pages 16

HYDRAULICS

Similar to PTO, hydraulics enable farmers to perform any task where extraordinary force is required. Rains said that when used with a tractor, a threeinch hydraulic cylinder can move about 13,000 pounds - about the weight of a fully grown male elephant.

Hydraulics pose hazards for pinching/crushing injuries and fluid punctures or burns from leaking fluid.

“I always tell farmers or anyone working with hydraulics to not rely on hydraulics as the sole source of power if you are working underneath equipment,” Rains said. “If you want to raise the front end of a cotton picker and get underneath and work on it, I would put something solid between the ground and the header in case somebody accidentally hits the lever that lets the header down, or there’s a hydraulic failure.”

Hydraulics rely on pressurized fluids, usually oil-based, which become heated under pressure.

Other tips for hydraulics safety: • Check your hydraulic lines annually for damage. If the plastic covering is cracked or if there is exposed reinforcement or braiding showing, consider replacing those hoses to prevent leaks. • Check hydraulic fluid levels. Maintain at the right level. Too low can cause cavitation inside the hoses, which can cause little slivers of metal to get loose increasing the chances of failure. • Keep hydraulic ports marked to ensure the implement hoses are connected to the correct control from the tractor seat.

Rains noted that improperly connected hoses can result in the implement moving down when the up control is engaged, creating a crush hazard if someone is working beneath or within the implement.

“I think the main thing is to check your hydraulic lines every year for damage,”

GOOD HOSES – These hoses are in good condition.

TIME TO REPLACE – The cracked covering on these hoses indicate a potential leak hazard.

Rains said. “If the plastic covering is cracked or if there is exposed reinforcement or braiding showing, it may be time to look for replacing those hoses, so you don’t have these load failures or burst lines.”

For more on hydraulics safety, visit www.gfb.ag/hydraulic-safety .

Castro Labor Solutions

FORESTRY SERVICES Site Prep Spraying Tree Planting Crews Long Leaf Pine Straw Plantation Leasing

237 Red Rock Road Parrott, GA 39877 Phone: (229) 623-2040 | clsllcga.com

Trim and Mow the EASY Way!

DR® Trimmer Mower

• TRIM fencelines & perimeters • MOW waist-high grass & weeds • 5X the power of handheld trimmers • Self-propelled models • Gas- or battery-powered

USA

ENGINEERED AND BUILT

Assembled in the USA using domestic and foreign parts.

FREE SHIPPING SALE! Including DRtrimmer.com Request your FREE Product Catalog! Limitations apply. Toll Free: 877-273-8759