2 of 34

Penn State Extension’s Mission

We believe that all people should have access to science-based education.

IMAGE CREDIT:

3 of 34

About Penn State Extension

Who We Are

The Penn State Extension team consists of a collection of educators, associates, and faculty that come together when their expertise is needed. Since team members live and work alongside you, they have a vested interest in ensuring our products and services better their communities.

Our team members live and work alongside you.

Our extension educators meet your needs online or on-site.

Pennsylvania residents are our customers and our advisers.

4 of 34

Penn State Extension’s Areas of Expertise

Areas We Cover

4-H Youth

Development

Agronomy and

Natural Resources

Animal

Systems

Energy,

Business, and Community

Vitality

Food, Families,

and Health

Food Safety

and Quality

Horticulture

5 of 34

National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP)

Section 4: The Tractor

DELIVERING EDUCATION YOU CAN TRUST

6 of 34

NSTMOP

This material is based upon work originally supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under Agreement Nos. 2001-41521-01263 and 2010-41521-20839.

7 of 34

Agricultural Tractors

Task Sheet 4.1 (Core)

Design
Purpose
Characteristics

Photo Credit: Linda Fetzer

Agricultural Tractors – Task Sheet 4.1 (Core)

Learning Goals: 1) Describe how tractors vary in size, shape, and age. & 2) Describe how tractors are designed for work

Tractors: Versatile machines & evolved from narrow front ends to wider wheelbases. Rear-wheel drive to four-wheel drive articulating tractors. Limited safety features available prior to 1976 (e.g., older tractors not equipped with a rollover protective structure or ROPS).

Name 4 primary functions or purposes of farm tractors: 1) Moving loads; 2) Supplying power to implements; 3) Carrying implements; & 4) Transporting loads and machines.

What are some characteristics of a tractor? Discuss reasons or purpose for a tractor.

Steering variations
High-horsepower engine (towing equipment)
Transmission with multiple gears for relatively low speeds. (Completely certain jobs)
High ground clearance (drive through a field without hitting crops.)
Greater weight over traction wheel (provides additional traction in fields)
Adjustable drawbar hit (can use with multiple pieces of equipment)
Power controls to increase pulling power.
Can change wheel weights for ballast (balance weight when using different equipment)
Hydraulic system for added power source (ability to use/run hydraulic run equipment).
PTO shaft to transfer power to towed machinery.
Differential lock for added traction.
Rollover protective structure (ROPS) or falling object protective structure (FOPS).
Equipped with an enclosed cab for operator comfort and safety.

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 4.1.

8 of 34

Tractor Hazards

Task Sheet 4.2 (Core)

Overturn or rollover
Runover or back over

Photo Credit: Linda Fetzer

Tractor Hazards – Task Sheet 4.2 (Core)

Learning Goal: Recognize and avoid those hazardous situations that can result in exposures to overturns, runovers, PTO entanglements, and safety deficiencies in older tractors.

Tractors are primary source of work-related incidents on farms. Hazard is defined as source of potential damage, harm, or adverse health effects to something or someone. Tractors are associated with 4 types of incidents. The first 2 types are the following:

Overturn or Rollover – Overturn incidents are side overturns or rear overturns. Most overturns are preventable if the operator follows safe operating practices. Common UNSAFE practices include 1) Turning/driving too close to the edge of a bank/ditch; 2) Driving too fast on rough roads/lanes & running/bouncing off the road/lane; 3) Hitching somewhere other than the drawbar when pulling/towing objects; 4) Driving a tractor straight up a slope that is too steep; and 5) Turning a tractor sharply with a front-end loader raised high.

A rollover protective structure (ROPS) is a structurally engineered frame or enclosure designed to protect the operator in the event of a tractor rollover.

Runover or back over – There are 4 common unsafe practice associated with most tractor runover incidents. These include the following: 1) A passenger on the tractor falls off the tractor and is run over; 2) the tractor operator either falls off or is knocked off the tractor while it is moving; 3) an operator is trying to mount or dismount a moving tractor (e.g., leaves the tractor before shutting off the tractor and setting the brake); and 4) a person who is on the ground near a tractor (e.g., bypass starting a tractor).

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 4.2

9 of 34

Tractor Hazards

Task Sheet 4.2 (Core)

Entanglement
Roadway collisions

Photo Credit: Jeff Mathison

Tractor Hazards – Task Sheet 4.2 (Core)

Learning Goal: Recognize and avoid those hazardous situations that can result in exposures to overturns, runovers, PTO entanglements, and safety deficiencies in older tractors.

