This is a demanding training course for experienced tractor drivers in agriculture, horticulture, conservation, woodland management and construction and really tests the operative’s existing tractor driving skills. It’s run on uneven, rough terrain using steep slopes of over 18% (1:5.5) incline and also has plenty of complex maneuvering, so learners must able to drive a tractor to standards acceptable to the instructor before undertaking this course.
Although the minimum duration is two days for experienced tractor drivers, semi-experienced drivers may require longer. Novice operators are likely to require five days in order to confidently tackle steep slopes and uneven rough terrain.
By the end of this course learners should be able to:
- Perform a risk assessment
- Mount and dismount safely
- Understand the purpose and meaning of the instrumentation
- Understand the function of all controls including steering modes, weight transfer and reverse
- Understand the hazards associated with using controls
- Understand the reasons for daily checks
- Perform daily checks of the lubrication, cooling system and air intake of the engine
- Ensure the Combi Slope Tractor is in a safe, road-worthy state
- Perform basic lubrication of the tractor
- Start and stop the engine in a safe manner
- Competently drive a Combi Slope Tractor in open, confined and diverse terrain
- Leave the Combi Slope Tractor in a safe state
- Safely attach and unhitch a mounted implement and manoeuvre in a forward and reverse direction
- Safely attach and unhitch a trailed implement and manoeuvre in a forward and reverse direction
- Leave unhitched implements in a safe state
- Correctly attach a power take-off (PTO) shaft and guards between Combi Slope Tractor and implement*
- Assess the minimum turning circle of the machine, the correct working angles of the PTO shaft*
- Carry out basic operations using a trailer
- Carry out basic operations using a Combi Slope Tractor-mounted loader, if fitted*
- Identify safe working conditions for the equipment being used
- Safely operate on slopes in accordance with the Manufacturer’s Operating Manual (MOM)
*Note: Not suitable for learners under 16 years
This is an integrated training and assessment course. Upon successful completion learners will receive a Lantra Awards Certificate of Competence.
