MTD 13A-325-402 Owner’s Manual

YaRD-MaN

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

Riding Mower

Internal Bagging System

27.5" Cutting Deck

_,, Factory No. 13A-325-402

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 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 attester for the muffler is available through you r 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. 770-10201

(12/98)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content Page

Finding Model Number .......................................................................................................................... 2

Calling Customer Support Service ......................................................................................................... 2

Safe Operation Practices ....................................................................................................................... 3

Slope Gauge .......................................................................................................................................... 5

Unpacking ............................................................................................................................................. 6

Contents of Hardware Pack ................................................................................................................... 7

Assembly ............................................................................................................................................... 8

Operation ............................................................................................................................................... 12

Service & Adjustments ........................................................................................................................... 16

Maintenance .......................................................................................................................................... 21

Off-Season Storage ............................................................................................................................... 23

Trouble-Shooting ................................................................................................................................... 24

Parts List ................................................................................................................................................ 26

FINDING MODEL NUMBER

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new rider mower. It will help you assemble, prepare and

maintain your rider mower. Please read and understand what it says. Before you start to prepare your rider mower for its first use, please locate the model plate and copy the

information from it in the space below. The information on the model plate is very important if you need help from

your dealer or the MTD customer support department.

• Every rider mower has a model plate. You can locate it by pivoting the cover upward and looking under the frame. A sample model plate is shown below.

XXX-X-XXX-X-XXX XXXXXXXXXXX

[

_)_fMTD PRODUCTS INC

CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

This is where your model number will be.

This is where your serial number will be.

CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT SERVICE

Locate your rider'a model number and aerial number-- Record this information in the space provided above. To find your unit's specific model number and serial number, see previous section.

If you are having difficulty assembling this productor ifyou have any questions regarding the controls, operation ormaintenance of this unit, please callthe Customer Support Department.

Customer Support can be reached by dialing: 1- 330- 220-4MTD (1-330-220-4683)

1- (800)-800-7310

Please have your unit's model number and serial number ready when you call. Although both numbers are important, you will be asked to enter only the serial number before your call can

be processed.

SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the per- sonal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before

attempting to operate your rider mower. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol--heed its warning.

ANGER: manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator

can result in serious injury. If you violate any of these rules, you may cause serious injury to

I_D Your rider mower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this J

General Operation

Read, understand, and follow all instructionsinthe manual and on the machine before starting.Keep this

manual ina safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.

Only allow responsible individualsfamiliar 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 goggies during 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 ifanyone enters the area. Never carry passengers.

Disengage blade(s) before shifting intoreverse 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 beforeturning. 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 drugs. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing

roadways.

yourself or others.

Use extra care when loading or unloading the

machine =ntoa 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 runmng _foperator must dismount to do so. Wear sturay reugh-soled work shoes and close-fitting

slacks arts starts. Do not wear loose fitting clothes or jewelry They can be caught in moving parts. Never

operate a unit tn bare feet, sandals, or sneakers. Check overhead clearance carefully before driving

under power hnes, wires, bridges or low hanging tree branches before entering or leaving buildings, or in any

other s=tuat_onwhere the operator may be struck or pulled from the unit. which couldresult in serious injury.

Disengage al! attachment clutches, thoroughly depress the brake pedal, and shift into neutral before

attempting tostart engine. Your mower _sdesigned 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.

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. Ifyou cannot back up the slope or ifyou feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part ofthis manuel to measure slopes before operating this unit on a sloped or hilly area. ff the slope is greater than 15° as shown

on the slope gauge, do not operate this unitin 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. Choose a low enough gear so that

you will not have to stop or shiftwhile 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.

Useextra care with grass catchers or other

attachments. These can change the stability of the machine.

Keep all movement onthe slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.

Rapid engagement or braking could cause the front ofthe 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.

DOnot use grass catcher on steep slopes.

Children

Tragic accidents can occur ifthe operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the

machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that

children will remain where you last saw them.

Keep children outof the mowing area and in

watchful care of an adult other than 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. 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. 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 isunattended to prevent

unauthorized operation.

