NZQA unit standard / 6255 version 8
Page 1 of 1
Title / Drive a wheel tractor towing a heavy load
Level / 3 / Credits / 6
Purpose / People credited with this unit standard are able to: describe hazard control for hazards associated with driving a wheel tractor towing a heavy load; prepare the wheel tractor and trailer for driving; drive wheel tractor towing a heavy load over flat and sloping terrain; and carry out post-operational procedures.
Classification / Rural Contracting > Agricultural Contracting
Available grade / Achieved
Prerequisites / Driver licence and any driver licence endorsement appropriate to the machine or vehicle being used.

Guidance Information

1The following legislation and requirements apply to this unit standard:

Health and Safety at Work Act 2015;

Land Transport Rule: Heavy Vehicles 2004;

Manufacturer’s instructions.

Other requirements applicable to this unit standard may include but are not limited to:

Managing health and safety – A guide for farmers(Wellington: Worksafe, 2014)

Safe use of tractors on farms(Wellington: Worksafe, 2014); and

Roll Over Protective Structures on Tractors in Agricultural Operations, and

Approved Code of Practice for the Management of Noise in the Workplace, available from

Any legislation or other requirement superseding any of the above will apply, pending review of this unit standard.

2Assessment against this unit standard must be based on evidence from a workplace context.

3Personal protective equipment, appropriate to job requirements, is to be selected and used in accordance with company requirements and manufacturer’s instructions.

4Definitions

Company requirementsrefer to all policies, procedures, and methodologies the candidate’s organisation has in place including but not limited to those relating to health, safety, environment, quality, and operations.

Heavy load means a towed load at least 1.5 times the weight of the tractor. The towed load may be a trailer with a load, or a towed implement. Assessment does not include operation of the implement.

Manufacturer’s instructions may include specifications, installation, handling, use, and maintenance instructions and safety data sheets.

Sloping terrain means terrain that exceeds 20º.

Outcomes and performance criteria

Outcome 1

Describe hazard control for hazards associated with driving a wheel tractor towing a heavy load.

Performance criteria

1.1Hazard controls are described in accordance with company requirements.

Rangeincludes but is not limited to – people, animals, visibility, terrain and obstacles, machine suitability and condition, loading, braking.

Outcome 2

Prepare the wheel tractor and trailer or implement for driving.

Performance criteria

2.1Equipment and machinery are checked and are fit for purpose; and, if required, corrective action is taken in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and company requirements.

Outcome 3

Drive wheel tractor towing a heavy load over flat and sloping terrain.

Performance criteria

3.1Tractor is driven in a controlled manner without excessive speed over prescribed route with no risk of harm to people or damage to tractor, trailer, load, or property structures.

Rangeroute includes – flat area, sloping terrain, backing in prescribed time into a defined space such as a shed, forward movement involving significant swept path.

Outcome 4

Carry out post-operational procedures.

Performance criteria

4.1Documentation for the operation is completed in accordance with company and client requirements and is stored in accordance with company requirements.

4.2Equipment and machinery are shut down and stored in accordance with company requirements.

4.3Equipment is cleaned and lubricated, and any damage or faults are repaired, replaced or reported in accordance with manufacturer’s and company requirements.

4.4Any damage or faults including any missing, bent, broken, or loose parts are identified and are repaired, replaced, or reported in accordance with manufacturer's instructions andcompany requirements.

Planned review date / 31 December 2023

Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions

Process / Version / Date / Last Date for Assessment
Registration / 1 / 23 July 1996 / 31 December 2014
Revision / 2 / 5 January 1999 / 31 December 2014
Revision / 3 / 18 January 2000 / 31 December 2014
Review / 4 / 31 October 2002 / 31 December 2014
Review / 5 / 25 June 2007 / 31 December 2014
Revision / 6 / 19 June 2009 / 31 December 2016
Review / 7 / 16 July 2015 / 31 December 2021
Review / 8 / 27 September 2018 / N/A
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference / 0101

This CMR can be accessed at

Comments on this unit standard

Please contact the Infrastructure ITO at you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.

Infrastructure ITO
SSB Code 101813 / New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2018