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Page 1 of 22 Commercial in Confidence Policy Consent Ag Guidelines (3546369) (2).docx
Guidelines for the Movement of Oversize Agricultural Vehicles in Victoria
Table of Contents
Background and Purpose 4
Height 5
Table 1 5
What has changed? 5
Why the height limit of 6.5 metres under permit? 5
When does an Annual Permit apply? 5
What about overhead powerlines? 5
What conditions apply under the Gazette Notice? 6
Length 7
Table 2 7
What has changed? 7
Why the increase to 25.0 metres in the Flat and Broad Acre area? 7
Why the length limit of 40 metres under permit? 7
What conditions apply? 8
Combination Length 9
Table 3 9
What has changed? 9
Why increase the allowance in the Flat area to 35.0 metres? 9
Why increase the combination length to 50 metres under permit? 9
Why limit towing to only two vehicles or implements? 9
What conditions apply? 10
Rear Overhang 11
Table 4 11
What has changed? 11
Why increase the rear overhang limit to 10.0 metres under Notice? 11
Why set a limit of 20.0 metres for single trip permits? 11
What conditions apply? 11
Page 2 of 22 Commercial in Confidence Policy Consent Ag Guidelines (3546369) (2).docx
Width 12
Table 5 12
What has changed? 12
Why set a width limit of 9.0 metres wide under permit? 12
What conditions apply? 12
Pilot Vehicles 13
Table 6(a) – Combination Length 13
Table 6(b) – Width 13
Table 6(c) – Rear Overhang 13
Table 6(d) – Height 13
Table 6(e) – Towed Ratio 13
What has changed? 14
On what basis have these pilot requirements been set? 14
Mass Limits 15
Table 7(a) – individual axle group 15
Table 7(b) – overall mass limit 15
What has changed? 15
Why has the overall mass limit been set to 45.0 tonnes? 15
What if the combination exceeds 45.0 tonnes? 16
What access will be granted under Notice? 16
Do light combinations get greater access? 16
Table 7(c) – mass limits for lighter combinations 16
What about Chaser / Field Bins that can weigh 130 tonnes? 17
What about pavement wear? 17
Towed Ratio and Transporting a Load 18
Towed Ratio 18
What about implements that are fully braked? 19
Transporting a Load 19
Other Conditions That Apply 21
Night Travel 21
Table 8 – maximum width for night time travel 21
Night Travel for Spraying Machines 21
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Route Restrictions 21
Other Markings 22
Schedule 8 22
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Background and Purpose
It’s been more than a decade since VicRoads last reviewed the regulations and policies that apply to
the movement of oversize agricultural vehicles, machines and implements on the network. The
previous review (circa 2005) saw increases to the height, width and length limits for agricultural
machinery especially in the Broad Acre area.
Like most industries the agricultural industry has experienced pressure to be more efficient and
productive, to reduce costs both for the local logistics chain and for export to other countries. To meet
this demand agricultural equipment has grown in size and weight and based on anecdotal evidence a
good deal of this equipment does not meet the mass and dimension limits set in Victoria’s current
Gazette Notice.
In 2015 VicRoads commissioned Advantia Transport Consulting to provide a comprehensive review
of the agricultural equipment used on Victoria’s road network. The review, published in May 2015,
confirmed anecdotal evidence that the size and weight of agricultural machinery and implements
outstripped the current regulatory requirements. A subsequent technical investigation, published by
Advantia in July 2015, determined the impacts this larger machinery would have on road geometry,
bridges and pavements.1
In 2016 AustRoads commissioned a project investigating the policy challenges posed by oversize
agricultural equipment. As with the Victorian study Advantia Transport Consulting was commissioned
to undertake the research. The published AustRoads report, “Future Challenges of Changing
Agricultural Equipment” (July 2016) covered similar ground as that of the VicRoads work while also
suggesting a number of recommendations in terms of regulatory and policy reform.
This report consolidates the VicRoads study and the AustRoads project and provides VicRoads
consent and policy officer with clear guidelines when determining access for oversize and overmass
agricultural machinery and equipment.
