Which of the following options should you choose when driving a tractor on a muddy terrain?
Show the correct answer
Correct answer
B. Turn on the differential lock.
Explanation
In the photo there is a switch panel in a tractor cab - next to switches with the symbols of the flashing beacon and the lights, you can see a switch with the differential lock symbol. On muddy terrain, you choose to switch on the differential lock - answer B.
The differential allows the wheels of one axle to turn at different speeds, which is necessary on bends. In mud, however, it has a drawback: when one wheel loses grip, the drive goes to it - that wheel spins and the other one stands still. The lock connects both wheels, so they turn together and the tractor can drive out of the soft ground. You switch it on before entering the mud, driving straight and slowly, and switch it off immediately after getting out. Driving in a slalom (answer A) increases resistance and the risk of getting stuck. High engine revs (answer C) make the wheels spin even more and dig ruts - in mud, it is better to drive steadily, in a low gear and at moderate revs.
Legal basis: Art. 19 para. 1 of the Road Traffic Act (Prawo o ruchu drogowym) (the principle of keeping control of the vehicle); operating rules from the tractor's owner's manual