In an attempt to add some clarity to the issues around the new regulations for agricultural vehicles, farmer and contractor Robert O’Shea staged a helpful information day at his farmyard near Littleton, Co Tipperary, last week.
The aim of the day was to bring gardaí, farmers and contractors face to face to discuss the practical issues presented by the new regulations that came into force in January of this year.
The information session, opened by Garda Superintend Eddie Golden, began with a series of presentations by Garda Brendan Condon and Garda Aidan Raleigh, with further information from machinery editor of the Irish Farmers Journal James Maloney.
The speakers outlined the new regulations covering the areas of braking, lighting and visibility, weights, dimensions and couplings and vehicle plating.
This was followed by a practical demonstration of some of the issues, along with a presentation on vehicle tying or lashing and weighing. There was an opportunity for some questions and answers, which brought the same issues to the fore. These included discussions on trailers for cars and 4x4s, as well as the old chestnut of dolly-type trailers.
Summary
Don’t use a tractor on a motorway if possible. Tractors and self-propelled machines must have a flashing amber beacon at all times when used in a public place.40km/h is the crucial speed to cause roll-overs at roundabouts. There is little difference in braking performance between hydraulic and air systems for tractors less than 50km/h. Narrow brake shoes will achieve 25% braking efficiency, but not after a period of time with no maintenance. Bigger commercial axles with wider brake shoes will easily achieve the braking of 25% and 45% if well maintained. There is a lot of fear around the new trailer regulations, but small tweaks (fitting side markings, etc) are all that are needed in many cases.All tractors and machines designed to operate at speeds of over 40km/h must have a speed disc that must be fitted by the manufacturer. Agricultural vehicles that are more than 3.5m wide must have an escort vehicle in front with a “wide load following” sign and must also be followed by another vehicle, both or either of which can be a tractor. Dolly-type trailer system can be legal if each of the components of the dolly is legal.If the trailer is rated at under 40km/h, it does not need to be plated and if not plated, the loading must be under 3.5 times the weight of the tractor.If you can stretch the weave of a tying strap, then it is poor quality. Buy from a reputable manufacturer. All machines carried on trailers must be cross-tied front and back to prevent sliding.Ticket winners
Winners of FTMTA Grass & Muck tickets, courtesy of FTMTA, were Jimmy Bourke, Rathcunikeen, Two-Mile-Borris, Thurles, and Brendan O’Connell, Barrachaurin, Donoughmore, Co Cork.
In an attempt to add some clarity to the issues around the new regulations for agricultural vehicles, farmer and contractor Robert O’Shea staged a helpful information day at his farmyard near Littleton, Co Tipperary, last week.
The aim of the day was to bring gardaí, farmers and contractors face to face to discuss the practical issues presented by the new regulations that came into force in January of this year.
The information session, opened by Garda Superintend Eddie Golden, began with a series of presentations by Garda Brendan Condon and Garda Aidan Raleigh, with further information from machinery editor of the Irish Farmers Journal James Maloney.
The speakers outlined the new regulations covering the areas of braking, lighting and visibility, weights, dimensions and couplings and vehicle plating.
This was followed by a practical demonstration of some of the issues, along with a presentation on vehicle tying or lashing and weighing. There was an opportunity for some questions and answers, which brought the same issues to the fore. These included discussions on trailers for cars and 4x4s, as well as the old chestnut of dolly-type trailers.
Summary
Don’t use a tractor on a motorway if possible. Tractors and self-propelled machines must have a flashing amber beacon at all times when used in a public place.40km/h is the crucial speed to cause roll-overs at roundabouts. There is little difference in braking performance between hydraulic and air systems for tractors less than 50km/h. Narrow brake shoes will achieve 25% braking efficiency, but not after a period of time with no maintenance. Bigger commercial axles with wider brake shoes will easily achieve the braking of 25% and 45% if well maintained. There is a lot of fear around the new trailer regulations, but small tweaks (fitting side markings, etc) are all that are needed in many cases.All tractors and machines designed to operate at speeds of over 40km/h must have a speed disc that must be fitted by the manufacturer. Agricultural vehicles that are more than 3.5m wide must have an escort vehicle in front with a “wide load following” sign and must also be followed by another vehicle, both or either of which can be a tractor. Dolly-type trailer system can be legal if each of the components of the dolly is legal.If the trailer is rated at under 40km/h, it does not need to be plated and if not plated, the loading must be under 3.5 times the weight of the tractor.If you can stretch the weave of a tying strap, then it is poor quality. Buy from a reputable manufacturer. All machines carried on trailers must be cross-tied front and back to prevent sliding.Ticket winners
Winners of FTMTA Grass & Muck tickets, courtesy of FTMTA, were Jimmy Bourke, Rathcunikeen, Two-Mile-Borris, Thurles, and Brendan O’Connell, Barrachaurin, Donoughmore, Co Cork.
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