The final 2 types are the following:

Entanglement – We have talked about the potential for an entanglement incident during the section on power-take off or PTO. The PTO transfers power from the tractor to an implement and runs at 540 or 1000 revolutions per minutes and even faster with some new larger tractors. A person cannot react fast enough and can be pulled into or around the PTO shaft. The PTO master shield protects a person from the PTO stub. Keep tractor guards and shields in place to reduce the risk of an entanglement incident.

Roadway Collisions – There are multiple factors that contribute to collisions between motor vehicles and farm tractors. Farm tractors and machinery on the highway are typically going at speeds less than 25 MPH. Newer tractors and equipment is now capable of going 35 – 40 MPH. Incidents occur because some motorists do not have enough reaction time between the rate of speed they are driving and slow rate of speed of the tractor. Other factors include visibility on farm tractors and equipment and how quickly they are seen by motorists. Another factor can be narrow or limited shoulders on roadways.

Activity: Review the state and local laws for your area.

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 4.2

10 of 34

Ag Youth Guidelines

Task Sheet 4.3 (Core)

Youth and tractors
Assigning tasks for youth

Photo Credit: National Children Center for Rural and Ag Health and Safety

Agricultural Youth Work Guidelines Tractor Operation Chart – Task Sheet 4.3 (Core)

�Learning Goal: Review safety recommendations for matching tractor size and tasks with the age of the tractor operator.

Two things that employers should keep in mind regarding youth operating tractors and machinery.

Young operators do not have the experience needed to operate large and complex combinations of tractors and machinery skillfully and safely.
Youth are often overconfident in their ability to react safely to new or unexpected hazard situations.

What are some tractor-related jobs performed by youth?

Mowing; raking; baling; towing hay wagons; picking rocks and obstacles from fields; scraping manure; using the tractor to power augers and elevators; etc.

What should employers do when considering a tractor or machinery related job for a youth?

The employer should refer to Agricultural Youth Work Guidelines developed by the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety. A copy of this guideline can be found in Task Sheet 4.3 or online at https://cultivatesafety.org/safety-guideline/?guideline=16&interact=false.

11 of 34

Tractor Instrumental Panel

Task Sheet 4.4 (Core)

Purpose
Checking instrument panel

Photo Credit: Linda Fetzer

Tractor Instrument Panel – Task Sheet 4.4 (Core)

Learning Goals:

Understand the instruments and gauges used to monitor the tractor’s operation and performance.
Make operating decisions based on the information and gauges provided to the operator.

If possible, when you are done with verbally going over the instrument panel have a tractor or multiple tractors so that students can work in pairs or groups to identify the instruments and talk about its function.

What is the purpose of a tractors control or instrument panel?

It tells the operator about the operating conditions within and around the tractor. Knowing whether the tractor system is working properly can save costly repairs, time, and possibly injury.

How often should you check the instrument panel?

At start-up
At regular intervals during operation
When changes occur in the normal sounds of operation

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 4.4.

12 of 34

Tractor Instrumental Panel

Task Sheet 4.4 (Core)

Tachometer (Engine Speed Indicator) – Shows revolutions per minute (RPM).

Charge Indicator (ammeter) – Shows whether the alternator or generator is charging the battery properly.

Oil Pressure Indicator (Oil light or gauge) – Oil pressure is important for the life of your tractor.

Photo Credit: Photo 1 & 2 (PSU Ag Safety and Health Team) and Photo 3 (Jeff Mathison)

Tractor Instrument Panel – Task Sheet 4.4 (Core)

Learning Goals:

Understand the instruments and gauges used to monitor the tractor’s operation and performance.
Make operating decisions based on the information and gauges provided to the operator.

Tachometer – Engine RPM should be matched to the job being done. Incorrect RPM could lead to engine damage, driveline or PTO damage, or hazardous situations.

If the oil pressure falls because of a leak or low level, the light or gauge shows you should stop the engine immediately. Never operate the engine with low oil pressure/level.

Engine Temperature Indicator – The engine must be cooled to prevent damage.

Fuel gauge – Check the fuel gauge before leaving for the field. Running out of fuel is convenient. If your tractor runs on diesel fuel and you run out that results in a time-consuming process of bleeding air from the fuel lines in order to start the tractor again.

