Looking at the historical development of tractors, the piece that follows is aimed at non-professional gardeners looking for useful tips on how to select the right tractor to maintain their garden, how to operate it safely and save fuel.
The Early Days
Steam engine garden tractors first appeared in the late 1800s, followed just before World War I by diesel engines. They were soon found of great use in farms by making labor-intensive tasks such as digging and moving soil significantly easier.
Choosing the Right Garden Tractor For Your Plot
The model you chose mostly depend on the size of the plot you are looking at cultivating and maintaining with it. A small tiller with around 2 to 3 HP would be fine for a plot of lass than an acre, but you may want to invest in a more powerful machine of 15 to 20 HP for anything bigger than 5 acres, especially if you intend to move large rocks with it. If you can get a contractor to remove the stones as a one-off job a smaller tractor may be fine for general garden upkeep.
Operating Your Tractor Safely
It is essential to follow a few easy safety rule to avoid accidents as even a minor mishap could make it difficult for you to get help.
• The tractor should always be purposefully designed for the tasks you are using it for, and well maintained.
• Always wear your seat belt to be protected though it won't help much if the tractor ends up upside down.
• Check out the route on foot first for possible problems especially if you are planning to drive fully loaded on an unfamiliar path for any significant distance.
• Always remain focused on what you are doing, and keep your eyes firmly on the job.
• Don't EVER give a ride to anyone on a garden tractor.
• Check that the tractor is stable when in parked position, and always use the hand brake if there is a chance its own weight could cause it to move.
How to Save Fuel
• Always keep your tractor in well-maintained condition.
• The tractor should be serviced on a regular basis to ensure the fuel filters are changed and the injectors clean. The use of fuel additive may help lower the servicing frequency.
• Air filters should also be kept cleaned and replaced at intervals as like fuel filters they have a significant effect on fuel efficiency.
• Finally the tractor should not be made to carry a greater load than that it is designed for.
