Quad bikes - a practical guide

Whether you're new to quad bikes or looking to improve safety and operating skills on the farm, this practical guide provides clear, step-by-step advice for safe and effective quad bike use in agricultural workplaces. Based on industry best practice and developed by Tocal College, it covers everything from pre-start checks and riding techniques to transporting, loading and maintaining quad bikes.

Who this guide is for

• Farmers and landholders
• Farm employees and contractors
• Agricultural students and trainees
• Vocational training and safety education providers
• Anyone required to operate a quad bike in a rural workplace

What you'll learn

• How to select the most suitable vehicle for the task
• Safe quad bike operating practices
• Pre-start safety inspections and maintenance checks
• Rider-active techniques for improved stability
• Safe riding on slopes, mud, water and sand
• Loading, towing and transporting quad bikes safely
• Quad bike servicing and routine maintenance
• Biosecurity and environmental considerations
• Safe Operating Procedure (SOP) development
  

Quad bikes are widely used across Australian farms, but they also present significant workplace safety risks when operated incorrectly. This guide provides practical information to help operators understand the capabilities and limitations of quad bikes while applying safe work practices.

The publication covers real-world situations commonly encountered in agriculture, including riding on uneven terrain, carrying loads, towing equipment, transporting machines and conducting routine maintenance. Strong emphasis is placed on risk management, hazard awareness and selecting the right machine for the job.

Developed by Tocal College with contributions from quad bike safety specialists and agricultural educators, this guide supports workplace training and helps build confidence and competence in quad bike operation. It aligns with nationally recognised agricultural training outcomes and serves as a valuable reference in both training and workplace settings.

If you operate, supervise or train people using quad bikes, this practical guide is an essential addition to your safety and training resources.

Table of contents

General quad bikes information

• Quad bikes and their use
• Safety
• Perform a pre-start safety check on a quad bike
• Ride a quad bike
• Riding on slopes
• Sand, water and mud
• Towing and loading
• Transporting a quad bike
• Servicing the quad bike
• What is a safe operating procedure statement
• Safe operating procedure
• Check your skill