Agricultural Vehicles in the Woods


Use the following format to cite this article:

Agricultural vehicles in the woods. (2014) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/pages/70337/agricultural-vehicles-in-the-w….

 

The risk of safety related incidents is high when a farmer or rancher uses a farm tractor to cut trees, clear fence rows, and gather firewood.  The typical farm tractor is simply not designed for use in woodlots. A farm tractor lacks the safety components of timber harvest tractors or skidders, which include the following:

  • A heavy steel skid plate to protect the underside of the machine
  • A protective radiator grill
  • Engine side guards
  • 10- to 12-ply flat sidewall tires
  • Tire chains
  • Front-end weights
  • 10-pound ABC fire extinguisher
  • A spark-arrester exhaust system
  • A category II falling object projective structure (FOPS) with a seat belt
  • A protective grill for the rear window and sides of the FOPS cab
  • High ground clearance
  • Lateral stability
  • Nearly equal front- and rear-axle weight distribution.

The photo below is an example of a tractor equipped with a Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) and FOPS.

Tractor in the Woods

(Source: Lee Stover, L & E Stover Enterprises)

Dangerous Farm Tractor Usage

A rear overturn incident can occur with a farm tractor if a chain or cable is attached to a point higher on the tractor than the drawbar. Side overturn can occur when the farm tractor runs over a stump, rock, or tree trunk with a rear tire. Farm tractors equipped with a front-end loader should never be used to pull or push down limbs because the raised loader changes the center or gravity, placing the tractor at risk for a side overturn incident. Never use a farm tractor to complete forestry jobs such as pushing, dragging, or loading logs, without skid cones, log arches, three-point mounted grapples, or a skidding implement equipped with a three-point winch. These pieces of equipment reduce the risk of a log twisting or rolling out of the control while being dragged. Click here for more information on safe hitching.

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Utility Vehicles (UTVs)

The potential for a tractor, ATV, or UTV overturn exists in woodlots because of uneven terrain and hidden obstacles such as rocks, roots, and stumps. Only specialized equipment such as timber harvest tractors and skidders should be used in woodlots. Felling of large trees for harvest should be completed by commercial operators with specialized equipment. Once a tree has been felled and located in a non-wooded area such as a fence row, the tree can be properly delimbed and sectioned for use on the farm or ranch. In order to remove the wood, you need to determine the best mode of transportation for the job and the environment.

ATVs towing wagons and UTVs with cargo beds or boxes continue to be popular choices, but it is important to understand their limitations. ATVs typically have lighter-duty suspension systems with less pulling and braking power, making them unsafe to complete most logging-type tasks. Some larger UTVs with a wider wheel base are equipped with a heavier frame and protective cage but still have limited capability in wooded areas.

When using a UTV or ATV to pull a trailer, the operator should be careful to observe the hauling capacity limits to reduce the risk of an incident. Check the manufacturer’s recommendation for any trailer that is being used to haul wood. Do not overload the trailer, and make sure that the wood is properly secured. The cargo box for each UTV has a recommended payload capacity that can vary between 500 and 1,400 pounds, depending on the make and model. It is extremely important to check the operator’s manual to determine the maximum payload capacity for your UTV. Keeping loads within the recommended payload capacity is essential to reducing the risk of an accident or potential damage to the UTV or ATV and trailer.

Extra precautions should be taken when using ATVs and UTVs in the woods for any activity. By hauling smaller amounts of wood slowly through a woodlot or along a trail that has been inspected for hidden obstacles, you can decrease the potential for an incident. Log arches can be used to stabilize smaller logs that need to be dragged from the woods, while reducing the possibility of the butt end of the log catching on a rock or stump or rolling sideways down uneven, sloping terrain. Consider winching logs that have fallen into precarious positions to a safer landing before using a light-duty ATV or UTV to pull them. The photo below shows an ATV using a log arch to safely transport logs on a path.

Log arch

Photo Source: Future Forestry Products, Inc. Log arch currently manufactured by Logrite of CT.

 

Additional Safety Recommendations:

  • If you are in the woods, inform other people of your location.
  • Always know the location of other people in your group, especially when felling a tree.
  • Make sure you have a complete first aid kit with you and have a basic understanding of first aid for severe bleeding, second-degree burns, and shock.

