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Paul in Mich
02-24-2005 06:32:07
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Re: Roadgoing IH Tractors in reply to PAULIH300, 02-23-2005 18:29:27
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Paul, Requirements may vary from state to state, but here in Michigan, in addition to on road liability insurance, the only equipment requirement is the SMV sign, which is required on tractors and trailing equipment. Interstate highways are off limits. Since our operation is spread over three counties, we do a lot of road travel. While flashers arent required, I wont go down the road without them while driving anything that takes up more than one lane of traffic. We also do not move at night, even with lights, as other traffic has no idea how wide the equipment is. We used to use an escort vehicle, but have found that in most cases it creates more chaos than what good it does, as drivers seem to want to pass both tractor and escort vehicle at once. I also, once on the road, establish a lane, and do not pull over to allow trailing traffic to clear. That gives me some degree of predictability which weaving on and off the road does not. If I take up more more than one lane of traffic, especially oncomming traffic, I let them be the judge as to whether it is clear or not. Most of the time we trailer grain heads and corn heads to lessen the width of combines, unless we are going a very short distance on the road with them. Having said that, three years ago, one of the guys was taking a combine with a 20 ft grain head down a seldom travled dirt road, when some moron travling well over the speedlimit ploughed head on into the grain head. He was lucky he wasnt decapitated, as it tore the roof back like a sardine can. The widest thing I take down the road is a 20 ft grain drill, and while there have been some high anxiety moments, I"ve not experienced any mishaps. While most drivers are aware and understand farm equipment going down the road, there are always a few that think we have no business there and drive accordingly. I"d say that the elements of road travel with tractors or any farm equipment is to have good on road insurance, be will lighted (even in the daytime), have SMV signs, and be predictable, as well as watchful.
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