Best Management Practices

Best Management Practices

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Guides for working safely

Requirements Before Operating a Tractor

• Operator should have received training on how to safely operate the tractor

• Youth aged 14 and 15 cannot operate tractors on a farm owned by someone other than their parents unless they have been through the 24-hour tractor safety course

• Operators should go through a routine checklist before starting the tractor each time

Before turning the key…

• Tractor operators should be familiar with the operator’s manual

• The operator’s manual should be in the tractor cab or in an accessible place

Check the outside of the tractor

• Tire pressure and tire wear• Exterior lights are working• SMV emblem in place• Clean off mud, trash, etc from access steps• All shields and guards in place, esp. PTO

shields• Check fluid levels, fuel and hydraulic lines• Fenders are in place

Access Steps

• Most common farm injury – slips and falls

• Mud makes steps very slippery

• Always go down the steps facing the tractor

PTO and Shields

• PTO = power take-off

• Powers towed implements

• Rotates at very high speeds (540 rpm or 1000 rpm)

• Covered by a shield to prevent entanglement

PTO ShaftPTO Master Shield

PTO Demonstration Video

Video courtesy of Clemson University Extension

PTO Rules

• Always shut off the PTO before leaving the operator’s station

• Always have the PTO covered with a shield

• Never step over a PTO – even if the shield is in place

Fenders

• Help protect operator from debris

• Prevent operator contact with wheels

Check the inside of the tractor…

Operator’s Station

• Keep operator’s station free of debris and clutter

Rear View Mirrors• Help the driver see in more directions• Damaged mirrors need to be replaced or

repaired• Adjust the mirrors to fit you

More inside checks

• Check to be sure all control lights and gauges are working

• Adjust the operator’s seat to fit you

• Check brakes

• Check steering

In review…

• Make sure you’re a qualified operator

• Go through your pre-operations checklist before operating the tractor– Check the tires, lights, shields, fluids, etc– Check the controls, adjust the mirrors and seat,

etc