Wisconsin Ag Connection - Fall Harvest Weight Limits Begin on Labor Day

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Fall Harvest Weight Limits Begin on Labor Day
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 08/29/2014

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is reminding farmers that fall harvest weight limits take effect from September 1 through December 31. WFBF Governmental Relations Director Paul Zimmerman says farmers should note that state law allows an increase in normal weight limits for trucks hauling crops from the field to their first point of storage.

"An overweight truck permit is not required for the transportation of corn, soybeans, potatoes, vegetables or cranberries from the field to initial storage, or from the field to the initial processing point," Zimmerman said.

He adds that the state's new Implements of Husbandry law allows farm machinery to have a 15 percent increase in weight year-round. But the IOH law does not apply to trucks. Under the law, those trucks with a typical gross weight of between 50,000 and 80,000 pounds are allowed to increase their weights by 15 percent for harvest activities.

"For example, normally a semi-trailer loaded with corn cannot exceed 80,000 pounds. With the exemption that goes into effect on September 1, that same semi-trailer could be loaded to 92,000 pounds," Zimmerman explained.

This exception does not apply on Class 'B' highways, posted bridges, or highways designated as part of the national system of interstate highways.

The Farm Bureau also said that farmers should check with local law enforcement officials to make sure there are not special restrictions on roads and bridges they may be using.

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