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 4.4.

13 of 34

Tractor Controls

Task Sheet 4.5 (Core)

Photo Credit: Photo 1 (Linda Fetzer) and Photo 2 (PSU Ag Safety and Health Team)

Tractor Controls – Task Sheet 4.5 (Core)

Learning Goals:

Identify tractor controls by their color coding
Identify what action will result when a control is moved in a particular direction.

Many tractor manufacturers use the same color code for specific tractor controls. The directions that you move the controls have also become standardized. However, many older tractors do not have controls with uniform color coding or the colors wear off.

The American Society of Ag and Biological Engineers (ASABE) published standards for tractor controls. The 4 main groups of tractor controls, their own color & direction of movement:

Stop Engine – Red
Ground Motion – Orange (e.g., engine speed, PARK-Lock, transmission)
Power Engagement – Yellow (e.g., engage PTO or remote power sources)
Position and Adjusting – Black (e.g., choke the engine, turn on lights)

Moving Controls

To engage a foot brake, push in. To set a hand brake, pull up.
A foot clutch is disengaged when it is pushed in and engaged when left up.
Throttle increases the engine speed if the throttle is moved upward and forward.
Direction of tractor controlled by specific forward/reverse gears or directional controls.
Engine stop control is by key and mechanical push-pull control.
Controls that lift/lower attachments/implements are generally pushed forward/down, or away to lower.
A PTO is usually engaged when pulled up or pushed forward.

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 4.5.

14 of 34

Engine Stop Controls

Task Sheet 4.5.1 (Core)

Identify the stop controls
Understand the results

Photo Credit: PSU Ag Safety and Health Team

Engine Stop Controls – Task Sheet 4.5.1 (Core)

Learning Goals:

Identify tractor engine stop controls used on modern tractors by their color.
Identify the results when an engine stop control is moved in a particular direction.

Before you use the tractor, it is important to know how to stop the tractor. Manufactures have used the same color for certain controls to help operators.

What color is the stop control on all farm tractors?

There is no standard for this on older tractors. On modern/newer tractor, the stop control is red.

For gas engines, there is red letters on key switch and for diesel engines, there is a red fuel shutoff switch. So red control is ‘stop engine’.

Will every modern tractor have a red push-pull fuel switch that needs to be pulled to stop the engine?

No, where there is a key stuff off, there will be red letters on the key switch. If the tractor is shut off with a fuel shut off switch, it will be red and labeled ‘pull to stop’.

(If you have a tractor on-site during the training, walk the students through the process of shutting off the tractor.)

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 4.5.1.

15 of 34

Ground Motion Controls

Task Sheet 4.5.2 (Core)

Identify the ground motion controls
Types of controls
How this controls works on various tractors

Photo Credit: PSU Ag Safety and Health Team

Ground Motion Control – Task Sheet 4.5.2 (Core)

Learning Goals:

Identify tractor ground motion controls by the orange color coding.
Identify what action results when a ground motion control is moved in a particular direction.

Once you know how to start and stop, the next step is motion. Orange is the color associated with tractor ground motion controls. These controls include the following: 1) engine speed, 2) transmission controls; 3) parking brake or park-lock; 4) independent emergency brakes; and 5) differential lock.

Typically, engine speed controls operated on the right side with either your right hand or right foot.

Differential lock controls are engaged with a forward and downward motion.

Brake locks may be a mechanical lock on the drive train vs. a lock on the axle.

(If you have a tractor on-site during the training, walk the students through how to operate ground motion controls.)

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 4.5.2.

16 of 34

Power Engagement Controls

Task Sheet 4.5.3 (Core)

Photo Credit: PSU Ag Safety & Health Team

Identify the power engagement controls
Types of controls
How this controls works on various tractors

Power Engagement Controls – Task Sheet 4.5.3 (Core)

Learning Goals:

Identify tractor power-engagement controls on modern tractors by their color coding.
Identify what action results when a power-engagement controls is moved in a particular direction.

Operating a tractor will sometimes require the use of towed or hitched equipment that uses the tractor as the power source. So it is extremely important to be able to start and stop these machines.

Yellow is the color code for the controls that engage mechanisms using the tractor as a remote power source.

Examples of power engagement controls?

PTO; cutterheads; feed rolls; elevators; winches; and unloading augers.

