A Comprehensive Guide on the Solis H26 Compact Tractor

Introduction

The Solis H26 compact tractor is a versatile workhorse designed to meet the demands of various agricultural and landscaping tasks. Packed with a host of impressive features, this machine offers an exceptional user experience for both novice and experienced operators. In this guide, we’ll explore how to harness the full potential of the Solis H26, focusing on its key features, such as its hydrostatic, 2-pedal, 2-speed transmission with cruise control, as well as its robust 600kg category 1 rear three-point linkage. Whether you’re using the 4-in-1 bucket, mowing lawns, or undertaking a range of other tasks, the Solis H26 is engineered to excel in a variety of applications. Let’s dive in and discover how to make the most of this impressive compact tractor.

Safety and Pre-Operation Checklist for Your Solis H26 Compact Tractor

To ensure your safety while operating the Solis H26 Compact tractor, it’s imperative to adhere to PPE (personal protective equipment) guidelines and always engage the seatbelt when using the machine. With that in mind, let’s move on to the essential pre-operation checklist you should complete before getting your Solis H26 into action.

1. Engine Oil Check: Your first task is to inspect the engine oil level. Locate the engine’s dipstick on the right-hand side under the bonnet, next to the engine oil filter. Ensure the machine is on a flat, level surface, and then remove the dipstick. Verify that the oil level falls between the two lines on the dipstick.
2. Visual Engine Inspection: While under the bonnet of your Solis H26, conduct a visual examination of the engine compartment. Look for any visible damage or signs of leaks on the components. Additionally, make sure the radiator screen is clear of debris. At the front of the engine, switch the isolator to the ON position if it’s not already on. Close the bonnet securely.
3. Visual Machine Inspection: As you walk around the machine from the front to the back, closely inspect other components such as the Front Axle, bonnet, and panels. Ensure there are no evident leaks or damages to the machine.
4. Rear Transmission Oil Check: Given that your Solis HST operates with a hydrostatic transmission, it’s crucial to examine the Rear Hydraulic oil level. This can be done at the rear of the machine by removing the dipstick. After removal, confirm that the hydraulic oil level is either at or just below the maximum level mark and above the minimum oil level mark.
5. Grease the Machine: It’s essential to keep the tractor well-lubricated for optimal performance. Plan to grease the machine approximately every 10 hours of operation, or after extended periods of inactivity. Consult your operator’s manual for specific grease point locations.

By diligently completing this pre-operation checklist, you’ll be well-prepared and can confidently proceed with your tasks using the Solis H26 Compact tractor, ensuring both your safety and the machine’s optimal performance.

Starting the Tractor.

With our pre-checks complete, it’s time to set the Solis H26 in motion. In order to start the engine, ensure that the tractor is in neutral, the parking brake is engaged, and your foot is securely on the brake pedal.

To begin, if it’s not already done, activate the parking brake by lifting the park lever positioned between your legs. Next, transition the machine into neutral mode using the two-speed range controller found on the left-hand side of the operator’s seat. Finally, place your left foot firmly on the brake pedal. You are now poised to start the machine.

Take the ignition key and turn it one notch to the right, allowing 5-10 seconds for the glow plugs to warm up the engine. After this brief pause, turn the ignition key further to the “start” position. The engine will engage, and the machine will come to life.

Your Maiden Voyage

Congratulations you have now started your Solis H26 for the first time. The sound of the Mitsubishi 3 cylinder diesel getting ready for work is mesmerising, Wouldn’t you agree?

Now, let’s take the tractor for a spin. With your foot firmly on the brake, it’s time to disengage the parking brake. Reach down to the lever nestled between your legs, gently lift it, and pull the locking collar. The parking brake can now be released, allowing it to snugly nestle against the footwell of the tractor.

To determine your desired speed, make use of the orange range selector conveniently located to the left of your seat. Pushing the lever forward places the machine in Slow Speed, while moving it towards the rear shifts into a faster gear, aptly indicated by the “Rabbit and Turtle” label. Once you’ve chosen your range and removed your left foot from the brake pedal, simply press the forward pedal with your right foot to set the tractor in motion forward and the reverse pedal to gracefully glide backward. It’s as straightforward as that. You are now in the drivers seat, navigating your Solis H26 compact tractor with confidence.

