Tractors

• Don't leave the keys in the ignition as there is a risk that children may get into the tractors unsupervised.

• Reverse into parks so the next person to use the tractor approaches from the front so they can see into the bucket to check for children.

• Loss of control is a risk if the rear wheels lift off the ground due to a heavy weight in the bucket as the front wheels have no wheel brakes or engine braking.

• Trailers tend to slide in wet conditions which can strike other objects, or jack knife against the tractor. There is also a risk that bales stacked in the trailer may be unstable.

• PTO equipment - no loose clothing, turn tractor off before attaching. Must have a guard.

• Hydraulic oil and pressure. Hydraulic failure.

• Three points of contact.

• Put in Park and neutral before getting off.

• Don’t get on or off a moving tractor.

• Greasing - loader and three point weekly. Talk to Brock/Kayne if nipple seized. Put on chat.

• Kids can play in buckets.

• No go zones discussed.

• Start the tractor only from the drivers seat.

• Blindspots and reversing discussed.

• Seatbelts must always be worn.

• Brake pedals coupled together if on road in case of loss of control.

• Most rollovers on flat! Overconfidence. Water in tyres, loader down.

• Weight distribution - heavy rear load takes control off front wheels. Heavy front load can take rear drive wheel off ground which is a problem if you’re not in 4WD.

• Terrain

  • Get out and walk if unsure.

  • Up hill - Select a range which will allow you change down gears without putting the clutch in.

  • Down hill - Select a range which gives a lot of acceleration potential to regain control in a slide by first removing brakes, then increasing revs, then moving up through gears (ideally without needing the clutch.

  • Straight up or down ideally. Diff lock can help prevent single wheel lock up but makes turning difficult.

  • If uncomfortable driving sideways on a hill, or if traction is lost turn up hill.

  • Tyres on most tractors are not suitable for steep hill work. Use crawler or hard walled tyres.

  • Differential braking can help with turning or maintaining direction on slopes.

  • Embankments, edges can give way or tractor can slide. 

  • Most roll overs happen on the flat! This is due partly to speed.

• Road - drivers license. Overloading, over length and safety chains are considerations on the road.

• Overhead lines - Keep driving if you hit power lines then call anyone you could expect to be around, prevent other vehicles driving towards the lines and call the lines company to shut down the power. 

• Birds nests - leave bonnets up because then the next person has to check for nests.

• Familiarise yourself with how to remove the fire extinguisher so there’s no delay when you have to do it in a hurry.

• Drive to the conditions and your ability.

• Always making decisions based on the fact it can kill you. Don’t drive the tractor if you are rushed, or if you are tired or sick.

• Implements

  • When helping attach implements don’t move between the tractor and implement unless you’ve confirmed the tractor is in park.

  • Always have a run out with the silage wagon.

  • Never put your hand under the monkey of the post driver - recommend you never put your hands on top of posts at all, ever. Hold posts by the sides always so that you never put your hand in the way.

  • Never leave a mower running when you get off.

  • Never unblock a baler while running.

  • Don’t work or walk underneath hydraulic equipment.

  • Don’t work near hydraulic hoses under pressure.

  • Position forks safely when driving on road: arms up with forks down in general but watch for overhead lines. Down if have a bale on.

  • When pulling out onto the road mind your FEL protruding out.

  • Double check FEL attachments when attaching with the quick hitch as if they jump off they go under the tractor and rip off the sump which is a write off situation. Not to mention loss of control.

• No passengers unless it can’t be avoided.

• Use the flashing beacon.

• Fire extinguisher and first aid kit in tractor.

• Keep doors unlocked at all times.

• Consider phone reception areas.

• Emergency Procedures: Roll over.

  • Once control is lost brace yourself.

  • Turn key off.

  • Exit the tractor and keep clear in case it rolls further.

  • Call the farm manager and owner. They will call H&S manager to start internal investigation.

  • Call 111 if you are injured.

  • Leave scene undisturbed for insurance assessor.

• Emergency Procedures: Come across roll over.

  • Check your own safety entering the site - i.e. powerlines down, tractor may roll further, fire risk, engine still on, power still on.

  • Give first aid, assess injuries as required.

  • Call farm manager and owner. 

  • They will call H&S manager to start internal investigation.

  • Call 111 if there are injuries.

  • Leave scene undisturbed for insurance assessor, Worksafe.

• Emergency Procedures: Tractor Fire

  • Exit tractor with fire extinguisher.

  • If safe to do so, discharge the entire fire extinguisher while leaving bonnet closed.

  • Fire extinguisher may not be sufficient. Keep clear of the fire and don’t re-enter tractor.

  • Call farm manager and owner.

• Pull over to use phone - calls/txt etc.

For further tractor safety information see the Dairy NZ Tractor Operation.