Kubota Attachment Safety

Tractor attachments should be regarded as tools. As such, they can be useful and labor-saving. But they can also be dangerous, if not handled with special care. Refer to the appropriate implement and attachment Operator's Manual(s) for operating guidelines and safety instructions. Also, always use common sense in the use and application of attachments for the job at hand.

Attachment Safety Basics

Always refer to the appropriate implement and attachment operator’s manual(s) for operating guidelines and safety instructions.
Use common sense in the use and application of attachments for the job at hand. Carelessness, impatience and fatigue are your worst enemy around a tractor and its attachments.
Be in the habit of walking around, not between, the tractor and implement. If you are tired, you are more likely to make shortcuts – and mistakes – so shut it down and rest. These simple precautions may save your life.
Always keep all shields, guards and safety devices in place and working properly – they are installed for your safety. If shields, guards or safety devices are missing or not working, do not operate the equipment.
Always shut off the engine, set the park brake(s), remove the key and be sure implement motion has stopped before performing check–over, adjustments or maintenance. Never work under a raised implement without securely blocking or supporting the implement first.

Mower Safety

Make sure all shields and guards are always in place and in good condition.
Inspect the area to be mowed and remove anything that can be propelled by or entangled in the mower blades. Walk the area first to be sure and be alert for any obstacles.
Avoid operation on steep slopes.
Do not stop or start suddenly when going uphill or downhill.
Always mow so that debris is directed away from people, pets or anything that could be damaged by articles thrown from the mower discharge.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
Before making inspections, adjustments, performing maintenance or cleaning blockages, disengage the drive to the mower, stop the engine, set brake(s), remove the key and wait for the mower blade(s) to stop.
If you strike a foreign object, immediately shut the machine down completely and inspect for damage. Repair any damage before restarting.
Frequently check blade condition and mounting bolts for proper tightness.

Trencher Safety

Always check with local authorities before digging.
Follow instructions on any underground cable and pipeline signs.
Use the trencher only in applications for which it was designed. Make sure overload protection mechanisms are functioning and not bypassed.
Do not dismount during operations.
Never leave an operating trencher unattended.

Snow Blower Safety

Before the first snowfall, check over your machine, clear the areas where the snow removal is to take place, removing large stones, sticks, toys, etc.
Mark obstacles such as driveway markers, water shut-offs and gas shut-offs, so their locations under the snow are obvious.
Adjust the snow blower height to assure clearance above gravel or rock surfaces before operations.
Before clearing the auger or discharge chute, shut off the engine, set brake(s), remove the key and wait for the attachment blades to stop. Disengage the drive to the attachment, stop the engine and remove the key before changing the position of the deflector on the chute.
Clear snow by going up and down slopes, not across.

Rotary Tiller Safety

Never stand between the tractor and the tiller when inspecting or adjusting the tiller.
Make sure there isn’t any interference when you lift, back or turn the tiller.
Never operate the tiller if any blade bolts are missing.
If the tractor lunges while tilling hard soil, shift into a lower gear and/or reduce digging depth. If lunging persists, immediately stop the machine and review the tiller operator’s manual.
At the end of a row, always raise the tiller to clear soil so the tractor is not propelled forward by the force of the tiller blades.
Before making adjustments or performing maintenance to the tiller, shut off the engine, set brakes, remove the key and disengage the drive to the tiller.

Dozer Safety

Before using the blade, make sure the trip mechanisms are working properly.
Be careful to avoid stumps, bumps, expansion joints in roadways and other immovable obstacles.
Don’t use the dozer as a battering ram.
Don’t stand with your feet under the blade when changing the angle or removing the blade.

Loader Safety

Never walk or work under a raised loader.
Raise and lower loader arms slowly and steadily.
Always carry loads as low as possible to the ground and watch for obstructions.
Before raising the loader to full height, make sure the tractor is on level ground. If not, it may tip over, even if the tractor is not moving.
Allow for the extra length of the loader when making turns.
Be careful when handling loose or shiftable loads.
Never move or swing a load with people in the work area.
Be extremely careful when back filling. The total weight of the material plus that of the tractor and loader could cause the trench wall to collapse.
Avoid undercutting high banks. If you must do it, watch for such hazards as falling rocks and cave-ins.
Stay away from the edges when working along banks and slopes.
Watch for overhead or underground wires and obstacles when you use the loader.
Never lift or carry people in the bucket.

Backhoe Safety

Practice smooth, even transfer of loads. Sudden jerky movements are dangerous and can damage equipment.
Always check with local authorities before digging.
Follow instructions on any underground cable and pipeline signs.
Use the backhoe trencher only in applications for which it was designed. Make sure that the overload protection mechanisms are functioning and not bypassed.
Do not dismount during operations.
Avoid excessive swing–speed and sudden stops, especially when operating on a hillside or rough ground.
Do not use the backhoe as a pulling or lifting device.
When working close to fences, ditches, buildings, etc., make sure there is sufficient space to deploy the stabilizers.
Always operate the backhoe from the backhoe operator’s seat.
Check overhead clearances before driving under electric lines, water lines or other areas of low clearance.
Never move or swing a load with people in the work area.
Be extremely careful when operating on a slope. Swing the backhoe to the uphill side, if possible. (If downhill dumping is required, swing only as far as necessary to dump the bucket.)
Make sure the tractor is level and not tilted to the slope angle.
Make sure that the tractor is properly counter-weighted.