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The ¹û¶³ÊÓƵ, working with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), dealers and member company representatives continue to meet with bill sponsors and other stakeholders regarding the Wisconsin legislation dealing with the use of farm equipment on public roads. Some significant changes have been made to earlier drafts but there remain a number of widespread concerns with the bill as it was introduced last week. Below are the concerns and recommendations our Association and AEM have identified.

These concerns have again been submitted to the bill sponsors and we remain hopeful that amendments will be offered to address critical problems which still remain.

This week, various effected groups will present their concerns during a hearing on the bill in Madison, Wisconsin. We will be a part of that process and will continue to work with AEM and others who share our concerns, while keeping you apprised of developments.

Key Issues We Believe Must Be Addressed In Wisconsin:

Weight — We believe weight limits on farm equipment should consider the overall weight limit the state wishes to allow, and eliminate the axle weight restriction and the use of the complex Federal Bridge Formula Chart that is specifically designed for typical on-highway motor vehicles. This chart places unfair limits on single axle equipment towed by large tractors. This would limit weight to 66,000 lbs for the tractor and a single axle towed implement, instead of the 92,000 lbs mentioned in the bill.

This one change in the bill would reduce drastically the number of over weight permit applications required of farmers, while reducing the administrative burden on local government officials, allowing them to focus on the consideration of heavier vehicle permits and/or development of alternate routes.

The bottom line on weight is, equipment designed and built for use in fields and rarely moved for short distances on public roads should not be limited by a formula designed to regulate the over the road trucking industry.

Lighting & Marking — The uncertainty of the federal standards for lighting and marking of agricultural equipment on highways, approved by Congress but not implemented, will cause confusion on what is required for used equipment. We have recommend a transition period of one year on used equipment to provide education on requirements and ensure kits are available to properly mount on the equipment when required.

Permitting — Immediate enforcement of the new weight limits under the bill could adversely affect many farming operations unless an overweight permit is granted. Therefore we have suggest that the “alternative route” guaranteed permit provision apply to all implements of husbandry at least for a period of time — five years — to give farmers time to change their operations.

Members can review the bill which was filed along with other documents and news coverage on the Association’s website at . Even if you are not selling equipment in Wisconsin, you have a stake in this legislation.

While what happens in Vegas might stay in Vegas… there is a long history of rules and regulations adopted by one state finding their way to neighboring states.

Members with additional concerns or wishing more information are encouraged to contact Vernon Schmidt in the Association office.

We wish to note our appreciation for the leadership and cooperation of Nick Yaksich, Vice President — Government and Industry Relations with AEM and Gary Manke, Executive VP/CEO of the Midwest Equipment Dealers Association on this important issue.