How far would you drive a tractor?

[RoyJackson]

I'm sure a tractor that size will have ag tires. Not too comfortable, but I'd do it. You might want to take a pillow with you (for your back or butt).
Figure about 6 hours or a bit more (assuming the tractor's top speed is 25 MPH) and have someone follow you with fuel, food and something to drink (NO BEER OR OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES!!). Preferably, the escort driver would be able to drive that tractor too, in case you need a break. It'll also be a good idea if the escort vehicle has a magnetic SMV sign on the truck or tailgate.
The escort driver must be the patient type too, BTW. At 25 MPH, you'll feel like you're moving right along...but that escort driver will jst be puttering.

BTW, check the laws in your state too, before commencing this trip.

 

[Thomas]

Great advice given.
If I,someone to follow w/tools maybe two way radio of some sort..long ride may want to take turns.

 

[Scotty370]

In Texas, (as long as it's not DFW), heck yeah! In New York.....duh.... Nah! Lots depends on the roads, traffic along the route, escort vehicle, relief driver, Motel, (if your wanted to 'two-day' it, etc. I'm sure it would get boring, but your call! Could it be done, absolutely! ~Scotty

No question on the 'radios' Thomas......~S

Make and Model would be nice to know....

 

[crusty 1]

I know a guy who drove a tractor from S Dakota to Minnesota! Talk about a trek. Too cheap to have it trucked,but he did it:confused2ave

 

[beenthere]

Drive it... just 5-6 hours on the tractor. Much longer times than that while plowing, discing, or planting. And baling, picking, etc.

Should have plenty of towns along the way for fuel, water, food and rest stops.

No big deal.

 

[oldnslo]

To save the tires air them up higher than normal. Will ride a little rougher but saves a tremendous amount of tire wear.

I have sat a cultivated corn for 7- 8 hrs traveling a whopping 2 - 3 MPH now that gets boring and you have to drive straight or the corn disappears too.

Roy

 

[Duffster]

Some of these responses are just plain goofy. :confused2:

It is about a 5 hrs drive, no big deal you won't miss the rubber off the tires.

I have driven several round trips to a dealer or mechanic that was 50 miles away, no biggy I would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

[nwbearcat]

I wouldn't worry much about the trip itself. I'd be more interested in when it last had any service. Make sure the driveline has been greased if it's a fwa w/ u-joints, check the oils, including the front axle, and find out if they've been changed lately, and maybe change out the fuel filters, that long at wide open you'll be drawing quite a bit of fuel through it. Might be worth having a tool box and the stuff to change them again depending on the life it's had, again you may stir up stuff in the tank and no worse place to have a broke down tractor than in the middle of the road. If it is a fwa and you want to get fancy, some say the tires will wear a bit better if they're turned around backwards, dunno if that's true, I know they wear different, but don't know if they really wear less. You could check the alignment of the front, and make corrections according to the manual. I wouldn't expect any horrible damage to occur due to a one time trip like that.

 

[banjodunn]

G'day Go for it this is not a huge distance even on ag tyres just pump them up a bit as stated earlier bigger hp ag tractors are pretty comfy to drive seat wise as they are designed to bounce across paddocks, as stated check your fluids and keep an eye on the gauges and not too loud on the radio so you can hear any strange noises. Turning the front wheels around (ag tyres fwa) does reduce the wear but if this is the only road work you are going to do then i would not bother. Sit back enjoy the scenery and the drive, amazing how much more you see at 25mph. I used to work with a bloke that had to drive new chamberlain tractors from the wharf in Melbourne to the dealership in Dimboola some 170 miles they would all go down in the car and then drive five back towing the car on an 'A' frame he said it was not alot of fun during winter though


Jon

 

[JoeinTX]

I think you're good, BDog.

You'll need to pack a lunch, let the wife/GF know you won't be around for a while, get your best beer drinking bud on board..............and get on with it.

I know the Panhandle pretty well, lots of tractors and equipment running up and down state and farm-to-market roads.........and lots of don't care from county/state officers so long as you're not mucking up the works.

I'd be tempted to get it hauled for time and trouble's sake, but, if you wanna drive it away then do the above and enjoy the trek.

Once roaded a Case 4wd from Canyon to just south of Dumas while working for my uncle 20-odd years ago for the summer. Didn't know anything or any better so I just did as told and got in and drove it 70 miles home, but, I thought it the best thing in the world.