Anyone who would haul a tractor for $ in western PA?

JohnV2000

Member
The old tractor dealer I’m buying my tractor from is trying to find someone to haul my tractor home for me, but there’s no gaurantees. I was wondering if anyone on this forum from western PA would be willing to transport my tractor home for me.

I would be willing to pay $50 up to $100 depending on how far away you would have to drive. The tractor will need to be transported about 30 miles from Zelienople, PA, to Sewickley, PA. It’s a Farmall H tractor, it does run, so it can be driven onto a trailer.

I’m just trying to find a way to get it home as soon as possible because I can’t wait to drive it!

Thanks, John
 
Put on a slow moving emblem on the back and go. It will give you time to get to know the tractor. Just stay off of 79!
 
It makes us Happy to see a young
person buying an old tractor! If
we weren't 800 miles away I would
haul it home for you for free!
Hopefully someone on here will
jump at the chance to help you.
Come on guys!!!!
 
There are farmers who have farms farther apart than 30 miles and drive their equipment back and forth all the time. Of course it is legal.

You do have to stay off the interstate roads that have a posted minimum speed.
 
I'm with the drive it home crowd. Most states you can drive anywhere except freeways, interstates, other minimum speed roads. Plan your route. Check your brakes good(hopefully you did before you bought it), got a SMV sign on the back, someone to drop you off and follow you home with flashers on. Give you a little seat time on your "new" tractor!
 
Interesting. Do I need any sort of license or registration besides my drivers license?

How steep of a road is too steep for a tractor to climb safely?
 
We had a tractor ride from our
church out to a farm for lunch and
back. 10 miles of back roads.
Couple rude folks in cars caused a
couple scary moments. Just be
careful. You good sense. Keep an
eye behind you. It's hard to hear
vehicles while on a tractor. Have
someone follow you. Hopefully
someone will come haul it for you.
You will be happier if you can
drive it around your yard a while
before you head out on a 30 mile
ride. If it breaks down on the
way......then what? You would have
to call a wrecker service with a
roll back.
 
Are you getting tractor from Burgh's? If they cant find a hauler for you, they arent trying. Theyve been around for like 100 years, they should know dozens of guys with a
trailer. Anyway, im sure you have biked up to Zelie many times and know a good low traffic route you can use to drive your tractor home if you cant find a hauler. Your
biggest concern might be the Sewickley police department and your fancy Sewickley neighbors as they probably have never seen a farm tractor and will stop you just to stare at it. Find a buddy to follow you
with a toolbox and supplies others have mentioned. Take a thermos of something hot with you.
 
Agree with those who say drive it home. Check fluids and make sure the tractor is not prone to rapid loss of engine oil or antifreeze. Make sure tires stay firm and are
not ready to blow out. Slow moving vehicle emblem and magnetic attach warning lights. Cell phone. Fuel can properly secured. Hopefully, somebody can follow you in
case a problem arises. They can bring a small air compressor, oil, and antifreeze. Dress for the weather. Bring hot chocolate and a sandwich.

I've heard of Sewickley. NFL head coach Chuck Knox came from there. Coached the Buffalo Bills during the late 1970's and early 1980's.
 
Hmm, kid with limited/no tractor driving experience jumping on unfamiliar 70 year old tractor and hitting the hills of Pennsylvania for a 30-mile romp... What could go wrong?

I know the guys are saying to drive it home, but they're all experienced tractor operators, and wrenchers. If that tractor decides to die 5 miles into the trip, they can jump off and fix it with a jackknife and a crescent wrench. Can you?

DO THE BRAKES WORK? Stopping is way more important than going. If only one brakes work, or they're marginal, I would not chance it.

DOES THE STEERING WOBBLE? It is very common in Farmall H's and M's for the steering to wobble horribly at high speed, limiting you to the 5MPH 4th gear, and a 6-hour drive instead of 2. Trying to ride out the wobble will only result in steering failure at some point during the ride, and a quick trip into the ditch if you're lucky, a tractor in your lap if not.

Would I drive it? Sure, as long as it had some brakes and the steering was fairly tight. I have 42 years of experience behind the steering wheel of a tractor.
 
