High-Power Tractor Operator - Sugarcane Land Preparation

About the role

Tana River Sugar Company is looking for experienced High-Power Tractor Operators to run primary land preparation on its sugarcane development estate. The operators drive powerful multi-function tractors (247–280 kW) fitted with deep rippers, heavy-duty disc harrows and other tillage attachments to prepare uniform soil conditions for sugarcane.

Required profile

• Valid NTSA Class G12 heavy agricultural equipment operator licence, plus any other mandatory operator competency documents.
• At least six years of hands-on experience driving high-power agricultural tractors in commercial farming, plantation development or land preparation.
• Demonstrated experience with deep rippers and heavy-duty disc harrows, including primary and secondary tillage, levelling, residue incorporation and seedbed preparation.
• Experience in large-scale sugarcane, agricultural estate or commercial plantation development is an added advantage.

Required skills

• Competence with advanced hydraulic, PTO, three-point linkage and implement-control systems.
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, compaction, hardpan formation, soil moisture, traction and tillage principles, including ripper shatter mechanics.
• Proficiency adjusting heavy disc harrows (disc angle, working depth, levelling, blade wear, alignment).
• Knowledge of hydraulic systems, pressure and flow, PTO, three-point linkage, ballast and weight distribution, and basic troubleshooting.
• Ability to calculate and monitor field work rates, hectares per hour and fuel consumption per hectare, and adjust speed and parameters to soil resistance, moisture and terrain.
• Familiarity with GPS-guided machinery; exposure to GPS/RTK guidance is an added advantage.
• Machine-care discipline, situational awareness, communication, teamwork and commitment to safe operation.