Our New Farm Truck

How does that work...can you take a farm truck to a dealership like that, or do you have to flatbed it there?

 

Well, although it's a "agricultural vehicle", technically, the state of Ohio still requires it to be registered since it is also a motor vehicle with a VIN that is capable of speeds greater than 25mph.

HOWEVER, there is the "letter" of the law, and the "spirit" of the law. Local law enforcement here (Sheriff Rico) knows us and the other township residents, and doesn't bother our unregistered farm vehicles on the local roads, as long as they're safe (warning triangle, 4-way flashers, equipment towed slowly and safely, etc).

On the other hand, the dealership is an hour away and other law enforcement en-route don't know us (state bacon), and would probably enforce the letter of the law.

So yes, we'd have to have the truck towed, or get temporary tag for it.

We don't plan on ever needing it to go to the dealer, unless for some major warranty work (motor replacement, trans replacement).

We do our own service here on all our equipment, whether it be oil changes or re-welding snapped frames.

 

Great choice for the intended duties- however, if I were you I probably would spend the $100 to install a frame mounted hitch if you are using the truck daily to move these tools around. Rated at max. 3500 lb, keep us posted on how the stock rear bumper holds up for your usage.

 

i would have thought for a farm youd go 4x4 but in any case congrats!!!

 

the rear tsb does not apply to 5 lug trucks.

 

Don't be dissing on mrbadwrench's Chevy. 78,000 is a lot of miles on a farm truck.
Some of my farm trucks.
In WNC


In SWFL

The law doesn't bother me as long as I am going from one field to another field.

 

Oh sorry, I did not realize that. Looks like the OP is all set in that department though.

 

x2

 

30 years using 2WD trucks, and not one of us has ever kicked ourselves thinking "Drat, we should'a gotten the 4x4". Here's why:

Our land is our source of income, it's our biggest asset, and it's our heritage and our inheritance. We treat it with the respect it deserves. "Tread lightly" most certainly applies in our day-to-day vehicular activities. Every farm and property is different of course, and some are wallowing mudholes. Ours is not, as we take pride in it. High traffic areas are always beautifully maintained packed white limestone gravel. Other areas are driven on only when weather-permitting. The way we see it, if your vehicle is getting stuck, you shouldnt have been driving there. On our property, 4x4 is simply a crutch for poor driving ability.

We have agricultural vehicles with massive turftread flotation tires designed to tackle the wet areas with minimal ground damage instead

What you see below are about the biggest ruts we allow. Of course there are way worse areas (our south end bog is an excellent example), but we don't drive there.

 

nice truck...congrats on the purchase, I am sure you'll be satisfied.

 

I guess it helps if area is flat, Do you have rear end welded or spooled? or is it still open diff?

 

It's the open diff with the "Auto" limited slip, which seems to work pretty good.

I wouldn't weld a diff, just wears the back tires out faster on the road.

 

I live in a fairly rural area of Kansas. Almost all of the real farm trucks I have ever seen, old and new, have been plain 2wd trucks. Usually pretty base models, maybe with a tow package, but no frills. If the truck does double duty (farm work and, say, trailering horses) it's usually a dually diesel.

You're talking about people who know how to work on their own land, AND if they slip up and really get stuck they have far more capable machines (Farmall, John Deer) to use to fix the problem.

 

Who wants to bet how long it will be before the OP puts a satoshi grill and BHLM on it?

 

Actually, bad news - I already broke the grill (the POS plastic thing on the front with the emblem mounted into it) pushing on the back of a hay float to tuck it into a barn bay. Back of the float rode up over the front bumper and the stake pockets bashed in the grill. Tore off the remaining grill pieces and threw the whole thing away. Plastic crap was useless anyways

 

If you're like the farmers around here, you'll replace it with something welded from angle iron and expanded metal. Be sure to post pics.

 

I guess some people are just lucky..
On the end of every winter I keep telling myself I had enough and I am moving south to some flat land. Over here you either going down the hill or up the hill. No flat spots. Once winter comes in its a game of dodging 2wd crashing into the guard rails.
How bad it is.? Where I live, it costs more to insure 2wd then 4wd vehicle

 

I made the 4x4 comment based off yours pics. Everyone the truck had mud on it and was in ruts. Im glad the 2wd is all you need. Good Luck.

 

One thing about 1st and 2nd gen Tacomas is early frame rust. You may not have to worry as much since you don't take it on salted roads, but it's something to keep an eye on.

 

Welcome and congrats on your new truck.