Tips for Safely Operating Your Tractor

Your tractor handles a lot of tough jobs around your business and it’s important that everyone who gets behind the wheel can safely operate the equipment. Whether you own large or small tractors, they’re all built to be tough. If the proper precautions aren’t taken, a dangerous situation could occur. Our team at Central Machinery Sales prioritizes the safety and hard work of farmers, so we’ve put together a brief guide to help you operate your equipment safely. 

Know Your Model

Right off the bat the best thing you can do to safely operate a tractor is to be familiar with the model. You should frequently consult your owner’s manual because it will have specific information relevant to your model! 

You should also familiarize yourself with the different safety labels around your tractor. The icons are usually standardized, but it can be helpful to understand what they’re demonstrating. Look for red, orange, and yellow colored labels and heed their warnings!

Wear the Right Gear

All tractors have moving parts, especially when they’re operating different implements. You should never wear loose-fitted clothing or open-toed shoes around farm equipment. Proper attire includes: bright-colored t-shirts, work gloves, durable long pants, and work boots. 

Understand the Tractor’s Limitations

It can be tempting to push your equipment to its limits, especially when there are seasonal deadlines at play. However, not all tractors react the same, so you need to be aware of the model’s limitations. Be aware of the weight distribution, tire tread, and power. 

Understanding the machine’s limitations can help you avoid dangerous situations like rollovers. Pay attention to slopes in the landscape and weather conditions that can change the tractor’s capabilities. 

Be Prepared for Transport

Oftentimes operators will need to move a tractor from one field to another via public roads. It’s crucial to have confidence, spatial awareness, and the proper caution signals. Your tractor should be equipped with a slow-moving-vehicle sign and flashing lights. 

You should always follow posted road regulations and when possible, avoid traveling during peak times. Never assume that other motorists see you! Operators should use their best judgment to share the road with other drivers while safely navigating their equipment. 

Inspect Before You Operate

Whether you’re hopping in the cab to finish up the last few acres or hitting the road to start a new field, you should always complete an inspection before you get to work. Take a look at the exterior, including tires, lights, and body condition. Then, start up the engine and test all controls before you get moving. Catching a problem not only saves time, but can save your life. 

Tractor safety should always be the top priority for operators. Visit our team in Moses Lake, WA, for your parts and service needs. We proudly serve the areas surrounding Spokane and Pasco.