The Basic's of Driving a Tractor

Introduction

In this section you’ll learn the basic knowledge required to operate and drive a tractor. The operator’s manual is your guide to all instrument controls and the safe use of the tractor. It also gives you the tractor gear/speed chart with the correct range, gear and engine speed for a given PTO speed and ground speed.

Before starting

Carry out daily checks and maintenance tasks. Always take an all round check for obstacles and people before mounting the tractor.
Make sure the footbrakes are latched together and the hand brake firmly applied. Identify and understand all the controls.

Always sit in the driver’s seat when starting the engine. Buckle and adjust seat belt (if fitted). Put on ear protection unless you are working in a cab. Select the correct gear for the conditions.

Starting

Refer to the operator’s manual for detailed instructions and specifications for your tractor.
You must be in the operator’s seat to start the tractor, check that the area is clear of people and of obstacles.

Diesel engine

• Check that all gear levers are in neutral, place PTO and hydraulic levers in neutral position-leave implements down.
• Check that fuel cut-out control is in the run position. This is normally a push/pull knob which is pushed in to start and run. However this can vary with different tractors.
• Open throttle to fast idle and check that the handbrake is applied. Depress the clutch pedal fully then turn key to the start position.

  A diesel engine may have a preheater for starting

Note: For cold starting it may be necessary to adopt special procedures as indicated in your operator’s manual.

• When the engine starts, release the clutch pedal slowly. When the engine is running, check that all warning lights have gone out and that the instrument gauges show correct readings.
• Do not allow the engine to idle for long periods. Do not leave the tractor running unattended.

Petrol engine

• Turn on the fuel. (as recommended in your operators manual)
• Place all gear levers in the neutral position and place PTO and hydraulic levers in neutral position.
• Close the throttle control and check that the handbrake is applied.
• Depress clutch fully then pull out the choke control. (cold start)
• Turn on ignition switch and press starter switch. (on many tractors the ignition and starter switches are combined)

Note: Never operate starter continuously for more than 15 seconds. Always wait at least 20 seconds before operating starter again.

• Release the clutch pedal.
• As soon as the engine will run smoothly push the choke right in. Warm up at a fast idle and check warning lights and instruments before operation of the tractor.

Moving off

• Double check for all round clearance of people and of obstacles. Check that all items of equipment are secure, cowlings latched, independent brake pedals latched together, instruments reading correctly and passengers (if any) safely positioned in legally approved passenger seats only.

  Correct position of thumbs on the steering wheel

• Depress the clutch (1st stage on a two stage clutch) and select required gear. Release the parking brake. If the tractor starts to roll hold it with the foot brakes. Open throttle control sufficiently to prevent stalling the engine when load is applied. Don’t over rev the engine.
• Release the clutch pedal slowly and steadily. As the load is taken release the foot brake. If the engine revs tend to drop, increase throttle setting slightly.When the clutch is completely engaged remove foot from the pedal. (Never ride the clutch or brake pedal)

Note: Always engage the clutch and brake gently. Releasing it quickly can cause loss of control, damage and injury.

• Adjust the throttle to suitable operating speed. Check the instruments and gauges at frequent intervals. Check that the brakes are functional.

Safe driving

Smoothly engage the forward gears to suit the appropriate speed and load. Drive at a safe speed at all times. Fast driving is the cause of many accidents. Do not drive tractors with your thumbs wrapped around the inside of the steering wheel-some steering systems other than power steering may cause injury to the thumbs if an obstacle is struck.
Engage the lower gear before starting to go down a slope. Never change gears while descending and don’t rely on your brakes. Avoid turning uphill on very steep slopes. If it is essential to do so, turn gradually and at minimum speed. It is safer on two-wheel-drive tractors to keep the larger wheels uphill, even to the extent of reversing up slopes.

Slowing to a halt

Always use the throttle to slow down then use the clutch and footbrakes to stop. Remember, tractor brakes won’t stop you as quickly as car brakes. Be especially careful on loose surfaces.

In an emergency

The slowing to a halt procedure brings you to a halt but make sure you know how to stop the engine! On many tractors turning the key won’t stop the engine. A fuel shut-off lever has to be pulled or pushed. Check the operator’s manual.

Reversing

Position the tractor square on to the implement. Engage reverse gear and put your feet on the clutch and brake pedals (latter locked together). Check for all round clearance, insist that any assistants stand clear of tractor’s path. Reverse at slowest speed, minimum throttle setting and lowest gear ratio. Slip the clutch over the last few inches of movement. When the tractor is in position, depress the clutch and apply the brakes, apply the handbrake to stop further movement then disengage reverse gear and release the clutch.
Take care when backing up to an implement, it requires maximum care and concentration on the part of the operator, an error could seriously damage equipment or kill or injure a co-worker.

Note: Under no circumstances allow connections or adjustments to be carried out by an assistant while the tractor is in gear.

Parking the tractor

Choose the site. If possible park on flat ground with the tractor out of gear or in park and the fuel cut off stop in the off position.
if it’s necessary to park on sloping ground:

-leave in forward gear when facing up a slope
-leave in reverse gear when facing down a slope.

• Disengage gears and PTO.
• Apply the parking brake.
• Lower all hydraulically operated equipment.
• Stop the engine as instructed below.
• Normally the tractor is parked implement down, handbrake on and out of gear, if you need to park on a steep slope leave the tractor in the correct gear.

Diesel engine

• Close throttle.
• Operate the fuel cut-off.
• Switch off ignition and all electrical equipment.
• Remove key.
• If the tractor will not be used again that day, refill the fuel tank.

Note: Turbo charged diesel engines MUST be idled for 3 to 5 minutes before shutting off.

Petrol engine

• Idle for a few minutes.
• Switch off ignition and all electrical equipment.
• Remove key.
• Turn off fuel.
• If the tractor will not be used again that day, refill the fuel tank.

Working Safely

In addition to the general safety precautions:

Do not touch or operate any switch or control on a tractor unless you are sitting in the driving seat. Never start or run engine in an enclosed building without adequate ventilation.

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