Rural Contractors New Zealand (RCNZ) is urging its members to ensure they have all the correct transport licences for the coming season.
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 licenses 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”
Levet says the different types of licences rural contractors may require include:
Tractor up to 18 tonne or in combination (towing a trailer) up to 25 tonne:
- Under 40 kph, Class 1 (restricted or full) licence or overseas tractor licence
- Over 40 kph, Class 1 PLUS Wheels endorsement
Self-propelled agricultural vehicle (eg combine harvester):
- Under 40 kph, Class 1 PLUS Wheels endorsement
- Over 40 kph, Class 2 PLUS Wheels endorsement.
Rural Contractors NZ is also running a number of training workshops run by member Noel Blackwell in October.
Contractors interested in attending – or having staff members attend – one of these training courses can contact RCNZ.
Levet reminds rural contractors to remain 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.”
