RCNZ president Steve Levet says with the new season fast approaching it is timely for rural contractors and their staff to check to see they have the correct licence and a ‘wheels endorsements’ if required.
“It is incumbent on rural contractors to ensure both they and their staff have all the correct licences when moving their tractors and machinery around the country,” he says.
“There are no excuses for not having the correct licences and/or wheels endorsement. If contractors are not sure they should find out; all the necessary information is under the members section of our website – www.ruralcontractors.org.nz .”
Levet says the different types of licences rural contractors may require include:
Tractor up to 18t or in combination (towing a trailer) up to 25t
Under 40km/h, Class 1 (restricted or full) licence or overseas tractor licence
Over 40km/h, Class 1 plus wheels endorsement
Self-propelled agricultural vehicle (eg combine harvester)
Under 40km/h, Class 1 plus wheels endorsement
Over 40km/h, Class 2 plus wheels endorsement.
Rural Contractors NZ is offering training workshops run by long-time member Noel Blackwell, the next lot due in October. Contractors interested in attending – or having their staff attend – one of these training courses can contact RCNZ.
Meanwhile, Levet is reminding rural contractors to be courteous to other road users.
“Remember you are often pulling big gear and going slower than normal traffic, so keep an eye out for traffic and pull over where safe to allow cars to pass when on the road.”
