OPERATING SECTION 4 Page 3 4.1. MACHINE PRECAUTIONS During operation stay alert and watch what you are doing. Use common sense and do not operate when fatigued. Know your machine. For your personal safety read this manual carefully and follow all instructions and precautions. Refer to and read Section 2 carefully and follow all precautions. Before starting or operating this tractor, read the following general precautions. These are listed there to help you protect the machine and to remind you of protection for yourself and those around you. Sound judgment and observance of these rules will help make your job a safer one.
Visually check out the machine for leaks and broken, missing or malfunctioning parts. Be sure all caps, dipsticks, battery covers, etc. are secure before starting. Correct any problems before operating the machine. Keep the transmission in low gear when going downhill. Never coast downhill with the transmission in neutral. The machine could go out of control and tip over. Always drive the machine slowly when on hillsides, ramps or rough terrain. Be extremely careful when working around trenches or banks. Failure to do so could cause the machine to roll over.
Before starting operation, check the machine for correct function of steering controls, brake controls, hydraulic controls, instruments and safety equipment. Make all necessary repairs or adjustments before operating the machine. Do not place the tractor under load without the proper engine oil pressure and operating temperature. After starting the engine, move the engine speed control lever to the low idle position. Allow the engine to run at low idle for 3 to 5 minutes at 1000 RPM until normal oil pressure registers on the gauge to obtain complete distribution of the lubricating oil. Oil pressure after 15 seconds must be correct.
To prevent any possible damage to the alternator, the electrical system master switch must be in the “ON” position when the engine is running. The switch must be in the “OFF” position only when the engine is shut down at the end off each day or when the operator leaves the tractor unattended. If the tractor is left outside during cold weather and the tracks become frozen to the ground, do not attempt to jerk them free with the power of the engine. Start the tractor slowly and, if the tracks do not break free, pry them loose. To prevent the tracks from freezing in the ground, park the tractor on planks.
In freezing weather thoroughly clean all ice and mud from the track system after each day's operation to prevent freeze-up of the system. Be sure to clean the seal area off the sprocket drives, front idlers, top idlers and rollers. Never pour cold coolant into the radiator if the engine is very hot unless conditions make it absolutely necessary. Use extreme caution as hot coolant could burn you. Keep face away from filler neck. Under such conditions, start the engine and let it idle while slowly pouring the coolant into the radiator. Allow the engine to cool down to 50°C. Pouring cold coolant into the engine may result in damage to cast components of the engine.
Never use water alone in the cooling system. Fill the fuel tank at the end of each day's work to reduce moisture condensation in the tank. When using a long chain or cable to hitch the tractor to the load, drive the tractor forward slowly until all slack is taken out. Before shutting down, operate the engine at half speed (no load) for three to five minutes. This will aid in cooling the engine and turbocharger. DRESSTA TD-40C