How to choose the best tyre for a Solis Compact Tractor?

Let’s talk about your Solis tyres!

Did you know that when it comes to our New Solis Compact Tractors, the choice is entirely yours? That’s right! At Iron and Earth, we don’t charge extra for tyre changes on our Solis S20, Solis S26, and Solis H26 Compact Tractors. Even better, we keep our tractors stocked with all the tyre options so you can see them in person. The decision is in your hands.

One of the most common questions we receive at Iron and Earth is, “What’s the best tyre for my Solis compact tractor?” To provide you with the most accurate answer, we need to delve deeper into what you intend to do with the tractor. Since we don’t have that information here, we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide on the various tyre options available, allowing you to make an informed choice. If you ever need more information or guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team is always ready to assist you in selecting the perfect tyres for your new Solis tractor.

The Solis 26hp tractors come with 5 different types of tyres, these are, Agricultural Tyres, Wide Agricultural Tyres, Industrial Tyres, Galaxy Pro Tyres and Turf Tyres. Now i understand this can be a daunting task to choose which one suits you. Ill now dive into the different types of treads so you can make an informed decision when it comes to your new Solis Tractor.

 

Don’t have time to read it all? That’s no worries, in summary we can tell you

Mainly using a front loader or need an excellent all-round tyre? Opt for the Industrial tyre when you buy your Solis Tractor.

Working on predominately lawns or playing fields? Opt for the Turf tyre when you buy your Solis Tractor.

Need good grip, with low ground impact? Opt for the Galaxy Pro when you buy your Solis Tractor.

Need the best grip of the bunch? Opt for the Wide Ag Tyre when you buy your Solis Tractor.

Need the best grip of the bunch but don’t wont to compromise your width? Opt for the Narrow Ag Tyre when you buy your Solis Tractor.

 

Now if your still with us lets break each tyre down even further to help you decide.

 

Industrial Tyre - Iron & Earth Equipment LtdThe Industrial Tyre

The standard tyre most compact tractor dealers will opt to stock and the most commonly asked for tread pattern. This is because they are the best all round tyre for a compact tractor. Industrial tyres are built to withstand longer wear and provide excellent puncture protection, they incorporate a wider ground area and shallower voids than an agricultural tyre, the result of this being a greater load bearing surface for loader work while retaining excellent grip.

If you don’t have a specific requirement or just need an all-round excellent tyre, then the Industrial tyre is for you.

 

 

 

 

Galaxy Pro Tyre - Iron & Earth Equipment Ltd

The Galaxy Pro Tyre

The Galaxy Pro tyre is a radial tyre developed specifically for small tractors that are to be used in Gardening, Orchards, and Vineyards. They provide a narrower tyre than the Industrial or the turf tyre meaning if space is tight in your area then they will give an added bonus of your Solis tractor being a narrower overall width. They also contain a directional block tread pattern that is nearly 50% larger than a typical turf tyre. This given you excellent floatation and excellent grip in softer ground. With a low rolling resistance they will also provide the best fuel economy for your Solis tractor.

If your predominantly using your tractor for softer ground within vineyards and require a narrower overall width then the Galaxy Pro is for you, Its a tyre with more grip and comfort than the industrial and the turf, however, still less grip than the Agricultural alternatives.

 

 

 

 

Turf Tyre - Iron & Earth Equipment Ltd

The Turf Tyre

The turf tyre, As it says on the tin is developed to reduce impact on sensitive grass areas including Lawns, playing fields, golf courses and gardens. The turf tyre contains shallow button style tread and a wider floatation footprint, thus reducing the ground pressure and ground damage that tyres could potentially cause. As the widest and softest tyre of the set they also usually provide the most operator comfort.

If your predominantly using your tractor on lush green lawns, playing fields or golf courses then the Turf Tyre is for you. Turf tyres have the lowest grip level of all tyre options, however they do cause the least ground pressure and ground damage when it comes to your lawn.

 

 

 

Screenshot 2023 11 07 162042 - Iron & Earth Equipment Ltd

The Agri Tyre – Wide or Narrow

The agricultural tyre option, whether wide or narrow, for a Solis tractor is the go-to choice for those grip demanding tasks. Agricultural tyres contain a wide and open lug pattern and deeper tread voids, thus providing excellent self cleaning features and excellent grip. You will get the the best grip from your Solis Tractor using the agricultural tyre, however, as a downside you will also cause the most ground disturbance. The Agricultural tyre can be opted in a wide or narrow design, with the wider tyre giving slightly reduced ground pressure while maintaining the extra grip. The narrower tyre however, is usually opted for in woodlands to reduce the tractors maximum overall width.