(quoted from post at 09:20:42 01/10/19) Are you getting tractor from Burgh's? If they cant find a hauler for you, they arent trying. Theyve been around for like 100 years, they should know dozens of guys with a
trailer. Anyway, im sure you have biked up to Zelie many times and know a good low traffic route you can use to drive your tractor home if you cant find a hauler. Your
biggest concern might be the Sewickley police department and your fancy Sewickley neighbors as they probably have never seen a farm tractor and will stop you just to stare at it. Find a buddy to follow you
with a toolbox and supplies others have mentioned. Take a thermos of something hot with you.

I am getting it from Burghs. He said he will try to find someone, so I am hoping that he will get someone and I will not have to worry about hauling it or driving it home. If he cannot find someone, I was just trying to see what my options are.

You are right, I have biked up to Zelie many times and know most all of the roads up there. Luckily, I am just north of Sewickley in Bell Acres so I will not have to drive through Sewickley and all those wealthy people.
 
i would expect to pay around 2.50 per mile at least to a experenced hauler, i would let just anyone haul my tractor theres to much to go wrong,as far as driving some thing u just bought on a bussy road you coule get in big trouble quick.
 
(quoted from post at 14:49:01 01/10/19) i would expect to pay around 2.50 per mile at least to a experenced hauler, i would let just anyone haul my tractor theres to much to go wrong,as far as driving some thing u just bought on a bussy road you coule get in big trouble quick.

You're thinking he could get a truck to haul him 30 miles for $75? You're living in a dream world.
 
Not to mention the possibility of the tractor jumping out of gear, especially if on a uphill/downhill run. Depending on the conditions, too long of a hesitation could cause big problems.

IF you had grown up with tractors and had operated a few, I would agree to drive it. Would be a perfect learning opportunity. Given the considerations, I'd recommend to have it hauled.
 
Oh my gosh! If you have to ask if road is to steep for tractor to climb, then you definitely do not want to drive it. Don't you have a buddy whose Dad can haul it?
 
Actually may not be legal in Virginia a farm tractor for farm use can be run on the road legally but if its not for farm use its considered to be just another vehicle.That said
I doubt any cop is going to really enforce that law but if there is a place where a cop would it would be PA.Article in Lancaster Farming about the hay sale in New Holland where farmers bought the hay to the sale and had it auctioned off then would deliver the hay to the buyers place.PA DOT was handing out tickets to the farmers claiming once the hay was sold if they hauled
it then they were considered commercial for hire truckers.
 
I'm with the drive it home crowd. Gotta stay off of interstate highways and other road with a minimum speed.

Any road designed for cars and trucks will be safe for a tractor. Only point is that you have to slow down like with car when turning to avoid tipping over. With a high center of gravity it's very possible to lay one over make a sharp 90 degree turn in road gear and full throttle. You don't have to down shift, just throttle it down. Most likely take you close to 3 hours to get it home. IIRC it will only go about 12 or 13 MPH top end.

Rick
 
Take gravel back roads whenever possible to avoid traffic. Traffic is usually more tolerant of a slower vehicles on the back roads compared to the paved high traffic roads. Early Sunday morning is the best time to move farm equipment. People seem to be patient when they are going to church, but no so much after church lets out, LOL. Maybe drive your route ahead of time to find any hazards, maybe when going to the dealer to pickup the tractor.

Bring gas and a tow strap. It will probably burn 4 or 5 gallons to go 30 miles in hills. I would put in 10 gallons before starting out as fuel will move to the ends of the tank on steep hills. Wide open road speeds should be around 15 MPH in 5th gear and 5 MPH in 4th gear. A rule of thumb is to go down hills in the same gear as was needed to climb the hill. The engine won't be able to hold you back if you descend in too high a gear. The brakes on an H will not be anywhere near as strong as the brakes on a car and may fade on a long down hill. Throttle back and slow down when starting down a steep hill to reduce your speed ahead of time.

