Tag: tractors

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Tractor Stability

NH Tractor

NH Tractor

(Photo Source: Pennsylvania State University – Ag Safety and Health)

Use the following format to cite this article:

Tractor stability. (2014) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/pages/70338/tractor-stability.

The tractor is the most recognized piece of equipment on a farm or ranch, but it is also associated with incidents that can lead to serious injuries or death. There are various makes, models, and designs for tractors, but the basic components of tractor stability remain the same. By understanding tractor stability, you can reduce your potential for a tractor overturn incident.

Understanding Center of Gravity

The center of gravity for any object is the point on the object where all parts perfectly balance one another. For example, the point at which a pencil will balance on your finger is its center, and this center point is easily found by practicing balancing a pencil on the end of your finger. But finding the center point on larger objects is not always as simple. For example, the center of gravity on a two-wheel drive tractor is typically in the center of the tractor body as you look from right to left, but is about 10 inches above and 2 feet in front of the rear axle as you look from back to front. This center of gravity placement disperses the weight so that 30 percent of the tractor’s weight is on the front axle and 70 percent is on the rear axle.

The center of gravity must remain within the tractor’s stability baseline for the tractor to remain in an upright position. Stability baselines (shown below) are imaginary lines drawn between points where the tractor tires contact the ground.

Stability Baseline Image

(Photo Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)

Compared to an automobile, the center of gravity is higher on a tractor because the tractor needs to be higher in order to complete operations over crops and rough terrain. Terrains, attachments, weights, and speeds can change the tractor’s resistance to turning over. The following examples describe situations in which the stability of a tractor can change:

  • Whenever mounted equipment is raised, the center of gravity is also raised, decreasing tractor stability.
  • Any changes in weight from an attachment—such as a front-end loader, bale fork, and so on—or load can shift the center of gravity toward the weight.
  • Implements that are side mounted shift the center of gravity toward the attachment.

Tractor Stability

In addition to the center of gravity, other factors important to tractor stability include centrifugal force, rear-axle torque, and drawbar leverage.  

Centrifugal Force

Centrifugal force is the outward force of objects moving in a circular path. In regards to a tractor, centrifugal force is the force that is trying to roll the tractor over when it is making a turn. As the radius of the turn decreases (in a sharp turn) the centrifugal force increases. There is a relationship between centrifugal force and speed, but it is not directly proportional (for example, when the tractor speed is tripled from 3 mph to 9 mph, the centrifugal force increases 9 times). Since centrifugal force increases when turning, it is often a factor in a side overturn. The effect of this centrifugal force on stability is even greater when operating a tractor on sloped terrain.

Rear-Axle Torque

Rear-axle torque is the transfer of energy between the engine and the rear axle of a two-wheel drive tractor. When the clutch is engaged on this type of tractor, it results in a twisting force, or torque, which should rotate the tires and move the tractor forward or backward. If the rear tires are stuck (as in mud) or blocked from rotating, the rear axle is unable to rotate properly, so the tractor chassis rotates about the axle. This results in the front end of the tractor lifting off the ground, which can cause the tractor’s center of gravity to move past the rear stability baseline. This type of incident is called a rear overturn, and the “point of no return” (shown below) can occur in less than a second, which is not enough time for the operator to react and try to stop the rearward motion. A rear overturn incident with a four-wheel drive tractor can occur, but it occurs less frequently than with a two-wheel drive tractor because more weight is carried on the front axle, and the center of gravity is closer to the front of the tractor. By design, the front tires of four-wheel drive or front-wheel assist tractors have more traction and will not rise off the ground as easily as the wheels of a tractor with two-wheel drive.

Point of No Return Rear Tractor Overturn

(Image Source:Safety Management for Landscapers, Grounds-care Business, and Golf Courses, John Deere Publishing, 2001. Illustration reproduced by permission. All rights reserved)

Drawbar Leverage

Drawbar leverage is another stability factor in a rear overturn incident. When a two-wheel drive tractor is pulling a load, there is a backward and downward pull that causes the rear tires to become a pivot point. An “angle of pull” is created between the ground’s surface and the attachment point on the tractor that acts as a force to tip the tractor rearward. The drawbar on a tractor is designed to counteract the rearward tipping potential of pulled loads; however, when a load is attached to the tractor at any point other than the drawbar, the drawbar design is no longer effective in preventing rear overturn incidents.

