Iseki SIAL TF15, TF17 and TF19 Controls Explained – All Buttons and Levers

The Iseki SIAL manual is written in Japanese, which makes things difficult for many owners. In this article, we explain all the controls in clear English — from the ignition key to the hydraulic lever.

Dashboard and Instruments

The SIAL's dashboard is located above the steering wheel and includes the following instruments:

Tachometer (RPM gauge): Shows engine RPM plus top speed in the highest gear. At the bottom is the hour meter (5 digits, last digit = 1/6 hour).

Fuel gauge: Only works when the ignition key is in the "ON" position.

Water temperature gauge: "C" is cold, "H" is hot. If the needle enters the red zone ("H"), stop immediately and let the engine cool down. See the troubleshooting blog for causes.

Warning Lights

Main Switch (Ignition Key)

The ignition key has four positions:

Preheating times by outdoor temperature:

Driving Controls

Throttle Pedal and Throttle Lever

The SIAL has both a throttle lever (left side, manual) and a throttle pedal (right side, foot-operated). They're linked: the pedal overrides the lever setting. Use the throttle lever during field work to maintain a constant RPM. Use the throttle pedal on the road.

Clutch

Left pedal. Pressing = clutch disengaged (neutral). Releasing = drive engaged. For long-term storage, you can keep the clutch disengaged using the clutch cutoff arm — this prevents the clutch plate from rusting in place.

Brakes

The SIAL has two independent brake pedals — left for the left rear wheel, right for the right rear wheel. When turning in the field, you can brake one side for a tighter turn.

Parking Brake

First lock the brake pedals together with the connecting bracket. Press both pedals down and push the lever down to lock. The parking brake releases automatically when you firmly press the brake pedals.

Gearbox

The SIAL has a main gear lever and an auxiliary gear lever:

Combined with the main gear lever (3 positions + reverse), this gives 6 forward gears and 2 reverse gears. The G version (linear shift) has an additional forward/reverse switch, giving you 6 forward and 6 reverse gears.

Always shift with the tractor stationary and the clutch pressed in. Shifting while driving damages the gears.

4WD Switch

On the standard version: a lever next to the seat. "ON" = front-wheel drive engaged. "OFF" = rear-wheel drive only. Always engage 4WD with the clutch pressed in.

Use 4WD for: field work, slopes, wet ground, tilling, and entering/exiting the field. On paved roads: keep 4WD off — otherwise the front tires will wear unnecessarily fast.

Differential Lock (Deflock)

A pedal on the lower left. Pressing = both rear wheels turn at the same speed (locked). Releasing = normal differential. Use this if one rear wheel is spinning on slippery ground.

Hydraulic Controls

Control lever (lift lever): Pull back = implement up. Push forward = implement down. Stop halfway = implement stays at that height (position control).

Descent speed regulator: A dial under the seat. Turn clockwise = slower descent. Turn counterclockwise = faster descent. Fully clockwise = "lock" (implement cannot lower). Set the descent speed to 1.5-2 seconds for tilling work, faster for plowing work.

PTO Controls

The PTO lever is located to the left of the seat. Always shift with the clutch pedal pressed in.

Starting the Engine — Step by Step

1. Sit in the seat and check that the parking brake is engaged.
2. Lower the implement to the ground using the lift lever (not applicable on the WX version).
3. Press the clutch in.
4. Set the main gear lever to neutral.
5. Set the PTO lever to neutral.
6. Pull the throttle lever halfway.
7. Insert the key into the ignition and turn to "ON." Check that the oil pressure and battery warning lights are lit.
8. Turn the key to "GLOW" and wait for the appropriate time (see table above).
9. Turn further to "START." Release as soon as the engine starts.
10. Check that the oil pressure and battery warning lights have gone out.

Do not run the starter for more than 10 seconds at a time. If the engine doesn't start, wait 10 seconds and try again. The clutch must always be pressed in — otherwise the engine won't start (safety switch).

Stopping the Engine

1. Reduce the engine speed to idle.
2. Turn the ignition key to "OFF."

After prolonged heavy work: let the engine idle for 5-10 minutes before switching it off. This prevents thermal stress.

Emergency stop: If the engine doesn't stop with the key, open the engine hood and press the emergency stop button (located centrally on the fuel pump).

Warming Up Is Essential

After starting, you must let the engine warm up at idle speed. The duration depends on the outdoor temperature:

Warming up is not optional — it's essential. In cold weather, the hydraulic oil is thick and viscous — if you throttle up immediately, the hydraulic pump can be damaged.