 |
|
|
|||||
|
|
July 15, 2004 Click here to download an Audio clip to accompany this story. (284KB wav file) Click here to download an Audio clip to accompany this story. (285KB wav file) Click here to download an Audio clip to accompany this story. (362KB wav file)
This is the time of year that a lot of hay is being baled using big round balers. “These balers have caused many severe injuries and fatalities when not handled properly,” according to George Maher, North Dakota State University Extension safety specialist. “Keeping safety in mind when using these machines can significantly reduce injuries and accidents.” Most injuries occur at the intake end of the machine. A common problem is when hay does not feed into the baler properly and the machine plugs. The safe unplugging procedure is:
Numerous injuries occur when people become entangled with the PTO shaft. “This shaft needs to be shielded just the same as the PTO shaft of any other implement,” Maher says. “Most big round balers get their power through a 1,000 rpm PTO shaft. The shaft can wrap up more than 16 feet of material such as blue jeans and coveralls in just one second. The tractor engine and PTO should be stopped every time before leaving the tractor seat. It takes only an eighth of a second or less for a 1,000 rpm PTO entanglement to happen.” Many hands have been lost due to workers trying to reach into the baler around the belts to correct a problem while the machine is still running. The baler should be shut off and allowed to stop before any work is attempted. Put the tractor’s ignition key in your pocket so that you remain in control when the machinery is started again. Hydraulic power is very efficient at getting work done, but it has its risks. “Never depend on hydraulics to hold up the rear gate of the baler or any part of a farm machine that you have to work under,” Maher says. “Always use a mechanical support such as the hydraulic cylinder safety stop to keep the gate up. Hydraulic components do fail, sometimes resulting in injury or death.” “The big round bale system saves a lot of time and labor when used correctly and the necessary precautions are taken,” Maher concludes. ### Source: George
Maher, (701) 231-8288, george.maher@ndsu.nodak.edu |
Market Advisor: |
|
North Dakota State University |
