Operating

Daily Operating Checklist

o Test safety systems. Perform safety interlock system checkout procedure.

o Check engine oil level.

o Check transmission oil level.

o Check radiator coolant level.

Avoid Damage to Plastic and Painted Surfaces

• Do not wipe plastic parts unless rinsed first.

• Insect repellent spray may damage plastic and painted surfaces. Do not spray insect repellent near machine.

• Be careful not to spill fuel on machine. Fuel may damage surface. Wipe up spilled fuel immediately.

Entering and Exiting Machine

Using Step

MX40654

Step (A) is located on the left side of machine. Use step for entering and exiting the operator station.

Adjusting Seat Position

1. Sit on the operator seat.

MX27068

2. Pull seat lever (A) to the left.

3. Slide seat forward or rearward to desired position.

4. Release lever to lock seat in position. Make sure all controls can be easily accessed.

Using Seat Belt

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Always wear seat belt when operating machine with a Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS). Do not jump from machine if machine tips.

MX40653

Fasten Belt

1. Pull belt end (A) across operator lap.

2. Install tab into buckle (B).

• A click will be heard when the tab locks into the buckle.

Release Belt

1. Press red button (C) to release seat belt allowing the belt to retract.

Using Light Switch

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Do not operate on roads with light switch in the field position. Rear work lights may blind or confuse operators of oncoming vehicles.

MX40652

A - All lights off.

B - Warning flasher lights on.

C - Road Position: headlights, taillights, and warning flasher lights on.

D - Field Position: headlights, taillights, and optional working lights on.

With the key switch in the off position, you can view the hour meter in the instrument panel by turning the light switch to (B) or (C) position.

Using Key Switch

MX27067

Using the Instrument Panel

MX40651

Using Turn Signal Switch

• Push the left side of the turn signal switch down to signal a left turn.

• Push the right side of the turn signal switch down to signal a right turn.

Testing Safety Systems

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide and can cause serious illness or death. Move the machine to an outside area before running the engine. Do not run an engine in an enclosed area without adequate ventilation. • Connect a pipe extension to the engine exhaust pipe to direct the exhaust fumes out of the area. • Allow fresh outside air into the work area to clear the exhaust fumes out.

The safety systems installed on your machine should be checked before each machine use. Be sure you have read the machine operator manual and are completely familiar with the operation of the machine before performing these safety system checks.

Use the following checkout procedures to check for normal operation of machine.

If there is a malfunction during one of these procedures, do not operate machine. See your authorized dealer for service.

Perform these tests in a clear open area. Keep bystanders away.

Testing Rear PTO Knob

1. Sit on operator’s seat.

2. Lock park brake.

3. Move the transmission range lever to neutral.

4. Pull the PTO engagement knob to the engaged/on position.

5. Turn key switch to start position.

• Engine must not crank.

6. Push the PTO engagement knob to the disengaged/off position.

7. Turn key switch to off position.

Testing Rear PTO/Seat Switch Interface

1. Sit on operator’s seat.

2. Lock park brake.

3. Push the PTO engagement knob to the disengaged/off position.

4. Start machine engine. Set engine speed at 1500 rpm.

5. Pull the PTO engagement knob to the engaged/on position.

6. Raise up from operator’s seat. Do not dismount machine.

7. Engine should stop.

8. Push the PTO engagement knob to the disengaged/off position.

9. Turn key switch to off position.

Using Fuel Shut-Off Valve

Close the valve when performing any type of engine fuel system service.

1. Locate the fuel shut-off valve on the right side of the machine on the fuel sediment filter.

MX27078

2. Open or close fuel shut-off valve lever (A) as required:

Using Brake/Differential Lock Pedal

Depress pedal 20 - 25mm (3/4 - 1 in.) to operate differential lock.

Depress pedal beyond 25mm (1 in.) to operate brake.