1 Two further reports from Advantia Transport were commissioned by VicRoads to explore specific
issues around the tow-ratio of agricultural vehicles like tractors and harvesters and a deeper study into the lengths of some equipment – augers and conveyors – operating occasionally on the road network.
Page 5 of 22 Commercial in Confidence Policy Consent Ag Guidelines (3546369) (2).docx
Height The following Table sets the new height limits for agricultural vehicles, machinery and implements.
Table 1
Legislative Instrument Height (m) Notes
Gazette Notice 4.6 Urban, Gippsland, Colac and Otway and Mountainous areas
Gazette Notice 5.0 Flat and Broad Acre areas
Annual / Seasonal Permit 5.5 Flat and Broad Acre areas
Annual / Seasonal Permit 6.5 Broad Acre only
What has changed? Increasing the height allowance for operators in the Flat Area from 4.6 metres to 5.0 metres
under Notice; and
Providing a maximum height limit of 6.5 metres under an annual / seasonal permit for
operators transporting a seeder or tiller in the Broad Acre area.
Why the height limit of 6.5 metres under permit? Advantia’s May 2015 report (page 18) and Table 26 of the Austroads report (page 31) indicates that
larger tillers and seeders operating in the Broad Acre area will have a transport height of up to 6.4
metres.
When does an Annual Permit apply? To obtain an annual or seasonal
2 permit the farmer / contractor needs to provide evidence that the
route is safe to travel on. In particular they need to show that the nominated route has no overhead
structures or overhanging vegetation that would impede transport. Evidence can come in the form of
a Google Earth / aerial map of the nominated route, or a photographic survey of the route.
If the route has features or structures that cannot be easily removed – such as a low bridge – then an
annual permit will not be granted. However, if the impediment can be easily removed, such as
vegetation, then the farmer / contractor will need to consult with either the VicRoads region (if it’s an
arterial road) or the relevant Local Government if it’s a municipal road to approve the safe removal of
vegetation.
To ensure that an annual permit can be obtained farmers and contractors will need to apply well in
advance of harvest season.
Every three years a farmer / contractor will be required to provide evidence that the route is still safe
for travel. If any change to the route occurs in that three year period it will be the responsibility of the
farmer / contractor to report that change.
What about overhead powerlines? Clause 41 of the Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 requires a minimum clearance
of 1.5 metres for bare overhead conductors (powerlines). For overheight vehicles that can’t meet this
clearance escorts will be required – provided by both the power company and VicRoads.
2 Permits can be 12 months in duration or cover the length of the harvest season (for example
between October and March).
Page 6 of 22 Commercial in Confidence Policy Consent Ag Guidelines (3546369) (2).docx
While the minimum height for most powerlines on a road or road related area is 6.7 metres3 due to the
possibility of sag – especially during summer – it is recommended that overheight vehicles over 5.0
metres contact the relevant power company for a route survey to ensure safe access to the network.
What conditions apply under the Gazette Notice? Consistent with other height-related policies, farmers and contractors must carry the ‘Height
Clearance on Roads’ bulletin. This can be an electronic copy held on a mobile device.
See Pilot Vehicle requirements.
3 Clause 13 of the Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulations 1999 – with specific reference to
Table 13.2.
Page 7 of 22 Commercial in Confidence Policy Consent Ag Guidelines (3546369) (2).docx
Length The following Table sets the new length limits for agricultural vehicles, machinery and implements
(not in combination).
Table 2
Legislative Instrument Length (m) Notes
Gazette Notice 15.0 Urban, Gippsland, Colac and Otway and Mountainous areas
Gazette Notice 25.0 Flat and Broad Acre areas
Annual / Seasonal Permit 40.0 Comb Trailers, Augers and Conveyors only / Broad Acre
What has changed? Increasing the length allowance for operators in the Flat and Broad Acre from 15.0 metres to
25.0 metres under Notice; and
Providing a maximum length limit of up to 40.0 metres under an annual permit for operators
transporting a Comb Trailer, Auger or Conveyor.
