Driving tractor 20 miles on road

[HangtownMatt]

The only advice I can give is to make sure you disengage 4wd before driving on pavement.

On another note: Has anyone seen the movie "The Straight Story"? It's a true story about a 73 year old man who drove his John Deere riding mower 260 miles across Iowa to reconcile with his dying brother. I thought it was great. Here's some info:

The Straight Story reviews and ratings

HangtownMatt

 

[jimg]

While the idea of taking a road trip on a tractor sounds appealing in reality its not that fun when theres traffic to contend w/. Ive put on a number of road miles lately and you really have to pay close attention to traffic that comes up fast behind you (which is everyone) esp on roads w/ limited visibility. Then theres the large class of driver who slows for no one at any time or who tailgates to get you to pull over even when theres no place for that. Whenever I get traffic behind me I pull over when it can be done safely to let them by. Theyre glad and so am I. Most people dont/cant understand youre not going slow just to make their life miserable.

In my state there are few reqs for taking a tractor on the road. I run all the lights I can and be as visible as possible. OTOH youre very exposed in the event of a traffic accident and no light or placard is going help you there.

When theres no traffic it can be pretty pleasant. Youre going slow enough to see things change around you and in an open platform machine theres lots to see which would be missed in a car (or cab tractor).

 

[TedLaRue]

I drive 12 miles between farms once or twice a year. I hauled it a couple of times and then realized that the load/unload was taking longer than just driving it on the road. After a couple of trips I rigged up a bolt-on rear-view mirror (as others have suggested) and that was a huge improvement. No more stiff neck from turning to watch behind me. I've followed some tractor drivers who seemed totally unaware of what was behind them, but I can't do that.

I try to time my travel to avoid traffic (late evening on Sunday, for example). I also travel an extra 4 miles to avoid high-traffic roads.

And I agree with jimg that the trip can be pleasant if you don't have to deal with traffic all the time. Lots of things to see that you don't see from a car.

 

[TedLaRue]

One more thing, if you're thinking of hauling a few tools, jugs of fuel, or other things in your loader bucket, be aware that at 11MPH things will not stay in your bucket if there are rough spots or potholes in the road. You'll either have to slow down, or secure your stuff with ropes/straps/bungee cords.

 

[radman1]

As long this post is, he could have been there several times already. Just drive it. Flashers on and enjoy.

 

[Kendrick]

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....

Point 1) many home owners ins have 0 liability for things with wheels.
2) Vermont is a "AT Fault" state. IE who caused it pays for it
3) rear ending a tractor is at fault for the car. driving law no matter how slow the vehicle in front of you is moving you are at fault for hitting it. (minimum speed limit is a different story)

The biggest risk for you is to have a bh on and swing it wide killin some ones mail box or pretty new fender. or swing it early and catch some one with the fel.

I say this to any one that drive you cant fret over the other driver. if they are going to hit you they will..(I know) follow the laws and to **** with their impaitence. bikers speeders all the rest of the nucence road borne even tractor drivers who ignore whats going on behind them...

As some one said pull over to a place that can handle your tactor when ever possible to let others drive past. you will get the bird plenty but thats ok some idiot who failed to stop before leaving a parking lot that ran me in to oncoming traffic did the same to me so its not like it means any thing

to who said you will just give them ammo to make new laws aginst farmers...
they will do that when the yuppies move in regardless. the state/city know if they stop the farmers they stop the food. most places where the idiots move in and then complain bill the idiots for disturbing the piece when they start up about it eww that stinky landfill is ruining my new 2 mill home... judge said good luck jenius you knew it was there before hand next!...

 

[RoyJackson]

Point 1) many home owners ins have 0 liability for things with wheels.
2) Vermont is a "AT Fault" state. IE who caused it pays for it
3) rear ending a tractor is at fault for the car. driving law no matter how slow the vehicle in front of you is moving you are at fault for hitting it. (minimum speed limit is a different story)

The biggest risk for you is to have a bh on and swing it wide killin some ones mail box or pretty new fender. or swing it early and catch some one with the fel.
I say this to any one that drive you cant fret over the other driver. if they are going to hit you they will..(I know) follow the laws and to **** with their impaitence. bikers speeders all the rest of the nucence road borne even tractor drivers who ignore whats going on behind them...

I'd have to disagree with that statement. The biggest risk (no matter whose fault) is the bodily injury or worse if struck by a car or truck while on the road. If the speed differential is great, there's a good chance the tractor operator will be severely injured or killed.
That's why I prefer to have an escort vehicle behind me...more visable then a CUT.

 

[sandman2234]

Just because someone hits you in the rear doesn't automatically make it their fault. I hit a car about as square in the rear as you can in 1975 and that is what the owner said. After having a discussion with the police officer, and later my insurance company, they paid to have my vehicle fixed. No matter how you look at it, if somebody hits you, your not going to be going to where you were headed, so it will be a problem. Only takes a minute to do it the safe way.
Be careful in any driving,
David from jax

On edit:
I only had liability on my car, and the other persons insurance company paid to have it fixed. The driver of the car was also cited in the accident.

 

[Rara Avis]

Just because someone hits you in the rear doesn't automatically make it their fault. I hit a car about as square in the rear as you can in 1975 and that is what the owner said. After having a discussion with the police officer, and later my insurance company, they paid to have my vehicle fixed. No matter how you look at it, if somebody hits you, your not going to be going to where you were headed, so it will be a problem. Only takes a minute to do it the safe way.
Be careful in any driving,
David from jax

which they...
The other insurance company or your insurance company?

 

[sandman2234]

The other persons insurance company.
David from jax