Two injured seriously by farm tractor

[LD48750]

We have no evidence that a screwdriver was involved at all, just some speculation by someone that is hundreds of miles away.

Has anyone considered how dangerous it is to go outside?
People get struck by lightning every year.

 

[shooterdon]

I'm saying, that "clearly" that IS the way some guys start their tractors. Not just in a pinch or on account of malfunction.

Kind of like, I cringe when I see someone with their fingers within inches of a table saw blade. They have probably done that for many decades. Who am I to say it's unsafe?

Getting away with unsafe practices does not make them acceptable.

If something looks or sounds unsafe, then it is highly likely it is unsafe. This assumes the person making the evaluation is reasonably educated in the subject and has a modicum of intelligence.

I suspect you are smart enough to know what is unsafe. If you justify an unsafe act or condition by calling it "normal" it does a disservice to others. Especially those who may not know any better.

We are to look out for others...especially the dummies out there like me.

BTW, even this dummy knows NOT to put my fingers close to a table saw blade that is running. Seen old timers who paid the price who were very experienced but screwed up just once.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Sometimes it's just an issue of money or our valuation of it. I have this miter saw, less a guard, and no trigger. It was given to me. At first I had a foot switch and a toggle switch. Then the foot switch shorted on, so now I only have an on/off toggle switch. Stupid as heck, I know. But I just don't feel like buying a miter saw and use every bit of care when using this crazy/dangerous thing.

It does teach you that there are some things that still require great focus and attention, maybe a skill many are loosing.

 

[MossRoad]

Like a previous poster said maintain your equipment. If you can't afford to maintain your equipment, maybe you need to get rid of it.

My Mahindra's neutral safety switch was a $50 piece of plastic crap and kept failing. I replaced it with a $5 momentary push button switch. While this setup allows the tractor to start it in gear, having to push the switch reminds my to put it in neutral. I always start from the seat in neutral and put the clutch in. My life / well being is worth than a few dollars. There are safer workarounds than starting from the ground if you give it some thought.

Not bashing the guys in NY, I certainly hope that they fully recover. Apparently they just got complacent and it bit them. "We always did it this way" is not a good reason to keep doing it that way.

they just got complacent

That sums up most situations like this. I've done it myself. Just have to be aware and don't become complacent.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I believe it's an important factor of life, to "USE YOUR BRAIN" Use it, or loose it as they say. 18 air bags, collision avoidance, helmets, chaps, guards, GFIs all may protect you, but probably make you a dumber person.

 

[Deere Dude]

BTW, even this dummy knows NOT to put my fingers close to a table saw blade that is running. Seen old timers who paid the price who were very experienced but screwed up just once.

Not quite but almost. Had a noisy dust collector running next to my table saw and was using ear muffs for peace and quiet. I shut the dust collector off but left the saw on and forgot about it because
of the muffs. I started adjusting the fence and noticed the blade running full tilt. No, I didn't get dinged but the point is, I have done that 1000 times but got lax in one instance.

 

[CobyRupert]

Being 99.99% perfect is a really really. really great accomplishment! :cool2:

But if it's something you do 10,000 times......guess what...

 

[Ritothebull]

It would be great if we were all so safety conscious that we never had any accidents but then what would we do with all those poor doctors and paramedics we would be putting out of work.

 

[Industrial Toys]

And all the PRAYers would have nothing to do either. lol

 

[RickB]

We have no evidence that a screwdriver was involved at all, just some speculation by someone that is hundreds of miles away.

Has anyone considered how dangerous it is to go outside?
People get struck by lightning every year.

The official police report states the tractor was started from the ground by the side of the tractor. I’d say that whether or not a screwdriver was used is immaterial.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE INVESTIGATING SERIOUS INJURY FARM TRACTOR ACCIDENT

Columbia County Sheriff David P. Bartlett reports that Deputy Sheriff’s, Greenport Police Department, Greenport Fire Department, and Greenport Rescue Squad were dispatched by Columbia County 911 at 2:30pm this date, to the Jutkofsky Farm located at #301 Route 23B in the Town of Claverack for a report of two men seriously injured by a farm tractor.

Deputies found that Bernard Jutkofsky, age 86, was operating an International Harvester 1066 farm tractor towing a brush hog that was used for mowing the fields. Mr. Jutkofsky had briefly stopped mowing, shut the tractor off, and exited the tractor cab. When he went to start the tractor, it was done from the ground next to the engine. The tractor was still in gear and when it started, Bernard Jutkofsky was run over by the rear tire.

Additionally, Bernard’s son Jay Jutkofsky, age 48, was standing next to the tractor and was also run over when it started.

Bernard Jutkofsky was airlifted to Albany Medical Center by Lifenet. Jay Jutkofsky was initially transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital by Greenport Rescue and then later airlifted to Albany Medical Center.

Both individuals are listed in critical, but stable condition at this time with internal injuries.

Investigating for the Sheriff’s Office were Lieutenant Wayne Lopez, Sr. Investigator Mark Dunspaugh, Investigator Ian Boehme, Sergeant Brian Molinski, Sergeant Peter Grzeskow, Deputy Timothy Gladwin, Deputy Daniel Keyser, and Deputy John Sullivan.