Tractor trailering

[Gil Case]

I need to move my ck20hst about 2 miles to my daughters house. Here in CT it is against the law to drive your tractor on the highway unless you have it registered to a farm and then you can only move it from one field that you own to another field that you own. Since I may have to do this fairly often and a 3-6 ton trailer is pretty expensive, I was wondering if anyone has used a two wheel car dolly to move their tractor a short distance? Any problem towing the HST if it is in neutral? The FEL would have to be up above the pickup truck bed to get close enough to load it and tow it. The Farm Bureau suggested I chance it and just put the hazard lights and SMV sign on and drive it over during slow traffic times.

 

[IslandTractor]

I wouldn't think it would be a problem if you kept towing speed to 15mph or so as the tractor is designed to do that. I wouldn't want to even hit 30 mph though as a tractor rear axle is not designed for that sort of speed.

 

[Gil Case]

That is good information, I had not thought about the speed- I will need an escort with flashers on- getting more complex all the time.

 

[Steve C]

I need to move my ck20hst about 2 miles to my daughters house. Here in CT it is against the law to drive your tractor on the highway unless you have it registered to a farm and then you can only move it from one field that you own to another field that you own. Since I may have to do this fairly often and a 3-6 ton trailer is pretty expensive, I was wondering if anyone has used a two wheel car dolly to move their tractor a short distance? Any problem towing the HST if it is in neutral? The FEL would have to be up above the pickup truck bed to get close enough to load it and tow it. The Farm Bureau suggested I chance it and just put the hazard lights and SMV sign on and drive it over during slow traffic times.

Your tractor weighs less than 3,000 lbs. You can buy a new trailer to handle that weight for not much more than the cost of a car dolly. You should be able to buy a used one for less than $1000. Then you will be able to tow it at the posted speed limit and not have to be worried about getting rear ended by some jerk on a cell phone who isn't paying attention.

 

[Patches]

Most tool rental agencies rent small equipment trailers; I'm not sure about U-Haul/ Hertz, etc. Given the option, I'd opt for a trailer rental

 

[jda1961]

you can haul that model on one of those small trailers that mowing businesses use, they are'nt that heavy. i don't think i'd tow it on a dolly, you might really screw the tranny up. if it was me, i'd drive it down th road, the cost of a ticket is probly cheaper that the cost of a trailer.

 

[Steve C]

you can haul that model on one of those small trailers that mowing businesses use, they are'nt that heavy. i don't think i'd tow it on a dolly, you might really screw the tranny up. if it was me, i'd drive it down th road, the cost of a ticket is probly cheaper that the cost of a trailer.

I would just not want to run my tires on pavement if I could avoid it. Maybe it has something to do whith when I was a kid working on the farm. The man who owned the farm voiced his displeasure any time we drove his tractors with AG tires on the road.

 

[IslandTractor]

if it was me, i'd drive it down th road, the cost of a ticket is probly cheaper that the cost of a trailer.

Tickets are cheap but if the vehicle is not licensed for the road, the cop is not only going to give you a ticket but will also call a flatbed to take the tractor away. That could cost a bit.

 

[natem]

What kind of roads are you going to travel??? Main roads, or secondary roads?? I driven mine on both several times with no issues, there have even been times when a cop has driven by and waved. I think as long as you don't screw traffic up you will be fine. Now if you were going to take it down 95 than there might be something to worry about. You really think a cop is going to pull a guy over that is driving a tractor down the road? Assuming that you are not going to screw the traffic flow up this should not be an issue?? Please.

 

[whistlepig]

Two miles down the road ain't going to hurt the tractor tires. I don't know about CT but in Ohio you can take the tractor anywhere you want as long you don't get on the Interstate and have a SMV sign on the back.

 

[JoelD]

IF you are in your home town, and in a safe place to drive, I'd drive the tractor the two miles. I've driven mine 10 plus miles through town with my slow moving vehicle plate on the back of the tractor. I called the police and explained what I was doing and they were good.

