When you’re out there, merrily digging away or handling materiel with our equipment, be safe. As discussed in the previous post, stay out of the way of underground lines (hitting a major underground power line can get a little more exciting than you’d like). Now, we’ll look at tractor safety.
Kubota Tractor Safety
Kubota’s engineers have build a great deal of safety into their equipment. But the tractor can’t control itself or it’s attachments or where you work. So, responsibility for safe operation lies with you. Here’s Kubota’s “Ten Commandments”:
“The 10 Commandments of Tractor Safety”
1. “Know your tractor, its implements and how they work. Please read and understand the Operator’s Manual(s) before operating the equipment. Also, keep your equipment in good condition.”
2. “Use ROPS [Roll Over Protection System] and seat belt when and wherever applicable. If your tractor has a foldable ROPS, fold it down only when necessary and fold it up and lock it again as soon as possible. Do not wear the seat belt when the you have folded the ROPS. Overturns cause most tractor fatalities.*” [Our current tractor’s roof functions the same way.]
3. “Be familiar with your terrain and work area. Walk the area first to find any debris or obstacles that could hinder your ability to drive safely. Use special caution on slopes, slow down for all turns and stay off the highway when possible.”
4. “Never start an engine in a closed shed or garage. Exhaust gas has carbon monoxide, which is colorless, odorless and deadly.”
5. “Always keep your PTO properly shielded. Make it a habit to walk around your tractor and PTO driven attachment, never over, through or between the tractor and attachment, particularly if either is running. The PTO rotates with enough speed and strength to kill you.”
6. “Keep your hitches low and always on the drawbar. Otherwise, your tractor might flip over backwards.”
7. “Never get off a moving tractor or leave it with its engine running. Shut it off before leaving the seat. Runaway tractors are dangerous.”
8. “Never refuel while the engine is running or hot. Additionally, do not add coolant to the radiator while the engine is hot; hot coolant can erupt and scald.”
9. “Keep all children off and away from your tractor and its implements, period. Children like tractors and the work they do and often want to check it out. However, a tractor’s work is not child’s play. Remember, a child’s disappointment is fleeting, while your memory of his or her injury or death resulting from riding the tractor with you, or being too close, will last a lifetime.”
10. “Never be in a hurry or take chances about anything you do with your tractor. Think safety first, then take your time and do it right.”
“*Kubota Tractor Corporation strongly recommends the use of ROPS and seat belts in almost all applications.”
Attachment Safety coming soon!
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