Ford F-650 2001 Owner's Manual page 127

Do not coast the vehicle with the clutch pedal depressed or with
the transmission in neutral. This practice could result in loss of
vehicle control.
Always use a gear ratio low enough to allow the engine to operate above
the minimum engine operation speed range. Do not lug the engine. When
more power is required, shift to a lower gear and accelerate the engine
near the governed speed.
Driving hints
The following driving hints are provided as a brief, general guide in
operating the different manual transmissions used in your vehicle.
• Always use the lowest gear to start the vehicle.
• Do not slam or jerk lever into gear.
• When shifting into 1 (First) or R (Reverse) with vehicle standing still,
quickly release and depress the clutch pedal (if necessary to complete
gear engagement).
Operating the Eaton FS-4205A and FS-5205A 5–speed
transmissions
The 5-speed transmission is
equipped with five forward gears
and one reverse. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th
and 5th gears are synchronized. The
shift pattern is embossed on the
gear shift knob.
Do not shift the transmission into R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving as this could damage the transmission.
Driving
R 2 4
1 3 5
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