Perform a Pre-start Safety Check on a Tractor

Introduction

A pre-start safety check is important to help you find problems that may have occurred during the previous operating period, it will only take a few minutes to perform once you are familiar with your tractor and will save you money and work hours if performed regularly. It’s also essential for the safety of the operator.

Checks

Walk round the tractor and look for any problems.
Check that safety guards are in place. Check for loose or damaged parts, such as nuts and bolts, drawbar and three point linkage pins. Check the drawbar and three point linkage security.
Check for oil, fuel or water leaks from pipes and hoses. (Inspect the ground directly underneath the tractor for drips or wet areas)
Check the tyre treads and walls that may have cracks, tears and uneven wear or embedded pieces of steel or timber.

Free play of clutch and brake pedals

The free travel measurement is the distance these pedals can be depressed before resistance is noticed.

Brakes

Before you check the brakes, make sure that both pedals are unlocked. Check each brake separately. Make sure that each has exactly the same free travel. See the operator’s manual as the correct measurement varies between makes and depends on the type of brakes. With mechanically operated shoe brakes, approximately 20 mm of brake pedal free travel is usual. If the measurement isn’t correct, adjust it by shortening or lengthening the linkages, as required once completed lock the pedals together again.

Clutch

Always refer to the operator’s manual for recommended free travel distance and where to take the measurement. The free travel distance may range from 13 to 50 mm or more depending on the machine and where the distance is measured.
If an adjustment is necessary, locate the pedal adjusting mechanism. The adjustment is usually made near the pedal or it may be anywhere along the linkage leading to the clutch release mechanism. Adjust the linkage until the clutch pedal has the proper amount of free travel.

Check brake and clutch fluid levels

Check the brake and clutch reservoirs (if applicable) for correct fluid levels. If a level is excessively low, top it up with recommended fluid and investigate the cause of fluid loss.

Steering wheel free play

Refer to the operator’s manual, some tractors may need the engine running to test the steering free play.

Steps and hand rail

Check that the steps and hand rail are in place, secure, undamaged and clean.

Operator platform

Check and remove obstructions such as ropes, rags, tools, toolboxes, chains and anything else that obstructs the operators platform.

Fire extinguisher

Check that the fire extinguisher is fitted and operational if there is one. Refer to your workplace OHS policy about the location and operation of fire extinguishers.

First aid kit

Ensure that the first aid kit is available and complete in either a service vehicle or dust proof area of the tractor.

Working Safely

In addition to the general safety precautions:

• Always perform the checks required with the tractor positioned on level ground.
• Lower all hydraulically operated equipment.
• Turn the engine off; don’t attempt to check the tractor when it is running, unless specified by the manufacturer.
• Avoid naked flames and don’t smoke.
• Use appropriate personal protection equipment.
• Record and report any faults.

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