For Immediate Release
November 16, 2011
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Senate Passes Brubaker Farm Equipment Transportation Measure 

HARRISBURG – The Senate approved legislation today that would allow farmers to move farm equipment more freely on Pennsylvania roads, according to the bill's sponsor Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36). 

Senate Bill 390 would allow for the transportation of wider equipment on Pennsylvania roads and permit farm equipment transportation at night if proper safety precautions are taken. 

"The size of farm equipment has grown in recent years, and current restrictions make it very difficult for many farmers to transport equipment legally," Brubaker said. "We need to take action to remove some of the roadblocks that prevent producers from accessing the equipment they need." 

For producers using their own equipment, Brubaker's legislation would increase the size of implements of husbandry permitted on roads during the day from 14 feet, 6 inches to 16 feet in width if additional safety precautions are taken. 

The bill would also provide for the movement of equipment up to 14 feet, 6 inches in width at night with proper precautions. Current law only permits farmers to move equipment at night under very specific circumstances and only during certain times of the year. 

Senate Bill 390 also creates a classification of custom farm service implements of husbandry for farmers who are contracted by neighbors to provide a service, such as harvesting or planting. Current law treats this equipment as a commercial implement, which places more strict regulations on equipment owners. Brubaker's bill would treat this equipment the same as producers using their own equipment. 

"I am thankful that my colleagues in the Senate have joined me in helping farmers transport equipment that is vital to agricultural operations in communities throughout the Commonwealth," Brubaker said. "I am hopeful the House of Representatives will consider this bill in the weeks to come, and I look forward to working with them to get this bill to the governor's desk to be signed into law."

CONTACT:

Kristin Crawford
(717) 787-4420