COMPETENCY BASED LEARNING MATERIAL

Unit of Competency: USE FARM TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Module Title : USING FARM TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

 HOW TO USE THIS COMPETENCY BASED LEARNING MATERIAL
Welcome to the module in Using Farm Tools and Equipment one of the
competency of RICE MACHINERY OPERATION NCII QUALIFICATION. This module
contains training materials and activities for you to complete.

The unit of competency “Using Farm Tools and Equipment” contains

knowledge, skills and attitude required for TRAINEES.

You are required to go through, a series of learning activities in order to complete

each learning outcome of the module. In each learning outcome are Information
Sheet, Self-Checks, Task Sheets and Job Sheets. The follow these activities on your
own. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask your facilitator for assistance.

The goal of this course is the development of practical skills in supervising work-
based training. Tools in planning, monitoring and evaluation of work-based training
shall be prepared during the workshop to support in the implementation of the training
program.

This module is prepared to help you achieve the required competency, in “RICE
MACHINERY OPERATION NCII”.

This will be the source of information for you to acquire knowledge and skills in
this particular competency independently and at your own pace, with minimum
supervision or help from your facilitator.

Remember to:
 Work through all the information and complete the activities in each section.
 Read information sheets and complete the self-check. Answer keys are included
in this package to allow immediate feedback. Answering the self-check will help
you acquire the knowledge content of this competency.
 Perform the task sheets and job sheets until you are confident that your output
conforms to the performance criteria checklist that follows the sheets.
 Submit outputs of the task sheets and job sheets to your facilitator for evaluation
and recording in the Accomplishment Chart. Outputs shall serve as your portfolio
during the institutional competency evaluation.

A certificate of achievement will be awarded to you after passing the evaluation.

You must pass the institutional competency evaluation for this competency before
moving to another competency.
 MODULE CONTENT

Qualification: RICE MACHINERY OPERATION NCII

Unit of Competency: Use Farm Tools and Equipment

Module Title: Using Farm Tools and Equipment

Introduction:
This unit deals with knowledge and skills required for Rice Machinery Operation
NC II.

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module you MUST be able to:

1. Determine areas of concern for safety measures

2. Apply appropriate safety measures
3. Safe keep/dispose tools, materials and outfit

Assessment Criteria
 Work tasks are identified in line with farm operations
 Place for safety measures are determined in line with farm operations
 Time for safety measures are determined in line with farm operations
 Appropriate tools, materials and outfits are prepared in line with job requirements
 Tools and materials are used according to specifications and procedures
 Outfits are worn according to farm requirements
 Effectivity/shelf life/expiration of materials are strictly observed
 Emergency procedures are known and followed to ensure a safework
requirement
 Hazards in the workplace are identified and reported in line with farm guidelines
 Used tools and outfit are cleaned after use and stored in designated areas
 Unused materials are properly labeled and stored according to manufacturers
recommendation and farm requirements
 Waste materials are disposed according to manufacturers, government and farm
requirements
 INFORMATION SHEET 2.1-1

Identify Farm Tools and Their Uses

Hand Tools

Hand tools are objects usually light and are used without the help of
animals or machines. They are being used in performing farm activities which
involve small areas like school garden and home garden.

Examples are:

1. Bolo is used for cutting of grasses and

weeds, loosening and pulverizing the
soil, digging small holes for planting
and posts, and breaking the topsoil in
preparing garden plots if no other tools
are available.

2. Crowbar is used for digging big holes

and for digging out big stones and
stumps.

3. Pick-mattock is used for digging

canals, breaking hard topsoil and for
digging up stones and tree stumps.
4. Grab-hoe is used for breaking hard
Topsoil,pulverizing soil and hilling up.

5. Spade is used for removing trash or

soil, digging canals or ditches and
mixing soil media.

6. Shovel is used in removing trash,

digging loose soil, moving soil
from one place to another and
for mixing soil media.

7. Rake is used for cleaning the

ground and leveling the topsoil.
8. Spading fork is used for loosening
the soil, digging out root crops and
turning over the materials in a
compost heap.

9. Light hoe is used for loosening and

leveling soil and digging out furrows for
planting.

10. Hand trowel is used for loosening

the soil around the growing plants and
putting small amount of manure in the
soil.

11. Hand cultivator is used for

cultivating the garden plot by loosening
the soil and removing young weeds
around the plant.

12. Hand fork is for inter row

cultivation.
13. Pruning shears is for cutting
branches of planting materials and
unnecessary branches of plants.

