NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota State
University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665
March 12, 1998
The used tractor market can provide opportunities to purchase horsepower at a lower price, but reduced price may also mean reduced safety.
"Older tractors don't need to be dangerous," notes George Maher, an agricultural safety specialist with the North Dakota State University Extension Service. "Many of the features that make a new tractor safer to work with can be added to older machines with little difficulty.
Maher outlined the categories of safety features that should be considered for all farm equipment:
Rollover protective structures (ROPS) are readily and economically available for many older tractors and provide rollover protection equivalent to that found on newer tractors, he says.
"It's never a good idea to build your own ROPS," Maher says. "How would you know if it is strong enough? A safe, commercially made ROPS is carefully designed and tested to provide operator safety." Check with your dealer or extension ag safety specialist for the availability of a ROPS for your tractor.
Bypass starting by jumping current between starter terminals is a dangerous practice, Maher says. Operators who succumb to the temptation to use this short-cut starting method may be crushed when the tractor starts while in gear.
"Bypass starting eliminates all of the safety features that new tractors have to prevent the tractor from starting in gear," Maher notes. All tractors, new and used, should have a shield to prevent it. Most machinery dealers can provide bypass starting shields to cover the starter motor terminals. Safe and proper booster starting is not hindered with a bypass shield in place.
Every PTO-equipped tractor should have a master shield over the PTO stub shaft. Retrofit PTO shields are available from equipment dealers to provide better protection than the tractor may have had originally. The master shield should cover the top and sides of the stub shaft and be able to support a 265 lb. man stepping on it, Maher notes.
Make certain that the drawbar and other hitching features are adequate and in good repair. Maher notes that proper hitching and attachment of equipment will reduce the chance of a rear overturn. Likewise, proper ballasting of older tractors will improve their stability. Adding ballast weight and dual rear wheels must be done carefully so tractor parts are not over-stressed.
"Remember that something as simple as better seating can be a safety feature," Maher says. "Better seating can provide improved ride and comfort as well as making it easier to reach and operate all the controls. And improved operator comfort will reduce the stress from long days on the tractor."
Older tractors can be retrofitted with lighting systems that provide operator convenience and safety equal to that found on new tractors. Turn signal systems and flashing hazard lights as well as reflectors and tailights can be installed to improve safety on the roadway.
"If you're shopping for a used tractor, pay close attention to safety equipment," Maher says. "Safety equipment that comes with a tractor will be less costly than adding the same equipment to a tractor that does not have it.
"If you have to add safety equipment to a tractor there is a chance that it won't get done," he adds. "So upgrade the equipment as soon as possible. Preventing accidents and fatalities is well-worth the investment."
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Source: George Maher (701) 231-8288
Editor: Tom Jirik (701) 231-9629