Operating

o Remove debris from engine compartment, especially around brake linkage on each side of the transaxle.

Avoid Damage to Plastic and Painted Surfaces

• 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.

Using Hand Holds

Hand holds are provided for passenger balance. When a passenger is present, they shall use both of the hand holds at all times while the machine is moving: the dash bar (A), and the side rail (B) to the right of the seat.

Adjusting Standard Seat

NOTE: If seat is removed, install seat hardware in the correct slots in the bracket. Always use set of slots closest to center of vehicle when installing seat.

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.

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

Testing the Safety Start System

5. Move ignition switch to start position. Engine should not crank. Turn ignition switch to STOP position.

7. Move ignition switch to start position. Engine should not crank. Turn ignition switch to STOP position.

Using the Seat Belts


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Always wear seat belt when operating vehicle with folding OPS in upright position. Do not jump from vehicle if vehicle tips. Do not use a seat belt if operating without an OPS, or with a folding OPS in the folded position. Raise OPS and use seat belt as soon as conditions permit.

Fasten Belt

1. Grasp outer seat belt connector (A), pull out and across body to inner connector (B), at inside of seat.

Release Belt

Raising and Lowering Occupant Protective Structure (OPS)

Lowering OPS Crossbar


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Use Occupant Protective Structure (OPS) in lowered position only when necessary for low clearance operation or transport. • Do not use seat belts when OPS is in lowered position. • Do not operate machine on slope with OPS in lowered position. • Raise OPS and fasten seat belts as soon as conditions permit.

1. Remove 1/2-13 x 3-1/4 in. flange head bolt and locknut from front position (A) at each OPS bracket.

2. Loosen the 1/2-13 x 3-1/4 in. hardware at the rear (pivot) position (B) at each OPS bracket, and lower OPS crossbar (C) to rest on cargo box deck.

3. If OPS is lowered for transport, tighten pivot hardware at position (B), and store removed hardware for later use.

Raising OPS Crossbar

1. Loosen pivot hardware at (B) if necessary, and raise OPS to upright position.

2. Insert 1/2-13 x 3-1/4 in. flange head bolts, removed earlier, through OPS crossbar and upright brackets, from the outside, and secure at the inside with 1/2 in. locknuts.

Using Park Brake


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Children or bystanders may attempt to move or operate an unattended machine. Always lock the park brake and remove the key before leaving the machine unattended.

Locking the Park Brake:

Unlocking the Park Brake:

Using Ignition Switch

A - STOP Position - With ignition switch in STOP position, all switched power is off, and engine should not run.

B - Run Position - Turn ignition switch from STOP to this position and all switched power circuits will be on.

C - Start Position - Turn ignition switch to start position to crank the engine. Release switch after engine has started and it will automatically return to the run position. The engine will continue to run.

Using Headlights

Ignition switch/Key must be in the run position to operate the lights. If the Ignition switch/key is in the run position and the engine is not running, the battery will discharge if the lights are allowed to remain on for an extended period of time.

NOTE: Be sure to turn lights off and turn the ignition switch/key to STOP position, or lights will discharge battery.

Using Deluxe Garrison Lights (Optional)

• Up - Headlights, tail lights, front marker lights, and beacon light will be on. Turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights will be enabled.

• Middle - Tail lights, front marker lights, and beacon light will be on. Turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights will be enabled.

Using Turn Signal Switch

NOTE: Turn signals will only operate when head light switch is in the ON position.

• Press at opposite end of turn signal switch until switch is centered to turn signal light off.

Using Hazard Lights

NOTE: Hazard lights will only operate when head light switch is in the ON position.

• Hazard lights override the turn signal function. To operate turn signal, turn off hazard lights.

Using Black Out Lights (Optional)

Ignition switch must be in the run position to operate the Black Out lights. If the ignition switch is in the run position and the engine is not running, the battery will discharge if the lights are allowed to remain on for an extended period of time.

NOTE: Be sure to turn lights off and turn the ignition switch to STOP position, or lights will discharge battery.

Using and Checking Instrument Panel

A - Voltmeter (Optional) - This gauge indicates system voltage. Indicator should be near center position while engine is running. If indicator is in either low or high (red) positions, stop engine and go through diagnostic procedures to repair problem.

B - Battery Discharge Light - This light will illuminate when the ignition switch is in the run position and the engine is not running. If this light illuminates when the engine is running, see your John Deere dealer.


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! The radiator will be hot and can burn skin. Built-up pressure may cause explosive release of coolant when the radiator cap is removed: • Shut off the engine and allow to cool. • Do not remove the cap unless the radiator and the engine are cool enough to touch with bare hands. • Slowly loosen the cap to the first stop to release all pressure. Then remove the cap.