14. Axe is for cutting bigger size post.

15. Knife is for cutting planting

materials and for performing other
operations in horticulture.

16. Water pail - for hauling water,

manure and fertilizers.

17.Sprinklers – for watering seedlings and

young plants.
18. Wheel barrow – for hauling trash,
manures, fertilizers, planting materials and
other equipment.

19. Sprayers – it is for spraying insecticides, foliar fertilizers, fungicides and

herbicides.

Trigger
sprayer

Pressure sprayerKnapsack sprayer

20. Sickle and Scythe - a hand-held agricultural tool with a variously

curved blade typically used for cutting weeds.

Sickle Scythe

21. Post hole digger - used for digging holes

from small to moderately sized hole
especially in orchard production.
22. Dibbler or Dibble - a tool to help you
dig a hole in the soil to plant your seeds or
starter plants. 

Care of Garden Tools

Garden tools are gardener’s best friends. They help makehis work easier
and faster. It is impossible for him to work with his bare hands alone. For this
reason, the gardener should take good care of his tools. He should avoid losing
them. He should likewise protect them from breakage.careful use and proper
safekeeping of garden tools will add many more years to their life.

Do’s and don’ts with regards to use of tools:

 Choose the right tool that will serve your purpose.
 Carry your tools properly
 Use tools as working aids, not as toys.
 Clean the tools after using them.
 Always observe safety precautions in handling tools.

Routine check-up and hand tool maintenance

 All tools require regular maintenance to work properly.

 Clean all tools after each use with water and treat with penetrating oil to
prevent rust.
 Tools that require a sharp edge must be sharpened regularly as sharp
tools are safer and most efficient to use.

 Various sharpening tools are used depending upon the tool. It is

important to become familiar with the methods relevant to the
tools you use.
 Check tools regularly for loose nuts and screws and tighten as
needed.
 Sand rough handles and repair cracks as soon as they are noticed
to prevent injury.
 Store tools in a dry area.

Reporting Problems and defective tools:

 Broken or damaged problems tools can cause injury or accidents in the
workplace. The quicker problems are reported, the quicker the tool can be fixed
or replaced and the less risk or injury.
Broken or wornout tools must not be used but put in a place for it is to
be repaired. This will prevent injury and enhance the life of tool. Persons with
proper training and skill should repair tools. Preventive maintenance like
fastening loose nuts or shafts will greatly reduce the need for larger-scale
repairs.
Importance of routine maintenance
Tools have always been indespensable services but tools also give to
uncountable damages when used improperly.

Tips on routine maintenance:

1. Use the correct tool for the job.

2. Keep tools in good condition.
3. Cutting tools should be sharpened if it needs sharpening.
4. Remove plug and store tools after use.
5. Wedges and punches should be free from “mushroom heads”.
6. Use and maintain power tools acording to operator’s manual.
7. Make sure that power tools are properly grounded or are double
insulated.
8. Power tools shoud be unplug before changing blades or servicing or
repairing.
9. Guards and shield should be kept in place.
10.Keep power tools locked up to prevent unauthorized use.

Self-Check

Read and analyze the statement carefully. Choose the CORRECT answer
and write the letter only in your answer sheet.
 1. Which of the following is used for cutting bigger size post?
a. Knife
b. Axe
b. Pruning shears
c. Bolo

2. These are objects that are usually light and are used without the
help of animals or machines.
a. Hand tools
b. Hand fork
c. Hand trowel
d. Implements

3. What tool is used for removing trash or soil, digging canals or ditches
and mixing soil media?
a. Shovel
b. Spading fork
c. Spade
d. Sprinkler
4. It is used for cultivating the garden plot by loosening the soil and
removing young weeds around the plant.
a. Hand fork
b. Hand trowel
c. Hand cultivator
d. Spade
5. Which of the following is used for watering seedlings and young plants?
a. Sprayer
b. Water pail
c. Trigger sprayer
d. Sprinkler

Answer Key

1.b
2. b
3. a
4.c
5.d

INFORMATION SHEET 2.2-1

IDENTIFY APPROPRIATE FARM EQUIPMENT AND THEIR USES
Equipment

These are machineries used in horticultural operations, especially in

vegetable production. They are used in land preparation and in transporting
farm inputs and products. This equipment needs a highly skilled operator to
use.

Examples are:

1.Hand tractor- is used to pull a plow

and harrow in preparing a wide area of
land.

