MTD 131784G Owner’s Manual
Owner's
Manual
* MBLY
" O ON
* MAINTENANCE
FOUR
WHE STEER
LAWN
tRACTORS
Thank you for purchasing an American-built product.
Ill IIII II
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 taws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order
by the operator.
in the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states
may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest
engine authorized service dealer.
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-7545F
Model Numbers
131754F
131784G
IMPORTANT
THISSYMBOLPOINTSOUTIMPORTANTSAFETYINSTRUCTIONSWHICH,tFNOTFOLLOWED,COULDENDANGERTHEPERSONALSAFETY
AND/ORPROPERTYOFYOURSELFANDOTHERS.READANDFOLLOWALLINSTRUCTIONSINTHISMANUALBEFOREATTEMPTING
TOOPERATEYOURUNIT.FAILURETOCOMPLYWITHTHESEINSTRUCTIONSMAYRESULTINPERSONALINJURY.WHENYOUSEE
'_THIS SYMBOL--&
DANGER:
HEEDITSWARNING.
Yourunitwasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingto therulesfor safeoperationin thismanual.Aswithany
typeof powerequipment,carelessnessorerroronthe partofthe operatorcanresultin seriousinjury.
If youviolateanyof theserules,youmaycauseseriousinjuryto yourselfor others.
RULESFORSAFEOPERATION
1. READTHISOWNER'SMANUALcarefuflyinitsentiretybeforeat-
temptingto assembleoroperatethisunit.Keepthismanualin
a safeplacefor future andregularreferenceandfor ordering
replacementparts.
2. Thisunitisaprecisionpieceofpowerequipment,notaplaything.
Thereforeexerciseextremecautionat all times.
3. Knowthecontrolsandhowto stopthemachinequickly.
4. Donotallowchildrenunder14yearsoldtooperatevehicle.Children
14yearsandovershouldonlyoperateunitundercloseparental
supervision.Donotallowanyonetooperateitwithoutproperin-
struction.Onlypersonswellacquaintedwiththeserulesof safe
operationshouldbe allowedto useyourmower.
5. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksand
shirts.Donotwearloosefittingclothesorjewelry.Theycanbe
caughtinmovingparts.Neveroperateaunitinbarefeet,sandals,
or sneakers.
6. Topreventinjury,do notcarrypassengersor giverides.Keep
children,petsandbystandersoutof theareawhilemowing.Only
theoperatorshouldrideontheunitand onlyrideintheseat.
7. Checkoverheadclearancecarefullybeforedrivingunderpower
lines,guywires,bridgesor low hangingtreebranches,before
enteringor leavingbuildings,orinanyothersituationwherethe
operatormaybestruckorpulledfromtheunit,whichcouldresult
inseriousinjury.
8. Tomaintaincontroloftheunitandreducethepossibilityofupset
orcollision,operatethetractorsmoothly.Avoiderraticoperation
andexcessivespeed.
9. Thoroughlyinspecttheareato be mowed.Removeallstones,
sticks,wire,bonesandotherforeignobjects.Keeptheareaof
operationclearofallpersons,particularlysmallchildrenandpets.
Stopenginewhentheyareinthevicinityofyourmower.Although
theareaofoperationshouldbecompletelyclearedofforeignob-
jects,asmallobjectmayhavebeenoverlookedandcouldbeac-
cidenttythrownbythemowerinanydirectionandcauseinjury
toyouorabystander.Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischarge
ofmaterialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystanders,petsandthelike.
10. Alwayswearsafetyolassesoreyeshieidsduringoperationorwhite
performinganadjustmentorrepair,toprotecteyesfromforeign
objectsthatmaybethrownfromthemachinein anydirection.
11. Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.
12. Disengageallattachmentclutches,thoroughlydepressthebrake
pedal,andshiftintoneutralbeforeattemptingtostartengine.
13. Beforeleavingtheoperator'sposition,disengageblade(s),place
shiftleverinneutral,engageparkingbrake,shutengineoffand
removekey.
14. Donotputhandsorfeetnearorunderrotatingparts.Keepclear
ofthedischargeopeningatalltimesastherotatingblade(s)can
causeinjury.
