Tips for Towing with a Tractor

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If you have a compact tractor, you probably know how versatile it is. But did you know your rig can tow large loads across your property? If you need to tow a trailer or other big unit, you don’t need a new piece of equipment, just use your trusty tractor! While it sounds easy, there are still some considerations you need to make before you start towing every large load you have.

At Magnum Power, we want you to get the most out of your tractor and we want you to use it safely. That’s why we’ve compiled the following tips to help you properly tow with your rig. Keep reading to learn more. If you have any additional questions, contact us at our Lawson, Missouri location. We are happy to help those in Clay County and Kansas City with all their equipment needs!

1. The Towing Capacity

The first thing you need to do before is find the towing capacity. Your owner’s manual should have the recommended capacity based on the machine’s weight. If you can’t find this number, shoot for nothing over 50 percent of the equipment’s weight. It’s important to not overload your tractor since that could lead to damage to both your rig and what you’re towing.

2. The Property

Next, it’s time to factor in your property. The towing process can differ depending on the terrain you’re on as well as the layout of the land. Do you have steep hills to climb and descend? Is there uneven terrain or muddy spots? This will impact the amount of power and traction your tractor will need to successfully tow extra weight through your property.

3. Towing and Hauling

You should consider what you’re hauling with your tractor. Is the load unevenly distributed? If the weight is top heavy or lopsided, it’s more likely to tip over when you reach higher speeds or go over uneven ground.

4. Your Tractor’s Specs

Now, it’s finally time to look at your tractor! Consider the features of your rig before you start using it to tow anything.

Think about:

The tires
4-wheel drive vs 2-wheel drive
Rear weight of the machine
Front weight of the tractor
Draw bar height

You want to ensure that the tractor is able to handle the extra weight and the terrain. There’s no point using your rig to tow if it’s not going to be able to handle it. You may need to make some adjustments to your equipment in order to make sure it is ready to go.

Safely Towing

Once you start towing, make sure you have a backup plan in the event that you get stuck, tip over, or start sliding. If anything like this happens, stop the tractor, apply the brake, and exit the machine immediately. Once it stalls, adjust or redistribute the load, detach the cargo, or add weight to the front and back to balance out the weight. It’s a good idea to have a friend nearby in case you need assistance moving and detaching the load or the equipment becomes unstable.

We hope you find these tips useful! At Magnum Power, we value your safety. If you have any questions or you want to check out some tractors for sale, give us a call at our location in Lawson, Missouri. From Clay County to Kansas City, we’ll help you find the perfect machine to get your next job done!