Safety

Simple Tips on Tractor Safety

• Always make sure the PTO is off before dismounting your tractor.
• Never grease, adjust or check a PTO powered implement while the power is on and the shaft is turning.
• Hitch attachments only to the drawbar and appropriate hitch points on the tractor. Never attach chains to the rear axle housing. When pulling against heavy loads such as stumps or logs, attach chains to the front of the tractor and pull in reverse to avoid flipping the tractor. When skidding logs, use a skidding sled.
• Always unhitch implements onto a pallet. This will prevent the implement from contacting the ground in wet weather or freezing to the ground in cold weather and will facilitate moving it when attaching to the 3-point hitch.
• If there is a possibility that the tractor tires might be frozen to the ground always start moving the tractor in reverse until they have broken free. This will prevent the front of the tractor from lifting and perhaps rolling over backwards if you do not disengage the clutch quickly enough.
• Be extremely careful when operating a tractor in the woods or near trees. Few people realize that the weight of a passing tractor on tree roots can cause an unstable tree to fall instantly, usually in the direction of the tractor.
• If you have an older tractor where hydraulics and PTO operations are linked, equip the PTO shaft with an inexpensive overrunning clutch to avoid runaways when using heavy implements, such as mowers and tillers.
• Check hydraulic hoses for pinholes - fluid under pressure can penetrate skin.
• Narrow front end (tricycle) tractors can be hazardous if front end loaders or saddle tanks are used.
• A heavy wire mesh screen behind the seat can be helpful when brush-hog kicks up stones.
• When tractor is stopped, set the brakes securely and use park lock, if available.
• Check the locking mechanism on the brake pedals and adjust the linkages so the brakes work evenly.
• Keep rear wheels as far apart as possible, for stability.
• Put 'No Riders' signs on tractors and enforce the policy.
• Use care when operating tractors on slopes: slow down when turning, crossing slopes, and riding on rough, slick or muddy surfaces and use weights to lower the center of mass.
• Never refuel equipment when engines are hot or running.
• Keep fire extinguishers handy and in good condition.
• Avoid rollovers by keeping tire pressure at recommended levels.
• For safety's sake, use common sense.

Personal Safety Check

• Wear close-fitting, sturdy clothing. Avoid clothing with tears, bulging pockets, frayed edges and heavy cuffs that may tangle in revolving equipment parts. Cut-off trousers or shorts offer no protection from flying debris.
• Wear heavy, non-slip shoes, preferably with steel toes. Sure footing is essential to your safety, heels help prevent slipping and good soles reduce dangers of tripping and falling.
• Wear earmuffs in excessively noisy conditions (=85 db) to prevent hearing damage and reduce operator tension and fatigue.
• Wear a respirator in extremely dusty conditions to protect against dust, spray and debris that may be blown about.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles for protection from thrown rocks, pieces of wire, glass or other objects, and from exposure to dust and insects.
• Keep alert. Fatigue, worry, preoccupation, illness and the like are enemies of safety. Drugs and/or alcohol impair an operator's skill and judgment. When you begin feeling tired, too hot or too cold, take a 10-minute break to stretch, walk about, lie down, or snack. A break restores alertness and helps you continue the job accident free.

Inspect the Equipment

Before starting the equipment, make these final inspections and adjustments:

• Check the fuel level and refuel while the engine is cool and in a well-ventilated area. Wipe off any spilled fuel. Keep sparks and flames away from the fuel tank and engine. Do not smoke while refueling. Store additional fuel in a well-marked, safety storage container. Gasoline storage containers should be colored bright red. Diesel fuel containers should be yellow or green. Never use plastic jugs or glass jars for a fuel container.
• Check coolant when the engine is cool on liquid-cooled engines. Do not remove a radiator cap when the engine is hot, and never add cold water or coolant to a hot engine.
• Do not smoke or light a match when checking battery electrolyte level. Hydrogen gas from a battery, even in low concentrations, may explode in the presence of a spark or open flame. Keep the positive battery post covered with a rubber cover to guard against sparks.
• Adjust the tractor seat to fit the operator's needs and comfort. Operator fatigue may contribute to accidents, and a properly adjusted seat helps prevent fatigue. Improper seat adjustment may hinder operation of hand levers and foot pedals in an emergency.
• Adjust the tread width, tire pressure, tractor weights and cutting height so the equipment is properly prepared for operation.

