MTD 136E450F000 Owner’s Manual
OIIII11/A°S
AMERICAN _ AMERICAN
M A D E 0 WNED
OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT
IMPORTANT! Record the exact Model No.
and Serial No. which appear on the upper portion of
rear frame of your unit in the space below. You must
have these numbers, along with the date of
_urchase, in order to receive warranty or service.
MEETS ANSI SAFETY STANDARDS
MODEL NO. SERIAL NO.
131-i-]411I I I I I IIIII1111111
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 avail-
able through your nearest engine authorized 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. 770-7631L
FRONT ENGINE
LAWN TRACTORS
Model 400 Series
Lawn Tractors
IMPORTANT
SAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES
_) HISSYMBOLPOINTSOUT IMPORTANTS,_:ETY INSTRUCTIONSWHICH, IF NOTFOLLOWED,COULDENDANGERTHEPERSON-
AL SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF YOURSELFAND OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL
BEFOREATTEMPTINGTO OPERATEYOUR IdkilT.WHENYOU SEETHIS SYMBOL-- ,tt HEEDITSWARNING.
41L
Your lawn mower was t uilt to be operated accordingto the rules for safe operation in this manual. As
DANGER:
GENERALOPERATION
Read,understand,andfollowall instructionsinthe "nanualand
on the machinebeforestarting. Keepthis manuiI in a safe
placefor futureandregularreferenceandfor orderngreplace-
mentparts.
2. Onlyallowresponsibleindividualsfamiliarwiththe nstructions
to operatethemachine.Knowcontrolsandhow to stopthe
machinequickly.
3. Donotput handsorfeetundercuttingdeckorn_arrotating
parts.
4. Cleartheareaofobjectssuchasrocks,toys,wire,etc.,which
could bepickedupandthrownby theblade.A,.mallobject
mayhavebeenoverlookedandcouldbeaccidentallvthrownby
the mowerin any directionand causeinjuryt) you or a
bystander. To helpavoid a thrown objectsirjury, keep
children, bystandersand helpersat least75 re,t from the
mowerwhileit isin operation.Alwayswearsafet_glassesor
safety gogglesduring operationor whileper13rmingan
adjustmentor repair,toprotecteyesfromforeigno)jects.Stop
theblade(s)whencrossinggraveldrives,walksorr)ads.
5. Besuretheareais clearofotherpeoplebeforemq.wing.Stop
machineifanyoneentersthearea.
6. Nevercarrypassengers.
7. Disengageblade(s)beforeshiftingintoreverseand)ackingup.
Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebacling.
8. Beawareofthemowerandattachmentdischargedrectionand
do notpointit at anyone.Donotoperatethe mo'_erwithout
eithertheentiregrasscatcherorthechuteguardin;)lace.
9. Slowdownbeforeturning.Operatethe machin_smoothly.
Avoiderraticoperationandexcessivespeed.
10. Neverleavea running machineunattended.AIw__/sturn off
blade(s),placetransmissionin neutral,set park )rake,stop
engineandremovekeybeforedismounting.
11. Turnoff blade(s)whennotmowing.
12. Stopengineandwait untilblade(s)comesto a conpletestop
before(a)removinggrasscatcheror uncloggingc lute, or(b)
makinganyrepairs,adjustingor removinganygras,or debris.
13. Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.
14. Do not operatethe machinewhile underthe ir fluence of
alcoholordrugs.
15. Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearor crossingrc_dways.
16. Useextracarewhen loadingor unloadingthe ma_hineinto a
trailer or truck. This unit shouldnot be drivenup or downa
ramponto a trailer or truck under power,beca__ethe unit
couldtip over,causingseriouspersonalinjury.Th_unit must
bepushedmanuallyona rampto loadorunloadprqperly.
17. Nevermake a cutting height adjustment while engine is
runningifoperatormustdismountto doso.
18. Wearsturdy, rough-soledwork shoesandclose-fiting slacks
and shirts. Do not wearloosefitting clothesor jevetry.They
canbecaughtin movingparts.Neveroperatea _nit in bare
feet,sandals,orsneakers.