If you need your Solis in areas where grip is of upmost importance then the Agricultural tyre is for you. If you could potentially be using your machine on grassed areas then potentially the Galaxy Pro is the tyre of choice as it has excellent grip capabilities with a lower ground impact.

 

 

 

What do we recommend? Well that depends on what you need, our highly experienced team at Iron and Earth can help you choose, Just give us a call on 01452 452 535 and we can walk you through the best option for the tasks at hand.

For more help you can email info@ironandearth.co.uk and our friendly team will help.

A Comprehensive Guide on the Solis S26 Manual Compact Tractor

Introduction

The Solis S26 compact tractor is a our most affordable 26hp compact tractor and is designed to excel in a wide range of landscaping tasks. It boasts a multitude of impressive features that enhance the user experience, catering to both beginners and seasoned operators alike. In this guide, we will delve into harnessing the full potential of your new Solis S26, with a focus on its key attributes. These include the simple to use manual transmission, the rear hydraulics, the three-point linkage and more.

 

Safety and Pre-Operation Checklist for Your Solis S26 Manual Compact Tractor

To ensure your safety while operating the Solis S26 Manual Compact tractor, it’s crucial to follow PPE (personal protective equipment) recommendations and consistently fasten the seatbelt when utilizing the equipment. Keeping this in view, let’s proceed to the pre-operation checklist that must be performed before initiating any tasks with your Solis S26 Compact Tractor. This checklist will not only enhance safety but also ensure the smooth functioning of your Solis S26 Compact tractor.

  1. Engine Oil Check: Begin by checking the engine oil level. Locate the dipstick on the right-hand side beneath the bonnet, adjacent to the engine oil filter. Make sure the machine is parked on a flat, level surface, then remove the dipstick. Confirm that the oil level falls within the designated range between the two lines on the dipstick.
  2. Visual Engine Check: While inspecting the engine compartment of your Solis S26, visually examine its components. Search for any visible damage or indications of leaks. Also, ensure that the radiator screen is free of debris. At the front of the engine, switch the isolator to the ON position if it’s not already there, and securely close the bonnet.
  3. Visual Machine Check: As you walk around the machine, meticulously inspect various components from the front to the rear, including the Front Axle, bonnet, and panels. Check for any apparent leaks or damages to the machine.
  4. Grease the Machine: Maintaining proper lubrication is essential for the tractor’s peak performance. It’s advisable to grease the machine approximately every 10 hours of operation or after extended periods of inactivity. For specific grease point locations, consult your operator’s manual.

By completing this pre-operation checklist, you’ll be well-prepared to carry out your tasks using the Solis S26 Compact tractor with confidence, ensuring not only your safety but also the machine’s optimal performance.

 

Lets get started!

Now that we’ve covered the essential pre-operation checks for your Solis S26, it’s time to prepare for the machine’s operation. Starting the Solis S26 involves a sequence of necessary steps, which must be followed in the correct order:

  1. Engage the Park Brake: If you haven’t already, engage the tractor’s park brake by lifting the park brake lever located on the right-hand side of the operator’s station.
  2. Place the range leer in neutral: On the right hand side of the foot well you will see the range lever, this is distinguished by a small lever with a orange handle. Neutral position is in the middle, the lever must also be locked into the neutral position by pressing it to the left when positioned over the neutral lock.
  3. Place the transmission lever in neutral: If it’s not already in neutral, move the main transmission lever, situated between your legs, into the neutral position.
  4. Place the PTO selector in Neutral: The PTO selector is on the lower left-hand side of the footwell and has a yellow handle. Ensure it’s in the neutral position.
  5. Depress the clutch pedal: Using your left foot, completely depress the clutch pedal.
  6. Heat up the glow plugs: Turn the ignition switch one click to the right to activate the glow plugs. The duration for heating the engine depends on the outside ambient temperature, which can vary from 3 seconds to 20 seconds.
  7. Bring it to Life: Continue turning the key further right and listen as the Mitsubishi 3-cylinder engine comes to life with a reassuring purr.

Congratulations! You are now in a poised position to operate your Solis S26 Manual. These steps ensure a smooth and safe start for your machine, allowing you to operate it effectively.