Using Park Brake

Locking Park Brake:

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Always lock park brake and move transmission range shift lever to a position other than N (neutral) before leaving machine unattended. Transmissions will not prevent machine motion without the park brake locked.

1. Press down firmly on brake/differential lock pedal.

2. Pull park brake lever up to locked position.

3. Remove foot from brake/differential lock pedal.

Unlocking Park Brake:

1. Press down firmly on brake/differential lock pedal.

2. Pull up slightly on park brake lever while depressing release button. Push park brake lever down to unlocked position.

3. Remove foot from brake/differential lock pedal.

Using Throttle Controls

Use the throttle lever to change engine speeds. Use the throttle in conjunction with the tachometer to set engine speeds.

Starting the Engine

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide and can cause serious illness or death. Move the machine to an outside area before running the engine. Do not run an engine in an enclosed area without adequate ventilation. • Connect a pipe extension to the engine exhaust pipe to direct the exhaust fumes out of the area. • Allow fresh outside air into the work area to clear the exhaust fumes out.

NOTE: It is recommended to install optional engine block heater and hydraulic oil heater if operating machine in temperatures below -18° C (0° F).

If temperature is below 0° C (32° F), follow the cold weather starting steps in this section.

1. Lock the park brake.

2. Push the PTO knob to the disengaged/off position.

3. Remove foot from forward and reverse travel pedals.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Check to be sure area is clear of any bystanders before lowering implements to the ground.

4. Lower any rear mount implement to the ground by pushing the rockshaft control lever forward.

5. Lower any front mounted implement to the ground using the SCV lever.

6. Set hand throttle lever to the 1/3 fast position.

7. Turn key switch to the run position.

8. Check instrument panel indicator lights:

• Alternator/battery discharging light will illuminate.

• Engine oil pressure light will illuminate.

9. For cold weather starting, place range shift lever in low range, turn key to start position and hold for:

• 10 - 15 seconds for temperatures as low as -18°C (0°F).

• 15 - 30 seconds for temperatures below -18°C (0°F).

10. Continue to hold key in start position and shift range lever to neutral position. Release key when engine starts.

11. Check instrument panel indicator lights:

• Engine oil pressure light should go out within 5 seconds.

• Alternator/battery discharging light should go out within 10 seconds.

12. Set engine speed at full throttle if indicator light does not go out after 10 seconds. If indicator light continues to stay on, stop the engine and check for cause.

NOTE: It is normal for the engine to be louder and for blue-white exhaust smoke to be present during engine warm-up. The amount of exhaust smoke depends on air temperature.

13. Warm the engine:

• In warm weather, set hand throttle lever to the 1/2 fast position for 1 minute without load.

• In cold weather, set hand throttle lever to the 1/2 fast position for 5 minutes without load.

Idling the Engine

NOTE: Allowing engine to idle for long periods of time will waste fuel and cause carbon build-up.

1. Adjust hand throttle lever to set engine speed at slow idle.

2. Lock the park brake.

Starting a Stalled Engine

1. Disengage PTO.

2. Remove foot from forward travel and reverse travel pedals.

3. Shift transmission range lever to neutral.

4. Start engine. Continue with normal operation, or set engine at slow idle speed for 2 minutes before stopping the engine.

Stopping the Machine

Normal Stopping

1. Position the machine on a firm, level surface.

2. Remove foot smoothly from forward or reverse travel pedals to stop motion.

3. Push the PTO knob to the disengaged/off position.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Check to be sure area is clear of any bystanders before lowering implements to the ground.

4. Lower any rear mount implement to the ground by pushing the rockshaft control lever forward.

5. Lower any front mounted implement to the ground using the SCV lever.

6. Adjust hand throttle lever rearward to set engine speed to slow idle speed. Allow engine to idle for 2 minutes.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Always lock park brake and move transmission range shift lever to a position other than N (neutral) before leaving machine unattended. Transmissions will not prevent machine motion without the park brake locked.

