Modern tractors and implements today are designed with safety and efficiency for the operator. Quick- attach couplings and A frames have all helped operators to get implements attached to tractors in safer manner. Yet there is no three-point linkage machine that can be coupled by the operator from the cab in most cases.
Machine weight
The size of mounted machines has increased dramatically over the last number of years. The lift capacity on a medium-sized tractor can be as high as 9t on the rear linkage arms. This offers great potential to use wider, faster implements to get through work.
From another perspective, the mounting of these machines is closer to the tractor itself for better weight balance distribution.
This in turn reduces space for the operator when attaching the plough, fertiliser spreader or sprayer. This makes it difficult to attach PTO shafts or carry out adjustments on the toplink.
The other very worrying problem is the danger of becoming trapped between the machine and the tractor. How does this happen?
A tractor parked on a hill with a faulty park brake may roll backwards when attaching, or the lift arms may be accidentally raised by another person in the cab. These are two scenarios that are not completely unimaginable on any family farm.
Driving style
Driving a tractor with a heavy implement behind presents a whole new set of challenges, both in the field and on the road. The most notable difference is the shifting of the distribution of weight on the tractor’s axles.
The front axle will have less downward force and feel lighter to steer. Driving at high speed on bumpy fields will exaggerate this further, leaving little or no steering control in the tractor. Large implements that are heavy and long, such as reversible ploughs and combination seeders, will need the tractor to be ballasted correctly.
Front weights or front-mounted implements act as a good counterweight. The amount of ballast required is dependent on the tractor size relative to the implement. Apart from the weight of the implement, when working on slopes the weight is shifting from wheel to wheel or from front to back. This can make the tractor unstable and cause a possible jackknife or the tractor to overturn. The best advice is use a tractor that is suited to the machine attached.
Summary
Taking time to do the job is important, avoid using damaged components. If it is possible leaving a tractor dedicated to a certain machine is ideal and avoids interchanging. Remember to ensure that there is no one in danger behind the tractor when reversing.
Add weight to the front of the tractor if required. Machines that have weight pattern changes such as a sprayer of fertiliser spreader can affect the traction on rear wheels.
Safe Family Farm at the Ploughing this year
This year on the Irish Farmers Journal stand (block 3, row 12, stand 291) and on the ESB Networks stand (block 4, row 12, stand 293), the emphasis is on safe working on the farm.
On the Irish Farmers Journal stand, Arthur Byrne, public safety manager with ESB Networks, will deliver an informative and interactive conversation during each livestock demonstration.
Arthur says: “It is important that people working on farms are aware of the power of electricity. It keeps farming and rural Ireland working all year round, yet a lot of people do not understand how it works and the inherent risks”.
On the ESB Networks stand, a detailed farm safety model farm will be on display. This farm will have some risks that can be easily identified to enter our farm safety competition.
We would encourage everybody to visit us at the Ploughing this year to be in with a chance to win one of the following prizes – a family weekend break at Fota Island Resort, a family midweek break with Flynn Hotel Group or a model farm from Millwood Crafts.
Park implements on level ground on a secure stand.Adjust lift arms to ensure they are level, and use the correct category linkage balls.Use a steady slow gear for reversing in to attach the implement.If two people are working on attaching the machine, do not stand between the reversing tractor and implement.The lower links should be attached first, followed by the top link and then the PTO shaft.Use side-mounted mud guard controls where fitted and do not attempt to reach in to the cab to pull levers from the ground.When attaching the PTO shaft always turn off the tractor.Stand to the side of the lift arms and not in the middle.Take 30 seconds to inspect the clips and fasteners ensuring they are fitted correctly.Check and adjust the stabilisers to limit side sway on the machine.
Modern tractors and implements today are designed with safety and efficiency for the operator. Quick- attach couplings and A frames have all helped operators to get implements attached to tractors in safer manner. Yet there is no three-point linkage machine that can be coupled by the operator from the cab in most cases.
Machine weight
The size of mounted machines has increased dramatically over the last number of years. The lift capacity on a medium-sized tractor can be as high as 9t on the rear linkage arms. This offers great potential to use wider, faster implements to get through work.
From another perspective, the mounting of these machines is closer to the tractor itself for better weight balance distribution.
This in turn reduces space for the operator when attaching the plough, fertiliser spreader or sprayer. This makes it difficult to attach PTO shafts or carry out adjustments on the toplink.
The other very worrying problem is the danger of becoming trapped between the machine and the tractor. How does this happen?
A tractor parked on a hill with a faulty park brake may roll backwards when attaching, or the lift arms may be accidentally raised by another person in the cab. These are two scenarios that are not completely unimaginable on any family farm.
Driving style
Driving a tractor with a heavy implement behind presents a whole new set of challenges, both in the field and on the road. The most notable difference is the shifting of the distribution of weight on the tractor’s axles.
The front axle will have less downward force and feel lighter to steer. Driving at high speed on bumpy fields will exaggerate this further, leaving little or no steering control in the tractor. Large implements that are heavy and long, such as reversible ploughs and combination seeders, will need the tractor to be ballasted correctly.
Front weights or front-mounted implements act as a good counterweight. The amount of ballast required is dependent on the tractor size relative to the implement. Apart from the weight of the implement, when working on slopes the weight is shifting from wheel to wheel or from front to back. This can make the tractor unstable and cause a possible jackknife or the tractor to overturn. The best advice is use a tractor that is suited to the machine attached.
Summary
Taking time to do the job is important, avoid using damaged components. If it is possible leaving a tractor dedicated to a certain machine is ideal and avoids interchanging. Remember to ensure that there is no one in danger behind the tractor when reversing.
Add weight to the front of the tractor if required. Machines that have weight pattern changes such as a sprayer of fertiliser spreader can affect the traction on rear wheels.
Safe Family Farm at the Ploughing this year
This year on the Irish Farmers Journal stand (block 3, row 12, stand 291) and on the ESB Networks stand (block 4, row 12, stand 293), the emphasis is on safe working on the farm.
On the Irish Farmers Journal stand, Arthur Byrne, public safety manager with ESB Networks, will deliver an informative and interactive conversation during each livestock demonstration.
Arthur says: “It is important that people working on farms are aware of the power of electricity. It keeps farming and rural Ireland working all year round, yet a lot of people do not understand how it works and the inherent risks”.
On the ESB Networks stand, a detailed farm safety model farm will be on display. This farm will have some risks that can be easily identified to enter our farm safety competition.
We would encourage everybody to visit us at the Ploughing this year to be in with a chance to win one of the following prizes – a family weekend break at Fota Island Resort, a family midweek break with Flynn Hotel Group or a model farm from Millwood Crafts.
Park implements on level ground on a secure stand.Adjust lift arms to ensure they are level, and use the correct category linkage balls.Use a steady slow gear for reversing in to attach the implement.If two people are working on attaching the machine, do not stand between the reversing tractor and implement.The lower links should be attached first, followed by the top link and then the PTO shaft.Use side-mounted mud guard controls where fitted and do not attempt to reach in to the cab to pull levers from the ground.When attaching the PTO shaft always turn off the tractor.Stand to the side of the lift arms and not in the middle.Take 30 seconds to inspect the clips and fasteners ensuring they are fitted correctly.Check and adjust the stabilisers to limit side sway on the machine.
SHARING OPTIONS