Drive it or trailer it?

[Geezer3d]

I need to move my tractor to a job about five miles down the paved road, and of course back again after I'm done with the job. I have a LX2610SU with R14 tires if any of that matters. I am trying to decide if it is OK to drive it that far or should I take the time and trouble to load it on the trailer for the short trip. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Bmyers]

Well, more too it than just the distance.

How heavily traveled is the road? Do you have liability insurance to have the tractor on the road? I believe your tractor will go 16 MPH top speed, so you are looking at about 20 minutes and the risk of the road traffic.

We drive the road for a little over a mile and I hate it. The road has gotten busier over the years and it seems like people pay zero attention anymore.

 

[Ping]

I need to move my tractor to a job about five miles down the paved road, and of course back again after I'm done with the job. I have a LX2610SU with R14 tires if any of that matters. I am trying to decide if it is OK to drive it that far or should I take the time and trouble to load it on the trailer for the short trip. Any advice is appreciated.

If you’re comfortable with the traffic, over the road works. Just remember to be in 2wd, have your SMV sign and use hazard flashers. With my BX if the time to road it is less than the load & unload time, I don’t bother with loading it on the trailer. That being said, I keep to the back roads.
Regards

 

[Nicfin36]

Five miles would not be that bad of a drive, but as Bmyers said, there are many variables that would dictate what choice you should make.

But, if it was a safe drive (your judgement), I think it would be fine. But, people drive like fools around here, and I would be reluctant to drive on any road without an escort.

 

[Russell King]

And lock both brake pedal together if you can.

I would trailer it myself just to avoid the problems of driving it unless you know that the roads are empty. If there are hills that block views and people are driving too fast a slow moving vehicle sign does little good.

 

[jimh406]

I agree it depends on the road and how fast others are driving. The difference in speed is what’s most dangerous. If the speed limit is more than about 25, I’d trailer it since you seem to have a trailer.

 

[pokey1416]

When you say on the road is it the shoulder? Around here people are used to farm equipment on the shoulder and on the paved portion - still is kind of unnerving. I turn on all my lights with the flashers.

 

[ve9aa]

Around here it's farmland. Every 3rd or 4th house has a tractor (a bit of an exaggeration, but not much)

If I was on "my road" I'd drive it if I had the proper insurance...but if there are no farms near you and tractors are not a very common sight, I would go trailer all the way.

 

[JimmyJazz]

There are laws governing such usage. I was looking at a farm last year that was offered for sale in two parcels about a mile apart that would have required tractor road travel. I spent some time online and the rules are all there. I don't recall the specifics but I will say it is a regulated activity. If you are in an accident and perhaps not even at fault and in violation of the law you will not be exonerated due to lack of knowledge. I would not consider it until I had a full understanding of all the laws; Federal, state, and local. What you are considering has the potential to dramatically negatively effect your physical and financial well -being. I like to ask myself what's the worst that could happen? When it comes to motor vehicles, lots.

 

[MDCobraMan]

Been on the road quite a bit over the years. Used to go around during the snow falls and plow several people out. Wasn't unusual to travel 4-5 miles from home. Had a few very close calls with the speedsters. Speed limit on my road is 40 and the law passes out plenty of 60 mph tickets. Had an idiot pass me on a corner and another car was coming so they cut back in front of me. Happened so fast I darted off the shoulder and down into a slight ditch. I thought I was going to roll over. I had on the seatbelt and that kept me from being bounced out. Probably only doing 12-14 mph but these things sure ain't made for fast lane changes or big bumps. Other then driving 200 yards to my neighbors driveway I stay off the roads. Not worth the risk.
Wayne

 

[S-G-R]

I'd load it on the trailer if it was me. I could probably do it quicker vs driving the tractor there.

 

[Nicfin36]

Been on the road quite a bit over the years. Used to go around during the snow falls and plow several people out. Wasn't unusual to travel 4-5 miles from home. Had a few very close calls with the speedsters. Speed limit on my road is 40 and the law passes out plenty of 60 mph tickets. Had an idiot pass me on a corner and another car was coming so they cut back in front of me. Happened so fast I darted off the shoulder and down into a slight ditch. I thought I was going to roll over. I had on the seatbelt and that kept me from being bounced out. Probably only doing 12-14 mph but these things sure ain't made for fast lane changes or big bumps. Other then driving 200 yards to my neighbors driveway I stay off the roads. Not worth the risk.
Wayne

I can drive 5 miles from my house and the speed limit would be 40 mph about 2/3 of the way and the rest 30 mph. People commonly run 70 mph down the road by my house and it is a 40 mph zone. We have some idiots here. I was coming home from work this last Friday and I had an idiot pass me in a 30 mph no passing zone over a hill, just to get to the red light at the intersection 75 yards away.

If the OP had an escort to hang back when the tractor was going around a curve, that would be good. But, he might not have that luxury.

Here, tractors are allowed on the road as long as a slow moving placard is on the back. If a motor vehicle hits one, it is his/her fault. However, that doesn't help if the tractor driver is hurt or worse.

 

[Geezer3d]

Thank you all for your responses. The road is a state highway with a nice shoulder. I live in a tourist area with quite a bit of traffic this time of year, but we see a lot of bicycles and pedestrians on the shoulder so drivers are typically aware. I will drive it in the early AM when traffic is light. Of course there is some risk no matter what. It is legal in my state to drive a tractor on the road as long as I have the Slow Moving Vehicle triangle on the back.

I think I'll try driving and see how it works for me. I do have a trailer available but I have never had my tractor on the trailer before and it would take me longer to load and unload than it will take to drive. I will make sure I am in 2WD and have the brake pedals connected to each other.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

drive it... !
also , turn on th ehazeard/4way lights as well

 

[lynnmor]

I looked up PA laws and apparently some type of liability insurance is required. It doesn't need to be insurance on the tractor, a general liability policy is OK.

 

[RCW]

I had someone begging me to drive the old 'Moline to a Dairy Day Parade. 11 Miles.

Even though it's almost 7,000 pounds, no chance at 11 mph, no lights, and fast traffic. I can't trailer it.

I had a buddy killed on his side-by-side recently. Same stretch of road...

Call me gun-shy.

 

[NHSleddog]

Load vs drive for me is simple and I do both a lot.

Which is faster? That would decide it for me.

 

[Jchonline]

Trailer it. It is a small machine, easy to load/unload.

 

[GeoHorn]

I had someone begging me to drive the old 'Moline to a Dairy Day Parade. 11 Miles.

Even though it's almost 7,000 pounds, no chance at 11 mph, no lights, and fast traffic. I can't trailer it.

I had a buddy killed on his side-by-side recently. Same stretch of road...

Call me gun-shy.

For THAT kind of task (appearance at a parade)... call your local sheriff and ask for escort. Don’t wait until the morning of the event... give them proper notice. You’ll likely find a donation to the “officers Assoc’n“ will help their enthusiasm.

 

[RCW]

For THAT kind of task (appearance at a parade)... call your local sheriff and ask for escort. Don’t wait until the morning of the event... give them proper notice. You’ll likely find a donation to the “officers Assoc’n“ will help their enthusiasm.

A bunch of guys and gals will have their tractors in it also. Many will drive them to parade site, I'm sure.

We're very rural farm country. Farm equipment on the roads is a common thing. Just with recent events with my friend on the road I have to travel, I'll pass.