A Beginner’s Guide to Driving a Tractor

If you’ve just purchased a tractor and have never driven one before we encourage you to act with caution! Tractors are heavy duty farming equipment that can be dangerous in unqualified hands. We’ve put together a short article on how to safely drive your tractor for the first time, but also advise you look up instructional videos or speak with someone experienced with tractors-such as your sales representative. We here at Mike Cooper Tractors have extremely knowledgeable staff that will be able to answer any of your questions and we encourage you to stop by our location in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, for any of your tractor needs! 

Prepare

One of the most helpful things you can do to prepare for driving a tractor is to read your user manual. While we can provide general advice on how to drive a tractor, your manual will contain important information specific to your make and model. Once you’ve read your user manual a number of your machine’s unique features should be more navigable. However, if you’re still having trouble we advise looking up some instructional videos or reaching out to an experienced tractor owner. 

Inspect 

Before you start inspecting your tractor you’ll need to give yourself a once over first. Ensure that your clothing isn’t baggy or loose and that hair is tied back. This will make it less likely that anything on your person will be caught in your tractor’s moving parts. You’ll also want to make sure that you’re wearing clothes that cover sensitive parts of your body, such as jeans and close-toed shoes, from flying debris. If your tractor doesn’t have a cab you might want to wear a hat with a large brim to protect you from the sun.

Now that we know you’re ready to go you’ll need to check on your tractor! Check that wheels have no punctures or leaking air and have the correct tire pressure. Take a quick walk around your machine and ensure there are no suspicious puddles that could be leaking fluids and that implements are safely attached. Lastly, you’ll want to ensure that safety gear, such as seat belts and headlights, are fully functional. 

Getting Started

To begin, lift yourself into the tractor cab and put on your seat belt. Check and adjust all mirrors and take a good look at your surroundings. There should be no nearby obstacles or uneven terrain and we suggest practicing in a large flat field away from people, property, or animals. Your tractor should also be in neutral with the parking brake on and your foot pressing the clutch to the floor. Start the tractor with the ignition key. It should begin to turn over and, with your left foot still pressing the clutch, use your right foot to press the brake pedal to the floor. Your tractor will continue to turn over but should start within 8 to 10 seconds. Allow your tractor to idle for around 3 minutes before taking it out of neutra into first gear and releasing the parking brake.

Driving 

Tractors do not generally use gas pedals like cars do, although some models may have them. In order to move forward you’ll need to release the brake pedal once the tractor is in first gear. Then, to move forward, slowly lift your foot off the clutch. This will allow your transmission to engage and move the tractor forward. If you have a throttle, remember to keep it at a low setting as you’re learning. As you move across the field remember to practice taking slow wide turns. Quick movements or traveling across uneven terrain can result in your tractor rolling over and cause serious injuries. Once you’re ready to stop, apply pressure slowly to both the brake and clutch at the same time. 

We hope this guide has been helpful in preparing you to drive your first tractor! If you’re located in Tulsa or Muskogee, Oklahoma, and are in need of a tractor we hope you’ll visit our dealership. We have an amazing inventory of high quality tractors, lawn equipment, and parts, and our helpful staff will be able to answer any questions you may have about our expansive inventory.