Articles

Orchard Safety: Tractor Pre-Operation Checks

A good equipment operator uses a daily checklist of items and systems to inspect before starting a tractor. The pre-operation check can prevent costly repairs, inefficiency due to equipment down time, and the potential for serious injury.

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Updated:

June 6, 2023

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Training on pre-operation checks during a commercial tree fruit school in Biglerville, PA. Photo: Tara Baugher

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Daily Checklist	Lista de verificación diaria Daily Checklist
Fuel level	Nivel de combustible
Coolant level	Nivel de refrigerante
Engine oil level	Nivel de aceite del motor
Hydraulic oil level	Nivel de aceite hidráulico
Fluid leaks	Fugas de líquidos
Battery condition	Condición de la batería
Lug nuts and wheels	Tuercas y ruedas
Tire condition	Estado de neumáticos
Loose or defective parts	Piezas sueltas o defectuosas
Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem	Señal de vehículo de movimiento lento
Operator platform/steps	Plataforma del operador / escalones
Seat/Adjustment	Asiento/Ajuste
Seat belt	Cinturón de seguridad
Fire extinguisher	Extinguidor de fuego
Lighting/Flashers	Iluminación / luces intermitentes
Visibility from operator's seat	Visibilidad desde el asiento del operador

During the "walk-around" for your pre-operation check, look for the following possible conditions that need attention, and make repairs or adjustments before heading out to the orchard.

Oil or hydraulic fluid leaks on the ground beneath the tractor
Corroded battery terminals
Low tire pressure and leakage from the valve stem
Loose bolts or lug nuts on wheels
A frayed or worn fan belt
Fading or distortion of SMV emblem
Rusted steps or obstructions on the platform that may cause tripping
Headlights or warning lights that are not working
Dirty cab windows that obstruct your vision

Developed for Penn State Extension Bilingual Tractor Safety Trainings for Specialty Crop Growers, with support from Specialty Crop Block Grant #ME44187248.

Additional Resource

Murphy, D. (2016) Pre-operational checks for tractors. Penn State Extension.

Source

Hazardous Occupation Safety Training in Agriculture (HOSTA), Task Sheet 4.6 National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program, The Pennsylvania State University 2013.

Reviewed by Linda Fetzer, Penn State Extension Associate, Agricultural Safety and Health

Agenda

Authors

Maria Gorgo-Simcox

Extension Educator, Horticulture

Expertise

Commercial Horticulture (Green Industry, Vegetable, Tree and Small Fruit and, Mushroom Productions)
Integrated Pest Management
Farm Food Safety - FSMA and GAP
Latino Community Outreach
Beginning Farmer
Conservation Practice

More By Maria Gorgo-Simcox

Tara Baugher, Ph.D.

Former Extension Educator, Tree Fruit

Pennsylvania State University