2. Four wheel tractor- is usedto pull the disc

plow and disc harrow in preparing a wider
area of land.

3. Water pumps - are used to draw

irrigation water from a source.

4. ower Sprayer ideal for spraying

agricultural chemicals and
fertilizers on farms, greenhouses
and orchards.

5. Earth Auger - used to drill soil

by making a hole.
6. Grass Cutter – used to trim
large area of grass/lawn

7. Rice Harvester – used to harvest palay

8. Rice Thresher – used to separate rice

grain from its hay.

9. RiceTransplanting Machine - a
specialized transplanter fitted to
transplant rice seedlings onto paddy
field.

10. Plows - these are farm implements used in agricultural crop

production operations either pulled by a working animal or a tractor.
The plows are specifically used for tilling large areas, making furrows
and inter row cultivation.
 Native plow Disc plow

11. Harrows – these are native wooden harrow made up of wood with
a metal tooth and pulled by a carabao while the disc harrow is a metal
mounted to a tractor. Harrows are used for tilling and pulverizing the
soil.

Native wooden harrow Disc harrow

12. Rotavator - an implement

mounted to a tractor used for tilling
and pulverizing the soil.

13. Seed Drill - this is pulled by a

tractor.  It is used to plant grains and
vegetable seeds.  This can make
different kinds of ditches that the seeds go in depending on what kind of
soil there is.

14. Sprayer - this is used if the farmer needs to spray their crops for
anything [like bugs].  It has a great cab or a place where the driver sits. 
 15. Combine - this is used to
harvest all kinds of crops.  It does more
than one thing like pick and clean the
crop.  It has a sieve in it to get rid of the
crop junk. 

PRE-OPERATIONAND CHECK-UP OF FARM EQUIPMENTS

Check Tractor Before Operating:

A pre-operational check of the tractor will assure you that it is in safe

operating condition. Check the tires for proper inflation and defects, windows
for visibility, seat position, seat belts, brakes for adjustment, steering
response, rear view mirrors, slow-moving vehicle emblem, reflectors, and
running lights for day or night time operation.
Safety Check: Walk around the tractor, and check any attached
implement,and obstacles that may be under or near the tractor. This includes
stones, boards, children's toys etc. Make sure there are no bystanders;
remember this is a working area. Check that the wheels are free, not frozen or
stuck in the ground. If the rear wheels are frozen to the ground, then the
tractor may flip backwards around the axle when power is applied. Check for
any loose parts or objects on the tractor such as tools on the platforms or
around brakes and other controls.

Service Walk around: Walk around the tractor a second time to check the
tractor itself. This time look at the tires for wear and inflation, the power
takeoff shaft for shielding and guarding (rotate the shield to make sure it
moves freely), the hitch for proper hitch pin and safety clip. Pay particular
attention to the ground under the tractor for any signs of liquid leaks such as
oil, coolant or fuel.

Check the oil: Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and check the oil level. If
oil is required, remember to wipe off the filler cap before you remove it to avoid
dirt falling into the engine. Use a clean funnel and clean the top of the oil can
to prevent rust or other foreign objects going in with the oil.

Check the radiator: Slowly remove the red cap and check the liquid level.

Check the air pre-cleaner and air cleaner: Remove and shake out any dirt.

Check the fuel level: Fill if necessary, but it should have been filled at the
end of the last day the tractor was used.

Check the fire extinguisher: Your tractor should have a fire extinguisher in

case of fire during operation or refueling. Make sure it is charged and easily
accessible.

Any noted defects should be corrected immediately. These can affect

performance and your safety!

Batteries: handle with care!

Occasionally it may be necessary to handle, adjust or change the battery on

your tractor. Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can cause considerable
harm if it comes into contact with your skin. They can also produce mixtures
of hydrogen gas and oxygen which can explode if contacted with heat or
sparks.

Remember these safety points:

1. Do the work or adjustments in an area free of sparks and heat sources.

Don't smoke while working near the battery. Make sure the area is well
ventilated.
2. Always wear personal protective equipment, covering the eyes and
hands. A full face shield will offer the most protection.
3. Never work leaning directly over the battery.
4. Always disconnect the ground cable first and identify the cables as
positive or negative so that you don't re-attach them interchangeably.
5. Make sure that you clean the terminals and cable connections before re-
attaching them. Make sure the new battery is secured with the hold-
down assembly provided.
6. While installing the battery, make sure that the terminals don't come
into contact with metal parts on the engine or tractor body.
7. Make sure that you connect the ground cable last to prevent sparks and
tighten the connections!

