Towing log splitter?

[propliner]

Hello all, I've just attached a trailer hitch to a heavy-duty (15" rims too) log splitter but was wondering if I would need brake lights on it in order for it to be legal. Does this sort of device fall under the "implement of husbandry" category similar to a cement mixer or grain auger? I was wondering if one of those flourescent triangles would be enough. I can't find anything exempting these units from having lights on them.

 

[jjett84724]

Here in Utah you would need lights. I dont know if you would get pulled over or not, depends on the officer.

 

[Mike Van]

Not sure about the law in Canada, but just to be safe, add a set of trailer lights - They don't cost much, if you're going to be on the road a lot, it's probably cheap insurance. One thing I can bet, is if someone rear-ends your splitter, and there's no lights on it, it's going to be YOUR fault!

 

[cjcocn]

CAA says that lights are required when towing any trailer.

http://www.ama.ab.ca/cps/rde/xchg/ama/web/everything_auto_autotrailertowing-8671.htm

While not a trailer in the purest sense, a log splitter does have some attributes of a trailer and Mike Van had some good advice - do it just to be safe.

 

[cjcocn]

http://www.qp.gov.ab.ca/documents/Acts/T06.cfm?frm_isbn=0779715136

(uu) “trailer” means a vehicle so designed that it

(i) may be attached to or drawn by a motor vehicle or tractor, and

(ii) is intended to transport property or persons,

and includes any vehicle defined by regulation as a trailer but does not include machinery or equipment solely used in the construction or maintenance of highways;

I didn't find any regulations regarding exclusions for farm machinery, etc., but then again I am on dial-up here so my searches are slow.

You may be better off just contacting someone in licensing and asking them what is required.

HTH

 

[mga]

why not just put the lights on it and be over with it? those behind you will appreciate it.

 

[BlueRidgeMark]

why not just put the lights on it and be over with it? those behind you will appreciate it.

+1 "When in doubt...."


Clearly NOT required here, so I haven't on mine. My truck taillights are clearly visible when I'm towing. To me, THAT is the critical issue, even if it's legal to tow without lights, is it safe and courteous to do so?

 

[A. Stanton]

In Connecticut, USA, all trailers are considered motor vehicles. And as such, they need brake, signal lights, and fenders. If you don't creative a scene, you can usually do the okie-doke and drive right by without em.

 

[KsWoodsMan]

Hello all, I've just attached a trailer hitch to a heavy-duty (15" rims too) log splitter but was wondering if I would need brake lights on it in order for it to be legal. Does this sort of device fall under the "implement of husbandry" category similar to a cement mixer or grain auger? I was wondering if one of those flourescent triangles would be enough. I can't find anything exempting these units from having lights on them.

The orange triange is intended for slow moving vehicles with a top speed of less than 28 MPH. At least around here anyway. Wouldn't it just torque your nuts to no end to get a speeding ticket for 30 in a 55 ? When in doubt , don't take unnecessary risks.

I see plenty of stuff going down the road without lights on the back. But that doesnt make it right. At least tie a red flag to the back of it since it does extend more than 3 feet behind your tow vehicle even though it doesn't block the view of your tail lamps.

 

[aokpops]

trying to think of a way just to load it in the bed of the truck.

 

[StihlNut88]

In Connecticut, USA, all trailers are considered motor vehicles. And as such, they need brake, signal lights, and fenders. If you don't creative a scene, you can usually do the okie-doke and drive right by without em.

I don't have any on mine. I tow mine all over the place. Usually cops are really picky but I have never been bothered and I know many have seen me towing it. I have crossed state lines and what not. Come to think of it I don't even have a plate on it. Humm.. Good question. I'd assume it must vary state to state in the U.S. I do plan on putting lights, and a plate on it. I wanted to rebuild mine this winter, make it taller and put bigger tires under it but that never happened. Unfortunatly

 

[mga]

I don't have any on mine. I tow mine all over the place. Usually cops are really picky but I have never been bothered and I know many have seen me towing it. I have crossed state lines and what not. Come to think of it I don't even have a plate on it. Humm.. Good question. I'd assume it must vary state to state in the U.S. I do plan on putting lights, and a plate on it. I wanted to rebuild mine this winter, make it taller and put bigger tires under it but that never happened. Unfortunatly

here in NYS if you have a 'dedicated" trailer, you don't need plates. i'm unsure of the lights tho. but, i put lights on mine.

dedicated means it has only one purpose ie: compressor, generator, log splitter and can not be used for anything else.

 

[olyman]

in iowa--it falls under the smv--special moving vehicle---and requires-------ONE red light centrally located on the rear of the piece of equipment!!!! i figured if i had to put one wire and light on, i just wired it for lights!!!! not much cost--and should make the dot bozos in this state happy-----

 

[redprospector]

They're not required here, but if they were I'd get some of those magnetic tail light's they use to tow car's. You could take them off and put them in the tool box when you're not towing, and save a lot of broken lenses, etc.
Plus you could use them for other towing vehicles that need light's.

Andy

 

[gink595]

I don't have anything on my Portable welder trailer, no license plates, lights. Just a reflective tape on the back and sides. I have never even been looked at. I don't think I'd put a slow moving machinery sign on the back, they get pissed about traveling past 30 mph. The top speed here is 25 mph for them, I've been warned before for that.

 

[propliner]

Thanks for all the input.

Thanks for the many good replies, there is some food for thought in these replies. I guess I'll put some lights on it, I'm not too sure where yet. This is a good-sized homemade job and doesn't have the frame where a set of lights would easily go.
However, I did get a kick out of the fact that a person can tow TWO trailers in tandem under certain conditions in this province. Does that mean you need lights on both?