Hay trucks
Research into the transport of baled hay and straw was conducted during 2007 by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), at the request of, and with considerable input from, the Australian Fodder Industry Association (AFIA).
The research included testing and assessment of loads of bales against road safety and load restraint standards.
It was found that certain vehicles with certain loading configurations meet the standards, provided the load is adequately restrained. Victoria adopted the RIRDC findings for a two-year trial period in 2008 for those vehicles which meet the above standards and reviewed the arrangement in 2010.
The review revealed no noticeable increase in the number or severity of incidents attributable to the transport of baled hay and straw on vehicles loaded as recommended. Subsequently, due to the improvements achieved during the trial period in efficiency and safety, the arrangement was adopted in February 2011.
The following information bulletin sets out dimension limits, operating requirements, recommendations for load restraint and requirements for warning signs for hay trucks loaded in excess of 2.5 metres travelling on roads in Victoria.
Details of the requirements for hay trucks loaded in excess of the normal width limit of 2.5 metres and the height limit of 4.3 metres is also described on page 28 of the Commonwealth of Australia Notice that can be viewed on the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator website (External link) (PDF).