Publication could help those who have used tractors on roads

A publication from Purdue applies to those who have used tractors on the road.
A publication from Purdue applies to those who have used tractors on the road.
A recent publication from a university in Indiana could help those who have used tractors on the road plan for future travels.

Purdue University Extension has produced the publication called Transporting Farm Equipment: What Growers Need to Know. The informational volume, which is available for $1, goes over the laws that apply to pieces of agricultural equipment on the road.

Fred Whitford, who helped write the publication, noted that farmers in the state have different laws apply to their machines than those that govern commercial drivers or the general public. Through the informational piece, farmers can learn about a variety of rules, which come with informal illustrations.

Whitford said it took two years to bring the publication together, and noted the rules have to be considered on the whole.

"The rules, when taken separately, are almost like a puzzle that doesn't quite fit," Whitford said. "You have to bring them all together before you can answer questions of what is and is not legal."

Although state-to-state rules may vary when it comes to new and used tractors on the road, there are some general rules of thumb both farmers and drivers can take. Those driving agricultural equipment should make sure they display their slow-moving-vehicle sign, while motorists should approach farm equipment slowly.ADNFCR-2034-ID-19753884-ADNFCR