INFORMATION:
The Club has acquired a MAC Alister J150/92A mini tractor, for the purpose of conveying perimeter rope, fencing spikes, and warning signs across the outdoor field using the 2 x green trolleys for that purpose. At present the club’s Vice Chairman (Gavin Humphrey) is in the process of constructing a “Dolly” ( a 2x wheel unit) that will allow it to be connected to the tractor, and to connect it to our outdoor wheeled bosses to allow them to be conveyed around the field also.
In order to be able to drive the tractor and to comply with the club’s insurance requirements, members will need to undergo a brief familiarisation session and be able to demonstrate their ability to operate the equipment safely. A list below identifies those members able to use the tractor for its designed purpose. Please note, no member under the age of 17 years is permitted to operate the tractor. Familiarisation sessions will be carried out by Gavin Humphrey or Steve Ridley, please arrange with them in order to do this.
The MAC Alister was primarily designed to be a grass cutting machine, however, this part of its operation has been removed for safety, and so no longer performs this function, and is now only adapted to draw the 2 x green trolleys and the target bosses.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Should the tractor fail to start, members are requested not to “TINKER” with the engine (with or without tools) but notify the club Secretary, who will arrange for its repair, and then please return it to its storage location in container 2.
CLUB MEMBERS PASSED TO OPERATE THE TRACTOR: Gavin Humphrey – Steve Ridley
MacAllister JE150/92A is a ride-on lawn tractor manufactured by MTD (model 13A3488E668 from 2007). Operating it requires engaging the parking brake, turning the key, and using foot pedals for speed/direction. [1, 2, 3]
Key Operational Guidelines:
Starting the Tractor: Sit securely in the seat. Ensure that the gear selector is in the neutral position. DO NOT start the tractor if the gear selector is not in neutral (N) – When you are ready to start, fully press the brake/clutch pedal with your right foot. Ensure the deck engagement lever (PTO) is off. Set the throttle to ‘choke’ (if starting a cold engine), turn the ignition key, and release immediately once the engine fires. Adjust the throttle to the desired operating speed. Moving the throttle lever in the direction of the “HARE” image on the control will make the engine run faster. Moving the lever to the “TURTLE” image on the control will make it run slower. There are 2 x control locking switches that can be engaged that will only release when the foot pedal is operated
Forward Direction Driving: Having sat on the tractor, and before starting it, ensure that the gear selector is set in the neutral position (N) – DO NOT start the tractor unless the gear selector is in this position. When you are ready to start, Follow the instructions above and engage the tractor in Forward gear selection (F). By then applying pressure to the foot pedal the vehicle will move off in a forward direction (1). The harder the foot pedal is pressed the quicker the tractor will travel.
When driving around the site, please ensure that the vehicle is driven with due care and attention, paying particular note to what pedestrians and animals are doing. Do not move machine when in very close proximity to pedestrians. When towing trailers and bosses, please bear in mind that trailers being towed around any curve or bend will take a shorter route than the tractor and one should also be mindful of member’s equipment, tents and guy lines, members, spectators, animals.
Reverse Driving: Engage the tractor in reverse gear (R) only when absolutely necessary, and without towing any equipment – always look behind you before backing up. [1]. Do not attempt reverse gear when towing equipment
Stopping / Static Position: When stopping briefly, Engage the parking brake, move the throttle to idle (turtle). Whilst the machine will stop when the foot pedal clutch is released and in its rest position, for added safety and security the Gear selector MUST be set in the neutral position (N) every time to prevent any movement and to prevent wear on the centrifugal clutch
Stopping / ending use: Engage the parking brake, move the throttle to idle (turtle), stop the engine, and remove the key if you are leaving the machine unattended. (3) Return key and block to container 2 and locate on the workbench as directed, when no longer using tractor
FUEL / OIL: The tractor must only be filled with Super Unleaded fuel, which is topped up from underneath the bonnet. A filling funnel is provided to assist with this. The engine will also need periodic engine oil top up, and this needs to be SAE 30 or 10W-30 4-stroke engine oil. Capacity: Most garden tractors of this size hold roughly 1.4 to 1.9 litres (48 oz to 64 oz) when full, please check dip stick to confirm level.