407777-0128
YaRD'MaN
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
AutoDrive TM Lawn Tractor
Model 604
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-
covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by thoperefor.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states mphave
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine ald_orizod
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
PRINTED IN U,S.A. FORM NO. 770-10079
(12/98)
SECTION 1: TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
FtNDINGYOUR MODEL NUMBER ....................................................... 2
CALLINGCUSTOMER SUPPORT ........................................................ 2
IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES.............................................. 3
SAFETYLABLES FOUND ON YOUR UNIT................................................. 5
SLOPEGAUGE ...................................................................... 6
ATTACHMENTS& ACCESSORIES ....................................................... 7
TRACTOR SET-UP.................................................................... 7
CONTROLS ......................................................................... 8
OPERATION........................................................................ t 1
ADJUSTMENTS ..................................................................... 14
MAINTENANCE ..................................................................... 17
LUBRICATION ...................................................................... 24
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE .......................................................... 25
PARTS LIST ........................................................................ 27
WARRANY INFORMATION ..................................................... BackCover
SECTION 2: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER
This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new rider. It will help you assemble, prepare and maintain
your rider. Please read and understand what itsays.
Before you start to prepare your tractor for its first use, please locate the model plate and copy the information
from itin this Operator's Manual. The information on the model plate is very important if you need help from
your dealer or the MTD customer support department.
• Every tractor has a model plate. You can locate it by lifting the seat and lookingat the seat bracket.
• An example of what the model plate will look like is shown below.
p_
I
This is where your model number will be.
XXX-X-XXX-X-XXX XXXXXXXXXXX
[
This is where your serial number will be.
Copy the model number here:
_f
P.O. BOX 368022
b_
CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136_
Copy the serial number here:
SECTION 3: CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT
• LOCATE YOUR MODEL NUMBER AND SERIAL NUMBER -- Record this information in the space
provided. To find your unit's specific model number and serial number, see SECTION 2: FINDING
YOUR MODEL NUMBER.
• If you are having difficulty assembling this product or if you have any questions regarding the controls,
operation or maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.
• Customer Support can be reached by dialing: 1- (330) 220-4MTD
(4683)
or
1- (800)-800-7310
• Please have your model number and serial number ready when you call.
• Although both numbers are important, you will be asked to enter only your serialnumber before your
call can be processed.
SECTION 4: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
WARNING: THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF
NOT FOLLOWED, COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF
YOURSELF AND OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE YOUR LAWN MOWER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH
THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL,
HEED ITS WARNING.
WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
DANGER: Your lawn mower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in
this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator
can result in serious injury. This lawn mower is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing
objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions couldresultin serious injuryor death.
1. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the
operator's manual and on the machine before
starting. Keep this manual in a safe place for future
and regular reference and for ordering replacement
pads.
• Only allow responsible individuals familiar with the
instructions to operate the machine. Know controls
and how to stop the machine quickly.
• Do not put hands or feet under cutting deck or near
rotating parts.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the
blade. A small object may have been overlooked
and could be accidentally thrown by the mower in
any direction and cause injury to you or a
bystander. To help avoid a thrown objects injury,
keep children, bystanders and helpers at least 75
feet from the mower while it is in operation. Always
wear safety glasses or safety goggles dudng
operation or while performing an adjustment or
repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects. Stop
the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks or
roads.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before
mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Disengage blade(s) before shifting into reverse and
backing up. Always look down and behind before
and while backing.
• Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge
direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not
operate the mower without either the entire grass
catcher or the chute guard in place.
• Slow down before turning. Operate the machine
smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive
speed.
Never leave a running machine unattended. Always
turn off blade(s), place transmission in neutral, set
park brake, stop engine and remove key before
dismounting.
Turn off blade(s) when not mowing.
Stop engine and wait until blade(s) comes to a
complete stop before (a) removing grass catcher or
unclogging chute, or (b) making any repairs,
adjusting or removing any grass or debris.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
Do not operate the machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drags.
