No matter how or when you’re running machinery, you have to keep safety in mind. According to the National Safety Council, overturned tractors account for nearly 50-percent of tractor fatalities. Remember these “ten recommendations for tractor safety”.
Number one – know your tractor, its implements, and how they work. Read and understand your operator’s manual.
Two – Use a roll-over protective structure and a seat belt. Research shows that when used together, ROPS and seatbelts are 98-percent effective in preventing tractor-related injuries and death.
Three – Be familiar with the terrain. Walk the area first, and use caution on slopes and turns.
Four – Never start an engine indoors. Exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is colorless, odorless, and deadly.
Five – Always keep the PTO shielded and be sure to walk around the tractor and implement, never between them.
Six – Keep your hitches low and always on the drawbar. Otherwise, your tractor could flip over.
Seven – Never get off the tractor when the engine is running. Turn off the engine before you leave the seat.
Eight – Never refuel while the engine is running or hot. Also, don’t add coolant to the radiator when it’s hot, because it can erupt and scald you.
Nine – Keep children off and away from the tractor and implements. Kids are attracted to machinery but it’s not child’s play.
And number ten – Never be in a hurry or take chances with your tractor. Think safety first, take your time, and do it right.
