Are you a new tractor owner, or are you a farmer looking to increase safety on your land? Whether you’re a new driver or a seasoned tractor aficionado, you’re going to want to brush up on some compact utility tractor safety tips. With proper safety protocol, you reduce accidents, damage to your compact utility tractor, and excessive wear and tear on your equipment. Maximize the life expectancy of your gear, and stay safe!

Operating a compact utility tractor can be fun, and even easy, but factors like unfamiliar terrain and inexperienced operators can lead to preventable mishaps.

In this edition of the Papé Machinery Agriculture & Turf blog, let’s take a look at some safety considerations for owning and operating compact utility tractors. Note that these tips can be helpful for other equipment on your property, too. Now, let’s dive into a quick review!

#1 Start the Day with a Walkaround

Pilots do pre-flight checks, so why shouldn’t tractor operators do the same? Before you start your day operating your tractor, be sure to do a walkaround. Look for leaks and anything that looks unusual or out of place. 

#2 Look Before You Go

This may seem like common sense, but once you’re on your tractor, gain some situational awareness. We’re familiar with the blind spots when driving our cars, but there are a lot of blind spots when operating a tractor. Do a 360-degree look-around and be sure there’s nothing in your path. Check for small animals or children, and be sure you’ve surveyed your surroundings before starting your drive. This is especially important when going in reverse, when attachments may be creating a narrow field of vision.

#3 Check the Terrain

Before you go into unfamiliar or uncharted terrain, be sure you’re familiar with what you’re up against. With limited visibility, you want to be sure you’re not going anywhere that may cause damage to your tractor. Watch out for elements like water or unstable terrain, which can throw off your balance and cause damage to your equipment.

#4 Check the Load Balancing

Before you go, be sure that the loads are balanced. Having a low center of gravity is your friend. Check your loads in the front and back, and be sure they’re balanced. This will prevent tipping. Once you’re operating your compact utility tractor, if anything feels weird or off balance, pause and survey your load balance. Go slow and stay vigilant.

#5 Watch for Moving Parts

Everything in your compact utility tractor should be steady and in place. Watch for any moving parts, especially if you have rear attachments or implements.

#6 Fire Danger

As farmers in the West, we are increasingly facing fire dangers, especially during the dry seasons. Be sure to watch for things like sparks or fuel exhaust that could create a fire hazard. 

#7 Park Correctly

Leave your tractor in good condition. Use your parking break. Lower the hydraulics; if you have anything heavy in the back, take the load off.  

More Safety Tips

Interested in more safety tips? Hop on over to our Papé Toolkit videos for more tips from our Papé Toolkit experts. Stay safe and well, and reach out to Papé Machinery Agriculture & Turf for any questions you may have. We’re here to help you find the equipment that’s right for you–and maintain it!