Operating a sidewalk (or road) tractor on city sidewalks and roadways requires constant awareness, controlled movements, and strict adherence to safety procedures. Operators must conduct a pre-operation inspection before each shift, ensuring lights, warning beacons, brakes, steering, and attachments are fully functional. Seatbelts must be worn at all times, and high-visibility PPE is mandatory. Operate at safe, reduced speeds appropriate for pedestrian environments, uneven surfaces, and changing weather conditions.

When working on sidewalks, intersections, or near live traffic, operators must remain alert to pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles at all times. Maintain clear sight-lines, use hazard lights, and sound the horn when approaching blind corners, crossings, or congested areas. Attachments such as blades or blowers must be positioned to avoid striking curbs, poles, hydrants, tactile plates, or other infrastructure. Never assume pedestrians see or hear the equipment—be prepared to stop immediately if someone enters the work zone.

On roadways, tractors must be operated defensively and in accordance with traffic control plans and municipal standards. Always travel with traffic where possible, obey posted signage, and avoid sudden movements that could create hazards. Snow and material must be placed only in approved storage locations and never in a way that obstructs visibility, drainage, or pedestrian access. Safe operation is the operator’s responsibility at all times—efficiency must never come at the expense of public safety or accessibility.

Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory for all operators working in the City Yard. High-visibility safety vests or reflective outerwear must be worn at all times to ensure operators are clearly visible to others working nearby. Proper winter work gloves and CSA-approved winter boots with adequate traction are required to protect against cold temperatures, sharp edges, and slip hazards commonly present in yard and equipment staging areas.

Operators must remain aware that the City Yard is an active work zone with multiple pieces of large equipment operating simultaneously. Reflective clothing enhances visibility in low-light, snowy, or poor weather conditions and helps reduce the risk of struck-by incidents. PPE must be worn correctly and kept in good condition; damaged, obscured, or non-compliant equipment must be replaced immediately.

For safety reasons, operators must remain inside the cab of the tractor while other large machinery is operating in the immediate area, unless directed otherwise by a supervisor. Exiting the cab in active zones significantly increases the risk of injury due to moving equipment and limited visibility. Operators should only exit their equipment once surrounding machinery has stopped or when it is safe to do so, and after confirming they are clearly visible to others in the yard.

Operating a front-mounted, two-stage snow blower attachment on a Kubota tractor requires constant awareness of your surroundings and a disciplined operating approach. Before engaging the blower, always ensure the sidewalk, intersection, or work area ahead is clear and safe to proceed. Operators must visually check for fixed obstacles such as cable boxes, Bell Canada service equipment, concrete curbs, raised paving stones, fire hydrants, and other hidden infrastructure that may be buried under snow. Contact with these objects can cause severe equipment damage and pose a safety risk to the operator and the public.

Proper engine and attachment speed are critical for safe and effective operation. The snow blower auger and impeller are designed to operate at full PTO speed, which requires the tractor to be at full throttle while the attachment is engaged. Operating below the recommended RPM can lead to poor snow discharge, increased clogging, and excessive strain on the auger, shear pins, and chain drive system. Full throttle ensures the augers are spinning at maximum RPM, allowing snow to be thrown efficiently and safely away from the work area.

When blowing snow, operators must take slow, controlled “bites” into the snowpack. Attempting to take too much snow at once significantly increases the risk of breaking shear pins or damaging the chain drive. Heavy windrows, plowed snowbanks, and compacted snow should be approached gradually. If chunks of ice or frozen material are present, slow down further and allow the blower to process the material steadily to prevent the chute throat from jamming or plugging.

Special care must be taken when operating on bridges, overpasses, or elevated sidewalks. Snow must never be blown onto active roadways or highways below. Operators must adjust chute direction and deflector angles to ensure all discharged snow remains within safe areas. If safe snow placement is not possible, operators must stop and notify supervision for alternate instructions. Protecting traffic and the public below is a critical safety responsibility.

Most importantly, operators must work in a low gear, maintain slow ground speed, and allow the blower to do the work. Always approach snow gradually, keep full throttle applied to the attachment, and avoid rushing the operation. Be aware that fuel consumption increases significantly when operating a snow blower at full RPM for extended periods. Operators should monitor fuel levels closely and be prepared to top up with diesel periodically throughout their shift to avoid unplanned shutdowns during active snow events.