Skip to content
Lifestyle — Fashion-and-beauty — All about home & garden.

Training and Oversight on Tractor Handling, Attached Equipment, and Safe Driving on Highways for Instructors and Managers

Aim: Adhere to secure road procedures for trailers and pulled devices on highways to prevent accidents. Trainee's Advice: Road safety measures are often disregarded, leading to mishaps. However, you may need to travel between workplaces on highways. For this lesson:

,   and  Administrator
3 min read
Guidelines for Operating Heavy Machinery and Transportation Safety for Instructors and Head...
Guidelines for Operating Heavy Machinery and Transportation Safety for Instructors and Head Supervisors, Focusing on Farm Equipment and Trailered Apparatuses on Highways

Training and Oversight on Tractor Handling, Attached Equipment, and Safe Driving on Highways for Instructors and Managers

When navigating highways with tractors and towed equipment such as wagons, grinders, and trailers, it is essential to follow specific safety guidelines to ensure a smooth and secure journey for both the driver and other road users. Here are the key safety procedures to keep in mind.

Maintain Adequate Following Distance

Larger vehicles like tractors with towed equipment require more stopping time. The Department of Transportation advises allowing at least one second for every 10 feet of vehicle length when driving below 40 mph, and an additional second for speeds above 40 mph. This distance should be increased in adverse weather or road conditions to prevent rear-end collisions.

Proper Hitch and Connection Security

Secure all hitch connections tightly, including safety chains and breakaway cables where applicable. For trailer towing, ensure the trailer is properly coupled with locked jaws, pinned handles, and secured breakaway cables to activate trailer brakes in emergency separations.

Check Lighting and Visibility Components

All exterior lights—headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals—must be operational and checked before travel. This ensures the tractor and towed equipment can be seen by other drivers, which is vital on highways.

Equipment Positioning and Clearance

Raise landing gear and stabilizers fully to clear the ground during travel to avoid damage or accidents. Avoid standing or working in the area between the tractor and towed vehicle during hitching or travel.

Do Not Tow Excessive Loads

Avoid towing multiple trailers or wagons beyond recommended limits (for example, not more than five vehicles attached at once).

Pre-trip and Periodic Checks

Perform a 360° walk-around inspection of the tractor and towed equipment to confirm all connections, hitch components, lights, brakes, and mechanical parts are secure and functioning. Inspect tires, brakes, and load securement before and during long trips.

Adjust Speed for Conditions

Reduce speed under poor weather or low visibility to maintain control and increase stopping capability.

Additional Safety Measures

  • Cross the chains between the trailer and the vehicle to create a cradle.
  • Only operate machinery in good repair on the highway.
  • Lighting regulations for SMVs vary. Before installing any warning light system on a tractor, check the regulations.
  • Slow down for sharp curves.
  • When pulling onto a public road, use a wide shoulder if available. If the shoulder is not wide enough, stay on the road. Allow extra time to reach full speed.
  • Adjust mirrors for good vision before driving on public roads.
  • Properly hitch implements with adequate safety chains before beginning the journey.
  • Be sure the vehicle has proper lighting and an SMV emblem when travelling at dusk or at night.
  • Make sure the tow ball and hitch are the correct size.
  • Listen for cars approaching rapidly from the rear.
  • Check tire pressures and make sure they are inflated to the maximum recommended pressure for long-distance travel.
  • Watch for potholes or obstacles that could tip the vehicle.
  • If lights or emblems are blocked during towing, attach them to the rear of the implements.
  • Slow down when going down a hill.
  • Tie down all equipment hauled on a trailer.
  • It is best to haul tractors and equipment on a flatbed trailer.
  • Use the correct flags, lights, and reflectors on the transport vehicle to warn other drivers.
  • Only one vehicle classified as machinery may be towed by the licensed motor vehicle.
  • Make sure that all warning flashers, lights, and SMV emblems are in proper operating condition.
  • It is illegal to travel faster than 25 miles per hour (mph) with an SMV emblem. So, remove, cover, or turn the SMV emblem when equipment is transported on another vehicle.
  • Keep a constant lookout for pedestrians, animals, and road obstacles.
  • Make sure the tractor and equipment are balanced properly.
  • Check the wheels to see if the lug nuts are tight.
  • There is no need to use an SMV sign if travelling only five miles (This contradicts earlier information about SMV signs being required for vehicles travelling at 25 mph or less.)

By following these procedures, you can contribute significantly to safer highway travel when operating tractors with towed equipment like wagons, grinders, and trailers.

Read also:

Related

Latest