7. Lock the park brake.

8. Turn key switch to the off position.

9. Remove the key.

10. Wait for the engine and all moving parts to stop before leaving the operator’s station.

Emergency Stopping

1. Remove foot from forward or reverse travel pedals.

2. Depress brake/differential lock pedal.

3. Turn key switch to off position. Do not release brake/differential lock pedal until all moving parts have stopped.

4. If possible, lock the park brake.

Operating Transmission

The range shift lever provides two speed ranges.

The range shift lever is used in conjunction with the forward and reverse travel pedals.

1. Choose a speed range to match work application.

• L – Low speed/high power operations such as tilling hard soil, mowing high grass.

• L or H – Operations including hauling, and grass mowing.

• H – High speed operations such as transport and light mowing.

Driving Machine

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Always check area around machine for bystanders and obstacles before operating the machine.

1. Start machine engine.

2. Unlock park brake.

3. Choose L or H speed range on transmission range shift lever to match work application.

4. Move hand throttle lever to desired operating speed.

5. Slowly depress forward pedal downward to travel forward. Slowly depress reverse pedal downward to travel in reverse.

• The farther either travel pedal is depressed, the faster the machine will travel.

6. Release travel pedal to stop machine and change speed range.

7. Fully stop machine motion before turning key switch to off.

Using Differential Lock (Traction Assist)

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Driving at high speeds with the traction assist engaged may result in loss of steering control. Do not engage traction assist or turn with the traction assist engaged while operating machine at high speeds or on slopes.

The differential lock is used to provide better traction when the rear wheels start to slip. Engaging the differential lock will lock the right and left side rear axles together and cause both rear wheels to turn at equal speeds for maximum traction.

NOTE: Turning radius is increased when the differential lock is engaged.

Engaging Differential Lock

1. Stop or slow machine movement.

2. Depress pedal 20 - 25mm (3/4 - 1 in.) to operate differential lock.

Disengaging Differential Lock

Rear wheel slippage will keep differential lock engaged. Lock will automatically disengage when traction equalizes.

Using Mechanical Front Wheel Drive (MFWD)

Mechanical front wheel drive (MFWD) enables the powertrain to drive both front and rear axles for improved traction on difficult ground conditions and provides 4-wheel braking. MFWD can be engaged and disengaged on-the-go with light loads and on low traction surfaces.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Use extra caution when driving on slopes. To increase traction and provide four-wheel braking, engage mechanical front wheel drive (MFWD) when driving on slopes. Be aware that MFWD can improve access to dangerously sloped terrain, thereby increasing the possibility of tipover. To improve braking on sloped, icy, wet, or graveled surfaces, engage the MFWD. Add ballast to the tractor and travel at a reduced speed to avoid skidding and loss of steering control.

1. Pull up on MFWD lever to engage MFWD.

NOTE: It may be necessary to reduce engine load to disengage front wheel drive.

2. Push down MFWD lever to disengage MFWD.

Tips for Operating MFWD:

• Maintain front tire pressure at maximum allowable level to ensure proper tire performance in all field conditions.

• Engage MFWD to provide four-wheel braking.

• Disengage MFWD when driving machine to or from work site to increase front tire life.

Using the Power-Take-Off (PTO) Safely

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Stay clear of rotating drivelines : • Entanglement in rotating driveline can cause serious injury or death. • Keep hands, feet and clothing away. • Make sure that all shields are installed and used properly. • Stop the engine and be sure PTO driveline is stopped before getting near it.

Using Rear PTO

NOTE: The Rear PTO is only operational with the operator on the seat.

Engaging Rear PTO

1. Sit on operator’s seat.

2. Stop machine motion, remove foot from forward and reverse travel pedals.

NOTE: The starter will not crank if the PTO knob is pulled to the engaged/on position. If the operator leaves the seat with the engine running and the PTO engaged, the safety interlock system will stop the engine.

