Do you operate a tractor? These low-speed, high-powered traction vehicles have been around since the early 19th century and today are essential equipment in farming, construction and even engineering applications.
With the complexity of these machines, along with the implementation of various attachments to enable a variety of tasks, this can be a dangerous vehicle to operate. When operating a tractor for the welfare of those who drive it and others in the vicinity, respect must be given.
With that in mind, everyone needs to know some tractor safety precautions.
Precaution #1: Safety Inspection Before Operation
The first thing you should do when getting ready to operate your tractor is to have a pre-operating safe inspection. It may seem like a waste of time, but you don’t know the machine’s current condition unless you check it out first.
Start with the lights, including warning and flashing lights and reflectors. These help you see in low light conditions and allow others to see you. Next, make sure the guards and safety shields are in place on the PTO. The power take-off is a shaft that rotates at high speed and can pull a limb into it quickly, resulting in possible injuries like:
- Deep cuts
- Spine and neck injuries
- Severe contusion
- Dislocations
- Broken bones
- Death
Make sure the PTO shielding is in place and doing its job correctly.
Check tire pressure, tread wear, and any loose wire connections and your fluid levels are topped up. Make sure everything is in good working order before you start the tractor. Contact a tractor dealer for any questions.
Precaution #2: Wear the Right Gear
Anyone can jump on a tractor and start working, but to be safe, you must pay attention to your clothing and PPE. This includes:
- Wearing tight-fitting clothing
- Steel-toed boots
- Hearing protection
- Work gloves
You don’t want any part of your clothing caught in the moving machinery, so wear your clothes properly or store extra garments safely.
Precaution #3: Starting Up And Shutting Down
Once you mount your machine, it’s time to get it started. Have a good look around first to make sure there are no children or animals beside the tractor. Once you start it up, you may not be able to see or hear someone and moving the machine quickly could spell disaster. After you start it up, getting off the tractor and taking a quick walk around to ensure no obstacles in your direct path is good practice. Also, look for any leaking or irregular noises from the machine. Hop back in and adjust your seat so you can comfortably operate the controls and are ready for your work day.
At the end of your day, park your machine on a level spot, apply the parking brake and turn off the key. Take the key with you so no one jumps on for a joy ride and endangers themselves.
Precaution #4: Operation
You will use the tractor for many tasks during your work day. You could move debris and material with a front-end loader or pallet forks and connect wagons or other attachments for your various farming duties. Make sure you connect each implement securely without rushing so it is safely attached.
When driving on farmland, watch for ditches, depressions, and slippery embankments that could cause a rollover. Reduce your speed before turning, braking and driving down hills.
Driving up steep slopes can be tough with a tractor, so as long as you don’t have any attachment towing behind, reverse up those slopes for better traction.
Precaution #5: Hitching
It is worth mentioning more about hitching attachments to your tractor because you can get into a dangerous situation if you are not careful.
Use the proper mounting points and connecting draw bars supplied by the manufacturer. Improvising, modifying or altering your connections can result in a potential accident. Ensure all guards are in place for power implements, including the power shaft. Keep every implement clean and well maintained and stored safely on your property or in a covered area like a barn.
Precaution #6: Ongoing Maintenance
Part of ensuring the safe operation of your tractor is preventative maintenance. This will keep your machine running smoothly and identifies problems as they come up so you can make repairs. This maintenance includes:
- Greasing
- Belt replacement
- Cleaning off working platforms and steps
- Checking all fluids
- Checking air pressure in tires
- Make sure the battery is secure, and connections are clean
- Topping off the fuel tank
By following these tractor safety precautions, you will have a more productive workday, prolong the life of your machine and get home safely after you are done. Taking good care of your tractor will serve you well as you put it to work on your farm or job site.
