Harvest Virgin

[FRENCHIE1277]

Hi Guys, I have family farming connections and have spent many a day in the cab as a passenger of combines and grain carting but only now that I'm 16 am I doing my first harvest working for a farm and getting paid. Just wondering if people could share some tips/ advice on grain carting dos and donts so I'm a bit clued up. I know it comes with experience and I will likely do something wrong but just want some advice before I start. Also are there any things you would say I definitely should get for harvest ? Got dust masks and that kind of thing, any other essentials for the bag / in the cab?
Thanks in advance
Ed

 

[Mac10]

Main advice would just be to take it steady, don't rush about. If in doubt about anything don't be scared to ask someone. When you're backing into a shed or similar, don't be afraid to jump out and have a look if you can't quite see or aren't sure. If the combine driver stops and is struggling with unblocking/replacing something at least offer to help, even if you aren't sure what's going on. And always make sure your tailgate is shut properly once you've tipped...been there.

As for stuff to take, they should probably give you masks but doesn't hurt to take your own. Otherwise paracetemol and some sun cream in case of a day's rogueing!

 

[JCMaloney]

Put your phone down!

Aside from that..... ask.... better to ask and learn than fudge it up.

 

[Princess Pooper]

Keep your wits about you, especially when reversing in the farmyard, there may be others around including pedestrians and even (sadly) children. If there are others corn carting as well don't get sucked into any competiveness eg fastest round trip to the field. Getting there and back and tipping safely and in the right place and without breaking anything is more important. Ask your combine driver if you are doing things right when loading. Make sure you know who to tell of any breakdowns/concerns about your kit eg brakes, lights etc and where the first aid kit is and fire extinguishers at the grain store. Remember there are days when you will be rained off and depending on what your terms of employment are, never think you are too good for sweeping the grain store, greasing nipples in inaccessible places, or any of the other grotty jobs that need doing. Keep plenty of drinking water, a few power snacks, a rag to wipe your hands on, your phone charged but NOT for using when you are on the move....

Hopefully you'll never need to do it but make sure you know what to do in case of emergencies eg a power line hit, tractor overturning etc.

But have fun and learn.

 

[chaffcutter]

First essential - SLOW DOWN!
It's always nice to get a move on but the thing is knowing when you can afford to be quick, and when you need to go steady - around the yard and buildings always go slow enough to be able to stop when the unexpected happens - kids, dogs, other machines etc. Learn to use your mirrors when reversing trailers, and if reversing without anyone guiding you, tip the trailer slightly so that you can see behind under the body and be accurate. This is perfectly safe to do, so long as its only tipped just high enough and you aren't moving too fast. Keep the tractor footplate clear, drinks cans etc can roll underneath and stop the brake or clutch pedal from working.

As above, don't be afraid to ask,and practice if you have time to do so. If you have to change trailers, hitching up can be dangerous so be extra careful, wear gloves to handle the hydraulic hoses etc so your hands stay clean.

Stay safe.

 

[Tractorstant]

Notebook and pencil. Was drummed into me, always carry one, so useful for writing down tractor settings, instructions, phone numbers your phone is not worth a jot if it's A. Flat, B. Gets eaten by a combine, C. Gets ploughed in. Bit old school but very useful. ( you can also write down your hours! )

Other common things mother used to find in my pockets:

Small SHARP knife ( not sure what the legalities are on this these days )
Bailer Twine
Chalk........Very good for writing on trailers, walls, grain bins
Couple of quid for tuck or the phone.

Good Luck, have fun, don't touch the clutch going down hill!

Best

Matt.

 

[MrNoo]

Clean windows and fuel up full first thing in the morning, tractor so much nicer to drive with decent clean windows, seems to keep cooler in the cab too.

 

[ollie989898]

Do.not.drive.like.a.'legend'. I cannot stress this enough. No one cares if you are the best tractor driver in Europe and have twin beacons.

Leave your phone in your bag. Not texting or reading or faceaching.

Need a pair of overalls and gloves for greasing up or filling with diesel first thing in the morning/last thing at night or if something breaks.

