
789-052Rev: 1/2020
Fire Safety
WARNING
WARNING: Diesel fuel and hydraulic oil are
flammable. Never smoke while handling fuel
or working on the fuel system. The fumes in an
empty fuel container are explosive. Never cut
or weld on or near fuel lines, tanks, or contain-
ers. Keep open flames and sparks away from
the machine.
Reduce the Risk of Fire
• Keep the baler free of
oil, grease, hay, and
trash accumulations.
Regular cleaning is
recommended for fire
prevention and gen-
eral safety. Use an ap-
proved solvent to clean
machine parts. Never
use gasoline or diesel
fuel.
• Shut off the engine and electrical equipment while
filling the fuel tank. Use extra caution when fuel-
ing a hot engine. Always ground the fuel nozzle
against the filler neck to avoid sparks.
• Never overfill the fuel or hydraulic tanks. Any over-
flow could cause a fire. Immediately repair any
hydraulic or fuel leaks and clean up any spills.
• Handle all solvents and dry chemicals according
to procedures identified on manufacturer’s contain-
ers. Work in a well-ventilated area. Make sure you
know where fire extinguishers are kept and how to
use them.
• Avoid spilling fuel or other hazardous liquids. If
a spill occurs, follow local or state regulations for
clean-up. Contact your state’s OSHA office for
details.
• Always ensure that excess grease and oil accu-
mulation, including spillage, is cleaned up immedi-
ately.
• Inspect the baler daily for potential fire hazards
and make any necessary repairs immediately.
• Check all the electrical wiring and connections for
defects, and repair or replace as necessary. Keep
battery terminals clean and tight.
• Never perform welding operations until the entire
machine has undergone a thorough cleaning. In
addition, cover rubber hoses, disconnect the battery,
and have at least a fire extinguisher at hand.
• Hydraulic fluid is flammable. Do not weld on or near
pipes, tubes, or hoses that are filled with fluid. Do not
smoke when checking or filling the tank. Keep open
flames and sparks away from the baler.
• Hay dust is combustible. Do not have an open flame
or weld in dusty environments.
• Maintain the engine cooling system to avoid over-
heating.
• Remember, there is always a risk of fire.
Fire Fighting Equipment
• It is recommended to carry an “ABC” fire extin-
guisher on the baler or in the pull vehicle at all times.
Install it within easy reach of the operator in a posi-
tion that protects it from damage. Use only a “quick
release” type of mount. It is also recommended to
carry a four gallon water container with a pump, or
as required by local and state law.
• Keep your fire extinguisher(s) fully charged and in
good working order. Know how to use them.
• Read and understand the instructions printed on the
canisters and learn how to operate them. Learn how
to remove the canisters from their mounting brackets
in the shortest amount of time.
• Service the extinguisher according to the manufac-
turer’s specifications. Service after every use, no
matter how short a time.
Fire Suppression
• Do not panic. At the first sign of trouble (burning
smell, smoke, visible flame, etc), stop the tractor and
turn off the engine in the clearest area available, with
the tractor upwind from the baler if possible.
• If the fire cannot be extinguished safely, immediately
evacuate the area. DO NOT attempt to extinguish it.
DO NOT risk personal injury. Contact your local fire
department.
• If you have determined that the fire may be safely
extinguished, use the fire extinguisher according
to the manufacturer’s instructions, or use the water
pump, aiming water at the base of the fire.
• When the baler has fully cooled, thoroughly inspect,
and make all necessary repairs to return the baler to
normal operation.
• Recharge or replace the extinguishers before return-
ing to work.