How to Operate a Tractor
If you’re shopping around for a tractor, you’ll find a wide range of options to choose from. Whether you’re acquiring one for the first time or buying another tractor for your farm, you’ll want to take some time learning how to properly operate your machine before you start using it. We’ve put together this guide to help you out.
Even Weight Distribution
The first thing you need to know is if you exceed the maximum working weight of your tractor, you’re applying an excessive amount of stress to the drivetrain. This can lead to decreased engine reliability and loss of rollover protection. Over-ballasting is a common practice used to gain traction, but operating at these weights doesn’t guarantee you’ll accomplish more work. Not to mention, it can lead to dangerous situations.
Typically speaking, most tractors won’t approach or even exceed a given weight limit. More often than not, power output and weight will stay well below the threshold. It’s helpful to know that this is where even weight distribution can improve overall performance and reduce your operating costs. You can always refer to your owner’s manual to get a clear idea of the total ballasted weight of your specific model.
Proper Safety
You’ll need to familiarize yourself with proper safety practices. If you’ve got some experience under your belt when it comes to heavy equipment, you might have a few scary memories of close calls in your early days. It’s easy to think that these situations happen to others but never to us. The only way to prevent accidents is to take the right precautions.
The best way to avoid mishaps with your tractor is to ensure that the correct safety guards are in place. You should also be aware that your tractor is built for heavy-duty applications, so that’s all you should be using it for. You should not allow additional riders on your unit as there’s not enough room for safe operation with two people inside of the cab.
Another key tip is to be sure you’re wearing the appropriate clothing and safety gear. You should wear well-fitting clothes that aren’t fraying so they don’t get caught in moving parts. You’ll also want to invest in durable footwear so you can maintain your balance. Don’t forget that hearing protection is crucial, so grab those earplugs or earmuffs before you head out for a day of work.
We hope that this information has been useful. If you have any questions or you’d like to check out our selection of farm tractors for sale, visit Stoneham's Motorsports today! We’re conveniently located in Waynesboro and Everett, PA, and we welcome all those in Hagerstown, MD, and Bedford, PA.