But my manual says...

[bp fick]

The printed manual is a wonderful and necessary part of owning a piece of machinery like a tractor. However, it seems to me that sometimes a printed manual can also cause confusion. Because printed materials are expensive, companies do not always update them or correct errors in a timely fashion.

-Service interval recommendations
-fluids
-oils

are subject to change and subject to advancements in EPA regulations, technology advances and the like. Printed manuals get super-ceded by "under the hood" stickers, service bulletins and other changes.

If one looks at a manual that came with a 1997 used tractor, there may be oil, fuel, fluid recommendations are woefully out of date. Sometimes, even a manual for a 2005 tractor needs some serious updating.

Most major OEMs have an websites and email service for advice. A knowledgeable local dealer, who knows his stuff can also be of assistance.

This forum often brings these matters to light. For that alone, it serves a good purpose. Thanks to all.

 

[KennK]

Yeah ... I recently bought some property that included a barn with a small JD LX280 mower. The previous owners were kind enough to supply the owners manual, but with a second glance at the manual I realized that it isn't for that particular model. Controls and access points were in different places. From what I can figure out the LX280 is a modification of a previous model - the model that I have the manual for. Odd.

I found the on-line manual for the LX280 on JD's site, and that has proved much more accurate to my mower and very helpful.

 

[Leejohn]

It sure be great if we could look at the service bulletins for our tractors. The dealer can just about tell you what is wrong with your tractor before you take it to him, If he keeps up on his service bulletins.