Bolens 140-990A User Manual
.50
ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
MAINTENANCE
PARTS LIST
IMPORTANT:
Read Safety Rules
and Instructions
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
MODEL NUMBER
140-990A
16 H.P.
HYDROSTATIC
GARDEN
TRACTOR
NOTE
OPTIONAL 50" DECK
MODEL 190-992A
AVAILABLE
FORM N0.770-0253
INDEX
Safe Operation Practices......................................3
Know YourTractor.................................................4
Assembly Instructions...........................................5
Operating Instructions...........................................9
Maintenance
Trouble Shooting Chart.................................20 & 21
Hydrostatic Trouble Shooting Chart
Optional 12" Plow Instructions
......................................................
...................
............................
t
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
For one year from the date of original retail purchase, MTD PRODUCTS INC will either
repair or replace, at its option, free of charge, F.O.B. factory or authorized service firm,
any part or parts found to be defective in material or workmanship. Transportation charges
for any parts submitted for replacement under this warranty must be paid by the purchaser
unless such return is requested by MTD PRODUCTS INC.
This warranty will not apply to any part which has become inoperative due to misuse,
excessive use, accident, neglect, improper maintenance, alterations, or unless the unit
has been operated and maintained in accordance with the instructions furnished. This
warranty does not apply to the engine, motor, battery, battery charger or component parts
thereof. Please refer to the applicable manufacturer’s warranty on these items.
LIMITED WARRANTY
♦
♦
This warranty will not apply where the unit has been used commercially.
13
22
23
Optional Tiller Attachment Instructions
Optional Cultivator Instructions
Optional Disc Instructions
Electrical System
Transaxle Parts
Hydrostatic Pump Parts
Tractor Repair Parts
Parts Information
..............................................
............................................
...............................
...............................
...................................
..........................
...................................
...............
29
30&31
32&33
34 thru 46
Back Cover
26
27
28
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
The equipment which you have just purchased does not have a spark arrester. If this equipment is used on
any forest covered land, brush covered land, or grass covered unimproved land in the State of California,
before using on such land, the California law requires that a spark arrester be provided. In addition, spark
arrester is required by law to be in effective working order. The spark arrester must be attached to the
exhaust system and comply with Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code.
Warranty service is available through your local authorized service dealer or distributor. If
you do not know the dealer or distributor in your area, please write to the Customer Service
Department of MTD.
The return of a complete unit will not be accepted by the factory unless prior written
permission has been extended by MTD.
This warrany gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights which vary
from state to state.
TO PURCHASERS
OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE EQUIPPED
MACHINERY OR DEVICES IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
>
IMPORTANT
It is suggested that this manual be read in its entirety before attempting to assemble or operate. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future reference and for ordering replacement parts.
This unit is shipped WITHOUT GASOLINE or OIL. After assembly, see operating section of this manual for
proper fuel and amount.
This unit is a precision piece of power equipment, not a plaything. Therefore exercise extreme caution at
all times.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR RIDING VEHICLES
1. Know the controls and how to stop quickly—
READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL.
2. Do not allow children to operate vehicle. Do
not allow adults to operate it without proper
instruction. Only persons well acquainted
with these rules of safe operation should be
allowed to use your mower.
3. Do not carry passengers
4. Keep the area of operation clear of all per
sons, particularly small children and pets.
Stop engine when they are in the vicinity of
your mower. Although the area of operation
should be completely cleared of foreign ob
jects, a small object may have been over
looked and could be accidently thrown by the
mower in any direction.
5. Clear work area of objects which might be
picked up and thrown by the mower in any
direction.
6. Disengage all attachment clutches and shift
into neutral before attempting to start engine.
7. Disengage power to attachment(s) and stop
engine before leaving operating position.
8. Disengage power to attachment(s) and stop
engine before making any repairs or ad
justments. Disconnect the spark plug wire
and keep the wire away from the plug to pre
vent accidental starting.
9. Before attempting to unclog the mower or
discharge chute, stop the engine and be sure
the blade(s) have stopped completely. Discon
nect the spark plug wire and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent accidental start
ing.
