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Home > OSH Answers > Safety Hazards > Tractors
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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 confirmed current on August 2, 2012
Document last updated on February 25, 2002
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