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FROM
THE BEGINING... 
Know Your Tractor
Be thoroughly familiar with the Operator's Manual(s) for your tractor and any implements before starting up the equipment. Know each control, its location and how it works. Know how to stop the tractor and all implements quickly in the event of an emergency.
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| ROPS
Many tractor accidents are overturns. They are usually caused by inappropriate speed or application, terrain, inattention, lack of proper ballast, or a combination of these. The use of rollover protective structures (ROPS) and a fastened seat belt has saved many lives. They generally will limit a side overturn to ninety degrees (90°) and will provide an important safety zone for the operator provided the operator is wearing the seat belt.
 Kubota
has provided ROPS as standard equipment on new tractors since 1985,
and has made ROPS available for all older tractor models. If you
own or use an older model tractor regardless of make or age,
ask your tractor dealer about a ROPS and make sure your tractor
has this important safety device.
ROPS are attached to the tractor frame and come as either two
post fixed or foldable, four post, or as an integral part of a
ROPS cab. Fixed ROPS may interfere in areas of low clearance or
overhead obstructions in certain situations, such as, low hanging
roofs or low tree branches in orchards, where vertical clearance
is not sufficient for safe operation. In these limited circumstances,
removal of the ROPS may be necessary. However, all fixed ROPS
should be re-installed immediately after the low clearance condition
of operation has passed.
Foldable ROPS should only be folded down when absolutely necessary and should be folded up and locked again immediately after the low clearance condition of operation has passed. Seat belts are an integral part of any ROPS and should always be used. However, the seat belt should not be used when a foldable ROPS is down, or a fixed ROPS is removed.
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| Additional Safety Items
Consider outfitting your equipment with a first aid kit, a small
tool kit for minor repairs, and a fire extinguisher. Be sure these
items are within easy reach and are secure.
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Safety Labels
Read and follow the messages they provide for your safety and the safety of others. In particular, be familiar with the "Safety Alert" symbols: "Danger", "Warning" and "Caution". Keep safety labels clean and free from obstructing material. Replace damaged or missing labels with new ones. If a component having a safety label is replaced, make sure a new safety label is attached in the same location on the new part.
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Dress Properly
Well-fitted, belted clothing is a must. Flared pants, shirt tails,
scarves and other loose clothing are too easily (and too often) caught
in moving parts or controls. Further protect yourself from this hazard
of entanglement by wearing long hair under a hat or net and by avoiding
jewelry. Invest in sturdy, safety work shoes or boots with non-skid
soles and steel toe caps; wear eye and hearing protection as appropriate
or required. Protect yourself from the sun in summer and the cold
in winter. Take extra care with cold weather and rain gear. Heavy
work gloves are a plus, as are safety goggles or sunglasses with shatter
proof lenses.
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Back
To The Top Check the Work Area
Know in advance where hidden ditches, large rocks, stumps or any other debris is located. Be wary of tall grass - it can cover hazards. Walk the area first to be sure. Make sure the area is clear of children and animals.
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| Who's Your Operator?
Please pay particular attention as to who operates your tractor.
For example, someone with a short attention span and a tendency
to be irresponsible or a person who is tired are not good candidates.
Be sure the operator reads and understands the Operator's Manual(s);
is familiar with the tractor; and is fully aware of his or her
responsibilities. Have young operators take the 4-H or FFA Tractor
Program for new operators. Be aware of your own responsibilities
under OSHA regulations and local laws relating to tractors and
tractor operation.
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| Maintenance is a Must
 Daily maintenance is the best way to keep your tractor in top-running
condition, and a well-maintained tractor is a safer tractor. Maintenance
is not something to be put off until tomorrow. Guided
by your Operator's Manual(s) and your dealer, set up a maintenance
routine and follow it.
Most Kubota tractors use diesel fuel only. Use only the correct
fuel and never fuel your tractor while it is running, or hot. Turn
off the engine and let it cool. Wipe off the area around the fuel
cap both before and after fueling. Don't smoke while handling fuel.
If diesel fuel is spilled on your hands or skin, wash it off right away so that you avoid skin irritation and to prevent your hands from slipping on the tractor controls when you drive off.
Before operating the tractor, visually check for oil leaks on the engine, transmission and axles. Correct such leaks as soon as possible. Also, hydraulic and diesel fuel leaks can occur under high pressure; these require special care and attention. Use a piece of cardboard or wood to locate suspected high pressure leaks - DO NOT USE YOUR HANDS. Hydraulic fluid or diesel fuel under high pressure can penetrate the skin causing very serious injury and allergic reaction. For your safety, repair hydraulic and diesel fuel leaks immediately.
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| No Riders
There is only one seat on Kubota tractors - the operator's. There is no safe place for anyone else, either on the tractor itself or on any of its implements. Make it a firm, unbreakable, no-exceptions rule: NO RIDERS!
