Over the past few years, we have run various articles on this website concerning safety around farm machinery including the importance of carrying out regular checks and maintenance on tow hook and ring coupling systems. So we were saddened to read a recent news article on the Farmers Weekly website reporting on the inquest resulting from an incident in which a car driver was tragically killed when a trailer carrying soil became detached from the tractor towing it.
In the incident, a 47-year-old man was giving his daughter a driving lesson when the separated trailer rolled down a hill, overturned onto his car and crushed him.
The Farmers Weekly article states that the inquest found “the decoupling occurred due to a combination of factors, including the fact that the coupling components had worn, the trailer was carrying 13.8t when it was manufactured to carry only 10t, and the load was unevenly distributed. Also, had the coupling been properly checked, the weakness would probably have been spotted.”
Regular checks of hook and ring systems essential
Basic hook and ring coupling systems remain the preferred option for many farmers because of their simplicity, convenience and relatively low cost. However, the coupling components including drawbar/pick-up hitch and hitch rings, pins, clips etc., should always be inspected at regular intervals for excessive wear or damage, especially if you’re towing on public roads. This is particularly important in the absence of any additional safety features. Worn components need to be replaced immediately.
If you operate a John Deere 7R or 8R, a New Holland T5, T6 or T7, or a Case Maxxum or Puma tractor model and the tow hook is looking worn or damaged, you can currently save hundreds of pounds on a replacement. More details here.
Quality coupling solutions with safety built-in
Available through its extensive dealer network throughout the UK, Lynx Engineering supplies a wide range of pick-up hitches and coupling systems from one of the world’s leading manufacturers, Dromone Engineering.
The Dromone product range includes mechanical and hydraulic pick-up hitches, both featuring patented latching and locking systems for maximum safety. In addition, the company’s ball and spoon coupling systems, which allow for fully automatic coupling and uncoupling from the tractor cab, eliminate the risk of worn tow rings escaping from under the keeper plate.
Safer safety chain design
Safety chain systems are also available to ensure a trailer remains attached to the tractor, even if the primary hitch fails. Until recently, many people used long horizontal type chains for this task but this arrangement can give too much freedom to the trailer drawbar, potentially allowing it to come up through the rear window of the tractor cab.
Instead, Dromone developed a vertical chain position that only allows four to five inches of movement of the trailer should the primary hitch fail. Brackets on the tractor and trailer have an automatic locking system for the chain to be received and prevent it from escaping. The Dromone system is safer and prevents both injury to the driver and damage to the back of the tractor.
Award-winning Hitched and Locked (HAL) system
Last, but by no means least, is Dromone’s innovative Hitched & Locked (HAL) system, which has won a major safety award. Designed for use with the Dromone hydraulic pick-up hitch, the system uses smart technology to confirm to the operator that the attachment has been hitched safely and securely locked.
Using integrated sensors and controls, audio and visual signals are sent to the cab of the tractor. The combination of sensors provides assurance that locking is secure and safe in both vertical and horizontal positions. The in-cab feedback protects against human error by helping to ensure the operator can’t drive away with an unlocked pick-up hitch.
Safety around Farm Machinery: Some useful links.
HSE Information Sheet: Working safely with agricultural machinery*
High Visibility Tractor Bumper Systems
HSE Information Sheet: Power take-offs and power take-off drive shafts*
Farm Safety Foundation: PTO Safety Maintenance Tips
*Contains public sector information published by the Health and Safety Executive and licensed under the Open Government Licence
