Towing a tractor

Bill from Scotland · Mar 18, 2010

I need to tow a tractor a couple of miles, the engine doesnt run and the steering motor is out. Can I attach an A frame to the front axle and just tow it with another tractor. Will the second tractor then just follow the first, I know it wont steer but thought it would work fairly well in a straight line. I know it wont work with a straight tow bar but thought it might work with an A frame. What do you think? Dont have my trailor fixed up as yet.
Bill

JOHN HUNT · Mar 18, 2010

call out a tow truck service it so much easy and cheap less damage done

John730D · Mar 18, 2010

I used to pull a NAA ford like that all the time. Didn't have power steering though. You should be OK. Just go slow when you turn. It will follow you nicely.

Zachary Hoyt · Mar 18, 2010

I've seen people tow tractors that didn't run with a chain, but they were manual steering anyway so that wasn't a factor. I wonder if what you describe would work since the front wheels of the tractor will still be on the ground and would presumably resist moving to the side if the wheels are straight, or want to drift if they're not. I may not be making sense, I'm just thinking aloud.
Zach

cadet trooper · Mar 18, 2010

A couple questions. Is it a hydrostatic steering or in other words are there just hoses going to a cylinder with no steering connecting rods or is it power assisted which means there is a cylinder connected in conjunction with the steering connecting rod?

Anonymous-0 · Mar 18, 2010

Some tractors, like the new generation JD and later, can't be towed in neutral. Their transmission MUST be in the TOW position or you wipe out the top shaft in the transmission while towing.

Then there those steering equipment considerations.

Gerald J.

rrlund · Mar 18, 2010

What kind? If it's a pressure lube transmission and rear end,it's your money that's gonna be scattered all over the road.The neighbor kid tried that with his dads Allis 190 one time. She seized up and blew to smitherines.

Adirondack case guy · Mar 18, 2010

Depends on whether it is American or European. It may want to vere to the wrong side of the road.

Leroy · Mar 18, 2010

Front wheel assist or dead front axle?, wheels connected with a tie rod? If dead axle with mechanical link between the wheels should work OK. Towed Ford And Ferguson that way all the time, have 2 tow bars built for that. Now tranny could be a problem.

cadet trooper · Mar 18, 2010

On top of that Hydraulic brakes are really the issue because if the engine isn't running you don't have any and you'll be up your tow buddies backside and he or she may not like that.:-< Whoa! If you're using a chain or tow belt. I've been involved with towing a few 70s and early 80s tractors and brakes are definitely an issue and was involved with a hydraulic issue going down a long highway hill with an IH856 pulling a chopper with a loaded wagon lost the TA with hyd red light on I'm guessing I was travelling around 35mph at full speed steering was sluggish but brakes were nana. :-O

Ultradog MN · Mar 18, 2010

A lot of good questions so far but I side with
John730D. Just hook onto it and go.
If the tires are skidding and don't roll well, you'll have to go to plan B. But if it's just another old tractor like this site is supposedly about you'll do fine.

JMS/.MN · Mar 18, 2010

I pulled an AC WD for over 120 miles with a pickup tow bar attached to the wide front axle- no problems. Towed two Gleaner combines backwards a total of about 30 miles with an A frame like you describe. They will turn, but do it slow and wide. No power steering on any of these.

Towing a tractor

Bill from Scotland

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JOHN HUNT

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John730D

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Zachary Hoyt

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cadet trooper

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Anonymous-0

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rrlund

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Adirondack case guy

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Leroy

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cadet trooper

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Ultradog MN

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JMS/.MN

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