Q&A for How to Drive a Tractor

You should use a lower gear in order to go up hills with high loads. At lower gearing, the tractor is able to produce more torque, which is essential in transporting heavy loads. Depending on how many gears the tractor has, you should go no higher than 3rd gear. If the tractor has multiple ranges, use low range.

On an older tractor, the PTO engagement is under the seat. The regular shifter is the longest one in the middle of the center console, and the hi-low range shifter is short and located on either side of the main shifter.

In order, use a combination of decreasing the throttle, down-shifting through gears and finally using the brakes to cease forward motion altogether. This approach works with the machine's components in their natural order, using the strongest systems first to do the most work and progressing down from there.

The gear shift, on most farm tractors, is located either to the right on the console, or in the center on the floor, between the clutch and brake pedals.

If the bucket is too high, it will throw off the center of gravity; too low, and you’ll dig in the dirt. You want it just high enough to clear any unexpected obstacles.

Generally the size does not matter as long as it is not too big to fit in. As long as the voltage and amperage is the same you shouldn't encounter any problems. Most tractors utilize standard car style batteries, and older ones use those similar to the size of a car. I recommend NAPA batteries, as they generally last longer and hold their charge better than others.

It depends on the make/model of the tractor and its gear ratios. Use whichever combination gives you a speed you're comfortable with without overloading the engine. If the engine emits black or blue smoke, it is best to gear down and throttle up.

If you have a stickshift, put the tractor in reverse gear as you would a manual car. If it's a hydrostatic transmission, tip the pedal backward.

If the tractor doesn't start, it's either an electrical, compression, or fuel issue. If it doesn't crank or cranks very slowly, the battery is likely dead and needs a boost. If the battery's okay, then the problem is either the starter or the starter solenoid. If the tractor cranks over and emits very little or no smoke, it's likely a fuel issue- check for a clogged fuel filter and water in the fuel. If it's not that, it could be clogged injectors or a bad fuel pump. If the tractor cranks over and emits smoke, but doesn't light, it may be that the glow plugs are bad or that there's low compression in one or more cylinders.

A hydrostatic tractor will be as easy to start on a hill as it is on the level. For a stickshift, push in the clutch, shift into a low gear, increase RPM's with the hand throttle, then gently and smoothly release the brake and clutch at the same time. If you stall, apply the brake, push in the clutch, and restart the engine. Try setting the hand throttle a bit higher and/or using a lower gear.

Four-wheel-drive tractors send power to all four wheels. They are useful when operating in hilly, rough or wet terrain.

Put the bucket and any attached implements on the ground, set the parking brake, and shut down the engine. If you are parked on a hill, you may wish to leave the tractor in gear (1st or reverse) to be extra safe.

Most tractor transmissions are not synchronized, so you will have to double-clutch. When you're at top speed in a given gear, push in the clutch, shift the transmission into neutral, let out the clutch, then adjust the engine RPM's to the appropriate level with the accelerator/hand throttle. Then push in the clutch again, shift into your desired gear, and release the clutch. In order for this to work, you will have to be able to judge your current speed and know how many RPM's the tractor's engine typically runs at when driving at that speed in each gear. It will take considerable practice.

I usually use medium gear. If you're picking up or scooping, bring up a bit and put tractor in Low. I don’t usually worry about the RPMs so much but the higher they are, the faster the loader arm will move. So, if you idle it, the loader will move slowly.

With a ball hitch. You can buy a 3 part attachment that has a hitch adapter. You can also use a draw bar if the ball fits in the holes, but note that a draw bar will spin.

Depress the clutch pedal and the brake, making sure you're in neutral. Turn the key to the first position, allowing the glow plugs to cycle (which should take 2 - 3 seconds), then turn the key just like a car and start the tractor.

Ensure the clutch is making contact with the floor, then move the gear stick from either neutral or whatever gear you're in while at a complete stop. Then move said stick into the reverse position, which should be on the far bottom right or top farthest left.

The clutch will always hit the floor, but your brakes need to be pumped or checked.