These controls can be knobs, toggle or rocker switches or pedals.

(If you have a tractor on-site during the training, walk the students through how to identify and operate the power engagement controls.)

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 4.5.3.

17 of 34

Positioning & Adjusting Controls

Task Sheet 4.5.4 (Core)

Identifying the positioning and adjusting controls
Types of controls
How the controls work

Photo Credit: PSU Ag Safety and Health Team

Positioning and Adjusting Controls – Task Sheet 4.5.4 (Core)

Learning Goals:

Identify tractor positioning and adjusting controls on modern tractors by their color coding.
Identify what action will result when a position/adjustment control is moved in a particular direction.

The number of knobs and levers on some modern tractors can be overwhelming. Manufacture use the same color for certain controls.

Black is the color code for the controls that position/adjust tractor work accessories.

Some examples include the following: 1) remote hydraulic control; 2) implement hitches; 3) unloading components on self-propelled equipment; 4) engine chokes & steering column position; 5) lights, flashers, & signals; & 6) cab comfort such as fans, radio, etc.

Lift controls operated from the tractor seat must be clearly identified and found on the right side of the cab.

Foot controls are typically pushed forward to lower equipment.

(If you have a tractor on-site during the training, walk the students through how to identify and operate the positioning and adjusting controls.)

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 4.5.4.

18 of 34

Location & Direction of Movement

Task Sheet 4.5.5 (Core)

Location of major operating controls
Control devices and functions
Movement and location of controls

Photo Credit: Mike Houtz, Penn State

Location and Movement of Tractor Controls – Task Sheet 4.5.5 (Core)

Learning Goals:

Identify the location of major operating controls on tractors.
Move a tractor’s major operating controls to obtain a desired function.

Tractors are designed for multitasking & several functions may occur at the same time. Operators need to be in control of each function. Learn the color coding for the main groups of controls. Remember that older tractors may have different controls.

What are the three common types of control devices on a farm tractor?

1) foot controls (e.g., pedal); 2) hand controls (e.g., levers, toggles, switches, knows, and buttons) and 3) combination of hand and foot controls.

These controls apply brakes, operate the clutch, speed the engine, change gears, etc. The same location and direction of motion for controls makes it easier to operate the tractor safely and efficiently.

Review with the students the following controls: brake, clutch, PTO, engine speed, ground speed, differential lock, and engine stop.

(If you have a tractor on-site during the training, walk the students through a review od the controls.)

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 4.5.5.

19 of 34

Tractor Operation Symbols

Task Sheet 4.5.6 (Core)

Location
Meaning

Photo Credit: PSU Ag Safety and Health Team

20 of 34

Preventative Maintenance�and Pre-Operation Checks

Task Sheet 4.6 (Core)

Purpose of pre-operation check
Items to check
Safe starts

Photo Credit: PSU Ag Safety and Health Team

Preventative Maintenance and Pre-Operation Checks – Task Sheet 4.6 (Core)

Learning Goal: To conduct pre-operation checks daily to reduce repair costs and downtime.

Pre-operation check and maintenance is a good business practice. Breakdowns and downtime cost money and time to a farm operation.

A full list of the things to include in a pre-operation check is outlined in Task Sheet 4.6.

Some utility or lawn tractors may have safety start systems. The first is a seat switch/safety interlock which prevents starting the tractor if the operator is not in the seat. The second is a neutral-start safety switch which prevents the tractor from starting the tractor if it is in gear. These safety feature should not be removed or shut-off.

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 4.6.

21 of 34

Starting and Stopping Diesel and Gasoline Engines

Task Sheet 4.7 (Core)

Before starting the engine
Starting and stopping gasoline engines
Staring and stopping diesel engines

Photo Credit: PSU Ag Safety and Health Team

Starting and Stopping Diesel and Gasoline Engines – Task Sheet 4.7 (Core)

Learning Goals:

Safety start and stop the engine of a gasoline tractor.

Complete the 3 safety checks before starting a tractor.

Check oil, fuel and coolant level;
Check the tires
Check the controls for neutral positions.

Prior to actually starting the engine, the tractor should be in what gear?

Tractor should be in neutral (or start/park position) and the parking brake should be set prior to starting.

Once the tractor engine is running, an operator should to the following before doing any tasks:

Check the indicators and gauges on the instrument panel for normal indications and warm the engine at 800-1,000 RPMS for a few minutes.

