How to Operate Farm Equipment After Dusk

Farming requires working long hours in the field.  Oftentimes this means that you will have to operate your equipment after dusk.  This can be dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions while you are doing so, especially if you are planning on being on the road with other drivers.

Things That You Will Need

• A “slow moving vehicle” sign


• Some reflectors


• Lights

• Make sure that all of the lights on your equipment work.  This includes your headlights, spotlights and flashers. 


• Turn the lights on whenever you are on the road with reduced visibility conditions.  This includes fog, snow, rain and at night.


• Clean dust off of your lights and windshield.  This will make it easier for them to be seen.


• Turn any spotlights off before heading out onto the road.  They are way too bright and could cause another driver to become distracted and thus cause an accident.


• Place a “slow moving vehicle” sign on the back of your equipment whenever you must drive on the road.  This triangular sign is a universal warning that you are traveling at a speed under 25 miles per hour. 


• Place two reflectors on the outside edges of your equipment whenever you are driving down the road.  If these are blocked for any reason, you should add a set of red flashers to the equipment.


• Make sure that anyone who works with you is trained on where to place these lights and in how to use them.


• Remember to use pilot cars in both the front and back if you are moving wide equipment.