100 General Operating Information

Refer to the Operator’s manual for your John Deere tractor. Carefully study all instructions in the manual, observing the warnings and recommendations as well as those included in this manual which are unique to the ice resurfacer’s operation.

Ice Resurfacer Controls

In addition to the controls shown in the John Deere manual, the four basic controls of the ice resurfacer are:

• Ice resurfacer lift lever (A lever), see Figure 4.1
• Conveyor control (B lever), see Figure 4.1
• Blade adjusting handle, see Page 6-1
• Water adjustment handle, see Page 3-3

Prestarting Checks

• Note those items in the John Deere manual
• Check blade depth and angle, see Pages 6-5 and 6-6
• Check water level

[Image]

Figure 4.1 Ice Resurfacer Controls

Operating the Tractor

Refer to the John Deere manual or other tractor mfg.

Engine Speed

Refer to the John Deere manual. After engine warm-up, run the engine at full throttle for best engine and ice resurfacer performance. The throttle lever is shown in Figure 4.2, lever A.

[Image]

Figure 4.2 Throttle Lever A

Vehicle Speed

Further to the instructions in the John Deere manual, the hydrostatic transmission is infinitely variable and the further down you push the hydrostatic control (pedal B in Figure 4.3), the faster the tractor will travel.

[Image]

Figure 4.3 Vehicle Speed Controls

Driving the Tractor / Ice Resurfacer

Refer to the John Deere manual for tractor information.

Learning to Drive the Ice Resurfacer

The best way to learn to operate the ice resurfacer is by practicing when there is no rush to finish the ice. By experimenting with the controls and handling of the machine, you will easily become familiar with it.

• Follow the operating instructions in this manual. Thoroughly read the safety instructions.
• Drive slow! Never drive faster than the normal walking speed which is approximately four (4) miles per hour.

The following pattern is a good pattern to use:

[Image]

Figure 4.4 Resurfacing Patterns

Operating the Ice Resurfacer

The resurfacing components as well as the additional weights required to operate the ice resurfacer add substantially to the overall weight of the tractor. Always drive slow as fast driving is unsafe and may cause the operator to lose control of the tractor and resurfacing unit, thereby causing injury and/or damage. In addition, fast driving and bouncing of the ice resurfacer over bumps can seriously damage the machine. Travel over extended distances should be avoided if possible.

When not in use:

• Keep the ice resurfacer in NEUTRAL.
• Turn OFF engine. Remove ignition key when the unit is not attended by an authorized person.
• Lower the conditioner.
• Keep wooden blocks under conditioner runners when parked off ice. Place blocks under both runners.