Cymraeg

Machinery
Section 2 - Start-up, Drive, and Stop the Tractor

This resource is suitable to support Level 2 Agriculture courses.

Content

This section on starting-up, driving, and stopping the tractor will contain information on the following:

  • Session 1 - Pre-start checks.
  • Session 2 - The instrument panel.
  • Session 3 - Tractor driving and common hazards.
    • tractor in field

    Session 1
    Pre-Start Checks Before Driving the Tractor

    Pre-Start Checks

    Personal pre-start checks:

  • Receive training before using any machinery.
  • Suitable Clothing - no loose clothing or jewellery which could get caught up in moving parts, tie back long hair, use suitable footwear (safety boots, clean with good grip) and PPE if required (Ear defenders/gloves)
  • Be alert and not overtired.
  • Be familiar with the controls and capability of the tractor.
    • person in tractor, looking out at person showing them a checklist

    Tractor Pre-Start Checks

  • Check fuel – either a visual check in older models or check the fuel gauge.
  • Check oil – gearbox/power steering/engine/rear axle.
  • Clutch and brake fluid.
  • Check water level and radiator is free from debris.
    • tractor engine

    Tractor Pre-Start Checks

  • Check tyres for wear/pressure and defects.
  • Check lights especially brake, indicator and beacon.
  • Check battery connections and electrolyte level.
  • Check fan belt for tension and wear.
    • tyre marks in soil

    Tractor Pre-Start Checks

  • Check all windows are clean.
  • Check mirrors are in the correct position and clean.
  • Remove any tools or any other obstructions from the cab floor.
    • dirty tractor in yard

    Tractor Pre-Start Checks

  • Ensure that all the fuel, fluid, water, oil and electrolyte levels are to the correct levels (Operator’s manual).
  • Ensure all the lights are working and clean.
  • Set tyres to correct pressures for the work planned.
  • Tighten or replace fan belt as necessary.
    • tractor light with mud covering it

    Session 2


    The Instrument Panel

    The Instrument Panel

    Different tractor makes and models have instruments and controls located in different places.

  • The operator’s manual will identify and explain the controls and gauges fitted.
    • front profile of tractor

    Instruments

    Instruments would be for:

  • Fuel
  • Oil pressure
  • Temperature/Coolant
  • Ammeter
  • Hour meter
    • tractor instrument panel

    Controls:

  • Hand brake
  • Gear levers
  • Hand throttle
  • Foot throttle
  • Clutch
  • Brakes
  • Hydraulic levers
  • Electric controls (lights etc)
  • PTO Control
    • tractor instrument panel

    Symbols used on a control panel

    tractor control panel symbols

    Session 3


    Tractor Driving Hazards Around the Farm

    Tractor Driving and Common Hazards

    Gateways

    There are three potential hazards to deal with when manoeuvring through gateways:

  • Size of the gap
  • Uneven ground (animal ruts/tractor ruts)
  • Obstructed view (Gateway onto a road)
    • tractor reaching a gate

    Approaching a Gateway

    When approaching a gateway, ensure that the width of the tractor does not exceed the gateway width.

  • Be aware of any attachments which may increase the overall width.
    • tractor going down narrow section in between fields

    Approaching Gateways

    Many gateways will have uneven ground, be muddy in wet conditions with ruts present.

  • Adjust the speed of the tractor, be aware of the change of ground conditions and change in levels.
  • A change in level can affect the stability of the tractor.
    • tractor halfway through gate

    Gateways on to Roads

    Due to the nature of the tractor, when passing through a gateway especially onto the highway, you will not have a clear view of oncoming vehicles.

  • Move slowly out until you are confident that no traffic will be affected by your actions.
  • Sound the horn to make people aware of your presence.
  • If you are travelling in and out of the gateway throughout the day, you should have bollards and signs on the road informing other traffic.
    • field with gate open on to road

    Blind Corners

    When approaching any blind corner ,approach slowly, sound your horn and proceed slowly until you have negotiated the corner.

  • There may be people, livestock or other vehicles around the corner.
    • blind corner on a road

    Narrow Access to Buildings

    Ensure your tractor is able to fit in the access safely – measure it.

  • If you can fit into the buildings you must travel slowly and be very aware of the width constraint.
  • If the building is very narrow you will have to be sure you not to turn when exiting the building until you are clear of the access.
    • two tractors on a narrow path

    Slopes/Varying Surfaces

    When you need to drive on slopes, bear in mind the gradient.

  • The steeper the slope, the greater the danger.
  • A tractor may go up a 18 degree slope safely but not come down it. Slopes of less than 10 degrees can cause accidents.
    • very steep hill slope

    Surface of the Ground

    Grass, heather, earth, loose stones, track, road and mud all affect how well a tractor can deal with the slope.

  • A change in vegetation may halve the grip.
    • rough ground

    Ground Conditions

    A slope which is safe during dry conditions may become unsafe if it is wet, waterlogged, frozen, thawing, etc.

    flooded land

    Weather Conditions

    The change in weather also affects the safety of the slope especially if it is raining, misty or windy.

    field with bridge over it

    Uneven Ground

    Steer clear of ruts, potholes, depressions, rock outcrops and animal tracks.

    uneven field

    Major Obstacles

    Take care near gateways, ditches, banks and drains.

    tractor in field

    Hidden Obstacles

    Look out for rabbit holes, mole hills, rocks, tree stumps – which may be hidden in vegetation.

    field with heavy vegetation

    Protocols After Driving

    After you have finished using the tractor and attachments leave them in a condition ready for use.

    parked tractor with clean attachments

    Protocols After Finishing Working With a Tractor

  • SAFE STOP – make sure the handbrake is fully applied, make sure all the controls and equipment are left safe, stop the engine, remove the key
  • Park up in designated area.
  • Clean off the tractor – wash down the exterior especially the windscreen and other glass areas. (side/back windows and mirrors)
    • parked tractor

    Tractor Checks After Using

  • Ensure all lights are clean (head lights, side and indicator lights and any other working lights fitted)
  • Ensure the cab floor is clear of dirt and tools.
  • Check tyres for damage and pressure.
  • Report any faults.
  • Fuel up ready for use – moisture can build up in the fuel tank as it cools.
  • Check lubricants.
  • Check water.
    • parked tractor

    Loaders on Tractors: Checks After Using

  • Clean off the loader.
  • Loader left on correct stand on level ground.
  • Check attachment pins for damage.
  • Check hydraulic pipes and connections for bulges or other damage.
  • Check loader attachments (buckets, grabs etc).
  • Check hydraulic rams for signs of leaking seals.
  • Report any faults.
  • Grease parts.
    • parked tractor with loader attached at ground level

    Trailed Attachments

  • Clean off the implement.
  • Park on level ground if possible.
  • Engage hand brakes if fitted.
  • Put onto the jacks if fitted.
  • Put onto the correct shoe if fitted.
    • unattached trailed attachment

    Trailed Attachments

  • Ensure hydraulic pipes are disengaged with no pressure build up.
  • Check hydraulic pipes and connections for bulges, leaks or other damage.
  • Check hydraulic rams for signs of seal leaks.
  • Check tyres for wear, pressure or any damage.
    • tractor with trailed attachment in field

    Trailed Attachments

  • Visual check of implement for damage(including pto shafts).
  • Grease parts.
  • Report any faults.
    • attachment being fitted

    Mounted Implements

  • Clean off the implement.
  • Put on correct stand.
  • Check hydraulic pipes for damage.
  • Check hydraulic rams for damage.
  • Visual check for damage (including pto shaft).
  • Grease parts.
  • Report any faults.
    • bright red mounted attachment
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