Road it or Trailer it?

Bob_Young · Jun 5, 2005

Hey Brad!
I know what it's like in the Adirondacks this time of year. Twisty roads clogged up with summer people and all. I imagine a tractor leading a queue of cars could send some blood pressures through the roof. Might want to pull over periodically if a crowd starts building. Maybe the 2-lane with the wide shoulder would be your best bet.

Don't forget the Slow Moving Vehicle sign.
Bob

SacandagaBrad · Jun 5, 2005

Bob,

( Twisty roads clogged up with summer people and all. I imagine a tractor leading a queue of cars could send some blood pressures through the roof. )

With some of the summer people around here, I might be the one tailgating with the tractor /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif I think some of them wander around Sat mornings looking for yard sales without a clue what is going on behind them.

I won't forget the slow moving vehicle sign.

Brad

Indydirtfarmer · Jun 6, 2005

Growing up on a farm means getting used to driving a tractor on the road... We farm on the fringes of Louisville, Kentucky. I've driven tractors on BUSY city traffic routes during rush hour. You get a few impatient YA-HOOS that don't understand why you're on "THEIR" road, but for the most part, people understand.

After trying every way imaginable, I'm not convinced that having an "escort vehicle" make things any more (or less) dangerous. After all, if someone can't see a TRACTOR with flasher lights going, how is a CAR with flashers going to change things much? The big problem is with closing speeds. You're putting along at 15 MPH, and some nut runs up behind you doing 60, they don't have time to react. BAM! (Had it happen.....)

Make yourself as obvious as possible. Let cars know what you intend to do (if and when you plan on turning/stopping/ect)

And assume every vehicle on the road is TRYING to hit you.... Best DEFENSE is a good OFFENSE.

Just my personal opinion, and I have absolutely no statistics to back it up, but to me, someone pulling a loaded trailer, that's not used to doing that, is about as dangerous as a tractor in traffic. (And after logging thousands of miles PULLING trailers, I can tell you that it's about as likely someone will run into you and your trailer, as it is for someone to hit you driving on your tractor)

Road wear on your tires will be insignificant on a trip that short....

(Like John Kay and Steppenwolf sang in BORN TO BE WILD....)

HEAD OUT ON THE HIWAY...............

Soundguy · Jun 6, 2005

( main 2 lane highway with a large shoulder to travel or the back roads with all the cam )

One thing.. I think it is better to either drive on the road, or off the road.. not try to drive half way inbetween. That invites 'stoopid' people following you to do 'stoopid' things. the only time I favor the 'green' side of the road is If I am carrying a wide implement like a disk or large mower and i will drive a bit over tot he right to keep the implement on 'my side'.. etc.

Soundguy

RoyJackson · Jun 6, 2005

"After trying every way imaginable, I'm not convinced that having an "escort vehicle" make things any more (or less) dangerous."

The reason I encourage escort vehicles is the smaller size of most Compact Tractors. A car or pickup is more likely to be seen, I should think.

dknarnd · Jun 6, 2005

The subject brought something to mind that is not really related but I will tell it anyway. This last weekend on Saturday I saw this big (and I mean big) tractor going down the road. I believe it was a farmall (red) the tires on the thing were the same size front and back and had to be about 5' tall the rest of the tractor was all motor, allot sticking out in front of the front tires.

Now on early Sunday morning I hear this tractor coming back up the road slowly. Well it was pulling a very long mobil home (did I say very long) up my road which is all up hill. Needless to say I was very impressed that thing just hummed along, but it was sitting a little low in the back!

GeneD14 · Jun 7, 2005

I have driven hundreds of miles on public roads in tractor caravans for special events and I would like to expand upon a few points for driving on the road:
Always use an SMV sign on your tractor and flashing warning lights. Drive during daylight hours if possible and during non-peak traffic periods. Also pick the route with the least amount of traffic. As others have said pull over and let faster traffic by when it starts to pile up behind you. If you have a cell phone take it along.
You can't imagine how stupid people in cars will react when trying to get around you... be very alert. If your tractor doesn't have a rear view mirror it is a good idea to mount one on a magnetic base.
On a lighter note: you won't believe the little things that you notice while traveling slowly through the countyside. Enjoy your ride!

GeneD14 · Jun 7, 2005

By the way the first tractor caravan I went on was 105 miles on public roads. Here is a link to the story: http://www.ytmag.com/articles/artint147.htm

Soundguy · Jun 7, 2005

( Always use an SMV sign on your tractor and flashing warning lights)

Great concise advice.. I like to add a SMV plaque to my implement too.. just for safety. Lights, low traffic, and a good route. If I'm on a main road I like to pick one that is 4 lane.. that way trafic can pass you.

good points.

Soundguy

avclay · Jun 10, 2005

Brad,
You'll appreciate this most since we're neighbors. For some reason, every Memorial day weekend I wind up out on Route 29 bringing my tractor somewhere. I'm between two routes to the lake (Fishhouse / Eagle Mills) so the downstaters haven't slowed up yet to enjoy the view. This past Memorial day weekend was the first time I tried it w/out an escort vehicle. I did probably @ 2-3 miles on 29 in the middle of the day and it was pretty scary. Not that I'm going out and getting a trailer but I think I'll try and keep someone behind me.
Funnier story: local farmer died over the winter and they had to put his body in the local vault. Family decides to honor the old farmer, they'll bring his body to the graveyard by hay wagon and tractor. So, on a busy route to the lake on a late spring weekend, a procession of cars on the way to the graveyard slows down all the "summer" traffic with a tractor towing a haywagon with a coffin and the driver in a suit in the lead!!!! I guess all the looks and finger points from cars with Jersey plates were a real sight!