Tractor Driver- High Power Tractor at Tana River Sugar

Role Summary

We are seeking experienced High-Power Tractor Operators to manage primary land preparation operations on our sugarcane development estate. You will operate powerful multi-function tractors (247 – 280 kW) equipped with specialized tillage attachments including deep rippers, heavy-duty disc harrows, and complementary equipment to prepare land for sugarcane cultivation. This role demands technical expertise, precision operation of complex hydraulic systems, and commitment to achieving uniform soil conditions that support optimal crop performance.

Qualification, skills and Competencies

• Valid NTSA Class G12 heavy agricultural equipment operator licence, plus any other mandatory operator competency documentation.
• Minimum six (6) years’ hands-on experience operating high-power agricultural tractors in commercial farming, plantation development, land preparation, or similar demanding environments.
• Demonstrated experience operating deep rippers and heavy-duty disc harrows in intensive land preparation operations, including primary and secondary tillage, levelling, residue incorporation, and seedbed preparation.
• Demonstrated competence in operating tractors with advanced hydraulic, PTO, three-point linkage, and implement-control systems.
• Experience in large-scale sugarcane, agricultural estate, or commercial plantation development will be an added advantage.
• Strong practical understanding of soil mechanics, compaction, hardpan formation, soil moisture, traction, and tillage principles, including ripper shatter mechanics (tine spacing, working depth, fracture patterns, and the effect of speed on ripping quality).
• Proficiency in operating and adjusting heavy disc harrows, including disc angle, working depth, levelling, blade wear, and implement alignment.
• Strong knowledge of tractor hydraulic systems, pressure and flow requirements, PTO operation, three-point linkage, ballast/weight distribution, and basic troubleshooting; able to identify abnormal conditions and communicate technical issues accurately to the maintenance team.
• Ability to calculate and monitor field work rates, hectares per hour, fuel consumption per hectare, and operational efficiency, and to adjust travel speed and operating parameters to soil resistance, moisture, terrain, and implement load.
• Familiarity with GPS-guided agricultural machinery and precision farming systems; exposure to GPS/RTK-guided field operations will be an added advantage.
• Strong machine-care discipline, situational awareness, communication, teamwork, and commitment to safe and efficient operation.