Service

Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are extremely flammable and the vapors

are explosive.

a. Use only an approved container.

a. Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the

engine running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

b. Replace fuel cap securely and wipe off any

spilled fuel before starting the engine as itmay cause a fire or explosion.

c. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other

sources of ignition.

d. Never refuel the machine indoors because fuel

vapors will accumulate inthe area.

e. Never store the fuel container or machine inside

where there isan 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 original 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 end 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 couldexpose

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 hotduring

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 are

dangerous.

Observe proper disposal laws and regulations. Improper disposal 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 office of

Environmental ProtectionAgency. Recycling

centers are established to properly dispose of

materials inan environmentally safe fashion.

b. Use proper containers when draining fluids. Do

notuse food or beverage containers that may mislead someone into drinking from them. Properly dispose ofthe containers immediately

following the draining offluids.

c. DO NOT pour oil or other fluids intothe 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.

IJ.ILLI

f_lJ.

WARNING

a. u_ Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet).

(/}uJ

-- I- A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it _ is extremely difficult to maintain your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.

"' "' Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.

u) a.

"_ O Operate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.

UNPACKING

Removing From Crate

• Remove all screws from bottom of the crate using a 1/4" socket or a flat blade screwdriver.

• Holding the sides of the crate firmly, lift the crate up and keep it aside. Avoid tire

punctures.

• Remove and discard plastic bag which covers the unit.

• Liftthe rear of the mower and clear the bottom of the crate. Repeat for the front.

Be sure parking brake is disengaged; roll unit

out of the crate's way.

Side-Discharge Chute

Loose Parts

You will findthe following loose parts in the crate. To identify these parts, see Figure 1. Remove loose parts very carefully so as not to damage or lose any.

1. Steering wheel components: steering wheel, cap, shaft, tube

2. Operator's manual (not shown in Figure 1)

3. Mulching plug & side-discharge chute

4. Oil drain sleeve

5. Battery acid pack* (not shown in Figure 1)

6. Battery cover

7. ignition keys (net shown in Figure 1)

8. Steering gear cover

9. Bumper (optional)

10. Hitch Plate (optional)

* Not included as booso part ifunit shipped with wet battery

Steering

Shaft

, Oil Drain

Sleeve

Mulching Plug

Steering

Tube

Cover

Bahery

Seat

Hitch Plate (Optional) Bumper

Figure 1

Steering

Wheel

Cap _--_-_

Steering

Steering Gear Cover

Contents of Hardware Pack

INSTALLING THE BATTERY

Battery Hold U

_'_\,Wing Nut 711-0222A

712-0397

ATTACHING SIDE-

DISCHARGE CHUTE (_

AND MULCHING PLUG _'_

.Wing Nut 712-0397__(_

Pushnut Fastener F -

726-0271

Hex Screws

_'_ 1/4-20 x 2.75"-_+

710-0564

710-0825

ATTACHING STEERING SHAFT

x375"

-- --4 _ '_

°ownRods

ATTACHING STEERING WHEEL

_ _ 4"_ 710-0643

(_),_Belleville Washer

ATTACHING STEERING TUBE

_$1/4-20 x 1.25 I'J 710-0958

_ <_--- Hex Lock Nut

ATTACHING SEAT ASSEMBLY

Hex Lock Bolt

_5/16-18 x 1.00

736-0242

ATTACHING CONTROLKNOBS

Rex Screw

1/4-20

712-0324

J_" 710-0870

_i_ _4._ Self-Tapping710.05991/4_20thd. Screw

ATTACHING STEERING GEAR COVER

_ _ _ _ _4_____ _/_!0T_t! ping Screw

ATTACHING OPTIONAL HITCH PLATE

5/16-18 x 0.75" ---,,- Hex Bolt _

710-0118

LockWasher._/ _ _,_ 2-0267

736-0119

NOTE: Reference tofront, rear, right or left hand side

of the mower is observed from the operating position.

Hex Nut

Items Required For Assembly

1. Fresh Gasoline

2. 7/16" wrench or socket (2)

3. 1/2"socket (1)

4. 9/16" wrench or socket (1)

5. Phillips head screwdriver (1)

6. Flat head screwdriver (1)

Screw 710-3217

Truss Head Machine (i_

Hex Nut 712-0142-_ _)

ATTACHING OPTIONAL BUMPER

3/8-16 x 1.0"

HexBolt _ _

710-0514_

GG -

Figure 2

IMPORTANT: Thisunit is shipped WITHOUT

GASOLINE in the engine. Be certain toservice engine withgasoline as instructedin the separate engine manua/ before operating your mower.