Why the increase to 25.0 metres in the Flat and Broad Acre area? According to the AustRoads’ report (page 64) longer implements such as Augers and Comb Trailers
generally operate in the Broad-Acre grain farming regions. The report states that, “The impacts
assessment showed that the road space requirements of the broad-acre combinations comprising the
worst-case examples... are generally equal to or lesser than vehicles of similar overall length allowed
under current policies. Hence, the length limits for single units in broad-acre areas could be
increased to allow any trailer up to 25 metres overall length to be towed.”
Similarly, Advantia’s technical investigation conducted on behalf of VicRoads showed that a 30.0
metre combination – including a tractor and comb trailer – has a similar swept path as a 30.0 metre B-
double combination (9.11 – PBS Level 3).4
Why the length limit of 40 metres under permit? Further research conducted by Advantia in January 2017 confirmed that on occasion augers up to
125 foot in length (38.1 metres)5 travel short distances on the road network. While the preference
would be to allow these longer augers to move under a single trip permit, this assumes that moves
are planned ahead of time, which is not always the case. Therefore, annual or seasonal permits will
be made available for augers or conveyors that exceed 25.0 metres.
As with all annual / seasonal permits the farmer / contractor will need to provide evidence that the
route is safe to travel on. To ensure that an annual permit can be obtained farmers and contractors
will need to apply well in advance of harvest season.
Every three years a farmer / contractor will be required to provide evidence that the route is still safe
for travel. If any change to the route occurs in that three year period it will be the responsibility of the
farmer / contractor to report that change.
4 Access for agricultural implements and machines is based on the currently published Oversize
Overmass (OSOM) network which accommodates combinations that are up to 30.0 metres long, 5.0 metres wide and 5.0 metres high. 5 The length of these augers is necessitated by the growing height of silos, which on larger farms may
be up to 80 feet (24.4 metres).
Page 8 of 22 Commercial in Confidence Policy Consent Ag Guidelines (3546369) (2).docx
What conditions apply? See Pilot Vehicle requirements.
Page 9 of 22 Commercial in Confidence Policy Consent Ag Guidelines (3546369) (2).docx
Combination Length The following Table sets the new combination length limits for agricultural vehicles, machinery and
implements.
Table 3
Legislative Instrument Combination Length (m) Notes
Gazette Notice 25.0 Urban, Gippsland, Colac and Otway and Mountainous areas
Gazette Notice 35.0 Flat and Broad Acre – with a maximum tow of two vehicles / implements
Annual / Seasonal Permit 50.0 Broad Acre only – with a maximum tow of two vehicles / implements
What has changed? Increasing the overall combination length allowance in the Flat Area to 35.0 metres under
Notice; and
Setting a maximum length of 50.0 metres in the Broad Acre area under an annual / seasonal
permit with a maximum tow of two vehicles / implements.
Why increase the allowance in the Flat area to 35.0 metres? With the permitted length for a single implement increasing to 25.0 metres under Notice the overall
length was expanded to 35.0 metres to accommodate a towing vehicle of up to 10.0 metres.6 The
increase in length though does appreciably increase the swept path of the combination. Depending
on the implement being towed the swept path can range from 10.0 metres to 13.0 metres (PBS Level
3 and 4)7. This is less of an issue in the Broad Acre area where Road-Trains and B-Triples up to 36.5
metres operate under a permit in the North West of the Victoria. In the Flat Area, though, parts of the
network are not as accommodating as the Broad Acre region, therefore the increase in length under
Notice will require a pilot vehicle where the length exceeds 30.0 metres (see Pilot Vehicle
requirements).
Why increase the combination length to 50 metres under permit? As noted above, further work conducted by Advantia Transport determined that on occasion augers
up to 125 foot or 38.0 metres in length operate on the network. The increase to 50.0 metres
accommodates a towing vehicle of up to 10.0 metres.
As with all annual / seasonal permits the farmer / contractor will need to provide evidence that the
route is safe to travel on. To ensure that an annual permit can be obtained farmers and contractors
will need to apply well in advance of harvest season.
Every three years a farmer / contractor will be required to provide evidence that the route is still safe
for travel. If any change to the route occurs in that three year period it will be the responsibility of the
farmer / contractor to report that change.
