Speed ​​and weight of agricultural vehicles

The harvest season is in full swing. And that means:   Reap... what your sow. In the province of Zeeland there are many farmers who provide our food, among other things. And that entails harvesting. As a result, more agricultural vehicles are on the road. You will not only encounter tractors, but also tractors with various sharp and / or heavy machinery.

These vehicles go fast and are very heavy. The maximum speed of most agricultural vehicles is 40 km/h. And the total weight of a combination of tractor and tipper, including cargo, can easily reach 35 tons. You can imagine that if such a vehicle is fully loaded, it will take a while before it comes to a halt. How do speed and weight affect traffic during harvest time? It’s explained in this episode!

Speed and weight

What can you do....

... as a road user?

  • Give agricultural traffic space
  • Don't just step in front of an agricultural vehicle. Braking may take longer due to speed and weight
  • Find a safe place to allow these massive vehicles to pass if you are slower
  • Make sure you have enough overview to overtake if you are faster. Never overtake just before a bend!
  • Indicate direction on time

.. as a farmer or contractor?

  • Use the Agricultural Traffic Quality Network Zeeland
  • Reduce your speed when driving past vulnerable road users (cyclist/pedestrian)
  • Wave to other road users so they know you are aware of them

Agricultural vehicles are fast and massive. Though, together we can ensure safer traffic on the road. Both farmers and other road users can do something to increase safety.

What is the speed and how fast can these agricultural vehicles brake?

From a legal point of view, tractors are allowed to drive at a maximum speed of 40 km/h on public roads.
In this situation it does not matter whether they are loaded or not loaded.
However, they must have a license plate to be allowed to drive at a speed of 40 km/h and,
of course, they must adhere to the maximum speed that applies to the road they are driving on.

Harvesters often have a maximum speed of 25 to 30 km/h and therefore generally drive slower than tractors.

A loaded combination such as a tractor and combine (tipper) needs a longer braking distance when not loaded. That has to do with weight. So always keep in mind that these vehicles may take longer to come to a stop. So keep enough distance and please do not just cross a road if you see an agricultural vehicle.