Tractors are commonly used to pull stumps out of the ground. A tractor is hitched safely when the log chain is wrapped around the tree stump and attached to the tractor drawbar. The log chain is properly attached to the tractor drawbar, providing a lower “angle of pull” and decreasing the leverage necessary to tip a tractor rearward. Unsafe hitching occurs when the load is attached to a point other than the drawbar. If the log chain is attached to the rear axle instead of the drawbar, the “angle of pull” and leverage do not decrease as the tractor’s front end rises. When hitching to something that is higher than the drawbar hitch point, such as the rear axle, there is increased pressure on the rear tires. This might prevent the tractor tires from slipping and cause the front end to lift. Click here to view videos of tractor stability and tractor overturn incident demonstrations.

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Tractor stability. (2014) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/pages/70338/tractor-stability.

 

Sources

How can you maintain stability on various gradients? (2002) Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Retrieved from http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/tractors/stability.html.

Murphy, D. (2014) Tractor overturn hazards. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, Cooperative Extension. Retrieved from http://extension.psu.edu/business/ag-safety/vehicles-and-machinery/tract….

Tractor stability (2012) Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Retrieved from http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/tractors/stability.html.

 

Reviewed and Summarized by:
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Andrew Merryweather, University of Utah – a.merryweather@utah.edu
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University – djm13@psu.edu
Charles V. Schwab, Iowa State University – cvschwab@iastate.edu
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu
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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
  • A 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 
 
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Identifying and Correcting Hazards on Your Farm or Ranch

Tractor Safety Training

(Source: Penn State Ag Safety & Health)

Use the following format to cite this article:

Identifying and correcting hazards on your farm or ranch. (2013) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/pages/69135/identifying-and-correcting-haz….

 

The majority of serious farm incidents involve machinery and equipment, but many hazards can be found in all areas of farm operations. Many of these incidents can be prevented through an inspection and correction of the hazard. The challenge is that most agricultural producers do not know how to properly assess and correct hazards on their farm operation.  

The Farm/Agriculture/Rural/Management-Hazard Analysis Tool (FARM-HAT) was developed by the Pennsylvania State University and is the most comprehensive on-line tool for assessing and identifying ways to correct hazards in 11 major categories including, but not limited to, farm operations, dwellings, agritourism, and tractors. FARM-HAT can be used by farmers, extension educators, insurance agents and others that are interested in improving the safety of a farm operation, equipment or rural enterprise.  

Take the inspection of your farm operation very seriously and also recruit other farm family members to participate in the process. Inspections can be done at various times of the year. Consider inspecting yours tractors and machinery over the winter so that you have time to complete repairs before the spring when you are preparing for the planting season.

In addition to FARM-HAT, other resources are available for specialized inspections including barns, machinery and tractors. Listed below are links to checklists for farm operations.

Resource Links – Pick a Site and Start Your Farm Inspection:

  1. FARM-HAT (Penn State University)
  2. Evaluate Equipment for Dangers (Iowa State University)
  3. Your Personal Farm Safety Audit (Agricultural Safety and Health Network)

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Identifying and correcting hazards on your farm or ranch. (2013) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/pages/69135/identifying-and-correcting-haz….

 

Citations:

Farm/Agricultural/Rural Management Hazard Analysis Tool. (2010) Penn State Agricultural Safety and Health. Retrieved from http://extension.psu.edu/business/ag-safety/farmhat.

Folsom, R. (2009) Barn and farm inspection checklist. Virginia Cooperative Extension. Retrieved from https://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/bitstream/handle/10919/48862/VCE_Barn_Farm….

Hanna, M., Schwab, C., and Miller, L. (1998) Evaluate equipment for dangers. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Retrieved from http://nasdonline.org/2469/d002295/safe-farm-evaluate-equipment-for-dang….

Tractor Safety Checklist (n.d.). Canadian Agricultural Safety Association.  Retrieved from http://aghealth.usask.ca/resources/documents/TractorModulePDF.pdf.

 

Reviewed and Summarized by:
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University – djm13@psu.edu
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu
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Preventing Tractor Overturn Incidents

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Preventing tractor overturn incidents. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/68324/preventing-tractor-overturn-incidents.

Tractor overturn incidents can result in major injuries (crushing injuries, broken bones, and so on) and even death. The first step in preventing an injury or death is to make sure that your tractor is equipped with a rollover protective structure (ROPS) that, if used in conjunction with a seat belt, keeps the operator in a protective zone in the event of a rollover incident. Most rollover incidents can be prevented by understanding the causes of overturns and following safe operating practices.

