How do you transport your tractor & batwing bush hog?

[Duffster]

I was talking to some guys last fall at a PA produce auction who were doing hauling for farmers and buyers. They told me things had changed earlier in the the year (2010) with regard to DOT.
I found this link to a trucking article about it:
Pennsylvania carriers must display DOT number | Overdrive - Owner Operators Trucking Magazine

Also in years past I recall that PA did not require the numbers for intrastate. But when I looked at FMCSA they now show PA as one of the states requiring registration. Who knows, they may even be down to 10,000 lbs like the other 28 states.

NY started this a few years ago, but they gave warnings at first; my friend got stopped by NYSP for a warning with his F450 but now I am seeing DOT numbers on 2500's and even F150's pulling trailers. For anyone operating in PA like Builder, they should probably try to keep up with what's going on and how it's being enforced.

Yup I had read that article but haven't seen anything else about it so didn't know if it was in force yet or not.

 

[Builder]

You should know better then this.

PA requires them at 17k GCWR/GVWR of in state.

Don't be waggin your finger in my face.
Like I said before, an armchair operator would know this. lol
Your here to troll the thread with the rules book again. Surprised you didn't get enough in the construction forums. LOL

I'm sure there's an armchair operator that will look up the rules and find out.....:laughing:

I'm too busy working to worry about more gov't regulation piled up on me.

 

[Builder]

I was talking to some guys last fall at a PA produce auction who were doing hauling for farmers and buyers. They told me things had changed earlier in the the year (2010) with regard to DOT.
I found this link to a trucking article about it:
Pennsylvania carriers must display DOT number | Overdrive - Owner Operators Trucking Magazine

Also in years past I recall that PA did not require the numbers for intrastate. But when I looked at FMCSA they now show PA as one of the states requiring registration. Who knows, they may even be down to 10,000 lbs like the other 28 states.

NY started this a few years ago, but they gave warnings at first; my friend got stopped by NYSP for a warning with his F450 but now I am seeing DOT numbers on 2500's and even F150's pulling trailers. For anyone operating in PA like Builder, they should probably try to keep up with what's going on and how it's being enforced.

PA has never sent me anything indicating they are now required. That doesn't surprise me since it could be a great source of violation revenue for them.
Thanks for the polite heads up (unlike you know who). I guess I finally have to get one.
I was just safety stopped back in April and MVCE said nothing about DOT#

 

[bindian]

"Guys around here haul tractors with batwings all the time. U just need a long gooseneck with a dovetail on the back. No biggie. They do commercial bush hogging like u do...."


Ditto. Lot's of 1-ton/HD pickups with long goosenecks moving tractor and bat-wing around here.

Yep, that is what I see most down here. I have been watching for bargains on 25-30 foot gooseneck to haul my backhoe without putting the loader bucket on top of the gooseneck on my 20 footer and to gain more gross weight limit. I was thinking of going with a small dump truck pulling a lowboy equipment trailer. But dump trucks seem kinda out of place on Saturday nights at the VFW hall, unlike a dually.
hugs, Brandi

 

[bindian]

i pull batwings behind my f350 all the time. the airplane tires are rated at high mph but that is short distances. the sidewalls are so thick the tires heat up really quick and don't cool off as fast as regular tires. i have pulled mowers behind my truck 45 mph for 40 miles with no problems but i could have been just lucky. we have 6 tractors and mowers that we drive all over ne arkansas from hardy to cabot to blytheville to jonesboro and i found out that driving them is quicker than hauling. if 1 breaks down and has to go to the dealer i have a 30+5 gooseneck that i pull behind either a 2500 gmc or my f350 or my semi and double drop or my single drop. if i was the op i would just buy me a scooter and put it on the bushhog to drive home or get someone to pick me up. save alot of trouble with the dots.

It is not just tire speed Y'all, but higher speeds on the wheel bearings make hotter bearings. Something that can go at any time. My Dad taught me to feel the hubs at every stop on anything I tow, for hot bearings.

Bearing fires are not fun. Dad and I had one while I was pulling his small trailer hauling firewood back from our deer lease. It really ruins your day. Stuff happens. It was a converted 64 Chevy half ton pickup trailer, still with fluid in the axle. Low fluid equals heat and poof....bearing seals catching fire. So I don't forget to check for hot bearings, besides hot tires.
hugs, Brandi

 

[Duffster]

I was just safety stopped back in April and MVCE said nothing about DOT#

So you must not need them. Great theory.

 

[FLHayman]

These days are probably over, but when I used to cut for other folks a little bit, I would put the front wheel of my dual-sport motorcycle between the batwing main wheels, in front of the mower's back axle frame, in the low spot between that and the deck.......then using 2 motorcycle tie down straps to the handlebar, pull it very tight to compress the front fork and keep it in place. The rear wheel would roll on the road in neutral. Downside was if I needed to back up for more than a few feet, it started to get like backing 2 hay trailers up.

Then, when I needed some food, or went home for the evening, I would have a vehicle. I still do stuff like that anytime I drop a vehicle off for service in town, using a folding bicycle, little scooter, or motorcycle, depending on which vehicle is being dropped off.

I know this thread was about trailer rigs to fit a bat wing on.....just wanted to pass on that tip that worked well for me.

 

[Builder]

So you must not need them. Great theory.

Did I say that?
That's your theory, not mine. I don't have time for armchair operators like you.

 

[chuckhole]

This is not exactly a photo of a tractor/batwing (attached) but tow weight would be about the same (6k trailer and 13.5k TLB). I have a Chevy 2500HD 4WD with the 6.6L Duramax/Allison 1000 6-speed, flipover GN hitch and a 20K 25' GN trailer. I did use 7 chains and hauled this TLB 120 miles to its new home (my country place) with high anxiety but without any issues. I was worried more about the height since it was right at 13'. I hate the thought of a wire hanging down below what it is supposed to be.

Obviously, a 1-1/2 to 2-ton truck will handle this better than my 3/4 ton. I totally agree with the 4-wheel drive. I would not have made it to my property without it. Not all county roads are paved.

The flip over ball is great. It is flush when not in use and my truck bed is 100% useable.

Also, the longer wheel base (4-door) makes for a smoother ride and gives me room for passengers and groceries.

 

[treman]

I know this may not be an option but have you considered buying a flatbed and day cab along with finding a nice bomber trailer and selling your current dump truck. This could then allow you to have both a flatbed and dump while having the greater capacity and only having one vehicle sitting outside of your garage. You could then find yourself a nice 4x4 plow truck and be done with it. Just a thought I had. have a good one.