The most common use of the term ‘tractor’ is for the vehicles used on farms. The farm tractor is used for pulling or pushing agricultural machinery or trailers, for ploughing, tilling, disking, harrowing, planting, and similar tasks.

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, and now many more. Agricultural implements may be towed behind or mounted on the tractor, and the tractor may also provide a source of power if the implement is mechanised.

Some of the attachments

• Have a basic understanding of the industry, the dangers of working in the industry and their responsibilities as an operator.
• Have a working knowledge of the manufacturer’s handbook for the machine to be used.
• Be able to locate and identify the major components of the machine and explain their functions.
• Be able to locate and identify key controls and explain their functions.
• Set up exclusion zone.
• Conduct all pre-operational checks in accordance with manufacturers and legislative requirements.
• Identify and maintain PPE appropriate for agricultural tractor use.
• Prepare the agricultural tractor for use.
• Conduct all necessary safety checks at the work area.
• Attach and set trailers, mounted and PTO drives ready for operation.
• Operate machinery safely and efficiently.
• Environmental considerations.
• Storage and transport of implements and attachments.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of loading and unloading procedures for machine transportation.
• Carry out all end of shift and shut down procedures.

• Suitable and safe area to operate and manoeuvre machine.
• Trailed equipment.
• 3-point linkage and PTO attachments.
• Varying terrain and slopes.
• Suitable and safe area to complete paperwork.
• Suitable welfare facilities.
• Tractor and attachments.
• Operators’ manual.

• Suitable head protection.
• Suitable eye protection.
• Suitable work clothes.
• Suitable work clothes including wet weather.
•  
• Suitable work boots including steel toe protection.
• High Viz.

• Avoiding danger from overhead power cables guidance GS6 https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/gs6.pdf
• Avoiding danger from underground services HSG47 https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg47.pdf
• PUWER Regulation
• https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l22.pdf
• LOLER Regulations
• https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l113.htm

• 20 multiple choice questions.
• 5 written questions.
• 4 marks per question.
• 80% pass mark required.

• Pre use and operational checks.
• Travel up and down slopes with hill starts.
• Drive through chicane, forwards and backwards.
• Reverse 30 metres in a straight line, through restrictions.
• Attach trailer and secure to tractor.
• Attach 3-point linkage attachment to tractor.
• Connect PTO attachment and run.
• Drive over uneven and sloping terrain.
• Pass mark is less than 20 penalty points and no mandatory disqualifications.
• Time allowed is 1 hour 20 minutes.

Onsite and off-site centre testing available