Tractor Operation Safety
The modern tractor is vastly different from the slow and clunky gas-guzzling beasts of old. Today’s equipment is more durable, more affordable and safer. You should always make sure that everyone who uses a tractor is properly trained in its safe operation and knows how to deal with routine service issues before they become bigger problems. Here are a few basic tips to ensure that everyone can go home safely at the end of a productive day in the field. If you have any questions about tractor safety visit us at Tractor Bob's in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, serving Norman and Edmond, Oklahoma.
Pre-Operation Checklist
Before you mount up, be sure that you’re wearing the proper clothing. Your clothing should fit snugly and shouldn’t have anything loose like drawstrings that can get entangled. Walk around the tractor and make sure everything's in working order. Start by checking the tire air pressure and treads. Fuel up and confirm your headlights and tail lights are functional. If you need to drive the tractor on the road you won’t need a license plate, but you will need a slow-moving vehicle (SMV) sign. Confirm all required decals and other reflectors are in place and visible. If you're towing anything behind your tractor it will also need an SMV sign and your hazard lights must be flashing. Inspect the power take-off by rotating it manually before you start the engine.
Operating the Tractor
Only use the keyed ignition to start up the tractor. Be sure that the tractor is in neutral and the emergency brake is on before starting it up outdoors or in a well-ventilated garage. As the tractor warms up, take a look around for any children, animals or other obstacles in your immediate area. Buckle up, start off slowly and test your brakes immediately.
Stay in touch with the crew foreman at all times by cell phone or two-way radio to notify him of your progress. They typically prefer receiving bad news right away so they can respond. Drive slow, avoid steep hillsides and take your time when turning. If you do have to drive your tractor on the road, try to pick times when there’s less traffic. Be on the lookout for holes, ditches, boulders and any other potential problem areas at all times. The land can change a lot after a storm.
After the Work Is Done
Disengage the power take-off before shutting down the engine. Set the brake and remove the key before dismounting. Park the tractor and let it cool down before refueling or adding coolant to the radiator. Notify your foreman of any service issues at the end of each day.
Visit us at Tractor Bob's in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, serving Norman and Edmond, Oklahoma, to see our current inventory of tractors for sale.