Tractor Safety, Part 1 (Public Service Announcement)

At this time of year it makes good sense to make sure your tractor is as safe as possible. Take the time this spring to insure your own and everyone's safety by checking your tractor over thoroughly. Here are some helpful guidelines:

• Make sure your tractor has a rollover protective structure. Other than using safe operating procedures, having a rollover protective structure is the most important thing you can do to make sure that you don't became a farm fatality statistic.
• Make sure the PTO is shielded. Most present day tractors come with sturdy PTO stub shields, but you should also shield the U-joints and implement shafts as well.
• Make sure your tractor has rear-wheel and front-end weights that you can mount when needed. Use rear-wheel weights to add stability for front end loads, and always lower the loader as far as practical before transport. Use front-end weights for counter-balancing heavy rear-mounted loads and towed loads in hilly country.
• Make sure that the steps and platform of your tractor are free of loose tools, snow, ice, mud, and other debris that could cause you to slip and fall.
• Make sure your tractor is equipped with an ABC fire extinguisher and a first aid kit, and if it is an open tractor, make sure you wear a dust mask and ear protection.

Next week, we will look at six more ways to make sure your tractor is safe for the long agricultural season ahead.