Starting Procedures

Consult the operator's manual for the correct starting procedures. Remember the following general tips:

• On typical systems, before the engine will start, these items must be satisfied: (a) the ignition key must be "ON," (b) the transmission must be in neutral, the clutch pedal depressed, or both, (c) PTO or mower must be disengaged, and (d) the operator must be properly seated.
• Do not operate an electric starter for more than 30 seconds at a time because of heat build-up in the starter motor. If the engine will not start, turn the key to "OFF" and wait for a minute or two before trying again.
• Provide good ventilation if you must start an engine indoors. Such engines give off carbon monoxide, a poisonous, odorless and colorless gas.
• After the engine has started, make a final check to be sure all persons, pets and obstructions are out of the area.
• Move the gear shift lever to the desired gear and engage the clutch slowly, following the manufacturer's recommendations for shifting. On most tractors, start out in the gear you intend to use for driving or operating.
• Smooth starts are essential both for equipment and operator safety. Apply power gradually to the drive wheels. Do not "pop" the clutch by letting it out too fast. Engaging the clutch too quickly can result in overturning the tractor backward. Bring the tractor to a full stop before changing gears.

Be Alert While Operating

• Before starting to mow, check the area and remove any debris (rocks, cans, wire, toys, etc.) that might be thrown if struck by a rotating mower blade.
• Locate solid obstacles that might be hidden in the grass or overgrowth (large rocks, boundary stakes, irrigation heads, stumps, etc.). Avoid low-hanging branches, electric lines and guy wires that can cause costly equipment damage, tractor upsets and operator injuries.
• While maneuvering the tractor, be alert and watch the area ahead for moving vehicles, people or animals that might cross the path of the tractor. Be prepared to change course or stop.
• Avoid mowing too close to trees. The equipment may damage a tree, and low branches may distract you and lead to an accident. Wood chips placed at the tree's base will keep the turf neat and trimmed and will keep the mower away from the tree base.
• Reduce speed while operating on embankments; a hole, bump, or quick turn may result in tragedy. Use the widest possible wheel spacing and keep the tractor properly ballasted. Mow up and down the slope with a lawn tractor. If you must climb a steep slope, go up in reverse to reduce Stay clear of ditches, embankments and ponds. Apply power carefully when driving out of a ditch; a tractor upset happens easily under these circumstances. A roll bar and seat belt will protect the operator, but cautious operation should be the first priority.
• Downshift to a lower speed when climbing steep grades. Loads on the rear increase the chance of overturning backwards. Add front weight for balance.
• Leave the tractor in gear when going downhill. The engine acts as a brake.
• While backing, look behind to be sure the way is clear. Some lawn and garden tractors have a forward/reverse lever that reverses the tractor with a short pause. Be sure to bring the tractor to a full stop; look and be alert as you reverse directions.
• Stop mower blades before crossing gravel patches.
• Do not drive lawn and garden tractors on streets or highways. Their small size can make them difficult to see.

Never dismount from the operator's seat while attachments are running.

Stopping Procedures

Proper stopping procedures can influence the ease with which the equipment starts the next time. An operation is not successful until the operator has safely dismounted and the equipment is properly put away. Remember to:

• Remove the load from the engine to lessen shock on the bearings and reduce wear.
• Place the transmission in park or neutral. Set the brakes, and lower any mounted implements to the ground. Serious injury may result if raised equipment accidentally dROPS.
• Reduce engine speed, and allow engine to cool one or two minutes at one-third throttle speed and no load. This allows hot spots to cool and prevents possible damage to seals and valves.

Summary

These safety tips and maintenance procedures for checking, servicing and operating compact tractors should extend equipment life and reduce breakdowns and accidents.