If you manage a farm, you probably use your tractor for multiple tasks, including transporting crops to another location. Driving your tractor on public roads is different than operating it in your fields, especially when you’re towing a small trailer. These tips will help you avoid accidents, so you can get back to your farm safely.

4 Safety Tips for Safely Driving Your Tractor on Public Roads

1. Prepare for Public Road Travel

Take a few minutes to inspect your tractor to ensure it’s roadworthy. This includes putting reflectors and an SMV, or slow moving vehicle, triangle on the rear of the tractor. If you’re towing a trailer with a load, the SMV triangle should be attached to the rear of the trailer to ensure other drivers can see it. Be sure trailer lighting is connected and in good working order.

2. Be Wary of Road Conditions

Tractors don’t handle as well on wet or slippery roads, and, if you hit a small wet spot in the road, you could end up tipped over on the side of the road. Rather than risk losing your payload and needing a towing service to rescue you, try to only travel on dry days with moderate temperatures. You should also avoid taking busier roads. It may take more time to go the long way around, but you’ll have a better chance of getting to your destination safely.

3. Maintain a Moderate Speed 

You shouldn’t expect your tractor to be able to travel the same speeds as a car, especially if you’re towing a loaded trailer. Instead, you should travel at your own pace. If you don’t feel confident that you can handle curves in the road, and other driving obstacles at your current speed, ease up on the gas. Most accidents involving farm tractors result from traveling too fast, so going a little slower will help you reduce your risks.

4. Travel in Daylight

You should be driving with your tractor fully on the road instead of driving with one side of the tractor on the shoulder. Avoid driving at times when it will be more difficult for other drivers to see you. Whenever possible, only drive your tractor between sunrise and sunset. 

If you must drive in the dark, be sure all of your lights are in good working order. Your tractor should also be equipped with large side mirrors to help you spot oncoming traffic.

If you become involved in an accident while operating your farm tractor, you’ll need to contact a service that’s experienced with towing large vehicles. Located in La Crosse, WI, Goldbeck Towing Service specializes in towing farm tractors and other types of heavy machinery. They have seven recovery units and a 60-ton rotator to help them meet the challenges faced with towing and hauling heavy equipment. You can learn more about the towing services they offer by visiting their website, or request their services by calling them at (608) 781-4869.