Safety Tips For Using Tractors
Your tractor is perhaps the most hardworking machine of your enterprise. It is often the most essential piece of equipment on agricultural and construction sites because of its versatility and durability. In turn, it requires some regular maintenance to ensure all the tractor parts keep working smoothly.
As your local tractor dealer in Conroe and Navasota, TX, J5 Tractors has put together this guide to proper safety precautions. If you’re looking for tractor parts and service in Buna or Normangee, get in touch with our trained technicians who will gladly assist you!
Refer to the Manual
Most of the information given below is applicable to a lot of tractor models on the market. However, your unit may require some specific safety steps. Those recommendations will be listed out in your owner’s manual so go through it carefully to get better acquainted with your machine. Also, make sure to examine any safety labels and colors on the machine itself. Caution signs are yellow, warning signs are orange and danger is indicated by red. Always ensure you’re wearing the right eye and hearing protection before you begin working.
Dress Right
Your tractor and all it’s attachments and implements have moving parts that can cause a hazard. To ensure you avoid any mishaps, you should wear the right attire. Don’t wear anything that is loose-fitting and can get caught in the tractor parts you’re putting to work on the field. If you’ve got a shirt on, tuck in the tails and avoid wearing a scarf. Your shoes should be sturdy with non-skid soles. Use appropriate safety gear whenever needed, like heavy work gloves and safety glasses.
Starting Safely
Don’t ever start the machine when you’re not in the cab. If you’re outside the cab, you won’t be able to see if the transmission is in neutral or park. If you start the engine and the manual transmission is in gear, the tractor will start to move and can end up running someone over. To avoid a by-pass start, you can get retro-fit shields for your tractor. These machines aren’t usually meant for multiple passengers so try to not take people along for a ride. Have only as many passengers as there are seat belts. Always mount and dismount carefully.
Avoid Rearward Rollovers
Your wheels are crucial and have to be used wisely. If the rear wheels don’t rotate enough to push the vehicle forward, the tractor can tip backwards, which is called a rearward rollover. To avoid this happening to you, refrain from working on slopes or backing the tractor uphill, and properly stabilize the machine when you’re going to do any 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
When you try to turn a tractor sharply or go up a really steep incline, the vehicle can fall to its side, which is called a sideways rollover. Start by getting a ROPS (rollover protection structure) for your tractor. This helps to keep the operator safe just in case a rollover does occur. Other ways to avoid this is to not operate the machine on a slope, take turns at moderate speeds, correctly stabilize the vehicle and avoid driving close by roadside ditches. Before you begin working, make sure you’ve got your seatbelt on!
Roadway Rules
Your tractor moves much slower than a commercial vehicle so avoid driving on roads unless absolutely necessary. If you have to go by road, do so at times when there’s little to no traffic. Ensure your slow-moving vehicle emblem is visible as well as reflective tape if it's dark outside. Turn signals should be used as motorists often assume a tractor is slowing down to let them pass while it could be slowing 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
Have a quick inspection checklist that all operators must perform before using the tractor. All the operators must know how to balance and ballast load a tractor. These vehicles should only be started in open and well-ventilated spaces. 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. Keep your cab clean and tidy; sometimes tools and ropes scattered on the floor can cause accidents if they interfere with your ability to drive properly.
We hope you’ll find this information useful! If you’re looking for tractor parts and service in Conroe and Navasota, TX, get in touch with the trained technicians at J5 Tractors for more information. We’re proud to be the leading tractor dealer in Buna and Normangee!