Nicholas Alvarado - AgEd 410, Spring 2013
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Daily Prestart Check
Starting a Gasoline Engine
Starting a Diesel Engine
Selecting a Tractor Forward Speed
Selecting an Engine Speed
Selecting a Gear
Preventing Accidents
CLF 2801
Check for coolant, lubricant, fuel, and air leaks
Check fuel tank level
•
•
•
•
•
Never let a diesel run out of fuel
Drain water and sediment from fuel sediment bowl
on gasoline engines
Do not mix gasoline and diesel!
http://media.treehugger.com/assets/images/2011/10/gasolin
e-and-diesel-fuel-photo.jpg
Think
Why do you think a
diesel should never
run out of fuel?
•
Check coolant level in radiator
•
•
a. Coolant should be about one inch below the top of
radiator cap
Make sure the percentage of antifreeze in the water
is adequate by measuring the specific gravity with a
radiator hydrometer
http://pad3.whstatic.com/images/thumb/6/61/Check-and-AddRadiator-Fluid-Step-5.jpg/550px-Check-and-Add-Radiator-FluidStep-5.jpg
http://www.wirthco.com/images/products/21043_
LR.jpg
•
•
Check V-belt (fanbelt) tension and condition
Check engine crankcase oil level
Make sure oil is not greyish (water in oil)
• Add proper engine oil as needed
• Some engines can be checked while running
• Some older engines have
plugs in place of dipsticks
•
http://mydwsexport.jddistrib.moonda.com/var/plain_site/storage/images/media/productimages-teamsite-commonfolder/salesmanual/sales/salesmanual/images/na/tractors/6d/484601_oil_chec
k_gloved_hand_jpg/1353216-1-eng-GB/484601_oil_check_gloved_hand_jpg.jpg
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Check transmission and hydraulic oil level
Check and clean air cleaner
Check condition of air intake hoses and system
Check water level and terminals of battery
Check tire pressure and condition
Check for loose bolts and nuts,
tighten as required
Grease all lube points
http://www.enfostuff.com/images/GreaseGu
n.jpg
•
•
•
•
•
•
Provide adequate ventilation if engine is to be
started inside
Check that fuel supply valve is turned on
Place transmission shift lever in neutral or park
Set speed control lever (hand throttle) at 1/4 to
1/3 open
Depress clutch pedal
Pull out choke control if engine is cold
Click Here if Video Doesn't Play
•
•
•
•
•
Turn ignition switch to on position and crank
engine no more than 30 seconds at a time
Push in choke control after engine has started
and warmed
Allow engine to run at a moderately fast speed
(1200 rpm) and slowly release the clutch while
the transmission still in neutral
Check all gauges and warning lights
Allow the engine to warm up before work
•
•
•
•
Provide adequate ventilation if engine is to be
started inside
Check that fuel supply valve is turned on
Put transmission shift lever in neutral or park
Be sure fuel stop control is
in the non-stopping position
(usually pushed in)
http://www.oldfordtractors.com/acc/47dash.jpg
•
•
•
•
Depress clutch pedal, then turn key on to start
Crank the engine several revolutions and then
open the throttle to at least 1/3 open until
engine starts
After engine has started, let the engine operate
at approximately 1/3 speed for several minutes
Immediately after engine starts, release clutch
and check gauges and warning lights for
normal readings
Check For Understanding
• What is the reason for checking all of the fluid levels
before operating a piece of equipment?
• What are the major differences between a diesel and
gasoline engine starting procedures?
•
•
•
•
•
•
Safe operation is an important determining
factor
Plowing too fast wastes energy
Plowing too slow does not adequately turn
over soil
Cultivating too fast may cover and bury crop
Adequate power capability of tractor is a
determining factor
Timeliness of completing the job is a
determining factor
•
•
•
•
Selecting engine speed (RPM)
For heavy loads, run engine at rated speed
(normally 2000 to 2500 RPM)
For light loads, engine speed can be lower
(usually not less than 1500 RPM)
RPM –Revolutions per minute
http://www.tractorpart.com/tach.jpg
•
•
•
•
•
Choose gear to keep the engine at desired RPM
See the chart on the tractor, or
See the tachometer on the tractor or
See the chart in the operator's manual
Remember, for economical operation, shift up
and throttle down
http://agriculture.
newholland.com/u
s/en/Products/Ag
riculturalTractors/TV6070BidirectionalTractor/images/T
V6070_Transmissio
n_chart_fullsize.jpg
Check for Understanding
• What is the best engine speed to run with a heavy load?
• What is the rule of thumb for economical operation?
•
•
•
•
•
Set wheel width at widest setting
Lock brake pedals together before operating at
transport speeds, or on roads
Restrict speed according to operating
conditions
Do not let the
tractor bounce
Drive slowly
when slippery
http://informedfarmers.com/wpcontent/uploads/2011/07/4AzCO-FRUaE3T.jpg
•
•
•
•
•
Pull heavy loads, equipment, and trailers
slowly
Do not depress a turning brake when turning
at high speed
Use engine braking when going downhill
If possible, avoid crossing steep slopes; turn
downhill if stability becomes uncertain
Stay a safe distance away from ditch and river
banks
•
•
•
Hitch towed loads only to the drawbar or
drawbar attachment of a three-point hitch
When using a drawbar attachment to a threepoint hitch, keep the drawbar attachment as
low as possible and use stay braces if possible
Use front-end weights or tire ballast to
counteract heavy rear loads
•
•
•
Start forward motion slowly and change
speeds gradually, especially when moving
uphill
Back up steep hills
Back out of ditches or when stuck in mud
http://www.me.psu.edu/so
mmer/projects/tractor5.jpg
•
•
•
•
•
•
Keep steps and platforms clean, dry, and free of oil
Do not jump from the tractor
Be aware of overhead obstructions such as low
hanging limbs
Operate the tractor from the operator's platform
only
Wear the seat belt if the tractor has rollover
protection
Do not carry riders unless the tractor is equipped
to handle them or the passenger is being trained
•
•
•
•
Place transmission levers in neutral or park and
set the parking brake before leaving the tractor
Start engine or operate controls only when
seated in operator's seat
Stay clear of tires when assisting others
Stay out of area behind
tractor when backing
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/face/images/04mi108a.
jpg
•
•
•
•
On roads, use flashers and lights according to
local laws
Keep the Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem
clean and visible from the rear of the tractor
Pull over to let faster traffic pass
Remember that extra weight increases braking
distance
http://www.semissouri
an.com/photos/12/87/
69/1287695-L.jpg
•
•
•
•
Always disengage the PTO before getting off
the tractor
Keep the master shield and implement guard
shields in place
Check to see that integral shields are in good
condition
Never step across a
rotating powershaft
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/agsafety/images/pto_ima
ge008.jpg
•
•
•
Lower or block hydraulically or mechanically
elevated implements before servicing or
leaving the equipment
Make sure raised equipment does not come in
contact with power lines
Elevated implements should be lowered before
uncoupling remote hydraulic hoses
•
•
•
•
•
Drive in straight lines to decrease wear and to
enable precise operation
Minimize overlap to decrease cost and time
Observe performance of implement
Check and listen for proper tractor operation
Check gauges and warning lights periodically
http://ipcm.wisc.edu/wpcontent/uploads/2013/01/overlappic.jpg
http://manuals.deere.com/omview/OMAL2
00158_19/graphics/LX1045005.gif
ACTIVITY
• Perform a prestart check on a tractor, agricultural
machine, or industrial engine
• Safely operate three different types of tractors,
agricultural machines, or industrial engines