1. FAST-TRACK USER'S GUIDE

1.1 Introduction

 

1.2 DAYTIME MARKING REQUIREMENTS

1.3 NIGHTTIME LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS

 The information in this guide has been designed to help equipment owners and operators retrofit their machines in accordance with the new regulations. It does not replace or supersede Manitoba’s Lighting and Marking of Agricultural Equipment on Highways Regulation, and is not a legal document used for law enforcement.

1.1 Introduction

The key to safely transporting farm machinery on public roads is to be as visible as possible.
The agricultural manufacturing industry has established guidelines in the form of standards that identify what is minimally acceptable, and technically feasible. Manitoba Highways and Transportation will let these industry standards form the basis of the new regulation under the Highway Traffic Act entitled “Lighting and Marking of Agricultural Equipment on Highways Regulation.”

The regulation in its entirety defines lighting and marking configurations that vary for different conditions, such as the length and width of equipment and the time of day it is being transported. The intent is to give equipment owners and operators a set of requirements that balance the cost of compliance with the need for safety. Detailed requirements for different conditions are outlined in the section “Detailed User’s Guide,” or in the Manitoba regulation.
However, these different conditions and the way they work together can be somewhat confusing initially. Owner/operators who frequently move equipment on public roads may chose to upgrade their equipment for maximum convenience and visibility, regardless of implement size or traveling conditions. These operators can retrofit their machinery as outlined in this Fast-Track User’s Guide and be confident that they meet or exceed the requirements of the regulation for existing equipment (manufactured before January 1, 1998), regardless of the size of implement.

Note: Following the recommendations in the Fast-Track User’s Guide may exceed some of the detailed requirements (which vary according to equipment size and travel conditions) outlined point-by-point in the “BE SEEN, BE SAFE... Detailed User’s Guide” section of this guide, or in the detailed Manitoba regulation.

Definitions

For the purpose of this overview, an extremity is the extreme projection of the equipment in question. For example, the extremity of a tractor may be the protruding axle stubs, on a cultivator it may be the protruding shovels when folded into transport position.

As a general rule, implements that fall within the dimensions of the shaded box in FIGURE 1 do not require flashing amber warning lamps, provided the implement does not impair the flashing amber warning lamps on the propelling machine.

 FIGURE 1.

 

 

1.2 DAYTIME MARKING REQUIREMENTS (for self-propelled and towed implements)

Slow-Moving Vehicle Emblem

Operators must have a Slow-Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem securely mounted at the centre or to the left of centre of the rear of the machine. The emblem must be clearly visible to all traffic at the rear of the machine.

 

Red Reflectors or Red Reflective Material

Red reflectors must be visible to traffic approaching the rear of the equipment. A minimum of two reflectors are required, with one being positioned as close as practicable to the left extremity and the other as close as possible to the right extremity of the machine.

 

Amber Reflectors or Amber Reflective Material

Amber reflectors must be visible to oncoming traffic. A minimum of one is required, being positioned as close as practicable to the left extremity of the machine.
Equipment that extends more than 10 m (33 ft.) behind the hitch point of the propelling machine requires amber reflectors (visible from the left and right sides) spaced no more than 5m (16 ft.) apart along the sides of the machine, as measured from the hitch point. One reflector on each side must be mounted as close as practicable to the rear extremity.

 

Flags

For daytime travel only, operators may use coloured fluorescent flags in lieu of flashing amber extremity warning lamps on equipment more than 4 m (13 ft.) wide.
Flags must be positioned to mark the left and right extremities of the machine and be visible to the front and rear. They must have a minimum area of 0.2 m² (320 in.²). For example a 45 cm x 45 cm (18 in. X 18 in.) flag is acceptable. Flags should be hung such that their full area is visible. Suggested colours for flags are orange or red.

 

1.3 NIGHTTIME LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS (for self-propelled and towed implements)

To travel at night, owner/operators must meet the DAYTIME MARKING REQUIREMENTS, Section 1.2 (except for flags, which are a daytime requirement only) in addition to the following lighting requirements:

 

 Headlamps on self-propelled equipment

A minimum of two headlamps are required on self-propelled equipment. They must be mounted at the same height and spaced apart laterally as widely as practicable. They should be properly aimed as per ASAE Standard S279.9 (see Appendix 4). Also, care must be taken so light from flood lamps or general service lamps does not project rearward.

 

Tail Lamps

Tail lamps must be visible from the rear. A minimum of one is required. On self-propelled equipment, the tail lamp must be mounted less than 1.5 m (5 ft.) to the left of the machine centre. On towed implements it must be mounted to the left of the machine centre. If two tail lamps are provided, mount the second to the right of the machine center, symmetrical with the left tail lamp.

 

Flashing Amber Warning Lamps

Flashing amber warning lamps must be visible from both the front and rear. A minimum of two are required, with one being positioned within 400 mm (16 in.) of the left extremity and the other positioned within 400 mm (16 in.) of the right extremity of the machine.
On self-propelled equipment the lamps should be mounted at least 1 m (39 in.) high. On towed implements, the lamps are preferably mounted at least 1 m (39 in.) high, but not more than 3 m (10 ft.) high.

 

 Tips:
1. Use your flashing amber warning lamps and tail lamp(s) whenever you are on the road. Your headlamps should be on for daytime travel too—you’ll be extra visible and playing it safe.
2. Tractors made in recent years are equipped with a seven-pin connector, which allows the flashing amber warning lamps on towed implements (if also equipped with a seven-pin connector) to serve as turn signals.
3. When you purchase lighting and marking equipment, make sure it meets the appropriate CSA/ASAE/SAE standards. Appendix 1 at the back of this booklet matches lighting and marking equipment to the appropriate standard.
Remember: Being safe means protecting yourself as well as other motorists!