WORKING
THE
MACHINE
Start the engine according to the engine instruction
book. Lift the clutch lever and engage the required gear.
DO NOT FORCE THE GEARS INTO MESH. If they do
not immediately engage, release the clutch lever
momentarily.
The slight noise which may be heard when the clutch
is engaged is due to the positive action of the twin
clutch plates.
When in a position to begin Rotavating, lift the clutch
lever again, and move the rotor engagement lever to
the "IN" position.Increase the engine speed and gently
release the clutch, allowing the machine to pull itself
into the work.
The rotor engagement lever also operates the differ-
ential lock. The lever must therefore be put into the
"OUT" position for turning.
The depth is controlled by pressing the depth control
lever to the right. This releases the skid in the socket,
allowing itto be repositioned as required.The skid itself
has two alternative holes, the lower one of which per-
mits a greater depth to be obtained.
Choose the depth to suit the crop being planted. Itthis
is deeper than can be obtained in one pass without the
engine labouring, several passes should be made at
progressively increasing depths.
First gear should be used for heavy work, and where a
fine tilth is required Second gear should be used for
average conditions, and top gear for light hoeing and
road work.
Where a coarse tilth is required, the rotor shield should
be raised as high as possible with the trailing board
folded back. The rotor should always be disengaged
when reversing as well as when turning at headlands.
To stop the machine, raise the clutch lever, and move
the gear lever to the centre (neutral) position. Move
the rotor engagement lever to the "OUT" position and
then release the clutch.
REVERSING
To reverse, pull upthe clutch lever, move the gear lever
to Reverse (this simultaneously operates the safety
interlock) and release the clutch lever. No movement
occurs until the clutch lever is pushed down. Removal
of pressure automatically stops the machine. To dis-
engage levers, pull up the clutch lever and move the
lever to neutral.
IVEVER, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTAIVCES, TAMPER
WlTH THE REVERSE GEAR LINKAGE. THE INTER-
LOCK MECHANISMISASAFETYDEVICEAND MUST
NOT BE INTERFERED WlTH OR REMOVED.
TURNING
It is often found that the machine is most easily turned
in reverse gear, especially when ground conditions are
very wet and sticky, w~tha considerable amount of
earth adhering to the underside
of
the shield Prov~ded
the rotor is disengaged and the blades are lifted clear of
the ground, the machine can be turned quite eas~ly,
either
in
forward or reverse gear
If
turning appearsto be
difficuit, ctieck that the differe~tiallock is fully dis-
engaged when the rotor lever is pulled back. Adjust-
ment can be made on tt-ie differential lock control rod,
should this not be the case.
HANDLEBAR ADJUSTMENT
The height of the handlet~arscan be adjustedto suit the
operator, bymeansofthealternative holes inthe handle-
bar lugs.
The handlebars can also be offset to one side or the
other, by pressing downthe handlebar positioning lever
to its full extent, and swinging the handlebarstowhich-
ever side is required.
A
hole is provided at each end of
the handlebar slide for positive locking in the required
position
HINTS FOR TOP PERFORMANCE
1.
The importance of correct and regular lubrication
cannot be over-stated. Study the lubrication chart on
pages
6
and
7.
2.
Do not neglect air cleaner maintenance.
3.
Always shut the throttle to the idling position when
lifting the clutch lever for engaging or disengaging
gears.
4.
Do not allow the engine to idle at slow speeds for
long periods.
5.
Do not press the handles down should the machine
jump if hitting a stump or similar obstacle; lightly resist
the movement and let the machine right itself. This
applies particularly when working on hillsides in badly
cleared land.
6.
When taking sharp corners, put the rotor out of gear,
lifting the handlebars to help in turning.
7.
Never run the "Gem" with the engine labouring.
Selection of the right gear, and correct depth of work
ensures a constant reserve of engine power.
8.
Always use the clutch in the same way as in a car,
that is, for changing gear only. DO NOT "slip the
clutch" to obtain extra engine speed.
9.
For the first
25
hours, attempt only fairly light work,
to allow the working partsto "bed down".