Why limit towing to only two vehicles or implements? During the consultation process VicRoads received anecdotal evidence that farmers and contractors
were towing up to three or four implements. This raises concerns about the stability of the
combination, but more importantly whether the towing vehicle – the tractor or combine harvester – is
6 Nearly all makes and models of tractors and combine harvesters fit within this length limit.
7 As indicated in the AustRoads report.
Page 10 of 22 Commercial in Confidence Policy Consent Ag Guidelines (3546369) (2).docx
rated to tow implements that may be up to 75 tonnes mass in combination. Moreover, even if the
tractor or harvester is rated accordingly, it’s near certain that it will exceed the towed ratio
requirements (see section Towed Ratio and Transporting a Load). While it might be enough to simply
state that the towed vehicle cannot exceed its manufacturer’s ratings when towing implements, to
ensure that the risk is minimised the maximum limit of towed implements has been restricted to two.
What conditions apply? See Pilot Vehicle requirements.
Page 11 of 22 Commercial in Confidence Policy Consent Ag Guidelines (3546369) (2).docx
Rear Overhang The following Table sets the new rear overhang limits for agricultural vehicles, machinery and
implements.
Table 4
Legislative Instrument Rear Overhang (m) Notes
Gazette Notice 4.5 All areas.
Gazette Notice 6.5 Field Bins,8 Harvesters and Comb Trailers in the Flat
and Broad Acre area
Gazette Notice 10.0 Augers / Conveyors in the Flat and Broad Acre area
Annual / Seasonal Permit 20.0 Augers / Conveyors in the Broad Acre area
What has changed? Allowing Field Bins fitted with an auger discharge pipe to operate under Notice rather than
under permit;
Increasing the rear overhang limit in the Flat and Broad Acre areas for Field Bins (with an
auger), Harvesters and Comb Trailers to 6.5 metres (from 4.5 metres);
Increasing the rear overhang limit for Augers and Conveyors in the Broad Acre and Flat Area
to 10.0 metres under Notice; and
Setting a maximum rear overhang limit of 20.0 metres under an annual / seasonal permit.
Why increase the rear overhang limit to 10.0 metres under Notice? In line with the AustRoads report (page 64) the rear overhang in broad-acre farming regions can be
increased to up to 10.0 metres and still be managed from a safety and infrastructure perspective. As
Victoria has also included the Flat Area, a pilot at the rear of the combination will be required where
the rear overhang exceeds 6.5 metres (see Pilot Vehicle requirements).
Why set a limit of 20.0 metres for single trip permits? As noted above augers up to 125 foot do, occasionally, operate on the network. These augers will
have a rear overhang of up to 20.0 metres. A rear overhang this large does pose a road safety risk
which is why farmers and contractors will need to provide evidence that the route is safe to travel on
in the process of obtaining an annual or seasonal permit. To ensure that an annual permit can be
obtained farmers and contractors will need to apply well in advance of harvest season.
Every three years a farmer / contractor will be required to provide evidence that the route is still safe
for travel. If any change to the route occurs in that three year period it will be the responsibility of the
farmer / contractor to report that change.
What conditions apply? See Pilot Vehicle requirements (Table 6(c)) on page 10.
8 Including Field Bins fitted with an auger discharge pipe.
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Width The following Table sets the new width limits for agricultural vehicles, machinery and implements.
Table 5
Legislative Instrument Width (m) Notes
Gazette Notice 2.5 Otway and Mountainous Areas
Gazette Notice 3.0 Gippsland Ranges / Colac Surf Coast
Gazette Notice 3.5 Urban Area (Melbourne and Geelong)
Gazette Notice 3.5 Exempt Roads
Gazette Notice 6.5 Flat and Broad Acre Area
Annual / Seasonal Permit 9.0 Air Seeders only / Broad Acre Area
What has changed? The maximum width in the Flat area has been increased from 6.0 to 6.5 metres; and
The provision to allow air seeders at 9.0 metres wide to operate under a single trip permit.
Why set a width limit of 9.0 metres wide under permit? Advantia’s Stage 1 report indicated that the largest air seeders operating on Victorian roads were 8.0
metres wide. However, following consultation with the Victorian Farmers Federation it was pointed
out that there are a handful of air-seeders, when folded for transport, have a width of 9.0 metres.
