Tractor Operation Tips
If you’re a farmer, the most important machine in your arsenal of farm equipment is very likely your tractor. For almost a century, the common tractor has been a mainstay of farms all across the United States, and for good reason! These machines are versatile, capable of assisting you with a wide variety of agricultural tasks.
However, the key to having a well-functioning tractor is to follow proper operational procedures. Being smart about how you use and maintain your tractor will ensure it’s there to help you whenever you need it. Rivera's Machinery, Inc. here in Donna is your Texas tractor dealer. Here are some of our top tips for getting optimal function out of your primary piece of agricultural equipment!
Distribute Weight Judiciously
Trying to operate your tractor when it’s over-ballast (loaded up with too much weight) is a recipe for disaster. You’ll lose traction before you lose power, but you’ll be putting undue stress on your machine’s drive train, which can cause a host of other serious issues down the road if left unchecked. Make sure that you’re staying under the maximum weight capacity of your trailer, and also try to balance and distribute all weight evenly on your tractor. Check your owner’s manual for details on your machine’s weight limits.
Gear Up, Throttle Down (GUTD)
Next, you should try to get the best work-to-fuel ratio when operating under maximum load by using the “gear up, throttle down” method, or GUTD. Operators can save themselves a not insignificant amount of gas by shifting into a higher gear and slowing their engine RPMs while still going at the speed desired. But when you’re doing work that doesn’t require more than 70% of your tractor’s power, you can try GUTD instead. Refer to your owner’s manual here, too, if you need specifics!
Try a short test to get the settings right. Operate your tractor at your desired speed and throttle setting, then open up the throttle. If your engine speeds up quickly, then your settings are good to go. But if your engine isn’t responsive, you’ll want to shift down a gear or increase the engine’s speed. Using GUTD does reduce the tractor PTO speed and/or the hydraulic reaction time.
Perform Regular Maintenance
It’s important to perform all the regular maintenance tasks that your tractor needs in order to get the most use that you can out of it. This includes checking tire pressure, checking and changing oil as needed and changing the air filter. The last task becomes especially important on a farm, where the air is full of particulates that could harm your engine if you don’t have a good air filter. You can always contact the service department here at Brim Tractor for advice on maintenance or to schedule an appointment with our professional mechanics.
Wear Proper Safety Gear
When using your tractor, following good safety practices is vital. These heavy pieces of equipment are nothing to sneeze at, and it’s easy to become injured or to damage your property if you’re not careful with them.
Keep your safety guards intact at all times. Never allow children to play in or around the tractor, and never let anyone joy-ride it or mess around with the controls. Don’t have any extra riders, because the cab is designed only for one person. Make sure you’re wearing close-fitting clothing that has no loose ties or flaps which could catch on your equipment. Tie up long hair out of the way. Wear solid boots and earplugs for hearing protection. Be prepared to take a break whenever necessary to preserve your stamina, since fatigue, heat exhaustion, dehydration or hunger will cause you to lose focus, which can result in a disaster.
With regular use of the proper operational habits, your tractor should serve you well for years to come. Still in search of the perfect piece of farm equipment? Come see us at our location in Donna to check out our wide selection of new and used tractors for sale. We can also help you to repair your tractor or replace parts on it. Rivera’s Machinery, Inc. welcomes all our Texas customers coming from the cities of San Benito and Harlingen.