Optimizing Tractor Performance & Safety
Modern agriculture is more productive and efficient than ever before, and tractors are largely to thank for that. Farms around the world rely on these rugged, versatile, and powerful machines for a whole host of tasks, from prepping soil to lugging feed. They’re incredibly easy to use, as well, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t risks. Tractors can be dangerous without the proper precautions.
That’s why we here at High Plains Equipment put together these tips for optimizing your tractor operations and your safety. If you want more tips and advice, or you’re just looking for a new tractor to be extra safe on, contact one of our stores in Devils Lake or Harvey, North Dakota. Our friendly and experienced staff can guide you to whatever you need at the prices you want!
Gear Up, Throttle Down
The GUTD, or “Gear Up, Throttle Down” method refers to the engine’s work to fuel consumption ratio, which is achieved by operating at or near the maximum load. Most of the time your tractor won’t need it’s maximum horsepower, so operators can save fuel by shifting to a higher gear to slow the engine’s RPM without losing out on speed.
The GUTD method works well for any job that doesn’t require more than around 70% of your tractor’s full engine power. Remember to look through your owner’s manual for information and guidelines that are specific to your machine. We can provide general tips for most of your tractors, but each machine has a unique disposition that’s understood best by the manufacturer. If you’re still unsure about how or when to use the GUTD method, our parts and service department is ready and willing to help. Be aware that using the GUTD method will reduce your machine’s PTO speed and its hydraulic reaction time.
To test out your settings, start your machine and operate it at the desired speed and throttle settings. Then, quickly open the throttle to test your engine. If it speeds up easily, then your settings are correct. An unresponsive engine might mean you need to shift down a gear or increase your engine’s speed. Keep checking on your engine’s speed until you find just the right settings.
Distributing Weight
Tractors are huge machines with a lot of power, able to work for long periods of time—but even they have their limits. If your tractor is overloaded, it will negatively affect your performance. Increased weight puts stress on the engine drivetrain, slowing down your machine and making it work overtime to do the same job. Smooth operation relies on you knowing the total ballasted weight of your vehicle. An efficient and evenly-weighted-down machine will complete tasks faster and more efficiently than one that’s overburdened.
Safety Precautions
Efficiency is one thing, but your or that of the operator safety is more important than high yields or speed records. It’s essential to take proper safety precautions, even and especially if you’re experienced—no one is immune to an accident.
Start by ensuring all standard safety guards are intact. It sounds obvious, but there have been folks who were tempted by potential performance upgrades that required making their machine less safe, and they’ve suffered the consequences. You also need to be at your best, so only operate your tractor while sober and alert, and never drive recklessly around the property.
Always wear the proper clothing for the operations. That means snug clothes that won’t dangle in and get caught by machinery, and sturdy footwear that will help you keep your balance. When operating any heavy machinery or farm equipment, wear hearing protection to avoid damaging your hearing over time. Remember to take plenty of breaks for food and rest to keep your focus up. This helps both safety and efficiency!
Regular Maintenance
Like any motorized vehicle, tractors require regular maintenance and general upkeep to ensure they remain operational and effective. There are a few easy, simple steps you can take to keep your machine in optimal condition.
First, always make sure your air filters are working properly to keep your engine clear of dirt, debris, and other particulates that can cause serious damage. If you want help figuring out when to change filters, install a dirt restriction gauge to remove the guesswork from the equation.
Fuel will need to be changed depending on the weather and season. Winter fuel is designed to keep fuel from freezing or condensing in cold temperatures, while summer fuel is packed with coolants to delay overheating. Talk to our parts and service department about what fuel density and additives are best for the time of year.
There are testing kits for engine coolant that you can buy from your tractor’s manufacturer or a tractor dealer. The correct coolant can help increase performance. Keep in mind that the antifreeze you use in your passenger vehicle won’t work with your tractor’s diesel engine.
We hope these tips help you make the most of your machine safely! If you have more questions about increasing performance or efficiency, contact us at High Plains Equipment. We proudly serve the people of Devils Lake, Minot, and Grand Forks, North Dakota—let us serve you today!