Hydraulic systems and safety

Working with or on hydraulic equipment can be dangerous. Some of the

hazards cannot even be seen readily. Hydraulic systems are under
tremendous pressure and this is where the unseen danger lies.
Before servicing hydraulic systems:

1. Shut off the engine powering the hydraulic pump.

2. Lower the implement to the ground.
3. Relieve pressure by moving the hydraulic control lever back and forth.
4. If working around or under a raised implement, make sure that it is
blocked or supported by something other than the cylinder itself.
5. Use a piece of cardboard or wood to check for leaks in hoses and
fittings. Even a small amount of pressurized hydraulic fluid can be
injected through the skin and cause severe health problems. Seek
medical attention immediately if hydraulic fluid penetrates your skin.
6. Be cautious when releasing blocks or transport locks on equipment. If a
cylinder has leaked and lost pressure, the implement may fall to the
ground as the locks are released.

Safety Practices During Operation of Farm Equipment

MACHINERY AND TOOL SAFETY

Machines: They save valuable time and are essential to agricultural

productivity. They can ever also impose danger to the worker who operates
them

Safe machinery operation primarily depends on how you operate the

machine. Machines are inanimate objects; they cannot think, reason, or adapt
to meet the needs of people. The responsibility for machinery safety rests with
you. Just as we are told to drive defensively when operating an automobile.
Machine operators should always take precautions.

When examining machinery and workshop areas take note of the common
hazards associated with the equipment and tools on farms. Train your
workers to use extra caution when working with identified hazard areas of
equipment.

Common Hazards Associated with Machinery:

1. Pinch points- are areas where two or more parts move together with at
least one part moving in a circle. The areas where drive belts contact
pulleys or sprockets mesh with chains are prime examples of pinch
points.
2. Crush points- are hazards involving two components moving toward
each other. Examples of crush-point hazards are the raising and
lowering equipment with a three-point hitch, components that are
moved by hydraulic cylinders and the areas between the tractor and
 machinery when hitching or turning.

3. Wrap (entanglement) point -hazards pertain to any exposed rotating

component. Wrap-point hazards include any type of rotating shaft or
driveline. PTO drivelines are prime examples of wrapping or
entanglement hazards.
4. Pull-in point =hazards involve mechanisms designed to take in crops or
other materials for processing. They include combine headers, windrow
pickups, forage chopper headers, and grinders.
5. Shear and cutting point= hazards are areas where two parts move
across one another or one moves across a stationary object. Windrower
cutter bars and grain augers are examples of cutting and shear points.
6. Thrown objects Metal, glass, wire, sticks, or other materials may be
picked up by a machine and propelled with extreme force. Rotary
mowers are good examples of machines capable of throwing objects.
7. Burn point= hazards are associated with tractors and self-propelled
and pull-type machinery. Hot mufflers, engine blocks, pipes, and hot
fluids are examples of burn points.
8. Stored energy hazards =are present in pressurized systems such as
hydraulics, compressed air, and springs. The sudden or unexpected
pressurization or depressurization of these systems can result in
crushing and other types of accidents, depending on the use of the
system. High-pressure leaks are also forms of stored energy.

General Safety Precaution:

Develop safe procedures for working around all machinery; begin by putting
the following guidelines in place:
 Read and follow all safety procedures in the manufacturer’s manual.
 Turn off the machine and take the key before making any repairs or
adjustments.
 Block raised hydraulic equipment. Do not depend on hydraulic systems
to keep the implement or attachment in a raised position.
 Ensure adequate working space for the job
 Provide and use appropriate personal protective equipment.
 Check to ensure sufficient lighting and ventilation
 Keep walkways and exits clear Maintain required firefighting and first
 aid equipment in the work area.
 Ensure fuel, compressed air, electrical or other services are safely
installed and maintained.
 Modify machinery considered hazardous or remove it from service if it
cannot be made safe to operate.
 Ensure guarding is safely replaced after maintenance jobs are
completed.
 Have guards designed and fitted for older machinery and newly
purchased machinery

Self Check
 True or False

When working with battery

1. Do the work in an area free of sparks and heat sources. Smoke while
working near the battery.
2. Always wear personal protective equipment, covering the eyes and
hands. A full face shield will offer the most protection.
3. Work leaning directly over the battery.
4. Always disconnect the ground cable first and identify the cables as
positive and negative so that you don't re-attach them interchangeably.
5. Make sure that you clean the terminals and cable connections before re-
attaching them.

