A suggestion for John D and others

[Buckie]

Having recently had a bit of a scare on my 2210 tractor, I have been thinking about the orientation to the tractor that I got when i bought it. (the salesman delivered it and spent about 15 minutes showing me the major controls, handed me the books, and said good luck). Before I even started the tractor I read every word in the books, and tried my best to educate myself by reading some safety tips on the internet.

Seems to me that every tractor dealer, and certainly JD, ought to regularly offer safety classes for new owners, etc. We all know that big box home improvement stores offer classes in how to drywall, how to build a deck, etc. Why not offer an occasional safety class on the local dealership for people like me who love their tractors, but don't know very much about how truly powerful these machines are. I know there are tapes out there, and programs for kid safety on farms. But, it sure would have helped to have a true orientation and safety session.....at least, for me.
I have learned MUCH more from this site than from the dealer. MUCH more!
anyway, just a thought........dealers, if you hold classes, people will come, and when they do, they will be motivated to BUY. Get it???

 

[getut]

General operation training is great.. i.e. what does this knob/handle/button turn on/adjust/turn off.. etc.

I am a pretty cynical type of person.. but when it comes to the safety part what exactly about tractor operation is not logical?

If someone can't figure out dangerous stuff NOT to do... or in most cases, at least weigh the risk (I'm not a believer in weeding out all danger), then are training classes really going to help them?

If it spins.. don't get near it while it is spinning. If it is steep stay off of it. If if is hot, don't touch it. If there are people around, don't run it. If it makes very loud grinding noises, it is broke, get it fixed. If it is loose, tighten it. If its on fire put it out.

EVERYONE will have close calls. Hopefully you survive and learn from it. At least at a gut level, I think 99.99% of people can look back and say... it is logical that this caused this outcome, I'm a dummy for doing it and knew that it was slightly risky when I started it. Training wouldn't have changed much.

But then again in todays litigious society it might be worthwhile just from that standpoint. People can and do sue someone else every day because they themselves are idiots and their stupid (insert product of choice here) let them do something idiotic.

 

[Buckie]

You make a good point, for certain. Much of this is just common sense. But, let me tell you how really ignorant of this whole tractor business I was when I got the 2210. I had no clue was a PTO was, where it was, and that it would be dangerous. I knew to stay off steep inclines, but I didn't understand anything at all about hydraulic fluid and the danger of disconnecting hoses, with the engine OFF, unless the pressure had been released. so much for common sense. LOL. I do agree with you on much of what you said, but there are more and more people buying these machines who are just like me.......all good intention and not much wisdom. I am learning fast though!

 

[getut]

You may not have known about PTOs in general, but I'm certain once you saw it operating that you knew that that spinning thing could hurt you badly... and your dealer probably showed you the correct technique for your particular tractor to engage and disengage that PTO.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Buckie I totally agree with you that there is way too much learning by experience, and even learning by ignorance. Personally I would attend a safety training meeting right now.

You may also want to review this thread: What to expect from dealers

 

[beenthere]

You may have some good points.
Maybe the states should have licensing requirements for operating equipment such as tractors, including skills tests, written and performance trials. Similar to getting a drivers license to operate a motor vehicle.
That would cover a lot of the ground you are talking about.

Chainsaws are another area where neophytes are buying them without a clue how to operate them. I'm guessing the HD and Lowe's stores will sell anyone a chainsaw without any type of training course offered.

I think the onus is on the buyer to get the training needed, not on the dealers' back. Just my opinion of one, however. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Buckie]

You're right about the responsibility being the buyer/owner. Guess it is the same as the "buyer beware" warning. I should have taken the time to find somebody, with experience, to teach me more about the tractor. My thought was, though, that the dealers would really be doing themselves a favor by offering more in the way of not just operational orientation, but also basic safety training. I may be way off base here.....just my own perception.
The salesman who delivered the new tractor to me did not tell me anything about how to engage the PTO. I did, however, read about it and find the right lever(s). Maybe the majority of people who buy a tractor know far more about them than I did when I marched into the local green dealership.
I agree completely about the chain saws, too. Since I work in a hospital, the standard line around our Emergency Department is "motorcycles, ATVs, chain saws and pull-down attic stairs equal job security".
Safety risks aside, I do love my tractor!

 

[jrdellaratta]

Last fall I attended a half-day farm equipment purchasing and safety seminar for "beginner" farmers, hosted by the Howard County office of MD Cooperative Extension. I don't know that I learned a tremendous amount, but everyone learned at least something. The seminar included a walk-through of tractor parts, right-sizing your purchases to your farm size, how to read classified ads, etc.

During the walk-through of the sample tractor parts and terminology (an International 140) at this seminar, I asked the instructor about the value of using a hydraulic top link. Another in the audience immediately asked, "what's a top link?" So, that gives you the sense that there were alot of newbies there, but I'm sure they appreciated the event.

 

[RonR]

The driver who delivered my Kubota spent probably 2 hours here. 15 Minutes unloading the new stuff for me. One hour plus showing me each and every feature--including safety on the equipment and tractor. He even had me completely disconnect and reconnect the FEL! Then he walked me through every page of the manuals dealing with safety and maintenance. Finally, 10 minutes to sign the papers.

I think my dealer was being very responsible. He had no way to know how much or little I knew about tractors.

I would think dealers would want to do this, especially so he doesn't get sued when someone gets hurt for not "educating" the consumer...........

Ron

 

[Buckie]

You're right RonR. Maybe my salesman was just having a bad day. He spent maybe 15 mins. at my home with me, mostly unloading the green monster. It looked "cute" at the dealership and then, when he drove up with it on the trailer, I just about had a heart attack. It looked HUGE. (and yeah, I know, it's one of the smallest of the JDs.....hahaha). Anyway, it wasn't much of an orientation. I now know that I should have insisted on far more of his time. Live and learn, huh. By the way, I do remember asking him why that "little red mark" at 540 was on the RPM dial. He said it was because that was the maximum you were supposed to run the tractor! I made a suggestion, later, to him that the guys who deliver the tractors ought to have some kind of checklist of everything they go over with the customer. From the newbie tractor nut perspective, the basic problem is that we don't know what we don't know. In this case, ignorance is definitely not bliss. It is worth repeating that I have learned far more on this web site than any other resource, including the local green guys.