Just like on a bike, where it's not safe to have someone pass you hold your position in the center of your lane. If someone tries to pass you on a hill and an oncoming car appears, there may not be room for three vehicles side by side. You will probably be the one pushed into the ditch and maybe have a roll over accident. Be careful, think ahead, and when possible pull to the side at intersections to allow cars to pass you safely.
 
Shaler ..... are you sure about Sunday morning being a good time. Still a lot of hangovers on their way to church !!!
 
(quoted from post at 08:34:24 01/10/19) Hmm, kid with limited/no tractor driving experience jumping on unfamiliar 70 year old tractor and hitting the hills of Pennsylvania for a 30-mile romp... What could go wrong?

I know the guys are saying to drive it home, but they're all experienced tractor operators, and wrenchers. If that tractor decides to die 5 miles into the trip, they can jump off and fix it with a jackknife and a crescent wrench. Can you?

DO THE BRAKES WORK? Stopping is way more important than going. If only one brakes work, or they're marginal, I would not chance it.

DOES THE STEERING WOBBLE? It is very common in Farmall H's and M's for the steering to wobble horribly at high speed, limiting you to the 5MPH 4th gear, and a 6-hour drive instead of 2. Trying to ride out the wobble will only result in steering failure at some point during the ride, and a quick trip into the ditch if you're lucky, a tractor in your lap if not.

Would I drive it? Sure, as long as it had some brakes and the steering was fairly tight. I have 42 years of experience behind the steering wheel of a tractor.

A lot of good points in this post. You certainly could drive it, but as mentioned, it might be a little much for a rookie on his first trip.
If you did try it, I'd make sure the guy following me was someone with experience who could make that roadside repair if one was needed, or even trade off driving with you.
And make sure he has a tow chain along! If it did die you could always tow it home as a last resort. But there again, no faster than 10-15 mph.
 
What do you drive normally. If you have a full size pickup or van with a trailer hitch, if it does not have one get one as you will down the road be wanting it. Now just have a tow bar made that bolts to where the wheel scrapers normally mount and pull it. If tires are good enough to drive it then they should be good enough to pull it. WE have done that with our Deeres but not with the 41 Farmal H owned for 35 years. Anouther option is instead of a tow bar use a unit simular to the tow dollies people pull their cars with behind campers. U-Haul rents them for cars so you could look and get some ideas so you could make one. I had one if it still is around that I think it is still at a friends place. You are just too far from western Ohio to get it to use.I used it for years and others have borrowed it and I bought it used after the previous owner no longer had narrow front tractors. If you could weld you could make your own. That way you would have your own transportatin if something did go wrong and you would be in the warm getting it home. You could also make it with electric trailer brakes if worried about stopping on hills. The U-Haul units have surge brakes. And anouther thing you have not nentiones is how wide are thr rear tires set for outside to outside? A lot of trailers if the tires are over 6' outside to outside the reactor will not go on. To haul my Deere the bulge of the tires just rubbed the frame rail on the outside, not like my small Fords.
 
A tractor dealer and they do not have a trailer to haul it for you at a good price since you bought from them ? They likely have empty trucks driving by you every day if only 30 miles from them ? I have driven them home before but this time of year it can be a very COLD ride !
 
Everybody has good advice. I have never been in Pennsylvania, but in some of the hilly parts of Iowa a trip that is 30 miles on main roads could end up being a 40 or 50 mile trip on back roads. Pick a warm day if you do drive it. Sitting on a tractor on even a chilly day can turn into a very cold ride.
 
John, you are just beginning to find out the hidden expenses once you get into the hobby. I think someone
mentioned earlier that you might have been able to negotiate the delivery with the dealer. He probably
doesn't have a lot of guys lined up at his door to buy an old tractor this month. Anyways you didn't do
that but next time you'll know. Be careful as you go along with this project, it can drain your bank
account a lot quicker than you can imagine. You don't want to be tractor rich and cash poor.
 
A local auto towing service moved a tractor for me from North Jersey to west of Albany NY for 200 bucks . About four hours round trip.
 
Something like this came up about a month ago. I posted of
Pa?s antics back in the late 50?s of roading his JD A bought at
an auction some 180 miles from eastern ND to central MN. It
can be done.
 