Answer Key
1F
2T
3F
4T
5T

INFORMATION SHEET 2.3-1

PERFORM PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

Machinery Maintenance

Repairs and maintenance of farm machinery, equipment and associated workshop

tasks are necessary to ensure optimum machinery performance and efficiency.
However, these tasks are among the most frequent causes of farm injuries. Numerous
accidents occur because operators attempt to make repairs or adjustments while a
machine is running. Others have been injured or killed by being crushed when
equipment fell down while they were working underneath .

Take the time to identify potential hazards and develop safe procedures for workshop
tasks, paying particular attention to the training and supervision of young and
inexperienced workers.

Tractor Maintenance

Regular maintenance of farm tractors can prevent hazardous incidents in the field and
in the workshop; however, it is well documented that individuals can be killed or
seriously injured while performing simple maintenance tasks and repairs of farm
tractors.

 Check that the right equipment is available for the work being completed.
 Ensure workers are experienced and trained to do the task.
 Ensure workers are knowledgeable of safety procedures.
 Ensure workers are aware of the dangers in performing maintenance work in the
field.
 Prevent accidental start-up.

General Precautions

The following general precautions can help reduce the risk of accidents during
maintenance procedures.

 Routinely check brakes, clutches and drive, according to the manual

 Ensure steering, exhaust system and brakes are well in top conditioned
 Stop the motor before refueling, servicing or greasing.
 Never remove or replace belts while pulleys are under power
 Keep steps and working platforms free of grease and oil to avoid slips and falls
If the engine overheats, allow time for it to cool off before removing the radiator cap.

POINTS TO CONSIDER IN EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE OPERATION

The Owner's Manual should be your first source of information

 1. Study your owner's manual. The manufacturer has specific
instructions for basic care of equipment, and they have the
expertise to give you the best advice on how to do it.

Here are some items you should find in the Owner's Manual:

 Maintenance Schedule.This will tell you the intervals for routine

maintenance, including chassis lubrication, engine, transmission, and
hydraulic oil change, filter changes, and other maintenance works.

Tractor hydraulic oil has

different viscosities and additives, so check the label before you
buy.

 Specifications. This table shows the type of fluid for the transmission,
hydraulic system, brakes, and engine coolant, as well as their capacities.
Tire inflation, bolt torques, and other information may be found under
specifications or other sections of the manual.
 Location of lubricant points (grease fittings), fluid check dipsticks or
sight glasses, and instructions on cleaning air and fuel filters.
 Basic operating instructions and other information specific to your
tractor.
 Some tools required for normal tractor maintenance

1. Obtain tools. Tractor maintenance requires numerous wrenches and

other tools in larger sizes than for automobile maintenance, so plan to
buy or borrow the tools you need.

Protect the tractor from the elements.

2. Protect the tractor from the environmental elements. Because most

smaller farm (or garden) tractors do not have a cabin to protect the seat,
instrument panel, and metal components, it is a good idea to store it in a
shed or garage. If you don’t have this, cover the seat and the exhaust
system.

3. Check fluids regularly. Tractor usage is measured in hours, not miles,

so the amount of use may be deceptive, and leaking components may
cause failure of expensive parts. Refer to the owner's manual to
determine how each fluid is checked.

A typical tractor engine oil dipstick

 a. Check the engine oil.

Transmission filler cap/dipstick assembly, located on the top of the

gearbox

b. Check the transmission fluid.

  • Check the coolant in the radiator.
  • Check the hydraulic oil.
  • Check the battery electrolytes

4. Check tire inflation. Because of the shape, low inflation is not always
obvious. Rear tires normally have between 12 and 20 PSI inflation
pressure, the front tires may have up to 32 PSI. The back tires on farm
tractors should be filled with ballast, especially if you are pulling an
implement where maximum traction is required. Usually this ballast is
water with an antifreeze solution added.View of the fan belt and upper
radiator hose with the tractor hood up
5. Keep an eye on belts and hoses. If your tractor is equipped with a
hydraulic system, it has high pressure hoses and/or tubing, and failure
of this fluid conduit can cause component (hydraulic pump) failure, loss
of steering, or other problems. If a hose (or belt) appears damaged, worn,
or cracked, replace it. If fittings or connections are leaking, tighten them
or replace the seals.Tractors have independent rear wheel brakes to
assist in turning. Note two pedals.
6. Keep the brake linkages lubricated, and make sure the brakes are
adjusted equally. Many tractors have mechanical brakes, operated by a
linkage and cam system instead of a master/slave fluid system. These
brakes are located on the rear axles, and work independently, so that
they may be used to steer the tractor in tight corners or to reverse the
direction of travel.

