Operating the Tractor Safely

TS290-UN-23AUG88

TS276-UN-23AUG88

You can reduce the risk of accidents by following these simple precautions:

• Use your tractor only for jobs it was designed to perform, for example, pushing, pulling, towing, actuating, and carrying a variety of interchangeable equipment designed to conduct agricultural work.
• This tractor is not intended to be used as a recreational vehicle.
• Read this operator’s manual before operating the tractor and follow operating and safety instructions in the manual and on the tractor.
• Follow operation and ballasting instructions found in the operator’s manual for your implements/attachments, such as front loaders
• Follow the instructions outlined in the operator’s manual of any mounted or trailed machinery or trailer. Do not operate a combination of tractor-machine or tractor-trailer unless all instructions have been followed.
• Make sure that everyone is clear of machine, attached equipment, and work area before starting engine or operation.
• Stay clear of the three-point linkage and pick-up hitch (if equipped) when controlling them.
• Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from power-driven parts.

Driving Concerns

• Never get on or off a moving tractor.
• Complete any required training prior to operating vehicle.
• Keep all children and nonessential personnel off tractors and all equipment.
• Never ride on a tractor unless seated on a John Deere approved seat with seat belt.
• Keep all shields/guards in place.
• Use appropriate visual and audible signals when operating on public roads.
• Move to side of road before stopping.
• Reduce speed when turning, applying individual brakes, or operating around hazards on rough ground or steep slopes.
• Stability degrades when attached implements are at high position.
• Couple brake pedals together for road travel.
• Pump brakes when stopping on slippery surfaces.
• Regularly clean fenders and fender valances (mud flaps) if installed. Remove dirt before driving on public roadways.

Towing Loads

• Be careful when towing and stopping heavy loads. Stopping distance increases with speed and weight of towed loads, and on slopes. Towed loads with or without brakes that are too heavy for the tractor or are towed too fast can cause loss of control.
• Consider the total weight of the equipment and its load.
• Hitch towed loads only to approved couplings to avoid rearward upset.

Parking and Leaving the Tractor

• Before dismounting, shut off SCVs, disengage PTO, stop engine, lower implements/attachments to ground, place implement/attachment control devices in neutral and securely engage park mechanism, including the park pawl and park brake. In addition, if tractor is left unattended, remove key.
• Leaving transmission in gear with engine off will NOT prevent the tractor from moving.
• Never go near an operating PTO or an operating implement.
• Wait for all movement to stop before servicing machinery.

Common Accidents

Unsafe operation or misuse of the tractor can result in accidents. Be alert to hazards of tractor operation.

The most common accidents involving tractors:

• Tractor rollover
• Collisions with motor vehicles
• Improper starting procedures
• Entanglement in PTO shafts
• Falling from tractor
• Crushing and pinching during hitching