A tractor can be one of the most helpful pieces of equipment to have on the farm or homestead, but it’s also one of the most dangerous.
Agriculture as a profession is one of the most dangerous in the country, according to federal data, largely because of incidents involving machinery. At least 100 recorded workers typically die each year from tractor injuries.
“While farm equipment is essential to doing work efficiently … we can’t overlook the fact that there’s a lot of risk that comes along with that efficiency,” said Jason Lilley, who teaches tractor safety courses at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. “There’s a lot of power behind this equipment.”
Older tractors without modern safety features remain in use in Maine longer than most other states, partly because operations are smaller here and due to Yankee preservation instincts, according to Lilley.
New England has more antique tractors in use than any other part of the country.
Rollover bars can be added to older tractors, but no matter the age or safety features of yours, some basic principles can help you operate it more safely.
Five types of accidents are common for Maine operators, according to Lilley.
First, tractors can roll over, often from operating on a steep slope or from a heavy bucket load being held too high up in the air.
When operating, just lift the bucket high enough to get it off the ground. If you’re loading something from a concrete pad, add gravel around the edges so the wheels don’t get caught or potentially tip. Avoid steep slopes, wear a seat belt and consider a rollover bar.
Next is running over a person or animal, which can be avoided by checking around the tractor before using it. Only have one person on it at a time, start it from the operating seat and pay attention to your surroundings.
Tangling with the rotating power takeoff shaft, which connects farm implements to the back of the tractor, can cause serious injuries. When the tractor’s running, be extra careful with it.
Fourth are accidents that happen when driving the tractor on a road. It’s on car drivers to move slowly and give tractors space, without pushing them or passing aggressively, Lilley said.
For all tractor work, walk around before starting the machine to make sure everything is attached and check fluid levels.
Be careful about using tractors and implements only for the work and weight rating they’re designed for.
“When people use their equipment for a job that is bigger than what it’s designed for, that’s when accidents happen,” he said.
If you’re using the tractor in a field you haven’t been in before, when mowing or bush hogging, for example, get familiar with the terrain first. An unexpected stump or groundhog hole could cause you to tip, Lilley said.
Even if you are familiar with the field, he recommends not taking the risk of pushing too close to the edge just to get another foot of crop. In general, pushing it and being in a hurry will make you cut corners, which will increase risks.
If you work on your tractor yourself, make sure the wheels are locked, the brakes are set and the hydraulic pressure relieved. Be careful using jacks, and have a backup.
When the tractor is fixed and you’re going out alone, there’s a good chance no one will be able to see you in the field, Lilley said.
While bringing a cell phone is helpful, you may not be able to get to it or have service, so telling someone where you’ll be and how long you expect the work to take is a good practice.
