18 Jun 2009

Warning on old tractors used to launch boats

6:37 pm on 18 June 2009

A Northland coroner has warned that the old tractors used by many people to launch their boats can be lethal.

The warning follows an inquest into the death of a 62-year-old Whangarei man killed when his tractor's steering failed and went over a seawall, crushing him.

Coroner Brandt Shortland found that parts of the old tractor, including the steering and brakes, were rusted, and that this ultimately cost the man his life.

Mr Shortland says boatowners should maintain their tractors and never underestimate the corrosion caused by years of launching boats off New Zealand beaches.