DRIVING TO THE WORK AREA

Driving tractors at high speeds increases the risk of accidents and overturning. Quick maneuvers or using brakes while turning can also cause the tractor to tip over.

Before taking a tractor or mower on the highway:

• Ensure the tractor has a slow-moving vehicle (SMV) sign, working lights, and warning flags.

• Maintain a safe, slow speed, especially if the mowing attachment does not have its own brakes. Heavy rolling loads that cannot be controlled by the tractor can jackknife.

• Slow down when turning, especially off the road or onto gravel. Avoid very sharp turns, which can cause attachments to jackknife.

CROSSING HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGES

• Only cross when traffic is clear and you have enough time to safely pass.

• Secure attachments such as batwings, over-the-fence mowers, and flail mowers in the travel position using all locking devices.

• Raise attachments before crossing bridges.

• Come to a complete stop at railroad crossings and look both ways.

GENERAL TRAFFIC RULES

• Obey all traffic laws.

• Keep the tractor and attachments within a single lane at all times.

SAFETY IN THE WORK AREA

Before starting the job, make sure "Mowing Ahead" signs are in place if your equipment will operate on or over the highway. The distance between the sign and the operation should not exceed 5 miles, as per local guidelines and as terrain allows, considering sightlines and cross streets. It is also advisable to place a warning sign after intersections.

Mowing can sometimes feel like one big obstacle course. Be alert for rough ground and hidden culvert holes that could cause the tractor to overturn. If possible, check the area beforehand to locate natural obstacles such as hidden rocks, tree stumps, low-hanging branches, and overgrown gullies. Take note of any signs, posts, fences, mailboxes, or utility pedestals. Even at relatively slow speeds, running over a hidden object can raise one side of the tractor and create a rough ride. Be especially careful when mowing around signs. If you accidentally knock one down, report it to your supervisor as soon as possible.

Driving too close to the edge of a ditch or bank is another major cause of mower accidents. If you become stuck in a ditch or muddy area, do not put anything under the wheels to gain traction. Also, do not increase speed or pop the clutch. Either practice can cause the front end of the tractor to jump and rotate around the rear axle, possibly causing injury.

First, try backing out. If that doesn’t work, dig out an area in front of the rear wheels, shift into low gear, use moderate engine speed, and engage the clutch slowly. It may also help to dig out the area in front of the tractor if the tires are not on solid ground. If nothing works, notify your supervisor and use a truck or call for a wrecker to remove the tractor to prevent additional damage.

SAFETY ON THE SLOPES

Because of the weight distribution of tractor mowers, there is a risk of rollovers when mowing on slopes. When starting up a hill, engage the clutch gently. Popping the clutch can cause the mower to tip backward. You may want to back up the hill, but if that is not possible, climb at an angle. On steep slopes, use a low gear to prevent the engine from stalling. If it does stall, set the brake immediately and apply power gradually to start again.

The tractor chassis is built high off the ground to clear low obstacles. This gives it a high center of gravity, making it somewhat top-heavy on slopes. When driving sideways on a steep slope, there is a tendency to overturn. If the tractor begins to tip, steer the front wheels downhill, not uphill. Turning downhill increases stability and helps prevent a rollover. Always check the operator’s manual for maximum slope angles, and do not exceed them, as exceeding these limits creates a potential rollover hazard.

Keep the tractor in gear while going downhill, letting the engine act as a brake to control speed. If the load slows too much, open the throttle slightly. If the engine does not provide enough braking power, assist by pressing both brake pedals. Never take the tractor out of gear when going downhill; a tractor not in gear is at high risk of losing control. It is also safer to go downhill at an angle to the slope.

TRACTOR OPERATING TIPS TO REMEMBER

The first step in tractor safety is proper training on the operation of the tractor and its attachments. Be familiar with and follow the directions in the operator’s manual. Many injuries occur when operators overlook small details, such as climbing on or off the tractor or falling while it is in operation.

If the tractor has steps and a platform, take time to clean off mud, grease, and other debris that can accumulate during use. Never jump from the tractor. Clothing can catch on pedals, levers, or other protrusions, and you could land on uneven ground, risking injury to your ankles, legs, or back. Use handrails, handholds, and steps to climb onto the tractor, keeping three points of contact at all times—either two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand.

Never start a tractor from a standing position on the ground. Always start it while seated in the operator’s seat. Do all driving from the seat and fasten the seat belt if the tractor has rollover protection. Never operate a tractor while riding on the drawbar, sitting on the fender, standing on the steps, or sitting on the backrest of the operator’s seat.

Keep your speed under control. Avoid driving so fast that the front wheels bounce. Watch ahead for obstructions and slow down before making turns.