Tracked tractors get moving on Victorian roads

FARMERS will now be able to move tracked tractors on Victorian roads due to regulatory change as a result of Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) lobbying.

“It is critical for Victoria to have common sense agricultural machinery regulation which removes the unnecessary red tape that hinders efficient grain production,” said Mr Ashley Fraser, VFF Grains Group President.

“We have been working with VicRoads and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to amend outdated regulation that prohibited rubber tracked tractors from moving on Victorian roads without a permit.

“The updated regulation means that grain farmers can now more easily move their tracked tractors efficiently between paddocks without needing to apply for a permit every time.

“These changes bring Victorian requirements in line with other states, and significantly reduce the regulatory burden for farmers during key production times such as sowing and harvest.

“We thank VicRoads and NHVR for their partnership in updating and improving the regulations and look forward to continuing to work together on improving agricultural machinery regulation,” Mr Fraser said.

Tracked tractors are an increasingly popular alternative to the traditional dual rubber tyre tractor as they minimise the impact on soils and crops.

The NHVR has updated the requirements for tracked tractors operating in Victoria, as follows:

For travel in Victoria, rubber tracked tractors must comply with the following conditions:
1. Travel at a maximum speed of 30 km/h
2. Where practicable, avoid turning movements on road surfaces, particularly sealed pavements, to minimise road damage

More information can be found in the NHVR’s National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice Operator’s Guide.