All hardware necessary for assembling your rider mower is included in the hardware pack. See Figure 2 and get familiar with the

hardware before starting to assemble unit.

Control Knobs

731-1918

Flange Lock Nut 3/8-16 thd. 712-0431

ASSEMBLY

Installing Battery

WARNING: Battery acid must be handled with great care as contact with it can burn and blister the skin. Wear protective

clothing (goggles, rubber gloves and apron) when working with it.

Always shield eyes, protect skin and clothing when working near batteries.

Always keep battery out of reach of children.

Should battery acid accidentally splatter into the eyes or onto the face, rinse the

affected area immediately with clean cold water. Ifthere is any further discomfort, seek prompt medical attention.

If acid spills on clothing, first dilute it with

clean water, then neutralize with a solution of ammonia/water or baking soda/water.

Since battery acid is corrosive, do not pour it intoany sink or drain. Before

discarding empty electrolyte containers,

rinsethem with a neutralizing solution. Never connect or disconnect charger clips

to battery while charger is turned on as it can cause sparks.

Keep all lighted materials (cigarettes, matches, lighters) away from the battery as

the hydrogen gas generated during charging can be combustible.

As a further precaution, only charge the battery in a well-ventilated area. Make certain venting path of battery (drain tube) is always open.

Antidote

External: Flush with water. Internal: Drink large quantities ofwater or milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten

eggs or vegetable oil. Seek medical help

immediately. Eyes: Flush with cool water for at least 15 minutes, then get prompt medical attention.

Activating the Battery

IMPORTANT: Ifyour rider mower was shipped witha

wet battery, that is with the battery already filled with

electrolyte, skip the battery set-up section entirely and go to "Installing the Battery" section on page 9.

NOTE: Continue assembling the rider mower while

the battery is standing for 30 minutes (after filling with

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

Follow the safety precautions mentioned previously.

Also remember to take added precaution, as stated below, while activating the battery.

WARNING: When not in use, keep the terminal covers in place.

Do not short battery terminals (avoid a connection between the two battery posts or between the positive terminal and the frame of the riding mower).

Before installing battery, remove metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings, etc. from your person.

Connect positive terminal first to prevent sparks from accidental grounding.

Do not use the rider mower battery to start other vehicles.

• Carefully remove electrolyte (battery fluid, acid) pack from its box.

• Using a flat head screwdriver, remove the cell caps from the battery.

• Open the carton containing the electrolyte

(acid) pack pouch. Cut 1/4" from the spout on top of the acid pack.

• Fill each cell of the battery up to the split ring. Do not exceed the maximum filllevel.

• Allow the battery to stand for30 minutes with the caps off. The electrolyte level may drop due to the chemical reaction in the battery. Add if

necessary. Do not overfill the battery. Overfillingthe battery can cause leakage which can damage your

new dder mower.

• Replace the cell caps on the battery.

Charging the Battery

,_ WARNING: While charging the battery, do

not smoke. Keep the battery away from any sparks. The fumes from the battery acid

can cause an explosion. After the battery has been charged, add only distilled water. Do not add acid.

After filling with acid the battery has reached 85% charging capacity. A newly activated battery will reach 100% capacity in 1to 2.5 hours with a 3 ampere charge.

A battery charged by the alternator will have the same life as a battery bench charged prior to installation provided that the engine is run for

1 to 2.5 hours with a 3 ampere alternator for the

initial charge.

NOTE: After battery has been charged, add only

distilled water. Do not add electrolyte (battery fluid,

acid).

Disposing of electrolyte

After filling the cells to the proper level, you may have

some extra electrolyte (battery fluid, acid) left over. Follow the steps below for proper disposal.

• Fill the plastic container halfway with tap water. Put two tablespoons of baking soda in the electrolyte/water mix. Fill rest of the container

with water.

• Pour the baking soda, water and electrolyte

mix down the sink drain under running water.

• Throw the plastic container in the garbage.

NOTE: The information listed above is for initial

charge. Refer to the Maintenance section of this manual for battery care and charging instructions

afterregu_rusage.