C - Engine Coolant Temp / Glow Plug Light - This light will illuminate when the ignition switch is placed in the run position and the engine/glow plugs are cold. After approximately 3 - 5 seconds, the light will turn off. Additionally, this light will illuminate when the engine coolant is approaching a dangerously hot temperature. If this light illuminates during operation, remove load on machine immediately. Reduce engine to idle speed and check for something blocking air flow to the radiator and check engine coolant level. If light stays on, stop engine.

D - Speedometer (Optional) - The speedometer indicates machine speed in Km/hr (mph).

E - Park Brake Light - This light will illuminate when the ignition switch is in the run position and the park brake is locked.

F - Traction Assist (Differential Lock) Light - The traction assist light will illuminate when the traction assist lever is engaged and the differential lock system is engaged within the transaxle. Traction assist light will go out when lever is disengaged, and the differential lock system within the transaxle is disengaged.

G - Engine Oil Pressure Light - This light will illuminate when the ignition switch is in the run position and the engine is not running. If this light illuminates while the engine is running, engine oil pressure is too low. Stop engine.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Hour meter will accumulate hours when the ignition/key switch is in the Run position. Turn key to STOP to avoid a false hour meter reading.

H - Hour Meter - The hour meter operates and displays when the engine is running. The hour meter shows the accumulated number of hours the engine has run. The hour meter is intended to provide a means of monitoring machine usage for maintenance purposes. Use the hour meter to determine when your machine has reached the recommended service intervals.

Using Accessory Outlet


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Safe operation requires your full attention. Do not wear radio or music headphones while operating machine.

The accessory plug does not turn off with the key switch. Items connected to the accessory plug will continue to draw power, draining the battery.

Using Steering Wheel Lock Cable

1. Pull looped end of steering wheel lock cable (A) out from storage position in dash.

2. Wrap cable around the top of the steering wheel (B) and pinch loop at end of cable to the main cable just under the steering wheel. Secure cable loop to main cable with a padlock.

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.

2. Push down on accelerator pedal to check free movement of pedal assembly. Release pedal.

NOTE: The machine has a neutral start safety switch. The engine will not start unless the transaxle shift lever is in N (Neutral) position.


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Do not start engine by shorting across starter terminals. Bypassing normal circuitry will allow vehicle to start in gear. Do not use starting fluid to aid engine starting. Never start engine while standing on ground. Start engine only from operator’s seat.

7. When the glow plug/coolant temperature light turns off, turn ignition/key switch to START position.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Starter may be damaged if operated continuously for extended periods of time. Allow starter to cool down after several starting attempts.

• If engine does not start within five seconds, turn ignition/key switch to STOP position and wait ten seconds before trying to start again.

• Attempt starting engine five times only, then wait 5 minutes before trying again. This will allow time for starter to cool and prevent damage to starter.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Do not operate the engine at full throttle or under load until engine has warmed up, or engine damage could occur.

Stopping Engine


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Children or bystanders may attempt to move or operate an unattended machine. Always lock the park brake and remove the key before leaving the machine unattended.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Do not stop engine immediately after hard or extended operation. Keep engine running at low idle for about 2 minutes to prevent heat build-up.

Using Travel Controls


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Do not shift gears when vehicle is moving or with engine running above low idle speed. Push down brake to stop vehicle motion and engage shift lever with a firm positive action. Gears may grind when shifting if engine idle speed is set higher than factory specification.

• Reverse - Push shift lever to right, then pull rearward to reverse (C) gear.


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Reduce speed before braking or turning, when hauling loads, and while operating around obstacles or on hazardous off-road conditions.

7. Release accelerator and apply brake pedal (E) evenly and firmly to slow down or stop.

Using Traction Assist (Differential Lock)

Traction assist (A) is a differential lock system which provides better traction to the rear wheels when needed. Engaging the traction assist will cause both rear wheels to turn together at equal speed.

The traction assist light will turn on when the traction assist lever is engaged and the differential lock system within the transaxle is engaged. Traction assist light will go out when lever is disengaged, and the differential lock system within the transaxle is disengaged.


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Driving at high speed with the traction assist engaged may result in loss of steering control. Do not engage traction assist while operating vehicle at speeds in excess of 16 km/h (10 mph). Turning with the traction assist engaged increases the turning radius of the machine. Do not turn with the traction assist engaged while operating vehicle at speeds in excess of 16 km/h (10 mph).