15. Disengagepowertoattachment(s)andstopenginebeforemak-
inganyrepairsor adjustments.Disconnectthe sparkplugwire
andkeepthewireawayfromtheplugtopreventaccidentalstarting.
16. Beforeattemptingto unclogthemowerordischargechute,stop
theengine.Themowerblade(s)maycontinuetorotateforafew
secondsaftertheengineisshutoff.Therefore,besuretheblade(s)
havestoppedcompletely.Disconnectthesparkplugwireandkeep
thewireawayfromtheplugto preventaccidentalstarting.
17. Disengagepowertoattachment(s)whentransportingornotinuse.
!8. Foryoursafety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthismanual
to measureslopesbeforeoperatingthis unitona slopedor hilly
area.iftheslopeisgreaterthan15oasshownontheslopegauge,
donotoperatethisunitonthatareaorseriousinjurycouldresult.
19. Donotstoporstartsuddenlywhengoinguphillordownhill.Mow
upanddownfaceof steepslopes;neveracrosstheface.Use
extremecautionifit isnecessarytodrivethetractorupanincline
or backthetractordownaninclinebecausethefrontof thetrac-
tor couldlift andrapidlyflip overbackwardwhichcould cause
seriousinjury.
20. Reducespeedon slopesandin sharpturnsto preventtippingor
lossofcontrol.Alwayskeepthetractorin low gearwhengoing
downsteephillstotakeadvantageofenginebrakingaction.Choose
alowenoughgearsothatyouwill nothaveto stoporshiftwhile
on theslope.
21. Stayalertforholesinterrainandotherhiddenhazardswhichmay
causethe unitto tip over.
22. Usecarewhenpullingloadsor usingheavyequipment.
A. Useonlyapproveddrawbarhitchpoints.
B. Limit loadsto thoseyoucansafelycontrol.
C. Donot turn sharply.Usecarewhenbacking.
D. Usecounterweight(s)or wheelweightswhensuggestedin
owner'smanual.
23. Watchoutfor traffic whencrossingor nearroadways.
24. Whenusinganyattachments,neverdirectdischargeof material
towardbystandersnorallowanyonenearvehiclewhileinoperation.
25. Handlegasolinewithcare.It ishighlyflammable.
A. Extinguishcigarettes,cigars,pipesandall othersourcesof
ignition.
B. Useapprovedgasolinecontainer.
C. Neverremovecapor addgasolinetoarunningorhotengine
orfillfueltankindoors.Allowtocoolatleast2minutesbefore
refilling.Wipeupspilledgasoline.Alwaysuseoriginaltype
ventedcap.
D. Opendoorsif engineis runin garage.Exhaustfumes are
dangerous.Donotrunengineindoors.
26. Neverstorethemachinewithfuelinthefueltankinsideabuilding
wherefumesmayreachanopenflameorspark,suchashotwater
andspaceheaters,clothesdryers,andthelike.Allowtheengine
tocoolbeforestoringin anyenclosure.
27. Toreducefirehazard,keepengineandcuttingdeckfreeofgrass,
leavesorexcessivegreaseor oil.
28. Keepthe vehicleandattachmentsin goodoperatingcondition,
andkeepsafetydevicesinplace.Useguardsas instructedin
operator'smanual.Donotoperatethisunitunlessthechutedeflec-
tor,guards,andsafetyinterlocksystemareinstalledandfunc-
tioningproperly.
29. Keepall nuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besuretheequipment
isin safeworkingcondition.
30. Thevehicleandattachmentsshouldbestoppedandinspectedfor
damageafterstrikinga foreignobject.Thedamageshouldbe
repairedbeforerestartingandoperatingtheequipment.
31. Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingsoroverspeedthe
engine.
2
RULESFORSAFEOPERATION(CONTINUED)
32. Whenusingthe vehiclewithmower,proceedas follows:
A. Mowonlyin daylightor in goodartificiallight.
B. Nevermakeacuttingheightadjustmentwhileengineisrunning
if operatormustdismounttodo so.