There are two types of tractor rollover incidents: side and rear overturns.

Side Overturns

Ag Rescue Demo at APD

(Source: Pennsylvania State University, Ag Safety & Health)

Side overturns are the most common type of tractor overturn incident. In a side overturn incident, a tractor rolls onto its side. Preventing this type of incident is possible if the operator understands specific hazards and knows the appropriate time to apply safety precautions.

The two major factors at play in side overturn incidents are center of gravity and centrifugal force. The center of gravity (sometimes referred to as CG) is the location where all of the tractor’s weight is equally balanced. This point can change due to attachments and weight from a load, as when material is carried in a front-end loader. The center of gravity must remain within the tractor’s stability baseline for the tractor to remain in an upright position. A tractor’s stability baseline is found by drawing lines between the tractor’s four tires where the tires touch the ground. Centrifugal force is the force that pushes out on a tractor as the tractor makes a turn. (Click here to link to an eXtension article on tractor stability.)

Ways of preventing a side rollover incident include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Braking properly
  • Avoiding shear line hazards
  • Keeping buckets low during transport
  • Driving at appropriate speeds
  • Using caution on sloped areas

Braking Properly

Before driving at transport speeds, lock the brake pedals together to provide even brake pressure. If you do not lock the brake pedals together and use only one brake pedal, the tractor could swerve and potentially roll over. When traveling with a load down a steep hill, shift your tractor to a lower speed before you begin your descent so that the engine does the majority of the braking.

Avoiding Shear Line Hazards

The soil on a bank or the shoulder of a ditch can be weak due to patterns of freezing and thawing or prolonged wet weather. Weak soil can collapse under pressure. The point at which soil is vulnerable to collapse is called a shear line. A shear line hazard exists when large vehicles such as combines operate close to a bank, putting pressure on soil inside the shear line and putting the vehicle at risk should the soil collapse. To avoid this overturn risk, drive your tractor as far back from the edge of the ditch or bank as the ditch is deep (see below). Maintain more distance for tractors pulling wide tillage or planting equipment (should a collapse occur under such equipment, the equipment could pull over the tractor or combine). When operating your tractor near a ditch or bank, always keep your tractor behind the shear line.

Shear Line

(Image Source:Safety Management for Landscapers, Grounds-care Business, and Golf Courses, John Deere Publishing, 2001. Illustration reproduced by permission. All rights reserved)

Keeping Buckets Low during Transport

Always keep the bucket of a front-end loader as low as possible during transport. A loader’s center of gravity in relation to the stability baseline changes drastically when the bucket is too high, especially on sloped areas, placing the loader at risk for an overturn.

Driving at Appropriate Speeds

Drive at a speed that is appropriate for a the given road or environmental conditions because increased speed reduces the stability of the tractor. By going at a slower speed, you will have greater time to spot obstructions in the path of the tractor and maintain better traction with the road (see below). It is also important to decrease your speed when you are pulling rear-mounted equipment to maintain stability.

Tipping Hazard

(Source: Pennsylvania State University, Ag Safety & Health)

Using Caution on Sloped Areas

Do not drive your tractor across steep slopes because the risk of a tractor overturn increases as the angle of the slope increases. If a task must be completed on a steep slope, use a tractor that has a wide front end and rear tires that are spaced as far apart as possible. When possible, back the tractor up a steep slope rather than driving uphill. When going down a steep hill, never travel at a speed faster than the speed you used going up. Centrifugal force is a significant factor when turning on slopes. When you need to make a turn while traveling on a steep slope, reduce your speed and turn downhill rather than uphill.

Pay close attention to any bumps or depressions when driving on a sloped surface, and keep your speed low when traveling on a sloped area. If you are using a side-mounted attachment on your tractor, make sure that the piece of equipment is on the uphill side of the tractor.

Rear Overturns

Rear Tractor Overturn Demo

Rear Tractor Overturn Demo

(Source: Pennsylvania State University, Ag Safety & Health)

Rear overturns occur when the front end of a tractor flips backward, landing the top of the tractor on the ground. The incidents are dangerous because they happen very quickly. A tractor typically reaches the “point of no return” in less than a second, and the entire rear rollover incident can occur in one and a half seconds. This gives the operator little to no time to react to the situation.

