S-50
Safety Makes Sense: in crop production
by F. R. Willsey, Extension Safety Specialist, Agricultural Engineering Department
Introduction
Crop production safety involves both the machinery and the operator.
Unsafe machinery will usually lead to trouble even with the safest operator. On the other hand, the very safest machinery is not fool-proof.
Crop harvest safety and farm tractor safety are discussed in other publications available from your County Extension Office.
Why Study Crop Production Safety?
Many different tools are used in crop production. And, the amount of larger production equipment is increasing on Indiana farms.
A close study of farm tractor accidents indicates that many farmers do not fully appreciate the hazards associated with tractors—even though they may use a tractor almost every day.
Most crop production equipment is used only a few days each year. This is hardly enough time to become an expert operator.
Few operators of farm machinery have had specific training for their jobs. Experience alone can be an expensive teacher.
Although all production operations involve safety hazards, some are more hazardous than others. Equipment that is used more and thereby offers a greater chance of injury includes:
• Plows • Disks and other harrows • Corn planters and grain drills • Rotary hoes • Cultivators • Fertilizer spreaders • Nitrogen applicators • Stalk choppers • Weed and insect sprayers • Various home-made equipment (example—tandem tractor hitches and some minimum tillage implements).
Study Operator's Manual
Notice the prominent spot that is given to safety warnings. Some manuals have the green cross for safety placed where mention is made of safety practices.
Learn about adjustments for safe operation. Remember: adjustments are necessary—accidents are not!
Realize the importance of proper maintenance of the equipment for best results.
Study the special safety devices and the various hazards that apply to your particular production machinery.
Special Hazard Situations Tandem Tractors
Tandem tractors give the farmer a means of putting more power under one man’s control for pulling large plows or disks. When they are separated, each tractor can be used for work in their normal power range. By combining tractors, you can often save enough labor to eliminate the need for extra hired help in peak work sessions.
A great deal of skill and ingenuity is needed to build and operate a tandem tractor successfully. Because tandem tractor units are large and may be awkward to handle, you must think constantly of safety in design, construction and operation. Some publications are available to assist in this process. Study them carefully and incorporate the recommended safety features.
No matter what method of tandemizing the farmer chooses, he must provide some way to control both tractors. In planning and locating these controls, he must have a high regard for his own safety and the safety of others. The controls should be located so that they can be systemized and so that their operation is as convenient as possible. Controls similar in form and located on a panel for convenience of operation are best. Ready access to these controls and their ease of operation cannot be over emphasized.
Make safety a habit when you operate tandem tractors. They can be dangerous if not handled properly, but they can be operated in complete safety with a few common sense precautions. For example, if a hydraulic control is used on the clutch, stop the engine before dismounting. A very small oil leak may cause the clutch to engage. Stay well within practical limits of speed when turning and don’t try to “show off” or take any unnecessary chances.
Cooperative Extension Service, PURDUE UNIVERSITY, Lafayette, Indiana