This happened yesterday 1/16/2026

[Butch]

Operator's legs were pinned and had to be rescued. This took place in Cecil County, Maryland yesterday morning. He was lucky!

 

[85Hokie]

Operator's legs were pinned and had to be rescued. This took place in Cecil County, Maryland yesterday morning. He was lucky!

I had just had a discussion last month with the golf course superintendent where I am the head mechanic about people on the JD 50 hp tractor - one got on and had an empty bucket riding down a fairway to go to another fairway with the bucket at a height that it SHOULD not be in while moving. The person has about .5 hours on a tractor and has zero training on it.

A week ago at another golf course about 30 miles away a very experienced tractor operator was killed when he got sideways on a hillside and the tractor overturned and crushed him.

We all learn by doing - but most of us had some degree of training before we got behind the wheel.

 

[LFP57]

I had just had a discussion last month with the golf course superintendent where I am the head mechanic about people on the JD 50 hp tractor - one got on and had an empty bucket riding down a fairway to go to another fairway with the bucket at a height that it SHOULD not be in while moving. The person has about .5 hours on a tractor and has zero training on it.

A week ago at another golf course about 30 miles away a very experienced tractor operator was killed when he got sideways on a hillside and the tractor overturned and crushed him.

We all learn by doing - but most of us had some degree of training before we got behind the wheel.

That sad, had to pay for a mistake with his life.

 

[Gaspasser]

Being a newbie myself, I have wondered why dealers or some other entity doesn't offer some sort of " tractor school" course. I'd happily pay for such training. I had a bx for 4 years and now the L6060 for 2. I am cautious by nature and by my non-farm related professional training, but still have managed to "crease the seat" a few times. Please folks. Take your time. Don't work when tired. If it doesn't feel right, try a different approach or setup. Ask for help or a spotter. Cell phone secured in a manner where you can still get to it if you become inverted or pinned. Seat belt always. I am almost always working alone on my isolated woodlot so I try to stick to these self imposed rules.

 

[NCL4701]

Being a newbie myself, I have wondered why dealers or some other entity doesn't offer some sort of " tractor school" course.

Potential liability.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

THAT is the issue ! There's so much that needs to be taught BUT if ONE thing isn't and THAT'S the cause of injury or death, the dealer would be sued.
This also goes for power tools ( chain saws, bandsaws),airplanes, automobiles, etc.

 

[Geezer3d]

I have not seen nor taken the course, but the county extension here in NY offers a tractor safety course through the 4H.

4-H Tractor Safety Program

The National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program enables young workers (ages 14-19) to obtain a US Department of Labor Certificate of Training which is required to operate farm tractors and equipment.The course is open to anyone 13 years of age and older, however, only those 14 and older...

ulster.cce.cornell.edu

 

[LFP57]

THAT is the issue ! There's so much that needs to be taught BUT if ONE thing isn't and THAT'S the cause of injury or death, the dealer would be sued.
This also goes for power tools ( chain saws, bandsaws),airplanes, automobiles, etc.

How would this be any different than all of the motorcycle safely classes taught around the country as well as the ATV rider classes, boating safety, etc, etc??