Safety Tips For Tractor Operations
You need your tractor to handle a lot of the work that crops up on your farm as this hardworking machine is the backbone of any agricultural enterprise. As with most rugged and durable machines, you need to keep safety in mind when operating them. To help you out with that, we at Rivera’s Machinery, Inc. have compiled this short guide on some safety precautions you can take when working with tractors. For all your farm equipment needs, visit us at our location in Donna, TX. If you’re looking for tractors for sale around Harlingen or San Benito, get in touch with us today!
Know Your Model
While some of the safety tips discussed here will be applicable to most tractors out there, there may be some safety steps you have to take specifically for your tractor model. Check your owner’s manual to see any safety recommendations. Also, pay attention to any safety labels and colors on the tractor itself. Caution signs are yellow, warning signs are orange and danger is indicated by red. If you need to wear hearing or eye protection, make sure you do so before you begin working.
Dress Right
Tractors have moving parts, as do the attachments and implements that are used with them. Part of staying safe while working on your farm is wearing the right attire. Avoid wearing loose-fitting or flowy clothes that can get caught in parts of the machines around you. If you’re wearing a shirt, tuck in the tails and avoid wearing scarves. Your shoes should be sturdy with non-skid soles. Use appropriate safety gear whenever needed, like heavy work gloves and safety glasses.
Starting Safely
Never start your tractor when you’re not in the cab. When you’re outside the tractor, you can’t know if the transmission is in neutral or park. If the manual transmission is in gear when you start the engine, the tractor will start to move, which can lead to someone getting run over. You can get retro-fit shields for your tractor to ensure it won’t by-pass start. Usually, tractors aren’t meant for multiple operators so don’t take someone along for a ride. Have only as many passengers as there are seat belts. Always mount and dismount carefully.
Avoid Rearward Rollovers
One major cause of tractor accidents is rollovers. A rearward rollover happens when the rear wheels don’t rotate enough to move the vehicle forward and the tractor then tips backward. You can avoid rearward rollovers by avoiding working on slopes, backing the tractor up hills and properly stabilizing the tractor when you’re going to be doing heavy work. You should also use tire chains or boards to improve traction and hitch any attachments/loads properly. If you change the tractor speed gradually and apply power smoothly, it should also help you avoid rearward rollovers.
Avoid Sideways Rollovers
If you try to turn your tractor sharply or take on a very steep incline, you can tip your vehicle onto its side, which is called a sideways rollover. The first thing to do is get a roll-over protection structure (ROPS) on the tractor. This will keep the operator safe in case a rollover does happen. Other things you can do are to refrain from operating the tractor on a slope, take turns at moderate speeds, properly stabilize the tractor and avoid driving close to roadside ditches. Always ensure the operator wears their seatbelt before they begin working.
Roadway Rules
Tractors are slower moving vehicles than commuter vehicles, so try and limit the amount of time you spend on roads. When you have to, travel on roads at times where there’s little to no traffic. Make sure you have a slow-moving vehicle emblem, turn signals, reflective tape and lights. Use your turn signals properly as sometimes motorists assume a tractor that has slowed down is letting them pass, while it might just have slowed down to take a turn. When you can, pull off the road to let cars pass you safely. Use hand signals to let motorists know you’re letting them pass you. If you can, use pilot vehicles to escort your tractor on longer trips.
General Safety Tips
Before using the tractor, have a quick inspection checklist that all operators must perform. Ensure that all operators know how to balance and ballast load a tractor. Always start the tractor in an open or well-ventilated space. Before you start moving the tractor, ensure there are no humans or animals in the way, and always be aware of your blind spots. Don’t jump off a moving tractor and never leave a running tractor unattended. Always be aware of any terrain hazards and also keep the floor of your operator cab clean; ropes and tools thrown about can interfere when you’re driving.
We hope you’ll find these tips useful in increasing safety on your farm! If you’re looking for quality tractors for sale in Donna, TX, head to Rivera’s Machinery, Inc. We have a wide inventory for you to choose from and our expert staff will address all your questions and concerns. We welcome all our patrons from Harlingen or San Benito.