Tips for Staying Safe Around Agricultural Equipment
Agricultural equipment, from tractors to combines, balers, and other attachments, are critical for the crop and livestock production we know today. The technology is impressive and the machinery is powerful, meaning it’s important to use all the equipment as it’s intended to be used. Our team at Central Machinery Sales can help you find the right equipment solutions and help you prioritize using them safely! Continue reading for a few tips.
1. Know the Limitations
Whether you’re an operator, mechanic, or just hanging out around the farm, it’s always important to understand how equipment functions and what its limitations are. When you know the limits of a piece of equipment, you also understand how it works and what it's meant to do. You’ll be able to respect its purpose and avoid pushing it past a safe limit of operation.
2. Stay Aware
Once you know the limitations of a machine, you’ll be able to operate it within the right parameters and know how to watch for signs of wear or problems. As an operator, you have to stay hyper-aware of your environment, watching for obstacles, people, and the performance of your equipment. If you’re around equipment, but not operating it, you still have to stay aware! You want to stay a safe distance away and be available to communicate with the operator as necessary.
3. Keep Up With Maintenance
Finally, you want to make sure the equipment you’re around is well maintained. Good maintenance can lead to better performance and a safer piece of equipment to run. Make sure to document all completed maintenance tasks and monitor the condition and overall wear of each piece of ag equipment you’re using.
Staying safe around agricultural equipment is a big responsibility and staying aware and being knowledgeable is a great place to start. Visit us in Moses Lake, WA, to browse our selection and learn more about safety protocols. We proudly serve Spokane and Pasco.