19. Checkoverheadclearancecarefullybeforedriving_lder power
lines, wires, bridges or low hangingtree brancles, before
enteringor leavingbuildings,or in any othersitu; tionwhere
with any type of powerqquipment, carelessnessor error on the part of the operator can result in injury.
This lawn mower is capnble of amputating handsand feet and throwingobjects. Failure to observe the
followingsafety instructi)ns couldresult in seriousinjury or death.
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.
21. 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.
'_i'll. 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 notmow it.
Foryour safety,usethe slope gaugeincludedaspart 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 operatethis unit onthat area or serious injury could result.
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
have to stop or shift while on the slope. Always keep machine in
gear when going down slopes to take advantageof enginebraking
action.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or
counterweights to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchers or otherattachments. These can
changethe stability of the machine.
Keepall movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Donot make
sudden changesin speed or direction. Rapid engagement or brak-
ing could causethefront of the machine to liftand rapidlyflip over
backwards which could causeserious injury.
Avoid startingor stopping on a slope. If tires losetraction, disen-
gagethe blade(s) and proceedslowly straightdown theslope.
DONOT:
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn slowly and
gradually downhill, if possible.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments.Themower
could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or
ditch, or if an edge cavesin.
Donot mow on wet grass. Reducedtraction could cause sliding.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground.
,_Do notusegrass catcheronsteepslopes.
II1. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents canoccur if the operator is not alert to the pres-
ence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and
the mowing activity. Never assumethat children will remain where
you last saw them.
2
1. Keep children out of the mowing areaand in watchful care of
an adult other than the operator.
2. Be alert andturn machine off if children enterthe area.
3. Beforeand when backing, look behind anddown for small chil-
dren.
4. Nevercarry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured
or interfere with the safe machine operation.
5. Neverallow children under 14 years old to operatethe machine.
Children 14 years and over should only operate machineunder
close parental supervisionandproper instruction.
6. Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees
or other objects that may obscure your vision of a child or
other hazard.
Remove key when machine is unattended to prevent
unauthorized operation.
SERVICE
Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They
are extremely flammable andthe vapors are explosive.
a. Useonly an approved container.
b. Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine running.
Allow engineto cool at leasttwo minutes before refueling.
c. Replace fuel cap securely and wipe off any spilled fuel
before starting the engine as it may cause a fire or
explosion.
d. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipesand other sources of
ignition.
e. Never refuel the machine indoors because fuel vapors will
accumulate in the area.
f. Neverstore the fuel containeror machine inside where there
is an open flame or spark, such as a gas hot water heater,
spaceheater or furnace.
2. Never run a machine inside a closed area.
3. Toreducefire hazard,keepthe machinefree of grass, leavesor
other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow
machine to cool at least 5 minutes beforestoring.
4. Beforecleaning, 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.
5. 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
bladewhich meets original equipment specifications.
6. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equipment
is in safe working condition.
7. Never tamper with safety devices. Checktheir proper operation
regularly. Use all guards as instructed in this manual.
8. After striking aforeign object, stop the engine, removethe wire
from the spark plug andthoroughly inspect the mower for any
damage. Repairthe damagebefore restarting and operating the
mower.
9. 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.
10. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves and useextra caution when servicing blade(s).
11. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.
12. Muffler, engine and belt guards become hot during operation
and can causea burn. Allow to cool down beforetouching.
13. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the
engine. Excessiveengine speedsare dangerous.
14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations. Improper dis-
posal of fluids and materials can harmthe environment andthe
ecology.
a. 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 anenvironmentally safe fashion.
b. Use proper containers when draining fluids. Do not use
food or beverage containers that may mislead someone
into drinking from them. Properly dispose of the containers
immediately following the draining of fluids.
c. DO NOTpour 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.
OWNER'S
MANUAL
UNPACKING
TO REMOVE UNIT FROM CRATE
1. Remove all screws from the top of the crate using
a 1/4" hex head socket or a flat blade screwdriver.
