Yanmar F195–FX265 controls: starting, driving and shifting

A Yanmar F195 starting one fresh off the import boat, or driving an FX powershift for the first time? Here's how the controls of the New Super Forte series work, step by step according to the factory manual.

Suitable for the entire series: F195(D), FX195(D), F215(D), FX215(D), F235(D), FX235(D), F255(D), FX255(D), F265(D) and FX265(D).

Yanmar F195–FX265 dashboard and warning lights

The instrument panel has a tachometer (scale ×100 rpm), an hour meter (the white digit on the right × 6 = minutes), a fuel gauge, a water temperature gauge and a row of warning lights: thermostart, charge current, oil pressure, radiator water level, battery condition, lift-up and (from the F/FX215 onward) parking brake. Use the check button to test all the lights at once. Two lights deserve extra attention: if the oil pressure light comes on while driving, switch off the engine immediately; if the water temperature gauge points into the red zone, stop work and find the cause (usually a clogged radiator screen).

Yanmar F195–FX265 starting with thermostart

The series preheats via a thermostart system with an indicator light — so you don't need to count seconds, the light does the work. Above 5°C it goes out almost immediately (max. 1 second), below 5°C it takes 3 to 15 seconds. The starting procedure:

1. Open the fuel valve ("O"), main and PTO shift levers in neutral.
2. Position control and auto-rotary lever in "free"; turn the ignition to ON and check that the lift-up light is off (if not, first set the lift switch to "lower").
3. Throttle lever at maximum engine speed.
4. Wait until the thermostart light goes out, fully depress the clutch pedal (starter safety!) and turn the key to START.
5. Once the engine is running: release the key, reduce the throttle to about 1500 rpm and let it warm up unloaded for about 5 minutes.

Important rules to follow: run the starter motor for no more than 10 seconds, and wait at least 1 minute between failed attempts. With a weak battery or severe cold, the decompression lever helps: pull it while starting and release it once the engine picks up. And the alternator only charges properly above 1000 rpm — keep at least 1500 rpm while warming up. To stop, set the throttle lever to low and turn the key to OFF; never stall the engine using the decompression lever.

Yanmar F195–FX265 driving: the difference between F and FX

Both versions combine 3 main gears with 3 ranges for a total of 9 forward and 3 reverse gears. The difference lies in the shifting. On the F models you shift while stationary, with the clutch fully depressed. The FX models feature powershift: the main gear can be shifted while driving and without using the clutch — ideal at the headland. The range lever, even on the FX, is still shifted only while stationary. A practical tip that will save your transmission for years: never shift from forward to reverse while moving, even with powershift.

When driving on the road, always link the left and right brake pedals with the connecting plate and put the PTO lever in neutral. In the field, disconnect the pedals so you can brake each rear wheel individually for tight turns. On the F/FX195, the parking brake works via the depressed brake pedal plus a locking lever; the larger models have a separate pull lever with a release button.

Yanmar F195–FX265 diff lock and slopes

If one rear wheel starts slipping, press the diff lock pedal: both rear wheels then turn as one unit. First reduce engine speed, and never steer with the diff lock engaged. If the pedal is difficult to release, briefly depress the clutch or alternately tap the left and right brake pedals.

On slopes: brake using the engine, never depress the clutch while descending, and pull away gently uphill in a low gear — abrupt acceleration can cause the front wheels to lift. Drive steep field edges in reverse, with the backup automatic disengaged. The V versions also feature high-grip turn (driven front wheels that spin faster in corners); this function is for field use only and switches off automatically in range 3.

Yanmar F195–FX265 running-in after purchase

The manual doesn't specify a separate running-in procedure, but it does specify a first 50-hour service: after the first 50 hours, change the engine oil and transmission oil, and replace the engine oil filter. For a recently imported tractor with an unknown history, it's best to treat the machine as if that first service still needs to be done — that way you start your first season with clean fluids.