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Start Up
Follow Your Operator's Manual. It contains start-up procedures. Do not start engine by shorting across starter terminals or bypassing the safety start switches. The machine may start in gear and move if normal starting circuitry is by-passed. DO NOT IMPROVISE! If your battery is dead and requires the use of jumper cables or needs recharging, there is the potential for an explosion and injury from acid burns if safe procedures are not followed. Follow instructions provided in your Operator's Manual(s).
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, immediate 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.
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| Speed
Always keep in mind that a tractor is a workhorse, 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 accidents happen during that trip! Again, never be in a hurry. To help assure straight-line stops when driving at transport speeds, lock brake pedals together.
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Hillsides Use special caution on slopes and uneven ground. Drive at a speed slow enough to maintain 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!
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| 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 control of the tractor at all times.
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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 backwards very quickly. Be sure no loose chains, ropes or cables are dangling or dragging from either the tractor or the implement. They can catch under a wheel, on a stump or on a rock and cause a serious or fatal accident.
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 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 entangle your clothes at a rate too fast to be stopped in time. NEVER, EVER work around rotating parts. Shut the tractor down, remove the key and wait for everything to stop turning before entering the PTO area.
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| Transport
Operations
 General. Although tractors are not generally made for public roads,
there are times when such travel cannot be avoided. Please remember
that
your tractor/implement combination can be large, heavy and relatively
cumbersome and that the average motorist is not expecting to encounter
such a vehicle on the road. With that in mind, and before you move
your tractor and attachments over public roads, consider your route,
be sure you are familiar with all local regulations. Use an SMV
(Slow Moving Vehicle) sign, proper clearance flags, lights and
warning signals. Use an escort vehicle as appropriate or required
for additional safety. Be sure the brake pedals are locked together
and properly adjusted to assure straight-line stops.
Prepare Your Attachments. Make sure they are secure, properly mounted and the tractor is properly counter-weighted. Carry them in the transport position. Remove or cover sharp projections. Never operate attachments during transport. Keep the PTO lever in neutral.
On the Road. Safe driving on the road is a must, and a safe driver is a courteous driver. Slow down, pull over and let the normal traffic pass you. Be extremely careful at intersections. Remember, your tractor is not capable of fast starts, fast stops, or quick acceleration. When you approach a traffic light, adjust your speed to ensure the maximum time available for safe crossing and to minimize the need for stopping, particularly on a steep hill.
Control Your Speed. A tractor is designed for easy maneuverability at low speeds, not high speeds. A tractor's steering reacts quickly, especially in high gear, so keep both hands on the wheel. According to the National Safety Council, about one-third of all fatal tractor accidents occur on public roads - so be very careful.
 Slow Down on Turns or Curves. A tractor's center of gravity is generally higher than that of most automobiles and taking a sharp curve too fast can more easily result in an overturn. Slow down if you are pulling a heavy load on the highway. You have only two brakes - one on each rear wheel* - and the load may have no brakes at all. Have the tractor in the same gear going downhill as you would to go up, in order to use engine compression for braking. Never, ever, coast downhill. This is a very dangerous practice. It will allow the tractor speed to exceed that for which it was designed.
Know Your Stopping Distance. Always leave enough room to stop.
Never use the differential lock while in transport because the
tractor will tend to continue in a straight line when you are attempting
to turn. Most states require that an SMV sign be placed on the
rear of any tractor or its towed attachment when traveling 25 mph
or slower. The sign, a fluorescent yellow-orange triangle with
a dark red reflective border, should be centered and two to six
feet above the ground.
Public road driving should be done in the
daytime if at all possible, and during the lightest traffic hours.
The best and safest rule is not to drive on any public road at
night. If it becomes necessary, however, be sure you are completely
in compliance with your state and local laws concerning lights
- white for the front and red for the rear. There should also
be an amber or red light on the farthest projection to the left
(i.e.,
traffic) side, whether it's the tractor or the attachment. If
you have to stop at night, pull completely off tthe road and set
up
flares or reflectors.
Stay off the shoulders when possible. If
you must drive on the shoulder, reduce your speed and keep
a sharp eye out for rocks, holes, soft spots, side rails, slopes
and other
hazards.
*Four-wheel drive tractors behave and brake differently
between two- and four-wheel drive. Some tractors have full-time,
4-wheel braking when both pedals are pressed together. Familiarize
yourself with the difference and use carefully.
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| Shutdown
When you shut down your tractor for one reason or another, put the PTO lever in neutral and lower attachments to the ground. Shut off the engine and set the parking brake(s). Remove the key. Whenever possible, park on level ground. If it is necessary to park on a grade, position the tractor at right angles to the slope and chock the wheels securely.