Engaging the Traction Assist:


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Using the traction assist function improperly can damage the transaxle: • Reduce speed and allow drive wheels to rotate at same speed before engaging or disengaging traction assist. • Disengage traction assist when driving on dry asphalt or concrete. • Use traction assist only when necessary for improved ground engagement.

Disengaging the Traction Assist

Raising and Lowering Cargo Box Using Power Lift


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! • Make sure the vehicle is on a hard, level surface and the park brake is locked before raising the cargo box. If the vehicle is facing uphill with the cargo box raised, the weight of the cargo box may cause the vehicle to tip. • Do not perform a service function under a raised attachment without the lift cylinder safety support properly installed. • Empty all material from the cargo box before servicing the vehicle.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! A “clicking” or “ratcheting” sound when cargo box is fully raised or lowered or when box is heavily loaded indicates actuator clutch slippage. To prevent unnecessary wear or damage, keep clutch slippage to a minimum. Do not operate the Power Lift actuator beyond full stroke or exceed the cargo box weight capacity.

3. Raise and secure cargo box by pressing and holding top of rocker switch (A). Release switch when box is at desired dump height or when reaching maximum height.

NOTE: Allowing the Power Lift actuator clutch to slip briefly (click or ratchet) after cargo box is fully lowered will help keep cargo box secure and reduce rattling caused by travel vibrations.

Transporting Litters or Stretchers on Cargo Box or Front Carrier (Emergency Use Only)


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Only transport injured patients in the cargo box and/or front carrier. Optimize visibility. Use the cargo box to transport litters or stretchers. Only when necessary, use the front carrier to transport litters or stretchers. Avoid injury to bystanders or to vehicle occupants. Be aware of surroundings when driving vehicle with cargo box sides down. Sides can strike objects or bystanders.

• Lower the cargo box side panels and securely anchor the litters or stretchers to the to the cargo box using the tie-down rings (A). Refer to instructions provided by the litter or stretcher manufacturer to properly secure the patient to the litter or stretcher and to anchor the litter or stretcher to the cargo box bed.

• If the cargo box is utilized completely, place litter or stretcher in the front carrier. Refer to instructions provided by the litter or stretcher manufacturer to properly secure the patient to the litter or stretcher and to anchor the litter or stretcher to the front carrier.

• Regulate speed, especially over rough terrain, to minimize shock and vibration levels experienced by patients being transported.

• Avoid holes, slopes or sidehills that may result in a rollover. Transporting cargo can affect the vehicle operation and handling.

Operating the Tailgate

Lower Tailgate Using Tailgate Support

2. Pull latch rod handles (B) up and towards center of tailgate at the same time to release tailgate latches from holes (C) in side panel.

3. Lower tailgate (D) until resting on tailgate support arm. Latch hook/arm into tailgate.

4. Pull up tailgate to close and snap latch rods back into side panel holes at the same time.

Latching the Tailgate to the Tailgate Support Arm

NOTE: The support arm has a latch handle (E) that will hold the lowered tailgate firmly to the support arm (A).

4. To release tailgate, push in on handle (E) and return support arm to the stored position under the cargo box.

5. Close cargo box and be sure the latch rods snap securely into the holes in the side panels.

Lower Tailgate Without Tailgate Support

1. Pull latch rod handles (B) up and towards center of tailgate at the same time to release tailgate latches from holes (C) in side panel.

3. Pull up tailgate to close and snap latch rod handles back into holes at the same time.

Lowering Cargo Box Side Panels

2. Pull outward on latch handle (A) at the front of cargo box to lift and disengage latch from pin (B), and pull on the side panel (C) to lower.

3. To raise side panel, pull up on latch near middle (A) to lift and disengage latch from pin (B). Raise panel (C) until the lower detent (D) in the latch engages latch pin (B).

4. Pull up tailgate to close and snap latch rods back into holes at the same time.

Using Cargo Box Tie-Down Rings

1. Place your finger on the flat of the tie-down ring and push to access the ring loop (A).


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! To avoid damage to side panels and tailgate, place bulk of load over the main cargo box area. Do not overload tailgate or side panels.

Using Sling Load Portal® Rings

NOTE: The Sling Load Portals (A) located to the rear of the cargo box allow access to the rear lift rings.

NOTE: There is a gap between the tab (B) and the frame stop (C). If necessary pry open the Sling Load Portal in the case of a tight condition.

1. Reach under edge of cargo box to the tab (B) of the Sling Load Portal and swing open.

2. Place an approved lifting device through the Sling Load Portal (A) in the cargo box.

NOTE: Rings on the four corners of the vehicle are for lifting or tiedown. Rings (D) must be free to rotate.