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck. This unit should not
be driven up or down a ramp onto a trailer or truck
under power, because the unit could tip over,
causing serious personal injury. The unit must be
pushed manually on a ramp to load or unload
properly.
Never make a cutting height adjustment while
engine is running if operator must dismount to do
SO.
Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-
fitting slacks and shirts. Do not wear loose fitting
clothes or jewelry. They can be caught in moving
pads. Never operate a unit in bare feet, sandals, or
sneakers.
Check overhead clearance carefully before driving
under power lines, wires, bddges or low hanging
tree branches, before entedng or leaving buildings,
or in any other situation where the operator may be
struck or pulled from the unit, which could result in
serious injury.
3
• Disengage all attachment clutches, thoroughly
depress the brake pedal, and shift into neutral
before attempting to start engine.
• Your mower is designed to cut normal residential
grass of a height no more than 10". Do not attempt
to mow through unusually tall, dry grass (e.g.,
pasture) or piles of dry leaves. Debris may build up
on the mower deck or contact the engine exhaust
presenting a potential fire hazard.
2. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-
over accidents which can result in severe injury or death.
All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the
slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this
manual to measure slopes before operating this unit on a
sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 ° as
shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this unit on that
area or serious injury could result.
DO:
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain
could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
• Use slow speed. Always keep machine in gear
when going down slopes to take advantage of
engine braking action.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for
wheel weights or counterweights to improve
stability.
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other
attachments. These can change the stability of the
machine.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and
gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or
direction. Rapid engagement or braking could
cause the front of the machine to lift and rapidly flip
over backwards which could cause serious injury.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose
traction, disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
DO NOT:
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The mower could suddenly turn
over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or
if an edge caves in.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could
cause sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your
foot on the ground.
• Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
3. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that chil-
dren will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and in
watchfulcare ofan adult otherthan the operator.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the
area.
• Before and when backing, look behind and down
for small children.
• Never carry children, even with the blades off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
the safe machine operation.
• Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
the machine. Children 14 years and over should
only operate machine under close parental
supervision and proper instruction.
• Remove key when machine is unattended to
prevent unauthorized operation.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure
your vision of a child or other hazard.
4. SERVICE
• Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.
• Use only an approved container.
• Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes
before refueling.
• Replace fuel cap securely and wipe off any spilled
fuel before starting the engine as it may cause a
fire or explosion.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
• Never refuel the machine indoors because fuel
vapors will accumulate in the area.
• Never store the fuel container or machine inside
where there is an open flame or spark, such as a
gas hot water heater, space heater or furnace.
• Never run a machine inside a closed area.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep the machine free of
grass, leaves or other debris build-up. Clean up oil
or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool at least 5
minutes before storing.
• Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make
certain the blade and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep
the wire away from the spark plug to prevent
accidental starting.
• Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also,
visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., excessive
wear, bent, cracked). Replace with blade which
meets odginal equipment specifications.
• Keep all nuts,bolts and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly. Use all guards as
instructed in this manual.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
remove the wire from the spark plug and thoroughly
inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the
damage before restarting and operating the mower.
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear,
damage and deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For
your safety protection, frequently check
components and replace with manufacturer's
recommended parts when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blade(s) or wear gloves and use extra caution
when servicing blade(s).
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and
service as required.
• Muffler, engine and belt guards become hot during
operation and can cause a burn. Allow to cool
down before touching.
Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Excessive engine speeds
aredangerous.
Observe proper disposal laws and regulations.
Improper disposal of fluids and materials can harm
the environment and the ecology.
Prior to disposal, determine the proper method to
dispose of waste from your local Environmental
Protection Agency. Recycling centers are
established to properly dispose of materials in an
environmentally safe fashion.
Use proper containers when draining fluids. Do not
use food or beverage containers that may mislead
someone into ddnking from them. Propedy dispose
of the containers immediately following the draining
of fluids.
