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Moving Farm Equipment Safely
In 2002, Manitoba Hydro reported 68 incidents of farm equipment,
such as air seeders and cultivators, making contact with overhead
power lines. While some of these were farmyard incidents, many
occurred when this equipment was being moved on Manitoba highways.
The legal dimensions for all vehicles, including implements of
husbandry, are defined by the Highway Traffic Act and pursuant
regulations. Vehicles exceeding these dimensions require a permit
when operated on provincial highways. Additional approvals are
required from Hydro and Manitoba Telecom Services when equipment
exceeds their specified heights. When municipal roads are involved
applicants are advised to contact the appropriate municipality.
The purpose of these dimensional restrictions is to protect the
operator from coming into contact with hazards such as electrical
wires, to protect Manitoba's investment in infrastructure such as
bridges and structures, and to protect the motoring public. Permits
provide routing and conditions to safely move this equipment.
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Allowable Dimensions for Farm Implements and Other Vehicles
When your vehicle, equipment or load exceeds the following
dimensions, a
permit is required from Manitoba Transportation &
Government Services (MTGS) in order to protect everyone using
provincial highways.
Height: 4.15 m (13’ 7”)
Additional approvals are required from Manitoba Hydro and Manitoba
Telecom Services (MTS):
- When the height is over 5.2 m (17’) the operator must
contact Manitoba Hydro for route approval.
- When the height is over 4.6 m (15’ 1”), the operator must
contact MTS for route approval.
Manitoba Hydro and MTS will inspect the route and determine what
actions are required. These utilities must relay this information to
MTGS before a permit will be issued. Manitoba Hydro and MTS will
assist the permit holder to ensure safe movement of the
over-dimensional equipment, as needed.
Length: Single units - 12.5 m (4l’)
- One articulation (or hitch), total length: 21.5 m (70’ 6”)
- Two or more articulations, total length: 23 m (75’ 5”).
Width: 2.6 m (8’ 6”)
Note: Where an implement is operated or drawn upon a highway by a
farmer for farm purposes, there is no requirement to obtain a permit
for exceeding this width.
For assistance in determining how your equipment measures up,
contact your local TGS Compliance Inspector or call
Compliance Services to
make an appointment for an on-site assessment.
If you have concerns about clearance to overhead powerlines, contact
your local
Manitoba Hydro district office for assistance in measuring lines
and planning a safe route.
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Other Potential Hazards
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Large machinery also has the potential to make contact with railway
signals and signage. Damage to these types of infrastructures can
create hazards. If you spot damaged railway equipment, contact the
Canadian National Railway (CNR) immediately. Following these guidelines will help you and others on your farm
stay safe:
- Always know your route before transporting tall equipment.
- Look up and make overhead safety a priority.
- Remember that cultivators, air seeders, and grain augers
make contact with overhead powerlines most often.
- Move slowly and carefully when transporting tall equipment.
Constantly check to make sure that ample clearances are
maintained.
- Never allow anyone to ride on top of moving farm equipment
or hay bales.
- Under no circumstances should anyone but trained Hydro staff
attempt to lift powerlines.
- Never transport metal elevators, metal irrigation pipe or
metal ladders near powerlines.
- Granaries and other farm buildings should be located at
least 9 m (30’) from overhead powerlines.
- Be aware of other vehicles on the road.
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Look Up. Stay Clear. Stay Alive. This new farm safety program provides
guidelines for the safe movement of oversized, and in particular,
overheight equipment in Manitoba.
Download
brochure (PDF, 708KB)
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For more farm safety information, please visit:
Manitoba Hydro
Manitoba Community Farm Safety Project |
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Questions concerning the lighting and marking requirements on
agricultural equipment should be directed to Vehicle Standards and
Inspections at 1-204-945-4603. |
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