A critical factor involved in rear rollover incidents is rear-axle torque. When the clutch is engaged on a two-wheel tractor, a twisting force (torque) to the rear axle results. This force is transferred to the tractor tires. Normally the rear axle and tires rotate and the tractor moves. However, if the rear axle is unable to move in response to the torque, the tractor chassis rotates about the axle. This energy transfer between the engine and the rear axle can result in the front-end of the tractor lifting off the ground until the tractor’s center of gravity passes the rear stability line. Once the center of gravity passes this point, the tractor continues rearward until it comes in contact with the ground.

Tractors with four-wheel drive are less susceptible to rear overturns because torque is applied to both the front and rear axles, and the center of gravity is moved forward because more weight is carried on the front axle. However, there is little difference between a two- and four-wheel drive tractor once the front end of the tractor begins to lift.

Operators face an increased risk of rear overturn in the following situations:

  • Freeing a stuck tractor
  • Raising rear-mounted equipment
  • Using a front-end loader
  • Hitching above the drawbar
  • Operating on an incline

Note that this list is not comprehensive.

Freeing a Stuck Tractor

On occasion, tractors become stuck in mud or in frozen ground. When this happens, first try to free the tractor by backing out. To aid in this process, you may need to dig dirt or mud from behind the rear wheels and unhitch equipment. If you are unable to back out, enlist the help of another tractor to pull the stuck tractor out from behind. If this is not possible, use the other tractor to pull the stuck tractor out from the front. When trying to free a stuck tractor, never place boards or blocks in front of the rear wheels because the wheels could suddenly catch and stop turning, possibly causing the tractor to rear up and tip backwards. 

Raising Rear-Mounted Equipment

Add front-end weight to counteract the weight from raising heavy rear-mounted equipment.

Using a Front-End Loader

If you are installing a front-end loader, always use a loader designed specifically for your tractor. When moving materials in a front-end loader, the tractor becomes heavy toward the front, placing it at risk for an overturn incident. Due to the added weight from the loader and materials, you may need to add rear counterweights to the tractor or liquid ballast in the rear tires. Rear overturn incidents can be reduced by keeping the loader bucket as low as possible when transporting materials, especially when operating on a sloped area.

Hitching above the Drawbar

The risk of a rear overturn incident increases when you hitch above the tractor drawbar, which is specifically designed and located to pull loads. When you hitch to a location other than the drawbar (see below), you raise the angle at which the load pulls down and back, reducing the safety design of the tractor and increasing your risk of an overturn.

Drawbar hitching

(Image Source:Safety Management for Landscapers, Grounds-care Business, and Golf Courses, John Deere Publishing, 2001. Illustration reproduced by permission. All rights reserved)

Operating on an Incline

When pulling something up a hill with a tractor, both the slope and the pull on the drawbar make the tractor less stable. During operation, it is important to smoothly operate the clutch and throttle. Avoid stopping or shifting gears while on the hill because extra power is needed to restart the tractor and the tractor could drift backwards.

Resources

Click HERE to be directed to the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association website, where you can review actual tractor incidents and identify causes and safe operating procedures.

For more information about safe tractor operation and hazards, click on a title below to be directed to the article:

Power Take-Off Safety

Preventing Tractor Runover Incidents

Rollover Protective Structures

Use the following format to cite this article:

Preventing tractor overturn incidents. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/68324/preventing-tractor-overturn-incidents.

Sources

Agricultural tractor safety. (2011) Safe Workplace Promotion Services Ontario. No longer available online.

Baker, D. (2002) Safe tractor operation. University of Missouri Extension. Retrieved from http://extension.missouri.edu/p/g1960.

Murphy, D. (2014) Tractor stability and instability. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. Cooperative Extension. Retrieved from https://extension.psu.edu/tractor-stability-and-instability.

Smith, D. (2010) Safe tractor operation: Rollover prevention. Texas A & M System AgriLIFE Extension. Retrieved from http://agsafety.tamu.edu/files/2011/06/SAFE-TRACTOR-OPERATION-ROLLOVER1.pdf.

Tractors: Roll-over prevention. (2002) Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Retrieved from http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/tractors/rollover.html.

Reviewed and Summarized by:
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Tom Karsky, University of Idaho (Has since retired)
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Robert A. Schultheis, University of Missouri – schultheisr@missouri.edu
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu
Posted on

Preventing Tractor Runover Incidents


Use the following format to cite this article:

Preventing tractor runover incidents. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/67752/preventing-tractor-runover-incidents.

 

The main types of tractor incidents include rollovers, power-take off entanglements, and runovers. Runover incidents that occur can involve either the operator or a bystander. Tractor manufacturers have made changes (e.g., safety start system) to reduce the risk of certain types of runover incidents. However, all types of runover incidents can be prevented by understanding the hazard and following specific safety recommendations.