DO NOT pour oil or other fluids into the ground,
down a drain or into a stream, pond, lake or other
body of water. Observe Environmental Protection
Agency regulations when disposing of oil, fuel,
coolant, brake fluid, filters, batteries, tires and other
harmful waste.
,_ WARNING - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict the use of this power machine to persons
who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructionsinthis manual and on the machine.
DANGER
Figure 1 Safety Labels found on your unit
USE THIS PAGE AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SLOPES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY.
O
O
m
14
I
SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
A POWER POLE
I
I
|
I
I
I
A CORNER OF A BUILDING
OR A FENCE POST
I
I
(JD
,_ WARNING
Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower
could overturnand cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is extremely difficultto mainta in
your footing andyou could slip, resulting in serious injury.
Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes,
SECTION 5: ATTACHMENTS & ACCESSORIES
MODEL NUMBER
OEM-190-60t
0EM-190-602
OEM-190-112
0EM-190-118
OEM-190-603
OEM-190-604
OEM-190-822
0EM-190-823
FastAttach- Twin Bagger Grass Collector (For 42-inch Decks Only)
Fast.Attach-Twin Bagger Grass Collector (For 46-inch Decks Only, includes a set of blades)
Mulch Kit (For 42-inch Decks Only)
Mulch Kit (For 46-inch Decks Only, includes a set of blades)
FastAttach- Front Bumper Kit
TracPac" Storage Container (mounts on rear of tractor)
FastAttach" 46-inch Front Dozer Blade
42-inch Two-stage Snowthrower
SECTION 6: TRACTOR SET-UP
ATTACHING THE BATTERY CABLES
NOTE: The positive battery terminal is marked
Pos. (+). The negative battery terminal is marked
Neg. (-).
• The positive cable (heavy red wire) is secured
to the positive battery terminal (+) with a hex
bolt and hex nut at the factory. Make certain
that the rubber boot covers the terminal to
help protect it from corrosion.
• Remove the hex bolt and wing nut from the
negative cable. Attach the negative cable
(heavy black wire) to the negative battery
terminal (-) with the bolt and wing nut.
• Place the hold-down strap in position over the
battery to secure it in place. See Figure 2.
! Rubber --
Boot
DESCRIPTION
GAS AND OIL FILL-UP
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as
instructed in the separate engine manual packed
with your tractor. Read instructions carefully.
IMPORTANT: Your tractor is shipped with oil;
however, you MUST check the oillevel before operat-
ing. Be careful not to overfill. Overfilling with oil may
cause the engine to smoke. This will result in poor
engine performance and could cause permanent
engine damage.
The gasoline tank is located under the hood and has
a capacity of approximately two gallons. Do not
overfill.
fumes. Never fill fuel tank indoors. Always
WARNING: Gasoline produces noxious
fill the fuel tank in a well ventilated area to
avoid inhalation of gasoline fumes.
_ Battery
Terminal Bolt
Figure 2
NOTE: if battery is put into service after date
shown on top of battery, charge for minimum of one
hour at 6-10 amps. Refer to the MAINTENANCE
section of this manual for more detailed instructions
regarding proper battery charging procedure.
your tractor or fill the fuel tank while engine
WARNING: Never smoke while fueling
is running or while engine is hot.
WARNING: Do not fill closer than 1/2
inch from the top of the fuel tank to prevent
spills and to allow for fuel expansion. If
gasoline is accidently spilled, move tractor
away from area of spill. Avoid creating any
source of ignition until gasoline vapors
have disappeared.
INSTALLING THE MULCH KIT
On units equipped with a 46-inch deck, follow the
instructions included with the mulch kit which is
packaged separately within the crate.
On units equipped with a 42-inch deck, the mulch kit
is installed at the factory. To remove it, unfasten the
wing knob found on the top of the cutting deck and
carefully pull the mulch plug out from the discharge
area of the deck.