7. Watch the gauges. Keep an eye on the temperature, oil pressure, and
the tachometer.

 The temperature gauge should be marked with a normal operating

range, but any time the indicator says the temperature is over 220
degrees F, which means the engine is running hot.
 If equipped with a diesel engine, the oil pressure should be
between 40 and 60 PSI.
 The tachometer tells how many revolutions per minute the
crankshaft is turning. Diesel engines are designed to operate at
lower RPM and higher torque than gasoline engines, and "over
revving" your engine, or operating it at maximum RPMs is not
recommended.

8. Check the filters regularly. Most systems on tractors are equipped with
filters to protect against dirt, water, or other contaminants that could
cause failure of the components. See-through Engine fuel filter to allow you to
see water in the fuel filter bowl.

 Check the fuel filter for accumulated water. Most diesel engines
have a water separating filter, since diesel fuel attracts
moisture.Turbocharged diesels use tremendous amounts of air,
which can cause filters to clog quickly in dusty conditions.

 Check the air filter often. Tractors often

operate in very dusty conditions, and in
some cases, the filters must be cleaned
daily or weekly. Clean the air filter with a
shop vacuum or with compressed air,
never by washing it. Replace the air filter
 when it cannot be cleaned satisfactorily, or if the filter is
damaged.Raise the hood to check the radiator for accumulated
debris.

9. Check the radiator screen. Tractors

are often operated in conditions where
debris may accumulate on the radiator,
so they usually have a front screen
or grill to prevent plant matter, insects,
or pollen from clogging the
radiator.Not all of your tractor's grease
fittings are this easy to locate.

10. Lubricate your tractor. Tractors have many moving parts that
require greasing than other automobiles. If you see a part that moves,
look for a grease fitting. Use a grease cartridge pressure gun, clean the
fitting, attach the hose, and pump grease until the associated seal begins
to expand, or grease is seen oozing out.

 Older tractors require specific lubricants in the gear boxes. Often,

the hydraulic system and the transaxle share fluid, and using the
wrong fluid can cause serious damage.

11. Do not overload your tractor. If you are using your tractor for
cultivation or mowing, it should have a recommended size attachment for
the job you are doing. As an example, do not pull an eight foot mower
with a 35 horsepower tractor.

12. Keep your tractor clean This will help you to spot damaged
components and leaks, and see if trash or debris is causing problems.

TIPS

 Keep a detailed service record. Scheduled service

intervals are usually found in the owner's manual, but
many tractors do not get enough use to reach the hour
requirements for oil changes, etc., so these services may
be done on an annual basis instead.
 When lubricating grease fittings, it is best practice to
 lubricate in both the loaded and unloaded positions, as the grease will
only press into the unloaded space in either position. Greasing in both
positions will better provide a complete lubrication.The battery in this
tractor has little protection so it should be checked often

 It pays to keep an eye on your battery. Some tractors

are not cranked and used very often, and the battery
can lose its charge while the machine is not used.
Check the electrolyte and charge the battery every
month or so if the tractor has not been used. If you do
expect to let the tractor sit idle for a long period, plan
on starting the engine and letting it run long enough
to completely warm up every month or so.Engine oil
drain plug located underneath the crankcase
 Learn the location of filler plugs, internal filters, and
drain plugs on your machine. Older tractors did not
always come equipped with convenient dipsticks for checking transaxle
or hydraulic fluids. Often they will have a filler plug located on the side
of a housing indicating that the oil should be filled up to that level.

 Always allow tractors, especially diesel engine tractors,

to warm up when cranked after a long period of non-
use. Never over rev the engine when it is first started.
Hydraulic lifters, hydraulic pumps, and oil pumps
may drain down while the tractor is not in use, and
damage can occur to these components8 lug bolts
secure this rear tractor tire

 Check lug nuts. The lug nuts on the large back

wheels are prone to work loose if not torque
properly. The rear wheel has a tapered hub, so
reversing the wheel brings the tire in toward the
tractor's center
 Learn to reverse the wheels if you use the tractor for
field operations that require different wheel width
settings. Some equipment, such as bottom plows or
mowers, work better with a narrow wheel width,
where for planting and cultivating crops you may
need the wheels set out to the widest width.