Equipment with Cutter Bars and Blades for Trainers and Supervisors

Tailgate Safety Training for Landscaping and Horticultural Services

AEX-892.2.14

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Date:

05/25/2018

Agricultural Safety and Health Program

Objective: Use safe procedures to work with and unclog machinery with cutter bars or blades.

Trainer’s Note

Safety must always be the first priority for machinery with cutter bars or blades. For this module:

Conduct this session in the shop or the field.
Have equipment available to show the proper way to disengage and unclog cutters.
Review the information below on service and maintenance needs.
Review the important points.
Have workers take the True/False quiz to check their learning.

Background

Equipment with cutter bars or blades includes sickle cutter bars, rotary disk cutting blades, and hand-held powered cutting devices. When using cutting equipment, the operator should be familiar with the mechanisms and safety precautions.

Working with Cutter Bars and Blades

Keep hands and feet away from the cutter bar or blade when the machine is running. Shut off the power before unclogging, servicing, or moving the machine.
Mowers with rotating disks can throw objects. Do not operate when bystanders are near. Thrown objects can cause serious injury.
Use the mower safety curtain or cover when operating the cutter bar or blades. Safety curtains prevent objects from being thrown by the rotating disks.
Safety curtains may not catch all flying objects. Use personal eye protection to prevent injury from anything thrown—personal eye protection, protective gloves, and hard hats. (For more details, see the Tailgate Safety Training modules Personal Eye Protection, Protective Gloves, and Protecting the Head.)
Tractors with cabs offer additional protection from thrown objects.
Keep knives and fastening hardware in good condition. This prevents knives from being thrown from the machine. Consult the operator’s manual for directions.

Follow These Steps to Safely Unclog the Cutter Bar or Blade and Remove Debris

Stop and disengage the power take-off (PTO) or drive clutch.
Raise the cutting and mowing device and back up.
Move the machine clear of the accumulated debris.
Shut off the engine. With the parking brake engaged, shift the transmission into park or neutral.
Pull the clogged debris away from the cutter bar or blade.
Check the cutter bar or blade for broken or damaged parts.
Return the safety curtain or cover to the proper operating position.
Start the engine. Engage the PTO at low speed. Then increase it to the rated speed.

Knives and rotating disks on cutter bars and blades can cause severe injury if used improperly. Rocks or other debris thrown by rotating disks, blades, and knives can injure the operator or bystanders. Follow all safety precautions.

Review These Important Points

Always disengage the PTO before attempting to service any cutting device.
Use and maintain all machine shields and covers.
Use personal eye protection as added protection.
When pulling debris out of cutter bars or blades, pull away from the knives.

About These Modules
The author team for the training modules in the landscape and horticultural tailgate training series includes Dee Jepsen, Program Director, Agricultural Safety and Health, Ohio State University Extension; Michael Wonacott, Research Specialist, Vocational Education; Peter Ling, Greenhouse Specialist; and Thomas Bean, Agricultural Safety Specialist. Modules were developed with funding from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Grant Number 46E3-HT09.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the U.S. Department of Labor.