March 13, 2003

 

Remember Safety When Tractor Shopping This Spring

Each spring, numerous used tractors flood farm equipment auctions, and eager buyers set out to get the best deals. In this situation, it is essential to evaluate the buy with safety in mind, advises George Maher, North Dakota State University Extension Service agriculture safety specialist. The cheapest horsepower may also be the most dangerous ride.

Many safety features that are standard on new tractors can be retrofitted on older tractors, making them safer to use. Old auction tractors don’t have to be dangerous if proper attention is paid to safety equipment.

Four categories of safety features to be considered are:

• Protection from hazards of operation
• Visibility and recognition
• Improved stability
• Operator comfort

"The most effective protection from hazards of operation is the Roll Over Protective System (ROPS) feature," says Maher. It is included in the cabs of all newer tractors and can be retrofitted on most of the older tractors at a very reasonable dealer price. Most dealers and county extension agricultural agents have reference ROPC catalogs for such tractors.

Maher cautions farmers not to build their own ROPS, as there is no safe way to determine its strength and protective capabilities.

In addition to the ROPS feature, all tractors should have bypass starting shields. "Bypass starting is gambling with your life," Maher says. If a tractor does not possess this device, contact a local machinery dealer and have one installed immediately. It could mean the difference between life and death.

"No tractor is safe without a master shield on the PTO stub shaft," Maher says. This safety feature should cover the top and sides of the stub shaft and support the weight of a 265 lb. person without bending.

It is relatively easy to retrofit improved lighting systems on older tractors. Turn signals, hazard flashers, reflectors and taillights can be installed to improve roadway safety. Better field lights can also reduce operator stress and accidents.

Old, faded Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) signs should be replaced with new, more reflective signs that are several times more visible to approaching drivers. "Few tractor operators survive rear collisions without injury," Maher notes. "A good SMV sign, properly placed, can prevent the collision from happening."

Other factors to consider when buying used tractors are the weight distribution and ballasting. Will you have to add ballasting to get the most use from it? Will the wheel configuration work with your field equipment? These are questions that must be answered prior to purchase.

Believe it or not, operator comfort is also an important safety feature. A comfortable tractor seat can prevent back injuries and keep the farmer farming! New seats can be retrofitted to older tractors and seatbelts should also be added.

"Safety equipment that comes with a tractor will be less costly than adding the same equipment to a tractor without it," says Maher. "Pay close attention to existing safety equipment when shopping for a used tractor."

Some features can be economically added to older tractors, but there is always a chance that it won’t get done. Be sure to take care of these safety issues as soon as possible. Preventing accidents and fatalities is well worth the investment!

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Source: George Maher, (701) 231-8288, george.maher@ndsu.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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