Tractors

• Don't leave the keys in the ignition to prevent unauthorised use.

• Pull over to use phone - calls/txt etc.

• Reverse into parks so the next person to use the tractor approaches from the front so they can see into the bucket to check for children.

• 2WD Tractors - high risk of loss of control. These tractors have less grip on the front wheels due to being 2WD. Do not operate on slopes in wet conditions. Operate with care in all conditions with awareness of the differences in performance compared to modern tractors. A particular risk is loss of control if the rear wheels lift off the ground due to a heavy weight in the bucket as the front wheels have no wheel brakes or engine braking.

• Trailers tend to slide in wet conditions which can strike other objects, or jack knife against the tractor. There is also a risk that bales stacked in the trailer may be unstable.

• Below is a selection of resources on tractor safety:

  • John Deere Tractor Safety.

  • Dairy NZ Tractor Operation

• When using PTO don't wear loose clothing. Turn the tractor off before attaching the PTO or working on it. Never use without a guard.

• Hydraulic oil and pressure create hazards such as the hazards from hydraulic failure or the risk of high pressure fluids penetrating the skin or burning. Never walk underneath the front end loader. Inspect lines for wear or faults.

• Maintain three points of contact when climbing on or off tractors.

• Put in Park and neutral before getting off.

• Don’t get on or off a moving tractor.

• Start the tractor only from the driver's seat.

• Be mindful of blindspots. Particularly when reversing - check behind the tractor each time before reversing.

• Seatbelts must always be worn.

• Brake pedals coupled together if on road in case of loss of control.

• Most rollovers occur on the flat. Be mindful of overconfidence. Ensure you have water in the tyres and where safe drive with the loader down to keep the centre of gravity low.

• Weight distribution can be a hazard - heavy rear loads take weight and therefore control from front wheels. A heavy front load can take the rear drive wheel off the ground which can cause a runaway if you’re not in 4WD or are in a 2WD tractor as only drive wheels have engine braking.

• Terrain

  • Get out and walk if unsure.

  • Up hill - select a gear that will allow changing down as you go up the hill.

  • Down hill - select a gear which with braking gives a lot of acceleration potential to regain control in a slide by first removing brakes, then increasing revs, then moving up through gears if necessary.

  • Drive straight up or down hills ideally. Diff lock can help prevent single wheel lock up but makes turning difficult.

  • Turn up hill if uncomfortable driving sideways on a hill, or if traction is lost.

  • Differential braking can help with turning or maintaining direction on slopes.

  • Embankments, edges can give way or tractor can slide.

• Road - drivers license required. Overloading can be subject to enforcement so know your vehicles weight limits. Over length vehicle rules are also enforced. Safety chains must be used and rated to the right weight.

• Overhead lines are a hazard - note their position and keep looking for them.

• Birds nests - leave bonnets up because then the next person has to check for nests.

• Familiarise yourself with how to remove the fire extinguisher with practice so there’s no delay when you have to do it in a hurry.

• Drive to the conditions and your ability.

• Always make decisions based on the fact it can kill you. Don’t drive the tractor if you are rushed, or if you are tired or sick.

• Implements

  • When helping attach implements don’t move between the tractor and implement unless you’ve confirmed the tractor is in park.

  • Always have a run-out route in mind with the silage wagon.

  • Never put your hand under the monkey of the post driver.

  • Never leave a mower running when you get off.

  • Never unblock a baler while the tractor is running.

  • Don’t work or walk underneath hydraulic equipment.

  • Don’t work near hydraulic hoses under pressure.

  • Position forks safely when driving on the road: arms up with forks down in general, but watch for overhead lines. Have the front end loader (FEL) down if you have a bale on the forks.

  • When pulling out onto the road mind your FEL protruding out.

  • Double check FEL attachments when attaching with the quick hitch as if they jump off they go under the tractor and rip off the sump which is a write off situation and causes loss of control.

• No passengers to be carried unless it can’t be avoided.

• Use the flashing beacon.

• Keep both doors unlocked at all times when inside tractor.

• Consider phone reception areas. Note the nearest reception to your work area.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:

• Roll-over.

  • Once control is lost brace yourself.

  • Turn key off.

  • Exit the tractor and keep clear in case it rolls further.

  • Call 111 if you are injured.

  • Call the farm manager and owner. They will provide first aid if necessary and call H&S manager to start internal investigation.

  • Leave scene undisturbed for insurance assessor.

• Emergency Procedures: Coming across a roll-over.

  • Check your own safety entering the site - i.e. powerlines down, tractor may roll further, fire risk, engine still on, power still on?

  • Give first aid, assess injuries as required.

  • Call 111 if there are injuries.

  • Call farm manager and owner. They will call H&S manager to start internal investigation.

  • Leave scene undisturbed for insurance assessor, Worksafe.

• Emergency Procedures: Tractor Fire

  • Exit tractor with fire extinguisher.

  • If safe to do so, discharge the entire fire extinguisher while leaving bonnet closed.

  • Fire extinguisher may not be sufficient. Keep clear of the fire and don’t re-enter tractor.

  • Call farm manager and owner.