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Before the combines start rolling, it’s critical for farmers to conduct a safety check of all equipment they’ll need for harvest. Angie Rieck-Hinz, an Iowa State University Extension field agronomist, said it’s important for farmers to have fire extinguishers in their combines, tractors and trucks.

Before the combines start rolling, it’s critical for farmers to conduct a safety check of all equipment they’ll need for harvest, from the field tractor and grain wagon to the ATV and grain bins.

Rich Gassman, director of Iowa’s Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, recommended creating a checklist of everything that needs done pre-harvest.

“When we are sleep deprived, we tend to forget things,” Gassman said.

Make sure all guards removed for maintenance are put back on and do not bypass any safety devices, he said.

“Create a safety plan and communicate it to all involved,” Gassman said. “If working late or alone, always let someone know where you are and when you anticipate being home.”

Angie Rieck-Hinz, an Iowa State University Extension field agronomist based out of Wright County, said it’s important for farmers to have fire extinguishers in their combines, tractors and trucks.

“That fire extinguisher needs to be ready and full. We remind people all the time that it’s not to save the combine, it’s to save you and get you out of the combine,” she said.

With all equipment, farmers need to conduct a once-over and check to make sure all exterior lighting is working, including the semi, field tractor, grain cart, etc., Rieck-Hinze added. Be sure that the slow-moving vehicle sign is clearly visible as well.

Iowa State University Extension safety specialists also remind producers to keep all mirrors and windows clean.

“Grain carts are one of the most commonly used pieces of equipment during harvest, but they also have the most potential for blind spots. With few lights on the back of the cart and large areas of obstructed visibility, it’s important to keep the safety features available in good working order. Check your cart’s turn signal and brake lights prior to leaving each field to ensure safe operation down the road,” advises the ISU Extension.

“Be sure to regularly wipe any dust or debris from safety reflectors, lights and mirrors on your grain cart both in the field and on the road, as well as those on your combine, tractor and gravity wagons,” ISU Extension specialists added. “If your cart or wagon doesn’t come with turn signal lights, a backup strobe can be used to make your implement more visible in low-light situations. Keep glass cleaner and paper towels or rags in your cab to clean your machine daily and prevent accidents that can occur from not seeing a car or other obstacle on the road.”

Everyone in agriculture knows the PTO (power take off) can cause severe injury without the proper safety precautions being taken. Never step over the PTO shaft, whether it’s running or not, ISU Extension specialists point out.

Be sure and tighten nuts and bolts, check your operator manual and adjust brakes, drives and clutches. Look for cracks in all belts, rubber hoses and plastic parts. Make sure tire pressure is appropriate and examine for any tread wear, then tighten lug nuts. Check all belts, rubber hoses and plastic parts like fans for cracks, then tighten the belts, adjust chains and replace worn-looking items.