Tractor Mistakes to Avoid
Your tractor is an amazingly versatile and vital piece of equipment, but it can also be dangerous to you as well as to your tractor if certain precautions are not taken. Modern tractors are designed with many safety features, but the ultimate responsibility lies with the operator. Here are the most common mistakes we see and how to avoid them. These may seem pretty basic, but we see them all too often; a quick safety refresher is never a bad idea.
Be careful on steep hillsides and ditches
Make sure you're familiar with the terrain and be sure to drive safely and at appropriate speeds on slopes; don't shift gears when going downhill. When carrying a load in the bucket, keep loader low to the ground. Overturns are the leading cause of tractor fatalities, so always be very cautious around any type of incline.
Keep tractor and equipment serviced and greased for best operation
A well-maintained tractor is the safest tractor. Have a daily maintenance routine checklist, and take your tractor in for all scheduled maintenance. Proper maintenance is not optional.
Do not use loader or attachments as a battering ram
Though it might be tempting to use your front end loader or box blade as a battering rom, remember that it's a tractor, not a bulldozer. This type of use (abuse) can be fatal to your tractor and dangerous for the operator.
Never pull backwards with the loader
For example, don't use a chain to pull out a tree backing up with the loader. The draw bar should always be used to pull, never your loader.
Do not leave your foot resting on the clutch when driving
As with driving a car, "riding the clutch" will cause the clutch to fail prematurely. Even very lightly resting your foot on the clutch pedal will cause undue friction and heat which will wear down the clutch over time.
Always idle down before changing gears
Shifting gears while at a higher RPM, or a hard shift, is very rough on the transmission. Grinding the gears repeatedly will wear away the gears themselves and will result in costly repair bills. If you are hearing grinding noises, you're doing something wrong.
Never stand under a raised loader
A well-maintained tractor is unlikely to fail, but don't bet your life on it. Never stand under a raised loader or any other raised attachment in case the hydraulics should fail.
Only use 4-wheel drive when needed
Do not just leave your tractor in 4-wheel drive all the time. If you do, your tractor will be harder to handle and won't steer as well. This will also cause undue wear and tear on the entire gear box as well as on the front axle and tires. 4-wheel drive also uses more fuel.
Never operate tractor at an unsafe speed
It is often said that a tractor is a workhorse, not a racehorse. Always consider the terrain, the load, the centrifugal force (a common cause of rollovers) and the ground conditions and adjust your speed accordingly. If you and your tractor are bouncing around, you're going too fast.
Never clean the dust out of your radiator with a garden hose
While build-up and other obstructions must be cleared from the radiator, using water to do so will turn the dust/dirt into a hard mud and will make things worse. You'll have to remove the radiator completely and have it professionally cleaned. Also you run the risk of corrosion on surrounding parts. Always use air to blow out any debris between the fins and off of the surface of your radiator
Never get near the PTO shaft when it is running
The rotating PTO shaft can cause catastrophic injuries in literally seconds. Make it a rule to turn it off before you go near it and make sure it is not turning. The shield should not spin so it can be difficult to tell if it's still rotating. Never ever get close to the PTO shaft or any moving parts.
This is not a comprehensive list of mistakes to avoid. Be sure to refer to your owners manual. Circumstances will arise that require additional safety practices.