Driving tractor on public roads

Freds · Jul 1, 2004

That's what I was thinking, been.
Just because you might see other tractors going up and down the road doesn't mean every other tractor driver/owner is allowed to also, if they aren't actually using the tractor, whatever size, for farm use.
I would try to *blend in* and act dumb if stopped rather than pulling out some husbandry paper or whatever and making the cop/sheriff look dumb.
I would also think it depends on your particular law enforcement officers' reputations, if they know you and if you are going from point A to point B for legitimate tractor use reasons or just to fuel up.

That being said, I see a little Kubota tractor going up and down my rural road once a week with a belly mount mower on it. No idea where the female driver is from and never see the tractor on someone's property in use, but I imagine she is mowing someone's lawn.

RichNJKubota · Jul 1, 2004

A year ago I called the local police and they knew what the laws are here in NJ regarding farm equipment. SMV emblem. That's it.
As far as insurance goes - I've got farm insurance. But that only covers if I'm not doing work for someone else.

Rich

dixiedrifter · Jul 1, 2004

This is OT, but I thought it was strang/funny/cool.

I was in Clarkesville, TN. Up there the Mennonite's take thier tractors to Wal-mart for shopping.

Mind you this is down a 4 lane road with red lights and LOTS of traffic.

I got behind one of them one day. That Deere tractor was running 45 MPH!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

KiotiJohn · Jul 2, 2004

I think you can "get away with it" in most any state as long as you have a SMV sign and you don't block the road for prolonged periods of time. I always pull over now and then to allow cars to go around if they're having any trouble passing me. Police go past me and never even look more than casually. I keep the headlights and ambers on while on the road. Do keep in mind though that there are a lot of drivers who will get angry at anything, so beware. A lot of car/tractor accidents happen every year, don't be one of them. Legal disclaimer: This advice is subject to verification of your local statutes. Some states do not allow the use of flashing amber emergency lights unless an actual emergency exists. John

cowboydoc · Jul 2, 2004

What tractor was running 45mph? I don't think I know of a tractor that will run 45 mph.

frank_f15 · Jul 2, 2004

( That Deere tractor was running 45 MPH!!!! )

your kidding, right?

NIXON · Jul 2, 2004

After all , nothing runs like a deer(e) /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif John

JDgreen227 · Jul 4, 2004

Last week there was a huge Deere agricultural spraying unit covering the farm fields next door and when he was done the machine went by at about 50 mph....so the story is credible.

Just for the record, I talked with a neighbor this morning who is a city policeman, he said if your tractor displays a SMV emblem that is basically the only requirement in Michigan to operate it on public roads, BUT...

He says if you are using your tractor on the road you should have "good cause", such as driving down the road to assist a neighbor with their property, and such travel should be limited to short distances. Should I decide to tractor down the road to my buddies house to show off my new implement or make a short trip to the fuel station instead of using portable fuel containers, that is NOT good cause to be on the highway.

He further stated that most police put CUT's in a different category as actual farm tractors and many of them would look at road use of a CUT as questionable in most circumstances...and should you cause and/or contribute to an accident you may have to show "good cause" to be operating your equipment on a public road.

Trev · Jul 4, 2004

(
Not trying to lead this discussion in any other direction, as I think the 'don't ask' is the best assumption. Have the SMV sign, have amber blinkers working, watch out for traffic, and don't become a 'road hog' while driving. (Some 'farmers' figure they own just as much of that side of the highway lane as the cars do. Some can be pretty beligerant, like bike riders almost). /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif)

I don't disagree with you, but I've heard precisely the opposite advice. I was told that if you are on the road with your tractor, take your lane. Don't meander off onto the shoulder, trying to be a nice guy.. because then if there is an accident you are *clearly* to blame.

I just try to find safe places to pull over and stop and let people by, if I'm going any distance. If I can, I'll ride the shoulder.. contrary to what I said above. But that above advice does make some sense, I think.

Gary_in_Indiana · Jul 4, 2004

"...if you are on the road with your tractor, take your lane. Don't meander off onto the shoulder, trying to be a nice guy.. because then if there is an accident you are *clearly* to blame" 

That's the way it is here. If you're on the shoulder with only a half of your rear wheel on the line and are hit then it's your fault as you are deemed to have been off the road and attempting to enter it whereas if you're already on the road and are hit it's no different than being rear ended in your truck.

I learned this when a local farmer, trying to be a good guy, was as far off the road as he could be with one rear tire on the line at the shoulder. Someone hit the tire and the farmer was found at fault for the very reason I described. Now, when I take the half mile ride down to my local Kubota dealer for some service work on my Deere, I stay not only in my lane but near the center line.