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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.
2WD Tractors - avoid where possible due to high risk of loss of control. These older tractors have less grip on the front wheels due to being 2WD. Do not operate on slopes in wet conditions. Operate with care in all conditions with awareness of the differences in performance compared to modern tractors. A particular risk is loss of control if the rear wheels lift off the ground due to a heavy weight on the front end loader, 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.
Tractors are a major hazard and cause a large proportion of accidents, death and injury on farms.
Pull over to use phone - calls/txt etc or use Bluetooth.
PTO Shafts - high hazard of entanglement and death. When using PTO's do not wear loose clothing. Tie hair up and turn tractor off before attaching. PTO shafts must have a guard. Don't approach an operating PTO shaft.
Hydraulic oil and pressure - brakes won't work if too low. Hydraulic failure can cause the front end loader to slam to the ground.
Fall risk - Use three points of contact when climbing in and out of tractors. Face inward toward the cab when climbing up or down the steps.
Engage park brake and hand brake before getting out of the tractor.
Don’t get on or off a moving tractor.
Greasing - loader and three point weekly. Repair or report seized grease nipples.
Establish where no-go zones are on farms.
Start the tractor only from the drivers seat.
Tractors have blind spots by the rear wheels and under the front of the bonnet. Stop and check they are clear if unsure.
Always look behind you before reversing.
Seatbelts must always be worn.
Brake pedals should be coupled together when on road in case of loss of control.
Most rollovers occur on the flat. Mostly due to overconfidence leading to higher speeds. Ensure there is water in the tyres and drive at safe speeds and with the loader down if loaded.
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. Take care not to overload front end loaders.
Terrain
Get out and walk if unsure.
Up hill - Select a range which will allow you to use a high gear within that range at the bottom of the slope so you can change down as revs drop without needing to put the clutch in unnecessarily.
Down hill - a range which with braking which gives a lot of acceleration potential to regain control in a slide by first removing brakes, then increasing revs, then moving up to 2nd, 3rd and then 4th gear without needing to put the clutch in.
Go 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 hard walled tyres or a crawler for steep terrain. Many paddocks were originally planted by crawler, not tractor.
Differential braking can help with turning or maintaining direction on slopes.
Embankments, edges can give way or tractor can slide.
Road driving - drivers license required. Avoid overloading. Take care the front end loader isn't over length - this is common. Safety chains are needed for trailers on road.
Overhead lines - Keep driving if you hit power lines. Stop any traffic then call Network Waitaki to shut the power off and make repairs. Don't get out of the tractor.
Birds nests - always check for birds nests to prevent a preventable fire.
Familiarise yourself with how to remove fire extinguisher so there’s no delay when you have to do it in a hurry. If there is a tractor fire take the fire extinguisher, exit the tractor (there is perhaps 300L of diesel and flammable fumes under your feet) and attempt to extinguish the fire if safe to do so.
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 option with grain bins and other heavy trailers.
Never put your hand under the monkey of the post driver.
Never leave a mower or rake running when you get off.
When checking knotters on balers have someone in the tractor ready to hit the PTO stop button.
Never unblock a baler while the PTO is under power.
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. Position the loader down if have a bale or weight on.
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 as well as loss of control.
No passengers are to be carried unless it can’t be avoided. They must wear the seatbelt on the side seat.
Use the flashing beacon.
Keep doors unlocked at all times.
Consider phone reception areas in case you need find reception to call in an emergency.
Emergency Procedures: in case you roll over.
Once control is lost brace yourself.
Turn key off.
Exit the tractor and keep clear in case it rolls further.
Call a colleague near by, or failing that call the farm manager or owner.
Once immediate local help is on the way, call 111 if you are injured.
Leave scene undisturbed for insurance assessor. Only disturb the scene if it presents an ongoing risk to safety.
Emergency Procedures: in case you come across a 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, wheels turning etc.
Give first aid, assess injuries as required.
Call a colleague near by, or failing that call the farm manager or owner.
Call 111 if there are injuries.
Leave scene undisturbed for insurance assessor, and perhaps Worksafe. Only disturb the scene if it presents an ongoing risk to safety.
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.
Below is a selection of resources on tractor safety:
Worksafe Tractor Safety:
WSNZ-2284-SF-Safe-use-of-Tractors-IS-v2-0.pdfGoogle Sites
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