Learning to Drive a Tractor

If you’ve never driven a tractor before it can be a bit difficult to learn your machine's various controls. To help, we’ve written up a general driving guide for all our first-time tractor owners. If you’re still looking for your perfect tractor you can always stop by our location in Schriever, Louisiana to browse our inventory!

Read Your Owner’s Manual

Our guide should help you learn some of the basic controls that are present on a majority of tractors. However, many machines have unique features or controls that we aren’t able to account for. Before you hop up into the driver’s seat we encourage you to read through your owner's manual for your tractor. This should provide important and helpful information on your tractor’s unique controls. 

Do an Inspection

Before you start driving it’s important to give your machine a quick once over. Check that tires or treads are in good condition and that safety equipment, such as lights and seatbelts, are functioning properly. Once you’ve started your tractor, allow it to idle and warm up for 2 to 3 minutes. During this time, pay close attention to any suspicious sounds or smoke coming from your engine. 

Driving Your Tractor

To start your tractor you’ll need to press the clutch pedal all the way to the floor before turning your ignition key. Once it begins to turn over you’ll also need to press the brake pedal to the floor. Your tractor shouldn’t turn over for more than 8 seconds before starting. To begin driving you’ll need to release your machine’s parking brake and place it in first gear. Remove your foot from the brake pedal and, when you’re ready to move forward, slowly lift your foot from the clutch pedal. If your machine has a throttle you’ll want to keep it at a low setting the first few times you drive. When you’re ready to stop again carefully press down the clutch and brake pedals at the same time. 

We hope this guide will prove to be helpful to you as you learn to master your tractor’s controls. We encourage you to also look up helpful instructional videos or speak with an experienced tractor driver. If you’re located nearby Thibodaux or New Orleans, Louisiana we hope you’ll visit Southern Trailer Works for all of your tractor needs!