Tractors are vital for performing any arduous task in the field or around town. To learn how to operate these machines, consider the following tractor safety tips by Mike Ford Shop in Ham Lake.

These days it's hard to imagine a farm or construction site without tractors. These powerful, multi-purpose machines make arduous projects possible in the field and city. Whether it's clearing land, plowing dirt, hauling heavy loads, or providing emergency transportation, one thing is certain: driving a tractor is a big responsibility. If you're planning on learning to drive a tractor, it goes without saying that safety is key to having a successful operation; that said, this post from Mike Ford Shop has put together some tractor safety tips that you can put into practice. If you're interested in this topic, read on.

If your tractor is due for an oil replacement, call Mike Ford Shop at (763) 257-3130 and get the top synthetic oil change in Ham Lake. Don't forget to browse AMSOIL's online shop to purchase top-shelf hydraulic oils and products for your equipment.

Best Tips to Ensure Tractor Safety

Learn About Your Equipment

Our first recommendation is to take a look at your operator's manual. Familiarizing yourself with your equipment's maintenance, operation, and safety requirements is essential to operating it in the best possible way. Here are the most important contents inside the manual:

• Safety instructions: Your operator's manual will provide vital information on the safety and precautionary measures you should take when operating the tractor; it also describes the limitations of the equipment and the safety devices in it.
• Controls: The more familiar you are with your tractor's instrument panel and controls, the better your operation will be, so be sure to check the function of all controls, levers, and pedals; the safest practices for maneuvering the equipment in curves or challenging terrain, and the recommended speed limits.
• Maintenance requirements and intervals: Taking proper care of the equipment is vital to keep it safe and efficient for as long as possible, so consult and follow the service intervals described in your operator's manual.

Get Training

Reading about the operation of your tractor is essential; however, you need to put all that theory into safe practice by taking a tractor safety certification course or program. Receiving this type of training will allow you to test your driving skills under the supervision of professionals and help you learn and practice challenging maneuvers, such as how to turn safely, reverse or operate your equipment on slopes.

The continued use of AMSOIL's Synthetic Multi-Viscosity Hydraulic Oil - ISO 22 keeps your tractor's hydraulic system clean and reliable; to learn more about this and other top-quality formulas, call Mike Ford Shop at (763) 257-3130. Don't forget to browse AMSOIL's online shop to place an order for the most effective synthetic oil in Ham Lake.

Use Your Equipment's Seat Belt and ROPS

An important thing to know about your tractor is that its seat belt complements the function of the ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure); therefore, you must use both safety devices whenever you operate the equipment. To better understand this point, imagine that while running the tractor, you were to roll over on a slope; in such a situation, having your seat belt on would keep you in the operator's seat while the ROPS would surround and protect you.

Get Familiar With the Working Area

Another important tip is to inspect the areas where you intend to operate your tractor. You never know when you might be surprised by a hidden ditch, a stump, holes in the ground, or bumps; that said, you should ideally clear the area of large rocks or objects that could damage your tractor. As for immovable obstacles, you can mark them by placing a warning flag or sign to be more careful when operating near such areas.

Use Safety Gear

Finally, be sure to wear the proper safety gear whenever you operate your tractor; after all, your body is vulnerable to both the moving parts of the machine and the terrain you're working over. That said, here are some items you should wear to minimize the risk of injury or injury:

• We recommend you to wear snug-fitting clothing, as loose clothing can get caught inside the pulleys, the rotating cutter head, or the tractor's drive belts.
• Since we are talking about operating a tractor, you will most likely be working outdoors; hence, protect yourself from sunburns by wearing a hat or cap.
• Your ankles need good support to get on and off the tractor, so we recommend wearing sturdy boots with non-slip soles.
• Finally, we suggest wearing leather gloves to make it easier to operate the controls and keep your hands warm during the winter.

Staying on top of your equipment's maintenance needs is key to ensuring tractor safety. Reach out to Mike Ford Shop at (763) 257-3130 and talk to their oil specialists about the recommended formula for your equipment. Don't forget to stop by AMSOIL's online shop to place an order for the most reliable synthetic oil in Ham Lake.