MTD 136S699H088, 136Q690G088 Owner’s Manual
42" and 46" Lawn Tractors
Operating Manual
Model Nos. TMO-3310001
TMO-3410002
TMO-3510003
(Model TM0-3510003 Shown)
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 the service department, P.O. Box 368022, Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
IMPORTANT
SAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES
_ THIS SYMBOLPOINTSOUTIMPORTANTSAF-TY INSTRUCTIONSWHICH, IFNOTFOLLOWED,COULDENDANGERTHEPERSON-
2. Onlyallow responsible individualsfamiliar with the il
3. Do not put hands or feet under cutting deck or ne
4. Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,,
5. Be sure the area is clear of other people before mo'
6. Nevercarry passengers.
7. Disengageblade(s) before shifting into reverse and L
8. Beaware of the mower and attachment discharge dir
9. Slow down before turning. Operate the machine
10. Never leave a running machine unattended. Alwa_
11. Turn off blade(s) when not mowing.
12. Stop engine and wait until blade(s) comes to a corr
13. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
14. Do not operate the machine while under the in1
15. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing ro_
16. Use extra care when loading or unloading the macl
17. Never make a cutting height adjustment while
18. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitl
19. Checkoverhead clearancecarefully before driving un
AL SAFETYAND/OR PROPERTYOF YOUR_ELF AND OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL
BEFOREATTEMPTINGTOOPERATEYOURUI_IT.WHENYOUSEETHIS SYMBOL-- Z_, HEEDITS WARNING.
Your lawn mower was btlit to be operated accordingto the rules for safe operation in this manual. As
with any type of power el uipment, carelessnessor error on the part of the operator canresult in injury.
This lawn mower is capalie of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the
iollowing safety instructie_scouldresult in seriousinjuryor death.
GENERALOPERATION
Read,understand, andfollow all instructionsin the r
on the machine before starting. Keep this rnanua
placefor future and regular reference and for orderil
ment parts.
to operate the machine. Know controls and how t
machine quickly.
parts.
could be picked up and thrown by the blade. A sr
may have beenoverlooked and could be accidentally
the mower in any direction and cause injury tc
bystander. To help avoid a thrown objects inj
children, bystanders and helpers at least 75 fee
mower while it is in operation. Always wear safety
safety goggles during operation or while perfc
adjustment or repair, to protect eyesfrom foreign ob
the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks or rc
machine if anyone enters the area.
Always look down and behind beforeand while backi
do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mow
either the entire grass catcher or thechute guard in I:
Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed.
blade(s), place transmission in neutral, set park b
engine and remove key before dismounting.
before (a) removing grass catcher or unclogging ch
making any repairs, adjusting or removing any grass
alcohol or drugs.
trailer or truck. This unit should not be driven up
ramp onto a trailer or truck under power, becaus
could tip over, causing serious personal injury. The
be pushed manually on a ramp to load or unload prot
running if operator must dismount to do so.
and shirts. Do not wear loose fitting clothes or jew
can be caught in moving parts. Never operate a u_
feet, sandals, or sneakers.
lines, wires, bridges or low hanging tree branch,
entering or leaving buildings, or in any other situal
tanualand
in a safe
g replace-
structions 21.
} stop the
Lrrotating
tc., which
_allobject
thrown by
you or a
Jry, keep
from the
jlasses or
rming an
ects. Stop
]ds.
ling. Stop
]cking up.
lg.
,_ctionand
;r without
lace.
;moothly.
s turn off
ake, stop
plete stop
rote,or (b)
_r debris.
uence of
:lways.
ine into a
+_rdown a
._the unit
unit must
erly.
,_ngine is
ng slacks
_lry. They
it in bare
Jer power
s, before
on where
,_kll.
,_ III. CHILDREN
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.
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.
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
requireextra caution. If you cannotback up the slope or ifyou feel
uneasy on it, do not mow it.
For your safety, use the slope gauge includedas partof 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 injurycould result.
DO:
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Removeobstaclessuch asrocks, limbs,etc.
Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneventerraincould overturn the
machine.Tall grasscanhide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a low enough gear so that you will not
haveto stop or shift while on the slope. 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
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) andproceed slowly straightdown the slope.
DONOT:
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn slowly and
graduallydownhill, 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 edgecaves in.
Donol mow on wet grass. Reducedtraction could causesliding.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground.
Donot usegrass catcher on steep slopes.
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the pres-
ence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and
the mowing activity. Neverassume that children will remain where
you last saw them.
1.Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandinwatchfulcareof
anadultotherthantheoperator.
2.Bealertandturnmachineoffifchildrenenterthearea.
3.Beforeandwhenbacking,lookbehindanddownfor small chil-
dren.
4. Nevercarry children. They may fall off and beseriously 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 machine under
closeparentalsupervision and proper 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
areextremely flammable andthe vapors are explosive.
a. Useonly an approvedcontainer.
b. Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine running.
Allow engine to 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, pipes and other sources of
ignition.
e. Never refuel the machine indoors because fuel vapors will
accumulate in the area.
f. Never store the fuel container or machine inside where there
is an open flame or spark, such as a gas hot water heater,
space heateror furnace.
2. Neverrun a machine inside aclosed area.
3. To reducefire hazard, keepthe machine free of grass, leavesor
other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow
machine to cool at least5 minutes beforestoring.
4. Beforecleaning, repairing or inspecting, make certain the blade
and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug
wire, and keepthe 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. Keepall nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equipment
is in safe working condition.
7. Nevertamper with safetydevices. Check their proper operation
regularly. Use all guards as instructed in this manual.
8. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove the wire
from the spark plug and thoroughly inspect the mower for any
damage. Repairthe damage before 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 partswhen necessary.
10. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or
weargloves and use extra 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
andcan cause a burn. Allow to cool down before touching.
