Use a Hay Loader
Hay loaders are a useful tool for farmers for transporting large rolls or bales of hay from the field to a barn or other storage area for later use. Front-end loaders for tractors are the most popular today due to low cost and high versatility. Use these simple guidelines and tips on how to use a hay loader.
Contents
Steps
- Inspect all hydraulics, fluids and parts such as control valves, switches and flow dividers to ensure that they are in proper working condition. Replace or repair faulty equipment as needed.
- Place hay loader in lowest position when in transport. A raised position can alter the center of gravity of the tractor.
- Keep turns wide. Turning too quickly can cause the hay loader and tractor to overturn. Make sure to slow down during turns.
- Lock brake pedals and keep them uniformly adjusted when transporting on hay loader. Shift to lower gear when traveling downhill to help maintain control.
- Pull loads no heavier than tractor or loader can safely handle. Making a second or even third trip is far better than having to deal with an overturned tractor or even serious accident.
Tips
- Become familiar with the operator's manual for your hay loader and tractor. Always select the appropriate hay loader according to your tractor manufacturer's recommendations.
- Be careful when working on hills or inclines. Navigate at low speed to better maintain control of the hay loader. A load can quickly outrun a tractor on a steep hill.
- Check for hydraulic leaks with a piece of cardboard rather than your hand. Make sure that all fluids are clean. Serious injuries have been directly linked to dirty or contaminated hydraulic fluid.
- Always place hay loader in lowest position when parked. Park the detached loader only on hard, level surfaces and be sure to balance it when it is detached.
- Use a ballast for balancing tractor and hay loader.
- Always keep hay loader equipment in the lowest position and low speed when transporting hay. If the loader is in a raised position, its stability is reduced immensely.
Warnings
- Never load bales on steep hills. Loading bales with a hay loader on a steep hill can cause the tractor to tip.
- Avoid electrical lines and holes.
- Never move hay loader over people or animals. Take a moment to check your surroundings before operating loader.
- Do not walk under a raised loader.
- Never exceed recommended load limits posted by the manufacturer.
- Never leave loader on tractor when performing other jobs. Hay loaders should not be used for other jobs such as removing fences or knocking things down.
- Do not allow passengers on tractor while transporting hay. This allows the driver to focus on the task at hand and helps to prevent serious accidents.
