Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for, operate and maintain tractor operations with attached equipment.
Working with tractors is an inherently dangerous activity. Individuals who work at this level must be thoroughly instructed in all health and safety in the workplace aspects of operating tractors. The tractor must also comply with relevant Australian standards for tractors.
The unit applies to individuals who operate tractors with attachments under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work.
Vehicle must be operated according to relevant state/territory licensing authority vehicle licence requirements and regulations.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare tractor for operation | 1.1 Confirm activity to be undertaken, including identifying potential hazards and risks and implementing safe working practices to manage risks 1.2 Source and interpret relevant machinery operation and maintenance manual and manufacturer instructions 1.3 Select and maintain personal protective equipment according to workplace safety requirements 1.4 Fit and use personal protective equipment required for safe tractor operation and task to be undertaken 1.5 Conduct tractor routine pre-operational checks according to operation and maintenance manual 1.6 Inspect for missing parts, damage, faults, or malfunctions and report and tag defects |
2. Select, remove and fit attachments | 2.1 Select attachment for the task 2.2 Safely fit attachment according to manufacturer instructions and local conditions for use 2.3 Test attachment to ensure correct fitting and safe operation 2.4 Use attachment in accordance with recommendations and design limits |
3. Operate tractor | 3.1 Carry out pre-start and start up equipment procedures 3.2 Drive and operate tractor, and modify the operating technique to meet changing work conditions 3.3 Continually monitor hazards and risks, and ensure safety of self, other personnel, plant and equipment 3.4 Identify environmental and biosecurity implications associated with tractor operation and minimise impact 3.5 Complete work according to agreed plan and within the operating capacity of the equipment and operator 3.6 Act on or report abnormal monitoring system indicators and alarms |
4. Complete and check tractor operation | 4.1 Park tractor and conduct shut down procedures according to workplace practices 4.2 Perform routine operational servicing and minor maintenance according to the operation and maintenance manual 4.3 Identify and report malfunctions, faults, irregular performance or damage according to workplace procedures 4.4 Safely remove attachments according to manufacturer instructions 4.5 Clean and store removed attachments in designated location 4.6 Clean, decontaminate, secure and store tractor in designated location 4.7 Remove and store keys in the required location 4.8 Maintain tractor and equipment use records in required format |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Interpret textual information from a range of sources to identify relevant and key information about workplace operations |
Writing | Document tractor and equipment use |
Numeracy | Calculate quantities of vehicle fluids including fuel Identify correct tyre pressure or track tension |
Navigate the world of work | Recognise and follow workplace requirements, including safety requirements, associated with own role and area of responsibility |
Range Statement
This section specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.
Pre-operational checks must include: | maintenance interval schedule daily check machine damage and serviceability guards are in place and undamaged checking for missing parts fluid leaks and levels fuel level brakes and clutch operation condition of tyres or tracks machine controls. |
Attachment must include one three point linkage, one Power Take Off (PTO) driven and one trailed implement from the following tractor attachments and implements: | three point linkage implement linkage adjustment three point linkage PTO driven three point linkage hydraulic operated tractor mounted implement direct drive tractor mounted implement hydraulic operated tractor mounted implement PTO operated trailed implement manual adjustment trailed implement mechanical adjustment trailed implement PTO operated trailed implement hydraulic operated. |
Biosecurity implications must include: | control of cross-site contamination. |
Sectors
Machinery operation and maintenance (MOM)