Letting tractor idle safely

Bob_Trevithick · Jan 25, 2002

<font color=blue>You're going to shut your wife down? How do you do that?</font color=blue>

Well, I read all the threads here about wiring in special switches, and.. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

I wondered who would catch me on this one! /w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif

Thomas · Jan 25, 2002

Bob,
Where I work...Dear old Dartmouth...they have large motors run idle most of the time,and to engage the machine fully they have to enter there pin number on the pin pad...kinda like the unlocking system on the bigger cars.

forestcreature · Jan 25, 2002

a lockable hard cab would work.
just like a car, you could then lock yourself out

PitbullMidwest · Jan 25, 2002

Just for reference, OSHA states that if you are more than 75' from a forklift or if it is out of your view, it is considered "unattended". If safety is the issue, it's best to just shut it down.

therrien · Jan 25, 2002

If your tractor has a fuel shut off solonoid, you could wire a switch to the hst pedal and seat.
when you get off tractor flip toggle switch, that changes fuel shut off circuit to the seat pedal circuit.
If some one sits on seat or moves hst pedal fuel solonoid shuts down.
Before getting on tractor,flip toggle switch and hop on,the circuit is the same as original.

Bob_Trevithick · Jan 25, 2002

Doug,

It sounds possible, but the more I think of this the more ways I can think of that a child could be injured near a running tractor. I'm not so concerned about theft, just not letting anyone get hurt. I would have to make sure all hydraulic pressure was released, in case they messed with hydraulic hoses, would have to keep the hood from being opened, and on and on. I think it's hopeless. If I were just concerned about theft, I think we could do something.

It really isn't that big a deal.. I'll just idle it for a few minutes at low idle and then shut it down. It shouldn't be a really frequent event. I was just toying with ideas the other night, lacking any snow to push, etc. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Thanks for the ideas...

Alan L. · Jan 25, 2002

Get you a pet rattlesnake and leave him coiled in the seat.

TerryinMD · Jan 25, 2002

Bob,

The best bet is to educate the adults/kids - period. Sometimes we try to protect people by being overprotective via mechanical or electronic means. Just begin to count the warning stickers all over your 4300. /w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif

Most people (adults/kids) are smart enought to listen to the advice you give them. When they don't listen to your advice and warnings. You ask them to leave the area - in no uncertain terms!! /w3tcompact/icons/mad.gif Be conservative and consistent about your warnings and concerns. They'll get the message. I guess what I'm suggesting is using some tough love.

Terry

Bob_Trevithick · Jan 25, 2002

<font color=blue>The best bet is to educate the adults/kids - period.</font color=blue>

I think you're right, Terry. I'll carefully explain the dangers, quiz them on it, keep a close eye on them, have them read the safety threads, tell them a few horror stories, and make sure they respect the thing and know how quickly something can go wrong. I don't want them to develop a life-long fear of tractors, but initially I want them to be a bit afraid and respectful of it.

One nice side benefit of this is that I will have to always be conscious of being a good role model. This will help me stay on my toes too! Anything that helps in that way is good!

Thanks,
Bob

TerryinMD · Jan 25, 2002

Bob,

You have a sound approach. Another factor to take into account is the attitude and temperment of the child. If they're attentive and take advice well, you can usually be assured and not have to worry about leaving the tractor running or turning it off and leaving the keys in the ignition. But, occassionally you run into the child who has a mind of their own and just will not listen. That is went the tractor is turned off and the keys go with you - no matter what. They're the ones you need to protect them from themselves.....

Terry