Harvesting/Oversize load questions

Well finally after a long long search I believe I have a job running with a harvest crew out of Kansas which is a blessing because I have fought 2 major issues, experience and not being over 21. I originally thought I was just going to be driving a grain truck but In addition to that when we travel out on the road I will be pulling an oversize combine and behind that a 40ft. header trailer. I was just wondering if anyone out there could give me a little insight on pulling oversize stuff as I know it increases the pucker factor per say. I am also studying for my doubles endorsement as I have to pull 2 trailers.

My other question is about the truck I believe will be mine for the summer. It is an old school Pete probably about late 80's I would assume and I believe its a 15 speed. My question there is does anyone know what the shift pattern is on a 15? as I have only drivin a 9, 13 and 18.

Also it appears to have an ungodly long shift handle that appears to make the splitter hard to reach. Any reason for that? I'll try to keep the forum up to date for anyone whose interested in my harvesting adventure. We plan to be in Whichita Falls by the 10th of may

Thanks, Matt

p.s. any helpfull advice or tips are welcome.

 

Best of luck to You Matt!!!!

Keep us posted

 

Well by December you'll know how to drive.The long stick was probably an addition when it was a bull rack(that's a guess) but shouldn't take long to adjust tversize take 'er slow and easy and keep your head on a swivel.Hopefully you will be working with the same experienced escorts when moving rigs.Custom harvesting is a grind,but if you survive you'll have some of the best training available.Chasing a chopper or combine around for six months and city traffic will seem a breeze.Pay attention to how the experienced drivers operate.Do not worry about speed that will come.Concentrate on the mechanics of how the operation works.Good luck.

 

Thanks Tazz, It will deffinitly take some getting used to and i will be sure to keep everyone updated as I travel.

 

Don't forget to watch out for rattlers around the cornfields.

 

HvyHaul739, I have done nine yrs of custom harvesting in the 90's, the thing you have to remember is that the combines are 13' to 13'6" wide. The roads you will most likely be on are narrow state hwy's. The way I found to be the safest is to ride the white line(sometimes scary as ####) and most of the time that would put the left tire of the combine on the yellow line. You really have to watch for mailboxs that are to close to the road(and yes I have paid for a couple) most likely it will happen. You really have to focus near and far on the road, alot of narrow bridges to be crossed. The number one thing you have to watch for is the four wheelers, there is a lot of idiots(no offense to anyone I hope) out there that will be mad at you for taking up the road as sometimes it is necessary to do so(a lot of fingers so just brush it off). I wish you the best of luck out there. Those nine yrs have made what I am today, it will be a real life experience for you. It is alot of long hours and sometimes a lot of waiting at elevators. Be safe.

 

For me was getting adjusted to the speed of the combines out in the field. But it came to me with practice. The long lines at elevators is just that. Spent 4 hrs at a ethanol plant once. Good luck and look forward to your postings.

 

Thanks for everyones helpfull advice Have a feeling im gonna have some puckering moments along the way. lol

 

Most times you can find all the information and spec's about that truck on the drivers door near the locking mechanism on a Id plate. Get the numbers for the transmission then you should be able to get the exact shift pattern and any other info you might need. Same with the engine.