Contents

Safety First

Simple Tips on Tractor Safety

[Check the glossary for unfamiliar terms.]

  Before cleaning critter nests out of your tractor in the spring, read about Hantavirus Risk Control.

  Always make sure PTO is off before getting off a tractor.

  Never grease, adjust or check a PTO powered machine while the power is on and the shaft is turning.

  The PTO shaft should be completely enclosed by a guard. The guard should spin freely and stop if something brushes against it.

  PTO stub should have a substantial shield.

  Hitch attachments only to the drawbar and hitch points recommended by tractor manufacturers. Never attach chains around the rear axle housing. When pulling against heavy loads, such as stumps or logs, attach chains to the front of the tractor and pull in reverse to avoid backflips. When skidding logs, use a skidding sled.

  Always unhitch implements (blade, etc.) onto a pallet. This will prevent the implement from contacting the ground in wet weather or freezing to the ground in cold weather and will facilitate moving it when attaching to the 3-point hitch.

  If there is any possiblity that the tractor tires might be frozen to the ground, always start moving the tractor in reverse, until they have broken free - this will prevent the front of the tractor from lifting and perhaps rolling over backwards if you do not disengage the clutch fast enough.

  Be extremely careful when operating a tractor in the woods or near trees. Few people realize that the weight of a passing tractor on tree roots can cause an unstable tree to fall instantly, usually in the direction of the tractor. If you can't avoid doing much work near trees, make sure your tractor has a strong overhead ROPS.

  If you have an older tractor where hydraulics and PTO operations are linked, equip the PTO shaft with an inexpensive overrunning clutch to avoid runaways when using heavy implements, such as mowers and tillers.

  Check hydraulic hoses for pinholes - fluid under pressure can penetrate skin.

  Narrow front end (tricycle) tractors can be hazardous if front end loaders or saddle tanks are used.

  Tractor should have a ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure) - check for a certificate on the structure. [Click here for information on how to add a ROPS to older tractors.]

  A heavy wire mesh screen behind the seat can be helpful when brush-hog kicks up stones.

  Replace metal pan seats with cushioned seats with proper arm rests and lower back support.

  When tractor is stopped, set the brakes securely and use park lock, if available.

  Check the locking mechanism on the brake pedals and adjust the linkages so the brakes work evenly.

  Keep rear wheels as far apart as possible, for stability.

  Put 'No Riders' signs on tractors and enforce the policy.

  Use care when operating tractors on slopes: slow down when turning, crossing slopes, and riding on rough, slick or muddy surfaces and use weights to lower the center of mass.

  Never refuel equipment when engines are hot or running.

  Keep fire extinguishers handy and in good condition.

   Avoid rollovers by keeping tire pressure at recommended levels.

  For safety's sake, use common sense.

  For more information on how to operate compact tractors safely, see the article Safe Operation of Compact Tractors at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

  For lots of useful information on how to keep kids safe while they are helping with or playing in the proximity of yard or farm work, see the Farm Safety 4 Just Kids site.