 

Your first steps (or roll)!

Fantastic job! You’ve successfully completed the pre-operation checklist, and now the robust Mitsubishi diesel engine in the Solis S26 is up and running, ready to tackle your tasks. It’s time to embark on your first drive!

The Solis S26 boasts a versatile 2-range, 3-speed manual transmission, giving you a total of 6 forward gears and 2 reverse gears. Let’s start off at a leisurely pace in Low 1. To engage the Low Range, follow these steps:

  1. Disengage the Park Brake: Press firmly on the brake pedal and disengage the parking brake.
  2. Engage the clutch pedal: Depress the clutch pedal fully.
  3. Engage Low Speed (first Range): On the lower right-hand side of the footwell, locate the range selector. Move it to the right and then forward to engage the low range, which is indicated by the turtle symbol on the sticker.
  4. Enter first Gear: While keeping the clutch pedal depressed, move the main transmission gear shifter into the first position, which is to the left and then forward.
  5. Lets Go: Ensure that both levers are fully engaged, and you’re all set. Now, slowly release the clutch pedal while simultaneously easing off the brake, and you’ll start moving forward.

Congratulations! You are now in complete control, confidently driving the Solis S26 Manual Compact Tractor. Enjoy your ride!

 

Changing Gears. 

Your brand-new Solis S26 Compact Tractor is equipped with a manual transmission, which means you’ll need to change gears as you operate it. Shifting gears while in motion is possible, but it’s equally simple to bring the machine to a stop, engage the appropriate gear, and then resume your journey.

However, it’s important to note that when switching between forward and reverse, the S26 must always be completely stationary. This ensures safe and seamless transitions between these two essential modes of operation.

 

Throttle and Accelerator

The Solis S26 comes equipped with a user-friendly hand throttle conveniently located on the right-hand side of the steering column. Adjusting the engine’s RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) is a breeze – simply pull the hand throttle gently backward to increase RPM or push it forward to decrease it.

For your everyday driving tasks with the Solis S26, maintaining an RPM of approximately 2200 is recommended. However, when you engage the Power Take-Off (PTO), it’s a good practice to operate at around 2600 RPM. When using the PTO, it’s crucial to ensure that the RPM falls within the specified range of 2500 to 2700 RPM to ensure that the PTO functions at the correct rotational speed. You can easily verify this by observing the yellow line that encircles the RPM gauge.

 

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

To establish a connection between your Solis S26 Compact Tractor and an implement through the three-point linkage, adhere to these straightforward steps:

  1. Position Your Machine: Carefully reverse your Solis S26 toward the implement until the rear arms align with the two lower pins on the implement. Once properly aligned, ensure that the tractor is in neutral, engage the parking brake, and power off the machine. Exit the tractor and proceed to the rear.
  2. Link the Lower Arms (Left Side): Concentrate on the left-hand side (LHS) rear lower link arm. Attach 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 using the clip attached to the lower linkage pin. Repeat this same process for the right side.
  3. Adjust the Top Link: Focus on the top link and connect it to the top pin on the implement. If necessary, adjust the length of the top link by turning 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. Link the PTO Shaft: 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. After it’s fully inserted, slightly retract the PTO shaft until the locking pin engages with the locking collar on the tractor’s PTO shaft. For future ease of removal and installation, it is recommended to clean and grease the splines of the tractor’s PTO.
  5. Confirm Secure Locking: Ensure that everything is securely locked in place, and verify that all pins on the linkage are properly secured.

By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll have successfully established a secure connection between your Solis S26 Compact Tractor and the implement using the three-point linkage.

 

How to engage the PTO of a Solis S26 Manual Tractor

Once you’ve connected your attachment, return to the driver’s seat of your newly acquired Solis S26 Manual Compact Tractor. To get your PTO engaged and your implement up and running, follow these start-up steps. The Solis S26, which has a few differences compared to the S26. The S26 is equipped with a mechanically engaged Power Take-Off (PTO) system and shares the same clutch as the vehicle. Here’s how you can engage the PTO on your Solis S26 Manual Compact Tractor:

  1. Press the Vehicle Clutch: Begin by fully depressing the vehicle clutch pedal.
  2. Find the PTO Lever: Locate the PTO lever on the lower left-hand side of the footwell. This is noted with a Yellow Handle
  3. Select your PTO Speed: Depending on the implement you’ve selected, you’ll need to set the PTO lever to either the 540 or the 1000 RPM position. To engage the PTO at 540 RPM, move the lever towards the front, conversely, for 1000rpm move it to the rear. Please note that the RPM setting here refers to how fast the PTO spins and is not related to the engine RPM. This distinction is essential for the proper operation of your Solis S26 Manual Compact Tractor.
  4. Bring your RPM up: We want to bring the Engine RPM up to around 2200 RPM
  5. Release the clutch: Remove your clutch and the PTO will begin to spin, if you are in a gear the machine will begin to move as well.
  6. Increase Engine RPM: Increase the engine RPM to 2500 to 2700 RPM to ensure that the PTO is rotating at the selected speed. You can easily confirm this by noting the yellow line encircling the RPM gauge.

 

How to adjust the linkage height of a Solis S26 Manual Tractor

To adjust the linkage height, you’ll rely on the linkage raise and lower control lever, conveniently located on the right-hand side of your operator’s seat. This lever, with its black Tee-bar handle, is responsible for controlling the elevation of the rear linkage.

To lower the linkage, simply push the lever towards the front of the machine. Conversely, pull it backward to raise the linkage.

Here’s a pro tip: When you finish one run, raise the implement briefly to make turning at the endpoint easier. Then, lower it again for the next pass. This practice ensures precise control over the implement’s height throughout your task.

Should you find that the linkage is lowering too quickly or too slowly for your liking, you can make adjustments using the Rate of Drop knob located between your legs. Turn this knob clockwise to slow down the rate at which the linkage arms drop or counter clockwise to speed it up. This knob doubles as the hitch transport lock. By rotating it fully clockwise, you can lock the implement in position for safe machine transport.

If you notice that one side of the implement is sitting lower than the other, don’t worry; you can fix this by adjusting the vertical turnbuckles found on both the left and right sides of the lower 3-point linkage arms.

And if your machine isn’t level in the fore/aft direction, you can make the necessary adjustments using the turnbuckle on the top link. Remember to perform these adjustments when the implement is resting on the ground and when any weight has been removed from the rear linkage. This way, you’ll ensure optimal performance and precision from your Solis S26’s three-point linkage system.

 

How to use 4WD and Difflock on a Solis S26 Tractor

For optimal machine operation under typical circumstances, it is recommended to utilize the two-wheel drive mode. However, when faced with demanding operating conditions, follow these steps to overcome challenges:

  1. Engage Four-Wheel Drive: In situations where conditions are challenging, activate the four-wheel drive by lifting the 4WD selector. You can locate this selector on the lower left side of the operator’s seat, near the footwell, easily identified by its distinctive orange handle.
  2. Boost Traction with Differential Lock: When you require even greater traction, the rear differential is equipped with a differential lock feature. To activate it, simply press the foot pedal with your left heel. You’ll find the differential lock control positioned just below the 4WD engagement lever.

By utilizing these functionalities, you can ensure that your machine maintains the necessary traction and effectively maneuver through demanding terrains or conditions when the need arises.

How to use the rear hydraulics on a Solis S26 Tractor

When operating specific attachments like the hydraulic offset flail mower from Iron & Earth Equipment with your Solis S26, you’ll need to utilize the rear hydraulic spool valves. The S26 model features a 2-position valve, offering options for extension and retraction.

The rear hydraulic quick couplers are conveniently situated at the back of the machine. To connect a hydraulic coupler, simply insert it firmly into the quick coupler. To detach it, follow these steps:

  1. Power Down Machine; First, power off the machine for safety.
  2. Release the Pressure; Once it’s safe to proceed, shift the hydraulic control lever forward and backwards a few times. This action releases all pressure from the hydraulic lines.
  3. Remove the Couplers; Retract the quick coupler collar on the tractor, then employ a “push and pull” motion to remove the quick coupler from the tractor.

With the attachment securely in place, you can manipulate the DCV (Directional Control Valve) control lever by moving it forward and backward to regulate the hydraulic flow. The specific direction you move the lever will depend on how the attachment is plumbed.

Please bear in mind that when working with hydraulic systems, it is absolutely essential to wear complete PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). Mishandling hydraulic oil pressure can pose significant hazards, so it is crucial to take all necessary precautions to ensure safety.

 

Need to Know More?

While we’ve made every effort to provide comprehensive information in this guide, we strongly recommend reviewing the operator manual for your new Solis S26. 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.

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