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Safe Operation Tips for Tractors

Nov. 8 2021 Safety By FMI Equipment

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As the most important and versatile piece of farm equipment you have, your tractor is capable of assisting you with all sorts of jobs that would otherwise be challenging. Because of the nature of these machines, though, you need to be careful when operating them to ensure the safety of yourself and others around you, including your animals. Also, operating your tractor responsibly helps to reduce the risk of incurring expensive damage to it.

Here are some helpful tips for safely operating your tractor.

1. Know Your Tractor

Even if you’ve used a lot of different tractors before, it’s still essential to familiarize yourself with your current make and model of tractor. This is especially important if you’ve just bought a new tractor and you don’t know how it works yet. Study the owner’s manual and make sure you know where all the controls are and how the tractor functions. Take heed of any warning stickers or labels on the tractor as well.

2. Dress Appropriately

You can’t just wear any type of clothing when operating a tractor. It’s advisable to wear clothes that cover your whole body and fit more snugly, rather than loose or flowy clothing. Any loose ties or pieces of fabric can become caught up in the machinations of your tractor and create a disaster. So make sure that you’re dressed in work pants, a long-sleeved shirt, closed-toed work boots, gloves and goggles (for eye safety). If you have long hair, tie it or braid it close to your head to keep it well out of your way.

3. Exercise Caution During Operation

Once it’s time to hop on your tractor to get some work done, you’ll need to make sure you’re following some best safety practices, including:

  • Inspecting the tractor before you get in it for signs of wear or damage.
  • Keeping the cab clear of any loose items.
  • Loading the tractor with a weight it can handle.
  • Starting and stopping your tractor only while you are securely seated in the cab.
  • Mounting and dismounting your tractor carefully.
  • Powering up your tractor in a well-ventilated space that is free of any obstacles, people or animals.
  • Checking your blind spots as you drive the tractor.
  • Wearing your seatbelt.

We hope these tips help you to use your tractor safely and successfully. Looking to buy a new model? Come see us at our dealership located in Spokane Valley, WA, to check out our current stock of new and used tractors for sale. Need financial assistance? Talk to one of our sales team members to learn more. FMI Equipment welcomes all our customers coming from the cities of Spokane, WA, and Coeur d'Alene, ID.