10. Disengage power to attachment(s) when
transporting or not in use.
11. Take all possible precautions when leaving
vehicle unattended such as disengaging
power-take-off, lowering attachments, shift
ing into neutral, setting parking brake, stop
ping engine and removing key.
12. Do not stop or start suddenly when going
uphill or downhill. Mow up and down face of
steep slopes; never across the face.
13. Reduce speed on slopes and in sharp turns to
prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise ex
treme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
14. Stay alert for holes in terrain and other hidden
hazards.
15. Use care when pulling loads or using heavy
equipment.
A. Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
B. Limit loads to those you can safely control.
C. Do not turn sharply. Use care when back
ing.
D. Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights
when suggested in owner’s manual.
16. Watch out for traffic when crossing or near
roadways.
17. When using any attachments, never direct dis
charge of material toward bystanders nor
allow anyone near vehicle while in operation.
18. Handle gasoline with care. It is highly flam
mable.
A. Use approved gasoline container.
B. Never remove cap or add gasoline to a run
ning or hot engine or fill fuel tank indoors.
Wipe up spilled gasoline.
C. Open doors if engine is run in garage. Ex
haust fumes are dangerous. Do not run
engine indoors.
19. Keep the vehicle and attachments in good
operating condition, and keep safety devices
in place. Use guards as instructed in owner’s
manual.
20. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be
sure the equipment is in safe working condi
tion.
21. Never store the equipment with gasoline in
the tank inside a building where fumes may
reach an open flame or spark. Allow engine to
cool before storing in any enclosure.
22. To reduce fire hazard, keep engine free of
grass, leaves or excessive grease.
23. The vehicle and attachments should be stop
ped and inspected for damage after striking a
foreign object. The damage should be
repaired before restarting and operating the
equipment.
24. Do not change the engine governor settings
or overspeed the engine.
25. When using the vehicle with mower, proceed
as follows:
(1) Mow only in daylight or in good artificial
light.
(2) Never make a cutting height adjustment
while engine is running if operator must
dismount to do so.
(3) Shut the engine off and wait until the
blade comes to a complete stop before
removing the grass catcher.
(4) Check blade mounting bolts for proper
tightness at frequent intervals.
26. Check grass catcher bags frequently for wear
or deterioration. For safety protection, replace
only with new bag meeting original equipment
specifications.
27. Look behind to make sure the area is clear
before placing the transmission in reverse
and backing up.
Rear Axle Range
Hydraulic
Lift Valve
KNOW YOUR TRACTOR
Power Take-Off Handle
Start/Park Lever
16 H.P. Cast Iron
Engine
27 X 9.50 Rear Wheels
Front Wheels
/■x
Cast Aluminum
' Grille
16 X 6.50
FIGURE 1.
ASSEMBLY
The Garden Tractor is packed and shipped in one
container and is fully assembled except for the
steering wheel, seat, battery and mounting the
three point hitch.
NOTE
Reference to left or right side
of machine is from the operator’s
position in the seat facing forward.
-Contents of Hardware Pack
(See figure 1.)
A (1) Battery Hold Down
B (2) Battery Hold Down Rods
C (2) Fiat Washers
D (2) Wing Nuts
E (1) Steering Wheel Cap
F (1) Hex Lock Nut 5/16-18Thread
G (1) Belleville (Curved) Washer
H (1) Hex Bolt 1/2-13x1.00" Long
I (1) Lock Washer 1/2" I.D.
Hex Lock-Htrt (F)__V2" W jiich
Belleville
Steerlnr/mie
FIGURE 2.
ATTACHING STEERING WHEEL
1. Place the steering wheel over the steerng
column extending through the dash. Line up
the flats on the steering column with the flats
------
in the steering wheel. (See figure 2.)
2. Place the belleville (curved) washer (G) with
the cupped side down over the steering col
umn and secure with hex lock nut (F).
3. Place the steering wheel cap (E) over the
center of the steering wheel and seat it with
your hand.
