Safety Tips

Firstly it is important to always thoroughly read and understand your user manual before you use your tractor for the first time. Most Australian Tractor Brokers remanufactured tractors come with a "Safe Work Practices" manual as well as an "Operation" manual.

Below are some basic safety hints and tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable tractor experience:

Be a Safe Operator
Don't use your machine if you are not fit for work. Do not operate heavy machinery if you are tired, stressed or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or prescribed medication. Always wear the appropriate hearing and vision protection when using your tractor.

Know Your Tractor
It is important to know your machine well, make sure you familiarise yourself with the various pedals and controls on your tractor. Take notice of the warnings and safety labels on your tractor and only ever use your tractor for the purpose it was built.

Climbing on Board
Most modern tractors are fitted with non-slip steps and handgrips, making climbing into the sear a safe and easy operation. It is always important not to rely on these grips and take measure to safely mount your tractor. Check that your shoes are not muddy or wet, this can small and seemingly insignificant item can stop you from slipping as you get on or off your tractor.

Dismounting
Accidents can be caused by a foot or a knee knocking a gear shift leaver or unintentionally releasing a parking brake as you dismount from your tractor. Tractors generally have one side that is less cluttered than the other, always ensure you position your stationery tractor to allow you to dismount on the safest side.

It is also a good idea to face the wheels of the tractor in a safe direction, e.g. point the wheels in the direction that if the tractor were to move off, it would self turn and come to a stop of its own accord.

Taking Off
Always ensure that your start your tractor in an open area – exhaust fumes from your tractor can be toxic. Prior to engaging the clutch and driving, make certain that there are no obstructions close to the tractor and that other people present are well clear. The clutch should be engaged gently, without undue engine revolutions, particularly when starting off on an incline. Should a heavy implement be mounted on the rear, a sharp jump from an abrupt start could cause the tractor to rear.

Shuttle Control
Many tractors are fitted with a directional control lever, this is known as the shuttle control. The forward or reverse direction of a tractor can be controlled using this and without the necessity of conventionally shifting from a forward to reverse gear.
As good practice, the tractor should always be brought to a complete standstill prior to changing its travel direction, even if it is fitted with a hydraulic or electrically actuated clutch.

Carrying Passengers
Don't! This is a very dangerous practice and each year numerous fatal accidents are caused as passengers become dislodged from moving tractors. Unless the tractor is equipped with a factory fitted passenger seat that provides full body support – it is illegal in most states to carry a passenger with you.

Also it is important to note, that should a passenger be accidentally injured on your tractor, your insurance will almost certainly be null and void.

Applying the Brakes
To facilitate tight turns, tractors are fitted with dual brake pedals which enable one rear wheel to brake independently from the other. Apart from during field work m the two pedals should be coupled together by the catch provided, preventing the independent action. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION. In the event of an emergency stop, sudden foot pressure on an individual brake could cause the tractor to broadside and roll over.

Turning brakes are designed to be used in soft earth situations, where a tractor is required to turn lightly at the end of a work run. The pivoting on one rear wheel and consequently dragging the front wheel across the soft earth is acceptable. However, if this type of turning is practiced on hard ground then excessive forces are applied to tyres, axles and the steering mechanism.

The tractor park brake should always be applied when the driver dismounts from the unit and, on steep country, front wheels should be turned facing up the incline, in case the park break should accidentally release.