The True Value of Vehicle Skills

Dear Reader

The snow's finally clearing and safety on the roads remains paramount in most people's minds. When terrain is unusually treacherous those of us with tractors and 4X4 vehicles may think ourselves lucky, but without the proper training we could prove an even greater risk to ourselves and others. That's why this month we're going to share some information with you about our machinery and vehicle skills courses. From forklift operation, diggers and dumpers, to trailer control and ATVs, we have a course that will keep you, and those around you, safe.

Don't hesitate to forward this newsletter to anyone you know who may be interested.

Best wishes for 2010,

James Foster

Valuing our Vehicles and Mastering the Machinery!

There are many reasons why our courses may be helpful to you – it's not only about safety – it's also about efficiency and saving money. When we teach you about driving a tractor our instructors will ensure you also know about maintaining it and the Health and Safety regulations – safety, efficiency and staying legal!

Knowing about maintenance and servicing your vehicles can save you vast amounts of money from unnecessary repair bills. All our dumper, forklift, excavator and tractor courses cover this aspect of vehicle care as well as its operation. Remember, if you use these kinds of vehicles for your work, whether it's a combine harvester or a 4X4, adequate training is a legal requirement.

Driving a 4X4 is a potentially dangerous activity – if you don't have adequate training. As we have seen this winter, even the most experienced drivers can find themselves in extremely hazardous conditions. At the Rural Skills Centre we can equip you with the skills to assess hazards, ensure safety and get the best from your vehicle in different off-road conditions.

All our courses are practical, up-to-date, and comprehensive. Taught by experts and using high quality equipment they all lead to certification either by Lantra Awards or the Royal Agricultural College.

Email us for more information on the different courses we run and our timetable for 2010.

Roger Madge and the Case for 4X4 Training

Roger has been a vehicle instructor here at the Rural Skills Centre for over 6 years, dealing mainly with telescopic handlers, tractors and 4X4s. Having grown up on a farm and owning three 4X4s himself, Roger certainly has a lot of experience handling these vehicles. When asked about the courses Roger says “They are very practical: we tend to spend about half a day focusing on risk assessment, and the rest of the two days out in the field driving.” He continued “The 4X4 course not only ensures safe and legal practice, the vehicles sustain less damage, and last longer, when their drivers know how to operate them properly.” And finally, Roger offered us a useful tip for driving in the snow: “We drive in slippery and muddy conditions all year round so the snow is just more of the same to us. Many people brake when they start slipping in the snow, it's an instinctive reaction but completely the wrong thing to do. When you brake the wheels lock and you skid, so instead of braking steer yourself out of danger. A simple piece of advice for anyone driving in icy conditions.”

If you'd like to find out about the courses we run here at the Rural Skills Centre click here.

Growing News

For professional Agonomists or those with an interest in Agonomy, don't miss out on our forthcoming FACTS and Soil and Water management courses in February and March. Email James Foster for more information or to book your place.