New Driver Tips

[fordnh3930]

Hi!

I am thirteen and just started driving tractors Me and my dad's 3930 are now best friends. Anyway I was wondering if anyone has any tips for a new guy? Also is there any easy way to shift while moving in a tractor without a synchronized transmission?

 

[Bedlam]

I used to have one that didn't have the syncro, and I would get the feel of it , and be able to shift the 'range' without a syncro. But it took some time to feel it. I really only had to do this when i was over the road with it and found I had to downshift some how to get up the hill. If not then i would bog down and then have to start in a very low gear again.
You might have to do what they called 'double clutch' thats when you get it in the neutral position and then bring the clutch back out, and race slightly the rms up and then in with the clutch again and then move the lever.
As I sad it really take a feel that is learned with time.
recently in my truck the clutch hydraulics went and I got to drive and shift without any clutch,.it was challenging but I quickly got the feel back to do it.
Double declutching technique
YouTube - How To Double Clutch
maybe these links will help,

 

[JDGreenGrass]

When using implements and attachments, travel slow to avoid errors and to achieve a quality finished product.

 

[Western]

Don't let anyone ride on the tractor with you, there are to many things that can happen. Always try to avoid the avoidable accident.

 

[art]

Hi!

Also is there any easy way to shift while moving in a tractor without a synchronized transmission?

The non-syncro transmissions can be a bear to shift! The main thing to remember with anything mechanical is,,,,,, there are no two machines built a like! You could find twenty machines that with knowing the perfect rpm to shift at, to have a perfectly smooth shift and the next one will not do it!

I normally like to experiment while nobody is around till I can get them perfected, some can even be done with out the clutch just with a blimp of the throttle and some it seems they keep changing the rules every time. Your dad will cringe everytime that you grind a gear and I hope you do to! It is important to know you really can't force it with out bending or breaking something which costs money eventually!!!!!

I was your age with an International 424 doing the same thing!

 

[ToadHill]

Remember you are using a tool that can kill and treat it accordingly. Tractors are used for the power they produce and are not made for speed, keep the going slow and pay attention to the feel of the machine.

Listen to the sounds it makes and for any changes in those sounds. Always wear the seatbelt, and be very careful on hills.

 

[Baby Grand]

The gang is giving lots of good advice. I'm new to tractors, myself, and will pass on three things that I have (almost) learned the hard way:

1) Focus on the task at hand and be situationally aware. This means know who and what are near you (360 degrees, all around, above & beneath) at all times. It's amazing how quickly a dog, a little brother, tree limb or a 'chuck hole can appear "out of nowhere" right on top of you. Don't get distracted ... "oh, look, there goes another red tail ... that's the third one I've seen this afternoon" ... you get the idea. Don't let people distract you.

2) Pay attention to your loading/ballast situation. It is usually changing depending on what you are doing. Turn hard left and your center of gravity (CG) moves left. Lift a bucket full of rocks and your CG moves up. Try to keep your CG as low as you can as much as you can.

3) If you start getting frustrated, impatient, annoyed, turn the key - shut 'er down and just walk away. Come back only when you are calm and able to make good decisions.

Have fun - I love the feeling of inertia that only heavy equipment gives you.

-Jim

 

[Rickstir]

Plan your moves. Think ahead. How are you going to getout of that corner coming up? Moving up from a Jubilee to a Mahindra was a step, but I soon noticed there is that "hum" and "feel" as the machine is going through its paces. Get to know the melody. Match your rpm's to the implement and PTO setting. Most of all, safety first! Check everything. Do your prestart check/lube regularly. Wear hearing protection. And you're young, wear sun block every time, even in winter. I have to go and have pre-cancerous leagions burned off every six months on my arms and neck. Grease up and cover up.

 

[n8wrl]

Trust your gut - especially on hills - if it 'feels bad', it probably is!

Have fun and be safe.

 

[fordnh3930]

thanks guys!

Ya'll are real friendly! I go to a nice school thats a little way from my house. I never really got into sports cause Ive been helpin my dad(either at his mechanic shop or on our small farm) That, the fact that i dont talk with right grammer, and I like farming, uderstand workin, and wear overalls hasnt gotten me popular to say the least. But I don't care what they think. Alls I know is they play with there dumb expensive cell phones and ipods, I'll stick t tractors.