Operating - Gearbox

'3' 1st, 2nd & 3rd gears Automatic gearchanging is limited to first, second and third gears only. Use for field work in good operating conditions with low pressure tyres fitted.
'2' 1st and 2nd gears Automatic gearchanging is limited to first and second gears only. Use for field work in more demanding conditions and when fitted with row crop wheels. In good conditions where your forward speed is relatively low or where you only have a light load you may need to use this position to stop the gearbox changing up to third gear. Although the engine/transmission may be perfectly happy in the higher gear you may find the engine speed is too low for you to attain the required PTO speed.
'1' 1st gear only Use at all times for steep hillside work where engine braking is required. If you are changing down from second to first it is most important that you slow down enough to ensure that first gear is correctly selected. The gearbox has its own built-in protection system so if your forward speed is too high it will not change down automatically until the speed has reduced.

Always leave the vehicle with the gear selector in 'P' (Park) position when parked.

Starting & driving

Drivers unfamiliar with the performance characteristics of an automatic gearbox should thoroughly familiarize themselves with the following instructions before driving:

  • Before starting the engine, ensure that both foot brake and handbrake are applied.

  • After starting the engine, keep both brakes applied before and whilst moving the selector lever to the required drive position.
  • Keep the brakes applied until you are ready to move - remember, once a drive position is selected, an 'automatic' will tend to creep forwards (or backwards).
  • Never 'rev' the engine while selecting a forward or reverse gear, or while the vehicle is stationary with a drive gear selected - remember, an 'automatic' will move immediately the accelerator pedal is pressed

Gear change speeds

With 'D' selected, the speed at which gearchanges take place will vary according to the position of the accelerator: minimum acceleration will result in low speed gear changes, while larger throttle openings will cause the gearbox to delay gearchanges until faster speeds have been reached.

With practice, gear changes can be made to occur at a wide range of speeds depending on accelerator pedal pressure.

On long inclines and in some working conditions, the gearbox will change back and forth between gears. Under these conditions it is advisable to change down to the next lower gear to stop it 'hunting'.

Kick-down

To provide extra power and acceleration through tough spots, push the accelerator pedal to the full extent of its travel in a single quick movement (known as kick-down). Up to a certain speed this will cause an immediate downshift into the lowest appropriate gear. Once the pedal is relaxed normal gearchanging will resume.

Transmission oil temperature

A temperature warning lamp is fitted in the dashboard to warn of excess oil temperature. Should the lamp illuminate you should stop immediately and investigate the cause.
Common causes are low transmission oil level and and oil cooler radiator blocked with dust and chaff. Prolonged hard work on long inclines on hot days may also cause a problem - if you find this a problem in your particular working conditions please consult the manufacturer.

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