Runover of Extra Rider

A runover incident can occur when an extra person on the tractor falls off the tractor and is run over by the tractor or an attachment. There should never be an extra rider on a tractor. The only exception is that a few newer, larger tractor models with an enclosed rollover protective structure (ROPS) cab have a factory-installed extra seat for temporary instructional purposes only. Most tractors used on farms and ranches only have one seat and that is for the operator only. Runover incidents can occur to a person who rides on the tractor drawbar, axle housing, side links of the three-point hitch, rear-wheel fender, or other area around the operator’s seat. When standing or sitting on one of these areas, a person can lose his or her grip, be thrown from the tractor, and be run over by the tractor or an implement.

Prevention Step:

  • Never allow an extra rider on a tractor.

Runover of Operator

A tractor runover incident can occur to the operator if he or she falls from the moving tractor and is run over by the tractor tire or an attachment. This type of incident can occur if the operator does not buckle the seat belt on a tractor with a ROPS or if an older tractor does not have a ROPS. An operator can be knocked out of the tractor seat by a tree branch or another obstacle. The operator can also lose balance if the tractor hits a tree stump or encounters rough terrain. An operator can be run over if he or she tries to mount or dismount a moving tractor.

Prevention Steps:  

  • Never dismount or mount a tractor or machine while it is in motion.
  • Use tractors with a ROPS with seat belt, and fasten the seat belt every time you operate the tractor.  
  • Slow down when driving on rough terrain or where hidden obstacles may exist.
  • Before leaving the tractor seat, always shut off the tractor and set the brake or place the tractor in PARK.
  • Make sure that the tractor’s brakes and clutch are in properly working condition.
  • Replace old pan-type seats with seats that have back and arm rests.

Runover of Person Located on the Ground due to Bypass Starting

A person located on the ground near the tractor can be involved in a tractor runover incident. This type of runover can happen to the operator or a bystander if someone attempts to start the tractor from the ground (e.g., bypass starting) and the tractor is in gear.

Prevention Steps:

  • Always start the engine from the operator’s seat.
  • Add or leave the bypass shield on the starter terminals.
  • Keep the tractor’s electrical system in good working condition.
  • Do not disable or wire around the safety interlocks installed by the manufacturer.
  • Always visually check in all directions for people around the tractor before moving the tractor.
  • Reduce your speed when operating the tractor in an area where people are located.
  • Instruct everyone how to get the attention of a tractor operator before approaching the tractor.
  • Provide a safe play area for children to keep them away from farm or ranch work areas.
  • Make sure that all children at your farm or ranch are properly supervised at all times.

Runover of Person Located on the Ground near the Tractor

Bystanders and children are at risk of a tractor runover incident if the operator does not see them. This is especially a concern if they approach a moving vehicle while it is hauling a load in a bucket or using a bale spear attached to the front or rear of the tractor and are knocked down in its path. Bystanders do not always realize they cannot be seen by the operator. They can slip and fall under a wheel of the tractor or equipment.

Prevention Steps:

  • Always visually check in all directions for people around the tractor before moving the tractor.
  • Reduce your speed when operating your tractor in an area where people are located.
  • Instruct everyone how to get the attention of a tractor operator before approaching the tractor.
  • Bystanders should not approach a moving tractor until recognized and acknowledged by the operator.
  • Provide a safe play area for children to keep them away from farm or ranch work areas.
  • Make sure that all children at your farm or ranch are properly supervised at all times.
 

 

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Preventing tractor runover incidents. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/67752/preventing-tractor-runover-incidents.

 

 

Sources:

Harshman, W., Yoder, A., Hilton, J., & Murphy, D. (2011) HOSTA task sheet 4.2: Tractor Hazards. Pennsylvania State University. National Safety Tractor and Machinery Operation Program. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/sites/default/files/NSTMOP%20Task%20Sheets%20Se….

Miller, J. & Fragar, L. (2006) Farm machinery injury: Injury involving tractor run-over. Retrieved from https://sydney.edu.au/medicine/aghealth/uploaded/Research%20Reports/farm….

Smith, D. (2004) Safe tractor operation: Runover prevention. Texas A & M System AgriLIFE Extension. Retrieve from http://agsafety.tamu.edu/files/2011/06/SAFE-TRACTOR-OPERATION-RUNOVER2.pdf.