Do NOT go to the pub each night and turn up half cut for work the following morning.

Take a pocket knife, pen and paper. Ask for a copy of the farm map or get an OS map of the area- £8 from Amazon.

Keep a first aid kit including eye wash in your tractor or back pack/bag.

Never be late for work.

 

[Jerry]

Combine always has the right of way, sets the pace and stay well away from it when it’s turning or manoeuvring.

Keep an eye on the driver as it empties.

Go steady and watch slopes.

Learn to use engine breaking on slippery surfaces.

If tipping on good level surface it can help when backing to raise the trailer up slightly so you can see under it. Only do this if level and secure.

Never ever go under the tipped trailer body unless it is propped And secure.

Keep the grain shed tidy, learn to use a broom and keep using it.

 

[nick...]

Drive slowly,safely and steadily.dont leave the beacons on all the time.stay of your phone and ask lots of questions.turn up early and never be late and if you got nothing to do clean your tractor or pick up a broom and use it.never stand about and dont put your hands in your pockets and stay clean and tidy.good luck
Nick...

 

[Brisel]

Be safe, listen, look and learn. Enjoy!

The long hours will make everyone angry and tired. If you can stay calm, you will do well.

 

[franklin]

If you are on the same tractor every day, or even if not, don't forget to fill in the day book.

You know those fabric handles you can get for holding kitchen pans? My mummy buts those and writes TIP and OPEN on them. Then you slip them over the hydraulic levers. This avoids pulling the wrong one and tipping the crop on the road.

Always be especially sure the tailgate us shut.

Don't bring a numberplate with a silly name on it. Go slow. Do what you are told. If you pick up your phone when on the move, expect to have it inserted quite painfully into you.

Take loads more water than you think you need. One of those big five litre tubs you see at the supermarket ideal. Being low on water will give you killer headaches.

As you are only 16, be strongly aware of the limits you are allowed to work. Everyone wants the dosh, but running someone over due to tiredness is not the sort of memory you want to take with you.

Always clean the windows first thing.

Unless the crop belongs to you, the topic of how bad the weather is should be strictly off limits.

Be tidy, clean, polite and smiley and all will be good.

 

[TheTallGuy]

Fluids, fluids & more fluids! It's far too easy to allow yourself to get dehydrated which will lead to poor decision making. Sunglasses are essential as is suncream. For your first couple of days try using ear bungs - even modern tractors are noisy enough that working on them all day can lead to problems in later years. As others have said - take it steady and ask for help if you are not sure of anything.

 

[franklin]

Fluids do not mean red bull.

 

[7610 super q]

Ignore all the advice above, and keep her lit.

 

[franklin]

Ignore all the advice above, and keep her lit.

Drive it like you stole it? Or if it's decent and no tracker, you could actually steal it.....quickest money ever made.

 

[TripleSix]

Ignore all the advice above, and keep her lit.

Flat out or nowt.

A good soldier never looks back.

 

[76masseyman]

Coming on here to ask first tells me you seem quite sensible to start with.

Good advice re' the phone, we're all guilty of it at times, but keep your eye on what you, and the others are doing. Having a phone removed from ones rectum is painfull.

If anything gets scratched, or dented, usually someone was in reverse ! LOOK, LOOK and look again.

Never be afraid to ask, there isn't a stupid question, but there are expensive mistakes.

Take it steady, get used to it, learn from it, keep safe, and enjoy.

 

[Exfarmer]

Firstly you are 16, we assume you have passed a test otherwise zero road work not even crossing. Lastly take care, great care never walk under tipped trailers, remember everything out there is looking to hurt you, dont mean to be negative, have fun , join in , do not sit in the cab on the phone! Unless you are told to.
Dont forget the pranks, many old boys will try and pull tricks on the youngest, dont be offended it is just a right of passage, they had to put up with.

 

[Zippy768]

If you cause a little scratch or a little dent, grab a bit of mud from the verge; road or under the wheel arch is good, and rub it on the scratch/dent - either hids it or makes it look old

Serious note - the paracetamol advice mentioned earlier is great advice