Transporting hay is a necessary and fairly common task for farmers and ranchers. It is the type of task we do often enough to take for granted.  However, a round bale can weigh between 1,200 to 2,200 pounds. If handled incorrectly, a bale could land on a person and have fatal consequences.

Keep these rules in mind to keep you, your workers and your family safe.

• Check that the couplings between tractors and trailers are properly secured.
• Do not move partly loaded trailers over slopes or areas of rough ground which could cause bales to be dislodged.
• Determine and inspect driving routes over pasture land in advance and instruct drivers  accordingly.
• Plan road travel to avoid overhead obstructions, such as trees and low bridges.
• When transporting bales by tractor and attachment, carry the bale as low as practicable to the ground.
• Tractor stability may be affected if carrying bales at raised heights over uneven terrain or turning too sharply.
• If stopping to open gates, lower the load to the ground before getting off the tractor.
• Ensure people in the vicinity are clear of the driving route during transportation.
• Travel at a safe speed.
• Ensure that no one rides on any machinery, particular the drawbars of trailer units.

References:  Check out these tips and more information on safe hay handling at http://www.osh.govt.nz/order/catalogue/pdf/haybales.pdf.