operators_manual

Transmission
Transmission Tips
General information on operating the
transmission.
Riding the Clutch
The clutch is not a footrest. Do not drive
with your foot resting on the clutch pedal. It
will allow your clutch to slip, causing
excessive heat and wear, damage could
result.
Release Bearing Wear
When you must idle your engine for any
period of time, shift your transmission to
neutral and disengage the clutch (take your
foot OFF of the pedal). This helps prevent
unnecessary wear to your clutch release
bearing, and it is less tiring for you, too.
More Tips
• Always use the clutch when
making upshifts or downshifts.
• Always select a starting gear that
will provide sufficient gear
reduction for the load and terrain.
• Never downshift when the vehicle
is moving too fast.
• Never slam or jerk the shift lever to
complete gear engagement.
• Never coast with the transmission
in neutral and the clutch
disengaged. To provide smooth
gear engagements while shifting,
use proper coordination between
shift lever and clutch.
• Double clutching is a very effective
means to increase the service life
of your transmission. Double
clutching refers to a technique
where the clutch pedal is used
twice per shift instead of once. It
also requires that you adjust the
engine rpm in the middle of the
shift which ultimately synchronizes
the gears during shifting.
Synchronizing reduces wear on the
gears.
Related tasks
Operating Manual Transmissions
Follow these instructions if the vehicle has
a manual transmission.
The transmission shift pattern for your
vehicle may be located on the shift control
knob. In addition to understanding the shift
pattern and its location, you should read
the transmission manufacturer’s manual
provided with your vehicle before operating
the vehicle. After making sure the vehicle's
oil and air pressure are correct and all
other parts and systems are in proper
working condition:
1. For vehicles with a clutch pedal,
locate the clutch pedal and engage
the clutch brake.
2. Shift into a low gear.
CAUTION
Always use first gear or a low speed
range to start the vehicle in motion.
The use of a higher gear or speed
range forces undue strain on the en-
gine, clutch, other transmission com-
ponents, and may cause damage.
3. Evaluate the road surface
conditions and terrain your vehicle
is on. Select a gear low enough to
let your vehicle start forward with
the throttle at idle.
4. Push the parking brake valve
handle (Yellow) against the dash
panel to release the brakes.
DRIVING - Transmission
Y53-6047-2HEN (03/18) 141
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