Tractor Safety for the Wildlife Manager
Wildlife and the Outdoors
By Tony Burgett, Wildlife Biologist Aide, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
Hunters and farmers share common interests--a love of the outdoors and mutual respect for the land and its resources. Safety also is a primary concern for both hunters and farmers. Safety has no less importance at deer camps than at the family farm. Most hunters recognize the apparent dangers associated with hunting and they seek to follow game laws for their own personal safety and that of their fellow hunters. Unfortunately, the same level of safety used while on a treestand or while handling firearms often is not shown when operating a tractor. Hunting is recognized as one of the safest outdoor activities; farming is considered one of the most dangerous occupations. However, most farm equipment injuries and deaths are avoidable.
Preventive maintenance of equipment can make it possible to avoid an unnecessary trip to the emergency room and, quite possibly, a lifetime of heartache. Regardless of experience level, thoroughly reading all owner’s manuals will provide an overall understanding of the tractor, its implements, and how each function. Likewise, owner’s manuals address matching horsepower ratings with implement size. Incorrect applications have the potential for serious personal injury or permanent equipment damage. Never use larger equipment than designed for your tractor, as rear overload can cause the front end to become dangerously light and substantially increases the possibility of rollover. Almost equally important is that large horsepower tractors can destroy lightweight equipment.
Rollover is the primary concern in tractor safety and it is the leading cause of farm fatalities. The best way to reduce this risk is to always use your seatbelt in conjunction with a rollover protective structure (ROPS). If your tractor is not equipped with both devices, see your dealer for the right application and proper installation; do this today-- it could save your life! The ROPS and seatbelt are designed for operator protection only. Although children see riding alongside their dad or granddad on the tractor as fun, it can be very dangerous. Never allow others to ride with you and warn those nearby to remain at a safe distance, as bodily contact with moving equipment or flying debris can be deadly. Keep in mind that children and some adults may not realize the danger associated with farm equipment and how quickly accidents can occur. Furthermore, those in harm’s way may not realize the difficulty of signaling their presence. Often an operator’s field of vision may be limited and hearing temporarily impaired by engine noise and use of necessary hearing protection.
Another safety measure to prevent rollover is maintaining a balance workload. Position implements near the ground, regardless of forward or reverse speed. This is especially important when equipment is loaded, as the tractor may become dangerously unbalanced. Use extreme caution when crossing slopes or inclines and remember to make turns at a safe speed. Accidents can easily happen when a job is rushed.
Connecting and disconnecting implements poses other dangers. Never allow anyone to stand between a tractor and an implement while connecting or disconnecting! Before changing implements, turn off the engine and allow the power take-off (PTO) shaft to completely stop. PTO covers should be in place and the shaft should be well lubricated. Loose-fitting clothing is comfortable, but presents a real danger near moving parts. When it comes to work gear, never overlook the value of a good pair of leather gloves, safety glasses and adequate hearing protection.
Keeping your tractor and implements clean and well maintained is perhaps the biggest key to enjoying the many benefits of tractor ownership and will help prolong the life of the unit. Clean surfaces allow for visual inspection for oil leaks, cracks, missing bolts or other needed repairs. Sharpen blades on mowers as needed to reduce wear on the PTO and gearbox. Wash the entire tractor and spreader after applying fertilizer, lime, or any other corrosive materials. Performing routine maintenance, checking tire pressure, fluid/oil levels, and greasing fittings and bearings assures proper function and safe operation of both the tractor and implements for years to come.
Although a variety of safety issues face farmers and wildlife managers, the overall message is simple: be mindful of the potential risk of injury to yourself as well as others.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR visit https://webmail.cumulus.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=d48f8e77c82444d188d91138db33fd0f&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.outdooralabama.com%2f.
Hunters and farmers share common interests--a love of the outdoors and mutual respect for the land and its resources. Safety also is a primary concern for both hunters and farmers. Safety has no less importance at deer camps than at the family farm. Most hunters recognize the apparent dangers associated with hunting and they seek to follow game laws for their own personal safety and that of their fellow hunters. Unfortunately, the same level of safety used while on a treestand or while handling firearms often is not shown when operating a tractor. Hunting is recognized as one of the safest outdoor activities; farming is considered one of the most dangerous occupations. However, most farm equipment injuries and deaths are avoidable.
Preventive maintenance of equipment can make it possible to avoid an unnecessary trip to the emergency room and, quite possibly, a lifetime of heartache. Regardless of experience level, thoroughly reading all owner’s manuals will provide an overall understanding of the tractor, its implements, and how each function. Likewise, owner’s manuals address matching horsepower ratings with implement size. Incorrect applications have the potential for serious personal injury or permanent equipment damage. Never use larger equipment than designed for your tractor, as rear overload can cause the front end to become dangerously light and substantially increases the possibility of rollover. Almost equally important is that large horsepower tractors can destroy lightweight equipment.
Rollover is the primary concern in tractor safety and it is the leading cause of farm fatalities. The best way to reduce this risk is to always use your seatbelt in conjunction with a rollover protective structure (ROPS). If your tractor is not equipped with both devices, see your dealer for the right application and proper installation; do this today-- it could save your life! The ROPS and seatbelt are designed for operator protection only. Although children see riding alongside their dad or granddad on the tractor as fun, it can be very dangerous. Never allow others to ride with you and warn those nearby to remain at a safe distance, as bodily contact with moving equipment or flying debris can be deadly. Keep in mind that children and some adults may not realize the danger associated with farm equipment and how quickly accidents can occur. Furthermore, those in harm’s way may not realize the difficulty of signaling their presence. Often an operator’s field of vision may be limited and hearing temporarily impaired by engine noise and use of necessary hearing protection.
Another safety measure to prevent rollover is maintaining a balance workload. Position implements near the ground, regardless of forward or reverse speed. This is especially important when equipment is loaded, as the tractor may become dangerously unbalanced. Use extreme caution when crossing slopes or inclines and remember to make turns at a safe speed. Accidents can easily happen when a job is rushed.
Connecting and disconnecting implements poses other dangers. Never allow anyone to stand between a tractor and an implement while connecting or disconnecting! Before changing implements, turn off the engine and allow the power take-off (PTO) shaft to completely stop. PTO covers should be in place and the shaft should be well lubricated. Loose-fitting clothing is comfortable, but presents a real danger near moving parts. When it comes to work gear, never overlook the value of a good pair of leather gloves, safety glasses and adequate hearing protection.
Keeping your tractor and implements clean and well maintained is perhaps the biggest key to enjoying the many benefits of tractor ownership and will help prolong the life of the unit. Clean surfaces allow for visual inspection for oil leaks, cracks, missing bolts or other needed repairs. Sharpen blades on mowers as needed to reduce wear on the PTO and gearbox. Wash the entire tractor and spreader after applying fertilizer, lime, or any other corrosive materials. Performing routine maintenance, checking tire pressure, fluid/oil levels, and greasing fittings and bearings assures proper function and safe operation of both the tractor and implements for years to come.
Although a variety of safety issues face farmers and wildlife managers, the overall message is simple: be mindful of the potential risk of injury to yourself as well as others.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR visit https://webmail.cumulus.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=d48f8e77c82444d188d91138db33fd0f&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.outdooralabama.com%2f.
posted by Steve Boomer Sutton at 7:41 PM
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