Consequently, to accommodate these air-seeders the width limit has been increased accordingly.
Notwithstanding this, as made clear in the Austroads report, once the width limit of an implement
exceeds 6.5 metres the risk to other road users and infrastructure significantlyThan increases.
Therefore, as with all annual / seasonal permits the farmer / contractor will need to provide evidence
that the route is safe to travel on. To ensure that an annual permit can be obtained farmers and
contractors will need to apply well in advance of harvest season.
Every three years a farmer / contractor will be required to provide evidence that the route is still safe
for travel. If any change to the route occurs in that three year period it will be the responsibility of the
farmer / contractor to report that change.
What conditions apply? The consent officer will need to liaise with VicRoads regions and Local Council to ascertain
whether there are issue in regard to overhanging vegetation on the route.
See Pilot Vehicle requirements.
Page 13 of 22 Commercial in Confidence Policy Consent Ag Guidelines (3546369) (2).docx
Pilot Vehicles The following Table sets the new limits when an agricultural machine or implement needs to be
accompanied by a pilot vehicle. Pilot vehicles are only required in the Flat and Broad Acre areas.
Table 6(a) – Combination Length
Legislative Instrument Where Length exceeds... No of Pilots Positioning
Gazette Notice 30.0 metres in the Flat Area only 2 pilots9 Front and Rear
Annual / Seasonal Permit 35.0 metres 2 pilots Front and Rear
Annual / Seasonal Permit 40.0 metres 2 certified pilots
Front and Rear
Table 6(b) – Width
Legislative Instrument Where Width exceeds... No of Pilots Positioning
Gazette Notice 5.0 metres 2 pilots Front and Rear
Annual / Seasonal Permit 6.5 metres 2 certified pilots
Front and Rear
Table 6(c) – Rear Overhang
Legislative Instrument Where Rear Overhang exceeds...
No of Pilots Positioning
Gazette Notice 6.5 metres 1 pilot Rear
Annual / Seasonal Permit 10.0 metres 1 certified pilot
Rear
Table 6(d) – Height10
Legislative Instrument Where Height exceeds... No of Pilots Positioning
Gazette Notice / Annual Season Permit
5.0 metres 1 or 2 Escorts
11
Front
Table 6(e) – Towed Ratio
Legislative Instrument Where the Towed Ratio exceeds...
No of Pilots Positioning
Gazette Notice / Annual Season Permit
1: 1.2 in an 80 km/h zone or above
1 Pilot Rear
9 Pilot as defined in Schedule 8 of the Heavy Vehicle Mass Dimension Loading National Regulations
10 These requirements only apply where the combination will be travelling under powerlines. In cases
where travel under a powerline is not required, the 5.0 metre limit does not apply – that is no pilots or escorts are required (for height). 11
Depending on a route survey this is likely to include a VicRoads escort and an escort provided by the power company.
Page 14 of 22 Commercial in Confidence Policy Consent Ag Guidelines (3546369) (2).docx
What has changed? Everything. This is a complete overhaul of the pilot requirements for agricultural implements.
On what basis have these pilot requirements been set? Pilot vehicles are a means of mitigating the road safety risk posed by oversize vehicles. Both the
AustRoads report and the work commissioned by VicRoads clearly shows that the larger the
agricultural implement or combination the higher the road safety risk. To determine whether a pilot
vehicle or a certified pilot was required a risk management approach was taken. As a rule of thumb, if
the combination exceeded the PBS Level 4 requirements or failed the Tail Swing requirements12
then
a certified pilot was required. Otherwise a pilot vehicle is deemed sufficient noting that the longer and
wider combinations will be restricted to the broad-acre region of the State where traffic numbers are
lower and the risk posed to other road users is reduced.
12
As defined under the Performance-Based Standards Guidelines and Rules.
Page 15 of 22 Commercial in Confidence Policy Consent Ag Guidelines (3546369) (2).docx
Mass Limits The following Table sets the individual axle group and overall mass limits for agricultural machines
and implements.
