Warning Signs

You have probably noticed the warning signs on practically everything you buy these days.   They have become so prevalent that we are somewhat calloused to their meanings and to the reasons they are present on objects in the first place.

That is not so much the case with the warning signs on the machinery we have here at the farm.  In fact, most of these signs are downright eye-catching and in some cases humorous.  Our tractor has three such warning signs.  Take this one for example:

This is cautioning you to not raise the front-end-loader bucket too high if you have a heavy load.  Otherwise, it could fall back on you.  That is a scary thought!  And, even though the meaning is clear without reading the fine print, it still looks as if the guy on the tractor is trying to catch whatever that is that is falling on him and I have to laugh a little every time I see this one.

Here is another one.

Again, the meaning is clear.  DO NOT drive on steep slopes.  The fine print on this warning sign adds some other information.  (You can read the words if you click on the picture to make it bigger.)  For example, it says that if you have to use the tractor on a slope, then you can move the wheels farther apart to lower the center of gravity and make it less likely to tip over.  It also says to use the seat belt.  I am embarrassed to say that I was not aware the tractor had a seat belt until I read this sign closely.  Finally, it mentions the ROPS.  That stands for Roll-Over Prevention System.  This is a curved bar that can be mounted on top of the tractor to protect you in case of a roll-over.

Finally, there is this sign.

Of the three signs, this one is the most sobering for me.  Perhaps it is because I've heard news stories of people being electrocuted when a ladder or piece of machinery they are holding onto touches an electric wire.  Fortunately, I don't think any of our electric wires are low enough for this to happen.  But, it is good to have the reminder.