Tractors

Don't leave the keys in the ignition as there is a risk that children may get into the tractors unsupervised.

Reverse into parks so the next person to use the tractor approaches from the front so they can see into the bucket to check for children.

2WD Tractor - International 684 - high risk of loss of control, and no Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS). 

• This tractor has less grip on the front wheels due to being 2WD. Do not operate on slopes in wet conditions. Operate with care in all conditions with awareness of the differences in performance compared to modern tractors. A particular risk is loss of control if the rear wheels lift off the ground due to a heavy weight in the bucket as the front wheels have no wheel brakes or engine braking.

• This tractor has no ROPS. This tractor is only to be used on flat Incholme paddocks, and only for the purposes of operating the Rotorainer. 

Marshall Trailers used for feeding out tend to slide in wet conditions which can strike other objects, or jack knife against the tractor. There is also a risk that bales stacked in the trailer may be unstable.

Tractors are a major hazard and cause a large proportion of accidents, death and injury on farms. Below is a selection of resources on tractor safety:

• John Deere Tractor Safety.

• Dairy NZ Tractor Operation

• Notes from tractor refresher training 

Worksafe Tractor Safety: