Re: Kids driving tractors

Posted by JRSutton on April 19, 2012 at 11:08:21 from (160.79.139.151):

In Reply to: Kids driving tractors posted by Keith Molden on April 19, 2012 at 09:52:16:

I have a friend who lost his arms and half his face in a farming accident, and that's always there as a constant reminder of what can happen (and that's if you're lucky enough to live).

As somebody pointed out - it's one thing if you're have a NEED for extra hands. But for most of us, it's merely a desire to have the kids learn early.

You really need to balance that with some common sense.

There's nothing safe about driving any tractor in any condition. But there are obviously varying degrees of how dangerous a sitaution is.

To me, if the tractor is pulling something that WILL kill or maime the child if they fell off, like a brush hog or other powered implement) that's an instant red flag. Easy decision. NO.

Another red flag is if there are any hills/ruts/holes. If a tractor CAN flip if driven at the wrong angle or whatever, my kid isn't going to sit on it.

I judge any hill by considering what would happen if the clutch went out and the kid couldn't hit the brakes. (travelling down the hill, or up). Assume that WILL happen, and it makes the decision easy.

I've had my 10 year old pull hay wagons in flat fields while others collected hay. With hindsight - it may have been relatively safe for him, but not for those collecting the hay. I wouldn't do that again.

For anybody who has a love for old tractors, there's a desire to share that interest and instill some of the appreciation with our kids. I share that desire myself, and always want my kids to do everything.

Let's be honest, we want our kids to have the bragging rights of saying "oh I've been plowing fields since I was two".

But sometimes you have to remind yourself that a kid who learns to drive a tractor at 16 isn't really any worse off than a kid who's been on one since 6 years old.

Let's face it, driving a tractor doesn't require superhuman skills that benefit heavily from early development.

And as for appreciation, a young kid's going to gain just as much appreciation for the equipment by watching you as they will for actually using it. Sometimes more.

In fact, I'd say a young kid that's mowing fields at 10 is very likely to take his safety for granted in his future years.

Contrast that with a kid who's watched the process till he's sixteen - being told all the time that it's too dangerous for him and that he can only do it once he's a "man".

That kid will have a well formed respect for the machinery that will never go away. Not to mention give him a real sense of pride when he comes of age.

(sorry - him or HER)

Remember, any kid/person who doesn't have a little natural fear of a tractor is one that doesn't fully understand the dangers. There's no upside to eliminating that fear/respect.

Especially with the older equipment that most people on this forum deal with!

Replies:

Add a Reply Name: E-Mail: Subject: Comments: Optional Link URL: Link Title: Optional Image URL: Optional Video Title: Optional Video URL: Advanced Posting Options Email Notification: If you check this box, email will be sent to you whenever someone replies to this message. Your email address must be entered above to receive notification. This notification will be cancelled automatically after 2 weeks.   Advanced Posting Tools   Upload Photo  Select Gallery Photo  Attach Serial # List  Return to Post

TRACTOR PARTS	TRACTOR MANUALS

We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]