Installing the battery

Pivot the cover of the mower upwards as

shown in Figure 3.

Cover

Install battery

here

through the hole in the battery tray.

Pull up on the hold-down rods through the slot on the battery cover and insert one wing nut on each hold-down rod. Tighten the two wing nuts

to secure the battery to the unit. See Figure 4.

Wing Nut

Hok

Figure 4

Attaching Steering Tube

• Slide the steering tube into the steering support bracket assembly.

• Secure withhex screw and hex inserted lock nut from the hardware pack. See Figure 5.

Steering Tube-_--

Steering Support Bracket Assembly

HexScrew

Lock Nut

Figure 3

Place the battery into the battery opening with

positive terminal toward the rear of the unit.

Make certain both the negative (black) cable and the positive (red) cable are routed up

through the battery opening. See Figure 4.

Attach the positive (red) cable to the positive terminal of the battery. See Figure 4. Secure with hex bolt and nut provided with the battery.

Slide rubber boot over the positive terminal. Attach negative cable to the negative terminal with a hex bolt and nut provided. See Figure 4.

Hook the curved end of the hold-down rod

Figure 5

Attaching Steering Gear Cover, Optional

Bumper & Optional Hitch Plate

• Align the two holes on the steering gear cover with the two corresponding holes on the front frame of the rider. See Figure 6A.

• Insert two self-tapping screws from the hardware pack through these two ho_es of the gear cover and the frame as shown in Figure 6A. Secure tightly.

• If your rider mower is equipped with the optional Bumper, align the two holes at two

ends of the tube with the corresponding holes on the front of the rider. See Figure 6B. Insert

the two hex bolts from hardware pack as Shown

and secure with the locknut.

Align the holes on the hitch plate with the holes

on the rear frame assembly as shown in Figure 6C. Secure on each side with hex bolt, lock

washer and hex nut from the hardware pack.

Lock L

F NuI

rame

_ng Gee,! -_

Attaching Control Knobs

Attach control knobs to the shift lever and throttle/choke control lever using truss head

machine screws and hex nuts. See Figure 8,

_-_ _,.--_ Control Knob

Secure_ _[_(_ i

Cover

6,_ Screw

:.-:,!-"B'umpew

_ ",k. I,tex

Hitch Plate...,..,._(

Rear \ Frame _

_ _ _ _::sher

.ut

Figure 6

Attaching Steering Shaft

• Slide the steering shaft over the steering tube

and secure with three self-tapping screws from

the hardware pack. See Figure 7.

_ Steering Shaft

nw od

Figure 8

Attaching Steering Wheel

• With the wheels of the tractor pointing straight

forward, place the steering wheel over the steering shaft, positioning the steering wheel as

desired. See Figure 9.

• Place the bell washer with the cupped side down over the steering shaft. Secure with hex

lock bolt.

• Press the steering wheel insert onto the

steering wheel aligning the four tabs inthe rear ofthe steering wheel insert withthe four slots in the steering wheel sothat the cap fits snugly. See Figure 9,

Hex Lock Bolt

Steering

Wheel

P_ell Washer

Steering

Secure with

self-tapping

screw

Steering Wheel

Insert

Figure 7

Figure 9

lot

Attaching Side Discharge Chute

Your riding mower is shipped to you with the grasscatcher fullyassembled on the unit, A side discharge chute and a mulching plug are includedas

loose parts, Follow the instructionsbelow to attach

the side-discharge chute,

WARNING: Do not operate the mower if any one of the grasscatcher, discharge

chute or mulching plug isnotfirmly installed on the mower.

side, or (iii) to mulch grass and recirculate clippings

back to the lawn. For the third option, attach the mulching plug to the side-discharge chute and then to

the deck.

Wing Nut_ !Side Discharge Chute

Pivot the cover up and lower the cutting height

adjustment lever to the lowest position.

Remove the two wing nuts (A and B in Figure

10) from two ends of the grasscatcher chute.

Grasscatcher

Discharge Wing

Nut B

Wing

gNutC

Win Nut A

Figure 10

Loosen the two wing nuts (C and D in Figure

10) in the middle of the chute. Do not remove.

Allfour wing nuts (A, B, C, and D) holdthe chute to the deck frame.

Slide the grasscatcher chute to the rightand out of the deck frame.

