Tractor Safety

Farm tractors should be equipped for roll-over accidents.
More than half of all farm tractors are not equipped with a roll-over protective structure (ROPS). ROPS and seat belt-equipped tractors would save approximately 350 lives annually on U.S. farms.

Farm tractors should be equipped with bypass starter covers.
Many farm tractors do not have bypass starter covers for preventing jump starting. Tractor operators may attempt to jump start a farm tractor if the battery is dead. If the tractor is in gear, it could lurch forward and run over operators and innocent bystanders. A bypass starter cover would save lives.

Farm tractors should be equipped with master shields.
Many farm tractors do not have their original equipment power take-off master shields. Many master shields are removed by farmers and are not replaced. If the missing shield exposes an operating power take-off, operators are at risk for entanglement around the spinning shaft.

Farm tractors should be equipped with SMV emblems.
Many farm tractors driven on public highways do not have a Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem. State vehicle codes require the mounting of an SMV emblem on equipment moving at less than 25 miles per hour on highways. SMV emblems warn other drivers of the slow moving vehicle on the roadway.

Farm tractors should be equipped with emergency lighting.
Many farm tractors do not have functioning hazard warning lights. Operating headlights and hazard warning lights provide advance warning for other drivers sharing the highway with farm equipment.

Farm equipment should be hitched properly.
Farm tractors may become unstable when improper hitching is attempted. Tractor drawbars are designed for towing and take into account the tractor's crucial center of gravity. Hitching or towing at points other than the drawbar may result in a rear over-turn.

Farm tractors should not transport extra passengers.
Most farm tractors are only designed for one person. Extra riders on farm tractors is discouraged due to the hazard associated with falling from the tractor or falling into the path of trailing equipment. Carrying passengers may divert the attention of the driver from the important task of operating the tractor.

Information presented by Beauchamp & McSpadden Agribusiness & Farm Insurance and supplied by the National Safety Council's Agricultural Division.

Permission to reprint granted by the National Safety Council, a membership organization dedicated to protecting life and promoting health   http://www.nsc.org