Throttle and Accelerator

The Solis H26 features a user-friendly hand throttle positioned on the right-hand side of the steering column. To increase the RPM (Revolutions Per Minute), gently push the hand throttle forward. Conversely, to reduce the RPM, pull it backward.

For typical driving tasks with the Solis H26, maintaining an RPM of around 2200 is recommended. However, when engaging the Power Take-Off (PTO), it’s advisable to operate at approximately 2600 RPM. When using the PTO, it’s essential to ensure that the RPM falls within the range of 2500 to 2700 RPM to guarantee that the PTO functions at the correct rotational speed. You can easily confirm this by noting the yellow line encircling the RPM gauge.

Attaching Your Machine to an Implement Using the Three-Point Linkage

To link your machine with an implement using the three-point linkage, follow these steps:

1. Carefully reverse your machine toward the implement until the rear arms align with the two lower pins on the implement. Once in position, ensure the tractor is in neutral, engage the parking brake, and turn off the machine. Exit the tractor and make your way to the rear.
2. Focus on the left-hand side (LHS) rear lower link arm. Connect it to the LHS pin of the implement by inserting the link pin on the implement through the hole at the end of the lower link arm. Secure it in place with a clip attached to the lower linkage pin. Repeat this procedure for the other side.
3. Attend to the top link and attach it to the top pin on the implement. If necessary, adjust the length of the top link by rotating the turnbuckle. Once the top link is appropriately engaged and connected, proceed to link the PTO (Power Take-Off) of the implement to the PTO shaft of the tractor.
4. Align the splines of the PTO shaft with those of the tractor and depress the locking pins on the PTO shaft. Push it firmly onto the tractor’s PTO shaft. Once it’s fully inserted, slightly retract the PTO shaft until the locking pin engages with the locking collar on the tractor’s PTO shaft. It is recommended to clean and grease the splines of the PTO on the tractor to ensure ease of removal and installation in the future.
5. Ensure that everything is securely locked in place, and all pins on the linkage are properly secured.

By following these steps, you’ll have successfully connected your machine to the implement using the three-point linkage.

Using your implement

Now that we’ve covered starting and driving the tractor, as well as attaching the implement, let’s delve into the effective use of your chosen implement. It’s important to note that implements can vary, so we strongly advise reviewing the operator’s manual specific to each implement to become well-versed in its operation. For the purposes of this guide, we’ll use a finishing mower as an example.

Return to the driver’s seat of your new Solis H26 and follow the startup procedure to get the machine running again.

The Solis H26 features a convenient electric clutch for engaging the Rear PTO (Power Take-Off). Begin by increasing the engine revs to approximately 2200 RPM using the hand throttle. After ensuring there are no bystanders near the implement, press and hold the PTO engage switch on the dashboard to the right of the steering column for approximately 3-5 seconds. A dashboard indicator will illuminate, and you’ll hear the mower spring to life. Now, elevate the engine RPM to the recommended 2600 RPM for the mower to reach its full operational speed.

You are now ready to commence your cutting task.

Adjusting the Three-Point Linkage’s Height

What good is a three-point linkage if you can’t fine-tune its height, right? This is where the linkage raise and lower control lever becomes essential. Located on the right-hand side of your operator’s seat, you’ll find a black Tee-bar handle that governs the rear linkage’s elevation.

To lower the linkage, simply push this lever towards the front of the machine, and conversely, pull it backward to raise the linkage. In the case of your newly attached finishing mower, you’ll want to lower it to its cutting height, which is positioned to align with the mower’s wheels. Therefore, slide the linkage control lever all the way forward.

As you complete each run, it’s advisable to raise the mower to facilitate your endpoint turn before lowering it again for the next cutting pass. This way, you can maintain precise control over the implement’s height throughout your task.

If you find the linkage is moving to fast or conversely to slow when lowering the implement, this is adjusted using the Rate of Drop knob between your legs. Rotate this knob clockwise to slow the rate of drop for the linkage arms or counter clockwise to speed up the rate of drop. This knob is also conveniently the hitch transport lock, by rotating it completely clockwise the implement will not lower allowing for a locked position to transport the machine.

If you notice one side of the implement sitting lower than the other, you can rectify this by adjusting the vertical turnbuckles located on both the left and right sides of the lower 3-point linkage arms.

