Safe Use of Your Farm Tractor
Tractors are one of the most important agricultural pieces of gear, but can also be one of the most dangerous. Annually, 300 to four hundred Americans are killed in rural accidents concerning tractors, and half of these involve roll overs. Each year farm workers are hurt by not following basic tractor safety rules. OHSA states that tractors should have standard seat belts, the standard roll-over protection, protection from tractor fluid spillage, and pointy surfaces protected. Wear work boots, gloves, also hearing and eye protection. Kids and passengers aren’t to ride on the tractor. Kids are injured each year from falling moving tractors.
You want to understand the capabilities, power, safety features and general operating procedures of your tractor. Ensure lights and alarm signals are properly working, especially if driving on the road. Do not refuel close to the gas pump, and always carry a fire extinguisher. Ventilate your tractor so that carbon monoxide gas does not effect the driver, especially in a closed taxi. Always turn off the engine, when getting off your tractor, putting it in gear and with the safety brakes on. Have children and employees steer clear of the wheels to insure slipping from under them workers need to take caution when around the machinery in the event of flying waste.
Operating a tractor is different than a driving a truck or car. Driving with your wheels spread evenly and far out ; will stabilize the weight of your tractor. Inclines particularly steep inclines can change the center of gravity on your tractor and make it tip simply. Scale back your speed when turning and using a front end loader, both of these can unbalance your tractor. Use the hitch as it was intended and read the manual for weight limits and loads to prevent changing the center of gravity for your tractor. Never stand between the machinery and tractor.
When driving your tractor between fields on the roads, be sure that all signals are properly working. Follow all of the rules of road, and tractors would possibly not be used on the highways. Be conscious of drivers that are impatient with the size and slowness of your automobile ; they may drive erratically to pass the tractor. Never employ a tractor for transport from and to city. Use your tractor for the work it was intended to do, to insure your safety.