1. Tractor Overturn Hazards

3. In the OSU study, 87 of 147 (59%) total
tractor-related fatalities were caused by tractor
rollover.

4. Tractor Overturn Hazards
Side Overturn
Rollover (Rear Overturn)
Front Overturn

5. Drawings Courtesy of The Pennsylvania State University

6. Drawings Courtesy of The Pennsylvania State University

7. Tractor Overturns- Causes
Driving on steep terrain
Going over rough ground (holes and stumps)
Driving into ditches or embankments
Driving too fast (especially when turning)

8. Drawings Courtesy of The Pennsylvania State University

9. Tractor Overturns - Causes (continued)
Improper hitching (too high, or to the axle)
Improper operation of front-end loader
Lack of knowledge of operational controls

10. Drawings Courtesy of The Pennsylvania State University

11. Drawings Courtesy of The Pennsylvania State University

12. Tractor Overturns - Prevention
Slow down on steep slopes, rough ground and sharp turns
Keep wheels spread wide whenever possible
Counter-balance weight (front and rear) for more stability
Stay clear of ditches, embankments and large obstacles (stumps)

13. Overturn Hazards
No ROPS or Seatbelt
Tricycle Front End

14. Tractor Overturns – Prevention (cont’d)
Always hitch the load to the tractor draw bar
Travel with the bucket low at all times
Lock brake pedals together for road travel
Know the controls of the tractor
Have ROPS installed and wear seatbelt (only with ROPS)

15. Special Thanks To the Following Sources:
High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety (2002). Farm Tractor Safety (IS-98-02) [on-line]. Available: http//
John Bishop, Safety Specialist – Ohio State University, Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering
John Deere Agricultural Safety, Deere and Company, Inc.
National Education for Agricultural Safety - National Safety Council (2002). The Plain Facts About Tractor Safety [on-line]. Available:
North Dakota State University - Extension Ag Engineering - G. Maher (1997). Tractor Safety - Stay on Top of It! [on-line]. Available:
Ohio State University - Agricultural Safety and Health (2001). Safety Statistics ( ). Available:
Pennsylvania State University. Tractor Overturn Hazards. Bulletin: E 34.
Saskatchewan Labour (2002). Tractor Safety [on-line]. Available:
University of Illinois - Agricultural Safety and Health (2002). ROPS: Rollover Protective Structure - What you should know [on-line]. Available: