Texas

Annual state vehicle inspections aren't required for farm tractors, but farmers and ranchers need to make a commitment to check them for potential safety problems just the same.

An unsafe tractor can endanger a farmer, his family and co-workers, and anyone else who shares the road with the vehicle, said David Smith, Texas Cooperative Extension farm safety specialist.

U.S. Bureau of Labor estimates show that nearly 800 farm workers die each year on farms and ranches in this nation.

"About half of these are transportation-related and involve tractors," Smith said.

Data show agriculture is second only to the mining industry in worker death rate (23 deaths per 100,000 workers), he said. These statistics do not include tractor-related fatalities involving children younger than 16 years, Smith said.

One important part of tractor safety is making sure the tractor is in good operating condition, he said.

"The best time to inspect and correct any problems is in the spring, before tractor operation is in full gear," Smith said.

"A good place to start is by checking the steering and brake systems. Make sure the steering is responsive and predictable at normal speeds. If you plan to drive the tractor on highways, make sure it does not 'walk' or sway at faster speeds."

Producers should check the wheel brakes and parking brakes.

"At highway speeds, uneven braking can affect steering and control," he said.

"The parking brake should hold the tractor in position on inclines and under loads. Next, producers should check the electrical system.

"The tractor should only be started from the tractor seat using the key switch," he said. "Many operators have been run over and killed as they attempted to 'bypass start,' or start the tractor while standing on the ground."

For added safety, producers should install a starter shield or cover to prevent bypass starting.

"Also, make sure all hazard, signal and warning lights are operational and clean, especially if the tractor is driven on highways," he said.

The hydraulic system should be checked for leaks and repaired immediately. A "tight" hydraulic system is key to preventing front-end loaders and other farm implements from falling on workers, he said.

Producers should check for any missing or damaged guards and shields that cover moving parts, especially the master power-take-off shield.

"Make sure the slow-moving-vehicle emblem is clean and positioned at the back of the tractor," he said. "Slow-moving-vehicle emblems are mandatory when the tractor is driven on highways."

Inspect the integrity of rollover protection structures and seat belts. If the rollover protection has been bent or damaged, have it replaced.

"Seat belts should always be worn with a rollover-equipped tractor," he said.

Finally, clean any mud, grease, oil and trash from mounting steps and around the operator's station.

"Too much clutter may cause you to slip and fall from the tractor," he said.

For more information on how to make tractors safe, visit the Extension Agricultural Safety and Health website at http://agsafety.tamu.edu.

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Annual state vehicle inspections aren't required for farm tractors, but farmers and ranchers need to make a commitment to check them for potential safety problems just the same. (Texas Cooperative Extension photo by David Smith.)

Date: 4/21/05