B. Shutthe engineoff an_wa'_tunti_t_tebb_ecomesto acom-
pletestopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcher.
D. Checkblademountingboltsfor propertightnessatfrequent
intervals.Also,checkbladesfor wearor damage(e.g.bent,
cracked).Replacewithbladewhichmeetsoriginalequipment
specifications.
33. Checkgrasscatcherbagsfrequentlyforwearordeterioration.For
safetyprotection,replaceonlywithnewbagmeetingoriginalequip-
mentspecifications.
gL III
ASSEMBLY
This owner's manual covers two models of lawn
tractors. Follow only those instructions which per-
tain to your model lawn tractor.
Refer to the separate deck manual for all informa-
tion concerning the deck.
IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped WITHOUT
GASOLINE or OIL; however, a small amount of oit
may be present from the factory. Do not overfill.
After assembly, service engine with gasoline and
oil as instructed in the separate engine manual
packed with your unit.
ig Screws
FIGURE 1.
BATTERY INFORMATION
34. Look behindto makesurethe areaisciearbeforeplacingthe
transmissionin reverseandcontinuelookingbehindwhileback-
ingup.Disengagebladesbeforeshiftingintoreverseandbacking
up.
35. "fhisun'_tshou)dnotbedrivenupa rampontoatraileror truck
underpower,becausetheunitcouldtipover,causingseriousper-
sonalinjury.Theunitmustbepushedmanuallytoloadproperly.
36. Checkbrakeoperationfrequently.Adjustandserviceaccording
to brakeadjustmentinstructionsin this manual.
37. Muffler,engine,andbeltguardsbecomehotduringoperationand
cancausea burn. AUowto cooldownbeforetouching.
iii ii
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the
unit is observed from the driver's seat, facing
forward.
UNPACKING
1. Remove the lawn tractor from the cartonas follows.
Open the top flaps. The loose parts (includes the
battery fluid, steering wheel with steering cap at-
tached and chute deflector) may be on the seat and
wrapped in plastic, or may be located in a box.
Remove all loose parts and carton inserts. Cut the
front corners of the carton. Make certain brake is
released, use the relief valve and push the unit out
of the carton.
2. The seat has been mounted backward for shipping
purposes. If the loose parts are on the seat, careful-
_ycut and remo'_e _he plastic "wTap.
NOTE: On some units, the seat may be packed with
the loose parts. The self-tappingscrews will be attached
to the seat. Remove the screws and assemble as in-
structed.
ASSEMBLING THE SEAT
Remove the hex self-tapping screws which secure the
seat to the seat pivot bracket. Turn the seat around and
place in position against the seat pivot bracket_ lining
up the slotted holes in the pivot bracket with the holes
in the seat. Select desired position for the seat, and
secure with hex self-tapping screws. See figure 1.
_WARNING
A. Battery acid must be handled with great care as
contact with it can burn and blister the skin. Itis also
advisable to wear protective clothing (goggles, rub-
ber gloves and apron) when working with it.*
B. Should battery acid accidentally splatter into the
eyes or onto the face, rinse the affected area im-
mediately with clean cold water. If there is any
further discomfort, seek prompt medical attention.
C. If acid spills on clothing, first dilute it with clean
water, then neutralize with a solution of ammonia/
water or baking soda/water.
D. Since battery acid is corrosive, do not pour it into
any sink or drain. Before discarding empty elec-
trolyte containers, rinse them with a neutralizing
solution.
E. NEVER connect or disconnect charger clips to bat-
tery while charger is turned on as it can cause
sparks.
F. Keep all lighted materials (cigarettes, matches,
lighters) away from the battery as the hydrogen gas
generated during charging can be combustible.
G. As a further precaution, only charge the battery in
a well-ventilated area.
*Always shield eyes, protect skin and clothing
when working near batteries.
Battery
Screwdriver
Cover
Battery
Vent
Clear Plastic
Drain
//
FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 3.
DANGER
Battery contains sulfuric acid. Refer to warning
on page 3. Antidote: EXTERNAL--Flush with water.
INTERNAL--Drink large quantities of water or milk.
Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten eggs or
vegetable oil. Call physician immediately. EYES:
Flush with cool water for at least 15 minutes, then
get prompt medical attention.
Since batteries produce explosive gases, keep all
lighted materials (cigarettes, lighters, matches,
etc.) away. Be sure to charge battery only in well-
ventilated areas. Make certain venting path of bat-
tery (drain tube) is always open.
KEEP BATTERIES
OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN!
i ;/ Caps
ACTIVATING THE BATTERY
Do not activate battery (fill with battery acid) until
battery is actually placed in service. Be certain to
read previous warnings before activating the battery.
NOTE: Some units may have the battery and battery
hardware packed with the battery fluid.
1. Lift the seat. Remove the battery cover by press-
: ing in on the sides and lifting up. See figure 2 in-
set. Remove the battery from the rear frame.
2. Open the battery pack. Be careful not to puncture
the box. It contains the battery fluid (acid) in a
plastic container and one short plastic tube.
3. Place the battery on a table or workbench. Make
certain the long plastic drain tube is in place on
the vent elbow.
4. Remove the six fill caps from the top of the bat-
tery with a screwdriver. Be careful not to damage
the fill caps. See figure 2.
5. Place the battery fluid container on the table or
workbench. Carefully cut off tip of the spout and
attach the short plastic tube provided. Do not
squeeze the container when cutting tip.
6. Fill each battery cell slowly and carefully to the UP-
"_---PER LEVEL line marked on battery. See figure 3.
Use caution as the acid level will rise rapidly after
the bottom of the cell is filled.
7. Allow battery to stand for 30 minutes with the fill
caps removed, while the plates absorb acid.
8. If acid level has fallen after the 30 minute standing
period, refill each cell with battery acid to the UP-
PER LEVEL line on battery. Replace the fill caps.
9. Before discarding the empty container, neutralize
any residue with baking soda and rinse container
with water. Puncture container several times
before discarding.
10. Charge the battery after the 30 minute standing
period. SLOW CHARGE THE BATTERY (DO NOT
FAST CHARGE).
Model 754F: Charge the battery at a maximum bench
rate of 1.4 amperes until the specific gravity reading
is 1.260-1.280. Charge for a minimum of 2 hours and
a maximum of 8 hours.
Model 784G: Charge the battery at a maximum bench
rate of 2 amperes until the specific gravity reading is
1.265. Charge for a minimum of 3 hours and a
maximum of 5 hours.
NOTE: This engine is equipped with an alternator. The
current for the battery charger alternator is unregulated.
During normal operation, it is only necessary to charge
the battery:
1. When it is activated for the first time.
2. Before winter storage.
3. Before using the lawn tractor after winter storage.
NOTEIModel 754F: Charging rate after battery has
been put into operation--the battery is to be charged
for a period of 14-16 hours. NO LONGER THAN 30
HOURS.
After battery has been charged, add only distilled
water. Do not add acid.
4
¢
Battery
Drain
Tube
FIGURE 4.
;k
(Negative)
Cable
Positive
Red
(Positive)
Cable
Negative
Terminal
al
INSTALLING THE BATTERY
1. Raise the seat.
2. Make certain the positive cable (heavy red wire)
and negative cable (heavy black wire) are routed
outside the battery opening.
3. Place the battery inside the opening so that the
positive terminal is toward the front of the unit. See
figure 3. Route the battery drain tube down beside
the battery.
4. Remove the hex bolt from the positive ( + ) terminal.
Place the positive cable on the positive terminal.
-,,-------See figure 4. Secure with hex bolt. Be careful not
to lose the nut inside the terminal.
5. Secure the negative cable to the negative ( - ) ter-
minal in the same manner. Replace the battery
cover over the positive terminal. Lower the seat.
Cable Tube
Reinforcement
Bracket
Transaxle T'_
FIGURE 5.
Steering Wheel
Insert Prongs
Hex Lock Nut
Cupped Washer
FIGURE 6A.--Model 754F
Steering
Bellow
Drain
6. Insert the drain tube through the cable tie which
is attached to the transaxie reinforcement bracket
_- on the right side of the unit. Be certain drain tube
is routed away from the wheel rim. Pull on end of
cable tie to tighten (do not collapse drain tube).