7
SECTION 7: CONTROLS
D
B
I
C
M
\
F
A
G
J
E
K
L
-- NOTE: Steering Wheel not shown for clarity.
Figure 3
A IgnitionSwitch
B Throttle Control Lever
C Choke Control (if so equipped)
D Indicator Monitor/Hour Meter
E Lift Lever
F PTO (Power Take-Oft) Lever
G AutoDrive- Pedal
NOTE: Any reference in this manual to the RIGHT or LEFT side of the tractor is observed from operator's position.
H Brake Pedal
I Parking Brake Button
J ShiftLever
K Seat Adjustment Lever
L Cup Holder
M Cruise Control Button
8
IGNITION SWITCH
To start the engine, insert key into the ignition switch
and turn clockwise to the START position. Release
key to the ON position once engine has fired. See
Figure 4. Refer to STARTING THE ENGINE in the
OPERATION section of this manual for detailed
starting instructions. The ignition switch is also used
to operate the headlights. Refer to OPERATING
THE HEADLIGHTS in the OPERATION section of
this manualfor detailed instructions
tractor when the tractor is not in use to
WARNING: Remove the key from the
prevent accidental starting.
IMPORTANT: When using PTO operated
equipment such as the cutting deck or other
attachments, always operate the tractor with the
throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position.
CHOKECONTROL
On some units, moving the
throttle lever all the way
forward activates the engine's
choke control. On all other
units, the choke controlcan be
found on the left side of the
dash panel and is activated by
pulling the knob outward. Activating the choke
control closes the choke plate on the carburetor and
aids in starting the engine. Refer to STARTING THE
ENGINE in the OPERATION section of this manual
for detailed starting instructions.
_ n/Lights
Start
Figure 4
THRO'I-rLE CONTROL LEVER
The throttle lever is located on the right side of the
tractor's dash panel. This lever controls the speed of
the engine, and on some units the choke control
also. When set in a given position, the throttle will
maintain a uniform engine speed. See Figure 5.
Throttle
Symbol
Choke
Position-_"
Fast
Position ---"
Slow
Position
Throttle
Symbol --_"
Fast
Position
INDICATOR MONITOR / HOUR METER
Your tractor is equipped with four indicator lights and
an hour meter located on the left side of the dash
panel. See Figure 6.
Batte_
Oil
Hour
Meter --
1/10
/
PTO
Figure 6
If a light illuminates when attempting to start the unit,
proceed as follows:
BRAKE-- Depress the brake pedal.
PTO -- Move PTO lever into the disengaged
(OFF) position.
OIL-- Check the crankcase oil level, and add
oil as required.
The BATTERY indicator light will illuminate any time
the ignition key is the On position and the engine is
not running. If it illuminate's while the engine is
running, it indicates that the battery is in need of a
charge. Refer to the MAINTENANCE section of this
manual for the proper battery charging procedure.
Brake
Figure 5
The hour meter operates whenever the ignition key
is in the On or On/Lights position and records the
actual hours of tractor operation.
LIFT LEVER
BRAKE PEDAL
The lift lever is used to change the operating position
(height) of the cutting deck. To operate, move the
lever to the left, then place in the notch best suited
for your application.
PTO (POWER TAKE-OFF) LEVER
@_
@_
The PTO lever is located on the left side of the
dashboard next to the steering wheel. Move the PTO
lever forward to engage the power to the cutting
deck or other attachments; move the PTO lever
backward (toward the rear of the tractor) to
disengage the power to the attachments.
NOTE: The PTO lever must be in the disengaged
(OFF) position when starting the engine, when
shitting into reverse and if the operator leaves the
seat.
AUTODRIVE'-PEDAL
The brake pedal is located on the right front side of
the tractor above the AutoDrive- pedal along the
running board. The brake pedal can be used for
sudden stops or setting the parking brake.