ATTACHING THE SEAT
Select one of four seat positions on the tractor
-seat spring. Secure seat to seat spring with hex
bolt (H) and lock washer (I). (See figure 3.)
BATTERY INFORMATION
^ WARNIN^
A. Battery acid must be handled with great care
as it will blister the skin and damage clothing.
It is advisabie to wear goggies, rubber gloves,
and a protective apron when working with it.
B. Neutraiize acid spiiled on clothing with dilute
ammonia water or a water soiution of baking
soda. If acid gets on clothes, dilute it with
clean water first, then neutralize.
C. If for any reason acid should be spattered in
the eyes, wash it out immediately with clean
cold water. Seek medical aid if discomfort con
tinues.
D. Since battery acid is corrosive to metals, do
not pour into any sink or drain. Rinse empty
electroiyte containers and mutilate before
discarding.
^ DANGER \
BATTERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC
ACID AND MAY CONTAIN EXPLO
SIVE GASES (when electrolyte has
been added)
A. Keep sparks, flame, cigarettes away.
B. Hydrogen gas is generated during charging
and discharging.
C. Ventilate when charging or using in enclosed
space.
D. When using a charger—to avoid sparks,
NEVER connect or disconnect charger clips to
battery while charger is turned on.
E. Always shield eyes, protect skin and clothing
when working near batteries.
3. Fill each cell carefully using 1.265 specific
gravity electrolyte. Fill each cell to the top of
the separators. Do not overfill.
4. Let the battery sit for 20 minutes for the
chemical reaction to take place.
5. Charge the battery at a MAXIMUM RATE OF 5
AMPS until the specific gravity reads 1.265.
Use a hydrometer to check the specific gravi
ty.
A
An excessive rate of charge will
damage the battery.
6. Check the level of electrolyte. Adjust level to
bottom of split ring if necessary with elec
trolyte.
7. Replace fill caps.
8. Once the battery has been activated never add
anything except distilled water or a good
grade of drinking water.
9. If your battery has been installed in your unit
at the factory:
A. Use a hydrometer to check the specific
gravity. The specific gravity should be
1.265 at 80° F.
If it is less, remove the fill caps and use a
B.
battery charger to bring the specific gravi
ty up to 1.265. NEVER CHARGE AT MORE
THAN 5 AMPS.
Replace the fill caps.
C.
The positive cable has been attached to
D.
the positive terminal of the battery at the
factory. You only have to attach the
negative cable (grounded) to the negative
(Neg, N or -) terminal of the battery with a
hex head bolt, lock washer and nut.
INSTALLING THE BATTERY
CAUTION
ACTIVATING THE BATTERY
NOTE
If your battery is activated (elec
trolyte in the battery) and installed
in the tractor, go directly to step 9.
1. Place the battery to be filled on a workbench.
Never activate a battery in the unit.
2. Remove the fill caps from all cells.
NOTE
The positive battery terminal is
marked Pos. (-t-). The negative bat
tery terminal is marked Neg. (-).
1. Place the battery in the battery case with the
Negative (-) terminal to the front.
^I^NOTE
Do not push the battery back all the
way.
2. Attach the positive battery cable (which has
two wires) to the positive battery terminai.
— (See figure 4.)
3. Attach the negative battery cable (grounded,
single wire) to the negative battery terminal.
FIGURE 4.
■321/2
FIGURES.
Pull Rod
11
Clevis End
Assemble the hold down rods (B) and hold
4.
down (A) before you place It over the battery
(see figure 5) using wing nuts (D) and flat
washers (C).
Place the battery hold down assembly over
5.
the battery and slide the battery into place.
(See figure 4.)
\ WARNING {
Place the hold down on the side op
posite the terminals.
6. Hook the hold down rods into the battery case
and tighten fingertight. (Do not overtighten.)
ASSEMBLING THE THREE POINT HITCH
NOTE
Use the three point hitch only for
the rear attachments such as the
moldboard plow, disc and cultivator.
If you are using the mowing deck,
snow blade or snow thrower it is not
necessary to attach the three point
hitch.
