1. Procedure for Using Tractors (Revision 1 – 17th January 2011) Toolbox Talk

2. HAZARDS AND RISKS The main hazards and risks associated with the use of tractors are: Injury to pedestrians from moving tractors. Overturning of tractor on slopes. Entanglement in a rotating power take-off or power take-off shafts. Injury from falling whilst getting in and out of the tractor. Crushing between the tractor and attachment. Injury to bystanders from ejected blades, flails or debris when using mower attachments.

3. PERSONS AUTHORISED TO OPERATE TRACTORS All staff operating tractors must have attended the Lantra Tractor Driving Course (course length will depend on previous training and experience). In addition to the above course all staff using larger tractors on slopes must have attended the Lantra Tractor Driving on Slopes Course. A list of tractor types, and those authorised to operate them, is maintained by the Grounds Officer and displayed at Bedford Road and Balgownie.

4. ITEMS TO BE CARRIED IN TRACTOR AT ALL TIMES Dry power fire extinguisher (must be secured to brackets) – it should also have a sticker stating that it was inspected by a fire specialist in the last 12 months. First Aid Kit Drivers Log Sheet

5. STARTING AND STOPPING THE TRACTOR When getting in or out of the tractor: Clean anything slippery (e.g. mud) from footplate, steps, cab floor, pedals. Clean slippery substances off of boots. When getting in and out use the handholds, do not hold onto the steering wheel. 

6. STARTING AND STOPPING THE TRACTOR (CONTINUED) Get out facing inwards so that you have a good grip. Never get in or off a moving tractor. Do not keep tools, drawbar pins or toplinks on the floor as these can cause a slip hazard. Keep them in the toolbox provided in/on the cab for this purpose.  

7. Prior to starting the engine: Check that mirrors and windows are clean to give full visibility. Check that independent brakes are locked together. Make sure that no pedestrians are near the tractor.  

8. When the operator leaves their seat or any pedestrians approaching the tractor could be at risk (e.g children) the following SAFE STOP procedure must be used: Apply parking handbrake Make sure the tractor gearbox is in neutral Ensure that hydraulic controls are in a lowered position Ensure that PTO controls in a disengaged position Switch off engine Remove key The exception to this rule is when operating the linkage height level lever fitted on the outside of New Holland tractors.

9. DRIVING THE TRACTOR The drivers log sheet MUST be completed each time the tractor is used. Passengers must not be carried in the cab, any other part of the tractor or trailers. Seat belts must be worn at all times. Controls must not be operated from outside the cab, never use any control unless correctly seated in the cab. The exception to this rule is operating the linkage height level lever fitted on the outside of New Holland tractors.   

10. Independent brakes must always be latched together when travelling on public highways. Differential locks should only be used with low gears, differential locks must not be used on public highways or at high speeds. Never drive near the edges of ditches. Flashing beacons (on roof of cab) and reversing bleepers must be operational whilst operating the tractor.

11. DRIVING ON SLOPING GROUND Tractors are not permitted to operate on slopes shown on the steep slopes drawing. (displayed at Bedford Road and Balgownie Mess rooms). Ensure that 4-wheel drive is engaged (if fitted to the tractor). Never coast the tractor down a hill in or out of gear, use as low a gear as possible. Never attempt to turn whilst driving down a slope. Ensure that chains attached to links are tight when using mounted machinery. If using mounted machinery with brakes, ensure that independent brakes in the tractor are latched together.

12. USING TRACTOR MOUNTED AND TRAILED EQUIPMENT General Attach mounted equipment on level ground. Only change linkage points for hook to drawbar etc on firm level ground. Operators or assistants should never stand between the tractor and the implement unless the tractor engine is turned off. The exception to this rule is operating the linkage height level lever fitted on the outside of New Holland tractors. Never stand with your feet under, on or near drawbars. 

13. Where possible always manoeuvre the tractor or use the linkage – avoid trying to move heavy implements. Whenever a tractor with a mounted implement is parked, the attachment must be lowered to the ground. Ensure that the correct balance is achieved when using tractor mounted machinery. If the steering feels light counterweights should be attached to the front nose of the tractor. Where attachments have hydraulic connections check that the correct hoses are connected to the correct sockets. Visually inspect (do not touch) hydraulic hoses for any signs of wear or damage prior to using attachments. Prior to disconnection of hoses, hydraulic systems must be depressurised by operating controls after the engine has been switched off.

14. Staff should never attempt to repair any damaged equipment on site. Contact the Grounds Officer/Chargehand who will arrange for the item to be repaired. All guards (including those which deflect debris) must be in place when using the equipment. Before starting work examine the area for objects which could be thrown up or become entangled in equipment. Never approach or inspect equipment until the safe stop procedure has been carried out and the moving parts of the equipment have come to a complete halt. Ensure that PTO controls are disengaged before lifting and transporting equipment.

