In recent years there has been a strong trend away from the use of quad bikes and the adoption of side-by-side vehicles (SSV) on farms.
The main reason for this change is a growing awareness of the risks associated with using quad bikes for farm tasks and the attraction of the relative safety of an SSV for farm work.
SSVs are highly capable and flexible vehicles which are excellent for farm tasks such as livestock mustering, weed spraying and fencing.
SSVs can provide much greater protection for the driver and passengers and also have the added attraction of much better and safer capacity to carry a load or tow a trailer.
Add to this the capability of an SSV to carry extra passengers - up to five plus the driver in some models - and the advantages of an SSV are very considerable.
Some SSVs can be equipped with an enclosed cab and some can even be specified with heating air-conditioning making them much more comfortable in hot or cold weather.
Another factor making SSVs more attractive to farmers is that prices for smaller SSVs are competitive with similar quad bikes.
With the growing trend for the adoption of SSVs on farms, it is essential that operators are trained to ensure that these vehicles are used safely and within manufacturers guidelines.
While the driving position and controls may be like a conventional 4wd vehicle or car, there are still some safety issues which need to be addressed and some training is essential to ensure that operators are aware of the vehicle capability and equipped with the skills to drive safely.
In 2017, Tocal College commenced partnering with Safework NSW for the delivery of a safety improvement program for quads bikes.
In 2019, this program was expanded to include operator training for SSVs.
Completion of the free one-day training course held throughout NSW enables eligible primary producers to access a rebate of $2000 to purchase an SSV from the approved listing.
The first issue addressed in SSV training is the use of appropriate safety equipment - seatbelts and helmets.
The use of seatbelts for operators and passengers is mandatory in NSW.
All manufacturers recommend the wearing of seatbelts and many SSVs are equipped with a safety system which will not allow the vehicle to exceed 12-15 kph if seat belts are not fastened.
The use of helmets fit for purpose is also highly recommended by Safework NSW and by manufacturers.
Suitable helmets with good ventilation and which do not impede hearing are now readily available from reputable suppliers.
The use of seatbelts and helmets for operators and passengers is strongly emphasised in SSV training delivered by Tocal College.
The principles covered in SSV training with Tocal College are:
- legislation and WHS requirements for operation;
- pre and post operational checks;
- how to drive the vehicle in an 'active' manner by shifting body weight to lean into corners or into a slope;
- awareness of the effective payload for an SSV and how to correctly secure loads;
- loading and unloading of an SSV and securing for it transport on a trailer or truck; and
- how to clean and maintain the vehicle to ensure good hygiene and assist with farm biosecurity.
Tocal College SSV training has a practical component with at least two to three hours of all terrain operation to ensure participants gain experience in a variety of conditions and can be assessed as competent.
Tocal College has recently developed and delivered training for Department of Primary Industries staff for a specialist application for the use for SSVs.
Several DPI Livestock Research Projects require staff to catch, weigh and tag newborn calves to record data for research.
Carrying out this operation safely and humanely in now being addressed using SSVs with 'calf catchers'.
The calf catcher is a cage attached to the left side of the vehicle which can be used to catch the animal in the field in a low stress and humane manner.
Advantages of using SSVs and catchers is there is no need to separate the cow and calf, it is quick and efficient with reduced animal stress and time off pasture, and improved operator safety.
This system has proved to be very effective with low impact on production and growth.
Operators are able to catch, weigh and tag up to 50 calves each day with minimal stress.
The operators are trained in using the SSV and calf catcher by using an exercise ball to practice the process.
Overall, SSVs have the potential to greatly improve both safety and productivity on Australian farms as they are much more stable, flexible and capable of a variety of tasks.
Wide adoption of SSVs and effective operator training could make a difference and prevent injuries and fatalities.
