Safety Tips for Buying a Second-Hand Tractor

Purchasing a second-hand tractor can be a very cost-effective way of getting equipment for your farm or business, but how can you be sure that tractors for sale are safe? Carry out these checks when buying a second-hand tractor to reduce the risk of injury to yourself or your employees.

1. Ensure There Is Rollover Protection

All tractors produced today must include rollover protection, which prevents the driver from being thrown from the tractor or crushed in case of a rollover accident. However, second-hand tractors might not have rollover protection, which can make them dangerous to use.

Larger tractors might have their rollover protection in the form of a crush-proof cab, while on smaller compact and sub-compact tractors, it is more likely to be a frame that surrounds the driver and protects them from crushing. If you purchase a compact tractor that has no rollover protection system, you need to retrofit a frame onto the tractor to make it safe to use.

2. Fit or Replace Seatbelts

Seatbelts are a standard safety feature on all modern tractors, but very old models might not have them. It is also possible for seatbelts to wear out or break. If you buy a second-hand tractor that does not have seatbelts that are in good condition, you must fit them so they can prevent the driver from being thrown from the tractor in an accident. Seatbelts and rollover protection systems work together to keep drivers safe.

3. Test the Brakes

Tractor brakes are among the most common tractor parts that experience high levels of wear and tear. Before you purchase a second-hand tractor, ask to take it for a test drive so you can test the brakes. Check that the brakes are responsive at all speeds, including when driving on wet ground or travelling downhill. You should also check that the parking brake can hold the tractor still when you engage it on a slope. A faulty parking brake can lead to a costly accident if it allows the tractor to roll.

4. Test the Emergency Stop Button

Tractors that include cutting attachments are incredibly useful for harvesting crops, but they can present a safety risk. All tractors of this type should include an emergency stop that the driver can press to immediately immobilize the cutting equipment, which is essential for minimising harm during an accident. Test this button before you go ahead with the purchase of a second-hand tractor.

To learn more about tractors, contact a company in your area that has tractors for sale.


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