Safety Tips for Tractor Operations

Tractors are built to be big, tough, and powerful. While this makes them perfect for farm work, it also means that they can cause serious harm if operated in an unsafe way. That’s why Foothills Tractor & Equipment has created this guide to safe tractor operation.

Know Your Model

While the information in this article is general enough to apply to most tractor models, your particular model likely has some unique characteristics that we can’t account for. That’s why you should read the owner’s manual before attempting to operate your tractor. It will contain a wealth of useful information, including safety tips unique to your model. 

Dress Correctly

Anyone operating a tractor should be wearing solid work boots, gloves, and safety glasses. Loose articles can get caught in the tractor’s moving parts, so avoid loose clothing. 

Starting Safely

If your tractor’s manual transmission is in gear when you start the engine, it will start to move forward even if there is no one at the steering wheel. Make sure that someone is in the can before you start the engine. You should also be careful when mounting or dismounting your tractor. Finally, never operate your tractor when you have more passengers than seatbelts. 

Avoid Rearward Rollovers

A rearward rollover is when your tractor’s rear wheels don’t rotate enough to move the vehicle forward, causing the vehicle to instead tip backward. A sideways rollover is the same thing but with the tractor tipping on its side. Avoid a rollover by taking hills backward, properly stabilizing your tractor, accelerating smoothly, taking steps to improve traction as needed, and not operating your tractor on slopes. 

Roadway Rules

Generally speaking, it’s safest if you avoid using your tractor on the road. If you do need to drive your tractor down the road, make sure that it has a slow-moving vehicle emblem, functioning turn signals, reflective tape, and lights. Do what you can to broadcast your intentions to other motorists, and be ready to pull over for them when possible. 

General Safety Tips

We recommend performing a quick safety inspection each time you use your tractor. Always operate the vehicle in an open space with no people or animals in your way. Stay alert for potential hazards while driving, and never leave your tractor unattended. 

For more information or to view our selection of tractor models for sale, visit Foothills Tractor & Equipment online or at our dealership. We have locations in both Centre and Alexandria, Alabama. We also offer parts ordering, financing, and servicing. We are proud to serve communities like Birmingham, Alabama, and we hope to see you soon.