For detailed steps to starting a stopping gasoline and diesel tractors, refer to Task Sheet 4.7.

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 4.7.

22 of 34

Mounting and Starting the Tractor

Task Sheet 4.8 (Core)

Safety checks
Before starting the tractor
Bypass starting dangers

Photo Credit: Jeff Mathison

Mounting and Starting the Tractor – Task Sheet 4.8 (Core)

Learning Goals:

Mount a tractor safely
Understand the hazards of bypass starting
Know safe tractor start-up procedures

Good tractor operator practices when getting on the tractor:

Keep operator platform free of tools, equipment, mud or debris
Use handholds and steps when you get on/off the tractor. Keep 3 points of contact on the tractor.
Adjust the seat and steering wheel if necessary
Adjust and buckle the seat belt if the tractor has a ROPS.
Check the major controls (e.g., PTO, hydraulics, gearshift stick) for the neutral or PARK position.

If you starting a tractor inside a building, make sure there is adequate ventilation to avoid a build up of carbon monoxide fumes.

Safe start systems are there for your safety. Do not bypass safe start systems. These systems encourage operators to start their tractors while in the tractor seat which is the safest place.

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 4.8.

23 of 34

Stopping & Dismounting the Tractor

Task Sheet 4.9 (Core)

Shutdown procedures
Dismounting the tractor

Photo Credit: PSU Ag Safety & Health Team

Stopping & Dismounting the Tractor – Task Sheet 4.9 (Core)

Learning Goals:

Understand safe tractor shutdown procedures.
Learn to dismount the tractor safely.

There are specific procedures to follow when stopping and shutting down the tractor. Procedures include the following:

Stop and park on the most level ground possible. Set the brakes or place the gearshift in park.
Lower all attached equipment to the ground.
Allow the engine to cool down at fast idle to prevent internal damage to hot engine parts. While the engine cools, check all systems and stop the engine.
Relieve pressure in the hydraulic system by working the hydraulic controls.
Place all controls and switches in an off, neutral, or locked position.
Chock wheels to prevent runaways.

Three steps to safely dismounting the tractor:

Keep the operator platform fee of tools, equipment, mud, and debris.
Face the tractor and maintain 3 points of contact with the tractor when dismounting. (Do not jump down from the tractor.)
Take the key with you.

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 4.9.

24 of 34

Moving and Steering the Tractor

Task Sheet 4.10 (Core)

Before moving the tractor
Transmission types
Gears
Brakes on highways

Photo Credit: Linda Fetzer

Moving and Steering the Tractor – Task Sheet 4.10 (Core)

Learning Goals:

Move a tractor without stalling or jerking through proper use of the clutch control pedal or lever.
Steer a tractor without damaging the tractor or towed or attached machine.

Before moving the tractor, you should understand the gear shift pattern of the tractor. Always start out in a lower gear and move up to a higher gear when traveling or working.

Power train provides a means of transmitting engine power. Mechanisms (clutch, hydraulic device, or electrohydraulic) on the tractor serve 3 purposes: 1) Allow for a smooth start; 2) Interrupt power while changing gears; and 3) Interrupt power when stopping.

Four categories of transmissions: 1) manual shift; 2) hydrostatic transmissions; 3) combo of gear-driven and hydraulically assisted; and 4) continuously variable transmission.

Detailed instructions concerning skills for moving the tractor are outlined in Task Sheet 4.10.

Use individual wheel brakes when steering in tight spaces & help control slippage on slopes.

Lock brakes together for highway travel. Pushing one brake at high speeds may cause the tractor to be thrown sideways.

Jack-knifing and damage to the tractor, tractor ties, and/or towed equipment can occur if you turn too sharply when towing an attachment.

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 4.10.

25 of 34

Operating the Tractor in Reverse

Task Sheet 4.11 (Core)

Reverse direction hazards
Tips for backing a tractor

Photo Credit: Linda Fetzer

Operating the Tractor in Reverse – Task Sheet 4.11 (Core)

Learning Goals:

1) Drive a tractor safely in reverse gear to a specific location with few directional corrections. and 2) Spot the tractor drawbar to the hitch of the machine with no more than 3 changes of direction.

