Lesson 24. Safety features including ROPS in tractor

1. Introduction

Farm mechanization along with increased application of other agricultural inputs enhanced the productivity and production in agriculture. But on the other hand, it has also increased casualties through agricultural accidents. Loss of human life brings sorrow to the victim’s family and to the society; in addition to causing considerable loss to the country as a whole. There is a wide ignorance or misconception about the meaning of accident. The definition of accident states that a) accident is an unexpected, unplanned and unwanted event or a sequence of events; b) occurs through a combination of causes; and c) results in physical harm (death or injury) to an individual, damage to machine or properties, economical loss or a near miss. Tractors are frequently involved in accidents leading to major physical injuries and even death. The tractor and trailers related accidents can be reduced by installing safety gadgets and by following safety guidelines during use.

2. Slow Moving Vehicle Emblems (SMVE):

It is a fluorescent orange equilateral triangle with a red reflective border. It is to be fitted on rear side of tractor seat and on left and right rear side of trailer. The orange colour is visible in sunlight; whereas, red border reflects light when headlight of vehicle coming from rear side falls on it. The length of each sides of SMVE should be 44.5 cm but not less than 20.0 cm, if need be. Due to Government regulation all of new tractors being sold in India are fitted with SMVE (Fig. 24.1).

3. Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS):

A tractor with Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS) provides the safety to operator (Fig. 24.1) against being crushed under the tractor in case of accidental overturning.  The ROPS have sufficient strength to bear safely the load of tractor in case of overturning. However, the driver must wear seatbelt to get benefit of ROPS.

L 24 fig.24.1

4. Hydraulic brakes for trailers:

The tractor brakes should be in a good condition to stop it within desired distance. If the tractor is to be frequently operated with a loaded trailer, hydraulic brakes can be fitted on trailer too. The hydraulic brakes of trailer are coupled with tractor near the PTO link. The brake pedal of tractor, when pressed, activates the brakes of tractor as well as trailer (Fig. 24.2).

L 24 fig.24.2

5. Lights:

The tractor should have all lights in full operational conditions. These lights include headlights, tail-lights, brake lights, reversing lights and turning indicators. The trailer should also have lights fitted on the rear side. These lights can be coupled with tractor in such a way that control switches provided on the tractor operates the tractor as well the trailer lights.

6. Other Safety guidelines during tractor trolley use:

  • Don’t use intoxicants like liquor, opium, etc. while operating.

  • Don’t make adjustments when tractor is in operation.

  • Don’t put or take off belt while pulley is running.

  • Don’t sit or stand at unsafe places such as drawbar, mudguard, load, etc. when tractor is moving.

  • No person should mount or dismount from a tractor while it is in motion, except in an emergency.

  • Don’t wear loose clothes, shoes, etc.

  • Put the gear, PTO to neutral and lower the attached implements to ground before leaving the stopped tractor.

  • Lock the brake pedals together when traveling on public roads.

  • Stop at all unguarded railway crossings and make sure that no train is coming.

  • Operator should use a seat belt when operating tractor fitted with ROPS or cabin. It is strongly recommended that no seat belt be used if ROPS or cabin is not provided.

  • To avoid sideway overturning of tractor, special care should be taken during driving at sharp slope, uneven, soft or slippery ground, alongside ditches or banks, during turning or reversing.

  • To avoid tipping backward, special care should be taken while driving heavy loads on a slope, soft ground, ditches or uneven ground. If necessary, front of tractor should be fitted with dead weights.

  • When traveling on public roads, keep on the correct side of the road. Use light signals with intention to turn, stop or slow down.

  • While transporting farm produce, trailer should not be overfilled or over loaded.

  • Use rear view mirror in properly adjusted angle.

Last modified: Monday, 7 April 2014, 10:47 AM