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Operating a tractor can be dangerous if you don’t know the machine, don’t have the necessary skills and qualifications or don’t pay proper and full attention to your surroundings. Accidents happens every day, a lot of them with severe consequences to the tractor driver. A tractor is a heavy machine and caution must be used, no matter what.

Used tractors require more attention. You need to be sure that is in perfect conditions before buy it. Take some time to observe every part or detail of the tractor you want to buy. Try to collect as much information as possible from the previous owner. Assure yourself that the tractor was well cared and maintenance work was done regularly. Ask for accidents or large reparations done in the past. Ask also to view the original guarantee from the manufacturer and the user manual. Don’t buy tractors older then eight years.

It’s necessary also that you make sure that you have the necessary abilities (physical, psychological, licenses, etc…) to drive a tractor. If necessary take some professional advice or lessons. The more you learn before you actually buy a tractor, the safer you will be when driving it. So, relax, take your time and then go for it.

When buying the tractor make sure that is stable. Rolling is the cause of most accidents evolving tractors. So make sure that it won’t roll in normal conditions. Take a good look on the breaks condition. In the field you will need for breaks in perfect conditions, so don’t take risks. Look also for the electric system. A short circuit is very easy to happen on a rainy day if the tractor electric system is not is good conditions.

Drive safely. Remember that you are alone in the middle of nowhere most of the time and if a tragic accident happens you may not be able to call for help. Take precautions when using it slopes, around trying terrain as well as close to traffic, people or animals. A tractor is much like an automobile. Same rules apply. Remember also that kids have a special fascination on tractors. They see them as big toys and on first opportunity can jump on or over the tractor. Lot’s of children are injured every year in tractor accidents due mostly to the lack of attention of parents, tractor owners and else. Double your attention whenever there are kids around.

Keep the keys in a safe place and never permit that non-qualified individuals drive the tractor. Being the owner, you may have to face some legal consequences if any accident occurs.

Being a large and heavy piece of machinery every used tractor needs constant care. Beware that you need to regularly check every part of your tractor. If you don’t have the necessary mechanical and electrical knowledge take it to a garage, for professional care. If you notice some strange noise or vibration take immediate action to repair any eventual damage or malfunction.

In generally and regarding safety, there some dumb questions you may ask yourself before buying a used tractor:

• Do you have the skills to drive a tractor?
• The used tractor is in good conditions?
• Can you rely on the information that previous owner or salesman gives you?
• Is it stable or is an easy roller?
• Breaks are in perfect shape? Are they the original ones?
• Do you have the necessary conditions to take proper care of the tractor you intend to buy?
• Do you know the terrain where you will be driving the tractor?
• Do children have access to the tractor?

Finally, one last note regarding alcohol and drugs. Never operate your farm tractor under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Remember also that some medicines may have side effects on your driving capabilities.

Your new used tractor can be 100% safe and a great help in your farm work, as long as you always remember this simple safety considerations.

Andy Martorell is a free-lancer writer for almost 5 years. Besides writing about safety in used tractors, Andy has several other writing assignments at this time. You can see his latest website on used Kubota tractors