 

Reviewed and Summarized by:
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Dee Jepsen, Ohio State University – jepsen.4@osu.edu
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Charles V. Schwab, Iowa State University – cvschwab@iastate.edu
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu

 

Posted on

Rollover Protective Structures


Use the following format to cite this article:

Rollover protective structures. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66325/rollover-protective-structures.

 

Tractor rollover incidents account for approximately half of all tractor-related fatalities across the country. A rollover protective structure (ROPS) fits on an agricultural tractor and protects the operator in the event of a rollover.

A tractor’s ROPS and seat belt work in conjunction to secure the operator in a protective zone, reducing the operator’s risk of being crushed under the tractor should it overturn. In most situations, the ROPS limits the overturn to little more than 90 degrees.

Although tractors built after 1985 are equipped with ROPSs and seat belts, many farmers and ranchers use older tractors that are not equipped with these safety devices. According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, farm and ranch owners are required to have a ROPS and seat belt installed on all tractors operated by employees.

ROPS: Type and Structure

There are three types of ROPS, all of which protect the operator in the event of a rollover:

  • two-post ROPS
  • four-post ROPS
  • ROPS with enclosed cabs

Two-Post ROPS

Tractor with ROPS

(Two-post ROPS. Source: Pennsylvania State University. Agricultural Safety and Health)

The two-post ROPS (pictured above) is the most common type of ROPS. The upright posts are typically vertical or slightly tilted and are mounted to the rear axle. Two-post ROPSs are either rigid or foldable.

  • A foldable ROPS has a specially designed hinge that allows the ROPS to fold to fit in low-clearance areas.
  • You must raise and lock the foldable ROPS after completing activities in low-clearance areas.
    • A foldable ROPS that is not in its upright position will not provide protection during a rollover.

Four-Post ROPS

A four-post ROPS is mounted on both axles and on the frame in front of the operator. Occasionally, a four-post ROPS is mounted to the tops of specially reinforced flattop rear fenders.

ROPS with an Enclosed Cab

Farmall 130A Tractor

Farmall 130A Tractor. Photo Source: Case IH Media Library

Typically, a tractor is outfitted with a ROPS with an enclosed cab by the manufacturer—the tractor’s cab structure is designed to act as a ROPS. As sales of tractors with cabs have increased, ROPSs with enclosed cabs have become more common.

Falling Object Protective Structures

A falling object protective structure (FOPS) is a canopy specially designed to protect the operator from falling objects. FOPSs are especially recommended for use on front-end loaders and when working in wooded areas or other situations that may involve falling objects.

Most FOPS are used on tractors with four-post ROPS or ROPS with enclosed cabs. 

Retrofitting Older Tractors

Most tractors built before 1985 can and should be retrofitted with ROPS and seat belts. Check with your local dealership or manufacturer to determine the availability of ROPS retrofit kits. You may also click here to access the University of Kentucky ROPS Guide to determine whether a ROPS is available for your tractor. You should have technicians at a dealership install any aftermarket ROPS.

ROPS Safety Standards

Do not use a homemade ROPS on your agricultural tractor; it will not provide you with the necessary protection in the event of a rollover and may pose liability issues.

Manufacturers have designed and tested ROPS to meet specific standards developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE)—now called the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)—and other organizations. These standards indicate that a ROPS has passed specially designed crush, static, and dynamic tests that confirm its effectiveness.

ROPS must meet the following standards:

  • SAE J2194
  • OSHA 1928.51

In Canada, ROPS must meet the following standards:

  • Canadian Standards Association (CSA) B352.0
  • Canadian Standards Association (CSA) SA 352.1 
Certification labels identify structures that meet the safety standards required of a ROPS. Some cab structures and bars may look like ROPS, but only ROPS have certification labels.
  • Two- and four-post ROPS should have labels applied directly to the posts.
  • The label on a ROPS with enclosed cab should be located on the edge of the cab door.
Like ROPS, FOPS must meet SAE and ASAE standards. If you are uncertain whether your canopy is a certified FOPS, check with the ROPS supplier or equipment dealer.

ROPS Maintenance

A factory-installed ROPS should never be structurally modified (that is, cut, welded, and so on). Such modifications can impact the integrity of the ROPS and impair its effectiveness in a rollover.

Periodically check the ROPS and seat belt on each tractor for signs of wear such as rust and cracks. Contact the dealership regarding the best way to properly correct any issues.

Resources

Click here to learn about aftermarket ROPS rebate programs available in certain areas of the United States.

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Rollover protective structures. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66325/rollover-protective-structures.

