Safely Operating a Tractor

You would be hard-pressed to find a modern agricultural operation that didn’t rely on tractors in some way or another. These massive, powerful machines make a number of jobs much easier, faster, and more efficient, but they can be dangerous. We here at Nova International want to make sure you and yours stay safe while you tend your property, so we’ve put together some tips for safely operating a tractor, below. To learn more, or to see the tractors we have for sale, contact our stores in Windsor and Aylesford, Nova Scotia, and Salisbury, New Brunswick, today!

Owner’s Manual

First and foremost, familiarize yourself with your owner’s manual. We have some good generalized information, but your manual was written for your specific make and model. It will include important tips like recommended maintenance schedules, including what you can handle yourself and what should be left to a professional. A tractor that works correctly is a much safer machine.

What You Wear

Next, safety begins with your wardrobe. Tractors have a lot of moving parts that can snag loose clothing or hair, so always make sure to wear well-fitted clothing that’s relatively tight. If you have long hair, keep it in a bun or under a cap—anything to secure it and stop it from dangling. 

For additional protection, sturdy, full-coverage footwear with non-slip soles can keep you where you mean to be and protect your feet while heavy work gloves keep your hands and fingers intact. Safety glasses or goggles and hearing protection are also important—airborne debris and a loud engine can do a lot of damage.

Rollover Avoidance

One of the biggest risks with a tractor is a rollover, flipping you off the tractor in the best-case scenario, flipping it on top of you or someone else in the worst-case. In either case, the tractor isn’t going to handle it well. Your first step is to install rollover protection on your tractor if it doesn’t have a cab already, which will help protect the operator if a rollover occurs. Then, familiarize yourself with the scenarios that can cause a rollover.

Rearward Rolls

Rolling backwards is most common when driving up a slope. If the rear wheels lose traction, they end up acting as a hinge rather than propulsion. Avoid this by changing the tractor’s speed gradually and applying power smoothly when climbing a slope. If the slope is slick or loose, like with mud, sand, or gravel, tire chains should be added before the climb to improve traction.

Sideways Rolls

It’s more common to roll the tractor sideways, since all it requires is uneven ground, operator distraction, or a sharp turn. Avoid operating on slopes or uneven ground when you can, and always make sure to take a turn slowly.

We hope these tips keep you and yours safe! If you have any questions, or you just want to see the tractors we have in stock, contact us at Nova International. We proudly serve the people of Atlantic Canada—let us serve you today!