Tractor Safety
Accidents don’t “just happen.” Accidents are caused. Which is why they can be prevented! Review the Ten Commandments of Tractor Safety below.
The Ten Commandments of Tractor Safety
- Know your tractor, its implements and how they work. Please read and understand the Operator's Manual(s) before operating the equipment. Also, keep your equipment in good condition.
- Use ROPS and seatbelt whenever and wherever applicable. If your tractor has a foldable ROPS, fold it down only when absolutely necessary, and fold it up and lock it again as soon as possible. Do not wear the seatbelt when the ROPS is folded. Most tractor fatalities are caused by overturns.*
- Be familiar with your terrain and work area. Walk the area first to identify any debris or obstacles that could hinder your ability to drive safely. Use special caution on slopes. Slow down for all turns and stay off the highway whenever possible.
- Never start an engine in a closed shed or garage. Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, which is colorless, odorless and deadly.
- Always keep your PTO properly shielded. Make it a habit to walk around your tractor and PTO driven implement, never over, never through and never between the tractor and implement, particularly if either is running. The PTO rotates with enough speed and strength to kill you.
- Always keep your tractor properly ballasted.
- Never get off a moving tractor or leave it with its engine running. Shut it down before leaving the seat. A runaway tractor can be extremely dangerous.
- Never refuel while the engine is running or hot. Additionally, do not add coolant to the radiator while the engine is hot. Hot coolant can erupt and scald.
- Keep all children away from your tractor and its implements at all times. Children are generally attracted to tractors and the work they do. But a tractor's work is not child's play. Remember, a child's disappointment is fleeting, while your memory of his or her injury or death resulting from riding the tractor with you, or being too close, will last a lifetime.
- Never be in a hurry or take chances. Think safety first, then take your time and do it right.
*Kubota Tractor Corporation strongly recommends the use of ROPS and seatbelts in almost all applications.