Pulling an elevator 250 miles

tomstractorsandtoys · May 22, 2020

I found a very nice John Deere 350 corn elevator (44 ft long) for sale about 250 miles from me. The Deere 350's used cage bearings in the wheels rather than tappered roller bearings. I have a parts elevator and could take a pair of extra wheels and bearings and tires. I would need to grease it every 30-40 miles. Is this a bad idea? There are very few good elevators left in my area and this one is one owner and always shedded and I like Deere equipment. What are your thoughts? Thanks Tom

Janicholson · May 22, 2020

Take it apart some, and bind it to a flat bed 2 wheel trailer or car carrier. Get permits and drive the back roads/2 lanes. Probably need a oversize poad follow vehicle. Safer, less grief, faster. Jim

jal-SD · May 22, 2020

Go for it! At 50 miles per grease job, you'd only have to stop 4 times to grease the bearings. I pulled a Model D MM sheller about 150 miles & they have brass bushings in the wheels. Greased every 50 & drove about 40 all the way.

Bret4207 · May 22, 2020

Put it on a trailer. It's not worth the hassle.

David G · May 22, 2020

Haul it

Traditional Farmer · May 22, 2020

I pulled an old Case elevator home from an auction about 30 years ago over 50 miles,never greased the hubs but checked to see if they were getting hot a couple times,everything went smoothly.

Mike M · May 22, 2020

I'm sure I have done worse things. But never went that far either. Know anyone with a semi flatbed ? any way to lift it up and load it ?
You at least have a plan and even better extra parts to bring along. I would think it should work out even if towed.

Roger in Iowa · May 22, 2020

44 feet long but how wide are the wheels? Typically very wide and they could be more of a problem because of the width.

marloweg · May 22, 2020

a lot depends on state and roads back roads and two lane highways should not be a problem remember a SMV sign is for 25 mph or less so if your doing 40 do not use a smv they will give you a ticket. make sure it will go low enough to get under low wires and over passes make sure you put a BIG red flag on the end of the longest part and watch for the tail swing going around corners.i drove a case back hoe 365 miles years back i know it's not the same but just take your time and have a good time

jon f mn · May 22, 2020

I've pulled stuff further than that. Just make sure it's low enough and go with it. What's the difference between 20 miles and 250 other than time. Your still on the road. Make sure the bearings are greased and monitor them for heat.
If you bring spares you won't need them.

farmerjohn · May 22, 2020

To me that sounds like an awfully long distance to pull something that's designed to pull across the farm.

55 50 Ron · May 22, 2020

I would pull it. Your plan sounds good. Maybe have a friend or family member follow in a "4-way flashing lights" vehicle as Jim suggested.

Fordy20 · May 22, 2020

I'd at least call a reputable trucking company for a quote and then decide if it's worth the risk and hassle to try to move it myself.

rustred · May 22, 2020

I have pulled a grain auger 60 miles without any brgs. in the wheels. it just has a shaft axle inside a pipe with a grease fitting. I stopped and greased it ever 10 miles and drove 40 mph. had no problem. your idea will work if you had to do that.

gene bender · May 22, 2020

just because it is green it never was made to pull down the road 250miles. Take the back 20 ft or where ever it is bolted together put on a good trailer and haul. Just one bad move could make it the most expensive elevator in the world. BE SAFE

David G · May 22, 2020

I get anxiety about pulling equipment on highways, so will always error on caution, not worth my health. It is worse as I am older and feel more vulnerable.

JK-NY · May 22, 2020

I pulled an old Case elevator home about 35-40 miles years ago. Greased the hubs when I left and they were fine. I looked it over good before I left with it. When I got home one tire had a big bulge in it! But I made it home okay.

M Nut · May 22, 2020

I pulled my 40+ ft elevator home from a distance of 100 miles. Drove about 45mph, stopped about every 20 miles and put a few pumps of grease in the wheel hubs. No problems at all, just took my time.

MarkB_MI · May 22, 2020

Presumably you can stay off the interstate and major highways. If you can resist the temptation to pull it at highway speeds, I don't see a problem. But it will take a fair amount of discipline to keep it down to, say 30 mph over 250 miles.

TimWafer · May 22, 2020

Sounds like you have a plan for possible problems. As long as you stay off interstates and avoid major cities/towns, I'd say go for it. Ive done crazier things. Get plenty of sleep the night before.

showcrop · May 22, 2020

D. R. A. M. A. lots of suggestions about getting the maximum drama out of this. Except for the guys recommending putting it on a trailer. Well you know what Tom? There is a standard legal procedure for this. I have twice pulled wide mower conditioners for over 140 miles. What I did was simply call my state DOT. They are not the enemy! The nice lady told me no problem, here is what we do. She took my info and sent me a permit for wide load, (yes, I know yours is over length) I got all the instructions that I needed, including going most of the way on the interstate, GASP!!!! Yes, that is where they wanted me. I had to follow the rules, but I had been picturing all the places where it was going to be tight, so going on the interstate was a breeze. Doing it legally give you the added benefit of being covered by your insurance just in case something goes wrong. I am not guaranteeing that they will give you a permit, but this way you will know what is legal, and you ca plan appropriately.

showcrop · May 22, 2020

D. R. A. M. A. lots of suggestions about getting the maximum drama out of this. Except for the guys recommending putting it on a trailer. Well you know what Tom? There is a standard legal procedure for this. I have twice pulled wide mower conditioners for over 140 miles. What I did was simply call my state DOT. They are not the enemy! The nice lady told me no problem, here is what we do. She took my info and sent me a permit for wide load, (yes, I know yours is over length) I got all the instructions that I needed, including going most of the way on the interstate, GASP!!!! Yes, that is where they wanted me. I had to follow the rules, but I had been picturing all the places where it was going to be tight, so going on the interstate was a breeze. Doing it legally gives you the added benefit of being covered by your insurance just in case something goes wrong. I am not guaranteeing that they will give you a permit, but this way you will know what is legal, and you can plan appropriately.

ohio allis · May 22, 2020

First thing. You are not over length semi trailers are up to 53' long. The only major hangup is lights. You must have working tail lights on the elevator and must be no more than 4' from the end of the elevator. Even with a SMV sign. But personally I would go talk to a construction company and see what they would charge to haul it home on a lowboy trailer.

SVcummins · May 22, 2020

Showcrop do I need to have you know who issue some
honorary badges ? 🤣🤣🤣

caterpillar guy · May 23, 2020

I guess it can be done either way. It would just depend on the amount of time you want to invest, and how much you want to spend. Let down to the stops it should be fine height wise. With the spare wheels and bearings, grease and go. Will be about the same beating on the road whether loaded or towed. Doesn't need a permit for length it is only 44 feet. A flag or something visible towards the back might be a nice touch. Pack a lunch since things are not open in some dictatorial states yet.

showcrop · May 23, 2020

(quoted from post at 21:11:01 05/22/20) Showcrop do I need to have you know who issue some
honorary badges ?

I have had them on order for months but they have not come yet.

Pulling an elevator 250 miles

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