Resources

Click here to learn more about using your ATV on a farm or ranch.

Click here to learn more about chain saw safety.

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Agricultural vehicles in the woods. (2014) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/pages/70337/agricultural-vehicles-in-the-w….

 

Sources

Murphy, D., Stover, L., & Harshman, W. (2011) Tractors in the woods. Penn State Extension. Retrieved from https://extension.psu.edu/tractors-in-the-woods.

 

Reviewers, Contributors, and Summarized by:
Willard Downs, University of Missouri – Willard@missouri.edu
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Bobby Grisso, Jr., Virginia Tech – bgrisso@vt.edu
Bill Harshman, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu 
 

ATV Safety for Agricultural Producers


Use the following format to cite this article:

ATV Safety for Agricultural Producers. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/64338/atv-safety-for-agricultural-producers.

 

Farmers and ranchers in all parts of the country rely on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to complete a variety of jobs related to production agriculture. Manufacturers continue to identify new applications and develop pull-behind attachments to increase the versatility and usefulness of ATVs.

Despite their usefulness, ATVs remain a source of problematic incidents on farms and ranches. In the United States in 2014, ATV accidents resulted in 93.700 emergency department treated injuries and 385 deaths (Consumer Product Safety Commission). To reduce the risk of an ATV-related injury or death, take the following precautions:

  • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Participate in certified safety training.
  • Maintain your ATV in proper working condition.
  • Practice safe operating procedures.
  • Follow safety recommendations from:
    • the ATV’s manufacturer and
    • organizations that address safety in production agriculture, such as Cooperative Extension programs at land-grant universities.

Protective Gear for ATV Operators

The most important piece of PPE for an operator is a helmet. Observe the following guidelines when selecting and wearing a helmet for ATV use:

  • Select a helmet that is the correct size for the operator.
  • To ensure that a helmet has been safety-tested, select a helmet approved for ATV use by:
    • the American National Standards Institute (ANSI),
    • the U.S. Department of Transportation, or
    • the Snell Memorial Foundation. 
  • If the helmet is not equipped with a face shield, wear ANSI-approved goggles or glasses with hard-coated polycarbonate lenses

When operating an ATV, you should also wear:

  • gloves,
  • boots,
  • a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, and
  • long pants.

When using an ATV during the application of pesticides, follow the PPE recommendations on the applicator’s label because you will be in close proximity to the applicator’s spray nozzle and the treated material.

Safety Training

The ideal setting for learning about ATV safety and operation is an approved safety training program. The website ATVsafety.org provides:

  • safety information,
  • text of legislation regarding ATV use,
  • state-specific information about ATV regulations, and
  • contact information for ATV safety training programs for adults and teens.

Click here to be directed to ATVsafety.gov to locate a safety training program in your area.  

ATV Maintenance

Properly maintaining your ATV and executing a checklist before riding can minimize your risk of injury and decrease the possibility of being stranded due to engine malfunction. Check the following items before riding your ATV:

  • Tires: Uneven air pressure in the tires can cause your ATV to pull in the direction of the tire with the least amount of air pressure.

    • Always maintain the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure in each tire.  
    • To check air pressure, use a specialized air-pressure gauge designed for ATV tires.
    • Make sure that all nuts and bolts are tightly secured on the tires and use a cotter pin when necessary.
  • Throttle

    • Check the throttle by moving the handlebars from left to right.
      • The handlebars should move smoothly.
      • There should be no mud or dirt restricting proper movement. 
  • Brakes

    • Check the brakes before every ride.

      • After consulting your owner’s manual, check the brakes to make sure the controls work smoothly and effectively and are adjusted accordingly. 
  • Lights

    • Check that all lights are working properly.
    • To ensure the optimal level of lighting, wipe any dirt off the lights before riding.
  • Oil and fuel

    • Check your ATV for leaks.
    • Make sure you have appropriate levels of oil and fuel.
  • Drive train and chassis

    • Assess any wear on your chains and replace them or lubricate as needed.
    • If your ATV has a drive shaft instead of a chassis, check for oil leaks and maintain oil levels according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
    • Examine your chassis and tighten any loose parts. The vibrations of the ATV can loosen nuts and bolts.

