AL-KO Mini Tractor Manuals PDF
AL-KO: Nurturing Excellence in Gardening and Farming Equipment for Over Nine Decades
With a legacy spanning more than 90 years, AL-KO stands as a distinguished German company renowned for crafting top-tier gardening and farming equipment. The journey began in 1931 when Alois Kober, a skilled metalworker, founded a small metalworking business in Großkötz, Bavaria, Germany. Responding to the needs of the local farming community, Kober initiated the production of garden tools and agricultural equipment, laying the foundation for what would become AL-KO.
In the 1950s, AL-KO embarked on a trajectory of expansion, introducing lawn mowers that swiftly gained popularity not only in Germany but across Europe. Bolstered by the success in the lawn mower market, AL-KO diversified its product line, delving into the creation of mini tractors.
The debut of AL-KO's first mini tractor, the T13, in 1966 marked a significant milestone. A compact and versatile machine, the T13 found acclaim for its ease of operation and adaptability, catering to tasks ranging from lawn mowing to field plowing. The T13's success catapulted AL-KO into the limelight as a producer of high-quality mini tractors.
AL-KO's commitment to innovation persisted, evident in the introduction of the T14 in the 1970s. Boasting a more powerful engine and a broader cutting deck, the T14 garnered popularity, solidifying AL-KO's standing in the mini tractor market.
The 1980s witnessed AL-KO pushing the boundaries further with the T16, featuring a hydrostatic transmission for enhanced maneuverability and control. The ergonomic design added a layer of comfort for operators, setting a new benchmark in mini tractor technology.
Today, AL-KO remains a trailblazer in mini tractor technology, with a current lineup showcasing advanced features such as four-wheel drive, automatic transmissions, and powerful engines. These machines are designed to be versatile and adaptable, catering to a diverse array of gardening and farming tasks.
Beyond technological prowess, AL-KO is steadfast in its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. Employing state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, the company minimizes waste and reduces its environmental footprint. AL-KO's mini tractors feature fuel-efficient engines and other eco-friendly attributes aimed at reducing emissions.
AL-KO's dedication to customer service is equally commendable, with a global network of dealers and service centers. The company's staff is trained to offer expert advice and assistance, fostering customer satisfaction and loyalty.
In conclusion, AL-KO's rich history is marked by a commitment to innovation, excellence, and customer service in the realm of gardening and farming equipment. Its mini tractors, synonymous with performance and reliability, continue to set industry standards. AL-KO's enduring legacy positions it as one of the most respected names in the field, a testament to its unwavering dedication to quality and sustainability.
START-UP
1 Checking the mower mechanism
Before use, always look and check whether the
cutter, fastening pin and the entire mowing unit
are worn or damaged. Worn or damaged blades
must be renewed by new ones in order to avoid
any imbalance.
2 Oil fill
The engine must be filled with oil before initial
start-up. Please comply with the instructions from
the engine manufacturer in this regard. Also
make sure the oil level is checked at regular intervals and the oil is topped up if necessary.
3 Fuel fill
Use a suitable funnel or a filler pipe when refuelling so that no fuel is spilled on the engine, the
deck or the ground.
For safety reasons, the fuel tank cap and other
tank caps must be renewed if damaged.
Do not start the engine if the fuel has overflowed.
The tractor must be removed from the area contaminated by fuel, and the spilled fuel must be
absorbed and wiped away from the ground, the
engine and the deck using a cloth.
Do not make any attempt to start the machine until fuel vapours have evaporated.
Only keep the fuel in containers intended for this
purpose.
Lawn tractors with rear discharge are manufactured in different versions. When reading the following descriptions in these instructions for use,
make sure you are referring to the appropriate
description for your lawn tractor.
Features of your lawn tractor:
■ Transmission: Foot hydrostat
■ Blade brake clutch: electromagnetic
■ Rear discharge
■ Grass carrier emptying: Telescopic lever
There are also differences in mulch systems, engine types, engine power and cutting width.
Type differences:
■ Cutting width
■ Transmission type (T3 and T2)
■ Grass carrier volume 220 l or 300 l
2.1 Designated use
The lawn tractor is intended for mowing in domestic gardens and allotments with a max. slope
of 10° (18 %). Additional applications, such as for
mulching, are only permitted if the original accessories are used and in compliance with the maximum load values.
This appliance is intended solely for use in noncommercial applications. Any other use (as well
as unauthorised conversions or add-ons) are regarded as contrary to the intended use and will
result in exclusion of the warranty as well as loss
of conformity (CE mark); the manufacturer will thus decline any responsibility for damage and/or
injury suffered by the user or third parties.
2.2 Possible misuse
The lawn tractor is not designed for commercial
use in public parks, sports grounds, agriculture
and forestry.
2.3 Safety and protective devices
WARNING!
Danger if protective devices are removed or manipulated!
Do not operate with any protective devices removed or manipulated. Defective
protective devices must be repaired or
renewed immediately!
