•If leaving the tractor, turn the ignition key to the OFF position and remove the key.
•If parking on an incline, chock the wheels to prevent accidental rolling of the tractor.
TURNING THE TRACTOR
WARNING: Turning the tractor while traveling at a fast speed may cause the tractor to overturn.
NOTE: The tractor is equipped with hydraulic power steering. If front mounted equipment is installed on the tractor and the engine is running at a slow speed, it may take increased steering effort to turn the tractor.
IMPORTANT: When the steering wheel is turned completely and held in this position, the hydraulic system may emit a high pitched sound from the relief valve being actuated. Avoid prolonged turns with the tractor’s steering wheel held in the completely turned position.
•Always slow down the tractor by reducing throttle speed and/or downshifting the transmission before turning the tractor.
•Engagement of the differential lock will prevent proper steering and could cause loss of tractor control when turning. Always release the differential lock pedal and make the certain it is disengaged before turning the tractor.
•Use the individual wheel brakes to assist turning ONLY when the tractor is working in the field and operating at slower speeds.
WARNING: Sudden application of one brake while traveling at high speed or while making fast turns could cause the tractor to roll over.
DRIVING ON SLOPES
WARNING: When climbing or descending a hill, do not shift the transmission into the neutral position or disengage the clutch.
•Interlock the brake pedals before operating the tractor on a slope. Never use the individual wheel brakes when operating on a slope.
•Operate the tractor up and down slopes, never across slopes. Do not drive so that the tractor may tip over sideways.
•Prior to going uphill, shift the transmission into a low enough gear to allow the tractor to climb the hill without lugging down the engine.
•Prior to going downhill, reduce the engine speed and shift the transmission into a lower gear to take advantage of the braking action of the engine.
•Before operating the tractor on a slope, walk the slope to look for possible hazards such as rocks, mounds, stumps, or surface irregularities which could cause the tractor to be upset.
•Back the tractor with attachment up the steepest portion of each slope you intend to work. If the tractor cannot negotiate the slope in reverse, the slope is too steep to be worked.
•Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must be made, turn down the slope. Turning up a slope greatly increases the chance of a roll over.
•Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. If it is necessary to stop while driving up a slope, start up smoothly and carefully to reduce the possibility of flipping the tractor over backward.
DRIVING ON ROADWAYS
WARNING: Ensure proper weighting of the tractor, and travel at a safe speed when driving with a rear mounted imple- ment in the raised position. Bouncing of the implement while traveling at higher speeds could momentarily raise the front end of the tractor and result in loss of steering and control of the tractor.
•Make certain the left and right brake pedals are interlocked before driving on public roads.
•Attach an SMV (slow moving vehicle) sign in a visible location on the back of the tractor or rear mounted equipment.
•Reduce the speed of the tractor when turning on sharp curves.
•Downshift the transmission and use the engine to brake when descending steep slopes.
•Use the turn signal to alert other vehicles of your intentions when making turns.
•If driving after dusk or before dawn, turn on all the tractor lights - including the flashing hazard lights. Dim the headlights to oncoming traffic if using the high beams.
•Pay close attention for low shoulders on the side of the road. Dropping the tractor’s wheels off the road onto a low shoulder could upset the tractor.
•Obey all traffic laws and allow faster moving vehicles to pass. Do not block the road.
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