Driving tractor 20 miles on road

[catvet]

Thanks for the feedback thus far. I'm pretty sure I'm allowed to drive on the roads of Vermont as long as I have my SMV sign and flashers on. Anyone out there know for sure?

 

[Farmwithjunk]

A BUNCH of road miles will wear tires, but it takes a lot of miles. Road worn tires are very much sought after by tractor pullers. Some classes prohibit "cut tires" but road wear gives the just the right shape. Tractor pullers usually don't want tall cleats unless they're pulling on a muddy track.

When I was still farming, one of my rented fields was 10 miles from the house. I made a bunch of trips to and from. It took years of wear to be noticable.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

What insurance would cover you if you caused an accident with your tractor while traveling a public road??

As long as you stay in your lane and follow proper traffic laws you shouldn't cause an accident. Most tractor/highway accidents are caused by other drivers. Usually it is people who refuse to slow down and try to pass in unsafe spots or with oncoming cars. I have seen numerous cars ran off the road onto the wide shoulder because cars behind me refused to slow down. I even had a school bus run a car off the road one time.

Make sure your lights work, you have your SMV and any loads or attachments are properly secured and follow the traffic laws.

In my case my farm insurance would cover any accident if there was one.

 

[johnk]

Robert,

Sounds like a grey area because if you are 20 miles from YOUR farm I think your insurance wouldn't cover. This is just my thought. I see all these TLB's on the road and they have Spec plates in NY and I imagine they pay a different sort of insurance for a vehicular accident. I myself would like to know if I'm covered or not. Guess I'll have to call the insurance man or DMV. If anyone knows the law in NY please let us know....

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Robert,

Sounds like a grey area because if you are 20 miles from YOUR farm I think your insurance wouldn't cover. This is just my thought. I see all these TLB's on the road and they have Spec plates in NY and I imagine they pay a different sort of insurance for a vehicular accident. I myself would like to know if I'm covered or not. Guess I'll have to call the insurance man or DMV. If anyone knows the law in NY please let us know....

My farm insurance policy was very specific. Any time I was moving tractors/equipment from field to field, or any other FARM RELATED activities, I was covered under the basic policy. The general liability policy I have now, for my mowing business, is written essentially the same way. Business related road usage is covered. That's NOT to say ALL insurance policies are written the same. Nor is it saying all states are the same.

 

[RoyJackson]

I drove my tractor (a Deere 670 at the time) 10 miles one way from my new home to my old place. As long as it's a nice day, it's not a bad ride. Although your tractor can do 11 MPH, figure a bit of extra time.

I do recommend having an escort vehicle follow you, if possible. A car or truck doing 50 MPH coming around a blind curve to you doing 11 MPH could make for a bad day.
An escort vehicle is good for carrying water, snack and fortaking a break too.

If you can't get an escort vehicle, I'd consider getting one of those magnetic base strobe lights too.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Robert,

Sounds like a grey area because if you are 20 miles from YOUR farm I think your insurance wouldn't cover. This is just my thought. I see all these TLB's on the road and they have Spec plates in NY and I imagine they pay a different sort of insurance for a vehicular accident. I myself would like to know if I'm covered or not. Guess I'll have to call the insurance man or DMV. If anyone knows the law in NY please let us know....

Farm tractors and equipment do not need plates in New York. TLB's are a different beast since they are commercial unless they are farm TLB's. Farm insurance is a little different then other insurance since a lot of people farm on other peoples ground now so your equipment will be on the roads as well on other peoples land. The insurance is written to cover you for farm related activities so going from one field to another is all covered.

I have drove thru numerous towns on tractors pulling equipment as well as pulling equipment behind my truck. I even pull my hay wagons in tandem which makes for a long load. I have never been bothered by the local police, county or state police. They all just pass me when there is a safe opportunity. If I needed plates or anything was questionable then I would have been stopped by now.

If you have an insurance policy on your tractor then read it as it should spell out if you are covered for accidents off your property.

 

[Rara Avis]

Thanks for the feedback thus far. I'm pretty sure I'm allowed to drive on the roads of Vermont as long as I have my SMV sign and flashers on. Anyone out there know for sure?

It's legal in Vermont for farmers to run their tractors on the road without a license plate...Your insurance is your home owners umbrella policy if you cause an accident...

How heavy is your tractor and from where to where do you need it moved??

I'm about an hour away from Hyde Park...

 

[Doc_Bob]

Take a cell phone! Wear a nice hat! Enjoy the ride.
Bob

 

[jimmysisson]

The main thing I'd want is a mirror to see what fool is coming up behind too fast, without your having to keep turning around. I rigged up one inside my soft-side cab for the few times I'm on the road, and it's handy. Enjoy the ride.
Jim