13. Do not changethe engine governor,settings or overspeed the
engine. Excessiveengine speeds are dangerous.
14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations. Improper dis-
posal of fluids and materials can harm the environment and the
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 an environmentally safefashion.
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. DONOT 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 andother harmful waste.
OWNER'S
MANUAL
UNPACKING
TOREMOVEUNITFROMCRATE
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-- YOU/?RESPONSIBILITY
Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read,
understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this
manual andon 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.
,
Make certain brake is released. Raise the deck.
Use the relief valve and push the unit off the skid.
3
ASSEMI:|LY INSTRUCTIONS
BATTERYINFORMATION
WARNING
A. Battery acid must be handled with great
contact with itcan burn and blister the skin.
advisable to wear protective clothing (gogg
her gloves and apron) when working with it.'
B. Should battery acid accidentally splatter
eyes or onto the face, rinse the affecb
immediately with clean cold water. If ther,
further discomfort, seek prompt medical art
C. If acid spills on clothing, first dilute it wil
water, then neutralize with a solution of ar
water or baking soda/water.
D. Since battery acid is corrosive, do not pol
any sink or drain. Before discarding emp
trolyte containers, rinse them with a neu
solution.
E. NEVER connect or disconnect charger clip
tery while charger is turned on as it car
sparks.
F. Keep all lighted materials (cigarettes, rr
lighters) away from the battery as the h!
gas generated during charging can b
bustible.
G. As a further precaution, only charge the b;
a well-ventilated area.
*Always shield eyes, protect skin and €
when working near batteries.
DANGER
Battery contains sulfuric acid. Refer to w_rning
above. Antidote: EXTERNAL--Flush with water.
INTERNAL--Drink large quantities of water or
milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten e )gs or
vegetable oil. Call physician immediately. I!YES:
Flush with cool water for at least 15 minute,,, then
get prompt medical attention.
Since batteries produce explosive gases, keep
all lighted materials (cigarettes, lig| ters,
matches, etc.) away. Be sure to charge I:attery
only in well-ventilated areas. Make certain v,_nting
path of battery (drain tube) is always open.
KEEP BATTERIES
OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN!
care as
t is also
es, rub-
into the
:d area
;is any
,_ntion.
h clean
_moniai
_rit into
ty elec-
ralizing
; to bat-
arches,
'drogen
_ttery in
Iothing
cause
com-
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" wrench_,s or socket wrenches
ACTIVATINGAND CHARGING 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.
1. Pivot the seat forward. Unhook the strap which
secures the battery (hook is on rear frame, under
fender). 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
completely charged. The hydrometer should read
1.260 minimum. DO NOT CHARGE AT MORE THAN
6 AMPS.
Wheel
Hex Lock
Bolt
FIGURE 1.
Steering
,_,,_ Steering
Screws
Cupped
Washer
Bellow
Steering
Shaft
ATTACHINGTHESTEERINGWHEEL
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 bellow from the lift lever on
the right hand side of lawn tractor. Place steering
bellow over the steering shaft extending through
the dash.
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.
5. Place the steering wheel cap over the center of
the steering wheel and seat it with your hand.
ATTACHINGTHE SEAT
Remove the four 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 the four screws. See figure 2.
ATTACHINGTHE CHUTE DEFLECTOR
The chute deflector must be attached to the right side
of the deck so that it covers the chute opening.
FIGURE 2.
unless the chute deflector has been
WARNING: Do not operate your unit
properly installed.
.
\
Nuts
Cupped
Washers
Make certain deck is raised to its highest position
(lift lever pulled all the way back).
2.
Remove the truss machine screws, cupped
washers and hex jam nuts which are attached to
the deck next to the chute opening.
Place the chute deflector in position as shown in
figure 3. Secure with hardware just removed.
Cupped sides of washers go against the chute
Machine
Screws
TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your unit may be over-inflated for ship-
ping purposes. Reduce the tire pressure before oper-
k
ating the unit. Recommended operating tire pressure
is approximately 12 p.s.i.
any circumstances is 30 p.s.i. Equal tire
WARNING: Maximum tire pressure under
pressure should be maintained on all tires.
5
DeckHanger -___
Channel.
FIGURE4.
Positive Terminal
(Inside Rubber Boot)
us1able/
LiftLink/
Battery
,Strap
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 on
the center of the right side of the deck, just behind the
chute area. 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.)
2. Pull the adjustable lift link out of the deck hanger
channel. See figure 4. Turn the adjustable lift link
up or down as necessary to level the deck.
Usually only one or two turns are needed.
3. Insert the end of the adjustable lift link into the hole
in the deck hanger channel. Recheck the adjust-
ment. Readjust if necessary.
4. When deck is level, secure end of adjustable lift
link with flat washer and hairpin clip.
r
/
Negative
Cable
FIGURE 5.
Reinforcement
FIGURE 6.
Negative
Terminal Battery Openin g
Slot in
Frame
Transaxle
Bracket
Cable
Tie
Dr_ in Tube
INSTALLING THE BATTERY
1. Lift the seat.
.
Make certain both the negative (black) cable and
the positive (red) cable are routed up through the
battery opening as shown in figure 5.
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).
,
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.
.
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 rear frame, under the fender. See figure 6.
7. Insert the drain tube through the hole in the
transaxle bracket or through the cable tie (if so
equipped) which is attached to the transaxle rein-
forcement bracket on the right side of the unit.
See figure 6. Be certain drain tube is routed away
from the wheel rim.
8. Pull cable tie (if so equipped) to secure the drain
tube, but do not overtighten or the tube could col-
lapse. Trim excess end of cable tie.
9. Trim excess end of drain tube if necessary (about
4" should extend past the bracket or cable tie).
6
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