Driving a tractor in reverse is necessary for tasks such as hitching to equipment, backing equipment, unloading crops, and even storing machinery. Three common hazards involved with driving a tractor in reverse:

Not seeing people, animals, or other objects while looking over your shoulder;
Co-workers who are assisting you with hitching an implement can be crushed between the tractor and implement if your foot slips off the clutch.;
A tendency of your body to shift slightly while turned partway around can cause your feet to slip from the clutch or brake pedals.

Tips for backing a tractor.

Seat and controls are adjusted for you.
People, animals and objects are clear of the tractor.
Place your hands at the bottom of the steering wheel.
Slowly engage clutch, use low engine speed, & maintain foot contact with clutch & brake.
If you want to move a 2-wheeled implement to the left, turn the steering implement wheel with your left hand in a clockwise rotation. Counter-clockwise to move it to the right.

Learning to back up can take practice.

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 4.11.

26 of 34

Tractor Stability

Task Sheet 4.12 (Core)

Center of gravity
How tractors overturn
Why center of gravity moves

Photo Credit: Jeff Mathison

Tractor Stability – Task Sheet 4.12 (Core)

Learning Goals:

Explain the role that center of gravity plays in tractor overturns; 2) List reasons the center of gravity moves within a stability baseline; & 3) Understand how to be protected during a tractor overturn

Because of their versatility and their heavy use on the farm, tractors are associated with the majority of farming hazards. One of the first things we need to learn about is why tractors overturn and for that we need to understand center of gravity (CG).

Center of gravity is the point where all parts of a physical object balance one another. The image on the bottom shows the center of gravity inside a tractor’s stability baseline. Two things to remember:

The tractor will not overturn if the Center of Gravity stays inside the stability baseline.
The Center of Gravity moves around inside the baseline area as you operate the tractor.

Five reasons why a tractor’s center of gravity moves outside the stability baseline:

Tractor is operated on a steep slope
Tractor’s CG is raised higher from its natural location 10” above the rear axle.
Tractor is going too fast for the sharpness of the turn.
Power is applied to the tractor’s rear wheels too quickly.
Tractor is trying to pull a load that is not properly hitched to the drawbar.

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 4.12.

27 of 34

Tractor Stability

Task Sheet 4.12 (Core)

Role of center of gravity, speed, and slope in an overturn
Centrifugal force
Importance of a ROPS

Photo Credit: Jeff Mathison

Tractor Stability – Task Sheet 4.12 (Core)

Learning Goals:

1) Explain the role that center of gravity plays in tractor overturns; 2) List reasons the center of gravity moves within a stability baseline; & 3) Understand how to be protected during a tractor overturn

Centrifugal force is the outward force of objects moving in a circular path. In regards to a tractor, centrifugal force is the force that is trying to roll the tractor over when it is making a turn. As the radius of the turn decreases (in a sharp turn) the centrifugal force increases. The effect of this centrifugal force on stability is even greater when operating a tractor on sloped terrain.

Rear-axle torque is the transfer of energy between the engine and the rear axle of a two-wheel drive tractor. When the clutch is engaged on this type of tractor, it results in a twisting force, or torque, which should rotate the tires and move the tractor forward or backward. If the rear tires are stuck (as in mud) or blocked from rotating, the rear axle is unable to rotate properly, so the tractor chassis rotates about the axle. This results in the front end of the tractor lifting off the ground, which can cause the tractor’s center of gravity to move past the rear stability baseline. This type of incident is called a rear overturn.

A rollover protective structure (ROPS) fits on an agricultural tractor and protects the operator in the event of a rollover. A tractor’s ROPS and seat belt work in conjunction to secure the operator in a protective zone, reducing the operator’s risk of being crushed under the tractor should it overturn.

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 4.12.

28 of 34

Using the Tractor Safely

Task Sheet 4.13 (Core)

Proper tractor uses
Improper tractor uses

Photo Credit: Linda Fetzer

Using the Tractor Safely – Task Sheet 4.13 (Core)

Learning Goals: 1) Recognize proper uses of the tractor and 2) Recognize improper uses of the tractor

Tractor can be operated safely if they are operated as designed and recommended. Proper tractor uses include the following:

They are remote power source.
They carry/pull machines.
They move loads.
They transport materials.

Ask student to name Improper tractor practices and uses:

Extra rider or passenger.
Unguarded PTO.
Improper hitching to someplace other than the drawbar.
Driving too close to a ditch embankment.
High speeds when making a turn.
Field conditions pose hazards to tractor operation.
Keep loader bucket as low to the ground as possible while in transport.

