tractors-on-farms-pdf

SECTION 2.0 // HAZARDS AND CONTROLS> > Widen the wheel-base (by fitting dualwheels for example).> > Add wheel weights that bolt into thewheel’s centre.> > Slow down on rough ground and slopes.> > Before going up or down hills, carefullycheck the ground and set the tractor upto meet the conditions. You might have toget off the tractor and walk the route youplan to take. When planning your route,find an emergency run-out spot in caseyou lose traction.> > On 4WD <strong>tractors</strong>, reverse the tyres tohelp with traction braking on the frontaxle. (Some manufacturers recommendthis practice on steep land.)2.6 TOWING A TRAILER ANDOTHER HEAVY FARM IMPLEMENTSThe trailer’s or mounted implement’s weightbehind the tractor can cause instability andaffect the steering:> > The weight on the rear wheels can makethe tractor keep going in a straight linewhen the steering wheel is turned.> > A load that is too heavy to control, or atrailer without a good braking system,can jack-knife.> > Mounted spray tanks cause more instabilitybecause of the liquid’s movement.MANAGING THE HAZARD:Do not tow a trailer or implements tooheavy for the tractor. Stay within themanufacturer’s guidelines.The higher the mounted equipment is onthe tractor’s rear linkage, the less stable thetractor becomes. Keep mounted equipmentas low as possible, while making sure you canstill use it effectively.If necessary, fit a counterweight at the frontof the vehicle to keep the front wheels onthe ground.Try to avoid sharp turns.Think about fitting baffles in tanks to reduceliquid movement, and stabiliser bars or chainson the three-point linkage to prevent sidewaysmovement of the tank.For more information on safe towing, see thetowing section later in this guide.2.7 TURNING ON ANDCROSSING SLOPESTractors need to turn when they come to rowends or when steering around trees. You aremore likely to overturn a tractor when turningon and crossing slopes. Slopes change thetractor’s centre of gravity and when thetractor turns, centrifugal forces keep thetractor moving in a straight line. These forcescan cause the tractor to roll over. If a tractorbegins to slide sideways, it may tip over in aditch, or run into an obstacle and overturn.MANAGING THE HAZARD:Don’t turn down a slope – this isvery dangerous.> > Don’t work across slopes if your tractorhas large diameter, tubeless, low-groundpressuretyres.> > Plan work across slopes so you make turnsuphill rather than downhill.> > Slow down before turning or crossing slopes.> > Keep alert at row ends and make as wide aturn as possible.> > Apply a single brake in the direction of theturn (left turn, left brake).> > Sometimes the up-hill wheel brake can beapplied to maintain direction stability. Thisforces the bottom wheels to drive, keepingthe nose of the tractor up-hill, and givesbetter traction.> > Don’t do tractor work on steep slopes.9