Tips To Keep In Mind When Using An ATV On the Farm

The ATV has made many farm jobs a bit easier and more areas of large operations accessible any time of the year. All in all, the ATV has basically become the modern day horse when it comes to farming and ranch applications. Unfortunately, along with that increase in use has come an increase in related injuries and deaths. The majority of those incidents involve teens under the age of 16. Here are three things to keep in mind that may help you prevent an ATV accident on your farm.

• Roll-overs. ''An ATV can do many of the tasks formerly assigned to the small farm tractor. Just as safe tractor operation is influenced by speed, topography and load size, so is the operation of an ATV,'' writes Dennis Murphy, a professor at Penn State University. ''ATV overturns on steep or uneven terrain can happen quickly. High speed, uneven ground, ditches or large rocks increase the chance of the ATV being rolled or flipped during operation.'' Slow down and pick your path carefully. If you wouldn't drive a tractor over it, do not tackle it with your ATV. The other factor to consider is front versus rear braking. In a panic situation on an uphill path, too many novice - and even experienced - riders hit the rear brake. If the incline is steep enough, this can lead to a backwards roll-over. This is one of the most dangerous accidents on an all terrain vehicle.


• Loading and Braking. A heavy load can push an ATV down a slope, increasing the chances of a jack-knife or you losing control. Large loads on a trailer can push the limits of an ATVs ability to brake. Pull behind mowers can do the same. Another issue is when a farmer tries to hitch somewhere other than the manufacturer's hitch.


• Unseen Obstacles. One common use for an ATV is to herd livestock to the barn or milkhouse. This usually results in high speed operation of the ATV over uneven ground. All it takes is a dip in the field to flip an ATV over its front wheels, injuring or killing the rider. Be sure you know the terrain inside and out before increasing your speed.

The best way to avoid an ATV accident, especially for riders under 16, is to take a safety course. Additionally, it may be inconvenient to wear a helmet while you are working on the farm; inconvenient until that helmet saves your life one day.

Stan Bailey has been riding ATVs, motorcycles, and driving side-by-sides for years. You may want to consider insuring your all terrain vehicles, as heavy-duty use in an agricultural or ranch setting can definitely lead to damage