You can find bulldozers on almost every worksite, and, for most jobs, John Deere is the brand of choice. The brand offers dozers in many different sizes, so you can complete the tasks at hand with minimal effort. Whether tearing something down, cleaning up debris, or moving heavy loads, John Deere dozers can accommodate a variety of tasks, making them the perfect piece of equipment for any job.

However, when using a John Deere dozer on the worksite, it’s important to remember that improper use of equipment can lead to injury or unwanted damage. Knowing a few best practices and making sure all workers understand them will result in a safer work environment for everybody. Here are seven safety tips for operating a John Deere dozer.

Wear the Propper PPE

No matter what type of worksite you’re on, you must have the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to limit potential accidents. In fact, the law requires businesses to outline the proper PPE requirements for a job and ensure all employees meet them before allowing them on-site.

Workers often encounter chemicals, fumes, and other dangerous materials while using heavy equipment, so being prepared is essential. Moving parts, falling debris, and loose wires are also potential dangers to watch out for. Those operating a John Deere dozer should, at the very least, always wear a hard hat and steel-toed boots to protect themselves from injury.

Watch for Obstructions and Hazards

Awareness is key when operating a John Deere dozer. There are numerous workplace hazards that can easily cause an accident if you don’t see them in time. Knowing what to watch out for can make it easier to avoid some of the most common workplace accidents.

Moving vehicles, building materials, and random equipment are just a few things to watch out for. Most important, however, is being wary of other people. Additionally, never operate with an obstructed view, and don’t run over objects, especially if you don’t know what’s inside. Those operating John Deere dozers should receive the proper awareness training before using them on the worksite.

Park on a Level Surface

You have a few things to remember when parking your John Deere dozer, such as keeping it away from vital power and water lines and double-checking your line of sight. However, the most important thing is to ensure it’s stopped on a level surface before shutting off the engine.

Even slight inclines can cause a heavy dozer to fall over or roll away from you, which can be incredibly dangerous. You should also always have quick access to the vehicle’s exit in case of an emergency. Therefore, never park near other operating equipment or machinery, and find a place that’s out of the way of traffic.

Wear Your Seatbelt

Seatbelts aren’t just for passenger vehicles; heavy equipment operators are also supposed to wear them. Even if you aren’t moving at high speeds, you should always wear your seatbelt for maximum safety. Failing to do so is risky, especially should an accident occur.

In fact, construction sites have specific rules requiring those operating earth-moving equipment to use their seatbelts whenever the equipment is in motion. Although it might not seem like much, simply strapping yourself in can protect you from danger. A proper industrial seatbelt can save your life in case the vehicle rolls or has a collision. You’ll also gain protection from other injuries, such as whiplash.

Do Proper Maintenance

Heavy equipment requires proper maintenance to last, and it’s no different for bulldozers. Sideloading, running in reverse, and constantly turning in the same direction can all cause long-term damage to heavy equipment, but these maneuvers are often hard to avoid. This inevitable degradation makes it especially important to do a checkup before and after every use.

Therefore, you might want to consider creating a list to ensure you don’t miss anything important. Check your oil and coolant before starting work. Take some time to Inspect for damaged parts, leaks, or any other problems that might affect safe operation at the end of the workday. If something looks like it needs repair or replacement, don’t wait. Finding the best John Deere construction equipment parts will allow you to keep your equipment running no matter what.

Limit Your Speed

Tight spaces present a variety of workplace hazards, including fire, a buildup of fumes, and falling debris. These potential obstacles make it especially important to take your time in tight spaces. Driving slowly through chokepoints allows workers to get out of the way or move obstacles, so you, the worksite, and the dozer emerge safely.

Also, John Deere dozers are heavy, so it takes time to stop. If something happens with the brakes, you want to ensure you have enough time to reduce your speed safely. It’s especially important to go slowly while driving on inclines, where it’s easy to lose control of the machinery.

Keep the Engine Off When Not in Use

Leaving heavy equipment running for long periods without using it isn’t just wasteful—it can also pose a danger to those around it. Heat, exhaust, and fumes can build up and endanger the health and well-being of nearby workers. Limiting the amount of time your dozer is running can also extend its life, saving you time and maintenance costs.

Turning off your John Deere bulldozer’s engine while not in use will also ensure it doesn’t move while you’re getting in and out, avoiding potential injuries to you and others. So whenever you’re finished with a task or taking a break, stop the dozer in a safe spot, engage the parking brake, and turn it off.

Be Prepared and Stay Safe

There’s never a guarantee that you’ll stay safe on a worksite, but you can greatly reduce the likelihood of accidents and injury by following best practices. These safety tips for operating a John Deere dozer will make it easier to prevent accidents from occurring.

By creating a safety plan and sticking to it, you’ll have fewer surprises. So take the time to educate employees, so they know the best practices they should follow while on the job.