Top 10 Tractor Upgrades for Enhanced Safety and Efficiency
Tractors are the backbone of your farm. You probably have tractors on your farm that have been around for decades and, with proper maintenance, will last for decades more.
The problem is that older tractors might not have the same safety and efficiency features as modern tractors.
Instead of spending money you don’t have to buy new tractors when the older ones still work, there are plenty of ways to add modern upgrades and accessories to the tractors you already own.
And even if you buy a brand-new tractor, there are still many ways to upgrade its features for maximum usefulness!
At Iron Bull, we understand that farmers want to be reasonably safe and efficient while still making the best use of their equipment. That’s why we make canopies and roll-over protection systems for all types of tractors and even lawnmowers!
Of course, you can add many other accessories to your tractor to enhance safety and efficiency. Let’s look at the top ten items you might consider.
Tractor Upgrades That Improve Safety and Efficiency
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Roll-Over Protection Systems (ROPS)
Of all the accessories you can add to your tractor, the Roll-Over Protection System (ROPS) is the most crucial for staying safe on the farm.
Tractor overturns are the leading cause of farming-related deaths. Open cab tractors carry a high risk of injury because if the tractor rolls over, the operator will be thrown from the tractor and crushed.
A ROPS has two parts. First, a seat belt prevents the operator from being thrown from their seat in an accident. Then, a strong, reinforced bar extends over the seat to maintain a safe space for the operator if the tractor tips over.
Investing in a ROPS is crucial, but remember that the best tractor safety precaution is educating your employees. Make sure your tractor operators can recognize potentially dangerous situations and know when to fasten their seatbelts.
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Shade Canopies
Although most ROPS consist of a simple reinforced bar, you can also buy one with a shade canopy attached.
Shade canopies shield your operator from the sun's glare, keeping them comfortable and helping to reduce the risk of heatstroke and skin cancer.
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Lighting Kits
Are your tractor lights bright enough to continue working after the sun goes down?
If you struggle with nighttime visibility, consider investing in additional lights for your tractor. By adding bright LED lights and a switch panel to control each light individually, you’ll be able to see so well after dark that you can significantly extend your work hours while remaining safe.
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Fire Extinguishers
One of the simplest yet most crucial upgrades for your tractor is to mount a fire extinguisher that is easily accessible. If your tractor catches fire, it not only ruins an expensive piece of equipment, but it can also start a field or barn fire and endanger the safety of farm workers.
Remember: an accessible fire extinguisher is merely the first step to fire safety. Ensure that farm workers are well-informed about what to do if the tractor catches fire, including knowing how to operate the fire extinguisher.
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Backup Cameras
Depending on what implement you’re using, driving a tractor often involves looking behind you to see what your implement is doing. Is it raised to the correct height? Are you skipping patches?
Constantly cranking your neck around to check your implement can be frustrating, especially if you have pain or an injury that makes it difficult. One simple solution is to install a backup camera on your tractor so you can see what your implement is doing with a simple glance at the screen.
Alternatively, depending on your specific needs, a large rear view mirror may work fine for this purpose.
6. Protective Guards and Shields
Depending on the job you're tackling, certain parts of the tractor may be particularly vulnerable to damage.
Various protective guards and shields are available to protect your tractor from damage. These include:
- Grill Guards to protect the front grill of the tractor from sticks and other debris when using front-end attachments
- Axle Guards that protect the axles from damage caused by rough terrain and obstacles
- Belly Pans on the underside of the tractor to protect critical components from damage
- Hydraulic Hose Wraps, Sleeves, or Guards to shield hydraulic hoses from abrasion, punctures, and other types of damage.
- Rear Window Guards that shield the rear window from flying debris
- Tire Guards to shield the tires from punctures and damage caused by sharp objects
By purchasing guards and shields appropriate for your tasks, you can save money and reduce downtime by preventing costly repairs.
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Auxiliary Hydraulics
Most tractors have a built-in hydraulic system that powers various components, such as the steering, brakes, and lift arms. However, not all tractors come with auxiliary hydraulics.
Auxiliary hydraulics are additional hydraulic circuits that provide power to operate various attachments and implements beyond the standard equipment. These systems typically include a hydraulic pump, control valves, hydraulic lines and hoses, quick couplers, a reservoir, and filters.
Auxiliary hydraulics are often available as optional features or can be added as aftermarket upgrades.
If a tractor does not come with auxiliary hydraulics as a standard feature, you can often install them, allowing you to use additional attachments and implements that require hydraulic power.
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Quick Hitch Systems
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to connect and disconnect implements without leaving your tractor seat, you may be interested in installing a quick hitch system on your tractor.
One note: while most quick-hitch systems are designed to be compatible with multiple types and brands of implements, you’ll have the easiest time if you stick to the same brand of quick-hitch as the implements you buy.
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Hydraulic Top Links
A top link on a tractor is positioned at the top center of the three-point hitch, connecting the tractor to the implement. It works in conjunction with two lower lift arms to secure and stabilize the implement.
Unlike mechanical top links, hydraulic top links use a hydraulic cylinder to adjust the length. This allows for easy and precise control of the implement's tilt and angle from the tractor's cab, making it easier to adapt to varying terrain and operational requirements without the cumbersome nature of manually adjusting.
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GPS System for Precision Farming
In the past, farmers increased yields through intuition and guesswork informed by years of experience and networking with other farmers. But today, they have another tool in their arsenal: GPS technology.
With GPS tracking technology, farmers can map out fields and plant, harvest, and do other field work with extreme preciseness. This precision saves time and money because the farmers aren’t using the equipment more than they have to.
GPS also helps farmers efficiently use resources like fertilizer and water and allows them to collect data on various fields and crops. They can then use this data to assess how their crops are doing and inform changes they may want to make in the future.
How to Find High-Quality Tractor Accessories
Farming is a tough job, and you deserve high-quality tractor upgrades. To get the best quality accessories, be prepared to read reviews, network with other farmers about what’s worked for them, and call manufacturers to ask straightforward questions about their products.
If you’re looking for tractor ROPS systems and canopies that are durable, expertly crafted, and match the colors and aesthetics of your current tractor, look no further than Iron Bull Manufacturing!
Our canopies:
- Offer certified roll-over protection
- Block cancer-causing sun rays
- Are 99% effective in preventing serious injury in a rollover
Are you ready to get peace of mind and protect your farm workers and loved ones?
Contact us today. We look forward to working with you!