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Chapter 5 — Tractor Safety on the Farm


Objectives

Youth will:

  • demonstrate proper safety attitudes and procedures while operating a tractor.
  • be able to identify common hazards related to tractor operation on farms.
  • be able to explain the causes of tractor overturns and how to reduce risks of an overturn from occurring.
  • be able to explain ROPS and their importance.
  • be able to explain the cause of tractor runovers.

Resource Materials

Safe Operation of Agricultural Equipment, student manual
Tractor operator's manual
A Guide to Tractor Roll Bars and Other Rollover Protective Structures, Wisconsin Rural Health Research Center
tractor for demonstration and practice driving
toy tractor with plumb bob
toy tipping tractor and ramp
 

Video Resources

"Tractor Safety on the Farm", Agricultural Equipment Operators Safety Series, Iowa State University Extension Service
Prevention: Tractor Overturns and Tow Rope Safety, North Dakota State University
Consider the Flipside:Get a ROPS and Seatbelt, Case Corporation
Tractor Rollover and ROPS, Deere and Co.
 

Activity Ideas

  1. In small groups, have the youth make a list of characteristics of a safe worker. Next have the groups make separate lists of manmade hazards and natural hazards on farms. Discuss how the hazards identified can contribute towards a farm accident and injury.
  2. Using a toy tractor and plumb bob, demonstrate how the center of gravity shifts as the tractor is placed on sloping ground or a rear wheel is raised.
  3. Demonstrate tractor rollover situations using a battery powered toy-tipping tractor and ramp. Show how adding weight on the front end changes the chances of overturns. Explain the difference in driving forward up a slope or backing up a slope in preventing rear overturns. Discuss speed, wheel spacing, hitching, sidehills, turns on sidehills, etc.
  4. Watch one of the recommended videos that discuss ROPS. Explain the importance of this safety item and the use of a seatbelt. Using A Guide to Tractor Roll Bars and Other Rollover Protective Structures have youth check the cost of retrofitting example tractors. Discuss the cost of rollover protective structure as an investment into safety.
  5. Invite someone into class who experienced or had a family member or neighbor experience a tractor rollover.
  6. Show on a tractor why extra riders are at high risk and should never be allowed. Show why young children around tractors and machines may not be seen and can get runover.
  7. Practice driving with the youth using the driving exam course.


Checksheet Answers

    Answer true or false.

  1. False (page 44)
  2. False (page 44)
  3. True (page 45)
  4. False (page 45)
  5. False (page 46)

    Answer the following by placing the letter of the correct answer in the blank.

  6. C (page 47 & 48)
  7. C (page 44)
  8. B (page 45 & 46)
  9. C (page 52)
  10. C & D (page 47-49)