•Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position and remove the key from the ignition switch.
NOTE: Always remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent accidental starting or battery discharge if the equipment is left unattended.
DRIVING THE TRACTOR
WARNING: Avoid sudden starts, exces- sive speed and sudden stops.
Do not leave the seat of the tractor without disengaging the PTO and engaging the parking brake. If leaving the tractor unattended, turn the igni- tion key off and remove key.
•Adjust the operator’s seat to the most comfort- able position that allows you to operate all controls and pedals. See seat adjustment in the ADJUSTMENTS section.
WARNING: DO NOT use the seat belt if the ROPS is in the folded position or has been removed from the tractor.
•Adjust the seat belt to fit snugly but comfortably around your lap, then buckle the seat belt. Refer to ADJUSTMENTS section.
•Shift the transmission Hi/Lo range shift lever on the right fender to the desired speed setting. Refer to USING THE HI/LO RANGE SHIFT LEVER in paragraphs below.
•Use the tractor and/or the auxiliary hydraulic lift lever(s) to raise all tractor attachments from the ground if transporting the tractor to a work site.
•Depress the brake pedal to release the parking brake, then slowly release the brake pedal.
•Move the throttle handle to the position where the engine operates best for the load to be handled (normally full throttle).
•Slowly depress either the front or rear of the forward/reverse pedal to move the tractor in the desired direction. Refer to USING THE FORWARD/REVERSE PEDAL.
DRIVING ON SLOPES
WARNING: Do not operate on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately
IMPORTANT: Always shift the transmission into the LOW speed range BEFORE beginning the climb or descent of any slope.
Operate the tractor up and down slopes, never across slopes. Do not drive so that the tractor may tip over sideways.
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.
STOPPING THE TRACTOR
•Fully depress the brake pedal to bring the trac- tor to a complete stop. Push downward on the parking brake lever and release the pedal to engage the parking brake. Refer to Figure 15.
•Disengage the PTO using the PTO switch.
•Place the throttle control lever in the “SLOW” position and allow the engine to idle for about one minute; then turn the ignition switch to “OFF’” and remove the key from the switch.
•Depress the center button of the seat belt buckle to release the seat belt before dismounting.
USING THE FORWARD/REVERSE PEDAL
The hydrostatic transmission provides constantly variable ground speeds within the speed rating of each transmission range. The tractor speed is controlled by the forward/reverse rocker pedal on the right floorboard.
The forward/reverse pedal is self neutralizing. The transmission and pedal return to neutral and the tractor stops when the pedal is released.
•To move forward, slowly depress the front of the forward/reverse pedal until the desired speed is achieved. The speed of the tractor is directly related to the distance the pedal is depressed. Refer to Figure 15.
•To move in reverse, check that the area behind is clear then slowly depress the rear of the forward/reverse pedal.
•When traveling short distances with frequent changes in direction, the forward/reverse rocker pedal may be operated using the heel/toe method. Place your foot on the center section of the pedal and press downward with your toes to move forward. Press downward with your heel to move in reverse.
NOTE: Slightly more effort is needed to depress the forward/reverse pedal using the heel/toe method.
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