Regardless of how many acres you own or property you need to maintain, you know that you will need the right tools to get the job done. Tractors are a great choice to help you dig, move, grade, trench, build, mow, plow, plant, harvest, or haul equipment and supplies. Whether you are building a barn or a house, taking care of horses, cattle, homesteading, landscaping, farming, cultivating, for plowing and soil preparation, making an informed choice when buying a new tractor, or carefully choosing a good used tractor for your use. 

Most tractors used in landscaping, gardening, small farm maintenance and taking care of horses and arenas are mostly compact tractors in the 20 to 40 HP range. Although these tractors are considerably smaller than farm tractors, they cause the same types of accidents, with potential for serious injuries or deaths. And the reasons for such serious accidents - always the same...

So, let’s start right. And do first things first. Especially, if you never used tractor before. Reading a safety instruction on how to use the compact or utility tractor must be the first thing before:

1. Read the operator’s manual and understand tractor operation and safe practices. If you don’t have a manual, for some reason, contact your dealer or a person, you bought a machine from. If no success  —  buy it on internet. 

2. Ask your supervisor to point out the safety features on tractors. If you don’t have such a person, call or visit your dealer. If you bought a tractor from a second hand - use YouTube or ask on the tractors forums. 

3. Ask your supervisor to demonstrate the safe use of tractors and their maintenance. If you don’t have such a person still... Read above. 

4. Become familiar with the personal protective equipment (PPE) recommended when operating a tractor.

5. Talk about common tractor accidents and ways to prevent them with your supervisor. If you still have no one to discuss it with. Go to any tractor forum or YouTube. Again :)

6. Take a quiz — here — to check your understanding of tractor safety.

Tips of How to Operate a Tractor:

1. Always wear personal protective equipment such as a hard hat, goggles or face shield, work gloves, safety footwear, and hearing protection when operating a tractor.

2. Do not allow any riders on a tractor. ANY. One. It is important to remember.

3. Use tractors with a rollover protective structure whenever possible. The ROPS protects the tractor operator during tractor overturns. To learn more, visit Wiki

4. Always use the seatbelt when operating a tractor with ROPS.

5. Read the operator’s manual and understand the operation and safety features on the tractor.

6. Clear the area of loose items  — rocks, cans, wire, toys, etc.before starting to mow.

7. Be alert and watch for moving vehicles, people, and pets while driving a tractor.

8. Avoid mowing too close to trees.

9. Reduce speed when going over holes and bumps and when operating on embankments or taking sharp turns.

10. Stay clear of ditches and ponds. Unless you have excavator working close by. Joking. Just stay away. 

More articles regarding tractor safety, please find here:

1. KEEP YOURSELF ALIVE. Read tractor Owners manuals first  

2. Don't text and Drive  — Taking Your Tractor on Road! 

3. PLANNING TO BUILD A FENCE? CALL 811 FIRSt

4. Quick Start Video Guide. Kioti 

Remember. Keep yourself alive and ask if you have questions or you are not 100% sure.

It can save your LIFE!