Farmall Cub Safety Tips

Antique tractors, including the Farmall Cub, are inherently dangerous.  They do not have all the modern safety features of modern tractors.  They are fun to operate and do a great job at a lower cost than new equipment.  Just remember these and other safety tips when operating and everyone will be happier and you'll live a long on prosperous life and hey, maybe we'll get to meet someday.

These tips are from the Farmall Cub operating manual.  If you have one review it from time to time, otherwise please review this list.
  • Never refuel tractor while engine is running or extremely hot.

  • When starting the engine in a barn or garage, keep the doors wide open as the exhaust gas from internal-combustion engines contains poisonous carbon monoxide which is odorless, tasteless and colorless.

  • Be sure the gearshift lever of the tractor is in neutral before starting the engine.

  • Always engage the clutch gently, especially when going up a hill or when pulling out of a ditch.

  • Always lock the brake pedals together when driving on the highway or when driving in high gear.  Be sure that the brakes are properly adjusted.

  • Never dismount from the tractor while it is in motion.  Wait until it stops.

  • Always drive the tractor at speeds slow enough to insure safety, especially when driving over rough ground or near ditches.

  • Be extra careful when working on hillsides.  Watch out for holes or ditches into which a wheel might drop and overturn the tractor.

  • Only one person, the operator, should be permitted to ride on the tractor when it is in operation. Always ride on the tractor seat when driving on the highway or to and from the fields.  Never ride on the tractor drawbar or on the drawn implement.

  • Always keep the tractor in gear when going down steep hills.

  • Loose or "floppy" clothing should not be worn by the operator because of the danger of it wrapping on or getting into the moving parts.

  • If the tractor will not move because the rear wheels have dug in or sunk deeply into the ground, don't fasten logs, posts or anything to the rear wheels that will prevent them from rotating.  This would be certain to tip the tractor over backward.  Instead.............. Dig out or jack up the rear wheels and fill in under them.  Or, if another tractor is available, hit it with a chain to the front en of the "stuck" tractor.  The power of both tractors can be used, it needed, provided a heavy pull is kept on the chain all the time.

  • Reduce speed before making a turn or when applying the brakes.

  • Remember, the danger of the tractor overturning increases four times when the speed is doubled.

  • Always stop the power take-off before dismounting from the tractor.

  • Don't put on or remove the belt from the belt pulley while the pulley is in motion.

  • Don't oil or grease the tractor while the engine is running.

  • Should the motor overheat, allow the engine to cool off before removing the cap to fill the radiator.  When removing the cap, be extremely careful to avoid being scalded by steam which has built up pressure in the radiator.

  • When tractor is pulling power equipment, be sure that all power line shielding is in place and in good order.

  • Always hitch to the tractor drawbar, and when pulling a heavy load, pull stumps, rocks, or fence posts - don't take up the slack of the chain with a jerk.

  • Never stand between the tractor and the drawn implement when hitching.