1. Adjust the clevis ends on both pull rods so
that they measure 32Va inches. (See figures.)
FIGURE?.
2. Assemble each draft bar to the axle brackets
using the longest clevis pins, two large
washers, and secure with a cotter hairpin.
—(See figures 7 and 8.)
NOTE
Refer to figure 9 to determine which
is the right and left draft bars.
3. Attach the flat end of the pull rod to the top
hole in the draft bar with the shorter clevis
pin, flat washer cotter hairpin. (See figure 7.)
4. Assemble the draw bar to the draft bars and
secure each end with a cotter hairpin. (See
figure 9.)
5. Screw one hex nut all the way on to each of
hook bolts.
FIGURES.
FIGURES.
h -
......
..........
■■■*:•> 7:-^: VN
- d
6. Place a lock washer next to the hex nut and in
sert the hook bolt through the inside of the
draft bar. Secure using a second nut. Do not
tighten. (See figure 9.)
7. Fasten the chains to the hooks welded on the
draft bars. Cross the chains over and attach to
the opposite hook bolts.
NOTE
Pull the chains to make them as
tight as possible.
8. Tighten the outside nuts on the hook bolts un
til there is approximately one inch of play in
the center of the chains.
9. Tighten the inside nuts on the hook bolts.
10. Assemble and adjust the two halves of the
center adjustment arm until it is 12 inches
long. (See figure 10.)
11. Assemble the flat end of the center adjust
ment arm to the upper hole in the center hitch
bracket with a clevis pin, two flat washers and
a cotter hairpin. (See figure 9.)
TIRE PRESSURE
Reduce the rear wheel tire pressure to 15 p.s.i. for
operation. The tires have been over-inflated for
shipping. Equal tire pressure should be main
tained on all tires. Maximum tire pressure is 30
p.s.i.
HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSION
See the maintenance section of this manual for
correct lubrication and level for the oil in the
hydrostatic transmission.
OPERATION
CAUTION
1. KEEP ALL SHIELDS & GUARDS IN PLACE
2. BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR’S POSITION:
SHIFT CONTROLS INTO NEUTRAL
SET PARKING BRAKE
DISENGAGE ATTACHMENT DRIVE
SHUT ENGINE OFF
REMOVE IGNITION KEY
3. WAIT FOR ALL MOVEMENT TO STOP BEFORE SERVICING MACHINE
4. KEEP PEOPLE & PETS A SAFE DISTANCE AWAY FROM MACHINE
Before starting the engine fill the crankcase with
oil. Refer to the Engine Operation and
Maintenance manual.
Throttle Control
The throttle control is located on the right side of
the dashboard and is used to regulate the engine
speed. (See figure 11.) The engine should be
operated from 3/4 to full throttle “FAST” when
operating any equipment that uses the tractor
engine as a source of power such as the cutting
deck, snow thrower or rotary tiller.
Choke Control (See figure 11.)
Pull the choke knob all the way out. Set throttle in
the “FAST” position. A warm engine requires less
choking.
Ignition Switch (See figure 11.)
The ignition switch is located on the left side of
the dashboard. Turn the key to the “START” posi
tion to start the engine. When the engine is run
ning leave the key in the “ON” position. To stop
the engine turn the key to the “OFF” position.
I WARNING I
Remove the key from the tractor
when the tractor is not in use to pre
vent accidental starting.
Your garden tractor is equipped with a chute
deflector and internal baffle on the (optional) cut
ting deck. The tractor must not be operated
without these pieces in their proper place.
CAUTION
DO NOT OPERATE
MOWER UNLESS
GUARD IS IN ITS
PROPER PLACE.
Light Switch (See figure 11.)
The head lamps are operated by a toggle light
switch located on the dashboard. The head lamps
will only operate when the engine is running. Flip
the toggle switch up to turn on lights and down for
off.
Ammeter (See figure 11.)
The ammeter registers the rate of battery charge
or discharge. The ammeter should register on the
plus ( + ) side when the engine is running in the
“FAST” position until the battery is completely
charged.
