Farm Trailer Safety Checklist

Farm trailers are essential for transporting a variety of products, including hay, feed, and livestock. For many farmers worldwide, these trailers are a crucial piece of equipment. Just like any other machinery, farm trailers must be regularly inspected for safety to ensure they are in good working order. However, despite their importance, many trailer owners neglect necessary maintenance and safety checks, which can put them at risk.

Purchasing a farm trailer can be a budget-friendly option for many farmers. However, it is important to keep up with regular safety inspections to maintain the trailers in optimal condition and protect the farmers who use them. In this blog, we will outline key safety checks that should be performed on farm trailers to ensure they remain in top working order.

Elements of a Farm Trailer You Should Be Checking

Tires

The tyres on a farm trailer should be inspected primarily for safety. An agricultural trailer can become unstable if the tyres are old, damaged, or under-inflated, which raises the risk of accidents and injuries. Therefore, it is essential to regularly check the tread depth and pressure of the tyres, and to replace any that show signs of wear or damage.

Brakes

The brakes of a farm trailer are just as important as its tires. Inadequate brakes make it harder to control the trailer, which increases the risk of accidents. Therefore, it is essential to perform regular brake checks and replace any worn or damaged brake pads.

Lighting

The safety of an agricultural trailer is heavily reliant on proper lighting. If the trailer’s lights are not functioning, other motorists may not be able to see it, potentially leading to collisions. It's essential to check the headlights, taillights, and brake lights on the trailer, and to replace any faulty bulbs.

Do farm trailers need lights?

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

Additionally, agricultural trailers must have side marker lamps if their width exceeds 1.3 meters. The lighting system should be in good working order and visible from a reasonable distance.

Hitch and Coupler

The components that connect an agricultural trailer to a tractor or truck are the hitch and coupler. If these components are not functioning properly, the trailer may detach from the vehicle, potentially leading to accidents. Therefore, it is essential to regularly 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

The suspension systems of farm trailers are responsible for dampening shocks and vibrations while the trailer is in motion. If the suspension is worn or damaged, the trailer may become unstable and more prone to accidents. Therefore, regular inspections of the suspension system are essential, and any worn or broken components should be replaced promptly.

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 ensure their farm trailers are in good working condition and protect themselves and others from accidents by performing routine safety checks. 

When carrying out maintenance or safety inspections on the farm trailer, it is crucial to follow 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 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?

As one of the nation’s leading suppliers of farm machinery and equipment, Mingsin offers a wide range of farm trailers. With over 27 years of experience, Mingsin has the expertise to help you secure the best deal.

Our customer-centric approach is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that all the farmers who choose us as their equipment partner save time and money while making informed decisions tailored to their needs. 

Contact us today via WhatsApp, by sending an email, or using the form on our website. Discover how we can assist you—you won’t regret it!