High-Power Tractor Operator (Deep Ripper & Disc Harrow)

About the role

Tana River Sugar Company is looking for five experienced High-Power Tractor Operators to manage 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 the land for sugarcane cultivation.

Key responsibilities

• Operate high-power MFWD/4WD tractors in a five-unit fleet supporting primary and secondary land preparation.
• Run a deep ripper to at least 0.60 m depth, breaking hardpan and compacted soil to improve root penetration, drainage and soil structure.
• Coordinate with other operators to run deep ripping and secondary harrowing in parallel.
• Follow up with a heavy-duty disc harrow to break clods, incorporate residue and amendments, level the field and make a uniform seedbed.
• Adjust ripper depth, harrow settings, speed and technique to soil type, moisture, compaction and terrain.
• Carry out pre-start checks of the tractor, engine, tires, hydraulics, PTO, three-point linkage, implements and safety systems.
• Safely connect, disconnect and adjust implements, and monitor fuel consumption and operating hours.
• Maintain daily records of hectares completed, depths, fuel use and issues, and report mechanical or safety concerns immediately.
• Work with Agronomy, Land Development, Plant & Machinery and other field teams, and follow HSE procedures and field traffic controls.

Required profile

• NTSA Class G12 valid heavy agricultural equipment operator licence.
• At least six years of hands-on experience operating high-power agricultural tractors in commercial farming, plantation development or land preparation.
• Demonstrated experience with deep rippers and heavy-duty disc harrows, and with primary and secondary tillage.
• Experience in large-scale sugarcane or commercial plantation estates is an added advantage.

Required skills

• Understanding of soil mechanics, compaction, hardpan and tillage principles.
• Knowledge of hydraulic systems, PTO, three-point linkage and implement control, and ability to spot abnormal conditions.
• Ability to calculate hectares per hour and fuel consumption per hectare.
• Familiarity with GPS-guided machinery; exposure to RTK guidance is an added advantage.