Don't jump off the tractor. Use the steps and handholds, face towards the tractor, and watch your step. (The steps should be cleaned regularly and kept free of dirt, grease and oil. A slippery step is an invitation to a fall.)
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THE
TRACTOR AND ITS ATTACHEMENTS
In General
 The tractor attachments should be regarded as tools. As such,
they can be either very useful and labor saving, or, potentially
dangerous if not handled with special care. Refer to the appropriate
implement and attachment Operator's Manual(s) for operating guidelines
and safety instructions. Also use common sense in the use and application
of attachments for the job at hand.
Carelessness, impatience, and fatigue are your worst enemy around a tractor and its attachments. Be in the habit of walking around, not between, the tractor and implement. If you are tired you are more likely to make short cuts - and mistakes - so shut it down and rest. These simple precautions may save your life.
Always keep all shields, guards and safety devices in place and working properly - they are installed for your safety. If shields, guards or safety devices are missing or not working, do not operate the equipment.
Always shut off engine, set the park brake(s) and remove the key and be sure implement motion has stopped before performing check over, adjustments or maintenance. Never work under a raised implement without securely blocking or supporting the implement first.
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| Snowblower Safety |
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Before the first snowfall, check over your machine, clear the areas where the snow removal is to take place, removing large stones, sticks, toys, etc. |
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Mark obstacles such as driveway markers, water shut-offs and gas shut-offs so their locations under the snow are obvious. |
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Adjust the snowblower height to assure clearance above gravel or rock surfaces before operation. |
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Before clearing the auger or discharge chute, shut off the engine, set brake(s) remove the key and wait for the attachment blades to stop. Disengage the drive to the attachment, stop the engine and remove the key before changing the position of the deflector on the chute. |
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Clear snow by going up and down slopes, not across. |
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| Rotary Tiller Safety |
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Never stand between the tractor and the tiller when inspecting or adjusting the tiller. |
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Make sure there is no interference when you lift, back or turn the tiller. |
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Never operate the tiller if any blade bolts are missing. |
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If the tractor lunges while tilling hard soil, shift into a lower gear and/or reduce digging depth. If lunging persists, immediately stop the machine and review the tiller Operator's Manual. |
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At the end of a row, always raise the tiller to clear soil so that the tractor is not propelled forward by the force of the tiller blades. |
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Before making adjustments or performing maintenance to the tiller, shut off the engine, set brakes, remove the key and disengage the drive to the tiller. |
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| Dozer Safety |
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Before using the blade, make sure the trip mechanisms are working properly. |
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Be careful to avoid stumps, bumps, expansion joints in roadways and other immovable obstacles. |
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Don't use the dozer as a battering ram. |
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Don't stand with your feet under the blade when changing the angle or removing the blade. |
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| Trencher Safety |
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Check with local authorities before digging. |
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Follow instructions on any underground cable and pipeline signs. |
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Use the trencher only in applications for which it was designed. Make sure overload protection mechanism are functioning and not bypassed. |
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Do not dismount during operations and never leave an operating trencher unattended. |
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| Loader Safety |
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Never walk or work under a raised loader.
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Raise and lower loader arms slowly and steadily.
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Always carry load as low as possible to the ground and watch for obstructions. |
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Before raising the loader to full height, make sure the tractor is on level ground; if not, it may tip over - even if the tractor is not moving.
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Allow for the extra length of the loader when making turns.
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Be careful when handling loose or shiftable loads.
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Never move or swing a load with people in the work area.
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Be extremely careful when back filling. The total weight of the material plus that of the tractor and loader could cause the trench wall to collapse.
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Avoid undercutting high banks. If you must do it, watch for such hazards as falling rocks and cave-ins.
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Stay away from the edges when working along banks and slopes.
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Watch for overhead or underground wires and obstacles when you use the loader.
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Never lift or carry people in the bucket. |
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| Backhoe Safety |
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Practice smooth, even transfer of loads. Sudden, jerky movements are dangerous and can damage equipment. |
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Avoid excessive swing speed and sudden stops, especially when operating on a hillside or rough ground. |
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Do not use the backhoe as a pulling or lifting device.
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When working close to fences, ditches, buildings, etc., make sure there is sufficient space to deploy the stabilizers.
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Always operate the backhoe from the backhoe operator's seat.
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Check overhead clearances before driving under electric lines, waterlines or other areas of low clearance.
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Never move or swing a load with people in the work area.
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Be extremely careful when operating on a slope. Swing the backhoe to the uphillside, if possible. (If downhill dumping is required, swing only as far as necessary to dump the bucket.)
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Make sure the tractor is level and not tilted to the slope angle. |
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Make sure that the tractor is properly counter-weighted. |
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