NOTE: The brake pedal must be fully depressed to
activate the safety interlock switch when starling the
tractor.
PARKING BRAKE BU1 rON _._,
To set the parking brake, fully depress
the brake pedal and push the parking
brake button in. Hold the button in
while taking your foot off the brake
pedal. Both the parking button and
the brake pedal will then stay
depressed. To release the parking
brake, depress the brake pedal
slightly.The parking brake button will
then return to its original position.
NOTE: The parking brake must be set if the
operator leaves the seat with the engine running or
the engine will automatically shut off.
IMPORTANT: Always set the parking brake
when leaving the tractor unattended.
The AutoDrive.- pedal is located below the brake
pedal on the right front side of the tractor along the
running board. Depress the AutoDrive- pedal with
your right foot when the tractor shift lever is in either
forward or reverse to cause the tractor to move.
Ground speed is also controlled with the AutoDrive .-
pedal. The further down the pedal is depressed, the
faster the tractor will travel. The pedal will return to
its original position when it's not depressed.
IMPORTANT: Always set the parking brake
when leaving the tractor unattended
SHIFT LEVER
The shift lever is located
on the left side of the
fender and has three
positions, FORWARD,
NEUTRAL and REVERSE.
The brake pedal must be
depressed and the tractor
must not be in motion
when the moving shift
lever.
IMPORTANT: Never
force the shift lever. Doing
so may result in serious
damage to the tractor's
transmission.
10
$;F
\
Shift
Knob
CRUISE CONTROL BU'I-rON
The cruise control button is located on
the tractor dash panel to the left of the iBm
ignition switch. Push the cruise control
button while traveling forward at a
desired speed. While holding the
button in, release pressure from the
AutoDrive,- pedal. This will engage the
cruise control and allow the tractor to
remain at that speed without applying
pressure to the AutoDrive,- pedal.
Depress the brake pedal or the
AutoDdve- pedal to deactivate cruise
control. Refer to the OPERATION section of this
manual for detailed instructions regarding the cruise
control feature.
6
|||
SECTION 8: OPERATION
SAFETY INTERLOCK SWITCHES
SEAT ADJUSTMENT LEVER
To adjust the seat forward or backward, slide the
seat adjustment lever to the left and reposition the
seat to the desired position. Once a comfortable
position is found, release the seat adjustment lever
to lock the seat in place. Refer to the
ADJUSTMENTS section of this manual for more
detailed instructions.
CUP HOLDER
The tractor's cup holder is located on the fender to
the left of the seat, just to the rear ofthe shift lever.
under the influence of alcoholic beverages
WARNING: Never operate the tractor
or drugs of any kind. Doing so can result in
serious personal injury or death.
This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock
system for the protection of the operator. If the
interlock system should ever malfunction, do not
operate the tractor. Contact an authorized MTD
Service Dealer in your area. The safety interlock
system prevents the engine from cranking or starting
unless the brake pedal is fully depressed, and the
PTO lever is in the disengaged (OFF) position.
• The safety interlock system will automatically
shut off the engine if the operator leaves the
seat before engaging the brake lock.
• The safety interlock system will automatically
shut off the engine if the operator leaves the
seat with the PTO lever in the engaged (ON)
position, regardless of whether the brake lock
is engaged. The PTO lever must be in the
disengaged (OFF) position to restart the
engine.
• The safety interlock system will automatically
shut off the engine if the PTO lever is moved
into the engaged (ON) position with the shift
lever in the REVERSE position.
WARNING: Do NOT attempt to bypass
or disconnect the tractor's safety interlock.
Doing so could result in serious personal
injuryor death,
IMPORTANT: Tampering with or attempting to
bypass the tractors Safety Interlock Swfches in any
way WILL void your warranty.
WARNING
• GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS.
• AVOID SUDDEN TURNS.
• DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SUP OR TIR
• IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BLADE(S) AND BACK
DOWNHILL SLOWLY.
• DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND.
