There are tractors of all sizes and with engines of various powers. They are used on farms (and not only) and are very useful in all outdoor tasks, simplifying the work. You can connect a shovel or blower and use the tractor to remove snow, or put a bucket and move wood, stones or mulch, while with the forks you can lift large logs, small dead trees and other heavy objects. You can even use the tractor to mow the lawn. It is undoubtedly an essential tool for country life. Read on for more information.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Control the Tractor
Step 1. Check all security settings
Take a ride around the vehicle and do an inspection before sitting in the driver's seat. Loose wheel bolts, screws and wheel nuts should be periodically tightened.
Step 2. Check the tire pressure
If one or more tires are flat, the tractor could become unstable and be a safety hazard. If you don't use the tractor every day, make it a habit to quickly inspect the wheels, so you can be sure that they are in excellent condition and that you can use the vehicle in the fields.
Step 3. Check the chain stabilizer to make sure they are secure
Do this when the equipment is behind the tractor.
Step 4. Open the hood
Take a look at the cooling system, the radiator and the battery charge level, to be sure everything is normal. Make sure you have enough gasoline and oil to finish the work in the fields.
Step 5. Always be cautious
Wear good quality boots with non-slip soles, and tie your long hair (if you have them). Do not wear dangling jewels that can get trapped in moving mechanical parts, and avoid loose clothing. When getting into the driver's seat always use the appropriate handles.
Part 2 of 3: Driving the Tractor
Step 1. Get into the driver's seat
Get familiar with the instrumentation and find the clutch. Adjust the seat so you can easily reach the steering, throttle and other controls with both your hands and feet.
Fasten your seat belt whenever you approach other vehicles. When you are in the fields, although common sense dictates to always keep the belt fastened, you realize that no farmer does. When driving a tractor, you are more likely to have to stop the engine and jump out of the vehicle quickly than to crash. The safety roll bar helps prevent serious injuries. Always drive carefully
Step 2. Press the clutch pedal down with your left foot
You need to be sure the transmission is in neutral when you start the engine.
Step 3. Press the brake with your right foot
Turn the ignition key forward to start the engine. When it is in motion, press the accelerator lightly (without exaggerating) to warm up the tractor. If you try to get into gear immediately after starting it, the engine will stall.
Step 4. To move, release the parking brake
Always keep the clutch pressed and put into first gear.
Step 5. Slowly lift your foot off the clutch pedal
As with any manual transmission vehicle, you need to be slow and smooth in releasing the clutch. It's very simple, because you don't have to give the throttle at the same time, just let the engine idle and take your foot off the brake.
Step 6. Keep your speed low and steady
Tractors are not made to be fast, but to be tough and powerful. Don't overdo it, go slowly, and take turns, turns and climbs with particular care.
Above all, if you have connected special tools or other tools to the tractor, you must move slowly and with great care in curves
Step 7. To stop the tractor, fully depress the clutch pedal
Put the gear in neutral and apply the parking brake. Turn off the gas and turn the key to stop the engine.
Part 3 of 3: Using the Tractor
Step 1. Make sure everyone who uses the tractor has been properly trained and is familiar with the vehicle
The rules for driving agricultural vehicles have recently changed in Italy, check which license is needed based on the power and size specifications of your tractor. If there are minors who work with you in the fields, remember that they cannot perform all the duties provided, as some are considered too dangerous by the law.
- "The Italian highway code provides that 16-year-olds with an A1 license can drive agricultural and operating machines of 1.60 m wide, 4 m long, 2.50 m high, with a maximum speed of 40 km / h. a laden mass of 2.5 tons ".
- In some states a specific license is required to drive tractors on the road (for example in the UK and Australia), while in others it is not required if a reflective warning sign is displayed in a visible place on the vehicle.
Step 2. Connect a mowing tool
For cutting grass in very large lawns or for heavier jobs on your property, this accessory is very useful when you need to remove weeds and bushes.
Step 3. Assemble a bucket and learn how to use it
The smallest and most popular tractors have an infinity of accessories, including buckets that transform your vehicle into a small excavator. You will be able to transport pruning residues and other rubbish from one point of your property to another.
Follow the instructions for safe driving when using the bucket. Do not move with the bucket completely "raised", but remember to raise it a little from the ground to avoid dragging it on the ground
Step 4. On larger tractors, use specific agricultural tools, such as a plow
If you have to make furrows in the ground, the work will be much easier with a tool of this type, because it breaks the clods easily and you can sow your crop.
Step 5. Make sure any heavier attachment than the same tractor has an independent brake system
When you drive your vehicle connected to these tools, you must be particularly cautious and follow the guidelines of the specific use and maintenance manual for each tool or device. Make sure the heavier ones have working independent brakes and learn how to use them.
Step 6. Connect each accessory correctly
Make sure you follow all safety precautions while attaching any tools or tows to the tractor:
- Make the area in front of and behind the tractor safe, especially make sure there is no one in the back.
- Slowly back up the tractor.
- Stop carefully and set the parking brake.
- Put the gear in neutral.
- Get off the tractor and plug in the tool.
Advice
- Don't drive too fast.
- Be careful uphill and on sloping terrain. Make sure you slow down when cornering.
- Tractors are not toys. Make sure that the children don't come near.
- Be careful when mounting and dismounting different attachments on the tractor.
Warnings
- Never leave the running tractor unattended.
- Do not close the garage or shed with the tractor running inside. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is deadly.
- Never switch on the tractor without being seated in the driver's seat. Many accidents happen because the vehicle moves on its own and hits the owner.
- Don't take any chances and don't rush when you drive and work around the tractor.
