December 5, 2002

Bypass Starting Bypasses Your Safety

Many farm workers have been seriously injured or killed when practicing bypass starting, the process of bridging certain contacts on the starter motor while standing on the ground, according to George Maher, North Dakota State University Extension Service safety specialist.

"Some people maintain that no one bypass starts their tractors anymore, but fatalities from bypass starting continue to happen every year," Maher says. All newer tractors are sold with bypass starting shields; however, during the winter months many older tractors are used for jobs such as snow removal, barn cleaning and livestock feeding. These tractors are not equipped with needed safety features including the bypass shield.

"Farm workers who attempt bypass starting are taking a chance and the odds are not in their favor," Maher says. "If the tractor is in gear, it will start moving almost immediately after the starter motor is engaged. The tractor will run over the person who is starting it. There simply is not enough time to escape."

Maher notes that hydrostatic drive tractors are just as dangerous to bypass start. There is a slight delay while the transmission fluid comes up to working pressure, but it is not long enough to get out of the way.

Older tractors can be easily equipped with retro-fit bypass starting shields, which cover the electrical terminals of the starter solenoid and prevent the connection or "jumping" of the terminals. Most farm machinery dealers offer these shields either free or at very low cost. Installation is relatively quick and easy, according to Maher.

This precaution is unnecessary if everyone on the operation is aware that bypass starting is not permitted. "It should be an unwritten rule on every farm and ranch that bypass starting a tractor is simply forbidden – never to be done," Maher says. "Eliminate bypass starting of tractors and farming will be a safer way of life."

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Source: George Maher, (701) 231-8288, gmaher@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Writer: Teresa Oe, (701) 231-8371, teresa.oe@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu

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