Safety Tips For Operating Tractors

Your Kubota® tractor is the backbone of your agricultural enterprise, and you can rely on this rugged and durable machine to tackle a lot of the chores that crop up on your farm. As with any heavy machine, you have to keep safety a priority when operating a tractor. Your friends at Arizona Tractor Sales have compiled this short guide on important safety precautions to keep you safe. When you’re ready to check out Kubota tractors for sale in Chandler, AZ, contact our sales department for further assistance. We’re proud to be the chosen Kubota dealer for all our patrons from the western US!

Know Your Model

Tractors have similar parts and functions so a lot of what we’re going to discuss below can be applied to several models. However, sometimes your Kubota tractor will have parts that need specific safety steps. You’ll find these in your owner’s manual. Pay attention to any safety labels and colors on the tractor itself. Caution signs are yellow, warning signs are orange and danger is indicated by red. If you need to wear hearing or eye protection, make sure you do so before you begin working. 

Dress Right

There are several moving parts on your Kubota tractor as well as the attachments and implements you use with them. To stay safe and avoid anything getting caught in these moving parts, you should take care to dress right. Don’t wear loose-fitting clothes or anything that hangs loosely, like a scarf. If you’re wearing a shirt, make sure the tails are tucked in. Your shoes should be sturdy with non-skid soles. Use appropriate safety gear whenever needed, like heavy work gloves and safety glasses. 

Starting Safely

Always start your Kubota tractor when you’re inside the cad. If you’re outside it, you can’t tell if the transmission is in neutral or park. If your manual transmission is in gear when the engine is turned on, the tractor will start to move. You can get retro-fit shields for your tractor to ensure it won’t by-pass start. Usually, tractors aren’t meant for multiple operators so don’t take someone along for a ride. Have only as many passengers as there are seat belts. Always mount and dismount carefully. 

Avoid Rearward Rollovers

A major reason for tractor accidents is rollovers. If the rear wheels don’t rotate enough to move the tractor forward, the vehicle will tip over backwards. You can avoid this by avoiding working on slopes, backing the tractor up hills and properly stabilizing the tractor when you’re going to be doing heavy work. Use tire chains or boards to improve traction and hitch any attachments/loads properly. If you change the tractor speed gradually and apply power smoothly, it should also help you avoid rearward rollovers. 

Avoid Sideways Rollovers

Tractors can tip over on their side when you try to turn the machine sharply or take it up a very steep incline. To avoid a sideways rollover, refrain from operating the tractor on a slope, take turns at moderate speeds, properly stabilize the tractor and avoid driving close to roadside ditches. You can also get a roll-over protection structure (ROPS) for your Kubota tractor. This will keep the operator safe in case a rollover does happen. Always ensure the operator wears their seatbelt before they begin working. 

Roadway Rules

Your tractor moves much slower than commuter vehicles so limit the amount of driving you do on the road. When you have to, travel at times when the traffic is low to little. You should have a slow-moving vehicle emblem, turn signals, reflective tape and lights for added safety. Always use your turn signals properly because sometimes motorists assume a tractor has slowed down to let them pass when it could just be taking a turn. If you can, use pilot vehicles to escort your tractor on longer trips. 

General Safety Tips

You should inspect your Kubota tractor before every use and ensure all operators know how to balance and ballast load. Start the machine in an open or well-ventilated space and ensure there are no animals or humans in your path before you start moving it. Tractors have blindspots which operators should always be aware of. Don’t jump off a moving tractor and never leave a running tractor unattended. Always be aware of any terrain hazards and make sure the cab is clean as ropes and tools can interfere with smooth operation. 

We hope these tips will come in handy and help you increase safety on your farm! For more tips or to check out Kubota tractors for sale in Chandler, AZ, get in touch with Arizona Tractor Sales and we’ll show you our vast stock. We’re also the preferred Kubota tractor dealer for all our friends from the western US!