2. To remove ends, grasp top board on the end, and
pull towards you in a downward motion.
3. Set panel aside to avoid tire punctures.
4. Repeat procedure for each side of the crate.
5. Remove and discard plastic bag which covers
unit.
WARNING - YOURRESPONSIBILITY
Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read,
understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this
manual and on the machine.
6. Loose parts (may include the owner's guide,
steering wheel, battery fluid, chute deflector,
optional mulching kit, etc.) are on the seat and
wrapped in plastic. Carefully cut and remove the
plastic wrap. Remove loose parts from the seat.
7. Make certain brake is released, and push the unit
off the skid.
3
ASSEMI3LY INSTRUCTIONS
BATTERYINFORMATION
WARNING
A. Battery acid must be handled with grea
contact with itcan burn and blister the skin
advisable to wear protective clothing (gog,
ber gloves and apron) when working with it
B. Should battery acid accidentally splatte_
eyes or onto the face, rinse the affec
immediately with clean cold water. If the
further discomfort, seek prompt medical al
C. If acid spills on clothing, first dilute it w
water, then neutralize with a solution of
water or baking soda/water.
D. Since battery acid is corrosive, do not pc
any sink or drain. Before discarding em
trolyte containers, rinse them with a ne
solution.
E. NEVER connect or disconnect charger clil
tery while charger is turned on as it c_
sparks.
F. Keep all lighted materials (cigarettes,
lighters) away from the battery as the
gas generated during charging can
bustible.
G. As a further precaution, only charge the i
a well-ventilated area.
*Always shield eyes, protect skin and
when working near batteries.
DANGER
Battery contains sulfuric acid. Refer to v
above. Antidote: EXTERNAL--Flush with
INTERNAL--Drink large quantities of
milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten
vegetable oil. Call physician immediately.
Flush with cool water for at least 15 minut_
get prompt medical attention.
Since batteries produce explosive gase
all lighted materials (cigarettes, li(
matches, etc.) away. Be sure to charge
only in well-ventilated areas. Make certain
path of battery (drain tube) is always open.
KEEP BATTERIES
OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREI
care as
It is also
jles, rub-
into the
:ed area
•e is any
tention.
th clean
mmoniai
ur it into
_ty elec-
Jtralizing
_sto bat-
n cause
_natches,
I_ydrogen
)e com-
_attery in
clothing
_arning
water.
ater or
_ggs or
EYES:
_s,then
;, keep
hters,
battery
venting
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.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
(1) 1/4" socket wrench or flat blade screwdriver
(1) 1/2" wrench or socket wrench*
(1) 9/16" wrench or socket wrench
(2) 7/16" wrenches or socket wrenches
*If your steering wheel cap is square, you must have
a socket wrench in order to install the steering wheel.
ACTIVATINGAND CHARGINGTHE 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.
1. Pivot the seat forward. Unhook the strap which
secures the battery. Disconnect the positive cable
from the positive terminal. Save the hardware for
reassembly.
2. Remove the battery from the lawn tractor, paying
attention to how the battery is placed in the unit,
and how the drain tube (attached to the battery) is
routed.
3. Activate the battery as instructed in the "Quick
Start" brochure included with the battery fluid.
Read instructions carefully.
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.
IMPORTANT: To obtain the maximum life from
your battery, it MUST BE CHARGED prior to initial
use.
CHARGE THE BATTERY after the 30 minute stand-
ing period. Use a 12-volt automotive type battery
charger to charge the battery at 6 AMPS for one hour
before installation.
NOTE: If you charge the battery at a lower AMP rate,
use a hydrometer to make sure the battery is com-
pletely charged. The hydrometer should read 1.260
minimum. DO NOT CHARGE AT MORE THAN 6
AMPS.
4
Steering
Wheel Ca
Hex
Bolt
Steering
FIGURE 1.
Seat
Pivot
Bracket
FIGURE 2.
Shaft
1
Screws
Steering
Bellow
ATTACHINGTHE STEERINGWHEEL
1. The hardware for attaching the steering wheel
has been packed inside the steering wheel.
