Tractor Safety Week: Maintenance and tidy tractors
Tractor Safety Week shares simple steps that can save lives on farms. Monday’s Tractor Safety Week theme highlights the importance of Tractor maintenance and tidy tractors, Teagasc Health and Safety Specialist, Francis Bligh tells us more.
Routine machinery maintenance and a tidy tractor are critical for preventing accidents, which account for a high percentage of severe injuries and fatalities in Irish agriculture. Keeping tractors and farm equipment in good mechanical order and parking them in dedicated, clean areas helps to improve safe use. Having a dedicated location for tools, pins and equipment will help to keep the cab clear of obstructions.
Tractor maintenance checklist
A properly maintained tractor ensures safety on both public roads and fields.
- Daily walk-around
- Check for oil and fuel leaks, damaged hitch pins, and structural defects.
- Guards and PTOs
- Ensure all power take-off (PTO) shields and safety covers are securely in place and functional.
- Brakes
- Regularly test your handbrake. A simple test is to apply the handbrake, put the tractor into gear, and attempt to move forward – the engine should start to come under pressure.
- Safety and vision
- Keep the cab floor clear of debris so you can safely use the pedals. Ensure windows are clean and mirrors are correctly adjusted to minimise blind spots.
- Seasonal servicing
- Regularly drain and replace engine oil, change hydraulic filters and maintain proper tire pressure. Take time to check lighting and beacons are working correctly.
- Workshop
- Assess the job and make sure you have the competence and the equipment to carry out the maintenance job safely. If in doubt seek help.
To learn more on tractor safety, watch the below video:
Tractor Safety Week is an initiative of the Farm Safety Partnership Committee. For more information on Tractor Safety Week, visit here.