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Farm Machinery Pre-Start Safety Guide

This step-by-step guide to farm machinery safety is for everyone who uses a tractor, or tractor-operated machinery. It applies to those working in farming, forestry, horticulture, amenity horticulture and the sports turf industry.
MaintainX
07/16/2022

Farm Machinery Pre-Start Safety Guide

This step-by-step guide to farm machinery safety is for everyone who uses a tractor, or tractor-operated machinery. It applies to those working in farming, forestry, horticulture, amenity horticulture and the sports turf industry.

    Step 1 Before starting

    Before you start a tractor, you must know the basic safety procedures. These are safety checks and safe stop.

    Safety checks

    Safe stop

    Always use safe stop:

    You need to take extra precautions when safe stop is not possible, for example when using power take-off (PTO)-driven stationary machinery such as slurry tankers or operating external controls.

    Key points

    Step 2 In position

    A tractor can only be safely operated from the driving seat. You must know how to get in and get out safely, how to adjust seats and mirrors and how to recognise controls so you are always in control of your tractor.

    Some tractors have controls mounted externally to aid hitching (normally on the rear mudguard) – you will need to take different precautions when operating these.

    Key points

    Getting in and out

    Visibility and seat adjustment

    Seat belts

    Controls

    External controls

    Step 3 Under power

    This step is about getting the engine started and making sure it is safe to begin work. This is the time to check the brakes, the steering and other controls. Also check that no one else is in danger from your tractor.

    Key points

    Other farm machinery

Source: MaintainX (Community Member)

Please note that any procedure, checklist, or other document available in the MaintainX Global Procedure Library is provided for general education and information only and does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice. MaintainX makes the materials available AS IS and AS PROVIDED, without warranties of any kind. By downloading or using any such materials, you assume the risk that they may not be appropriate for your specific situation and agree that you are solely responsible for any such use, including compliance with applicable law and with meeting any conditions of product warranties.