Mid-summer tractor safety check

With the first-cut silage gathered and a fair share of hay saved, the pressure has eased on many Irish farms.

Now is the time to assess tractors and on-farm machinery after a busy few months and get to grips with any overdue repairs and preventative maintenance, making safety features a priority.

Data provided by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) shows that tractors and farm vehicles (43%) account for the highest proportion of farm deaths and accidents annually.

Combined with other farm machinery, the two categories account for 53% of farm-related deaths.

People involved in machinery-related accidents are not just operators, but also people in the general vicinity.

Tractors are an essential tool on farms, but must be treated with respect and operated correctly.

Any necessary or overdue servicing should be carried out now when some time may be available. Brakes are vital and should be checked regularly to ensure they are working properly, balanced and kept interlocked.

The handbrake must also be checked regularly, adjusted and functioning correctly.

Tyre condition should be inspected, checking for any cracks or dangerous cuts to tyre sidewalls. If left alone, these can lead to a blowout and could have severe consequences, depending on the tractor or machine’s application.

All points requiring lubrication, such as the front axle and hubs, should receive grease regularly to prevent wear and tear. This is particularly important on tractors fitted with front loaders due to greater loads being placed on the front axle.

The loader brackets that attach the front-end loader (if fitted) on to the tractor should be inspected for signs of wear or any cracks. Any cracks should be dealt with, as they pose a serious safety hazard.

It is also advisable to check the torque on the bolts which attach the brackets to the tractor.

Any damaged or missing body panels should ideally be fixed up or replaced. Not only does this leave the machine safer, but also more presentable, which will stand to it when trading in or selling.

Aside from mechanical maintenance, regularly clean the cab floor to allow the safe use of brakes and the clutch pedal.

This eliminates the possibility of rubbish such as bottles getting caught underneath pedals, potentially leading to an accident.

It’s important that users spend some time ensuring all dials, switches and controls are fully functional, seeking professional help if required.

An area often overlooked by operators is the steps that lead into the cab.

The tractor’s steps should always be kept clear of debris as it can easily lead to slippage.

Farmers should check to see if the steps are securely mounted.

Damaged steps should be repaired or replaced.

It is vital that machine operators take the time to keep all glassware clean. Dirty windows will impair operator vision, posing a serious safety hazard.

Tractors should have functioning wipers and mirrors. The wiper blade should be replaced if necessary.

Operators should ensure the washer system is working correctly.

Any cracked or broken mirrors should be replaced. It’s also important that the mirrors are fixed solid in place and kept clean.

During busy spells in short weather windows, farmers and contractors may have to carry out work in the fields and on farms at night in the dark.

Operators need to ensure that all lights are in place and functioning correctly. This includes headlights, work lights, brake lights, indicators and a flashing beacon.

It’s very important to have the correct lighting not only for your own visibility, but for that of all road users.

Operators should always take the required time to properly attach and detach implements.

An incorrectly secured implement can have both dangerous and costly consequences.

Both the three-point linkage system and pickup hitch should be inspected for wear and tear.

In particular, all towing eyes present on trailed machinery should be inspected for wear, trailers and slurry tankers especially.

Check that the PTO U-guard is present and functional. In addition, all shaft covers should be present and functional.

Any oil leaks, if found, should be addressed as soon as possible.

All implement-related controls both inside the cab and on the rear mud guards, if present, should be operational.

All hydraulic hoses should be examined before use.

Damaged pipes and coupling should be either replaced or repaired to avoid bursting and loss of hydraulic oil or even implement damage.