Table 7(a) – individual axle group
Legislative Instrument Axle Mass (t) Notes
Gazette Notice With Single Tyres 9.0
Gazette Notice With Single Tyres 10.0 Tyre width less than 16 inches
Gazette Notice With Single Tyres 12.0 Tyre Width 16 inches or more
Gazette Notice With Dual Tyres 9.0 Ground contact width 2.51 metres
Gazette Notice With Dual Tyres 10.5 Ground contact width 2.51 to 3.5 metres
Table 7(b) – overall mass limit
Legislative Instrument Axle Mass (t) Notes
Gazette Notice Tandem Axle Group with 10.0 tonnes per axle
20.0
Gazette Notice Tri-axle / Tridem Axle Group with 10.0 tonnes per axle (single tyres)
13
27.0 This is a capped limit
Gazette Notice Tandem Axle Group with 12.0 tonnes per axle (single tyres)
24.0 Tandem Axle only
Gazette Notice Overall 45.0 Must meet towed ratio exemption (see page 14)
What has changed? The inclusion of individual mass limits for single tyres at up to 12.0 tonnes;
The inclusion of overall mass limits that take into account the mass towed ratio exemption
(see section Towed Ratio and Transporting a Load).
Why has the overall mass limit been set to 45.0 tonnes? In setting the overall mass limit, consideration has been given to the heaviest tractors and silage
trailers currently being sold in Victoria and the towed ratio exemption.
The VicRoads Stage 1 report found that 18.0 tonnes is the heaviest tractor that is commercially
available. The Austroads research was broader and identified that tractors weighing up to 25.0
tonnes are available (refer to Table 4). But the industry indicated that those tractors do not move
often on the road network, if at all. Of all the machine and implements on the network in Victoria
silage trailers are the heaviest and the largest of those is 31.0 tonnes.14
In line with a towed ratio of
1:1.5 an 18.0 tonne tractor can tow a 27.0 tonne silage trailer equalling an overall mass of 45.0
tonnes. This is why the tri-axle group mass limit is capped at 27.0 tonnes.
13
This cap also applies to trailers with more than three axles. 14
The Austroads research did identify chaser bins with a 45.0 tonne capacity and above (see section below).
Page 16 of 22 Commercial in Confidence Policy Consent Ag Guidelines (3546369) (2).docx
What if the combination exceeds 45.0 tonnes? If the combination exceeds 45.0 tonnes and meets the 1:1.5 towed ratio – for example a 20.0 tonne
tractor towing a 30.0 tonne silage trailer – than access can be granted subject to a bridge
assessment. This combination will be required to operate under an annual / seasonal permit.
As with the route surveys noted above, farmers and contractors will need to apply for a bridge
assessment well in advance of harvest season.
What access will be granted under Notice? According to Advantia’s Stage 2 report (page 4 and page 25) a tractor towing a fully loaded silage
trailer at 49.85 tonnes gross combination mass is no worse in terms of its impact on bridges than a
100.0 tonne low loader / dolly combination. As a consequence agricultural machines and implements
covered under these Guidelines will have access to a network based on the current OSOM map
published on the VicRoads website.
Do light combinations get greater access? Yes, if the combination complies with the mass limits below then it can operate over those bridges
that are marked by a black dots on the map.
Table 7(c) – mass limits for lighter combinations
Legislative Instrument Axle Mass (t) Notes
Gazette Notice With Single Tyres 9.0
Gazette Notice With Dual Tyres 9.0 Ground contact width 2.51 metres
Gazette Notice With Dual Tyres 10.5 Ground contact width 2.51 to 3.5 metres
Page 17 of 22 Commercial in Confidence Policy Consent Ag Guidelines (3546369) (2).docx
What about Chaser / Field Bins that can weigh 130 tonnes? While Field Bins of that size can carry a load (see page 15 in regard to the Load Carrying Exemption)
they will be limited to the mass limits above.
As an example take the tractor / field bin combination below:
According to the Table above each axle on the Field Bin – when transporting a load – could be up to
9.0 tonnes per single axle. With 10 single axles that’s a total of 90.0 tonnes. However, the overall
mass limits (as per Table 7(b)) is capped at 27.0 tonnes. Therefore if the Tractor was 18.0 tonnes
than the maximum mass of the above combination, including the capped limit, would be 45.0 tonnes.
