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.

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):

1. When the height is over 5.2 m (17’) the operator must contact Manitoba Hydro for route approval.
2. 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.

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.

Look Up. Stay Clear. Stay Alive.