Two injured seriously by farm tractor

[msb1766]

CLAVERACK (WRGB) Two men from Claverack are in critical condition after being rolled over by a farm tractor.

That's the report from Columbia County Sheriff David P. Bartlett, after deputies and multiple fire and rescue crews were called out at about 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

The sheriff's office, Greenport Police Department, Greenport Fire Department, and Greenport Rescue Squad all responded to the Jutofsky Farm on Route 23B for a report of two men seriously injured by a farm tractor.

Deputies found that Bernard Jutkofsky, 86, was operating an International Harvester 1066 farm tractor, towing a brush hog used for mowing fields. Jutkofsky had briefly stopped mowing, shut off the tractor, and stepped out of the cab. When he went to re-start the tractor, he did so from the ground, next to the engine. According to the sheriff's office, the tractor was still in gear, and when it started, Jutkofsky was run over by the rear tire. In addition, his son, Jay Jutkofsky, 48, was standing next to the tractor, and was also run over when it started.
Lifenet airlifted Bernard Jutkofsky to Albany Medical Center. Greenport Rescue transported Jay Jutkofsky to Columbia Memorial Hospital, from which he was later airlifted to Albany Medical Center.

Both are listed in critical but stable condition, with internal injuries.

 

[Jchonline]

Thanks for posting and sad to hear. Maybe the seat switch on newer machines isnt such a terrible thing? It is annoying, but better than getting run over.

 

[k0ua]

Thanks for posting and sad to hear. Maybe the seat switch on newer machines isnt such a terrible thing? It is annoying, but better than getting run over.

Yeah, that is why they put them on there. Because there is someone always doing something they should have better sense than to do.

 

[wheelbuilder]

It's been a tough month for that area. I hope they have a speedy recovery.

 

[jgedmond]

A neutral safety switch would have been enough to prevent this accident. Probably no PTO safety switch either, lucky they didn't get mowed over.

 

[RickB]

It's been a tough month for that area. I hope they have a speedy recovery.

It has. Not 15 miles from a recent tractor fatality. Both incidents involving the same brand and model tractor.

 

[RandyT]

A neutral safety switch would have been enough to prevent this accident. Probably no PTO safety switch either, lucky they didn't get mowed over.

I suspect the farmer screwdriver jumped the starter solenoid terminals to start the tractor, and no safety switch would of prevented it.

 

[RickB]

I suspect the farmer screwdriver jumped the starter solenoid terminals to start the tractor, and no safety switch would of prevented it.

It a properly maintained tractor would not have required bypass starting. A tragic result of poor maintenance.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Ag tractors don't have a seat switch.

Many guys start their tractors that way. Not a problem if you pay attention. Maybe not a great idea for an 86 year old.

 

[5030]

Ag tractors don't have a seat switch.

Many guys start their tractors that way. Not a problem if you pay attention. Maybe not a great idea for an 86 year old.

Exactly. Neither of my Kubota's do. Reason being is that at times you want to run the PTO when you aren't in the seat. Example would be powering a grain leg.

Common sense is supposed to prevail. Sadly, common sense takes a backseat often.