Fit to go

While many regulations do not apply to agricultural tractors and trailers, such as statutory testing, there is still a responsibility to ensure that machinery is legal and safe to use on public roads with other traffic.

It is essential that trailers have regular checks and annual overhauls, which are recorded.

Before you use public roads carry out a final maintenance check before you set off, including:
• Are the valves and lines to the brakes functional, clean, undamaged and properly connected? Will they snag on full lock?
• Are all the lights clean, undamaged and working correctly?
• Are the tyre pressures correct and all tyres in legal condition?
• Have the brakes for the trailer been regularly serviced and adjusted? Are they adequate for the task being performed?
• Is the load evenly spread, securely fastened and unlikely to be shed during the journey?
• Are cab windows clean, wipers working and mirrors set up for the load?
• Have you sufficient fuel?
• Check condition and wear in hitch eye and hook.
• If using dual carriageways with a conventional tractor, is the flashing roof beacon working and can it be seen over the load from the rear? If not, you may need another beacon on the trailer.
• Ensure your trailer displays a valid and clear rear number plate.
• Know your length, width, height and weight. If over-size have you informed the Police and arranged an escort vehicle?
• Are the tractor and trailer correctly loaded to match the capabilities of both the driver and vehicles? Is it being used legally with respect to the operation undertaken?

Make your vehicles more conspicuous
When your farm movements entail frequent use of busy or unlit roads, you may wish to make your trailers more conspicuous to other road users. You could fit rear reflective plates, such as “LONG VEHICLE” as fitted to trucks, even though you don’t have to have them.

You will probably keep the same trailers throughout their life, so why not paint your business name and post-code on the tailgate, to increase conspicuity and help to deter thieves? Consider extra reflectors or supplementary lights higher up the vehicle, with red at the rear, orange on the sides and white at the front.

On the road:
• Do not use your mobile phone while driving.
• Be considerate to other drivers, allow them to overtake when safe.
• Trailers parked overnight on public roads must have lights, whether they are hitched or not.
• Ensure that you can see behind the trailer through your mirrors.
• Apply parking brakes before you unhitch.
• Have a contingency plan in case of breakdown – contact numbers etc.
• Carry and use a high-visibility jacket or waistcoat and replace it when it is dirty or faded.
• Wear the seat belt where fitted – it will decrease the chance of being thrown from the cab in an accident.
• Before you get onto public roads, check your brakes.
• Take care when turning right and ensure the indicators cancel after each manoeuvre.
• Give as much clearance as possible when overtaking horses and cyclists.
• Avoid tracking mud and stones off fields onto the road, ensure that you warn other motorists about any mud on the road and take action to clean the road after use.

Secure your loads
Debris on the roads is dangerous for other road users, particularly motorcyclists, and costs public funds to clear it up. It also means a lost load for you, so cover it and protect it.

Be extra cautious when leaving a driveway or gateway. Look both ways before pulling out and be aware of approaching vehicles, as they may be going too fast to stop in time. If in doubt, hold on and wait for a safer gap.