Yanmar GK13–GK18 controls and starting: how to work safely and smoothly
The controls of the Yanmar GK13, GK14, GK16, and GK18 are more modern than those of older Yanmar series: a reversing lever next to the steering wheel, an automatic thermostart instead of a glow plug button, and a dashboard with clear warning lights. In this article, we go through the controls and the starting procedure step by step, including the official warm-up times in cold weather.
Suitable for the entire series: Yanmar GK13, GK14, GK16, and GK18 (Ecotra), plus the European versions GK160 and GK200(R).
Yanmar GK13–GK18: the levers at a glance
To the left of the steering wheel is the main shift lever with four positions: high, low, neutral, and reverse — this lets you select both the range and driving direction without a separate reversing lever. On the right side of the console are the 4-speed gear lever, the PTO lever (2 forward, 1 reverse, neutral), the lift control lever with depth control dial, and — depending on the version — the UFO switches and the back-up lift switch, which automatically raises the implement as soon as you put the main lever into reverse. On the floor: the clutch, two couplable brake pedals (always lock them for transport!), and the differential lock pedal. The throttle lever and ignition switch are located to the right of the steering wheel; the foot throttle is on the right fender bulkhead.
Yanmar GK13–GK18 dashboard: these warning lights you need to know
When the ignition is switched "on," four lights should come on: oil pressure, charging current (battery), neutral, and the thermostart light. The first two should go out immediately after starting — if the oil pressure light stays on, switch off the engine right away and check the oil level. The panel also features a tachometer with hour meter, the water temperature warning, and, on U versions, the UFO indicator. The GK has a 60A slow-blow main fuse plus a fuse box; a light that suddenly stops working is a blown fuse nine times out of ten.
Yanmar GK13–GK18 starting: step by step
The starting procedure according to the manual:
| 1 | Depress the clutch; put both the main shift lever and PTO lever in neutral (starter safety switch — otherwise the starter motor won't turn). |
| 2 | Lower the lift lever, release the depth control, set the throttle lever to slow. |
| 3 | Turn the key to "run": the lights come on, the thermostart automatically pre-heats. |
| 4 | Wait until the thermostart light goes out — the GK determines the glow time itself, so manual countdowns aren't necessary. |
| 5 | Continue turning the key to start; as soon as the engine runs, release the key immediately and check that the oil pressure and charging lights go out. |
Yanmar GK13–GK18 warming up: give the hydraulics time
After starting, Yanmar recommends warming up unloaded for about 5 minutes at approximately 1500 rpm — and considerably longer in cold weather, especially for the shared transmission/hydraulic oil:
| Outside temperature | Warm-up time |
|---|---|
| above 0 °C | ± 5 minutes |
| 0 to -10 °C | at least 10 minutes |
| -10 to -20 °C | at least 20 minutes |
| below -20 °C | at least 30 minutes |
Skip this and the lift will respond sluggishly, causing unnecessary wear on the hydraulic pump. Below -10 °C, the manual also specifies winter diesel — regular summer diesel can form paraffin and clog the fuel filter.
Yanmar GK13–GK18 driving and stopping
Setting off: engage the clutch, select range and gear, let the clutch out smoothly, and control the engine speed with the throttle lever. Engage 4WD on soft or sloped ground and disengage it on paved surfaces and lawns — this protects the turf and the drivetrain when turning. Stopping: reduce throttle, engage the clutch, press both (coupled) brake pedals, put the levers in neutral, lower the lift, disengage the PTO, and turn the key to stop. The first 50 operating hours of a new or overhauled machine count as the break-in period: vary the load and avoid running at full load for extended periods.
Having trouble starting? Nine out of ten starting problems are caused by the battery, the glow plugs, or contaminated fuel. We supply the glow plug for the 3TNV70/3TNV76 (SKU-551216) and the starter motor 3TNV70/3TNV76 (SKU-129044) from stock. When ordering the starter motor, be sure to check the number of teeth (9 or 15) on your current unit.
