Tractor and Rural Roadway Safety Fact Sheet
DESCRIPTION
The objective is to provide basic tractor and rural roadway safety information, including operating procedures and proper roadway etiquette.
OPERATION OF MACHINE
• Check for bystanders.
• Be familiar with the terrain and work area to identify any debris or obstacles
• Keep body within the platform.
• Allow glow plugs to heat before starting.
• Ensure the machine is neutral before starting, PTO is disengaged, and the clutch is depressed.
• Set range to the desired position with the clutch depressed.
• Carry loads as low as possible (if loader equipped) and always on the drawbar.
• Always keep the PTO properly shielded and walk around tractor and PTO driven implement.
• Be conscientious of tipping points.
• Drive slow enough to keep control over unexpected hazards and do not stop suddenly or make sudden movements.
• Travel up/down slopes rather than across, taking extra care when ascending or descending steep slopes.
• Take care when refueling to avoid spilling fuel onto a hot motor or exhaust.
• Maintain three points of contact when entering and exiting the machine.
DO
• Perform a pre-operation safety check
• Travel up/down slopes rather than across
• Always apply the parking brake when ending operation and exit the vehicle
DON’T
• Carry passengers
• Modify the ROPS
• Use faulty equipment
• Ignore the tipping point of the machine
ROADWAY ETIQUETTE
• Make farm equipment visible with lights and flashers
• Remember the size of the farm equipment you are operating; avoid low bridges, power lines, and overhead structures.
• Communicate your movements with other motorists that are on the road.
TIPS FOR MOTORIST
• Give tractors and combines plenty of room to operate.
• Expect wider turns and the potential for the use of two lanes.
• While in front of farm equipment, do not come to a sudden stop.
• Watch for hand signals and other ways operators might communicate about their driving plans.
Source: Farm Bureau Financial Services