If you know your police department, and you are being safe, and you are going to your daughters I'd expect you are good to drive.

Just my opinion. I've driven my tractor around a few times and have never had trouble with my local police, like previous poster, I've driven by officers and they've just let me pass on by. Could be just a benefit of living in a small town.

Joel

 

[FLHayman]

Same as above, for me. I don't know any of the officers, but have passed a lot of them. I run with lights on, flashers going up until I need a turn signal, and keep track of the traffic behind me. Even though I technically have the right of way, I take the opportunity to pull over when there's a little ramp or apron. This is mainly to keep someone in back of me from trying to pass in an iffy spot. Normally, I keep my right tire just on the right edge of the road, leaving enough room for the cars behind me to see easily, and they usually go around, even on a double yellow line.

 

[jimmyj]

If you don't want to drive, rent a small trailer like was suggested. See how you like it, you may find it to be a good test for a possible trailer purchase later on. I don't think I'd use a 2 wheel dolly, just me being nervous but tractor tranny's are expensive!

Let us know what you decide.

 

[JoelD]

If you don't want to drive, rent a small trailer like was suggested. See how you like it, you may find it to be a good test for a possible trailer purchase later on. I don't think I'd use a 2 wheel dolly, just me being nervous but tractor tranny's are expensive!

Let us know what you decide.

I agree with Jimmy and island, i'd definately not dolly the tractor.

Can't imagine tractor bearings being designed for any kind of speed at all.

Joel

 

[Skyco]

Could you "mow" the right-of-way along those two miles? No need for a trailer and you aren't on the road

 

[DEON]

I drive my CK25HST on the paved roads all the time. Make sure your on 2 wheel drive. My front tire show some wear but that is due to loader work. Rear industrial tire still look brand new at 440 hrs. and about 50 miles of pavement.

 

[Gil Case]

All great replies, after talking to a few people, I think the two wheel dolly has the potential to screw up the HST so that is out.
Yes I am in a small town and yes I know the chief of police, so that is an option.
Best option is a landscape trailer for that short distance my F-250 will handle that pretty easily. Then I will have the trailer if I need to take the tractor for service. One more piece of equipment to store- sure to aggravate the boss.
I will look on Craig's list for something in CT.

 

[Gittyup]

I think I'd talk to the chief of police before buying the trailer. While a trailer is nice to have, and a down right necessity sometimes, it is a lot of work loading, chaining, unchaining, unloading and then back again when you are done. I've only trailered mine a few times. But, each time it wears me out just getting it shackled onto the trailer (usually 4 chain/binder pairs). Even though I own a trailer, in a situation like yours, I'd choose driving everytime, especially if I got some tacet approval from the COP.

Also, don't forget to factor chains and binder into your trailering costs. Probably about $200. Most states are pretty strict about proper chaining. If you don't do this right, you may end up still paying a traffic ticket.

 

[two_bit_score]

I need to move my ck20hst about 2 miles to my daughters house. Here in CT it is against the law to drive your tractor on the highway unless you have it registered to a farm and then you can only move it from one field that you own to another field that you own. Since I may have to do this fairly often and a 3-6 ton trailer is pretty expensive, I was wondering if anyone has used a two wheel car dolly to move their tractor a short distance? Any problem towing the HST if it is in neutral? The FEL would have to be up above the pickup truck bed to get close enough to load it and tow it. The Farm Bureau suggested I chance it and just put the hazard lights and SMV sign on and drive it over during slow traffic times.

Just a couple thoughts. You say you may be doing this fairly often, everybody needs a trailer any way, your tractor won't require that big of a trailer.


Are you SURE you wouldn't really just be better off with a trailer?
Once you have it you'll use it more than you think you will now.

Sorry Gil, I didn't read the last page before making my comments. Good luck on finding a good trailer.

 

[Harvey7]

Gil

You mentioned it was against the law in your state to drive on the road, what happens in the event of an accident? Would your insurance cover you? Would it cover the other party ? Just something to think about.

Harvey