Virginia Farm Bureau reminds all farmers to examine equipment used for cutting and baling before heading out to the hayfield.
“Take the time now to check your equipment and fix it, so you’re not stuck in the field fixing equipment while trying to hurry and beat the weather,” said Jimmy Maass, the organization’s safety manager. “Follow all of the manufacturer’s recommendations, and inspect the equipment to make sure it’s up to their specifications.”
Check bearings, hydraulic hoses, tires and signal lights. Make sure cutter blades, teeth or bars are not bent or cracked. It also is a good idea to keep shear bolts handy.
“Never use regular bolts in place of shear bolts,” Maass said.
Keep a charged water or foam fire extinguisher on all hay equipment and an ABC-type extinguisher inside all work buildings.
“Relay safety information to each employee and anyone else who helps you,” Maass said. “Train them how to properly lift with their legs and how to use all equipment safely.”
Before working on equipment always shut it down first.
“If a baler gets jammed up, turn it off before clearing it out,” Maass said. “For a round baler, engage safety locks or valves on the cylinders when the tailgate is lifted up so it won’t fall down on top of you.”
Make sure all safety features—power take-off shields, safety chains and chain guards—are in place, along with slow-moving vehicle emblems and reflective tape.
“It’s also a good idea to use escort vehicles when moving hay on roadways,” Maass said.
Before loading hay, check all straps and chains for frays, breaks and tears, and replace them if they are damaged. Do not stack bales too high, and tie-in stacks by alternating bales and securing each stack.
Strap round bales in place so they will not roll off a wagon or trailer. Check that the points to which you tie or connect the straps are strong enough to support the load if it shifts.
“After driving a few miles, check the straps or chains to make sure they haven’t come loose,” Maass added.
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