Help training wife to drive

[johndeereman]

My wife helps me out quite a bit with tractor driving but my new tractor ('61 3010 synchro) she can't figure out the shift pattern( been all 2 cylinders up till now) does anyone have any advise how to explain it to her? She drives manual vehicals well and does great with hand clutches. The sticker for the shift pattern is there and legible. She just can't figure out neatural is on the side and gears are up and down with the different synchros.
 

[ben70b]

turn her loose with it. sooner or later she'll figure it out, even if she cant find neutral she should find the parking gear.
 

[tim s]

I agree with Ben give some seat time....and plenty of room...
 

[cottonplant]

I seen people that have a little trouble my self. They seem to want it to progress down the quadrant in order like 1st then 2nd then 3rd.Once you tell them it just doesn't work like that and to look at the decal and get aquainted with the 1st, 3rd and low reverse and so on.Then its like everyone else says its letting her have it with no pressure.Pretty soon she be running throught it on a dark night no problem.
 

[David G]

I still get the 4020 in the wrong gear once in a while, better not ask me.
 

[matthies]

I always trace the lines on the sticker with my finger as I'm showing the person how to shift with the lever. Just don't get smart and take your time. chris
 

[wilamayb]

Actually the 2010 did use the progressive shift pattern. 2nd was right behind 1st. Not sure why Waterloo did it differently than Dubuque?
 

[M-MAN]

Best way to teach a woman how to drive anything is show her one time, give her the key's and leave. Stay gone a long time!
 

[larryanderson]

The best way is to learn by doing and it has been my experience to show them and then leave them alone to fiqure it out.That is one good thing about powershifts and hydros they are simple.It is amazing that many younger people dont have a clue how to use a clutch.
 

[jturbo10]

I've had a JD 3020 for about 6 years and I'm an expert on the gear patterns I use all the time. However, I still have problems occassionally with gear positions I rarely use such as 7th or reverse high. A new legible shift pattern decal can help. If you have fenders, take her out into the field, throttle it down and run her through shift patterns through at least 1-6 numerous times. Then just ride along and let her practice shifting through various gears. Choose level ground with nothing around for a couple of thousand yards and show her the emergency shutoff for either a diesel or gas. If she only gets to use it every six months she probably won't retain the muscle memory. Make sure you have good brakes and be sure she knows not to put it in Park with the tractor still moving. Good luck and be civil with your instruction...women don't like to be yelled at or put under stress so they can help YOU! If I need help towing or pulling something I let the wife use the diesel truck rather than a big tractor as she drives the truck all the time and is more comfortable in that vehicle.