A total of 182 ‘full’ RSA tractor tests have been carried out since testing began on 4 June 2018, the Irish Farmers Journal can exclusively reveal. In these tests, 101 tractors have failed, meaning the fail rate has been 56%. Of the 101 failed tests, 10% have failed dangerously. In saying that, it’s worth noting the pass rate has risen by at least 10 percentage points year on year since testing started over two years ago.

A total of 12 tractor brands have been tested to date. JCB has been the most popular brand tested at 46, accounting for over 25% of the total. John Deere has been the second most-popular brand, accounting for over 19% (35 tests). Meanwhile, New Holland has accounted for almost 19% (34) of all tests to date. So, three brands have accounted for 63% of tests.

Locations

There are 36 RSA-approved test centres across 19 counties, all of which are also heavy commercial vehicle (HCV) testing centres. Testing has taken place across 16 counties. The three counties with test centres but with no tests to date are Dublin, Donegal and Limerick.

Kerry has led the way in terms of the number of tests carried out, accounting for almost 15% of all tests. Mayo (11.5%) and Cork (10.5%) accounted for a further 22%. Eight counties have accounted for 80% of all tests carried out to date.

What are tractors failing on?

Steering linkage condition, speed discs and mechanical coupling and towing devices have appeared in the top-five fail items on each of the last three years.

Steering linkage condition is a broad term which a lot of moving parts fall under. These include the rack and pinion, steering box, the orbital box, the idler assembly and track rod ends/steering arm.

If the speed disc is absent, the wrong size or not displayed in km/h, it will result in a fail.

Mechanical coupling and towing device also covers a lot of wearing parts. The lift arms and hitch will be inspected for wear, repairs and modifications. A test is carried out to ensure the lift arm can retain the ball, ensuring the lever and retaining clamp are functional. If the hitch is fitted with a hook-type coupling, the distance between the keeper plate and the tip of the hook must not exceed 15mm.

The test

On 20 May 2018, legislation was introduced requiring fast tractors to undergo a roadworthiness test, similar to that of an NCT for cars. Eligible tractors are required to display a certificate of roadworthiness (CRW) on the vehicle’s windscreen.

The tractor test mirrors the test carried out on HCVs, but has been modified to suit tractors. Tractors which are eligible should be tested after they have reached their fourth birthday, and every second year after that.

Typically, each tractor test takes around one hour. Once a tractor has passed the test, a CVRT certificate will be issued to the owner.

If a tractor is deemed to have failed dangerously, the tractor cannot be driven out of the test centre.

Similar to other vehicle tests, if the initial test is failed, the retest must be carried out within 21 days.

What is a ‘fast tractor’ and what tractors need to be tested?

According to the RSA, a fast tractor is a wheeled tractor in category T, with a maximum design speed exceeding 40km/h. The requirement of a fast tractor to be tested is based on use. Any fast tractor used for a non-exempted activity (that is non-agricultural work) requires a CRW.

Examples of tractors that need to be tested include those involved in local authority work, the construction industry, the quarrying industry, the manufacturing industry, the mining industry or road construction/roadworks.

The RSA has stated that a fast tractor will not have to be tested if it is being used for the purposes of agricultural, horticultural, forestry, farming or fishery activity solely within the State and mainly on the land where such activity takes place, including agricultural roads, forestry roads or agricultural fields.

How much does it cost to test a fast tractor? (ex-VAT, retest fee in brackets)

Fast tractors having a DGVW exceeding 3,500kg but not exceeding 7,500kg: €146.52 (€47.26).

Fast tractors having a DGVW exceeding 7,500kg: €171.16 (€59.08).