With a fully charged battery or with the engine id
ling, the ammeter may not show a charge.
FIGURE 11. FIGUREIS.
-f-
\t ■'
f :-
”i< ■ .‘•^-'■V'-íí“'-'!
‘4
' i
Power Take Off Operation (PTO)
There are two PTO’s on your tractor. The front PTO
is a pulley located behind the grille and is used to
operate the snow thrower. This PTO is directly
connected to the engine and operates whenever
the engine is running.
The rear PTO is located under the tractor and is
used to operate the grass cutting deck and rotary
tiller. (See figure 12.)
H-:;- '
The rear PTO is operated by the PTO lever. (See
figure 13.)
■^NOTE
The PTO lever must be in the
DISENGAGED position to start the
engine.
High/Low Axle Range
Your tractor is equipped with a two speed rear ax
le for greater versatility. (See figure 14.) The LOW
range is used when operating the rotary tiller,
moldboard plow and should also be used when ex
tra power is required.
HIGH range operation is for normal loads, grass
cutting and normal use.
LOW Range (0-4 mph)
HIGH Range (0-8 mph)
The Axle Range Lever must be in either the HIGH
or LOW range position. The tractor will not move if
it is in the center position.
FIGURE 12.
■t.
Power Take Off
(PTO)
NOTE
When pushing the tractor by hand
with the engine shut off, place the
Axle Range Lever between the
HIGH and LOW position. The hydro
static pump will not rotate and the
tractor will be easier to push.
10
FIGURE 14.
FIGURE 15.
Hydraulic Lift Lever
The hydraulic lift lever is used to raise or lower all
of the tractor attachments. Move the lever forward
to raise the attachment and move the lever
backwards to lower the attachment. (See figure
14.)
Brake Pedal
The brake pedal is located on the right side of the
tractor. Depressing the brake pedal operates the
brake. It is used for emergency stopping only.
When you depress the brake pedal the control
lever will return close to the neutral position. The
control lever is used for normal stopping. (See
figure 15.)
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, depress the brake pedal,
pull up the parking brake knob and release the
brake pedal. It will stay in the raised position. To
release the parking brake, depress and release the
brake pedal. (See figures 14 and 15.)
Control Lever (Hydrostatic)
The control lever is used to regulate the ground
speed of the tractor. Moving the control lever to
its extreme position makes the tractor travel
faster. Moving the control lever forward (F) moves
the tractor forward, moving the control lever
backwards (R) reverses the tractor. The control
lever is used to regulate the ground speed of the
tractor. (See figure 15.)
To increase rear wheel torque (pulling power)
move the control lever towards the neutral posi
tion. The tractor responds similar to shifting to a
lower gear with a gear type transmission.
The control lever is used for normal slowing down
and stopping by moving the control lever towards
neutral (N). It is especially useful when rotary till
ing hard or rough ground. Additional braking may
be obtained by moving the control lever gradually
in the opposite direction of your travel.
Deck Adjuster
The deck adjuster is located on the left side of the
tractor and is used in conjunction with the mow
ing deck wheels to set the cutting height of the
mowing deck. To operate the deck adjuster,
depress the thumb button and move the deck ad
juster forward to lower the cutting height and
move it towards the rear to raise the cutting
height.
The deck adjuster and the wheels on the mowing
deck must be adjusted so the deck is parallel to
the ground. (See figure 16.)
The deck is designed to raise and float over
ground irregularities to prevent scaiping.
11
FIGURE 16.
Carriage Locks
The carriage locks hold the quick disconnect
frame in the raised position when the rear at
tachments are used.
Remove the carriage locks, raise the quick discon
nect frame by hand and reassemble the carriage
locks to the inside so they hold the quick disonnect frame up. (See figure 17.)
Carriage
Lock
Rear Wheel Width
The rear wheels can be reversed to increase or
decrease the width. To reverse the wheels, raise
the back of the tractor and block it well. Remove
the four lug bolts holding the rim to the rear axle
hub. Reverse the wheel and reassemble. (See
figure 19.)
