Drive Tractor on Roads

causym CAUTION: Observe the following precautions when operating on a road.

1. Before operating tractor on highway be sure flashing warning lights (A) work properly. Install and use Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblems (B), reflectors, and auxiliary lighting to equipment as required for safety and by local regulations. Clean the SMV emblem for the best visibility.

IMPORTANT: Refer to Lights section for detailed descriptions of lighting operations and functions.

2. Turn light switch (D) to warning, high beam headlights or low beam headlights position. Never use bright lights which are visible from the rear. Always dim headlights before meeting another vehicle. Keep headlights properly adjusted.

3. Use turn signals when turning. Be sure to return control lever (C) to center position after turning.

4. Couple brake pedals (E) together before driving on a road. Avoid hard applications of brakes.

5. Disengage mechanical front wheel drive lever (F) when transporting on hard surface with the MFWD engaged.


A-Warning Lights
B-Slow Moving Vehicle Emblem
C-Turn Signal Control Lever
D-Light Switch
E-Brake Pedals
F-MFWD Lever

FH0298
FH0263
FH0264

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6. Drive slowly enough to maintain safety control at all times. Slow down for hillsides, rough ground, and sharp turns, especially when transporting heavy, rear-mounted equipment.

7. Before going down a hill, shift to a gear low enough to control speed without using brakes. Never coast down hill.

8. When transporting downhill on icy or graveled grades, be alert for skids which could result in loss of steering control. To decrease chance of skids, reduce speed and be sure tractor has proper ballast.

causym CAUTION: A safety chain will help drawn equipment should it accidentally separate from the drawbar. Using the appropriate adapter parts, attach the chain to the tractor drawbar support or other specified anchor location. Provide only enough slack in the chain to permit turning. See your John Deere dealer for a chain with a strength rating equal to or greater than the gross weight of the towed machine. DO NOT use safety chain for towing.

IMPORTANT: Safety chain is provided for transport only. It must not be used for pulling or towing implements, or other items, not attached to drawbar, or damage to your tractor may result.

NOTE: Attach trailer brakes (if equipped) and check for proper operation.

9. Transporting Towed Loads:

Lock drawbar pin in place, and use safety chain to help control drawn equipment should it accidentally separate from drawbar while transporting.

TS217

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Do not exceed the maximum transport speed. This tractor is capable of operating at transport speeds that exceed the maximum allowable transport speed for most towed implements.

Before transporting a towed implement, determine from signs on the implement or information provided in the implement's operator manual the maximum transport speed. Never transport at speeds that exceed the implement's maximum transport speed. Exceeding the implement's maximum transport speed can result in:

  • Loss of control of the tractor/implement combination
  • Reduced or no ability to stop during braking
  • Implement tire failure
  • Damage to the implement structure or its components

    Implements without brakes:

  • Do not transport at speeds greater than 32 km/h (20 mph).
  • Must weigh less than 1.5 times the tractor weight or less than 1.5 t (3300 lb) when fully loaded.

    Implements with brakes:

  • If the manufacturer does not specify a maximum transport speed, do not tow at speeds greater than 40 km/h (25 mph).
  • When transporting at speeds up to 40 km/h (25 mph) the fully loaded implement must weigh less than 4.5 times the tractor weight.
  • When transporting at speeds between 40-50 km/h (25-31 mph) the fully loaded implement must weigh less than 3.0 times the tractor weight.

10. Use caution when operating tractor at transport speeds. Reduce speed if towed load weighs more than tractor and is not equipped with brakes. (See Towed Equipment operator's manual for recommended transport speeds.)

11. Use additional caution when transporting towed loads under adverse surface conditions, when turning and on inclines.

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12. Heavy towed or rear mounted implements may start swaying in transport. Excessive swaying will result in loss of steering control. Drive slowly and avoid quick turns of steering wheel. Refer to your implement operator's manual regarding maximum travel speed limitations.

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