Section V. OPERATION UNDER UNUSUAL CONDITIONS

( 1 ) O b s e r v e e n g i n e t e m p e r a t u r e gage for

depend on grade and load. Be sure you take

proper engine temperature (para 2-9 d ) .

these conditions into consideration in deciding

on a safe operating speed.

( 2 ) Observe ammeter for battery charge/

discharge (para 2-9 b ) .

b. When tractor comes to a full stop, apply

(3) Observe engine oil pressure gage for proper

parking brake.

oil pressure (para 2-9 a).

c. Place transmission shift lever in N (neutral)

(4) Observe torque converter temperature gage

position.

for evidence of transmission overheating (para 2-

9f).

(5) Observe fuel gage for adequate fuel supply

2 - 1 4 . Safety

Precautions

(para 2-9 e).

a. Be alert for other workers to be sure they are

(6) Observe engine hour meter to insure that

not in the way of the moving tractor or towed load.

running time of engine is being registered (para 2-

b. Avoid sudden starts and stops.

9 c).

c. Use your headlights when operating the tractor

Note. If tractor fails to operate properly or abnormal

at night or in a darkened area.

conditions are observed, stop the tractor; and, report the

d. Know the rated capacity of the tractor and do

condition to the proper authority.

not overload it.

f. To slow forward or reverse travel, remove your

e. Do not operate the tractor on soft ground or

foot from accelerator pedal; and, depress brake

other surface where tractor is likely to get bogged

pedal.

down or overturned.

2-13. Stopping the Tractor

f. To prevent unnecessary battery discharge, turn

a. Apply gradual pressure to brake pedal with

o f f headlights and taillights when use is not

your right foot. Bring the tractor to a smooth stop.

required and engine is stopped.

Avoid sudden stops.

g. Promptly report any evidence of faulty tractor

Caution: The distance required to bring

performance.

the tractor to a full stop from a given speed will

Section V. OPERATION UNDER UNUSUAL CONDITIONS

b. Maintain the coolant level at the bottom of the

2-15. Operation In Extreme Cold (Below 0F

filler cap neck. Be sure the radiator pressure cap is

(18C))

on tight.

a. If possible, store the tractor in a heated

c. Keep the external parts of the radiator clean

building or shelter. If a shelter is not available,

and free of obstructions. Good air circulation is

park the tractor with the rear end facing into the

important.

wind and cover the tractor with a tarpaulin.

d. Have the cooling system cleaned and flushed

b. See that the cooling system contains artic-type

frequently.

antifreeze. Check the coolant with a hydrometer to

e. Maintain the level of the battery electrolyte

be certain the system is protected against the lowest

inch above the plates. Have the specific gravity of

anticipated

temperature. If antifreeze is not

the electrolyte checked frequently.

available, have the cooling system drained when the

tractor is not in use. Attach a tag to the steering

2-17. Operation in Dusty or Sandy Areas

hand wheel to warn personnel that the cooling

a. Take precautions to prevent sand and dust

system has been drained.

from entering the fuel system. Make a bag of single-

c. Keep the battery fully charged. Run the engine

layer cloth and loosely tie it over the entire air

for at least one hour after adding water to the

cleaner during sandstorms. Clean the fuel filter and

battery. Remove and store the battery in a warm

air cleaner daily.

place if the tractor is not parked in a shelter.

b. Remove sand from axles, wheels, steering

d. Keep the fuel tank full when not in operation.

spindles, radiator, and brake assemblies.

e. Allow the engine to reach normal operating

c. Clean all lubrication points thoroughly before

temperature before applying load.

applying lubricants.

d. Shield the tractor from the dust and sand as

2-16.

Extreme

Operation

Heat

much aspossible when not in use. Take advantage

a. Check the fan belt for tightness. Where finger

of natural barriers to dust and sand if storage

pressure is applied midway between the pulleys, the

shelter is not available.

belt should be deflected inch. Too loose a fan

belt allows slippage resulting in lowered water

pump output and a possible engine overheating.

2-6