Sources

 

American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), 2012. ANSI/ASAE S478.1. Roll-Over Protective Structures (ROPS) for Compact Utility Tractors. St. Joseph, MI. Retrieved from http://www.elibrary.asabe.org.

 

Murphy, D. and Buckmaster, D. (2003) Rollover protection for farm tractor operators. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural and Biological Engineering. Retrieved from https://extension.psu.edu/rollover-protection-for-farm-tractor-operators.

The Kentucky ROPS Guide. (2010) Southeast Center for Agricultural Health and Injury Prevention, University of Kentucky. Retrieved from http://rops.ca.uky.edu/?utm_medium=301&utm_source=warehouse-page.

 
Reviewed and Summarized by:
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Jimmy Maass, Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance (Has since retired)
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University – djm13@psu.edu
Charles V. Schwab, Iowa State University – cvschwab@iastate.edu
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu
 
Posted on

NCERA 197: Agricultural Equipment on Public Roads

Use the following format to cite this article:

NCERA 197: Agricultural Equipment on Public Roads. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/64718/ncera-197:-agricultural-equipment-o….

 

In areas where rural and urban settings come together, motorists are more likely to encounter agricultural equipment and vehicles on public roads. In 2007, the North Central Education/Extension Research Activity (NCERA) 197 committee identified the operation of agricultural equipment on public roads as an agricultural safety and health priority area in need of further research and awareness. 

The committee reviewed research and engineering standards and identified extension and outreach and policy priorities related to the operation of agricultural equipment on public roads. The lists below outline the committee’s major recommendations in these areas.

Research and Development

  • To improve understanding of the characteristics of crashes between motor vehicles and agricultural machines or equipment, reporting and investigative agencies should develop and use standardized reporting terminology.
  • Researchers should prioritize the determination of best practices for lighting and marking agricultural equipment and vehicles (such as the use of slow moving vehicle [SMV] emblems on animal-drawn buggies).
  • As use of high-speed tractors, self-propelled machines, and towed equipment increases, engineers must improve and adapt braking and steering systems, tires, and rollover protective structures (ROPS) for high-speed machinery and equipment.
  • Researchers, officials, and agricultural safety and health leaders and experts should examine driver education curricula, which are not standardized nationally, to evaluate the level of instruction students receive about sharing roadways with agricultural equipment.
  • Researchers should examine the effectiveness of graduated licensing for youth operating agricultural equipment on public roadways.

Engineering Standards

  • Organizations and entities that formulate engineering design standards should base standards more directly on research findings. Engineers should collaborate with researchers and end users when developing and designing agricultural equipment.
  • When designing machinery and equipment, engineers should apply standards that require automatic and passive protection for drivers and riders operating agricultural equipment on public roads.
  • Designers and manufacturers should continually consider ways in which new technologies can be incorporated in the design standards and applications of agricultural equipment.

Safety Programs

  • Safety programs must balance the educational effort by educating both agricultural workers and the general public about:
    • best practices for operating farm equipment on roadways, 
    • the purpose and usage of SMV and speed indicator symbol (SIS) emblems, and
    • the ways exclusions and exemptions of agricultural equipment from traffic regulations impact the interaction of vehicles and agricultural equipment on roadways.
  • Safety programs should work with local and state law-enforcement agencies to increase officers’ awareness of laws related to farm equipment.
  • Safety program personnel should work with manufacturers of Amish buggies to encourage the use of marking and lighting systems that meet current standards developed by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Policy

  • State policies should promote the comprehensive explanation of SMV and SIS emblems in driver’s manuals and as part of driver education programs.
  • A more comprehensive Uniform Vehicle Code (UVC) should be developed and adopted both nationally and at state levels. The new code should address modern types of agricultural equipment and the use of such equipment on roadways. Details of the code should include:
    • required registration of farm equipment for roadway use,
    • necessary qualifications and training for operators of agricultural equipment, and
    • regulations regarding the use of animal-drawn buggies, wagons, and equipment.
  • Policies should ensure consistent funding for research into the hazards of operating agricultural equipment on roadways and the best safety practices for the operation of farm equipment on public roads.
  • State and local governments should establish land-use policies to manage the interactions between farming and nonfarming vehicles on public roads.
  • Policies should encourage stricter enforcement by local and state police of proper SMV emblem usage.

Resources

Click here to review the NCERA 197 publication Agricultural Equipment on Public Roads, which explains the committee’s findings in their entirety.

