MTD 133Q694G401 Owner’s Manual

YaRD-MaN

HYDROSTATIC

Owner's

Manual

• ASSEMBLY

• OPERATION

• MAINTENANCE

LAWN

TRACTORS

Thank you for purchasing an American-built product.

IMPORTANT:

Model Numbers

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
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 or contact YaRD-MaN, P.O. Box 368022, Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.

PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-8416H

133K694G401

133Q694G401

IMPORTANT

AL SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTYOF YOURSELFAND OTHERS.READ AND FOLLOWALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL
THIS SYMBOLPOINTSOUTIMPORTANTSAFETYINSTRUCTIONSWHICH, IF NOTFOLLOWED,COULDENDANGERTHEPERSON-

BEFOREATTEMPTINGTOOPERATEYOUR UNIT.WHEN YOUSEETHIS SYMBOL-- _1, HEEDITSWARNING.

SAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES

,mL

I _ This cutting machine is capable of amputatinghandsand feet and throwingobjects. Failure to observe

I. GENERALOPERATION

1. Read,understand, and follow all instructions in the manualand
on the machine before starting. Keep this manual in a safe
place for future referenceand for ordering replacementparts.

2. Only allow responsible adults familiar with the instructions to
operate the machine. Know controls and how to stop the

machine quickly.

3. Do not put hands or feet under cutting deck or near rotating
parts.

4. 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 havebeen overlooked and could be accidentallythrown by
the mower in any direction and cause injury to you or a
bystander. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during
operation or while performing an adjustment or repair,to pro-

tect eyes from foreign objects. Stop the blade(s) when cross-
ing gravel drives, walks or roads.

5. Besure the area is clear of other peoplebefore mowing. Stop
machine if anyone enters thearea.

6. Nevercarry passengers.

7. Disengageblade(s) before shifting into reverseand backing up.
Always look down and behind before andwhile backing.

8. Beawareof 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.

9. Slow down beforeturning. Operatethe tractor smoothly. Avoid
erratic operation and excessivespeed.

10. Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off
blade(s), place transmission in neutral, set park brake, stop
engineand remove key beforedismounting.

11. Turn off blade(s) when not mowing.

12. 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.

13. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

14. Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alco-
hol or drugs.

15. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.

16. 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 to load or unload properly.

17. Never make a cutting height adjustment while engine is run-
ning if operator must dismount to do so.

18. 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 parts. Never operate a unit in bare
feet, sandals, or sneakers.

19. Check overheadclearancecarefully before driving under power

lines, wires, bridges or low hanging tree branches, before
entering 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.

20. Disengage all attachment clutches, thoroughly depress the
brake pedal, and shift into neutral before attempting to start
engine.

DANGER: the followingsafety instructionscouldresult in seriousinjuryor death.

II. SLOPEOPERATION

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
uneasyon it, do not mow it.

DO:

Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Removeobstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc.

Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneventerrain could overturn the

machine.Tall grasscan hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a low enough gear so that you will not

haveto stop or shift while on the slope. Always keeptractor 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 carewith grasscatchers or other attachments. These can
changethe stability of the machine.
Keepall movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make

sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid engagement or brak-
ing could causethe 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, disen-
gagethe blade(s)and proceed slowly straight down the slope.
For your safety, usethe 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° asshown on the slope gauge,

do not operate this unit on that areaor serious injury could result.

DONOT:

Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn slowly and

gradually downhill, if possible.

Donot mow neardrop-offs, ditches or embankments. A wheel over

the edge or an edge caving in could cause sudden overturn.

Donotmow on wet grass. Reducedtraction could causesliding.
Do net try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the

ground.

Donot usegrass catcher on steep slopes.

II1. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the pres-

enceof children. Children are often attracted to the machine and

the mowing activity. Neverassume that children will remain where
you last saw them.

1. Keepchildren out of the mowing area and in watchful care of
an adult other than the operator.

2. Bealert and turn machine off if children enter the area.

3. Beforeandwhen backing, look behind and down for small chil-

dren.

4. Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured

or interfere with the safe machine operation.

5. Never allow children under 14 years old to operatethe'
machine. Children 14 years and over should only operate

machine under close parental supervision and proper instruc-

tion.

