Author: Woodward, Pandora J

The 4-H agricultural tractor and machinery program provides youth with educational information about agricultural tractors and machinery that develops project skills (i.e., principles of engine operation, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, safe operation) and life skills (i.e., decision making, using science and technology, developing communication skills). These fun-filled, hands-on learning experiences are provided under the direction of caring adults.
Skills to Achieve Mastery
Gain driving & operating skills.
Learn about & practice safe operation of tractors.
Develop your leadership & citizenship skills by teaching others what you have learned.

Important Dates
Thursday May 16, 2013 7:00 pm
Lebanon Middle School Room 806 We will be learning about the parts test and written test at this workshop
Thursday June 6, 2013 6:00 pm
North track pit area We will be learning about safe operation of a tractor as well as an opportunity to drive through a practice obstacle course.
Thursday June 13, 2013 6:00 pm
North track pit area Practice driving obstacle course
Friday July 19, 2013 1:00 pm
Tractor Maintenance Contest Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds
NOTE: It is highly suggested that you set up your own obstacle course to learn and practice driving using your own tractor to adequately prepare for the contest.

Tractor Maintenance

Explore your interest in tractors. From this self-directed project, you can develop skills and interests related to safety maintenance, repair and driving skills.

Boone County 4-H

Project Leaders
Jeff Shultz & Jim Love
Phone: 317-769-6126
Work : 765-482-3400 Ext.22301
E-mail: shultzm@leb.k12.in.us

Contest
All information pertaining to this contest can be found at:
http://www.four-h.purdue.edu/tractor/
There are three parts to the contest during the Boone County 4-H Fair:
Driving Obstacle Course test
Parts Identification test
Written Exam
Parts Identification—Farm Tractor Section
Twenty-five (25) items selected from the Junior Division Agricultural Tractor Parts Identification scorecard are identified with a number.
• Contestants, using the Junior Division Agricultural Tractor Parts Identification Scorecard, identify the tagged parts by writing the part’s identification number next to the part’s name on the scorecard.
• Each part incorrectly identified results in a 20-point penalty. A total of 500 penalty points are possible (only one penalty per tagged item).
• Each contestant is given a maximum of 20 minutes to complete the parts identification examination.
Written Exam —Farm Tractor Section
• The written exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions.
• Each question is worth 20 points. A total of 500 penalty points is possible. Each contestant is given a maximum of 20 minutes to complete the exam.
Driving Obstacle Course
• Time officially begins when the tractor starts to move, after the trailer has been hooked to the tractor.
• Time officially stops when the contestant, after backing the trailer into Obstacle “A” (shed), signals (throws one hand and arm into the air) the official judges that he/she has completed the course.
• The contestant inspects and warms up the tractor in the designated area (in the presence of the safety judge). The contestant is expected to release the brakes, fasten and adjust the seatbelt, and check the PTO.
• The contestant drives the tractor to the shed, stops tractor in front of Obstacle “A” (shed), and leaves the engine running. Before dismounting, the brake(s) must be set, the PTO checked, and the transmission placed in neutral. (If the tractor has a“PARK” position on the transmission, it may be left in “PARK.”)
• The contestant dismounts so that he/she may check to see that the trailer is properly centered in the shed. (The official judges center the trailer if necessary.)
• The contestant mounts the tractor, fastens seatbelt, releases the brake(s), and backs the tractor into the shed.
• When the contestant has the tractor in front of the trailer he/she sets the brake(s), checks the PTO, places the transmission in neutral, and dismounts the tractor with the engine running. (If the tractor has a “PARK” position on the transmission, it may be placed in “PARK.”)
The official judges hook the trailer to the tractor’s rear drawbar.

After being signaled by the official judge, the contestant mounts the tractor, releases the brake(s), fastens the seatbelt, etc. Time starts when the tractor starts to move. The contestant drives through the obstacles as indicated on the diagram
• The contestant backs the trailer into the shed until the rear of the trailer is within one foot of the center stake. Time stops when the contestant signals (throws one hand and arm into the air) the official judges that he/she is done. Next the contestant sets the brake(s) (transmission in neutral) or places the transmission in “PARK,” checks the PTO, and dismounts with the engine running. Note: The contestant is penalized if the trailer touches the rear center stake in the shed.
• The official judges unhook the trailer from the tractor’s drawbar.
• At the official’s signal the contestant mounts the tractor and drives it to the area designated.
The contestant sets the brake(s) (transmission in neutral) or places the transmission in “PARK,” checks the PTO, shuts off the engine, and dismounts the tractor.