3 main aspects of agricultural machinery transportation
The transportation of agricultural machinery is a particularly important service when repairing or replacing vehicles. As their weight and size usually exceed what is allowed on the roads, it is necessary to follow safety standards to ensure the transportation is done correctly.
In this article, we will talk about the main rules for transporting agricultural machinery. It’s important to understand that safety measures are essential to perform the procedure safely, and within what traffic laws require.
What is the importance of agricultural machinery in today’s crops?
Agricultural mechanization is of great importance for global agribusiness. After all, machines generate high productivity in farming activities, reduce costs, increase efficiency, and ensure agribusiness competitiveness.
Some advantages of mechanization are related to the reduction of labour costs since only a single machine can perform the work of dozens of workers. This agility also allows farmers to be able to respect the agricultural calendar.
Despite the significant advantages, the use of this heavy machinery on crops requires care for the safety of the operator and the people around.
What are the safety practices in the operation of agricultural machinery?
It is necessary to provide the worker with the required safety to avoid accidents. Care is linked not only to equipment but also to best handling practices.
Use PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
Personal Protective Equipment must be consistent with the performed activity. The farming entrepreneur needs to provide these items to their employees. The most recurring items for farming activities are for:
- eyes and face — masks, safety glasses, face guards;
- the head — wide-brimmed hats, helmets;
- the airways — respiratory masks;
- the chest — jacket, raincoat;
- ears — noise mufflers, earplugs;
- the lower limbs — PVC boots, leather ankle boots;
- the upper limbs — gloves and oversleeves.
Provide training for operators
Another critical step is to train workers to operate the machine and its technologies properly according to safety standards. Furthermore, each operator needs to be qualified to work with their respective device.
For example, in the event of an accident, the operator will be charged if said operator is not trained to operate that machine. Often, an operator who does not have the correct training is in fact operating the vehicle. If an accident takes place, the first information that both the authorities and the insurer will ask for, is the certificate of training received for the operator who was driving.
Have a periodic maintenance plan
Preventive maintenance is critical to avoid failures that could create risks for the operator. In addition, it extends the life of the machinery.
Avoid improvisations
Making minor last-minute fixes with improvised installations to force the machine to continue running can lead to severe problems. In addition to compromising the machine’s integrity, it increases the liklihood of accidents.
What are the main aspects to consider when transporting agricultural machinery?
Safety must also be considered when transporting the machine. Many of them are very large and weigh tens of tons. Therefore, the operation will require the use of specific equipment. Learn about some essential aspects to proceed correctly with this operation.
1. Stay informed about local law
It is important to follow the legislation in force in your locality, as some regulations details may vary. In some regions, municipal laws make transportation more flexible, and others do not. In general, no agricultural machine can travel on public roads.
Thus, an agricultural tractor could be road legal if it has the necessary safety devices, such as signage, headlights, flashlights, backup sound alert, horn, among others, in addition to an operator.
This is not the case for harvesters and other implements since they are not registered as vehicles. In addition, the agricultural machine was not developed to ride on the highway. Therefore, tire wear can be tripled when transiting on asphalt. Consequently, they need to be transported on board trucks, which are specific for this use case.
2. Prepare the machinery
When transporting the machine, it is always important to ensure that the tank and repository are empty. Even when transport is done within the property, it is also necessary to pay attention to speed, as it can cause accidents with other machines.
Always remember that agricultural machinery is designed to work in farm operations, not to make large journeys.
3. Check the need to issue the STA
If the vehicle exceeds the dimension limits, you will need to obtain a special license, known as Special Traffic Authorization (STA).
At Jacto, most of our large sprayers meet these size limits. As Paulo Henrique Bueno, the company’s business manager, says, “we have taken great care at Jacto so when we design the machine, it does not have lateral excesses”. The idea is not to go beyond the limits of the legislation, which would make it mandatory to issue the STA.
Therefore, the farmer must take this into account when planning the purchase. Ask if the machine meets the limits of the legislation in the case of transportation.
The transportation of agricultural machinery is an operation that needs to be well planned, and based on local legislation and the specificities of each vehicle. This will ensure excellent safety, and protect the integrity of the machine.
Want to know more about our machines? Contact our team and learn how our products can help in your production!
Therefore, the farmer must take this into account when planning the purchase. Ask if the machine meets the limits of the legislation in the case of transportation.
The transportation of agricultural machinery is an operation that needs to be well planned, and based on local legislation and the specificities of each vehicle. This will ensure excellent safety, and protect the integrity of the machine.
Want to know more about our machines? Contact our team and learn how our products can help in your production! Therefore, the farmer must take this into account when planning the purchase. Ask if the machine meets the limits of the legislation in the case of transportation.
The transportation of agricultural machinery is an operation that needs to be well planned, and based on local legislation and the specificities of each vehicle. This will ensure excellent safety, and protect the integrity of the machine.
Want to know more about our machines? Contact our team and learn how our products can help in your production!
