Don’t Let Tractor Safety Slip in Winter

Ice, snow, and cold can make tractor work even more dangerous during the winter months so tractor operators should change their driving practices to adjust for the conditions.

"When feedlots and farmyards are icy, it is even more difficult to stop a tractor," says George Maher, an agricultural safety specialist with the North Dakota State University Extension Service. "Two wheel drive tractors have brakes on only the rear wheels. Even tractors with front wheel assist have limited stopping ability. Only the true four wheel drive tractors have four wheel braking."

The stopping ability of a tractor is especially limited when there is a big round bale of forage in the loader bucket Maher notes. He suggests keeping the load and speed low where traction is a problem.

Using grapple forks on front end loaders is recommended when moving large round bales of hay, fodder or straw to avoid having the load shift. If grapple jaws are not used, the bales could roll back onto the tractor operator. Even a tractor cab does not always provide adequate protection when the loader is not equipped with jaws.

The use of a front end loader calls for safe and proper ballasting of the tractor in any season, but especially so in winter. "The safest answer to ballasting is the use of a calcium chloride solution or solid weights," says Maher. "Solid weights are more stable and actually have the advantage in winter or summer. Pure water should never be used for ballast because it will freeze making the tractor extremely dangerous and difficult to handle."

It’s also important to remember that humans and machines require more time to respond and react in winter conditions. "A worker just isn’t as alert and quick during times of cold temperatures and poor visibility," says Maher. "Plan your work activities carefully, allow additional time to get work done, and set realistic goals for winter’s daily work."

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Source: George Maher (701) 231-8288, gmaher@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern (701) 231-6136, Richard_Mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu

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