Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety/Centre canadien d'hygi¸ne et de sˇcuritˇ au travail
Symbol of the Government of Canada

> Trailers and Wagons

 

What should you remember to do when using trailers or wagons?
What should you avoid?


What should you remember to do when using trailers or wagons?

  • Use a tractor with enough power to both pull and stop the load safely.
  • Check the tires on trailers and wagon for proper inflation, damage and wear before loading.
  • Use standard hand signals when someone is helping with hitching.
  • Use only sturdy locking safety hitchpins.
  • Use a locking jack, or jack and blocks, for hitching and unhitching a two-wheeled or tandem centre-balanced wagon.
  • Attach the safety chain from the tractor to the frame of the towed equipment.

  • Distribute loads evenly and securely.
  • Start and stop the tractor smoothly.
  • Drive at a speed safe for conditions, load, and the capabilities of the tractor.
  • Avoid ditches, steep banks and other obstacles.
  • Watch for low branches, eaves and power lines when handling high loads.
  • Ensure the implements are put in transport positions before taking them on the road.

What should you avoid?

  • Do not overload.
  • Do not allow anyone to ride on the tongue of a wagon or trailer.
  • Do not travel faster than 25 km/h.
  • Do not tow wagons or trailers weighing more than the tractor unless the trailer or wagon are equipped with brakes.
Document last updated on February 25, 2002

Copyright ©1997-2010 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety