And, finally, this was the day I had been waiting for for nearly 2 months: I was thought how to drive a tractor!
Despite sitting in a pool of water that the waterproofs did not manage to keep out, this was really really enjoyable and I was so impressed how maneuverable it is, much more agile than a car, and no comparison with a Gator which is rather stiff.
Without a trailer, it is dead easy to drive around. With a trailer, reversing is a bit more complicated, as you have to turn the wheel the opposite way to where you want the trailer to go – will need practice on that.
 |
| Fuel filter |
 |
| Fan belt |
 |
| Air cleaner |
To start with, I was run through some safety instructions and made aware of the 10 mph speed limit in the gardens, for the safety and comfort of visitors.
Then I got a quick look inside the bonnet (luckily we have a mechanic on site, so we have help at hand when needed, but I found the tractor manual online), before I was finally taught how to adjust the seating (if you are not sitting straight and square the engine turns off, for safety) and drive off:
- turning on the diesel engine
- turning up the revs
- using the range gear
- accelerating (speed control pedal forward) and reversing (speed control pedal backwards)
- using the brake pedal and handbreak.
- reversing to align to the trailer
- safely firming the trailer pin
- lifting trailer jack stand completely so it’s out of the way
- releasing brake
- attaching hydraulic pump
 |
| Range gear |
 |
| Driving console |
 |
| Trailer brake |
 |
| Hydraulic pump lever |
Finally I was taught how to tip the trailer, and, the complicated stuff: how to reverse!
It was hard work, but at the end, both instructor and instructed seemed pleased.
About Me
M.Paola Andreoni
I got the first allotment in 2007 (in the UK) and started growing my own food for the first time. Learning as I went along was not enough, so I studied some horticulture. I am striving to abide by organic principles. Brexit gave me a new life in the Netherlands, and two new plots by a nature reserve.
Some Rights Reserved
This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.