What about pavement wear? While the heaviest silage trailer does cause more pavement wear than a freight vehicle, it causes
considerably less pavement wear than a 2-axle crane or, more importantly, a 100.0 tonne low
loader.15
15
See page 9 of Advantia’s Stage 2 report.
Page 18 of 22 Commercial in Confidence Policy Consent Ag Guidelines (3546369) (2).docx
Towed Ratio and Transporting a Load The following section discusses two exemptions to the Mass Dimension and Loading Regulations.
Towed Ratio Schedule 1, Part 1, Section 2 (4) of the Mass Dimension and Loading Regulations states:
In a combination, the mass of a dog trailer or pig trailer must not be more than the mass of the
towing vehicle.
Agricultural implements and trailers, such as comb trailers, augers and silage trailers have axle
groups that comply with the definition of a dog or a pig trailer. Consequently, under the Law an
agricultural machine towing an agricultural implement or trailer must have a 1:1 ratio – the mass of
machine cannot be less than the mass of the implement or trailer.
However farmers and contractors map opt to use tractors that are lighter than the trailer or implement
that is being towed, for practical reasons. The ratio will vary but anecdotally in can be as much as 1:2
or 1:2.5. In other words a 4.0 tonne tractor towing an 8.0 or 10.0 tonne implement.
When the mass of the towed implement or trailer exceeds the towed vehicle the safety concerns
mostly relate to the towed vehicle’s braking performance and whether the combination will meet the
Australian Design Rules (ADR) for braking. Given this, VicRoads commissioned Advantia Transport
Consulting to investigate whether the towed ratio for agricultural combinations could be increased and
still meet the relevant ADR.
In determining an ADR compliant towed ratio for agricultural implements and equipment, Advantia
physically tested a silage trailer and tiller / seeder towed by a tractor.16
As shown in the chart above, at a speed of 35 kilometres per hour the tractor / silage trailer / seeder
combination struggle to meet the ADR regulated stopping distance of 16.5 metres when the towed
ration exceeds 1:1.
However, when the speed is dropped by 10 kilometres --
16
The specific details can be found in Advantia’s Stage 3 report.
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-- the tractor / silage trailer / seeder combination meets the stopping distance requirement at a towed
ratio of up to 1: 1.5
Consequently, the Stage 3 report concluded that:
The towed mass ratio could be increased to 1:1.2 where the manufacturer of the vehicle had
not specified a maximum mass for the towed equipment; and
The towed mass ratio could be increased to 1:1.5 provided that these combinations were
limited to a travel speed of 25 km/h.
Therefore, based on the Stage 3 reports’ findings the mass ratio in Victoria can be increased to 1:1.2
for agricultural combinations with unbraked implements provided:
The manufacturer’s ratings on all vehicles and components are not exceeded. This includes
the towed ratio recommended by the manufacturer
In addition the mass ratio in Victoria can be increased to 1:1.5 for agricultural combinations provided
The manufacturer’s ratings on all vehicles and components are not exceeded. This includes
the towed ratio recommended by the manufacturer; and
The speed limit does not exceed 25 km/h
What about implements that are fully braked?17 If the implement or trailer is fully braked – that is complies with ADR 38 - then the towed ratio can
increase to 1: 3.0 provided the manufacturer doesn’t specify a lower towed ratio.
In cases where the trailer has brakes that do not comply with ADR 38 then the towed ratio can exceed
1:1.5 in line with the manufacturer’s rating. If the manufacturer is silent on towed ratio then the ratios
noted above (without brakes) apply.
Transporting a Load Schedule 8, Section 23 of the Mass Dimension and Loading Regulations states:
An agricultural implement must not carry goods or passengers.
17
That is comply with ADR38 or the European equivalent.
