Operate a tractor

DESCRIPTION

Unit Standard (SAQA Reg. No 262804)

A tractor is an engineering vehicle specifically designed to deliver a high tractive effort (or torque) at slow speeds, for the purposes of towing a trailer or machinery such as that used in agriculture, mining or construction. Most commonly, the term is used to describe a farm vehicle that provides the power and traction to mechanize agricultural tasks, especially (and originally) tillage, but nowadays a great variety of tasks.

Successful candidates credited with this unit standard are able to:

  • Demonstrating knowledge of the functions of a tractor
  • Planning for work activities and prepare work area
  • Starting and shutting down tractor
  • Operating tractor
  • Transporting tractor to and from site


COURSE DURATION:

. Novice: 5 Days
. Re-Certification: 1 Day

NQF LEVEL: 2

CREDITS: 8

Quality Assured Partner: Construction Education And Training Authority

Category: CETA Courses

Detailed Information 

Operate A Tractor Learning Outcomes

The qualifying learner will be able to operate a tractor by understanding the functions of starting, shutting down and operating procedures for the machine. Learners who master the applied competence described in this course will contribute to the development of a professional community of Construction Plant operators. The area of focus of this course will be;

Demonstrate Knowledge Of The Functions Of A Tractor
Parts & Functions
  • ROPS Cab
  • Fuel Tank
  • Fuel Tank Filler Cap
  • Hydraulic Outlet Port
  • Engine Side Panels
  • Tool Box
  • Battery Isolator
  • Axle Options
  • Hydraulic Oil Reservoir Fillet Cap
  • Hydraulic Reservoir

Controls & Instruments Overview
TouchSet Control Panel Controls And Indicators
  • Command Centre Panel
  • Electronic Monitoring System (EMS)
  • Basic EMS Symbols
  • EMS Warning Categories / Level 1
  • EMS Warning Categories / Level 2
  • EMS Warning Categories / Level 3

Other Gauges & Indicators On The Instrument Panel
  • Temperature Gauges
  • Light Switches
  • Windshield Wiper / Washer
  • Heating & Air Conditioning Controls
  • Floor Heater Control Switch
  • Fan Control
  • Temperature Control
  • Heating & Air Conditioning System Operation
Demonstrate Knowledge Of The Functions Of A Tractor
Operate Tractor
Transport Tractor To And From Site
Tractor Safety
Destined Use Of A Tractor
General Safety Information
The Ten Commandments Of Tractor Safety
  • Know Your Tractor
  • Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS)
  • Safety Labels
  • Well Fitted Protective Clothing
  • Know In Advance The Work Area
  • Competent Operator
  • No Riders Rule
  • Presence Of Children
  • Starting The Tractor
  • Speeding

Stormy Weather
Power Take-Off (PTO)
  • Tractor Shutdown

The Tractor And Its Attachments In General
  • Mower Safety
  • Rotary Tiller Safety
  • Dozer Safety
  • Trencher Safety
  • Loader Safety
  • Backhoe Safety

Machine Transporting Safety – Loading And Unloading
Shipping
Machine Towing Safety
Precaution For Maintenance – Warning Tag
Keep Workplace Clean And Tidy
Appoint Leader When Working With Others
Stop Engine Before Carrying Out Maintenance
Two Workers For Maintenance When Engine Is Running
Personnel
Attachments
Work Under The Machine
Noise
Precaution When Using Hammer
Repair Welding
Removing Battery Terminal
Precaution When Working With Oil
Handling High-Pressure Hoses
Waste Materials
Compressed Air
Periodic Replacement Of Safety Critical Parts
  • Precaution With Tyres
  • Precaution When Storing Tyres

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Road Signs
Plan For Work Activities And Prepare Work Area
  • Daily Checks
  • Pre-Start Checks
  • Start-Up Checks
  • Daily Pre-Start Checklist

Shutting Down The Tractor
  • Normal Procedure

Logbooks And Other Checklists
Demonstrate Knowledge Of The Functions Of A Tractor
  • Principles Of Operations
  • Precautions When Operating

Mechanical Appreciation – Engine
  • Transmission Or Gearbox
  • Differential And Final Drives
  • Steering Systems
  • Hydraulic System
  • Fuel System
  • Electrical Systems
  • Braking System
  • Cooling System

Proximity Of Other Machines
Attachments Components
Warning Devices
  • Warning Signals
  • Warning Operations
  • Safety Features

Troubleshooting
Plan For Work Activities And Prepare Work Area
Start And Shutdown Tractor
Practical Operation
  • Before Starting The Tractor
  • Stopping The Engine
  • Leaving The Machine

General Driving Hazards
  • Stationary Hazards
  • Moving Hazards
  • Proximity Hazards
  • Ground Hazards

The System Of Vehicle Control
Learner Practical Exercises
  • Learner Must Identify The Main Parts Of A Tractor
  • Learner Must Manoeuvre The Tractor Safely Into & Out Of Position
  • Setting Up The Tractor
  • Learner To Perform A Given Specific Task
  • Learner Must Manoeuvre Through / Around Various Obstacles
Entry Level Requirements Into This Programme?
All new entrants intended under this code (Novice or Re-licensing) shall provide training institution with the required documents.
  • An employer declaration or medical certificate confirming the medical fitness of the learner to undergo the intended training
  • An eye test results issued by a person trained to carry out such tests
  • All new entrants intended under this code will be required to hold at least a Grade 9 (Std 7) school certificate and are at least 18 years of age
  • Learners shall provide training institution with a valid certified copy of his/her Identity Document
  • Certified copy of learners drivers license if will be using Tractor on public roads