• NEVER CARRY CHILDREN.
• LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE BACKING.
• KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND SWITCHES) IN
PLACE AND WORKING.
• REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE THROWN BY THE BLADE(S).
• KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL CONTROLS.
• BE SURE BLADE(S) AND ENGINE ARE STOPPED BEFORE pLAC-
ING HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADE(S).
• BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR'S POSITION, DISENGAGE
BLADE(S), PLACE THE SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTRAL, ENGAGE
BRAKE LOCK, SHUT ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KEY.
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEA1H
READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL
11
SETTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Select the height position of the cutting deck by
placing the deck lift lever in any of the six different
cutting height notches on the right side of the fender.
Then adjust the deck wheels so that they are at least
1/4 inch to 1/2 inch above the ground when the
tractor is on a smooth, flat surface such as a
driveway.
from the discharge chute opening of the
WARNING: Keep hands and feet away
cutting deck.
NOTE: The deck wheels are an anti-scalp feature
of the deck and are not designed to support the
weight of the cutting deck.
Refer to the ADJUSTMENTS section of this manual
for more detailed instructions regarding various deck
adjustments.
IMPORTANT: ft'you think you've struck a foreign
object, stop the engine immediately. Remove the
wire(s) from the spark plug(s), thoroughly inspect the
un# for any damage, and repair the damage before
restarting and operating the tractor
DRIVING THE TRACTOR
STARTING THE ENGINE
A
NOTE: Refer to the TRACTOR SET-UP section of ,_L
this manual for Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions.
• Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.
• Place the PTO lever in the disengaged (OFF)
position.
• Depress the brake pedal and set the parking
brake.
• Place the shift lever inthe NEUTRAL position.
• Move the throttle control lever into the FAST
(or CHOKE, if so equipped) position.
• Pull out the choke control knob, if so equipped
(a warm engine may not require choking).
• Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START
position. After the engine starts, release the
key. It will return to the ON position.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT hold the key in the START
position for longer than ten seconds at a time. Doing
so may cause damage to your engine's starter.
411
IMPORTANT: Do NOT use the shift lever to
Place the PTO lever in the disengaged (OFF)
position
Move the throttle control into the SLOW
(turtle) position and allow the engine to "idle
down" for ten seconds. Failure to do so may
result in an engine afterfire.
Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the
OFF position.
Remove the key from the ignition switch to
prevent accidental starting.
WARNING: Avoid sudden starts,
excessive speed and sudden stops.
WARNING: Do not leave the seat of the
tractor without first placing the PTO lever in
the disengaged (OFF) position, depressing
the brake pedal and engaging the parking
brake. If leaving the tractor unattended,
also turn the ignition key off and remove
the key.
• Depress the brake pedal to release the
parking brake and let the pedal up. Move the
throttle lever intothe FAST (rabbit) position.
change the direction of travel when the tractor is in
motion. Always use the brake pedal to bring the
tractor to a complete stop before shifting.
• To move forward, place the shift lever in the
FORWARD position, then slowly depress the
AutoDrive- pedal until the desired speed is
achieved.
NOTE: If starting problems are encountered, refer
to theTROUBLESHOOTING section of this manual
After the engine starts, slowly release the brake
pedal. As the engine warms up, gradually push the
choke control knob inward (or move the throttle
control lever out of the CHOKE position into the
FAST position) to open up the choke plate on the
engine's carburetor.
NOTE: Do NOT leave the choke control out while
operating the tractor. Doing so will result in a "rich"
fuel mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.
• To move in reverse, place the shift lever in the
REVERSE position, check that the area
behind is clear then slowly depress the
AutoDrive- pedal.
SETTING THE CRUISE CONTROL
NOTE: The cruise control feature should only be
utilized in the forward direction.
• Place the shift lever in the FORWARD
position, then slowly depress the AutoDrive-
pedal until the desired speed is achieved.
• Lightly depress the cruise control button.
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