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Tractors - Trailers and Wagons

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What precautions should you take when using trailers or wagons?

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  • Always read, understand and follow the manufacturer’s safety manual.
  • Use a tractor with enough power to both pull and stop the load safely.
  • Only use equipment that is in good repair. Equipment should be inspected frequently for signs of wear and damage.
  • Check the tires on trailers and wagons 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 a locking jack, or jack and blocks, for hitching and unhitching a two-wheeled or tandem centre-balanced wagon.
  • Use only recommended sizes and types of locking safety hitch pins.
  • Attach the safety chain from the tractor to the frame of the towed equipment. 
  • The breaking strength of safety chains must be equal to hold the total actual 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.
  • 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.
  • If applicable, attach a slow-moving vehicle sign (red-orange, fluorescent triangle), red flag or marker, and any appropriate lighting and reflectors.

What should you not do?

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  • Do not overload.
  • Do not allow anyone to ride on the tongue of a wagon or trailer.
  • Do not allow anyone to ride on or in the wagon or trailer unless it is designed to transport passengers safely.
  • Do not allow anyone to be between the tractor and wagon or trailer when in motion.
  • Do not travel faster than 25 km/h.
  • Do not drive over debris or obstacles that could damage the tires.
  • Do not drive through ditches, steep banks, and other obstacles that could cause damage or a rollover.
  • Do not tow wagons or trailers weighing more than the tractor unless the trailer or wagon is equipped with brakes appropriate for the weight and speed of travel.

  • Fact sheet last revised: 2025-06-23

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