Maintenance and modification
Maintenance
Tractors should be maintained in a safe operating condition by making regular inspections and following the manufacturer's recommended servicing and maintenance procedures.
Logbooks should record scheduled maintenance and repairs performed and any modifications which might affect the safe operation of the tractor.
When a worker or other person is undertaking servicing or maintenance, the following precautions should be taken. An employer, self-employed person, or person in control of a workplace, should ensure that these precautions are incorporated into an operator's training program.
- Before inspecting or working underneath a tractor, ensure that the operator has got off the tractor, the tractor cannot move and any movable attachments are lowered to the ground and/or safely blocked
- Stop all power sources to pulleys before removing or replacing belts
- If the wheel track is adjustable set the wheels as wide apart as practicable
- Stop all hazardous machinery and secure it before any work is undertaken
- Allow the engine to cool before removing the radiator cap, and be careful of escaping steam
- When jump-starting the tractor, connect the jumper leads as specified by the manufacturer, to avoid damage to the electrical system and the possibility of a battery explosion
When removing and refitting tractor tyres, first remove the valve core to allow air to escape and make the tyres flexible. Maintain a good grip on the tyre lever and stand to the side of the tyre when removing the tube from the rim.
- While inflating a tyre, continually check to ensure the locking ring is properly seated and locked. The tyre should be inflated to its correct pressure, according to the tyre manufacturer's load/inflation specifications
- Always stand to the side when inflating a tyre. An inflation cage should be used when inflating large tyres
- The ballasting of tractor tyres should be done in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations
- Keep open flames, open lights, lighted cigarettes etc. away from the refuelling operation
- During refuelling, maintain some form of contact between the metal outlet of the refuelling hose and the fuel tank opening to reduce the risk of an explosion or fire due to a discharge of static electricity
- Always refuel in a well ventilated area
Modifications
Those responsible for modifying tractors have obligations under the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 (PDF, 766 KB).
Any modifications undertaken need to comply with the specified design criteria for tractor construction or the end product should meet or exceed the design criteria.
Any modification to a ROPS or FOPS such as the welding of brackets to support a roof or the drilling of holes may affect its structural integrity and dramatically reduce its protective ability.
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