If it is coming out of Charlie Burgh's place then you want to HAUL It . The problem of someone hauling it Pa is the fact that that state can be real jerks about hauling for a FRIEND with the money being paid UNDER the table . Myself i stopped even going to tractor pulls over there because they would hassle you and try and nail you for hauling COMMERCIAL as they claimed you were pulling for PROFIT as even a trophy was a PAYMENT and god help[ ya if you had some sort of decal about a part you may have on the tractor other then what came from the factory . So like some have said have a towing company haul it and yes it is going to cost more then 50 or a 100 bucks , this is 2019 and the 50-100 but tow or haul has long past.
 
I know it is only 30 miles but the reality is that $50-100 would not cover the expenses. There is a lot more to operating a truck and trailer than just gas. I don't think you are going to get a rate on a local haul like that. I have been able to get tractors hauled from MO to MI and IL to MI for about $300 but those are back hauls, running empty, and the drivers were thrilled to get the extra cash. Local is different.

I routinely drive tractors 30 miles round trip as I have fields on opposite sides of the county. I drove a combine over 60 miles one day from Mason to Milford MI. That was the first time I drove that combine, or any combine, and it was a real learning experience with no brakes and a hydro. I would go where the tractor is and drive it around the area a bit first, then go back another day and head it home. Plan your route, 40 miles around a town is better than 20 miles thru the town. It will be a great experience. :)
 
Agreed. The only way $50 or $100 works is if its your neighbor or a friend hauling it as a favor. Someone making a living needs more than $100 just to meet expenses or else its cheaper to leave the truck and trailer parked.
 
Go to the hauling schedule put an ad there. If he has to ask about the slope of a hill and is new at this he needs to haul it. I've been over in that part of PA they pipe sunlight in there like in WV.
 
You must not have seen the roads in that part of the world,I've pulled a few tractors out of that area you need lots of power and real good brakes.12% grades are the good ones on the main roads.Once pulled a Cockshutt 50 up a state road there with a Ford 1 ton with a 4 speed trans,had it in granny low barely made it to the top of the hill.
 
Many many good points being made here and take them all to heart. I'll add to what has been said about the brakes. They are unlike a car which has a common
control and a fluid system for even application to each wheel. To the right side of the operator's platform are the two brake pedals. The inner pedal is for the left rear
wheel and the outer pedal is for the right rear wheel. A latch should be present on the left to lock the two together for what should be in theory even application of the
brakes. For even application to occur both pedals need to move the same distance forward until you hit hard resistance. If this does not occur then the brakes need to
be adjusted until they travel the same distance before stopping. If they freely travel several inches without rapid resistance to the force applied then the brake bands
could be worn to the point where they may be ineffective for sudden stops and steep inclines.

Hopefully, the seller has given you the owner's manual for the tractor if it exists in this case for you to study up. If not or one is not present maybe you can get one
online and read it if this journey is not going to happen for a few weeks. If your trip is in a matter of days with no manual then do a search for information on tractor
operation. I'll add one more word of wisdom in that I would wait until the roads are free of packed snow and ice. Snow and ice will reduce the effectiveness of the tires
to grip the surface along with the braking system. Ditto the tip on H's and M's getting wear in the steering mechanism which can result in whipping at high speed. Try
road gear on a level surface where you can readily stop to observe. If you have to drive it with a definite zig-zag pattern that would be reason to trailer it home. I'll
also reiterate that what ever gear you up a hill should be at the fastest the one you go down in. If at the crest the grade going down looks steeper than going up
then reduce the gear to second or third at the fastest with the throttle low.
 
Why didn?t you have them to deliver it? They have been in business a long time. I know they had
semis,rollbacks and trailers 50 years ago.
 
Come on, this is America. Did Louis and Clark pay somebody to haul them west? No!

Strap the stars and stripes on that piece of American iron and drive it home with a sign that says" I love God, America, and old tractors. If you don't then kiss my @ss."

Where's your sense of adventure? When the OP gets asked by his grandkids about that old tractor what kind of story will it be to say, "Yep, bringing her home was an adventure. Cost me $300 bucks to hire a guy." BORING!!

