Balancing a
Heavy Load
BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE
Keep tractor level to prevent rollovers
THE ACCIDENT: A 45-year-old landscape
crewmember is operating a tractor equipped
with a front and rear bucket. He fills the bucket
with dirt and lifts it 6 feet above the ground. The
terrain slopes at an angle of 13 to 17 degrees.
While backing away from the dirt pile, he accelerates to an excessive speed for the terrain, and
the tractor rolls over. The tractor is not equipped
with a roll over protection system (ROPS), and he
is crushed by the tractor's seat and controls.
THE BOTTOM LINE: The tractor's center
of gravity was high because the bucket was
in an elevated position. Combining the bucket
position with his fast speed, which was evident
from the skid marks in the dirt, caused the tractor to turn over.
Each year, an average of 132 workers are
crushed to death from tractors overturning. And
most of these could have been prevented if the
operators and business owners had followed the
proper safety practices:
• Equip all tractors with a ROPS and seat belt.
• Develop, implement and enforce a safety
program that trains employees on all equipment used.
• Reduce speed before turning. If you turn while
ILLUSTRATION BY DON LOMAX
•
•
•
•
going fast, the tractor will attempt to go
straight, instead of turning. Also, lower speeds
when using attachments. If on a steep incline,
back down slowly and apply the brakes lightly
when needed.
Keep the bucket as close to the ground as possible. The tractor's center of gravity is affected
if the bucket is too high.
Watch for rocks, holes or ditches, which can
cause the tractor to overturn.
Lower and raise attachments slowly and
smoothly.
For some attachments, counterweights may be
necessary for stability. tlc
presented by:
www.toro.com
m.toro.com/LCE
TLC0813_SafetyWatch_singlePages.indd 11
A U G U S T 2013
TotalLa nd s ca p e C a re . c o m 11
7/24/13 2:38 PM
