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.

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