Either the brakes work or the don't. Slam on them on the lot and try them. Either it runs or it don't.

You gotta drive it sometime. Gas her up, put a triangle on, and head for home. Yes have somebody follow with tools and supplies.

Drive that iron like God and Mr Deere intended you to.

Grouse
 
Did you mean to say: God, Mr. McCormick and Mr. Deering?

It's not certain if the OP has ever driven a tractor on the road before.
 
Come on, this is America. Did Louis and Clark pay somebody to haul them west? No!

Strap the stars and stripes on that piece of American iron and drive it home with a sign that says" I love God, America, and old tractors. If you don't then kiss my @ss."

Where's your sense of adventure? When the OP gets asked by his grandkids about that old tractor what kind of story will it be to say, "Yep, bringing her home was an adventure. Cost me $300 bucks to hire a guy." BORING!!

Either the brakes work or the don't. Slam on them on the lot and try them. Either it runs or it don't.

You gotta drive it sometime. Gas her up, put a triangle on, and head for home. Yes have somebody follow with tools and supplies.

Drive that iron like God and Mr Deere intended you to.

Grouse
 
(quoted from post at 05:37:15 01/10/19) The old tractor dealer I’m buying my tractor from is trying to find someone to haul my tractor home for me, but there’s no gaurantees. I was wondering if anyone on this forum from western PA would be willing to transport my tractor home for me.

I would be willing to pay $50 up to $100 depending on how far away you would have to drive. The tractor will need to be transported about 30 miles from Zelienople, PA, to Sewickley, PA. It’s a Farmall H tractor, it does run, so it can be driven onto a trailer.

I’m just trying to find a way to get it home as soon as possible because I can’t wait to drive it!

Thanks, John
If you decide to drive an old tractor 30 miles without knowledge of tractors you better familiarize yourself first then get a rollback on speed dial! Make a back up plan. Good luck
 
Mutt and Jeff is right
Call a towing company , 30 miles will not cost that much and they are insured
will be safe that way ..
 
M&J ..... I think I would clear that with them before I made the phone call for a truck. Somehow I don't think AAA would go along with the idea.
 
I guess I'm a sucker friend. I've
hauled tractors home for folks.
Couple times well over 150 miles.
For Free!!! For the fun. For the
conversation....maybe a southern
thing?
 

Got a quote from a towing company. They said $165 to haul it. I might try to find someone I know who could haul it.
 
(quoted from post at 14:52:15 01/10/19) I guess I'm a sucker friend. I've
hauled tractors home for folks.
Couple times well over 150 miles.
For Free!!! For the fun. For the
conversation....maybe a southern
thing?
If I was closer I would gladly haul it for free if it was an oliver. Lol. Actually I would've probably helped find you a tractor as well. I dont like dealers.
 
If you back out of the deal with the dealer they might throw in delivery for your $50 offer.
 
You probably know your neighbors, where he is he probably does not know anything about his neighbors. Getting to be that way here in Ohio, people you grew up knowing around no longer with us and others mooving in with no contact.
 
John, I live in West Pa right near you and know the roads from Burgh (which is actually several miles and big hills north of Zelie). These guys who are telling you to drive home may have good intentions but they don't know the lay of the land here. Please don't even think about it driving it!

The topo is not only hilly (300-400 feet difference in elevation) but it is mostly suburbs to boot.

Are you committed to the deal? Did you take someone with you who is knowledgeable about Farmall's? There are several tractor clubs in Beaver County, one in New Sewickly Twp. Perhaps one of there members could help you.

If I find some phone numbers I'll let you know. In meantime.......patience.
Jim B
 

Thanks! Yes, I am committed to the deal. Already put 50 percent down on the tractor. I might have a lead on someone who could haul it, my uncles friend might be able to. However, I am going to keep looking for someone to haul just in case. John Burgh on Burgh Implement has been very kind to me, and he said he could probably find someone to haul it for me. I just do not know how long that will take or how much it will cost.
 

If you do decide to drive it be sure that you cut and paste all of these responses here onto a document so that you can have them with you just in case you are stopped by a cop. You will be able prove that you are legal if he tries to tell you that you are breaking a law. Just tell him that you are following YTDOT laws, and that they supersede all state and federal laws.
 
