1. Implements of Husbandry
Karen Gefvert
Director of Governmental Relations
Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

2. Implements of Husbandry
Implements of Husbandry (IOH) legislation has been introduced by Senator Petrowski and Representative Ripp
SB 509 & AB 648
Generally based upon DOT task force report
Finding a balance between farmers and towns & counties responsibility for maintaining roads

3. Why Legislation is Needed
Increased enforcement
This has increased over the last couple of years
Primarily for weight
Some enforcement for length & width
Modified IOH that look like Commercial Motor Vehicles
Do nothing is not a preferred option
Pictures

4. IOH Efficiency, Modernization & Competition Today’s Farm Machinery
Four wheel drive tractors, articulated 8-wheeler tractor, grain harvester-combine, tillage equipment, planting equipment, grain carts, 2 axle 5000G Manure Tanker, 3 axle 6300G Manure Tanker

5. What is current law? Gross Vehicle Weight Length Axle Weight Height
80,000 pounds
Axle Weight
20,000 pounds
Width
No limitation for IOH
CMV is 8’ 6”
Length
Single IOH = 40’
Double IOH = 70’
Triple IOH = 60’
Height
No maximum
Must clear route

6. Four Wheel Drive Tractor
Axles – 2
Axle spacing – 10’
Actual Gr Wt – 30, ,000#
Legal Gr Wt – 40,000#

7. Articulated “8 Wheeler” Tractor
Axles – 2
Axle spacing – 12’
Actual Gr Wt – 50, ,000#
Legal Gr Wt – 40,000#

8. Grain Harvester - Combine
Axles – 2
Axle spacing – 10’
Actual Gr Wt – 40,000# - 55,000#
Legal Gr Wt – 40,000#

9. Tillage Equipment Axles – 3 Axle spacing – 27-30’ Actual Gr Wt
Small tractor = 55,000#
Large tractor = 74,000#
Legal Gr Wt – 56,000 – 58,500#

10. Tillage Equipment
Tillage implements come in many sizes but most fold to 15’ width for road travel
Some may have knives or shanks that exceed 15’ width

11. Planting Equipment Axles – 3 Axle spacing – 27-30’ Actual Gr Wt
Small Unit <12 row
59,000#
Large Unit >12 row
80,000#
Legal Gr Wt – 56,000 – 58,500#

12. Grain Cart Axles – 3 Axle spacing – 27-30’
Actual Gr Wt: (1,000 bu corn)
Grain cart empty = 12,000#
Grain cart full = 62,000#
Small tractor = 92,000 – 97,000#
Large tractor = 112,000 – 117,000#
Legal Gr Wt – 56,000 – 58,500#

13. 2 Axle 5000G Manure Tanker Axles – 4 Axle spacing – 32’ Actual Gr Wt
Tanker Empty = 10, ,000# (estimate)
Tanker Full = 85,000 – 87,000#
Tanker Full with 4 wheel drive tractor = 115,000 – 122,000#
Legal Gr Wt – 63,500#

15. 3 Axle 6300G Manure Tankers Axles – 5 Axle spacing – 37’ Actual Gr Wt
Tanker Empty = 14,000 – 16,000#
Tanker Full = 108,500 – 110,000#
Tanker Full with 4 wheel drive tractor = 138,500 – 145,000
Legal Gr Wt –71,000#

16. IOH
Self propelled sprayer

17. IOH or CMV?

18. IOH or CMV?
Flotation tires on truck mounted manure tankers make them wider than legal CMV width (8’ 6”)
Solid manure spreaders – primarily designed to be pulled by a tractor; some are mounted on trucks.
Some fitted with flotation tires
They can be slightly wider than legal limit
Often modified:
Kuhn-Knight Manufacturing Broadhead, WI
Meyer Manufacturing Dorchester, WI

19. IOH or CMV? Feed Mixer Truck mounted Used for multiple site facilities
Can be very high and wider than legal limit
Extra unloading conveyor adds extra weight
Side discharge door adds extra width