3. Reduce throttle setting to 1500 rpm.

4. Pull the PTO knob to the engaged/on position to engage the rear PTO.

5. Adjust the hand throttle lever forward to the desired speed for implement used.

NOTE: The PTO icon on the tachometer indicates the correct engine rpm for a standard 540 PTO .

Disengaging Rear PTO

1. Adjust engine rpm to low idle speed.

2. Push the PTO knob to the disengaged/off position to disengage the rear PTO.

Using Drawbar Hitch (If equipped)

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Use only the drawbar that was provided with the machine (if equipped), or the optional drawbar available from your John Deere Dealer. Do not install or use any other type drawbar. To avoid rearward upset, all towed loads must be attached to the drawbar, not just to the center link or draft arms.

Maximum Drawbar Loads

Certain heavy equipment such as a loaded single-axle trailer can place excessive strain on the drawbar. Strain is greatly increased by speed and rough ground. Do not exceed the following maximum static vertical loads on drawbar:

• All Models............................................400 kg (882 lb)

Adjusting Drawbar Length

The drawbar is equipped with two adjusting holes for changing drawbar length and one hole for storage.

MX27079

1. Remove quick-lock pin (A) and drilled pin (B).

2. Adjust drawbar to one of two operating positions (C), or to storage position (D).

3. Install drilled pin (B) up from bottom of machine. Secure with quick-lock pin (A).

Towing Loads

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Stopping distance increases with speed and weight of towed load, and on slopes. Towed loads with or without brakes that are too heavy for the machine or are towed too fast can cause loss of control. Consider the weight of the equipment and its load. Ensure the load does not exceed the recommended weight. The machine must be heavy and powerful enough with adequate braking power for the towed load. Use additional caution and reduce speed when towing loads under adverse surface conditions, when turning, and on inclines.

NOTE: Weight requirement for towed equipment:

• If towed equipment does not have brakes, do not tow loads more than 1500 kg (3307 lb) maximum.

• If towed equipment has brakes, do not tow loads more than 2000 kg (4409 lb) maximum.

1. Hitch the towed load only to the drawbar. Lock the drawbar and pin in place.

2. Install a safety chain to the machine drawbar support and to the towed load. Provide only enough slack to permit turning.

3. Before descending a hill, shift to a gear low enough to control machine travel speed without having to use the brake pedal to brake the machine and installed implements.

Using Safety Chain

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Hitch towed loads only to the drawbar to avoid rearward upset. Do not use the safety chain for towing loads.

MX27077

1. Attach safety chain (A) to drawbar support and to towed load. Provide only enough slack to permit turning.

2. Install additional attaching points (B) for chain on drawbar to reduce slack in chain when necessary.

3. Remove safety chain and store when not in use.

Using 3 Point Hitch

NOTE: The 3-point hitch on your machine is classified as a Category 1 hitch.

MX40854

• Place center link (A) in storage hook (B) when the hitch is not in use.

Positioning Center Link

MX40855

Using Rockshaft Control Lever

Use rockshaft control lever to raise and lower equipment attached to the 3-point hitch.

The nine positions are identifiers only and do not signify specific operating depths. When the rockshaft control lever is moved forward, the draft arms will lower closer to the ground.

Using Rate of Drop/Lock Valve

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Excessive rate-of-drop may cause injury or damage. Fully lowering implement should take at least 2 seconds.

The rate of drop/lock valve controls the rate of rockshaft drop when the rockshaft control lever is operated. This provides direct rate of drop control for 3-point hitch mounted implements. The valve can also be used to hydraulically lock the rockshaft (three-point hitch) in a desired position. The tractor can be operated with the rate of drop valve closed. With this valve closed, the rockshaft can be raised but not lowered.

MX40653

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Do not use the rockshaft drop/lock valve for holding an attachment in raised position for service work. Loss of hydraulic pressure could result in sudden drop of attachment. Lower attachment onto blocks or remove from machine before servicing.

