Farm Trailer Safety Checklist

Farm trailers are used to transport a range of products, such as hay, feed, and cattle, and are a crucial piece of equipment for many farmers around the world. Farm trailers must be regularly inspected for safety reasons, just like any other piece of machinery, to make sure they are in good operating order. Despite their vital importance, however, many owners of trailers fail to carry out essential maintenance and safety checks, putting themselves in danger.

Buying a used second hand farm trailer can be a great, budget-friendly option for many farmers. It is, however, important to keep up with regular safety checks in order to keep farm trailers in peak functioning shape and safeguard the farmers who use them. In this blog, we’ll be running through some of the key safety checks that should be performed on farm trailers to keep them in top working condition.

Elements of a Farm Trailer You Should Be Checking

Tires

The tyres on any farm trailer should be inspected first and foremost for safety. An agricultural trailer can become unstable due to old, damaged, or under-inflated tyres, which increases the risk of accidents and injuries. Consequently, it is crucial to check the tread depth and pressure of the tyres frequently, and replace any that exhibit wear or damage.

Brakes

A farm trailer's brakes are equally as crucial as its tyres. Inadequate brakes make it more challenging to manage the trailer, which increases the risk of accidents. Therefore, it is crucial to perform routine brake checks and replace any brake pads that are worn or damaged.

Lighting

An agricultural trailer's safety depends on having adequate lighting. The failure of the trailer's lights may prevent other motorists from spotting the trailer, which may result in collisions. The headlights, taillights, and brake lights on the trailer must all be checked, and any inoperative bulbs must be replaced.

Do farm trailers need lights?

Farm trailers in the United Kingdom are required to have lights. According to the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, farm trailers must be equipped with a lighting system that includes stop lamps, direction indicator lamps, rear position lamps, rear registration plate lamps, and reflectors.

Agricultural trailers also need to have side marker lamps if the width of the trailer exceeds 1.3 meters. The lighting system must be in good working order and visible from a reasonable distance.

Hitch and Coupler

The components of the agricultural trailer that attach it to the tractor or truck are the hitch and coupler. If these components are malfunctioning, the trailer may separate from the tractor or truck, which may cause accidents. Therefore, it is crucial to constantly inspect the hitch and coupler and repair any worn or damaged parts.

Flooring

If the farm trailer's flooring is damaged, accidents and injuries may result. It is crucial to frequently inspect the flooring and replace any worn or broken boards.

Suspension

Farm trailers' suspension systems are in charge of dampening shocks and vibrations when the trailer is in motion. The trailer might become unstable and more likely to crash if the suspension is worn out or destroyed. Regular suspension system inspections are crucial, and any worn or broken components should be changed.

Electrical Systems

The farm trailer's electrical system powers the brakes, lights, and other systems. If the electrical system malfunctions, it might make the trailer more challenging to control and increase the chance of accidents. It's crucial to constantly inspect the electrical system of your agricultural trailer and replace any corroded or damaged wiring.

Safety Chains

Safety chains are used to secure the trailer to the tractor or truck in case of a hitch failure. It is important to check the safety chains regularly to ensure that they are in good condition and properly attached to the hitch.

Are safety chains required on trailers?

Safety chains are not typically required by law on farm trailers, but it is recommended to use them as an added safety measure. Safety chains are used to secure the agricultural trailer to the tractor or truck in case of a hitch failure, which can prevent the trailer from becoming detached and causing an accident. It's also important to check with the manufacturer's guidelines on the use of safety chains on the specific farm trailer you have.

Bearings

The bearings are responsible for allowing the wheels to rotate smoothly. If the bearings are worn or damaged, it can cause the trailer to become unstable and increase the risk of accidents. It is important to check the bearings regularly and replace any that are worn or damaged.

Overall Condition

A visual inspection of the overall condition of the trailer is important. Look for any signs of rust, corrosion, or any other structural damage that could compromise the safety of the trailer. It's also important to ensure that all of the attachments and accessories are securely attached and in good condition.

The Importance of Farm Trailer Safety Checks

Farmers can keep their farm trailers in good operating order and safeguard themselves and others from accidents by undertaking these routine safety checks.

When completing any maintenance or safety inspections on the farm trailer, it is imperative that you stick to the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations.

The Tilly Pass System

The Tilly trailer pass system ensures that farm trailers are maintained to the legal standard set out in the PUWER 98 regulations. By booking your trailer in for an inspection against the Tilly check system, you can be certain that your trailer is roadworthy and in top functional condition. If your trailer passes the inspection, then a certificate will be affixed to its tailgate, and your trailer will be visibly compliant with farm machinery regulations.

Where can I buy used farm trailers in the UK?

As one of the nation’s leading suppliers of used farm machinery and equipment, we offer a wide range of used farm trailers, including a variety of models from popular brands, such as Richard Western, Titan, Chieftain, Ifor Williams and more. With more than 25 years’ experience, we have the knowledge to help you get the best deal. Our 6-Acre site has hundreds of machines in stock. We’re conveniently located in central England.

Our customer-centric approach is at the core of everything we do, ensuring all the farmers that choose us as their equipment partner save time and money while making the best decisions for their needs. Contact us today by calling 01926 640637, sending an email to [email protected], or by using the form on our website. Discover the ways we can help - you won’t regret it!