6. Useextra care when approaching blind corners, sflrubs, trees
or other objects that may obscure vision. _'.

2

\

\'\

IV. SERVICE

1. Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are
flammable and vapors areexplosive.

a. Useonly an approvedcontainer.
b. Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running.

Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

Do not smoke.
c. Never refuel the machine indoors.
d. Never store the machine or fuel container inside where

there is an open flame, or spark, such as a water heater,

spaceheater,clothes dryer and the like.

2. Never runa machine inside a closed area.

3. Check frequently and keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in safe working

condition.

4. Nevertamper with safety devices. Checktheir proper operation

regularly. Use all guards as instructed in this manual.

5. To reduce fire hazard, keep machine free of grass, leaves or

other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow
machine to cool before storing.

6. Stop and inspect the equipment for damage if you strike an
object. Repair, if necessary, before re-starting and operating

the machine.

7. Nevermakeadjustments or repairswith the engine running.

8. Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage and
deteriorate, which could expose moving parts or allow objects

to be thrown. Frequently, check components and replace with

manufacturer's recommended parts when necessary.

9. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves and use extra caution when servicing blade(s).

10. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.

11. Muffler, engine, and belt guards become hot during operation

and can cause aburn. Allow to cool down before touching.

12. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeedthe
engine.

,_ Yourunitwasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingtotherulesforsafeoperationinthismanual.Aswithanytype

DANGER: of powerequipment,carelessnessorerroronthepartoftheoperatorcanresultinseriousinjury,ifyouvio-

lateanyoftheserules,youmaycauseseriousinjurytoyourselforothers.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT: After assembly, service engine with
gasoline, and check oil level as instructed in the
separate engine manual packed with your unit.

NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the
unit is observed from the driver's seat, facing for-

ward.

Self-Tapping Screws

I

FIGURE 1.

UNPACKING

1. Remove the lawn tractor from the carton as fol-
lows. Open the top flaps. The loose parts (include

the battery fluid, steering wheel with steering cap
attached and chute deflector) are on the seat and

wrapped in plastic. Remove all carton inserts. Cut
the front corners of the carton. Make certain

brake is released, and push the unit out of the

carton.

2. The seat has been mounted backward for ship-
ping purposes. Carefully cut and remove the plas-

tic wrap. Remove the loose parts from the seat.

--I--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.

BATTERYINFORMATION

WARNING

A. Battery acid must be handled with great care as

contact with it can burn and blister the skin. It is
also advisable to wear protective clothing (goggles,

rubber gloves and apron) when working with it.*

B. Should battery acid accidentally splatter into the

eyes or onto the face, rinse the affected area
immediately 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

battery 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.

3

Vent

Clear Plastic

Drain Tube-._ /

FIGURE 2.

Battery

Cover

Battery

Screwdriver

/ Fill Caps

ACTIVATINGTHE 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 bat-
tery.

1. Lift the seat. Remove the battery cover by press-
ing in on the sides and lifting up. See figure 2,

inset. 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. 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 cuttingtip.

6. Fill each battery cell slowly and carefully to the

UPPER LEVEL line marked on battery. See fig-
ure 3. Use caution as the acid level will rise rapid-

ly after the bottom of the cell is filled:

7. Allow battery to stand for 30 minutes with the

fillcaps removed, while the plates absorb acid.

NOTE: You can continue assembling the lawn tractor

while battery is standing for 30 minutes (after filling with

acid), and later while you are charging the battery.

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, match-
es, etc.) away. Be sure to charge battery only in

well-ventilated areas. Make certain venting path of

battery (drain tube) is always open.

KEEP BATTERIES

OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN!

CHARGETHE BATTERY

IMPORTANT: To obtain the maximum life from
your battery, it MUST BE CHARGED prior to initial

use.

1. Check the acid level in each cell. If necessary,
refill each cell with battery acid to the UPPER

LEVEL line on battery. Replace the fillcaps.

2. Before discarding the empty container, neutralize
any residue with baking soda and rinse container

with water. Puncture container several times

before discarding.

3. CHARGE THE BATTERY after the 30 minute
standing period. Use a 12-volt automotive type

battery charger to SLOW CHARGE THE BAT-
TERY (DO NOT FAST CHARGE). DO NOT use a

charger rated higher than 10 amps. Charge the
battery for a minimum of 2 hours or until battery

is fully charged.

