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MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Manual transmission shift patterns are displayed on either the shift lever
knob or the sun visor. Study this information carefully before you drive
the vehicle even though you may be familiar with similar units. Do not
attempt to drive the vehicle without knowing the exact shift pattern of
the transmission. Consult your authorized dealer if any questions exist as
to the shifting instructions posted in your vehicle.
Driving Hints
WARNING:Do not coast the vehicle with the clutch pedal
pressed or with the transmission in neutral. This practice could
result in loss of vehicle control.
The following driving hints are provided as a brief, general guide in
operating the different manual transmissions used in your vehicle.
•When shifting into first gear or reverse with your vehicle standing
still, quickly release and press the clutch pedal (if necessary to
complete gear engagement).
•Always use the lowest (or most appropriate) gear to start the vehicle.
•Always use a gear ratio low enough to allow the engine to operate
above the minimum engine operation speed range.
•Do not lug the engine.
•Do not slam or jerk the gearshift lever into gear.
•When more power is required, shift to a lower gear and accelerate
the engine near the governed speed.
To go forward, press the clutch pedal in and shift into first gear while
the engine is idling. Engage the clutch while pressing the accelerator to
start forward. Operate the clutch and upshift as required by driving
conditions.
To go backward, put the gearshift lever in reverse and engaging the
clutch while pressing lightly on the accelerator.
Shifting with a Synchronized Transmission
With the clutch pedal pressed in, use the second gear synchronizer to
stop the clutch disc rotation; this allows smooth engagement of first gear
or reverse. To complete the gear engagement, it may be necessary to
apply light pressure to the gearshift lever during initial engagement of
the clutch. It takes a second or two to match gear speeds; steady
pressure on the gearshift lever helps the synchronizer perform its job
more quickly. If the gearshift lever is forced into position, this action
defeats the purpose of the synchronizer by causing gear clash.
132Transmission
2013 F-650/750(f67)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, March 2013
USA(fus)
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If rib tire is used on front axle and lug or off-road type on rear axle
positions:
•Front (Steering) Axle:Replace tires at front wheels when tread is
worn to 4/32 inch (3 millimeters) or less.
•Rear Axles:Tires must be removed when the tread is worn to
2/32 inch (2 millimeters) or less. Tires identified with the word
re-groovable molded on the sidewall can be re-grooved. A minimum
of 3/32 inch (2.5 millimeters) of under-tread must be left at the
bottom of the grooves.
Wheel and Tire Balancing
Out-of-round or out-of-balance wheels or tires can cause vehicle
vibration, bounce and shimmy. Replace damaged or out-of-round wheels.
Out-of-round tires and wheel assemblies can be corrected by re-clocking
the tire relative to the wheel.
The tire and wheel assembly should then be dynamically balanced.
Tire Wear
Radial tires can exhibit three types of normal wear patterns:
•Even
•Erosion
•Chamfer
Even wear:A sign that the tire is being properly used and maintained.
Erosion wear:Also called rolling wear, channel or river wear. Erosion
wear is found more often on free-rolling tires. This is an indication that
the tire is being used in a slow wearing operation. What happens is that
the belt plies are held very rigid and the tread is not allowed to distort
as it passes through the contact area. Wear only occurs at the edge of
the tread. No corrective action required. If erosion gets to be 1/16 inch
(2 millimeters) or more, the tire may be rotated to a drive axle.
Chamfer or shoulder wear:With tires inflated properly, this is a
normal tendency of most radial tire designs. If both inside and outside
shoulders are wearing evenly around the tire, no further action is
required. Over-inflation is not effective in correcting this effect.
Irregular Wear:If irregular wear is present, check the axle alignment,
tire pressure, wheel balancing, shock and suspension component
condition, and wheel bearing end play.
This condition not only shortens tire life, but adversely affects the
handling of your vehicle, which is dangerous.
Wheels and Tires257
2013 F-650/750(f67)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, March 2013
USA(fus)
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Rotating tires from one wheel position to another is a way often used to
even out many types of irregular wear or to avoid it altogether. Some of
the more effective tire rotation programs are:
•Steer tires that have developed some type of irregular wear pattern
can be rotated to drive axles if rib tires are being used on all wheel
positions. Applying steer tires to a drive position often cleans them
and they can be moved back to the steer axles or run out to re-tread
stage on the rear axle.
•Another rotation possibility for fleets with rib tires in all wheel
positions is to break in the new steer tires in the drive axle positions,
then move them to steer axles. This wears away tread rubber
relatively quickly in the early life of a tire when it is most likely to
develop an unusual wear pattern.
•Drive axle tires may be placed on the other end of the same axle so
that direction of rotation is reversed. This is often helpful if a heel
and toe or alternate lug wear pattern has developed.
Irregular wear can be minimized by:
•Using the right inflation pressure for the load being carried.
•Maintaining proper front wheel alignment, especially toe-in, to
specifications.
•Maintaining proper tire and wheel balance.
•Maintaining shock absorbers and suspension components.
Use of Tire Chains
See the chain manufacturer’s recommendation for correct tire chain
usage, installation and removal.
WHEELS
General Information
Note:Remember to replace the wheel air valves when the road tires are
replaced at the end of their useful lives.
Wheel bearings should be inspected, lubricated and adjusted at regular
intervals. This is especially important if operating in deep sand, mud or
water. See theCapacities and Specificationschapter.
Mount wheel balance weights on the dome-side of the wheel only. Failure
to do so may result in loss of wheel weight or damage to brakes or
wheels.
258Wheels and Tires
2013 F-650/750(f67)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, March 2013
USA(fus)