How to Operate a Tractor
Tractors are one of the most valuable pieces of equipment used on farms around the world. These machines are rugged, capable, and take less time to complete a task than other options. They’re also very easy to use, but there are some precautions you should take to get the most out of these powerful workhorses.
Flieg's Equipment is your local tractor dealer, so we’ve put together our top tips to help you operate your tractors safely and efficiently. If you have any questions or if you’d like to see tractors for sale, visit our dealership in Ste. Genevieve and Leadington, Missouri.
Distribute Weight Evenly
Tractors are big and incredibly powerful, which means they can work hard for long periods of time. However, their operational capacity may be significantly reduced if they’re overloaded. Excess weight places stress on your tractor engine’s drivetrain, which can make its operation much less reliable. The key to operating it smoothly is to figure out the total ballasted weight for your machine. An efficient and evenly weighted machine will complete tasks more quickly and easily than one that is burdened down.
Gear Up, Throttle Down
Gear up, throttle down (GUTD) refers to the ratio of an engine’s work to fuel usage that is best achieved by operating at or near-maximum load. Most applications won’t need to max out horsepower, which means an operator can save fuel by shifting to higher gears to slow engine RPMs while maintaining the desired speed.
The GUTD method can be used for any work that doesn't require more than 70% of your engine’s full power. Remember to check your owner’s manual for specifics and if you still aren’t sure when or how to do this, get some personalized advice from the professionals here at Flieg's Equipment. Also, be aware that operating in GUTD will reduce your machine’s PTO speed and its hydraulic reaction time.
To easily test your settings, start by operating for a short time at the desired speed and throttle setting, then quickly open the throttle. If your engine speeds up easily, then your settings are good. An unresponsive engine means you’ll need to shift down a gear or increase the speed of your engine. Keep checking until you get to the right settings.
Regular Maintenance
Tractors, like all motorized vehicles, require regular maintenance and upkeep to prevent them from breaking down in the middle of a job. There are several easy steps you can take in your barn or shed to keep your machine in tip-top shape.
Make sure your air filtration is operating at optimal levels in order to keep your engine clear of dirt, debris and other particulates that can cause damage. You can install a dirt restriction gauge to help you figure out when to change your filters, taking the guesswork out of this important task.
The fuel needed to improve efficiency in your tractor varies depending on the season. You’ll need to change out fuel from winter to summer to maximize your engine’s performance. Ask your tractor supplier what fuel density is best.
You can obtain a testing kit for your engine coolant from either your manufacturer or local tractor dealer. Use the right coolant to get the best performance and keep in mind that you can’t use the same antifreeze in your diesel tractor engine as you would use in your passenger car or truck.
Follow Good Safety Practices
When you’re working with heavy farm equipment, it’s essential to take proper safety precautions. It’s easy for someone to become complacent and think that they’re immune to accidents, but you can’t afford to take any chances.
Start off by keeping all standard safety guards intact. This might seem obvious, but some people have removed these essential safety tools and suffered the consequences. Operate your tractor only while sober and alert, and never try to drive it recklessly around your property. Also, you should be the only person in the cab at any given time because an extra passenger severely compromises safe operation.
Ensure that you’re wearing the proper clothing for operating your machine. This means snug clothes that won’t get caught in the machinery and sturdy footwear to keep your balance. When operating any piece of farm equipment, you should wear hearing protection since the engines can be so loud that they can damage your hearing over time. Finally, remember to take regular breaks for food or rest, so that you don’t lose your focus while working around your property.
We hope you’ll find these tips useful in safely operating your tractor on your farm! Ready to start checking out some tractors for sale? With the best tractor prices in the area, we are happy to show you what we have available right now. We proudly serve those in Farmington and Park Hills, MO.