NOTE: The information listed above is for initial

charge. Refer to the Maintenance section of this man-
ual for battery care and charging instructions to obtain

the maximum life from you r battery.

IMPORTANT: After the battery has been charged,

add only distilled water. DO NOT add acid.

4

FIGURE4.

SteeringWheel

Insert

Prongs

Steering

HexLockNut Bellow

CuppedWasher

ATTACHINGTHE STEERING WHEEL

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
steering wheel.

.

Attach one end of steering bellow to the steering
wheel as shown in figure 4, 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 4.

6. Snap the steering insert over the four spokes of
the steering wheel.

ATTACHINGTHE CHUTE DEFLECTOR

The chute deflector must be attached to the right side

of the deck so that it covers the chute opening.

FIGURE5.

DeckHanger -C___-

\

FIGURE 6.

Nuts

Cupped

Washers

ustable /

unless the chute deflector has been

WARNING: Do not operate your unit
properly installed.

.

Make certain deck is raised to its highest position
(lift lever pulled all the way back).

2.

Remove the truss machine screws, cupped wash-
ers and hex nuts which are attached to the deck

next to the chute opening.
Place the chute deflector in position as shown in

figure 5. Secure with hardware just removed.

Cupped side of washers goes against the chute

deflector.

TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your unit may be over-inflated for ship-
ping purposes. Reduce the tire pressure before oper-
ating the unit. Recommended operating tire pressure

is approximately 12 p.s.i. (check sidewall of tire for tire
manufacturer's recommended pressure).

4_ WARNING: Maximum tire pressure under

any circumstances is 30 p.s.i. Equal tire

pressure should be maintained on all tires.

'_-LEVELING THE 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 just
behind the chute area on the right side of the deck.

Or, place the blades in a straight line, and measure
the distance from the outside edge of the blade tips to

the ground.
If adjustment is needed, proceed as follows.

1. Remove the hairpin clip and flat washer from the
bottom of the adjustable lift link on the left side of

the deck. (Hairpin clip and flat washer are on the

inside of the lift link.)

5

Black

(Negative)

Cable

FIGURE 7.

, ReiTrfansax/e nt __l

Bracket _

FIGURE 8.

J Negative

Terminal

Positive

Terminal

Red

(Positive)

Cable

Drain

Cable Tube

Tie___/l_

2. Pull the adjustable lift link out of the deck hanger
channel. See figure 6.

3. Turn the adjustable lift link up or down as neces-
sary to level the deck. Usually only one or two

turns are needed.

4. Insert the end of the adjustable lift link into the hole

in the deck hanger channel. Recheck the adjust-
ment as instructed above. Readjust if necessary.

5. When deck is level, secure the end of the
adjustable lift link with flat washer and hairpin clip.

--,-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 7. Route the battery drain tube down
beside the battery.

4. Remove the hex bolt from the positive (+) termi-
nal. Place the positive cable on the positive termi-

nal. See figure 7. Secure with hex bolt. Be careful
not to lose the nut inside the terminal.

.

Secure the negative cable to the negative (-) ter-
minal in the same manner. Replace the battery

cover over the positive terminal. Lower the seat.

Insert the drain tube through the cable tie which is

attached to the transaxle reinforcement bracket
on the right side of the unit. See figure 8. Be cer-

tain drain tube is routed away from the wheel rim.

Pull on end of cable tie to tighten (do not collapse

drain tube). Trim excess end of cable tie.

CONTROLS

IGNITION SWITCH

The ignition switch is located on the dashboard. Turn
the key to the START position to start the engine.

When the engine is running, leave the key in the ON
position. To stop the engine, turn the key to the OFF

position. See figure 9.

tractor when the tractor is not in use to
WARNING: Remove the key from the

prevent accidental starting.

THROTTLE CONTROL

The throttle control is located on the left side of the

dashboard and is used to regulate the engine speed.
See figure 9. 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 mowing deck, snow thrower or rotary tiller.

Lk

Switch

Choke

Throttle

C

Clutch-Brake

Pedal

FIGURE 9.

Ignition

Switch

Lift