Never start or run the engine in a shed or
garage unless the door is wide open and the
area well ventilated.
CARBON MONOXIDE IS
COLORLESS, ODORLESS AND DEADLY!
Don’t ever start the engine from anywhere
other than the seat. You must be firmly seated,
seat belt buckled (if your tractor is equipped
with ROPS), parking brake(s) on, clutch pedal
fully depressed, all controls in neutral, immedi-
ate area clear of children, pets and livestock.
Before driving off, check all gauges, warning
lights and controls and listen for any unusual
noises. Be sure the implement is in the proper
transport position before shifting into gear.
SPEED
Always keep in mind that a tractor is a work-
horse, not a racehorse. It must be operated at a
safe speed. Be especially careful going to and
from the field or work area – many tractor acci-
dents happen during that trip! Again, never be
in a hurry. To help assure straight-line stops
when driving at transport, lock brake pedals
together.
HILLSIDES
Use special caution on slopes and uneven
ground. Drive at a speed slow enough to main-
tain complete control of the tractor at all times.
Don’t depress the clutch pedal or attempt to
shift gears while going up or down a slope. If
you have to go up a slope, it is best to back up.
Be sure that your tractor is properly counter-
weighted. Generally, if you feel uneasy about
what you are doing with your tractor, stop
doing it!
STORMY WEATHER
In rainy weather, stay alert for holes or ditches
hidden under water. Cut your speed to the
minimum. If there is a thunderstorm, stop; get
off the tractor; stay away from large trees;
power lines, etc.; and go indoors if possible.
In icy conditions, use extreme caution. Use tire
chains and wheel weights. Again, drive at a
speed slow enough to maintain complete con-
trol of the tractor at all times.
THE DRAWBAR HITCH
Hitch only to the drawbar when pulling a load
– it’s the only safe place for any kind of pulling
or towing. Hitching to the axle or top link
bracket can cause the tractor to flip over back-
wards very quickly. Be sure no loose chains,
ropes or cable are dangling or dragging from
either the tractor or the implement. They can
catch under a wheel, or a stump, or on a rock
and can cause a serious or fatal accident.
POWER TAKE-OFF
An operating power take-off (PTO) can be the
most dangerous part of your tractor, which is
why extra caution is necessary. Always keep
the protection shields in place. An unguarded
rotating shaft is very powerful, and can entan-
gle your clothes at a rate to fast to be stopped
in time.
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