Service manual

REV.-A
I
2.1.4 Paper Handling Mechanisms
During normal operation, the paper is fed to the printer, advanced to the specified position, and ejected from
the printer. These paper handling operations are performed by various paper handling mechanisms, such as
the tractors, platens, rollers, and gears. This section describes the printer’s paper handling mechanisms.
2.1.4.1 Paper Feed Mechanisms
Cut sheets are fed by friction. Continuous paper is fed by a tractor. There are three ways to feed paper with
tractors: the push tractor method, the pull tractor method, and the push-pull tractor method. During normal
operation, the printer is set up with only one tractor, which functions as either a push or a pull tractor,
depending on where it is attached on the printer. To use the push-pull tractor feed method, an optional tractor
must be attached.
There are four paper entrances for feeding paper into the printer. Different paper entrances are used for
different types of paper. Table 2-1 lists which paper entrances can be used with each paper feed method.
Table 2-1. Paper Feed Methods and Paper Entrances
Paper Feed Method
Paper Entrance
Rear
Front
Bottom
Top
Friction No
OK
No OK
Push Tractor
OK OK
No No
Pull Tractor
OK OK OK
No
Push-pull Tractor
OK OK No No
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