How to Safely Drive a Tractor

Tractors are pretty dangerous machines, and it’s important to drive your model with extreme caution. However, if you’re not very experienced at driving a tractor, you may not know which practices are safe, and which aren’t. For helpful tips on how to safely drive a tractor around your property, check out the helpful tips we’ve listed below.

Check Your Surroundings

Tractors can be dangerous machines and—for both your safety and the safety of those around you—it’s important that you’re aware of your surroundings at all times. Before you start up your equipment, be sure to check the surrounding area for people or animals that are nearby to ensure you don’t get too close. Your tractor will also have a number of blind spots you’ll need to double-check as you move forward. While driving your tractor, remember to watch out for potentially dangerous obstacles such as large rocks, ditches, or steep inclines that could potentially damage or unbalance your model. 

Avoid Rollovers 

Because the majority of a tractor’s weight is located at the back, it’s very easy to unbalance one of these machines. While backward rollovers are some of the most common, side and front-facing rollovers could also potentially occur. To avoid rolling your machinery, you’ll again want to avoid extremely steep or bumpy terrain, as well as extremely muddy areas that could cause you to lose traction. You’ll also want to be careful when turning. Make sure to decrease your speed significantly, take the turn at an extremely wide angle, and accelerate at an even pace once you’ve finished with the turn. 

Looking for more tractor safety tips or driving advice? Then consider visiting us here at Quality Forklift Sales and Service in Shakopee, Minnesota. Our expert staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your equipment and will ensure you have everything you need to successfully operate your tractor before you leave our lot!