Mirrors have long been seen as an essential addition to motor vehicles. Every road-going vehicle must have them and that includes tractors. Interestingly, you’re only legally required to have one mirror, that’s on the roadside of the tractor and it must be possible to adjust it from the driver’s seat.
However, does it really matter what type of mirrors your tractor has? After all, you spend most of your time off the road.
Why Tractor Mirrors Are Important
There are several reasons why tractor mirrors should be considered an essential addition to your vehicle.
Safety
Side mirrors and rearview mirrors were introduced to help improve safety on the road.
A mirror allows you to see what is going on behind you. For example, when you’re about to turn and there’s a motorcyclist overtaking. Using the mirror can prevent a nasty accident.
It’s not just on the road. When you’re working in the fields and your assistant is checking something your mirror allows you to see where they are. It can help prevent them from getting tangled in the farm machinery.
Of course, it also makes it safer for everyone when you’re operating in tight spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Being able to see what’s behind you makes it much easier to get your job done. You can verify you’re driving across the field in a straight line and that the plough lines are even as well as deep enough.
They can also be used by others to let you know what’s going on around you.
Because you know what is going on around you and can operate the tractor with confidence, you’ll find that you get the work done faster and more efficiently.
There are many different styles of tractor mirrors, you need to know what yours is, especially if you’re ever looking for high-quality replacement glass for mirrors.
Standard
These are the standard flat pieces of glass in a frame that are attached to the tractor when you purchase it. There’s an array of standard tractor mirrors which can be bought as an accessory for tractors without them.
The glass will help you to see what is going on around you but there will be areas that it can’t pick up.
Blind Spot
Standard flat tractor mirrors create blind spots, that’s areas where the mirror can’t see because it doesn’t have the right angle. If the mirror can’t show you an area, then you don’t know what is happening there.
Blind spot mirrors tend to adhere to your standard mirror and, because they are more concave, they’ll allow you to see what’s happening in your blind spot. That can make driving your tractor significantly safer.
Wide Angle
These are often attached to your existing tractor mirrors although they can be mounted separately. They’re longer and can offer a wider view of what is going on behind. The view may be slightly distorted, but it will give you a bigger picture of the terrain and people movements behind you. They are especially useful when you have a wide trailer behind you.
It should be noted that these mirrors are prone to vibration, especially if you’re driving over rough terrain. That can make it difficult to see the reflection.
How Panoramic and Adjustable Mirrors Can Be Beneficial
Adjustable mirrors are becoming standard. In fact, many modern tractor mirrors are electronically operated. That means you can adjust both of them with a finger from inside your cab. It’s a great idea when your visibility changes thanks to obstacles or if different people drive the same tractor.
Panoramic mirrors have also become more common on tractors. They offer a 180° view which enhances safety and your ability to do your job.
Summing Up
Of course, it’s also possible to add rear-view cameras and proximity sensors to improve safety while operating a tractor. However, tractor mirrors and plenty of awareness are generally enough to make everyone’s life easier and safer.
If you haven’t already upgraded your tractor mirror, it’s probably time you did.
