A tractor or dozer can be the most useful piece of equipment to the small acreage farmer. Done safely, tractor work can save countless hours of manual labour and be a rewarding experience. However, careless use can cause machinery damage or worse still end in tragedy.

The following is a guide to good safety practices. It is invaluable advice for those new to agricultural machinery and a good refresher for more experienced operators who may have become a little complacent.

Tractor Safety Features

It is important to start with a machine that complies with Australia Standards and has the right safety features. Ensure your tractor has the following.

• A Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) protects the operator in the event that the machine turns over. Wearing a seatbelt is essential to keep the operator in the protection zone if the machine does roll. A foldable ROPS is very handy for fitting the machine in garages etc. with limited clearance. Ensure the ROPS complies with Australian Standard 1636.

• If the machine is going to be used where there is a risk of falling objects, a Falling Object Protective Structure (FOPS) is essential. This is a more common requirement on bulldozers. Again the FOPS must comply with Australian Standard 2294.

• A clutch safety switch means that the engine can only be started when the clutch is engaged. This prevents the possiblity of the machine being started in gear and moving off immediately.

• The Power Take Off (PTO) that drives implements attached to the tractor is a fast spinning mechanism. A PTO cover protects operators against accidental entanglement of clothing, hair and limbs.

• If heavy implements are used on the rear of the tractor without a front end loader, ballasts are used to weigh down the front end.

Safe Operator

Only use the machine when you are fit for work. Do not operate if tired, stressed or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. Personal Protective Equipment is also essential. Wear close fitting clothing and safety equipment appropriate to the job. Always wear hearing protection.

Know Your Machine

Become familiar with the various controls on your machine. Take the time to read and understand the product manual and safety warnings marked on the machine – your might actually learn something. Only take on tasks within the capability of the machine and operator.

Important things to become familiar with include:

• Changing the transmission from high to low ratio. This provides a far greater range of speeds to be selected for safe control in all operating conditions.

• Engaging and disengaging 4 wheel drive. Selecting 4 wheel drive provides better traction in steep and slippery conditions. Disengaging 4 wheel drive when it is not required prolongs the life of the transmission.

• Raising and lowering the front end loader (where fitted). It should become second nature to raise and lower the front end loader while driving the tractor.

Safe Operation

A small acreage tractor or dozer is quite simple to operate. Safe operation is about using common sense, good judgement, always being alert and never taking risks.

Start Up

• Ensure there are no children or pets in the work area before starting.

• Use the step and both hands to get on and off the machine – this minimises the risk of slip falls.

• Always start the machine in neutral with the park brake on.

• Avoid running the tractor in a garage or poorly ventilated area – exhaust fumes are toxic.

General Travelling

• Never carry passengers on the machine. The risk of falling off and being run over or crushed is real.

• Watch out for rocks, stumps, ditches etc. that could cause you to lose control of the machine. Always travel at sensible speeds.

• Do not travel close to eroding/slippery embankments or gullies to reduce the chance of rollover.

• If you become bogged, always try to reverse out. If the tractor wheels are spinning in forward gear and suddenly gain traction, a rollover backwards can occur.

• Keep implements low to the ground for maximum stability.

Towing / Pulling

• Only tow loads attached to the draw bar. By having the pulling force applied below the axle, the risk of flipping the tractor is reduced.

• When pulling particularly heavy loads, use reverse gear and use a hitch point on the front of the tractor. The tractor can’t flip backwards doing this.

Tractor safely pulling trees

Hills

• When taking off uphill, release the clutch pedal slowly to reduce the risk of lifting the front wheels.

• When travelling up very steep slopes, reverse up (provided you don’t have trailing implements) to reduce the risk of flipping backwards.

• When travelling downhill, keep the machine in low gear and use the engine braking to avoid gathering excess speed.

• Travel directly up or down steep hills rather than across them to reduce the risk of rollover.

• Be careful raising implements, particularly front end loaders as this changes the centre of gravity of the machine and increases the chance of rollover.

• Do not push the boundaries of the suitability of the machine. Tracked machines are more suited to particularly hilly situations.

Operating PTO Implements

• Ensure all guards are correctly positioned and functioning. Always disengage the PTO and turn off the engine before going near the shaft.

• When slashing in long grass, walk around the area to be cut first to check for hidden obstacles. Be conscious that debris can be flung great distances at high speed – ensure there are no bystanders in the area.

Walking the land for hidden obsticles

Shut Down

When getting off the machine:

• Disengage PTO.

• Lower equipment to the ground.

• Put transmission in neutral.

• Apply park brake.

• Stop the engine.

• Remove key.

Maintenance

Inspect the machine prior to start up. Check oil and fluid levels. Look out for loose fasteners, worn, damaged or missing components. Particularly check hydraulic hoses and fittings. Escaping fluid under pressure can cause serios personal injury.

Ensure brakes, clutch and tyres are in perfect working order at all times and service the machine regularly.

Safety is always the highest priority. Always use a tractor that complies with Australian Standards, including Roll Over Protective Structure, seat belt and protective covers. Only take on tasks within the capability of the machine and operator. Follow all relevant safety warnings, instructions and regulations. Wear appropriate safety equipment and use common sense.

* This article is a general guide only. Conditions vary from site to site. Judgement relating to your individual conditions must be exercised. East Wind Tractors, Hanmey Implements and refurbished tractors feature in this article.

For more information on their products visit www.eastwindtractors.com.au or www.hanmeyimplements.com.au or call 1300 TRACTOR (1300 87 22 86).