before the other driver comes up on the tractor.

CUTs IMO have no business on the road whatsoever.

 

[hazmat]

What kind of tractor? For a one time deal I'd pay to have it hauled. Around here (New England) roll offs go for about $100 an hour. Might be cheaper if you schedule is flexible.

 

[Lasgambler]

I would not do it. I'm with Roy, trailer it. Everyone has there on opinion, Mine is, "at night, less traffic." "At night, Higher percentage of impaired drivers."

Good Luck and be safe!!

 

[Skyco]

I looked at SC law just for grins- can't operate a tractor on ANY controlled access highway...that obviously means all freeways but there are quite a few more rural multi-lane roads that are "controlled access". I suppose if the ONLY way to an area is a controlled access road then in SC at least, it HAS to be trailered.

 

[txdon]

Thatguy, LOL - "Dibs on my implement If I go for it"?

billbill1, this Hwy. has too many curves and hills, I feel comfortable only going 65mph = 75mph others.

Roy Jackson and Hazmat, dixiedrifter, Lasgambler, the tractor is a 45hp tractor, not a one time transport, I would buy a trailer but then I'd have to buy or borrow a truck to pull it. Nite time traffic around here has less vehicles but is more dangerous. I would also think the person coming up on the tractor would have a hard time perceiving the speed of the tractor at night. Many bright flashy lights could attract heavy drinkers.

Kyle thanks for the link, looks like reflectors, headlights, flashers and SMV sign.

chh, yep that could happen. Down the road two cars ran into a hay buggy (4 lane Hwy.) that was being pulled by a truck making a left hand turn - the truck got the ticket - turn signals not visible.

Looks like I'll be keeping my eyes open for a trailer.