Tdm excess end of cable tie.
ATTACHING THE CHUTE DEFLECTOR
Attach the chute deflect_ to the deck, f_lle_j the i_-
structions in the separate deck manual packed with
your unit.
the chute deflector has been properly in-
WARNING: Do not operate your unit unless
stalled.
ATTACHING THE STEERING WHEEL
Model 754F On|y:
1. Remove the hex lock nut and cupped washer from
the steering shaft, and remove the steering bellow.
Pry the steering insert off the center of the steer-
ing wheel.
2. Attach one end of steering bellow to the steering
-- wheel as shown in figure 6A, inset.
3. Position the front wheels of the tractor so they are
pointing straight forward.
4. Place the steering wheel and steering bellow over
the steering shaft, positioning steering wheel as
desired.
5. Place the washer with the cupped side down over
the steering shaft. Secure with hex lock nut. See
figure 6A.
6. Snap the steering wheel insert over the four spokes
of the steering wheel.
5
Model 784G Only:
Model 784G is equipped with indicator lights, located
in the steering wheel. The steering wheel must be
assembled as follows for proper operation of the in-
dicator lights.
1. Remove the hex lock nut and cupped washer from
the steering shaft, and remove the steering bellow.
Pry the steering wheel insert off the center of the
steering wheel.
2. The opening in the steering bellow is wider at one
end than the other. Route the five indicator wires
up through the smaller end of the steering bellow.
Slide steering bellow over steering shaft. Insert the
five indicator wires up through the slot in the steer-
ing wheel as shown.
3. Position the front wheels of the tractor so they are
pointing straight forward. Place the steering wheel
over the steering shaft so the wires are at the bot-
Steering
Oil PTO Clutch Insert
R_ite
Black
Hex
Lock
Cu
Washer
Brownf \
Green
tom of the steering wheel (6 o'clock position).
Secure with the cupped washer (cupped side
down) and hex lock nut removed in step 1.
.
Place the indicator wires through the cable tie
located underneath the steering wheel insert. Con-
nect the wires to the same color wire leads in the
steering wheel insert. Tighten the cable tie to hold
the wires securely in position.
.
Snap the steering wheel insert over the four spokes
of the steering wheel, making sure the indicator
lights are positioned at the bottom of the steering
insert (toward the operator).
IMPORTANT: Be certain to follow step six exactly to
prevent damage to the indicator lights and wire harness
when using the lawn tractor.
.
Position the cable tie and secure the wire harness
as follows.
a. Raise the hood of the tractor, and pull excess
wire down through the dash panel.
b. Partially tighten the cable tie under the dash
panel so the cable tie is snug, but can still slide
up and down the wire harness. Slide the cable
tie up until it is against the dash panel.
c. Turn the steering wheel fully in both directions
(wires will be pulled up into the steering bellow),
then return the steering wheel to the center.
Carefully pull the wires down from the dash
panel, and move cable tie down the wires 1/4
inch.
Tighten the cable tie securely. Trim end of cable
tie soat least one inch of the cable tie remains.
Pull bellow up against the bottom of the steering
wheel.
Bellow
FIGURE 6B.--Model 784G
FIGURE 7.
'Adjustable J
Link
TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your unit may be over-inflated for shipping
purposes. Reduce the tire pressure before operating
the unit. Recommended operating tire pressure is ap-
proximately 12 p.s.i. (check sidewall of tire for tire
manufacturer's recommended pressure).
_b WARNING: Maximum tire pressure under
any circumstances is 30 p.s.i. Equal tire
pressure should be maintained on all tires.
LEVELINGTHE DECK
With unit on hard, level surface, measure the distance
from the bottom edge of the center of the left side of
deck to the ground. Measure the same distance on the
center of the right side of the deck (just behind the
chute area on side discharge units). Or, place the
blades in a straight line, and measure the distance from
the outside edge of the blade tips to the ground.
Adjust the lift link on the left side of the deck as
necessary. See figure 7. Recheck the adjustment.
6
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