Transporting a tractor?

Question

I need to move a 6000 lb tractor from Missouri to Kansas. I'll be traveling on the interstate. It's a 212 mile trip. What legal requirements do I have to follow for the trailer, lighting, rigging, etc? My tow vehicle is a ball hitch F250. It has a 7contact (6 on the outside and 1 in the center) round wiring receptacle.

Answer 1

In Missouri there's a minimum 4 point restraint and the Highway Patrol will nab you in a heartbeat if you don't. In addition, the tie down points have to be at opposite ends of the load meaning you can't use both ends of a chain, one on each rear axle. Regardless of how many chains you have on the back, you'll still need one on the front. Use chain booms and check them every so often, especially the first 20 miles or so and tighten them down if needed. You want the chains tight as a banjo string with no give to them. If the trailer doesn't have brakes, go easy when slowing down and use the brakes on the straightaway, then turn. Don't be stomping on the brakes when turning or changing lanes because you can jacknife.

Answer 2

We transported our 7,000 lb John Deere with an F250 about 2 years ago. For the trailer, just make sure you have working brake and indicator lights. You have to have the tractor tied down either at the tie down points (as most tractors have) or on the axles. I think the minimum is four points (one point for each tire, or two per axle), and you're safter to go with that anyways. For a vehicle, I would use chains to keep it tied down. And, always keep the tractor in gear and the parking brake on, as a safety precaution.

As for your truck, the 7 pt contact is for a trailer with power brakes. Of course that's going to help you in traffic (especially with the weight of that tractor) but isn't necessarily going to be required, though I recommend it. If you have a trailer without power brakes, most auto parts stores (AutoZone, Napa, etc) will have the adapter between the two types of connectors.

Answer 3

You must follow the USA Federal Hwy limitations which your tractor should easily fit under as long as you have the proper trailer to haul it on.

Steering axle: 12,000 lbs
Drive axle: 34,000 lbs
Tandem axle: 34,000 lbs
Total GVW: 80,000 (truck & trailer)

You need to have it amply secured and your trailer must have lights, adequate tires etc. Again, a 6000 pound tractor should also not be over size, but if it is, you are required to get special permits as well.