Tractor Safety Tips : How to Operate a Farm Tractor Safely?
Tractors are the lifeline for Indian agriculture. The farming productivity we see today was not possible without the use of farming tractors. Driving a tractor became easy over the years through seat belts, rollover protection structures (ROPS), and take-off power guards. In this blog, we are discussing about tractor safety tips and how you can avoid a tractor accident by implementing simple steps and guidelines.
It is known that today’s tractors are safer than previous ones. But it’s also a fact that accidents have only increased in recent past years. Therefore, it is necessary for an operator to learn all the tractor safety tips to minimize the risks. This blog discusses tractor safety in detailed steps. Stay attached till the end of the blog to learn about tractor safety and methods to operate a farm tractor safely. Also, we will learn about tractor safety features and tractor safety frames.
What is Tractor Safety, and why is it Important?
Tractor safety is the ways or methods of operating a farm tractor safely and thus minimizing the causes of death due to farm tractors. Agriculture Tractor safety is of utmost concern nowadays as tractor accidents are one of the leading causes of death. The US Department of Labor says, “Around 40 per cent of farm fatalities in 2017 were due to tractor accidents”.
Such farm fatalities in a single country due to a single problem in farmland can make farmlands scary. Furthermore, it was also observed that using ROPS and seatbelts in the tractor effectively reduced the above farm fatalities by 99%. Henceforth, it is quite clear that tractor safety and the related disciplines are important.
The Steps for Safely using a Farm Tractor
The below-given steps for safely using a farm tractor are of utmost importance, even if you’re a trained operator. We have covered all aspects of farm tractor safety and its safe operation. As we have seen in the previous section, that denoted data from the USA explaining the causes of deaths in farmlands.
We have sorted out nine steps for your safety while operating a farm tractor. Do read and follow the tractor safety rules while driving a tractor. Also, take tractor safety precautions whenever and wherever needed.
We have sorted out nine steps for your safety while operating a farm tractor. Do read and follow.
First step: Being Cautious is the Key
Before starting a tractor, make sure that your tractor health and safety are well enough to take it to the farmlands. Consider the below tractor safety test guidelines as the ultimate farm tractor safety checklist.
1. Before Starting
- Checkout for proper farmland clothing (for, e.g. safety shoes)
- Make sure that you have read the instructions manual.
- Carry out a pre-check of the machinery
- In the end, make sure you know how to operate the tractor in the end.
2. After Operation
Always make a safe stop before leaving your seat to maintain tractor safety. Use handbrakes when the tractor stops and stop the engine before getting off the farming machine. In this chain of cautiousness, make sure you have removed the key and all implements and tools are safely put to rest.
Second Step: The Driver’s seat Matters
The driver’s seat is the only safe place in the tractor to operate it. Make sure you have everything in control while you locate yourself in the driver’s seat. You should be aware of each control button, switch, side mirror, etc. and how to use them for the best of your surroundings. Below are some of the prime points to look out for when talking about the driver’s seat.
- Never jump in and out of the seat or the driver’s cabin. Always use steps and or handholds.
- To maintain tractor safety, never get in and out of a moving tractor. It will cause you serious injuries.
- You should always face inward and towards the drivers while getting out of the cabin/driver’s seat.
- Be aware of the moving parts of the tractor and never touch or intrude on the running parts. This can sometimes be fatal.
Third Step: Mind the Living
Usually, carelessness leads to accidents. In this step, we will discuss how taking the power of a tractor and handling it to the fullest matters.
- You must be well-trained before using a tractor. For tractor safety training, join a training institute. You should Never drive the farming machinery until you are trained enough to do so.
- Before moving forward, do check that the independent brakes are locked to make road movement. The brakes are locked for road transportation use.
- You need to mind human beings. Make sure that you do not crush anyone accidentally.
Fourth Step: Drive with Care
You might think that these small steps mentioned above are just enough. But, there are more tractor safety tips to this list you might haven’t noticed. A tractor operator needs more skills than a normal 4-wheeler or six-wheeler driver. Let us discuss some considerable points:
- Never drive abandoned or unsafe tractors. Fix the defects before driving.
- An operator shouldn’t rush while operating farm machinery.
- Always follow safety rules while operating.
Fifth Step: Mind the other Farm Labours around the Tractor
When you operate a farm tractor, you need to take care of farm labours across the farmland. Furthermore, coordination between the tractor operator and other farm labourers is necessary. As it is the first step toward a safer farm operation. And use the passenger seat only if there is any space for passengers.
Sixth Step: Hitching Safely
Accidents often happen while hitching or unhitching tractor implements or tractor-mounted machines. To stop such accidents, do consider the following steps.
- Always stop the tractor safely.
- Never drive in a rush.
- Try to maintain a constant speed while hitching tractor-mounted machines. This will minimize the jerk, and thus, there is a lesser chance of accidents.
Seventh Step: Other Implements and their Safety Operation
Sometimes other implements such as PTO shafts, trailers, maintaining trailer brakes and other related machinery can cause major damage to health and property. There should be a safe working system all around the tractor to maintain tractor safety.
Eighth Step: Lookout for Overhead Electric Powerlines
A tractor can bring unwanted damage if it is near electric powerlines. If poles aren’t high enough, they can be fatal to the tractor operator. Therefore, mind the overhead electric powerlines.
Ninth Step: How to Prevent Overturning?
Let us focus on some key points in preventing overturn. Always keep in mind that overturning can take place on flat ground as well. However, slopes are the major reason for overturning and related deaths. The overturning can be prevented by ballast weighing the tractor just as in the second lever order.
The Bottom Line
This blog discussed the importance of tractor safety and the steps to be followed while operating a farm tractor. We have mentioned the same in nine simple and easy steps. What are your views on it? Do Comment and stay with TractorGuru for further information and blogs.