Safe Operating Procedures

  • Turning: Remember to shift your weight properly when making a turn.

    • When making a turn at a low speed, shift your body weight forward and to the outside of the turn while turning the handlebars.
    • When making a turn at a higher speed, lean your upper body toward the inside of the turn while keeping your weight on the outer footrest.  
  • Braking: Applying the brakes evenly and gently will bring the ATV to a proper stop.

    • When possible, release the throttle and shift to a lower gear prior to coming to your stopping point. 
  • Climbing: Operating an ATV on a slope that is too steep increases your risk for a potentially deadly overturn.

    • When you approach an incline, keep both feet firmly on the footrests and shift your body weight forward.
    • If your ATV stalls on a steep incline and you begin to drift backward, apply the brakes slowly.
      • Applying the brakes too fast when rolling backward could result in a rear overturn.
  • Descending

    • Always shift into a lower gear and point your ATV downhill when descending an incline.
    • Keep your feet firmly on the footrest and slide to the back of the operator’s seat to improve your stability.
  • Operating on sloped terrain: Shifting your body weight while in the operator’s seat significantly changes the ATV’s center of gravity on sloped terrain.

    • When possible, avoid driving your ATV across steep slopes when the terrain is slippery or bumpy.
      • If you must drive on such conditions, keep your feet on the footrests and lean your body weight uphill.

ATVs in Work Scenarios

It is important to choose an appropriate ATV for the particular needs of your farm operation. Note that four-wheeled ATVs have a better work capacity, are more stable, and pose a lower risk of side overturns than three-wheeled ATVs. Three-wheeled ATVs are no longer being manufactured, and a four-wheeled ATV is the safer choice.

Multiple ATVs

(Photo Source: Pennsylvania State University. Agricultural Safety and Health)

The main differences between an ATV with a 2×4 drive train and an ATV with a 4×4 drive train are turning ability and driving ability on varying terrains. Different drive systems (limited slip differential, locking differential, and so on) result in different handling capabilities.

Attachments such as carrying racks and pulled equipment affect an ATV’s operation. Front and rear carrying racks are used to transport farm supplies such as small square bales or bagged feed. To avoid a rear overturn with your ATV, never carry more than one-third of the ATV’s weight on a rear carrying rack. Whenever possible, divide the load between a front and rear carrying rack.

When towing a load with an ATV, the load should never weigh more than the weight of the ATV plus the weight of the operator. You should hitch only to the manufacturer’s hitch point and follow all manufacturer’s recommendations for your ATV because some attachments may be too heavy for your ATV’s brakes. When you go down a slope with an attachment that is too heavy, the attachment can push your ATV, causing it to jackknife or resulting in an overturn.

General Safety Recommendations

  • Never carry a passenger. Extra riders can limit the operator’s ability to steer and control the vehicle and can interfere with the operator’s ability to shift his or her weight properly.

    • A passenger is allowable only if the ATV was designed for two people.
  • Do not allow children to ride with the operator during work tasks.
  • Check your riding area to make sure it is free from hazards such as rocks, stumps, branches, and fences.
  • Know and obey the laws in your area related to ATV operation.
  • Ask permission before riding on private property and be aware that some areas may require written permission.
  • Use lights, reflectors, and flags to increase the ATV’s visibility.
  • Do not show off, perform stunts, or speed.
  • ATV tires are not designed for road travel, so avoid public roads and paved surfaces, which can affect the handling and control of the ATV, posing a risk for overturn. 
  • Keep your feet on the footrests at all times.
  • Remember that certain ATV parts, such as the engine, exhaust pipe, and muffler, are hot and can cause burns.
  • Keep your hands and feet away from all moving parts on the ATV.
  • Maintain proper riding posture to operate the controls effectively.
  • Do not operate an ATV if you have drugs or alcohol in your bloodstream; your reaction time and judgment may be impaired.

See the video clip below from the ATV Safety Institute to learn about preparing for an ATV ride.

 

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

 

ATV Safety for Agricultural Producers. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/64338/atv-safety-for-agricultural-producers.

