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Tractors - Trailers and Wagons

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 daily, before loading, and throughout the workday.
  • Use standard hand signals when someone is helping with hitching. Make sure you and the person you are working with have coordinated the signals.
  • Use only sturdy locking safety hitch pins.
  • 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. Safety chains must be strong enough to hold the weight of the towed implement and any load it is carrying.
Safety chain
  • 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.
  • Make sure 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 allow anyone to be in between the tractor and wagon or trailer when in motion.
  • 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 that are appropriate for the weight and speed of travel.

Document last updated on April 4, 2018

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Disclaimer

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information.