Hitching & Hauling

Hitching & Hauling Safety 

Before you start hauling, follow these essential steps to ensure both vehicle and cargo safety. These checks will help prevent accidents, extend the life of your equipment, and make for a safer journey. 

Hitching Safety 

• Level Ground: 
  • Whenever possible, hitch and unhitch on level ground to prevent rolling. 
  • Use wheel blocks if there is a risk of movement before unhitching.
• Proper Hitching Points: 
  • Only hitch equipment to the designated tractor drawbar. Hitching elsewhere can alter the center of gravity and lead to a potential overturn. 
  • For stability, use two separate points of attachment (e.g., draw pin and safety chains). 
• Use the Right Equipment: 
  • Always use safety hitch pins with locking mechanisms to secure connections. 
  • Use properly rated safety chains for the equipment's weight, ensuring they are properly sized, securely attached, and not dragging. 
• Hydraulic Safety: 
  • Engage locking pins on hydraulic systems to prevent accidental lowering or movement. 
  • Turn off the tractor engine and wait for all moving parts to stop before unhitching or making adjustments. 
• Shield and Guard Checks: 
  • Ensure all shields and guards are intact and properly installed before use.
    

Hauling Safety 

• Speed Control 
  • Keep speeds under 40 km/hr when towing equipment without brakes, and reduce speed for heavier loads. 
  • Avoid sudden starts and stops, especially on slopes or uneven terrain, to prevent load shifts and potential rollovers. 
• Securing the Load 
  • Double-check that your load is properly secured before setting off. 
  • Make sure the tractor is counterweighted correctly for stability 
• Clearances 
  • Check for adequate overhead clearance when moving equipment near power lines or under structures. 
  • Always travel with front-end loaders and buckets in the lowest position possible to maintain balance and prevent tipping.

General Towing and Field Safety 

• Field Awareness: 
  • Avoid excessive speeds and tight turns, especially on uneven or sloping ground. 
  • Plan your route to avoid operating on hillsides when possible, reducing risks from shifting loads and potential rollovers. 
• Attachment Safety: 
  • Always ensure that all attachments are secure and in good working condition. 
  • Avoid operating attachments that could be unstable or improperly positioned for the terrain. 
• Awareness of Surroundings: 
  • Be mindful of other workers, animals, and obstacles in the area. 
  • Communicate your planned actions with others nearby, especially when towing or operating heavy equipment. 

End-of-Day Checklist 

• Unhitch and store equipment on level ground with wheels blocked if necessary. 
• Safely stow any tools and attachments to prevent tampering or accidental movement. 
• Inspect chains, pins, and hitches for any signs of wear, rust, or damage, and replace as needed. 
• Ensure that all safety features, such as shields and guards, are intact for the next use.