A good friend called me late Saturday afternoon. I noted that during our conversation, he sounded a little shook up. He revealed a tragic event occurred during a tractor drive he had taken part in. One driver didn’t make it home. It’s a harsh reality to consider that celebrating antique agriculture can end in a loss of life. My deepest condolences to the family as they deal with their loss.
The situation may have been a calamity of events that led to the horrific outcome. What was relayed was a tractor climbing a hill in the wrong gear. The engine died, causing the tractor to roll backward out of control. The tractor rolled over in a ditch. Narrow front tractors are unstable.
Let’s examine this tragedy from a safety perspective without directing any blame. Some questions can’t be answered…. Were the brakes in good working order? Even a seasoned operator can mistakenly select an incorrect gear. Not one of us is perfect!
There have been other drives that present challenges, like hills. It’s not necessary to have a tractor drive ban or to be afraid to participate, far from that!
Many of our memories, growing up country, would make an OSHA inspector cringe. Probably give them a coronary. I’m sure many recall fun things we did, weren’t the wisest. How many have asked themselves how they managed to make it to adulthood?
Modern ag manufacturers made drastic improvements on their equipment over the years. Narrow front “row crop” tractors are getting obsolete. Roll over protection is available on open station machines. More than likely, it’s a requirement now.
None the less. We can’t treat our relics as if they are modern. Maybe safety has another name, common sense. My simple rule, that I practice, is to be aware.
I can present an example. It’s modern rule to start a tractor from the control positioned in the operating seat. I have several older model tractors that don’t allow that. The starting process puts the operator in danger. The tractor can still start safely. . Think ahead, double check, and carefully perform the operation. It’s been done, what modern-day terms wrong, for years.
To conclude, know your equipment and respect how it works. Always be aware of ALL your surroundings and expect anything can happen.While you’re having fun, remember to bring safety along for the ride.
Antique Iron Media 