If you find that the machine is not level in the fore/aft direction, use the turnbuckle on the top link to make the necessary adjustments. It’s crucial to carry out these adjustments when the implement is resting on the ground and when any weight has been removed from the rear linkage.

Simplifying Your Drive with Cruise Control

Your brand-new H26 Solis tractor offers the convenience of Cruise Control as a standard feature. Operating cruise control is a breeze:

1. Set Your Speed: Start by using the forward pedal to reach your desired speed.
2. Engage Cruise Control: Once you’ve attained your preferred speed, simply press the “ON” button for cruise control. You’ll find this button located on the dashboard to the right of the steering column.
3. Pedal-Free Driving: With cruise control activated, you can now take your foot off the forward pedal, and the machine will steadfastly maintain the chosen speed.
4. Disengage Cruise Control: To disengage cruise control, you have two options. You can either press the “Off” button designated for cruise control, or simply press the brake pedal.

With cruise control at your disposal, your driving experience becomes even more effortless, allowing you to focus on the task at hand while your Solis H26 takes care of maintaining your selected speed.

Navigating Challenging Situations

In most regular circumstances, it’s advisable to operate the machine in two-wheel drive mode. However, when you encounter challenging operating conditions, here’s how to get yourself out of a bind:

1. Activate Four-Wheel Drive: If you find yourself in tough conditions, you can engage the four-wheel drive by raising the 4WD selector. Locate this selector on the lower left-hand side of the operator’s seat, near the footwell, distinguished by its orange handle.
2. Enhance Traction with Differential Lock: When you require even more traction, the rear differential is equipped with a differential lock. Activate it by pressing the foot pedal using your left heel. The differential lock control is situated just below the 4WD engagement lever.

By utilizing these features, you can ensure your machine maintains traction and effectively navigates challenging terrain or conditions when necessary.

Using your rear hydraulics

When working with certain implements, such as the hydraulic offset flail mower provided by Iron & Earth Equipment, you’ll need to make use of the rear hydraulic spool valves. On the H26, the valve is a 3-position type, offering extend, retract, and float (the full forward detent).

You can locate the hydraulic quick couplers at the rear of the machine. To attach a hydraulic coupler, simply push it firmly into the quick coupler. To detach it, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the machine.
2. When it’s safe to do so, move the hydraulic control lever into the float position (the forward detent). This action releases all pressure from the hydraulic lines.
3. Retract the quick coupler collar on the tractor, and using a “push and pull” motion to remove the quick coupler from the tractor.

Once the implement is securely attached, you can manipulate the DCV (Directional Control Valve) control lever forward and backward to regulate the hydraulic flow. The direction in which you should move the lever depends on how the implement is plumbed.

Please note that when working with hydraulics, it’s essential to wear complete PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). Mishandling hydraulic oil pressure can be extremely hazardous, so take all necessary precautions to ensure safety.

Ensuring Comfort in Your New Solis H26 HST

The Solis H26 is thoughtfully designed to provide you with a comfortable operator station, making your workdays more enjoyable. Here’s how to adjust and maximize your comfort:

1. Seat Adjustment: The driver’s seat can be customized to your liking. To move it forward or backward, utilize the lever situated on the lower left-hand side of the operator’s seat. Fine-tune the spring tension of the seat by using the dial positioned at the back’s top. To increase tension, tighten the dial; to decrease it, loosen the dial.
2. Vertical Height Adjustment: On the back’s lower right-hand side of the seat, you’ll discover the vertical height adjuster for the operator’s seat. Simply turn this to raise or lower the seat to your preferred height.
3. Armrest Comfort: For added comfort, your Solis H26 is equipped with armrests. You can adjust the inclination of these armrests by using the dials located beneath each armrest.

By making these adjustments, you can ensure that your time spent in the Solis H26 is not only productive but also comfortable, allowing you to work efficiently and with ease.

Seeking Further Information

While we’ve made every effort to provide comprehensive information in this guide, we strongly recommend reviewing the operator manual for your new Solis H26. If you find yourself with any lingering questions or uncertainties, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our approachable team at Iron & Earth Equipment. You can reach us at 01452 452 535.

Remember, there are no foolish questions when it comes to your equipment. Feel free to ask, and our team is here to provide the assistance you need.