Driving tractor 20 miles on road

[N80]

My homeowner's policy will not pay for any damage that occurs to me, the tractor or anyone else if the tractor is off of my property. Get clarification on your ploicy, whatever type it is.

You can rent a trailer for a day for $70. I've done it. I'd recommend it.

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Just do it.

 

[unreconstructed]

When my Dad bought his new 1850 Oliver in '67, he had a certain 17 year old kid around to road the thing 80 miles rather than pay for a truck. No cab, no radio but it was mercifully a nice day as I recollect.

 

[JerryG]

If I drive my tractor over 2-3 miles on the highway, I put on a magnetic rotating flasher. Depending on how many curves and how sharp they are, sometimes I use an escort. Some highways around here are wooded up close to the road and then when you add the curves other drivers can't see you very far away. Don't drive with two wheels on the road and two off so that other drivers can get around you. That is illegal at least in this area. I do try to pull over completely off of the road when several get behind me.

 

[catvet]

Good discussion and thanks again for all the ideas.

I drove the route I'm planning on taking today and it is as I figured about 20 miles. I would say 3/4 of it is unpaved so the concerns about tire wear should be a bit less. Sure is pretty right about now with all the trees turning. Suppose to have rain the next couple of days so a lot of them might come off.

I do have an inland marine policy on the tractor which covers it if it is off my property.

I've been thinking about getting a mirror and plan on having a cell phone with me. This being Vermont I'll only have coverage for about 1/2 of the trip but better than nothing.

 

[ore540]

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

I've done a few 2-mile trips on our kinda busy country road. I don't seem to be in the way as much as the horses, kids on bikes, etc. but a couple people have cut it a little close. I do want to figure a way to mount a mirror on the BX24 - probably on the loader. At least I'd know when to duck. Has anybody cobbled up a mount?

For what it's worth, Sunday about noon has been the best time to travel. Earlier Sunday morning was kinda hectic. I suspect that earlier people are frantically late for church but they're peaceful and forgiving of slow vehicles after the service.

 

[Bill Barrett]

I drive my TLB all over, I wouldn't load it for 20 miles. I be there by the time you hook up the trailer, load, chain, and unload.

 

[Bob_Young]

Legalities aside, give some thought to the other drivers on the road. Many are in a hurry and not expecting to come up on something moving 1/5th their speed. Some are also young, exuberant, and inexperienced and haven't seen what can happen on the road. To them, a country road is the perfect excuse to 'cut loose'.

If the roads were level and straight, it wouldn't be much of an issue....but that's not Vt. Blind curves and down-grades will hide you until the last moment. Someone flying along at or above the legal limit could have his hands full avoiding you. Even if no harm is done, you've likely pi**ed someone off. Do it enough and someone will start pushing for laws that restrict our access. If damage is done, you'll be giving them live ammo to fight that battle with.

I've come to hate roading tractors and do it as little as possible with my own. It's necessary, however, when helping the neighbor. Still, while doing it, I always feel like I'm turning my back on a kid with a loaded gun.

Be very careful with left hand turns; especially if towing something bulky that you can't see around. They're the worst.
FWIW
Bob

 

[DViau]

My dealer told me that there is no problem being on the road but to keep my FEL as low as possible and never have it up when I go on road.

ore540 say he want to install a mirror on the loader, so pay attention to that, don't install it a place you have to raise the loader up.

 

[sandman2234]

I had a local forklift place work out a trade on labor to fix my forklift and I would mow their perculation pond to get rid of the cattails. I drove the tractor over there, and it is about 14 miles, on two lane roads in town. Plus the tractor has duals on it, and is 11' 3" wide, so it covers all of my lane with none to spare. The good thing, is it is pretty easy to see, being that big.
No problems, but the advice about watching your turns is good, because as you slow down to make a turn, somebody is going to try to pass you.
David from jax