FIGURE 17. FIGURE 19.
Seat Adjustment
The seat is adjustable to four positions. Remove
the bolt holding the seat to the spring to change
positions. (See figure 18.)
Operating the Tractor
1. Start the engine as outlined in the Engine
Operating and Maintenance manual.
12
2. The engine should be run with the throttle
control in the “FAST” position to obtain the
maximum efficiency. The sound you may hear
when you accelerate is the normal operating
sound of the hydrostatic transmission. The
faster you push the control lever forward or
backward, the louder the sound.
3. Release the brake and move the control lever
into either the forward (F) or reverse (R) posi
tion.
4. The brake pedal is used for emergency stop
ping only. Normal stopping is done by using
the control lever. When the brake pedal is
depressed the control lever will return close
to the neutral position so the tractor brake will
stop the tractor, however, the tractor may
creep either forward or backward when the
brake pedal is released.
Maintenance and adjustments for the engine are
covered in the Engine Operating and Maintenance
Instructions manual.
MAINTENANCE
Lubrication
Item numbers 1 through 4 must be lubricated once
a year with multi-purpose automotive grease.
1. Steering Gear—(See figure 20.)
2. King Pin—(See figure 21.)
3. Pivot Bolt—(See figure 21.)
4. Deck Linkage—Oil with SAE 30 oil on all pivot
points once a season. (See figure 22.)
FIGURE 20.
FIGURE 21.
FIGURE 22.
5. Hydrostatic Transmission
(See figure 23.) The dipstick for the
hydrostatic transmission is located behind
the seat. This dipstick checks the oil level in
the hydrostatic transmission, transaxle and
hydraulic lift system.
The oil level should be maintained to the
FULL mark on the dipstick. Check the oil level
every 8 hours of operation.
Use 20 weight oil with a zinc additive package
of .07% minimum. The following list of oils
meet these specifications:
13
Rykon Industrial Oil #31
Amoco 300, 20 wt.
Rotella, 20 wt.
Rimula Series 3, 20 wt.
X100 Motor Oil, 20 wt.
Havoline Motor Oil, 20 wt.
Ursa, Extra Heavy, 20 wt.
NOTE
If the above oils cannot be obtained,
SAE 20 motor oil with a SE rating
may be substituted.
6. Oil Filter
(See figure 25.) A full flow replaceable oil
filter, located under the left side of the frame,
should be replaced initially after twenty hours
of operation and thereafter every 100 hours for
commercial or industrial applications and
yearly for normal usage. It can be removed by
turning it counterclockwise by hand. Use
Fram filter PH-16 or equivalent.
FIGURE 23.
The capacity of the unit is 5 quarts. However,
because the oil will not completely drain from the
lift system and hydrostatic transmission, you will
only drain approximately 3 quarts. To drain,
remove the plug from the bottom of the transaxle.
(See figure 24.)
FIGURE 25.
7. Hydrostatic Control—Lubricate between the
control slide and the control adjustment plate.
(See figure 35.)
Disc Brake Adjustment
Disc Brake
k'-
■A
Disc
FIGURE 24.
FIGURE 26.
14
The disc brake is iocated on the ieft side of the
transaxle. To adjust, tighten the lock nut. (See
figure 26.) (Wheel is removed for clarity.) The lock
nut should be tightened just enough to stop the
tractor when the brake pedal is depressed, allow
ing the disc to turn freely between the brake pads
when the pedal is relased.
PTO Belt Removal
1. Place the PTO Lever in the disengaged posi
tion.
2. Remove the lower belt guard. (See figure 27.)
FIGURE 28.
6. Remove the PTO belts. (See figure 29.)
7. Reassemble in reverse order using matched
belts.
FIGURE 27.
3. Loosen the set screw in the universal joint.
(See figure 28.)
4. Drive out the roll pin in the universal joint.
(See figure 28.)
NOTE
PTO belts must be replaced using
matched sets.
5. Slide the universal joint towards the rear of
the tractor.
FIGURE 29.
15
Loading...