HST tractor safety

wcampbell47 · Aug 30, 2015

I needed to adjust my tiller depth for a job so after attaching it to the tractor I loaded them onto my trailer with the tiller at the very end of same. This let me work on it at waist height. My trailer rests at a slight angle toward the rear when attached to the truck. I was busy working away when I noticed a slight movement of the tractor rear tire. I realized the tractor was about to come off the trailer. I quickly jumped on board and moved it forward. I SET THE BRAKES which I should have done in the first place. Had the tractor rolled off the trailer I would have been pinned to the ground by the tiller. Not something I want to think about. On my B3200 I noticed creep. The rod controlled by the "go" pedal would not return to center or neutral without some help. A good dose of penetrating oil freed up the sticking rod. No more creep when idling.

Be careful out there. Practice safety always. Good idea to set the brakes anytime you are working around the tractor and need it powered up.

bikerdib · Aug 30, 2015

Glad you noticed the movement and were able to avoid a major accident. I always set the brake when I climb off the tractor while it is running (OK, maybe not always but most times), even if parked on level ground.

jenkinsph · Aug 30, 2015

I don't always set the parking brake on level ground but I would dam sure do it when the tractor is on a trailer.

Code54 · Aug 30, 2015

Good reminder to all of us!
Thanks

roush9799 · Aug 30, 2015

My 2520 shuts down if its not put in neutral, my old 855 didn't. I cuss the 2520 everyone I get off of it and it dies. Then I realize I'm probably safer cussing at it than have it run me over.

lungdoc · Aug 31, 2015

I use the loader as a parking brake usually, but the real one is good to remember too especially on a slope.

Wagtail · Sep 1, 2015

jenkinsph said:
I don't always set the parking brake on level ground but I would dam sure do it when the tractor is on a trailer.

(I'm not having a go a you) I always set the parking brake... I reckon that it's a crossover from a car/ute, here in Aus. It's the law here that the handbrake must be set, even if it's an automatic vehicle!

In retrospect, tractor-wise, it is an automatic 'habit' that has saved me on many 'complacency' occasions.

pat32rf · Sep 1, 2015

If you set the brake every time, then it won't be rusted solid when you DO use it. JD CUTs are prone to seizing the shaft, then the brakes don't release.