Using Draft Links

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Look down and behind before and while backing. Clear area of all bystanders before backing machine.

1. Slowly back machine into position to align draft links with implement lift brackets.

2. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Fingers and hands can be pinched or crushed. Be aware of potential pinch points and keep hands away.

3. Connect draft links to the implement.

Leveling Implement Front-to-Rear

Leveling a 3-point hitch mounted implement front-to-rear is accomplished by adjusting the length of the center link:

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.)

MX40856

2. Loosen locknut (A).

3. Rotate handle (B) to lengthen or shorten the center link.

4. Tighten locknut (A).

Leveling Implement Side-to-Side

MX40857

Use turnbuckle (A) on the right adjustable lift link (B) to level a 3-point hitch implement side-to-side.

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.)

2. Loosen locknut (C) at top of turnbuckle.

3. Rotate turnbuckle (A) to raise or lower draft link until 3-point hitch mounted implement is level from side-to-side.

4. Tighten locknut (C) to secure position.

Adjusting Implement Side-to-Side Sway

NOTE: Check implement operator’s manual procedure for adjusting sway links. When sway links have been properly adjusted, side sway of implement is controlled by position of links. A small amount of sway, 13 - 25mm (1/2 - 1 in.), is needed for many implements.

MX40858

Use left and right sway links (A) to adjust 3-point hitch implement side-to-side sway:

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

2. Loosen locknut (B).

3. Rotate sway link adjusting rod (C) to adjust 3-point hitch implement side-to-side sway.

4. Tighten locknut (B).

Using Optional iMatch™ Quick-Attach Hitch System

The optional quick-attach hitch fits all Category I implements designed to the ASAE Cat I standard for quick-attach hitches.

Installing Hitch

MX10720

1. Remove three drilled pins (A) and two bushings (B) from quick-attach hitch.

2. Use machine rockshaft control lever to fully lower 3-point hitch draft links.

3. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

4. Position quick-attach hitch near draft links and adjust 3-point hitch sway links to align draft links with quick-attach hitch.

5. Install quick-attach hitch on draft links using drilled pins.

6. Install 3-point hitch center link on quick-attach hitch using center link quick-lock pin and drilled pin.

Connecting Implement

1. Install two bushings included with quick-attach hitch on drilled pins in implement draft link lift brackets.

MX10706

2. Move levers (A) on quick-attach hitch to unlocked position.

3. Back machine into position and align quick-attach hitch with implement lift brackets.

4. Use rockshaft control lever to position quick-attach hitch under lift brackets and lift implement from ground.

MX10713

5. Fully raise implement. Move levers (A) on quick-attach hitch to locked position.

Using Attachments

When using attachments, check full range of 3 point hitch travel each time a new attachment or implement is mounted. Watch for hoses and attachment parts throughout the 3 point hitch travel range. Adjust the depth stop as needed. Some attachments with very short driveshafts may require an upstop, see your John Deere Dealer. The driveshaft can be damaged if attachments are operated at too high of an angle.

Ballasting Machine

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Ballasted machine may become unstable when attachment is raised. Always drive slowly over uneven ground and when turning with raised attachment.

Add weight to machine front end if needed for stability. Heavy pulling and heavy rear mounted implements tend to lift front wheels. Add enough ballast to maintain steering control and prevent tip over. Remove weight when it is no longer needed.

Implement Codes

Use the following tables to determine the number of front weights to use with John Deere implements that show implement code data in the ballasting section of the implement operator’s manual.

Match the implement code from the implement manual with the codes for your machine and type of hitch. If the code falls between two numbers in the table, use the next higher number in the table for the number of front weights to use with that implement.

These codes are for ideal conditions. Actual field conditions may require additional ballast. Some John Deere implements may recommend using a certain number of front weights rather than giving implement codes.

