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The Most Common Tractor Safety Tips

Jul. 19 2021 Safety By PrairieLand Partners

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Tractors are some of the most commonly used pieces of farm equipment. They carry out a variety of functions, from transporting supplies to tilling soil and mowing grass. They also serve as remote power sources for other farm tools and equipment. Because of their widespread use, however, many people are hurt by tractors each year. Understanding tractor safety is vital to enjoying the safe use of your farm equipment. Here at PrairieLand Partners, serving the state of Kansas, we help customers get into the new tractors of their dreams. 

How Accidents Occur

Hundreds of people a year are seriously hurt or killed in tractor accidents. The most common causes of these accidents are rollovers, falls, and injuries from tractor attachments. In the case of falls, many of the victims are children who are under the recommended size for the safe operation of the vehicle. In other cases, people are killed when the tractor rolls to the side or forward and the rider is thrown from the vehicle. 

One of the most common factors when it comes to tractor-related injuries and deaths is the vehicle itself. Newer vehicles are outfitted with safety features that reduce the incidence and likelihood of an accident. Newer tractors come with protective frames and crush-proof cabs that prevent rollovers and protect the operator if the cab does roll. They also come with seat belts that reduce the chance that you will be thrown from the vehicle. Despite these features, the most effective way to avoid accidents is to be a cautious driver. 

Tractor accidents often occur when there are obstructions in the drive path, uneven surfaces, or an overloaded front-end loader. Rocks, tree stumps, well covers, holes, and branches can create a hazardous work area that can lead to accidents.  Clearing your path before operating the vehicle and taking steps to not overload the vehicle's front end is one of the best ways to avoid accidents. 

Other tractor-related injuries and deaths are caused by:

  • Slips and falls when mounting and dismounting.
  • Collisions with other vehicles.
  • Being run over.
  • Tractors falling on people during repairs.

Avoiding Tractor Accidents

In order to avoid accidents, it helps to:

Be mentally and physically fit: stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue can increase the likelihood of a tractor accident. 

Use as intended: tractors should not be used as recreational vehicles or to haul more than their stated capacity.

Keep the tractor maintained: many accidents occur when parts are faulty, or the tractor suffers a breakdown. Keeping it maintained will help to avoid accidents.

When it comes to enjoying a safe experience with your tractor, making sure you have the right machine for the job is key. Here at PrairieLand Partners, serving the entire state of Kansas, we have helped hundreds of people get into the new tractor of their dreams. Call us today.