Learning outcomes for this course. WHAT ARE TRACTORS USED FOR. To pull machinery for cultivation. for slashing, ripping, leveling etc. For front end loader work.

Situations to avoid

TYPES OF TRACTORS Two wheel drive

Front- wheel assist

Four wheel drive (articulated)

Tracked tractors

Quad tracks

TRACTOR SAFETY SOPS * Safe Operating Procedures PPE * Boots, hat and sunscreen and sunglasses. * Hearing protection

PREVENT TRACTOR RUN-OVER Only the operator is to be on the tractor (unless there is more than one seat). Only ever start the tractor from the operators seat. Only mount and dismount a stationary tractor.

Never jump off a tractor. Wear work boots in good condition. Keep steps and platforms clean and clear of obstructions. Ensure tractor is in neutral, clutch depressed and handbrake is on before starting tractor.

Be aware that the use of jumper leads may bypass neutral start switch. Always check immediate area for bystanders before starting the tractor. Always wear the seat belt when operating the tractor. Always watch out for hazards.

ROLL OVER PROTECTION ROPS (Roll Over Protection Structure)

ROPS (with shade canopy)

CABIN (built in ROPS)

FOPS (Falling Object Protection Structure )

POWER TAKE-OFF (P.T.O)

PTO SHAFT

PTO SHAFT (with guard)

P.T.O. SAFETY Keep all components of PTO shielded and guards in place to prevent catching loose clothes etc. Check guards regularly. Disengage PTO before dismounting tractor. Never step over turning PTO shaft. Always attach implement to manufacturers recommendations.

CORRECT MOUNT AND DISMOUNT OF TRACTOR Keep steps and platform clean and free of clutter. Always face the tractor when mounting and dismounting. Use hand grips and rails. Try to keep 3 points of contact with the tractor at all times. Wear heavy boots with non-slip soles.

TRAVELLING ON BROKEN GROUND Broken ground is any ground surface with irregularities. Always travel at a safe speed. Watch out for creeks and gully banks that may collapse under the weight of the tractor. Keep one metre away from the bank for every one metre depth in the gully.

Travelling on sloping ground High centre of gravity causes increased chance of rollover on sloping ground (particularly loaders). Always carry load as low as possible. Always travel slowly. Always reverse up a steep hill if possible.

Make turns as slow and gradual as possible. Keep off-set implements on uphill side. Watch out for uneven ground and obstructions when travelling across slopes.

TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE CLIMATE Hot humid weather may cause heat stress, sunburn or heat stroke. Wet weather can cause rough boggy farm tracks, and make sloping country hazardous. Mud on work boots can be hazardous.

BEHAVE SAFELY, BE TRAINED AND DON’T TAKE RISKS. These are definite indications that an operator is at risk: * fatigue. * effects of drugs or alcohol. * chemicals. * stress caused by environmental effects on the body.(eg heat) Choose to avoid these risks and do not operate machinery if they apply to you.

These mental attitudes indicate that an operator could be at risk. * impatience. * anxiety or stress. * apathy. * preoccupation. * anger and frustration. Avoid these risks by being aware of your mental state and taking precaution.

AVOID REAR ROLL OVER Rear roll over is often caused by pulling a load that is attached to a point to high on the rear of the tractor. The torque created by the tractor causes the tractor to flip over backwards, causing injury or death.

Three point linkage ( 3 PL)

TRAILED IMPLEMENTS

HARVESTING

TRACTOR MAINTENANCE Pre-start check A general check of the tractor to find any faults that may need attention prior to the start of work.

Daily maintenance There are 5 main areas that must be maintained on a tractor so that it will perform properly. * Air system * Oil system * Fuel system * Electrical system * Coolant system

What can happen if you don’t concentrate!!