 

Sources

2014 annual report of ATV-related deaths and injuries. (2015) Consumer Product Safety Commission. Retrieved from https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/pdfs/2014atvannualreport.pdf.

Baker, D. (2000) All-terrain vehicles. University of Missouri Extension. Retrieved from http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G1936.

Murphy, D. and Harshman, W. (2005) The safe use of ATVs in agriculture. Pennsylvania State University College of Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension. Retrieved from https://extension.psu.edu/the-safe-use-of-atvs-in-agriculture.

Schwab, C., Miller, L., and Satre, S. (2008) ATV safety for farm work, recreation. Iowa State University Extension. Retrieved from https://store.extension.iastate.edu/ItemDetail.aspx?ProductID=5065.

 

Reviewed and Summarized by:
 Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Jimmy Maass, Virginia Farm Bureau (Has since retired)
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Michael Pate, Pennsylvania State University – mlp79@psu.edu
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu

  

Youth ATV Safety

ATV Safety Course Photo

(Photo Source: Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, ATV Safety Institute)

Use the following format to cite this article:

Youth ATV safety. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/62259/youth-atv-safety.

 

Youth operate all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on farms and ranches and for recreational use. ATVs can be useful for work and a fun mode of transportation; however, injuries from ATV incidents continue to be problematic for farm and rural youth. In 2008, more than 37,000 youth under the age of 16 were treated in hospital emergency rooms across the country due to ATV-related injuries (Consumer Product Safety Commission).

Many of these incidents can be prevented by evaluating the youth’s readiness to operate an ATV by:

  • identifying the correct size of ATV;
  • using personal protective equipment;
  • giving the youth safety instruction, and
  • providing adult supervision. 

Adult supervision of youth ATV operators is essential to ensure that the youth adheres to rules, wears the proper protective equipment, and correctly operates the ATV. Controls such as throttle limiters, exhaust restrictors, and remote shut-off switches are available to assist adults when regulating beginning ATV operators.

Youth Readiness and Size of ATV

Children under 6 should never be on an ATV, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Most ATVs are labeled with a recommended age for that model. The recommended ages for Y-6 models (under 70cc engines) are 6 to 11 years old. The Y-12 models (70 to 90 cc engines) are 12 to 15 years old. However, some states many have specific rules regarding allowable age for operation of ATVs, so it is important to check your state for rules, and while the actual age is the easiest to identify, it should not be the only factor in determine when youth can ride.

Children develop at different rates, so consider each child’s cognitive and physical development when making a decision about their ability to operate an ATV. Cognitive and emotional development is related to the youth’s reasoning ability, memory, discipline, focus, and decision-making skills. Do not overestimate your child’s abilities when it comes to making decisions that will affect his safety. When assessing your child’s cognitive development, determine her level of discipline and her understanding of cause and effect. Be sure that your child understands that if his behavior is unsafe or reckless, the consequence may be an injury or death. Discuss safety scenarios with your youth to ensure that he can provide sensible and safe reactions to the situation.

Physical development includes the youth’s size, strength, visual acuity, and coordination. The following are a few measures you can take to determine if your child is physically ready to operate an ATV:

  • If your child stands on the footrests of the ATV with his hands on the handle bar, are there at least 3 inches of clearance between the ATV seat and the seat of the child’s pants?
  • Can your child operate the throttle and brake lever with one hand?
  • Can your child shift the weight of the ATV side to side by shifting her weight? 

Youth should only operate a four-wheeled ATV because these are more stable and present less risk for a side overturn compared to a three-wheeled ATV.

For beginning riders, choose an ATV with a single speed automatic transmission, and do not equip the ATV with a carrier rack. A load on a carrier rack can shift and possibly alter the ATV’s center of gravity and decrease its stability. There is only one seat for the operator; therefore, passengers are not permitted on an ATV. The following chart is a guideline for the most appropriate-sized ATV engine compared to the youth’s age.  