(Additional improper practices and uses are found in Task Sheet 4.13.)

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 4.13.

29 of 34

Operating the Tractor on Public Roads

Task Sheet 4.14 (Core)

Reaction time
Movement hazards
Towing safety

Photo Credit: Linda Fetzer

Operating the Tractor on Public Roads – Task Sheet 4.14 (Core)

Learning Goals: 1) Understand the difference between farm equipment road use and normal highway vehicle road use, and 2) Use all safe and courteous traffic driving practices to prevent farm equipment and motor vehicle crashes.

Tractors are driven on roadways to plant, spray, harvest, & transport crops. Tractors & implements typically travel on roadways at speeds of less than 25 mph. Other motor vehicles travel at faster speeds, & most motorists do not realize the amount of braking time necessary to avoid rear-end collisions.

Hazard when operating tractors on public roadways (complete list in Task Sheet 4.14:

Pulling slowly onto roads with long and heavy loads
Slow tractor travel speeds
Left turns across traffic into narrow field lanes.
Swinging into the left lane to make a right turn into a field

General practices for tractors on public roadways:

Time of day – When possible, avoid busy times of the day to move equipment.
Courtesy – Be watch of others and let high-speed traffic go first.
Blind spots – For problem areas, use mirrors & back up cameras to increase your ability to see around the tractor.
Shifting loads – You are responsible for clean up if your load spills onto the roadway.
Safe equipment – Complete an inspection of your equipment before taking on roadway.

Secure hitch pins with locking clips.

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 4.14.

30 of 34

Lighting and Marking

Task Sheet 4.14.1 (Core)

Slow moving vehicle emblem
Lighting and marking
Escort vehicle

Photo Credit: Linda Fetzer

Lighting and Marking – Task Sheet 4.14.1 (Core)

Learning Goal: Understand the recommendations for lighting and marking of farm tractors and machinery.

State motor vehicle regulations require ag equipment on public roads be highly visible to motor vehicles approaching from behind. Farm equipment should be visible to other motorists from the greatest possible distance so that they have time to slow down.

An SMV emblem is a highly reflective sign that should be placed on the back of all tractors, towed implements, & self-propelled implements. It is an equilateral triangle at least 14 in. in height, made from a fluorescent orange material (which provides visibility during the day) and bordered by red retroreflective material (which provides visibility at night). The only appropriate use of an SMV emblem is to increase the visibility of ag equipment traveling on public roadways. Do not use an SMV emblem for any other purpose.

The American Society of Agricultural & Biological Engineers developed guidelines & recommendations for lighting & marking farm equipment on roadways. These guideline are outlined in Task Sheet 4.14.1 and include recommendations for headlights, tail lamps, hazard flashers, turn indicators, SMV emblem, reflective marking, and conspicuity materials.

A good practice for transporting wide loads on a public roads is using an escort vehicle to assist in alerting other motorist.

Check the laws in your state for specific regulations.

Activities are located at the end of Task Sheet 4.14.1.

31 of 34

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the following people and organizations for giving us permission to use their photos or illustrations for the sole purpose of providing educational support to the NSTMOP certificate course.

Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) Pictorial Database
Andy Mylan, Illustrator
American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
Jeff Mathison, Illustrator
National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health & Safety
Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences and the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering Ag Safety Team

No copying or duplication of these images or illustrations is allowed.

Created February 2015 by Dennis J. Murphy, Nationwide Insurance Professor, Emeritus, and Davis E. Hill, Extension Associate, The Pennsylvania State University. Revised January 2020. Revised 2023 by Linda Fetzer, Extension Program Specialist.

32 of 34

Resources

Find more resources at extension.psu.edu

ARTICLES	NEWS	ONLINE COURSES	GUIDES AND PUBS	VIDEOS	WEBINARS	WORKSHOPS

33 of 34

Question Prompt

Questions?

34 of 34

Affirmative Action Statement

The University is committed to equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment for all persons. It is the policy of the University to maintain an environment free of harassment and free of discrimination against any person because of age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, physical or mental disability, gender, perceived gender, gender identity, genetic information, or political ideas. Discriminatory conduct and harassment, as well as sexual misconduct and relationship violence, violates the dignity of individuals, impedes the realization of the University’s educational mission, and will not be tolerated. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Office, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901, Email: aao@psu.edu, Tel 814-863-0471.