Manual

Operation
33
Model 944E Origin 3/04
Changing Travel Direction
1. Stop the vehicle by applying the service brakes.
2. Grasp the travel select lever (1), pull it toward the steering wheel, then
move the lever up or down in the opposite direction;
(R) REVERSE (4) or (F) FORWARD (2).
When the Travel Select Lever is shifted to REVERSE, the back-up alarm will
automatically sound.
NOTE: The Travel Select Lever must be in the (N) NEUTRAL DETENT (3) position
to permit engine starting.
Gear Select Twist Grip
The Gear Select Twist Grip (5) is at the end of the travel select lever (1). The
twist grip handle has four positions 1st gear thru 4th gear.
Shifting Gears
1. Rotate the twist grip of the gear select lever to the next desired gear. The
transmission has four forward gears and three reverse gears.
2. Use first gear for highest torque and pulling power. Use higher gears for
higher ground speed. The recommendations listed in the table that follows
is a guideline only. Always use good judgement when traveling with a load.
Recommended Gear/Speed for Various Load/Travel Conditions
(Forward Direction Only)
*NEVER travel in 4th gear when carrying a load.
NOTE: Shifting to the next higher gear may be done while the vehicle is in motion.
IMPORTANT! When downshifting, allow the engine speed to slow down before
shifting to the next lower gear.
Load Size Surface Gear Speed
No Load Smooth 4th* 0 to 20 mph (0 to 32 km/h)
Improved 3rd 0 to 14 mph (0 to 23 km/h)
Rough 2nd 0 to 6 mph (0 to 9.7 km/h)
Load Smooth 3rd 0 to 14 mph (0 to 23 km/h)
up to 4,500 lbs Improved 2nd 0 to 6 mph (0 to 9.7 km/h)
(up to 2.041 kg)
Rough 2nd 0 to 6 mph (0 to 9.7 km/h)
Load Smooth 2nd 0 to 6 mph (0 to 9.7 km/h)
4,500 to 9,000 lbs Improved 1st 0 to 3.5 mph (0 to 5.6 km/h)
(2.041 to 4.082 kg)
Rough 1st 0 to 3.5 mph (0 to 5.6 km/h)