Power Lines and Big Farm Equipment

Otter Tail Power is concerned about the two coming together. In order to prevent these sparks and the potential resulting injuries they give us the following suggestions:

–Always have a spotter when moving large equipment, such as combines, grain augers, beet lifters, and tillage, irrigation, or excavation equipment, near power lines.

–Maintain adequate clearance between an electrical line and the top of any equipment. Don’t guess; know the height of the lines and the height of your equipment, including antennas.

–Be careful not to snag electrical equipment on the tractor’s rear wheels or with harvesting or tillage equipment in tight turns at the ends of fields.

–Pay special attention when hoisting truck boxes or folding tillage equipment for transport. Might that truck box contact an energized line? Will tillage equipment folded for road travel clear the overhead electrical lines that cross the field approach? When extended, might tillage equipment snag that nearby pole or transformer?

–Lower portable augers or elevators to their lowest possible level before moving or transporting them, and use care when raising them.

–Steer clear of power lines, guy wires, transformers, and junction boxes that may be along the edges of fields, in farmyards, and at grain-handling sites.

–Don’t build new storage bins near overhead electrical lines.

The key is to be aware of your surroundings and make sure you are staying clear of dangerous power lines.