Pre-Operational Checks for Tractors

Whether you have been farming for 50 years or 50 days, you should start your work day with a pre-operational check of your tractors before heading out to the field. By checking your tractor before use, you can prevent costly repairs, downtime, and aggravation. Before even starting the tractor, go through the following checklist items:

• Fuel and oil levels- Always make sure you have sufficient fuel in the tank. Regularly checking the oil level can catch potential issues. For example, a brown, milky oil indicates water in the oil, which may come from a cracked head gasket.
• Check your battery - Make sure that the battery terminals are not corroded.
• Check your tires - Not only should you check the air pressure, but also make sure the lug nuts are tight and inspect the condition of the tires (e.g., tread). If you notice low tire pressure, check for air leaks around the valve stem.
• Loose or defective parts - Take time to thoroughly examine the tractor for loose or defective parts, such as a frayed or worn fan belt. Replace, tighten, or make necessary repairs before heading out to the field.
• SMV Emblem - If your SMV emblem is faded or distorted in color or shape, it is time to replace it with a new SMV emblem to increase your visibility to others.
• Fluid leaks - Look for any fluid leaks on the ground beneath the tractor. Also, check coolant, engine oil, and hydraulic oil levels. You can cause serious damage to your tractor if you run out of these fluids.
• Operator's platform area - You may spend much of your day on the operator platform, so review the steps to ensure you can get on and off the tractor safely. Examine the area around the seat to make sure it is clear of debris or tools that could cause you to trip. You should have a ROPS on your tractor, so always make sure your seat belt is operable and that you buckle it.
• Fire extinguisher - Check that your fire extinguisher is charged.
• Lighting/flashers - Check headlights and warning lights/flashers to ensure all lights are working, and replace bulbs if necessary.
• Visibility from the operator's seat - Clean any dirty cab windows to provide the best visibility for you.

You may think this will take too much time, but it is better to take the time than risk a breakdown in the middle of the road or serious damage (e.g., an engine seizure) to your equipment.