15. Procedure for attaching mounted equipment using the 3 point link system (general) Reverse tractor to implement slowly, to be central and square to the implement. Follow the safe stop procedure. Attach links in the correct order. From the seated position in tractor facing forward - left hand side, right hand side and finally the top link. Ensure that that the pins for the 3 point linkage are secured by the retaining pins. Follow the safe stop procedure. Tighten check chains as necessary, lock off the top link.

16. Procedure for attaching mounted equipment using the 3 point link system (New Holland Tractors) Reverse tractor to implement slowly, to be central and square to the implement. Apply parking handbrake, make sure tractor gearbox is in neutral, ensure that hydraulic controls are in a lowered position, ensure that PTO controls are disengaged. Use the linkage height level lever fitted on the outside of New Holland tractors. Note: the driver’s seat must be empty when the lever is operated. Attach links in the correct order. From the seated position in tractor facing forward- left hand side, right hand side and finally the top link. Ensure that that the pins for the 3 point linkage and secured by the retaining pins. Follow the safe stop procedure. Lock off the top link. 

17. Use of power take-off and power take-off shafts The tractor engine must be switched off before attaching or detaching power take off shafts, follow the safe stop procedure. Operators must ensure that the master shield is fitted over the tractor power take off. Operators must check that the guards fitted to power take off shafts are in good condition, cover the length of the shaft, and are chained to prevent the guard rotating with the shaft. The correct power take-off speed must be used for the attachment, never exceed the power take-off speed recommended by the manufacturer. The power take off cover must be in place when the power take off is not being used. 

18. Use of rotary mower attachments The mower should not be operated within 20m of pedestrians. When using the Wessex rotary mower ensure that the pin in the pivoting jaw is removed when mowing on slopes or uneven ground. When using the Wessex rotary mower ensure that the pin is in the pivoting jaw for road transport. When using the Trimax Stealth S2 340 mower do not raise the side wings with the PTO engaged.

19. Use of manure spreaders Spreaders should not be operated within 20m of pedestrians. Never climb into the hopper of the spreader, cleaning and clearing of blockages must be done from the outside. The adjustment lever for the spreader must be operated from outside the tractor with engine stopped. The machine must be set up (or adjusted) with the engine stopped. Keep tractor windows shut during operation as the spreader creates a lot of dust. 

20. Use of Amazone groundkeeper attachment Other persons must be kept at least 5m from the area being worked on. The hopper must never be more than ¾ full when being used. The upper chain must never be decoupled by force. The rear tractor window must be closed when raising or lowering the hopper.

21. Procedure for attaching Amazone groundkeeper: Follow the safe stop procedure. Remove top link. Adjust safety chain so that left and right hand link are in correct location for connection to the attachment. Attach links in the correct order. From seated position - left hand then right hand side. Attach PTO shaft. Connect hydraulic hoses. From the seated position in the cab raise the unit Follow the safe stop procedure, then attach the top chain.

22. Trailers Trailers with single jaw connections must be connected to both jaws of the tractor drawbar. Trailers with double jaw connections must be connected to the fixed jaw of the tractor drawbar. They must not be attached to the pivoting jaw. The retaining pin MUST be fitted to the pin when using trailers. When hitching trailers without pick up hitches ensure that the trailer is securely held on the jack. 

23. Do not attempt to manhandle the trailer drawbar during attachment and never use fingers to check alignment. Whilst the tractor engine is switched off check that lights on trailers are working properly and all hydraulic attachments securely connected. If the trailer if fitted with brakes, always connect the hydraulic brake coupling to the tractor and ensure the brakes are operating correctly before using the trailer and moving off. Loads on trailers must be adequately secured, never overload a trailer. 

24. Using trailers with tipping function Always unfasten the rear door locking bar before tipping the trailer. Only tip the trailer body when it is hitched to the tractor and on sufficiently stable and level ground with nobody in the unloading zone. Avoid moving the trailer when the body is in a raised position. In cases where there is a build of material at the rear of the trailer during tipping, the trailer may only be moved a very short distance to clear the build up of material. Never stand beneath the trailer when it is tipped.

25. Some real life accidents involving tractors James Chapman’s story (entanglement in PTO shaft) http://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/makethepromise/farmersstories/machinery/jamesch apman-video.htm Angus man, 70, dies after tractor topples on slope http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1816007#ixzz0wsI3t3vc http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1816007#ixzz0wsI3t3vc Farmer jailed after man dies in Moray tractor crash http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east_orkney_and_shetland/10453290.stm