For more information about the topics discussed in this article, click the links to the following articles:

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

NCERA 197: Agricultural Equipment on Public Roads. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/64718/ncera-197:-agricultural-equipment-o….

 

Reviewed and Summarized by:
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University – djm13@psu.edu
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu
Posted on

What guards need to be in place to help prevent entanglement with a tractor’s PTO driveline?

Properly positioned guards and shields that undergo regular maintenance are important safety features that help prevent entanglement with PTO drivelines. However, guards and shields alone are not enough to prevent an entanglement incident. Operator awareness and constant caution are critical to avoiding power take-off (PTO) entanglement injuries.

Driveline Components

Driveline Components. Photo Source: Virginia Tech

The major components of PTO systems. Reproduced from Grisso, B. (2009, Machinery Safety on the Farm, Virginia  Cooperative Extension http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/442/442-092/442-092.html)

The master shield of a tractor, located at the rear of the tractor over the PTO stub shaft, is the first shield along the PTO driveline. When installed and used properly, the master shield prevents the operator from coming into contact with the universal joint of an implement driveline, as well as the stub shaft. When operating a PTO-driven implement with your tractor, you should encase the shaft in a driveline shield: a plastic or metal casing supported by bearings at each end of the shaft. The bearings allow the shield to stop spinning if someone or something comes into contact with the driveline while the shaft inside continues to spin. The ends of the driveline shield are bell-shaped to cover the universal joints of the shaft. Because universal joints are irregularly shaped and prone to snag objects, operators should never modify the bell-shaped shield in an effort to make maintenance, greasing parts, or connecting the shaft easier.

It is very important to perform a walk-around inspection of your tractor before and after your work day to make sure that all necessary guards and shields are securely in place.

Resources

Howard J. Doss, with the Michigan State University Extension, provides some keys to PTO safety. You can access this information at http://nasdonline.org/document/1295/d001094/shield-yourself-from-pto-dangers.html.

Other documents on PTO safety can be found at http://nasdonline.org.

 

Posted on

Safety Checklists for Used Farm Equipment

Ford New Holland Tractor

New Holland Tractor with ROPS

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

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Safety checklists for used farm equipment. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/64392/safety-checklists-for-used-farm-equipment.  

 

Purchasing used equipment may be a cost-effective option for adding or replacing equipment on your farm or ranch. Before you make an investment in used equipment, however, you should consider the following questions:

  • Is there any reason that you should consider new rather than used equipment?
  • Is there a new model available that has beneficial safety features or updated technology? 
  • Does your lending agency have any special stipulations or requirements, such as appraisals, that make buying used equipment less cost-effective or feasible?
  • Does the used equipment meet the requirements—horsepower, towing capability, and so on—of the jobs that you need to complete?
  • How many hours have been logged on the equipment, and what is the typical “wear-out” life for the particular piece of equipment? (See table 1 for typical wear-out life, in hours, for different types of agricultural equipment.) 
Table 1. Machinery Wear-Out Life in Hours
Machinery Wear-Out Life (hours)
Tractors 12,000
Crawlers 16,000
Combines 2,000
Cotton pickers 2,000
Drills 1,000
Planters 1,000
Plows 2,000
Swathers 2,000
Tillage equipment 2,000

Source: Table provided by Dr. Jim Rumsey, Lecturer, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University California, Davis.

Used equipment can be cost-effective, but before purchasing used equipment, it is extremely important that you examine the equipment and consider factors such as affordability, dependability, safety, usability, and compatibility before making a final decision.

Resources

The following links provide additional information, including safety checklists, to consider as you decide whether to buy a piece of used equipment:

 
 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Safety checklists for used farm equipment. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/64392/safety-checklists-for-used-farm-equipment. 

 

 

Citations

Jarrett, V. (n.d.) Buying a used farm machine: Farm machinery fact sheet FM-02. Utah State University Cooperative Extension. Retrieved from  http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/factsheet/FM-02.pdf.

Jarret, V. (n.d.) Checklist for Used Tractors: farm machinery fact sheet FM-04. Utah State University. Retrieved from http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/factsheet/FM-04.pdf.

Rumsey, J. (1998) Small farm news fall 1998. UC Small Farm Program. Retrieved from http://sfp.ucdavis.edu/pubs/SFNews/Fall98/farmequip/.

 

Reviewed and Summarized by:
Glen Blahey, Canadian Agricultural Safety Association – gblahey@casa.acsa.ca
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
William Harshman, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University – djm13@psu.edu
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu

 

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