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This means that agricultural implements and machines must be unladen when operating on the
network. However, in practice this is not the case, Field Bins, Silage Trailers and Boom Sprayers are
all designed to carry a load and anecdotally they are used for this purpose on the road network. In
considering whether agricultural implements should carry a load VicRoads asked Advantia to consider
the rollover stability of a fully loaded silage trailer – as noted the heaviest implement / trailer operating
on the network. The Stage 2 report (page 16) showed that a fully laden silage trailer significantly
exceeds the minimum level Static Rollover Threshold (SRT) of 0.35g set by PBS freight vehicles. In
other words, stability is not an issue.
Consequently, any Notice or Permit issued under these Guidelines exempts a load carrying
agricultural implement or trailer from Schedule 8, Section 23 of the Law.
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Other Conditions That Apply Aside from what stated is above a number of conditions continue to apply to agricultural machines,
implements and trailers. These are stated below.
Night Travel The maximum length of an agricultural combination travelling at night is 25.0 metres.
In the Melbourne and Geelong Urban Area, a harvester wider than 3.1 metres or longer than 22.0
metres must be accompanied by a pilot vehicle.
Where possible augers and conveyors should not travel at night due to their large rear overhang and
the difficulty other motorists may have seeing them.
Table 8 – maximum width for night time travel
Area of operation Agricultural harvesters Other agricultural vehicles
Otway and Mountainous Areas 2.5 metres 2.5 metres
Gippsland Ranges / Colac Surf Coast
3.0 metres 3.0 metres
Exempt Roads 3.5 metres 3.5 metres
Melbourne and Geelong 3.5 metres 3.1 metres
Flat Area 4.0 metres 3.1 metres
Broad Acre Area 4.0 metres 3.1 metres
Night Travel for Spraying Machines To take advantage of optimum spraying conditions, a self propelled or towed spray machine (an
agricultural vehicle with a collapsed or folded boom spray) up to 3.5 metres wide may travel at night in
the Flat Area or Broad Acre Area, subject to:
Travel is not on a major road or freeway;
Rear projecting boom sprays that project more than 2 metres from the body of the vehicle
must have a delineator affixed to the rear of each projection consisting of a rigid yellow
material that;
o is at least 300 millimetres long and at least 300 millimetres wide; and
o confirms with class 1 or 2 of the Australian Standard AS 1906 Retro-reflective
Materials and Devices for Road Traffic Control Purposes;
The rear projecting boom sprays do not project more than 4.5 metres from the centre of the
rear/axle group of the vehicle; and
If the boom projects to the rear more than 1.2 metres past the stop, turn and brake lights, an
additional red light can be seen from at least 200 metres must be affixed to the end of each
boom.
Route Restrictions18 Oversize agricultural vehicles must not travel or attempt to travel:
On a Freeway (except the Princes Freeway at Orbost); or
On a road or bridge where a posted mass or dimension limit would be exceeded; or
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These route restrictions will be clearly marked on the Oversize Agricultural Vehicle map
Page 22 of 22 Commercial in Confidence Policy Consent Ag Guidelines (3546369) (2).docx
Beneath a bridge or overhead structure that carries a sign with the words “LOW
CLEARANCE” or “CLEARANCE” if the height of the vehicle or combination is equal to or
greater than the height shown on the sign; or
Beneath any other overhead structures, bridges, cables, wires or trees unless there is at least
200mm clearance to the highest point of the vehicle.
Oversize agricultural vehicles must not travel at any time on the following roads:
Hamilton Highway (Deviation Road) between Hyland Street and Minerva Road, Fyansford;
Great Ocean Road between Anglesea and Port Campbell;
Gellibrand River Road and Gellibrand-Carlisle Road between Great Ocean Road and
Gellibrand;
Silverband Road, Grampians National Park;
Northern Grampians Road, Grampians National Park; and
Wartook Road, Grampains National Park.
Other Markings19 Field bins, chaser bins and mother bins:
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Are exempt from having a warning light on the bin provided it is travelling in day time and is
being towed by a vehicle that has a yellow rotating warning light; and
Must have an OVERSIZE sign attached to the rear.
Schedule 8 All the conditions stated in Schedule 8, such as those dealing with warning devices and lighting, apply
unless otherwise exempted in these Guidelines.
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This in addition to what’s already mandated under Schedule 8 of the MDL Regulations 20
The prohibition from carrying a load has been removed consistent with page 14 of these Guidelines.