Carefully pry off the steering wheel cap and
remove the hardware. Remove the steering bel-
low from the lift handle.
2. Remove the steering bellow from the lift lever on
the right hand side of lawn tractor. Place steering
bellow over the steering shaft extending through
the dash. See figure 1.
NOTE: If the openings on each end of the steering
bellow are two different sizes, the smaller end goes
down against the dash of the lawn tractor.
3. With the wheels of the tractor pointing
straight forward, place the steering wheel over
the steering shaft, positioning steering wheel as
desired.
4. Place the washer with the cupped side down over
the steering shaft. Secure with hex lock bolt.
NOTE: If your steering wheel cap is square, you must
use a socket wrench.
5. Place the steering wheel cap over the center of
the steering wheel and seat it with your hand.
ATTACHINGTHE SEAT
1. The seat on your lawn tractor may be mounted
backward for shipping purposes. If so, remove
the four screws which secure the seat to the seat
pivot bracket.
2. 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 the four screws. See figure 2.
NOTE: If seat was mounted correctly, adjust by loos-
ening the four screws, sliding the seat forward or
backward as desired, and retightening the screws.
ATTACHINGTHE CHUTE DEFLECTOR
\
Hex Nuts
Cupped
Washers
1. Remove the truss machine screws, cupped wash-
ers and hex jam nuts which are attached to the
deck next to the chute opening.
2. Place the chute deflector in position as shown in
figure 3. Secure with hardware just removed.
unless the chute deflector has been
WARNING: Do not operate your unit
properly installed.
TIREPRESSURE
Machine
Screws
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).
WARNING: Maximum tire pressure under
&
5
any circumstances is 30 p.s.i. Equal tire
pressure should be maintained on all
tires.
Negative
Cable
FIGURE 4.
Slot in Positive Terminal
Frame (Inside
Negative
Terminal Battery
Opening
° ?ral_n'/f'__ __
°
CableTra" _'--r saxle
Tie Remfo 'cement
| lattery
Strap
Br_cket
INSTALLING THE BATTERY
1. Lift the seat.
2. Make certain both the negative (black) cable and
the positive (red) cable are routed up through the
battery opening as shown in figure 4.
3. Replace the battery into the battery opening in
the same position as it was before (positive termi-
nal is toward the front of the unit).
4• Attach the positive (red) cable to the positive ter-
minal of the battery. Secure with hex bolt and nut
previously removed• Slide rubber boot down over
the positive terminal.
5. Remove the hex bolt and nut from the negative
(black) cable• Attach negative cable to the nega-
tive terminal with this bolt and nut.
6. Secure battery by hooking battery strap into slot
in frame.
•
Route the drain tube through the opening
between the transaxle reinforcement bracket and
the frame on the left rear of the unit. Insert the
drain tube to the transaxle reinforcement bracket
through the cable tie which is attached as shown
in figure 5. Be certain drain tube is routed away
from the wheel rim.
8• Draw cable tie secure, but do not overtighten or
the drain tube could collapse• Trim excess end of
cable tie.
FIGURE 5.
Clutch-
Brake
Pedal
FIGURE 6,
Throttle
Control
Ignition
Switch
Control
Speed
Lever _
CONTROLS
THROTTLE CONTROL
The throttle control is used to regulate the engine
speed. To get maximum efficiency from cutting, the
throttle should be in the FAST position when operat-
ing the mower. See figure 6.
CHOKECONTROL
The choke control is located on the dashboard and is
operated manually. Details for the choke operation
are covered in the separate engine manual packed
with your unit. See figure 6.
SPEED CONTROL LEVER
J )
The speed control lever allows you to regulate the
ground speed of the lawn tractor. See figure 6. To
select the ground speed, depress clutch pedal• Push
speed control lever inward and move downward to
slow lawn tractor, move upward to increase speed•
When desired speed has been obtained, release lever
in that position. Whenever clutch is engaged, unit will
automatically go to the pre-set speed.
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