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When a Tractor Operator Needs to Call 811

Apr. 24 2021 Tractor Information and Resources By Team Tractor and Equipment

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We want to help you understand when you need to call 811.


And as a quick aside --- we are here to help you purchase a new tractor when the time is right.    

Let’s get to the details. 


What is the 811 Phone Number?

811 is a phone-in service that you can use to help you locate hazards on your property. 

Because there are many things underground that you may not be aware of --- 811 was set up to locate all the possible hazards and mark them on any land where you may be using your tractor to power a backhoe, post hole digger, or other excavating or tillage attachment.

  

When Do You Call 811?

You need to call 811 anytime you may be digging near a utility. 

Many times you won’t even know how close a utility is located to where you are working.

Things such as electrical wiring, water lines, Cable TV lines, telephone lines, internet lines, and natural gas service pipelines may all be hidden underground.

Unfortunately, many tractor operators might not think about this when they are preparing to work the land with their tractor.

Tractors can hit these underground utilities and cause serious damage or even outages.

To help you avoid making a tractor or excavating operating mistake --- here is a list of different tractor operations that will require you to call 811:

  • Soil sampling
  • Clearing
  • Grubbing
  • Deep tilling
  • Sub-soiling
  • Contouring
  • Terracing
  • Building a fence
  • Drain tiling
  • Auguring
  • Post hole digging
  • Tree & shrub planting
  • Ditch cleaning
  • Waterway construction
  • Removing trees or stumps
  • Grading
  • Ripping
  • Trenching


What Happens When You Call 811?

You are probably wondering what happens when you call 811 for help?

When you call 811 --- one or more technicians from the involved utility companies will come out and mark the buried lines on your property with flags or paint.

Utility companies recommend not using powered equipment within 24″ of the marked location(s).

The bottom line is to plan ahead by calling 811. Your safety depends on it.  You also may be able to prevent any major damage.

Hopefully, this brief article has helped you understand everything you need to know about the 811 service and why and when you need to use it.

If you need any further help, or have any questions about the 811 phone service, tractors, implements, or anything else equipment-related, please contact your dealer, local mechanic, or call us at 602-734-9944.  Please ask about our current new and used tractor supply.

If you are looking for old, vintage, classic, or new tractor parts, send us a part request.

Team Tractor Ranch - #1 Tractor Dealer in Arizona. We sell and service most major brands of tractors including Yanmar, Kubota, John Deere, TYM, Mahindra, Kioti, Case, New Holland, Massey Ferguson, Ford, Deutz, Case IH, Farmall, International Harvester, Branson Tractors, LS, Shibura, Claas Tractor, McCormick Tractors, Valtra, Solis, YTO, Montana, and Nortrac.