Using Pintle Hitch

Loading Cargo Box


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! The utility vehicle may become unstable if the cargo box is loaded incorrectly. Avoid loose and shifting loads or uneven loading of material. • Do not load above height of load guard. • Securely anchor all loads in cargo box. • Do not load beyond maximum capacity.

Maximum payload capacity on level terrain for the cargo box for the M-GATOR is 450 kg (1000 lb).

Reduce load and ground speed when operating over rough or hilly terrain. Do not overload vehicle. Limit loads to those that can be safely controlled.

Securely anchor and evenly distribute loads in cargo box, when loading objects into vehicle. Shifting loads will affect stability.

Avoid concentrated loads at rear or side of cargo box to prevent vehicle from tipping over. Be sure load is evenly distributed.

Because there is a big difference in weight between dry and wet sand, the only way of getting true weight of the load you are carrying is by using a weigh scale.

For example, dry sand weighing 450 kg (1000 lb) would be approximately 3/4 of cargo box volume for the M-GATOR..

Emptying Cargo Box


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Raising a loaded cargo box changes the center of gravity. Keep vehicle a safe distance from the edge of ravine or drop-off when raising cargo box to empty. A loaded cargo box can be very heavy. Do not attempt to manually raise a loaded cargo box. Unload cargo box before raising it by hand.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! A “clicking” or “ratcheting” sound when cargo box is fully raised or lowered or when box is heavily loaded indicates actuator clutch slippage. To prevent unnecessary wear or damage, keep clutch slippage to a minimum. Do not operate the Power Lift actuator beyond full stroke or exceed the cargo box weight capacity.

NOTE: If power lift system will not lift load, lower cargo box completely and remove excess load by hand before dumping.

6. Latch tailgate closed. Do not drive vehicle with cargo box in raised position.

Towing Loads


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Excessive towed load can cause loss of traction and loss of control on slopes. Stopping distance increases with speed and weight of towed load. Do not tow a load that exceeds the maximum allowable towing load for this vehicle, as specified in this operator’s manual.

• To provide adequate braking ability and traction, weight of towed load (trailer + cargo) must never exceed the vehicle payload (operator + passenger + cargo box load).

• Never exceed 16 km/h (10 mph) when towing a load. Tow load at a speed slow enough to maintain control.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Extreme angles such as high railroad crossings can place high bending loads on hitch connection (A). Traversing terrain where the preceding conditions exist, use a ball type hitch.

• Always use approved hitch and hitch point provided for the utility vehicle. DO NOT modify the hitch or hitch point in any way.

Using Correct Tires and Inflation

Tires


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Help prevent severe bodily injury or death, failure to observe these recommendations may result in loss of stability and operator control.

Use of John Deere approved original equipment or optional equipment is recommended. To ensure maximum machine performance and ride quality, do not mix size, type, or placement of tires. Failure to place tires per the guidelines could result in reduced machine performance, diminished traction and poor handling.

Heavy Duty All Purpose (HDAP)

Run-Flat - EMT (Extended Mobility Tire)

Inflation


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Explosive separation of tire and rim parts is possible when they are serviced incorrectly: • Do not attempt to mount a tire without the proper equipment and experience to perform the job. • Do not inflate the tires above the recommended pressure. • Do not weld or heat a wheel and tire assembly. Heat can cause an increase in air pressure resulting in an explosion. Welding can structurally weaken or deform the wheel. • Do not stand in front or over the tire assembly when inflating. Use a clip-on chuck and extension hose long enough to allow you to stand to one side.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Over inflation may damage tires and diminish ride quality. Under inflation could cause wheel damage when riding over rough terrain.


Tire	Pressure
Front and Rear (Heavy Duty All Purpose (HDAP)	41 kPa (6 psi)
Front and Rear (Run-Flat - EMT (Extended Mobility Tire))	28-34 kPa (4-5 psi)

Tire Chains


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Loose tire chains can cause machine damage. Periodically check chain tightness and adjust as necessary.

NOTE: For TH 6x4 and M-Gator models, chains are available for rearmost wheels only.

Transporting Vehicle


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Never tow the vehicle above 32 km/h (20 mph). Towing a vehicle at speeds above 32 km/h (20 mph) will result in transaxle damage. To avoid damage, haul the vehicle on a heavy-duty trailer or on a full-size truck. Never use a car type dolly with the front wheels on the dolly.

NOTE: Space limitations may vary from one truck manufacturer to another. Short bed trucks do not have the necessary length requirement to accommodate the machine.

5. Equip the trailer or truck with all the necessary lights and signs required by local, state, provincial, or federal laws.