BS EN 709:1997+A4:2009

What is BS EN 709 - Safety of pedestrian controlled tractors about? 

BS EN 709 is a standard that covers the safety of pedestrian controlled tractors, ensuring operational safety and performance in agricultural and forestry applications. 

BS EN 709 specifies safety requirements and testing for design and construction of pedestrian controlled tractors with mounted rotary cultivators with the cultivator rotating axis horizontal and perpendicular to the direction of motion of the machine, motor hoes and motor hoes with drive wheel, all as used in agriculture, forestry, landscaping and gardening. 

BS EN 709 describes methods for the elimination or reduction of risks arising from their use. BS EN 709 also specifies the type of information to be provided by the manufacturer on safe working practices. 

Note: BS EN 709 does not cover - 

• Environmental aspects 
• Machines manufactured before the date of its publication 
• Requirements to fulfil national road traffic regulations such as lights, steering and braking 

Who is BS EN 709 - Safety of pedestrian controlled tractors for? 

BS EN 709 on the safety of pedestrian controlled tractors applies to: 

• Manufacturers of pedestrian controlled tractors 
• Dealers and importers of pedestrian controlled tractors 
• Testing houses for pedestrian controlled tractors 
• Safety assurance services 
• Regulatory bodies 

Why should you use BS EN 709 - Safety of pedestrian controlled tractors? 

Pedestrian controlled tractors are self-propelled agricultural machines designed to be pedestrian controlled and capable of driving and pulling different working tools. They have components such as a mounted rotary cultivator, motor hoe, handlebars and more that enable driving and pulling tools. Fulfilling safety requirements ensure the safety of operators and tractors. 

BS EN 709 provides users guidance on safety requirements, including starting device, manual controls, identification of controls, reverse gear, guards for moving parts, handlebars, exhaust system, steering mechanisms, brakes and more, enabling the development of safety mechanisms for the stable operability of pedestrian controlled tractors. 

BS EN 709 provides a list of hazards and relevant clauses that includes mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, thermal hazards, hazards by vibration, hazards by radiation and more, enabling users to identify the hazards associated with the operations. 

BS EN 709 also provides guidance on information for use, instruction handbook and marking of pedestrian controlled tractors, enabling the standardization of information disclosure, operational instructions and safety protocols. 

With obedience and compliance of BS EN 709, users can develop and assess pedestrian controlled tractors, enabling risk reduction and development of safety protocols for the safety operability and longevity in agricultural and forestry applications.