Figure 1: Operator Age and ATV Engine Size
Age of Operator ATV Engine Size
Under 6 years of age No operation recommended
Age 6 to 11 Under 70cc
Age 12 to 15 70 – 90cc
16 years and older Over 90cc

Different Sized ATVs

Different Sized ATVs. Photo Source: Penn State Ag Safety & Health

(Left to right: 700cc, 90cc, and 50cc. Photo Source: Pennsylvania State University. Agricultural Safety and Health)

 

Protective Gear for ATV Operators

The most important piece of personal protective equipment for an operator is a helmet approved for ATV use.  Helmets should be the correct size for the operator and approved for ATV use by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), U.S. Department of Transportation, or the Snell Memorial Foundation to ensure that it has been safety tested. If the helmet is not equipped with a face shield, wear an ANSI-approved pair of goggles or glasses with hard-coated polycarbonate lenses. When operating an ATV, the child should also wear gloves, boots, long-sleeved shirt or jacket, and long pants.

Maintenance, Specifications, and Operation

Teach your youth the location of the following ATV parts: parking brake, brakes, throttle, engine stop switch, and shift lever (if equipped). Prior to operating the ATV, follow these steps:

  • Check the air pressure in the tires, controls and cables, ignition switch, and oil and fuel levels.
  • Lubricate chains and/or drive-shaft chassis. 
  • Make sure that all nuts and bolts are tightly secured. 

Teach youth the acronym BONE-C which outlines the following steps to properly start an ATV:

  1. BBrake – Make sure the parking brake is set.
  2. OOn – The ignition and fuel are on.
  3. NNeutral – ATV should be started in neutral (if equipped)
  4. EEngine – The stop switch should be in the run or start position.
  5. CChoke – Choke should be on when starting a cold engine. 

Safety Instruction

Youth should learn to safely operate an ATV in an approved safety training program. 

Click HERE to be directed to ATVSafety.gov to do an online ATV safety training. ATVSafety.gov provides safety information, legislation regarding ATV use, state-specific information about regulations, and contact information for ATV safety training for adults and teens.  

Click HERE to be directed to the ATV Safety Institute for more information about ATV safety and safety training classes in your area.

Click HERE to view a below from the ATV Safety Institute to learn more about their ATV safety training classes.

Additional Safety Recommendations

  • Check your riding area to make sure it is free from hazards such as rocks, stumps, branches, and fences.
  • Know and obey the laws in your area related to ATV operation.
  • Ask permission before riding on private property.
  • Use lights, reflectors, and flags to increase the ATV’s visibility.
  • Do not show off, perform stunts, or speed.
  • ATV tires are not designed for road travel so avoid public roads and paved surfaces because road travel affects the handling and control of the ATV. 
  • Keep the feet on the footrests at all times.
  • Remember that certain ATV parts such as the engine, exhaust pipe, and muffler are hot and can cause burns.
  • Keep the hands and feet away from all moving parts on the ATV.
  • Maintain proper riding posture to help properly operate the controls.   

Resources

  • Click HERE to be directed to the Youth Agricultural Work Guidelines that provides questions designed to help you determine whether your child is ready to operate an ATV or UTV and have a positive agricultural work experience. 
  • Click HERE to be directed to the Children’s Safety Network’s publication titled ‘Focus on All-Terrain Vehicle Safety: Resource Guide 2012’.

 

 

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Youth ATV safety. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/62259/youth-atv-safety.

 

Sources

2008 annual report of ATV-related deaths and injuries. (2010). Consumer Product Safety Commission. Retrieved from https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/pdfs/atv2008.pdf.

Youth agricultural work guidelines. (2017)National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety. Retrieved from https://cultivatesafety.org/safety-guidelines-search/?category=familyyouth.

Murphy, D. & Harshman, W. (2005). ATVs and youth: Matching children and vehicles. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension. Retrieved from https://extension.psu.edu/atvs-and-youth-matching-children-and-vehicles.

Parents, youngsters, and all-terrain vehicles (2010) ATV Safety Institute. Retrieved from https://www.cohv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/parents-youngsters-atvs-2….

Schwab, C., Miller, L. & Satre, S. (2008) ATV safety for farm work, recreation. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Safe Farm. Retrieved from https://store.extension.iastate.edu/ItemDetail.aspx?ProductID=5065

 

Reviewed and Summarized by:
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
S. Dee Jepson, Ohio State University – jepsen.4@osu.edu 
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University – (Has since retired)
Michael Pate, Pennsylvania State University – mlp79@psu.edu
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu