Vermont is among the states that offers tractor owners incentives for purchasing a safety device to help prevent against the biggest threat on farms, according to a published report.
To guard against tractor rollovers, a program that offers rebates for fitting tractors with roll bars is available through the University of Vermont Extension, WCAX reports. New Hampshire and Pennsylvania are two states that already have operating roll bar rebate programs to help prevent potentially fatal mishaps. The program is especially valuable for older tractors that were not manufactured with safety precautions.
"Oftentimes people will say, 'well, what's available for my '58 John Deere?' And really we have a database of every kit made in the world," Matt Myers of Rebates for Roll Bars said.
Funded by private donations, the UVM Extension and Cooperative Insurance, the rebates typically average about $700 for tractor owners. In addition to acquiring roll bars, farmers also are provided seatbelts.
"So that one call will give you what's available, if it's a fold-over, whatever. And then you go ahead and order it and then you get the rebate," Myers said.
Roll bar, seatbelt program for tractors available to Vermont farmers
Farmers in Vermont can acquire rebates for installing roll bars and seat belts in older-model tractors.