Tractor maintenance and repair

It is important to understand that the guidelines do not replace existing laws. Employers have a legal obligation to take all precautions reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers; and supervisors and workers must take appropriate steps to identify and eliminate all hazards in the workplace.

This is the first edition of the recommendations. They will be reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis as needed and expanded as new production methods and technologies become available. Tractors are the part of the machinery most often involved in agricultural accidents. About 85% of tractor failures are collateral emissions; 14% are reverse rollovers, and 1% are front rollovers. Most rollover fatalities occur with tractors that are not equipped with rollover guards.

Factors to consider when operating the tractor

This section covers the following topics. Note. In this document, where the term "tractor" is used, it also refers to other self-propelled agricultural equipment. The employer must provide information, instructions and supervision on how to operate the tractor safely. The tractor and all accessories used with it must be maintained in good condition. Damaged or missing safety signs should be replaced with new ones if available. If the tractor has a training area, the seat should be used exclusively for this purpose. Children and other observers should be kept away from tractors during operation.

• This includes ensuring that all safety devices are operational.
• Only the operator should ride the tractor while it is in use.

Protective structures

The employer must ensure that the employee operating the tractor is competent to do so. The employer must ensure that the operator: understands and can apply the instructions in the operator's manual before using the tractor for the first time, is able to recognize the associated hazards and knows how to control them. Show the operator how to safely start the tractor and use each of the controls; with instructions at a safe distance while the tractor is operating. On a daily basis, the operator must carry out a wheel check before starting the tractor. On a regular basis, the operator should perform the following maintenance checks before starting the tractor. Workers must report any defects that they are aware of to their employer or supervisor. Extreme care should be used if the level must be checked when the radiator is hot. Tire pressure. Hydraulic leaks. Fittings - tighten any loose ones. Lights - make sure everything is working and visible. Follow the instructions printed on the protective stickers attached to the tractor; Keep protective stickers clean and free of obstructing material. That the wheel steps are installed as widely as they are used for work; there is clear visibility from all sides; there is nothing in the tractor's sights, there are no hazards or obstructions such as overhead wires to ensure that the brakes work properly and that, where applicable, the brake pedals are locked together before driving on the road. This includes situations where ground clearance is low, such as gardens, farmhouses, greenhouses and other places where a specific task requires low-profile tractors.

• Lubricants and fuel levels.
• Radiator fluid level - this should be done when the tractor is cold.
• Particular care should be taken when operating the tractor in these situations.

By following the steps below, you can prevent your tractor from slipping. The tractor will tip sideways much more easily if the wheels are close to each other. When wheels must be moved for high-volume farming, use extra precautions, especially when driving at high speeds on roads. Whenever possible, the operator should avoid driving the tractor near ditches, embankments, holes and steep slopes. The operator should reduce speed before turning, when operating on slopes, when using a loader, and on rough, slippery or dirty surfaces. A tilt of more than 30 degrees may change the tractor's center of gravity. When working on a slope, to ensure greater stability, the operator should move straight up or down the slope rather than diagonally across it. When driving on a slope, the operator should: shift to the lowest gear and hold the tractor in gear to avoid freewheeling and excessive braking; never the shore; Take special care when carrying heavy, high, swinging or unstable loads. Make sure the center of gravity remains in front of the point of contact between rear wheels tractor and earth; try this backup, if necessary, stand up; If necessary, use a scale on the front of the tractor. Never jump from a moving tractor or leave a running tractor unattended. Loose clothing may catch moving parts or levers and cause an accident. If you get stuck in the mud, try backing away. If that doesn't work, get another tractor to pull you out. When a tractor is used to pull loads, the pull point on the tractor must be the point specified in the manufacturer's instructions and the weight of the load being pulled must not exceed the load specified by the manufacturer. to the drawbar and to the manufacturer's recommended height. When using a three-point hitch, front weights must be added if necessary to maintain stability and prevent steering problems. Any chain or cable used to pull an object must be in good condition and suitable for its intended use, in particular it must be able to withstand the load to be pulled without breaking it. When a chain or cable is used to tension a load, any slack should be picked up slowly and there should be no loose chains. Equipment should not be operated without screens or guards. The operator must turn off the engine and ensure that movement has stopped before making any adjustments or maintenance. The operator should raise any rear attachments and move slowly when making sharp turns. The operator must slowly and smoothly raise and lower the attachments.

• Tractor wheels should be kept as far apart as possible.
• A protective shield must be installed while the equipment is in use.
• The tractor may start to roll, move and run over you.
• Do not wear loose clothing while operating the tractor.
• Excessive loads may cause the tractor to tip over backwards.
• Safety clamps and pins designed for interlocking should be used.
• All shields and fences must be in place and in working order.
• For some applications, counterweights should be used for stability.