A Service Manual (sometimes referred to as a Repair, Technical, Workshop
or Shop Manual) is often
large and broken down in to sections for different parts of your equipment.
Service
manuals cover absolutely every aspect of your machine unless mentioned
otherwise. Sometimes, the
engine is covered in a separate service manual that is written specifically for
the
engine. Most of the time though, it’s included in the main service manual. A
service manual will
arm you with the same exact information that your local service center has and
includes
electrical and hydraulic diagrams and which are usually color and or large
foldout pages.
Most OEM service manuals will also include troubleshooting flow charts, error
codes and
exploded views of components which are a great help for disassembly and
re-assembly.

An Operator’s Manual typically describes basic equipment operation and
maintenance. This
is the manual distributed with your equipment at the time of purchase from the
dealer.