Tractor Driving Guide for Beginners
Learning to drive a new tractor can be a bit difficult, especially if you're an inexperienced driver. While we can’t tell you how to drive your specific make and model, we have compiled a short guide on the general steps it takes to drive a tractor. If you still have questions after reading our guide, feel free to stop by either of our dealerships in Windsor and Aylesford, Nova Scotia or Moncton, New Brunswick and speak with an experienced staff member!
Prepare
As we’ve mentioned, this guide is geared toward tractors as a whole, so we likely won’t be covering unique controls present in your machinery. To combat this we suggest reading your owners manual. These booklets are often filled with important information and can give you some key insight to your tractor’s various controls
Before driving your tractor, ensure that everything is ready to go. Tie back long hair, remove dangling objects like scarves and necklaces, and ensure that you have the appropriate clothing- jeans and a tucked in shirt. Baggy shorts or hanging skirts can easily be caught in your tractor’s moving parts.
Ensure that everything on your tractor is working properly. Safety gear such as seat belts and lights should be functional, tire pressure should be optimal and contain no punctures, and added attachments should be working properly or removed for the time being.
Getting Started
Once this is done you can hop up into the cab and put on your seat belt! When driving for the first time you’ll want to practice in a large flat area. Check around you to make sure there are no obstacles. This can include anything from people and objects to steep terrain. Also remember to adjust your mirrors, especially if you’ve never driven this machine before.
Confirm that your tractor is in neutral with the parking brake on before starting your engine. Then, press the clutch pedal to the floor while turning your key. This will allow the tractor to begin turning over. Continue holding the key as your tractor turns over, and press the brake with your right foot. The tractor should start, but can take as long as 8 seconds to stop turning over. If you have a throttle, drop it slightly, but not completely to let the engine warm up. If you don’t have a throttle simply allow your machine to idle for a moment.
Once your machine has started you can release the parking brake to begin driving. Release the brake pedal, but not the clutch, and put your tractor into first gear. Unlike a car, a tractor has no gas pedal. To move, gently lift your foot off the clutch. This will engage your transmission and propel you forward. Remember to move slowly, releasing or adding pressure to your pedals carefully. If you have a throttle, keep it at a low setting. If you need to stop again, simply apply pressure at a steady pace to both the brake and clutch pedals.
We understand that learning to drive a tractor can be quite the learning curve. We encourage you to review other sources, such as YouTube videos, or speak with an experienced driver or knowledgable sales person. We here at Nova International have proudly served the Atlantic Canada region for years and hope this step by step guide has been informative!
