Tractors come in all sizes and with different power engines. They can be given agricultural or personal use because they facilitate and make outdoor tasks more efficient. You can attach a plow or blower to your tractor and use it to remove snow; attach a shovel to transport wood, stone or compost; use forks to lift large logs, small dead trees, and other heavy objects; and even use it to mow the lawn. It is a versatile and essential rural tool. Read on to find out about other uses you can give your tractor.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Check the Tractor
Step 1. Check the tractor for safety problems
Walk around the tractor to inspect it before you get on it. You may need to adjust the wheel nuts or bolts periodically.
Step 2. Check the tractor tire pressure
If one or more tires are under pressure, this can cause instability and pose a safety hazard. If you don't use the tractor every day, get in the habit of checking the tires to make sure they're in good condition before you hit the field.
Step 3. Check that the stabilizer chains are well secured
Do this when the attachments are behind the tractor.
Step 4. Open the tractor hood
Check the cooling system, radiator, and battery levels to make sure they are in the proper range. Make sure you have enough fuel and oil to complete the job or task at hand.
Step 5. Protect yourself at all times
Wear good quality boots with a grippy sole and tie your hair if it is long. Avoid wearing dangling jewelry that can catch on the machine while it is moving, and avoid wearing loose clothing while operating the tractor. Always climb onto the tractor using the proper handle.
Part 2 of 3: Drive the Tractor
Step 1. Get on the tractor seat
Familiarize yourself with the controls and look for the clutch. Adjust the seat so that you can easily reach the steering wheel, throttle, and other controls with your hands and feet.
Wear your seatbelt whenever you are around other vehicles. While it may seem sensible to buckle up in the field, you will find that hardly any farmer buckles it up. Most likely, instead of an accident with your tractor, you will need to quickly turn off the engine and rush out to help someone. The safety bow will help you prevent serious injury. Always keep the safety of your tractor in mind and drive carefully
Step 2. Press down on the clutch pedal with your left foot
Make sure the transmission is in the neutral position while turning it over.
Step 3. Step on the brake with your right foot
Turn the key forward to start the engine. Once it ignites, slightly release the throttle (without suffocating it) to allow the engine to warm up a bit. If you go straight from starting the tractor to driving it, it will probably turn off.
Step 4. Release the tractor parking brake to steer it
Continue pushing the clutch to the floor of the tractor and put the transmission in first gear.
Step 5. Slowly lift your foot off the clutch
As with any manual transmission, you should release the clutch gently. It is much easier since you do not have to be actively feeding the motor. Keep the throttle at a low setting and take your foot off the brake.
Step 6. Maintain a slow and steady speed
Tractors are not made to drive especially fast; They are designed for durability and power. So don't force them too much. Drive slowly and pay special attention when turning or going through curves and hills.
If you use accessories or other equipment, drive very slowly and use caution when executing turns
Step 7. Press the clutch all the way to the ground to stop the tractor
Shift into neutral and pull on the parking brake. Slow down the throttle. Turn the tractor key to the off position to stop the tractor engine.
Part 3 of 3: Use the Tractor
Step 1. Make sure all operators are trained and familiar with the tractor
For farmers or employees under the age of 16, familiarize yourself with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) labor standards regarding child labor. Some heavy machinery jobs are too dangerous for less experienced workers to do.
- "The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) prohibits youth under the age of 16 from operating tractors greater than 20 horsepower, and connecting or disconnecting implements or parts of such tractors."
- In some places, it is necessary to obtain a license to drive a tractor on the road (in the UK and Australia, for example). Whereas in other regions, you don't need the license as long as you put shiny caution tape around your tractor to make it clearly visible.
Step 2. Equip your tractor with a mower
To remove heavy weeds and maintain rough areas of your property, it is very useful to attach a mower.
Step 3. Attach a shovel to the tractor and learn how to use it
Most Kubotas and other small tractors have a wide variety of attachments, including shovels that turn your tractor into a kind of small-scale backhoe. Use it to remove brush and trash from your property.
Take safety precautions when driving with a shovel. Never drive with the blade in the fully raised position, but remember to always raise it to the driving position so it does not drag in the mud
Step 4. Use grow accessories on larger tractors to plow the crop
If you have a stretch to plow, your job will be much easier with a cultivation attachment to break up the soil and help you plant the crops.
Step 5. Make sure attachments heavier than the tractor have independent brakes
If you use tractor attachments, you will need to drive very carefully and follow the guidelines outlined in the owner's manual for each implement, accessory, or device. Make sure heavier accessories are equipped with independent brakes and are in good condition, and learn how to use them.
Step 6. Attach all accessories correctly
Make sure to follow proper safety precautions while coupling your tractor to forklifts or other agricultural implements:
- Make sure no one is around the tractor, especially in the back
- Back the tractor slowly
- Practice a safe stop, applying the handbrake
- Put the transmission in the neutral position
- Dismount the tractor and hook it up
Advice
- Don't drive the tractor too fast.
- Be careful on the slopes and hills. Make sure to slow down when making turns.
- Be careful when removing and attaching the various attachments to the tractor.
- Tractors are not toys, so keep children away.
Warnings
- Never start the tractor unless you are in the seat. Misfortunes have occurred due to tractors accidentally running over their owners.
- Never leave the tractor running and unsupervised.
- Never take chances or rush while operating a tractor.
- Don't start your tractor's engine inside a garage or shed. Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide which can be deadly.