Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of operating tractors with or without attached equipment and defines the standard required to: carry out pre-operational checks and maintenance including tagging defects; set and secure attachments according to manufacturer's directions; operate tractor in a safe and controlled manner; implement shut-down procedures; store machinery and equipment and record maintenance and operation details.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to workers in the agriculture, horticulture or land management sectors who operate tractors under some supervision with regular checking and within enterprise guidelines.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare tractor for operation

1.1. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards in the work area are identified and safety concerns reported to the supervisor.

1.2. Routine checks of tractors are conducted prior to use according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.

1.3. Attached equipment is identified and selected appropriate to work requirements, checked for safety and set for operation.

1.4. Tractor and attached equipment faults or malfunctions are identified and reported for repair according to enterprise requirements.

2. Operate tractor

2.1. Risks to self, others and the environment are recognised and avoided according to enterprise requirements.

2.2. Suitable personal protective equipment is used, maintained and stored according to enterprise requirements.

2.3. Tractor is operated according to low risk operating procedures in a controlled manner and monitored for performance and efficiency.

2.4. Environmental impacts associated with tractor operation are recognised and minimised according to directions.

3. Complete and check tractor operation

3.1. Shut-down procedures are conducted according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.

3.2. Malfunctions, faults, irregular performance or damage to tractor and attached equipment is detailed and reported according to enterprise requirements.

3.3. Tractor and attached equipment is cleaned and decontaminated where necessary, secured and stored according to enterprise and OHS requirements.

3.4. Tractor operational reports are maintained to industry standards according to enterprise requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• identify hazards and implement safe operating procedures
• steer, manoeuvre and position tractor in a smooth and controlled manner
• utilise the various components and controls of tractors
• set and secure equipment for operation
• safely and effectively operate tractors in adverse weather and difficult terrain conditions
• demonstrate safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices
• interpret manufacturers specifications, work and maintenance plans, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
• effectively communicate faults and hazards, interpret and apply task instructions, report and maintain operational records
• calculate and measure distance, volumes and weights
• use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• tractor components, controls and features and operational functions
• tractor steering systems and features
• attached equipment, features and operational functions and procedures
• operating principles and operating methods
• load limits and the principles of weight distribution with regard to load shifting and tractor movement
• distinguishing characteristics of individual tractors including rated power
• effects of adverse weather and difficult terrain conditions on tractor operation
• duty of care to self, others and the environment
• use and control of hazardous substances.
• relevant legislation with regard to machinery operation and licensing requirements
• environmental Codes of Practice with regard to machinery operation
• OHS legislative requirements, Codes of Practice, hazard identification and risk assessment.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include evidence of the following:

• carry out pre-operational checks and maintenance including tagging defects
• set and secure attachments according to manufacturer's directions
• operate tractor in a safe and controlled manner
• implement shut-down procedures
• store machinery and equipment
• record maintenance and operation details.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Tractors may include:

• two wheel drive
• four wheel drive
• front wheel assist tractors.

Steering systems may include:

• conventional front-wheel steering
• all wheel steering.

Unit sector 

Machinery operation and maintenance

Co-requisite units 

Competency field