- - AGRICULTURE CORE CURRICULUM - - (CLF2000) Advanced Core Cluster: AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS (CLF2800) Unit Title: EQUIPMENT OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ___________________________________________________________________________ (CLF2801) Topic: EQUIPMENT OPERATION Time Year(s) SAFETY 3 hours 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 ___________________________________________________________________________ Topic Objectives: Upon completion of this lesson, the students will be able to: Learning Outcome #: (Q-1) - Demonstrate safe operational procedures for three pieces of agricultural equipment. Special Material and Equipment: Tractor, agricultural machines, industrial engines. References: Jacobs, C. O., & Harrell, W. R. (1983). AGRICULTURAL POWER AND MACHINERY. New York: McGraw-Hill. Resources: Deere & Company. (1984). PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE (Fundamentals of Machine Operation (FMO) Series). Available from: John Deere Technical Services, Dept. F, John Deere Road, Moline, IL 61265 Evaluation: Quiz by instructor. TOPIC PRESENTATION: EQUIPMENT OPERATION SAFETY A. Daily Prestart Check 1. Check for coolant, lubricant, fuel, and air leaks. 2. Check fuel tank level. a. Never let a diesel run out of fuel. b. Drain water and sediment from fuel sediment bowl on gasoline engines. 3. Check coolant level in radiator. a. Coolant should be about one inch below the top of radiator cap. b. Make sure the percentage of antifreeze in the water is adequate by measuring the specific gravity with a radiator hydrometer. 4. Check V-belt (fanbelt) tension and condition. 5. Check engine crankcase oil level. a. Make sure oil is not greyish (water in oil). b. Add proper engine oil as needed (consult operator's manual). Be careful not to add oil past the "full" mark on the dipstick. c. Some engines can be checked while running; the operator's manual or dipstick will indicate if this is so. Those that are checked while running show level above "full" when not running. d. Some older engines have plugs in place of dipsticks. 6. Check transmission and hydraulic oil level 7. Check and clean air cleaner (see lesson 2803). 8. Check condition of all air intake hoses and system. 9. Check water level and terminals of battery. 10. Check tire pressure and condition. 11. Check for loose bolts and nuts, tighten as required. 12. Grease all lube points. B. Starting a Gasoline Engine 1. Provide adequate ventilation if engine is to be started inside. 2. Check that fuel supply valve is turned on. 3. Place transmission shift lever in neutral or park. 4. Set speed control lever (hand throttle) at 1/4 to 1/3 open. 5. Depress clutch pedal. 6. Pull out choke control if engine is cold. 7. Turn ignition switch to on position and crank engine no more than 30 seconds at a time. 8. Push in choke control after engine has started and warmed. 9. Allow engine to run at a moderately fast speed (1200 rpm) and slowly release the clutch while the transmission still in neutral. 10. Check all gauges and warning lights for normal readings. 11. Allow the engine to warm up for one or two minutes before doing work. C. Starting a Diesel Engine 1. Provide adequate ventilation if engine is to be started inside. 2. Check that fuel supply valve is turned on. 3. Place transmission shift lever in neutral or park. 4. Be sure fuel stop control is in the non-stopping position (usually pushed inward). 5. Depress clutch pedal, then turn key on to start. 6. Crank the engine several revolutions and then open the throttle to at least 1/3 open until engine starts. 7. After engine has started, let the engine operate at approximately 1/3 speed for several minutes. 8. Immediately after engine starts, release clutch and check gauges and warning lights for normal readings. Note: Refer to the operator's manual for specific starting instructions on any tractor or machine. D. Selecting Tractor Forward Speed, Engine Speed, and Gear 1. Selecting tractor forward speed: a. Safe operation is an important determining factor. b. Proper implement performance is a determining factor. 1) Plowing too fast wastes energy. 2) Plowing too slow does not adequately turn over soil. 3) Cultivating too fast may cover and bury crop. c. Adequate power capability of tractor is a determining factor. d. Timeliness of completing the job is a determining factor. 2. Selecting engine speed (RPM): a. For heavy loads, run engine at rated speed (normally 2000 to 2500 RPM). b. For light loads, engine speed can be lower (usually not less than 1500 RPM). 3. Gear selection is predetermined from the above two variables. a. See the chart on the tractor, or b. See the tachometer on the tractor or, c. See the chart in the operator's manual. 4. Remember, for economical operation, shift up and throttle down. E. Tractor and Agricultural Equipment Operator's Responsibilities 1. Operate safely: a. Prevent side rollover of tractors. 1) Set wheel tread at widest setting suitable. 2) Lock brake pedals together before operating at transport speeds. 3) Restrict speed according to operating conditions. 4) Do not let the tractor bounce. 5) Drive slowly in slippery conditions. 6) Pull heavy loads, equipment, and trailers slowly. 7) Do not depress a turning brake when turning at high speed. 8) Use engine braking when going downhill. 9) If possible, avoid crossing steep slopes; turn downhill if stability becomes uncertain. 10) Stay a safe distance away from ditch and river banks. b. Prevent rear rollovers of tractors. 1) Hitch towed loads only to the drawbar or drawbar attachment of a three-point hitch. 2) When using a drawbar attachment to a three-point hitch, keep the drawbar attachment as low as possible and use stay braces if possible. 3) Use front-end weights or tire ballast to counteract heavy rear loads. 4) Start forward motion slowly and change speeds gradually, especially when moving uphill. 5) Back up steep hills. 6) Back out of ditches or when stuck in mud. c. Prevent falls from tractors. 1) Keep steps and platforms clean, dry, and free of oil. 2) Do not jump from the tractor. 3) Be aware of overhead obstructions such as low hanging limbs. 4) Operate the tractor from the operator's platform only. 5) Wear the seat belt if the tractor has rollover protection. 6) Do not carry riders unless the tractor is equipped to handle them or the passenger is being trained. d. Prevent operator run-over. 1) Place transmission levers in neutral or park and set the parking brake before leaving the tractor. 2) Start engine or operate controls only when seated in operator's seat. e. Prevent collisions with other vehicles. 1) On roads, use flashers and lights according to local laws. 2) Keep the Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem clean and visible from the rear of the tractor. 3) Pull over to let faster traffic pass. 4) Remember that extra weight increases braking distance. f. Prevent Power Take-Off (PTO) accidents. 1) Always disengage the PTO before getting off the tractor. 2) Keep the master shield and implement guard shields in place. 3) Check to see that integral shields are in good condition. 4) Never step across a rotating powershaft. g. Prevent raised equipment accidents. 1) Lower or block hydraulically or mechanically elevated implements before servicing or leaving the equipment. 2) Make sure raised equipment does not come in contact with power lines. 3) Elevated implements should be lowered before uncoupling remote hydraulic hoses. 2. Operate efficiently: a. Drive in straight lines to decrease wear on steering mechanisms and to enable precise subsequent operations. b. Minimize overlap to decrease cost and time to complete the operation. 3. Operate properly: a. Observe performance of implement. b. Check and listen for proper tractor operation. c. Check gauges and warning lights periodically. _________________________________________________________ ACTIVITY: 1. Perform a prestart check on a tractor,agricultural machine, or industrial engine. 2. Safely operate three different types of tractors, agricultural machines, or industrial engines. _________________________________________________________ 6/28/91 OLR/tf #%&C