Prepare and operate a tractor with attachments
Overview
This standard covers the preparation and operation of a tractor with attachments. The competent use of a tractor with attachments requires considerable skill and knowledge. The standard covers the use of tractors with a range of attachments in a variety of weather conditions and ground conditions and on a variety of terrain. These conditions will have an impact on the handling and use of the tractor. When working with machinery or equipment you should be trained and hold current certification, where required. When using a tractor on the public highway you must hold the relevant licences for both yourself and the tractor. When carrying out your work you must consider the impact it will have on the environment. This standard is suitable for those who operate a tractor with attachments on or off the public highway.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
assess the risks associated with the required activity
wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)
prepare the tractor by carrying out pre-start checks and
adjustments, in accordance with relevant legislation, instructions
and specifications, including all safety guards
confirm that the tractor is safe and ready for use
mount and dismount the tractor safely
check and adjust the operator environment to meet your
personal requirements
select the attachments to carry out the required work
confirm that the attachments are suitable for the tractor
confirm that the attachments are fitted securely and safely
confirm that the attachments are set or calibrated, where
required
- check the immediate area for hazards and obstacles before
moving off, and at all times during operation of the tractor
use the correct warning signals at all times
operate and manoeuvre the tractor safely, in accordance with the
type of tractor, attachment and operation being carried out
- make sure that the attachment is in the transport position when
not in use, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions
- modify the operating techniques to take into account changes in
the weather, ground conditions or types of terrain
- use efficiency factors to maintain the efficiency of the tractor and
attachment performance by appropriate handling and
maintenance
use the attachment safely at all times
monitor the operation of the attachment and recognise any faults
stop and isolate the tractor on completion of the activity
remove the attachment in accordance with instructions and
specifications
- leave the tractor and attachment secure after use and in the
correct condition for future use
- maintain communication with colleagues and others involved in,
or affected by, your work
- follow industry and business guidance to minimise environmental
damage
- carry out your work in accordance with relevant environmental
and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements,
codes of practice and business policies
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
how to identify hazards and assess risks
- the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)
suitable for the activity
- the current legislation in relation to the preparation and operation
of tractors and attachments
- how to prepare the tractor and attachment by carrying out the
required pre-start checks and adjustments
how to mount and dismount the tractor safely
how to start and stop the tractor safely
the function of all controls and instruments on the tractor and
attachment being used
- the types of attachments and how they should be secured and
removed from the tractor
- the types of attachments that are safe for use with the tractor you
are using and those that are not
- the conditions that should be taken into account when considering
the use of attachments
how to set or calibrate the attachments, where required
the correct use of warning signals and indicators
the ways in which the tractor should be operated and
manoeuvred, and that different weather, ground conditions and
types of terrain must be taken into account
- how to operate and use attachments safely including
counterbalance
- the draft control, position control, external hydraulic and electrical
services on the tractor and attachment being used
- how to put the attachment into the transport position and the
work position, as required
- the capabilities and limitations of the tractor and operator and the
factors that may affect safety and efficiency
- the types of hazards and obstacles that may be encountered
when operating a tractor with attachments and how these should
be dealt with
- how to monitor the operation of the attachment and any actions
that might be required
- the common faults, defects and wearing parts on attachments
used in your place of work
- the sort of problems that may occur with the tractor or attachment
, how to recognise them and the appropriate action to take
- the importance of carrying out routine checks and maintenance to
confirm that the tractor and attachment remain safe and in good
working order
- the reasons why the tractor and attachment should be left in the
correct condition for future use
- why it is important to maintain the safety and security of the
tractor and attachment at all times
- the importance of maintaining communication with those involved
in, or affected by, your work and how this should be done
- the potential impact that your activities could have on the
environment and ways in which this can be minimised
- your responsibilities under relevant environmental and health and
safety legislation, codes of practice and business policies
Scope/range
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
Attachment/s include:
•
•
•
•
trailed
front or rear mounted
fore-end loaders
PTO and hydraulic drive equipment
Efficiency factors:
•
•
•
•
•
•
gears
hydraulics
tyre pressure
counter balance
ballasting
engine revs
Ground conditions:
•
•
•
•
•
•
wet
dry
frost
ice
mud
loose ground
Instructions and specifications:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
drawings/plans
schedules
method statements
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
manufacturer's guidelines
customer requirements
verbal instructions
Operator environment:
•
•
•
•
seat
steering wheel
mirrors
seat belt
Pre-start checks:
Links To Other NOS
•
•
•
•
•
•
fuel
electrics
tyres
hoses
fluids
lubrication
Terrain:
•
•
•
•
hard surfaces
soft surfaces
uneven surfaces
slopes
LANCS7 Prepare and operate a tractor
LANCS59 Prepare and operate a powered vehicle with attachments