(quoted from post at 14:54:18 01/11/19) John

Did you find someone to haul the tractor for you?

Rich

Rich,

No, I have not found someone yet. I might have one more person to ask, but besides that, I will have to use a tow company with a flat bed, which could be pricey.

John
 
good night......im with famous grouse....cause after seeing all these responses i am just amazed that anything got done "back my my day" that was said to the tune of you old farts here on YT that think around every corner is the DOT or someone wanting to sue you....geez.....get a grip, how many of you went to a tractor driving school? i wish there was an eye roll emjoi here....your pappy told you get on and go...and you did....this isnt rocket surgury....nor brain science, its a dang H that is 30 miles from home....i wonder how many of you fellers have kids if nobody taught you how to put pin A into slot B....crazy....

Tell that dude you bought it from you are gonna drive it home, and when you get it home without any issues you will give him the other 50%...if he dont like it tell him screw it you want your money back, or he can haul it to your place as part of the deal....

Dont be the 2060 version.....just saying....

mvphoto29608.jpg
 
Have you ever been in the area he lives? I've been driving tractors over 60 years and I wouldn't really want to take an old H that has set for who now how long with who knows what mechanical condition its in up and down those hills(mountains to flatlanders).How many old H tractors have you seen with decent brakes? Its coming from a junkyard so go figure.Plus its pretty cold up there lately gas freezing up is a real possibility or the rear/trans being full of water if not frozen may severely damage the bearings running it 30 miles.
 

Not sure if I got my email open or not on YT, I couldn’t really find out where to do it but maybe I got it working right.
 
(quoted from post at 18:19:10 01/11/19)
Not sure if I got my email open or not on YT, I couldn’t really find out where to do it but maybe I got it working right.
If you sign log off it will close. It doesn't work between classic and modern. If it's open it will show in the bottom of your post.
 
(quoted from post at 17:39:04 01/11/19) John, could you open your email? I have lead that might work out for you.
Jim B

Jim,

I am having trouble opening my email on YT, so I’ll just give my email address here. I am eager to here what you have to say, because I am having a heck of a time find someone to haul it.

My email address is: [email protected]

John
 
(quoted from post at 14:51:05 01/11/19) Have you ever been in the area he lives? I've been driving tractors over 60 years and I wouldn't really want to take an old H that has set for who now how long with who knows what mechanical condition its in up and down those hills(mountains to flatlanders).How many old H tractors have you seen with decent brakes? Its coming from a junkyard so go figure.Plus its pretty cold up there lately gas freezing up is a real possibility or the rear/trans being full of water if not frozen may severely damage the bearings running it 30 miles.

Yeah TF, those hills with the big signs at the top telling all truck drivers to come to a full stop and select a low gear before proceeding down. Not your everyday hill, LOL.
 
(quoted from post at 22:57:10 01/11/19)
(quoted from post at 14:51:05 01/11/19) Have you ever been in the area he lives? I've been driving tractors over 60 years and I wouldn't really want to take an old H that has set for who now how long with who knows what mechanical condition its in up and down those hills(mountains to flatlanders).How many old H tractors have you seen with decent brakes? Its coming from a junkyard so go figure.Plus its pretty cold up there lately gas freezing up is a real possibility or the rear/trans being full of water if not frozen may severely damage the bearings running it 30 miles.

Yeah TF, those hills with the big signs at the top telling all truck drivers to come to a full stop and select a low gear before proceeding down. Not your everyday hill, LOL.

Tell me about it! I’m an avid bicyclist so I have to climb up all those steep hills!
 
Do you have any equipment rental yards up there could prob rent a trailer if you have a truck to haul it with. Wouldn’t cost you much if there is
 
i'm with grandpa on this one if i wasn't 3000 miles away i would haul it and help a kid out. a little kindness goes a long way
 
Call that local rollback back and ask them to put you on their list of return trips from the dealers area.
Offer them half of their quoted price.
They might agree as then they are not going home empty after hauling someone else's load.
You could make the same deal with other two companies nearby.
 

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