Vintage Tractor Engineer

Batteries can be dangerous, particularly if they are unknowingly faulty and emitting greater than normal amounts of hydrogen gas. The danger is that a spark can ignite the gas and explode the battery covering you, and anyone else in the vicinity, in highly corrosive sulphuric acid. Serious acid burns are a real possibility. When using jump leads make sure the ends do not accidently contact each other and be careful not to catch the lead ends on the tractor frame or battery retaining bracket. Read the rest of this entry »

The first thing to be aware of when towing off a tractor is that most machines with any hydraulic gear system (e.g. MF 165 with Multipower gearbox) cannot be towed off.

Tow at a reasonable speed on a firm road surface; not on loose surfaces such as gravel as they do not allow sufficient friction to provide the turning power necessary. Only attach the chain on the towing tractor to an approved drawbar. Never attach to the top link position as this can flip the towing tractor.

Place the stop control lever in the ’start’ position, turn on the ignition if necessary and adjust the throttle to half open. Select the highest gear but keep the clutch pedal depressed until the towing vehicle reaches speed. Then release the clutch and after it has started depress the clutch pedal again. Have a good signal procedure between the two drivers so as not to run into the back of the towing vehicle.