Maximum recommended implement codes:

• Base tractor: 21

• Tractor with 305 loader: 52

• Tractor with 305 loader, bucket removed: 36

Tire Capacities

See tire maximum inflation pressure and maximum load capacities in the SPECIFICATIONS section.

Verify maximum tire inflation pressure and maximum load information if embossed into the tire side wall.

Using Optional Rear Cast Iron Wheel Weights

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Machine component or attachment is heavy. Use a safe lifting device or get an assistant to help lift, install or remove component or attachment.

Fasten weight to each rear wheel using a safe lifting device. A total of three weights per wheel may be used. See your implement operator’s manual for installation and number of weights to use.

Rear wheel weights are available from your John Deere Dealer.

Using Optional Rear Ballast Box

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! To improve front loader-machine stability, use of ballast box is recommended. Use ballast as recommended in loader operator’s manual.

The rear ballast box is used for carrying ballast on the 3-point hitch. Approximate weight of different materials is given in the implement operator’s manual.

Using Liquid Weight in Tires

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Installing liquid ballast requires special equipment and training. Injury may occur from exploding tire. Have the job done by your John Deere dealer or a tire service store.

NOTE: Use of alcohol as ballast is not recommended. Calcium chloride solution is heavier and more economical.

A solution of water and calcium chloride provides safe economical ballast, and will prevent freezing. If used properly, it will not damage tires, tubes, or rims.

A mixture of 0.4 kg of calcium chloride per liter of water (3.5 lb/gal), will not freeze solid above -45° C (-50° F).

Fill tubeless tires at least to valve stem level (minimum 75% full). Less solution would expose part of rim, possibly causing corrosion.

Tube-type tires may be filled to any level below 90%.

Optional Front Weights and Front Weight Bracket Extension

MX27080

Quick-Tatch weights and attaching hardware are available at your John Deere dealer. Each weight is 19 kg (42 lb) or 32 kg (70 lb).

An optional front weight bracket extension kit (A) is available at your John Deere dealer. This optional front weight bracket extension kit will hold up to ten Quick-Tatch weights.

Transporting Machine on Trailer

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. Close fuel shut-off valve, if your machine is equipped.

NOTE: Use a heavy-duty trailer to transport your machine.

1. Drive machine forward onto trailer.

2. Lower any implements to trailer deck.

3. Lock the park brake.

4. Stop the engine.

5. Remove the key.

6. Close the fuel shut-off valve.

7. Fasten machine to trailer with heavy-duty straps, chains, or cables. Both front and rear straps must be directed down and outward from machine. Trailer must have signs and lights as required by law.

Transporting Machine

Driving Machine Safely on Roads

Observe the following precautions when operating the machine on a road:

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Use caution when operating machine at transport speeds. Reduce speeds if towed load weighs more than machine. Consult towed equipment operator’s manual for recommended transport speeds. Use additional caution when transporting towed loads under adverse surface conditions, especially when turning, and on inclined surfaces. Use of warning lights and turn signals are recommended when traveling on public roads unless prohibited by state or local regulations. An implement safety lighting kit is available from your John Deere dealer.

• Make sure SMV (Slow Moving Vehicle) emblem and warning lights are clean and visible. If towed or rear-mounted equipment obstructs these safety devices, install SMV emblem and warning lights on equipment.

• Rotate light switch to road position.

• Drive slowly enough to maintain safe control at all times. Slow down for hillsides, rough ground, and sharp turns, especially when transporting heavy, rear-mounted implements.

• Adjust tread width position of rear wheels to provide maximum stability.

• Disengage the MFWD to reduce tire wear.

• Never coast machine downhill.

Pushing or Towing Machine

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Never tow machine faster than 16 km/h (10 mph). If possible, have someone operate steering and brakes of towed tractor.

1. Push the PTO knob to the disengaged/off position.

2. Disengage the differential lock.

3. Unlock the park brake.

4. Move the transmission range shift lever to the N (neutral) position.

5. Disengage the MFWD.