Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15 operation: starting, preheating and driving

Want to start your Mitsubishi MTX15 and nothing happens, or have you just bought an MTX13 and are looking for the correct starting procedure? Starting the Mitsubishi MTX13D and MTX15D follows a fixed sequence from the manual — including a start safety switch on the clutch pedal that catches many owners out. In this article, you'll go step by step through the operation: from preheating to driving off, stopping and parking.

Suitable for the entire series: Mitsubishi MTX13D and MTX15D.

Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15 dashboard: these indicator lights you need to know

As soon as you turn the key to ON, three indicators light up: the oil pressure light, the charge indicator light, and the glow indicator. The glow indicator tells you when the engine is ready to start; the oil and charge lights should go out once the engine has started. If either one stays on, switch off the engine and find the cause — see our article on troubleshooting the MTX13 and MTX15.

Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15 starting: the procedure step by step

1. Apply the handbrake, put the main gear lever and the PTO lever in neutral, and pull the throttle lever fully towards you.
2. Press the clutch pedal FULLY down. The pedal has a start safety switch: without the clutch pressed in, the starter motor won't turn. This is by far the most common reason a "starting problem" isn't actually a fault at all.
3. Turn the key to ON. The oil pressure light, the charge indicator light, and the glow indicator light up. Wait until the glow indicator goes out — this takes about 6 seconds.
4. Turn the key further to START and release it immediately once the engine fires up.
5. With a warm engine or in summer, you can turn directly from OFF to START without preheating.
6. Check that the oil pressure light and the charge indicator light are off.
7. Let the engine warm up for about 5 minutes at approximately 1500 rpm. Always do this: putting load on a cold engine straight away significantly shortens its lifespan.

Important: never operate the starter motor while the engine is already running — this damages the starter pinion.

Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15 cold start: what the manual advises

Does the engine start with difficulty in cold weather, despite correct preheating? In practice, worn glow plugs or too short a glow time are a common cause with this engine family. Glow plugs are inexpensive and available separately, such as the Glow Plug L3A/L3C (SKU-559014). Engine oil that's too thick also makes the starter motor turn sluggishly; you'll find the right oil recommendation per season in our guide on engine oil and fluids.

Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15 driving off and shifting gears

After warming up, drive off as follows: first raise the lifting mechanism, set the engine speed to approximately 1500 rpm, and press the clutch fully down. Use the high/low lever to select the desired range, then engage one of the three gears — together giving 6 forward gears and 2 reverse gears. Let the clutch come up gently. For which speed suits which task (tilling, harrowing or transport), see our article on hydraulics, PTO and implements.

Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15 stopping: and the solenoid trick with a flat battery

To stop, lower the engine speed and turn the key to OFF; an electric stop solenoid then cuts off the fuel supply and the engine stops. Already aware of this quirk? With a (nearly) flat battery, the engine will NOT stop via the key, because the solenoid needs power. In that case, open the right-hand side cover and press the solenoid switch by hand — the engine will stop immediately.

Park the machine on level ground, apply the handbrake, lower the lift, and remove the key from the ignition.

Mitsubishi MTX13 & MTX15 safe operation

• Never start the engine other than while seated in the driver's seat.
• Never operate the starter motor while the engine is already running.
• Always let a cold engine warm up first before putting it under load.
• Before driving off, check that the oil and charge indicator lights are off.