When you think of iconic images of the United States of America, what comes to mind first? It might be hard to pin point just one. After all, there are so many things that make the United States so…American. But if there’s one thing that’s for certain, it’s that an image of a tractor set against rolling pastures of farmland complete with a red barn is just about as American as you can get. It’s right up alongside a cherry red pick up truck, apple pie, and a cheeseburger and fries.
But why are tractors such iconic images of life in the United States and what it means to be an American? After all, tractors are used in for agricultural and other purposes in many other countries around the world as well, so what makes the close relationship between tractors and iconic imagery of the United States so special/
Compared to countries such as China that have nearly 5,000 years of history, America has a mere 200 years and much of that is fraught with war and civil unrest. When European colonists first set foot on North American soil, not only were they surprised to find people already living here, but they were also shocked to see a land teeming with abundant natural resources, most of which were completely untouched, undiscovered, and completely pristine in every way. This was a far cry for Europe, which after thousands of yeas of civilization, was beginning to lose some of it’s own natural resources.
American soil was plowed and tilled first with oxen and other working animals and then with tractors. These machines played an integral role in the creation of America’s booming agricultural economy, taking it to the farming superpower it is today. Without the use of tractors, America would not be able to feed it’s booming population and keep up with the global supply for food.
In addition to agricultural purposes, tractors are also used for a variety of tasks. From shoveling and moving snow, to moving dirt and gravel on construction projects, clearing ground, moving heavy objects, and much, much more.
But as with any kind of heavy equipment, safety is absolutely critical. Heavy equipment comes with heavy responsibility in terms knowing how to operate one safely and effectively. They may look like big toys or fun to use — and they are fun — but heavy equipment such as tractors are actually quite dangerous and can be deadly if not used correctly. And one of the most important aspects of tractor safety are roll over protective systems, also known as tractor ROPS.
ROPS for tractors are very similar to a safety cage for forklifts in that they protect the operator from being crushed under the weight of the heavy equipment in the event of a rollover. Without ROPS, an operator’s life would be at great risk when using a tractor. As such, using one without some kind of ROPS is not recommended. Tractor cab enclosures equipped with ROPS allow operators to complete the task at hand and do so safely and effectively without fear of injury from a rollover.
Other tractor safety tips
In addition to being sure to implement some kind of ROPS, tractor operators should be especially sure to read, reread, and completely understand the user manual that came with tractor when it was purchased. Like a vehicle owner’s manual, a tractor owner manual will detail the ins and outs of the machine itself and will help the operator gain a better understanding of how to use it safely and effectively.
This may seem like a no brainer, but tractor operators should also be extremely careful and aware of the terrain they’re working or driving over. As with road conditions and vehicles, a tractor will react differently on different surfaces than others, with some being more dangerous and difficult. Becoming familiar with the kind of surface they will be working on or with is critical in terms of tractor operator safety. For example, an operator might be able to perform a certain task with ease on a smooth, flat surface, but the same task on another surface can be extremely difficult and very dangerous.