20. SB 509 & AB 648 What is included in the IOH legislation?
IOH & Ag CMV definitions
Size envelope
Weight
Permitting Process
Width
Lighting & marking standards
Height
Length

21. SB 509 & AB 648
Updates the definition of implements of husbandry for consistency and clarification
Creates a definition for agriculture commercial motor vehicle (Ag – CMV)
(trucks mounted with spreaders, feed mixers, etc.)
(allows for self-certification for Ag-CMV)
IOH and Ag-CMV exempt from registration

22. SB 509 & AB 648 15% increase for both GVW & Axles Current State law:
Current misconception that IOH are exempt from weight.
Increased size and weight of equipment
Lack of enforcement
Current State law:
GVW = 80,000#
Axle Weight = 20,000#
Proposed Legislation:
GVW = 92,000#
Axle Weight = 23,000#
15% increase for both GVW & Axles

23. SB 509 & AB 648
Bridge postings and spring thaw limitations both still apply
Penalties
If IOH or Ag-CMV is overweight (GVW or axle) fine based upon 80,000# and 20,000#
Fine rate based on amount of weight and frequency of citation
Exemption for potato harvesters

24. SB 509 & AB 648
Establishes a “no fee permit” for IOH that exceed the weight or length limit
For self propelled equipment such as combines and forage harvesters, local units of government must approve a route for the farmer to travel to the field
But…
Allows for incidental movement up to a ¼ mile

25. SB 509 & AB 648 Permits are an area of concern
Trying to balance local road authority with farmers’ needs to drive to the field
Ag groups proposing to exempt IOH from axle weight limitations
This would greatly reduce the need for permits

26. Many Implements of husbandry are incidentally used on roads
SB 509 & AB 648
Many Implements of husbandry are incidentally used on roads

27. SB 509 & AB 648
Width
Current law has no width limitations for IOH temporarily operated on roads and 12’ for tractors
Legislation does not have any width limitations for IOH and Ag-CMV, but do specify lighting and marking requirements for “wide farm machinery”

28. SB 509 & AB 648
Lighting and marking for self-propelled IOH 12 feet or wider
Must have a yellow or amber 360º rotating strobe or beacon mounted at the highest practical point or have two flashing amber lights visible to both the front and rear at the highest practicable point of the equipment

29. SB 509 & AB 648
Lighting and marking requirements for IOH that exceed 15 feet
Two amber flashing warning lamps visible from the front and rear
Red retro reflective material visible to the rear
Yellow retro reflective material visible to the front
Two red tail lamps
SMV sign

30. SB 509 & AB 648
Lighting and marking requirements for IOH that exceed 20 feet
Must be accompanied by an escort vehicle

31. SB 509 & AB 648 Lighting and marking
We cannot ignore the need for increased safety requirements for equipment
Tell legislators what is practical for your farm machinery

32. SB 509 & AB 648 Height Current law has no height limitations for IOH
Legislation does not change this
Remember, farmers are still responsible for damage if IOH hits a bridge or utility line
Liability concerns - collision with a utility line that is clearly hung at a level below the legal standards

33. SB 509 & AB 648 Length criteria for IOH Single IOH may not exceed 60”
Two vehicle IOH train may not exceed 100”
Three vehicle IOH train may not exceed 70”
If traveling 20 mph or less, a three vehicle IOH may not exceed 100”
Permits required for IOH’s greater than above

34. SB 509 & AB 648 Miscellaneous provisions
Repeals ability for motorists to pass Ag-CMV and IOH on the solid yellow line if traveling at less than half the posted speed limit
Eliminated antiquated provision that limited IOH movement on the weekends (hours of operation)

35. Key Messages to Legislators
Need to pass appropriate legislation to allow farm machinery to operate legally on the road
Need to respect local authority for maintaining roads
Explain to your legislator the type of equipment used on your farm and how these changes impact YOU!
Ask them to support IOH legislation