Above all, the protective devices include:
■ Brake contact switch
■ Mower mechanism contact switch
■ Grass catcher contact switch
■ Seat contact switch
■ Mower mechanism covers
■ Discharge channel contact switch
Filling the tank
1. Switch off the engine if it is running and remove the ignition key as a precaution.
2. Wait until the engine has cooled down somewhat (risk of explosion if the fuel catches
fire!).
3. Open the engine cover.
4. Open the tank cap (06/1) and pour in the fuel.
Note: Avoid overfilling the fuel tank!
5. Close the tank cap (06/1).
6. Close the engine cover.
6.4 Checking the tyre pressure
■ Check the tyre pressure at regular intervals.
■ Please refer to the specification on the tyre
for the necessary inflation pressure (recommendation: 1 bar).
NOTE
1 PSI = 0.07 bar.
The tyre pressure can be checked and the tyre
inflated using a commercially available foot
pump.
6.5 Mounting the grass catcher
Lawn tractors are supplied with a grass catcher.
Please note that the illustrations may differ somewhat from the original.
Adjusting the fill-level sensor of the grass
catcher
The fill-level sensor uses a horn to signal when
the grass catcher must be emptied.
The fill-level sensor can be set to 6 positions, depending on the condition of the cut grass. With
dry grass, push the fill-level sensor to the smaller
positions. With wet or damp grass, set the fill-level sensor to the higher positions. This influences
the filling of the grass catcher.
1. Switch off the engine
2. Remove the grass catcher
"Cleaning the grass catcher"
3. Adjust the fill-level sensor (07/1) to suit the
grass to be cut (07/a) until it engages in the
desired position.
4. Hook in the grass catcher again see chapter
6.5 "Mounting the grass catcher".
Hooking in the grass catcher (220 l)
1. Hold the grass catcher with one hand on the
catcher handle (08/1) and the other hand on
the holding opening at the back.
2. Place the grass catcher symmetrically onto
the guide. Align the marks on the
housing and the grass catcher while doing
this.
3. Use your other hand to tilt the grass catcher
slightly forward so that the front part of
the grass catcher engages.
4. Now swivel the grass catcher back down.
5. Check the grass catcher is correctly seated.
Hooking in the grass catcher (300 l)
1. Lock the gas pressure dampers at the grass
catcher fastening clamps.
2. Hold the grass catcher with one hand on the
catcher handle and the other hand on
the holding opening at the back.
3. Place the grass catcher symmetrically onto
the guide. Align the marks on the
housing and the grass catcher while doing
this.
4. Use your other hand to tilt the grass catcher
slightly forward so that the front part of
the grass catcher engages.
5. Now swivel the grass catcher back down.
6. Check the grass catcher is correctly seated.
7. Lock the gas pressure dampers at the tractor
frame fastening points.
6.6 Checking the safety devices
Check the safety devices each time before the
lawn tractor is started.
Checking the parking brake contact
The parking brake contact switch ensures that
the engine can only be started when the parking
brake is applied.
Precondition: The engine is off.
1. Sit on the operator's seat.
2. Release the parking brake by pressing the
brake pedal.
3. Attempt to start the engine (ignition key in position III).
NOTE
The engine is not allowed to start!
6.6.2 Checking the mower mechanism
contact switch
The mower mechanism contact switch ensures
that the engine cannot be started if the mower
mechanism is activated.
1. The engine is off.
2. Sit on the operator's seat.
3. Press the brake pedal (03/1) and the parking
brake (03/2, 01/5).
4. Switch on the mower mechanism.
5. Attempt to start the engine (ignition key in position III) (05).
NOTE
The engine is not allowed to start!
6.6.3 Checking the seat contact switch
The seat contact switch ensures that the engine
switches off as soon as there is no-one on the
operator's seat when the mower mechanism is
switched on.
1. Sit on the operator's seat.
2. Press the brake pedal (03/1) and the parking
brake (03/2, 01/5).
3. Start the engine and let it run at maximum
rpm.
4. Switch on the mower mechanism.
5. Take your weight off the seat by standing up.
Starting and stopping the engine
WARNING!
Risk of injury due to lightning strikes
The machine is not protected against
lightning strike.
■ Do not mow during thunderstorms.
Starting the engine
1. Sit on the operator's seat.
2. Press the brake pedal on the left side
down fully and lock it using the locking lever.
3. Make sure the mower mechanism is not
switched on. To do this, check the position of
the toggle switch.
4. Move the engine speed controller to
the top end stop. The choke symbol is located there, depending on the equipment variant. If it is not, pull the separate choke knob.
5. Insert the ignition key into the ignition lock.
6. Turn the ignition key to position "III" and hold
it there until the engine is running.
Note: To reduce strain on the starter battery,
do not attempt to start for any longer than
about 5 seconds.
7. Then release the ignition key, it automatically
jumps to position "II".
8. Move the engine speed controller to
the operating position. In an equipment variant with the choke knob, press it back in
again.
Switch off the engine
1. Switch off the mower mechanism.
2. Move the controller for the engine
speed to the idling speed position.
3. Press the brake pedal and lock it using
the locking lever.
4. Turn the ignition key to the "0" position.
5. Remove the ignition key.