Slide the side-discharge chute in and place it on the deck sothat the four wing nut positions

align with those on the deck.

Reinsert wing nuts A and B that you had earlier

removed. Tighten to secure. Tighten the two wing nuts C and D. Check and make sure that the side-discharge chute is properly installed and the hardware tightly

secured.

Attaching Mulch Plug

While operating your ridermower, you have three options: (i) to collect grass clippings in the

grasscatcher, (ii) to discharge grass clippings on the

Speed-

Nut

Hex Bolt Plug

f_ Mulching

Figure 11

To assemble the mulching plug, put two hex bolts throughthe mulching plug at the

respective openings. Place speed nuts over the hex bolts.

• Insert the plug into the side discharge chute

aligning the two slots on the two sides of the side-discharge chute with those on the

mulching plug. See Figure 11.

• Place wing nut on each of the hex bolts and thread a few turns. Check that the plug is

aligned correctly within the discharge chute.

• Tighten both wing nuts

To attach the mulching plug now tothe unit,

follow instructions to attach sidedischarge chute to the deck.

Installing Seat and Safety Switch

• Pivot the cover ofthe mower upwards.

• Alignthe slots in the frame with the four holes

on the bottom of the seat and secure withfour self-tapping screws. See Figure 12.

• Align the tabs on the safety switchwith the large cut-out on the bottom of the seat, push

the safety switch in and turn clockwise to lock.

See Figure 12.

Seeping Screw

\ J

Alig_

safety switch and

turn

_lockwise to secure

Figure 12

OPERATION

Know Your Rider Mower

Compare the illustrationsonthispage withyour ridermower to familiarize yourselfwith the locationofvarious controls

and adjustments. The operation of any ridermower can result inforeign objectsbeing thrownintothe operator'seyes,

causing severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses before operating the mower, or while performing any

adjustmentsor repairs on it.

Grass Indicator

Ignition

Key

Side Discharge

Chute

Seat

Throttle/Choke Steering Wheel

Control J

Shift Lever

-- Cutting Height

Adjustment Lever

Blade Engagement

Pedal

\ Speed

\ Control

Cutting Pedal Brake Deck

Figure 13

Pedal

Blade En

Pedal

Parking Brake

Lock

Cover

Engine

Battery

Figure 14

Know the Controls

(Refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14.) Throttle/Choke Control: Use to regulate the engine

speed and to start the engine. Speed Control Pedal: Use to regulate the ground

speed of the rider mower. Ignition Switch: Use to turn the engine ON or OFF. Shift Lever: Use to change direction ofthe mower.

Grass Fill Level Indicator: Use to determine the level ofgrass clipping inthe bag and when to stop

and empty it. Parking Brake:Use to stop the mower from moving

while parked.

Blade Engagement Pedal: Use to engage or disengage the blade.

Blade Lock: Use to lock blade atthe engaged

position. Cutting Height Adjustment Lever: Use to raise and

lowerthe cutting deck which determines the cutting height.

Brake Pedal: Use to stop the mower's forward or reverse motion.

Safety Interlock

This unit is equipped with a safety interlocksystem for your protection. The interlock safety switches are

connected to the brake pedal, the blade engagement pedal, the shift lever, and the seat.

The purpose of the safety interlock system is threefold:

a to prevent the engine from starting unless

the brake pedal is depressed and the blade

engagement pedal is disengaged;

b. to shut off the engine ifthe blade pedal is

not disengaged when the shiftlever isput into reverse; and

c. to shut the engine offwhen the operator

leaves the seat without engaging the parking brake.

injury, do not operate the ridermower if the WARNING: To avoidthe riskof serious

interlock system is malfunctioning.

To MaintainSafety

WARNING: It is very important that you

maintain safety while operating your rider mower, Observing the caution rules mentioned below will enable you to enjoy

your rider mower.

Avoid serious injury or death. Go up and down slopes, not across.

Avoid sudden turns.

Do not operate the unitwhere itcould slip or tip.

If your rider mower stops while going uphill,

stop the blade(s) and reverse downhill slowly.

Do not mow when children or others are

around. Never carry children. Look down and behind before and while

reversing. Keep safety devices (guards, shields, and switches) inplace and working. Remove objects that could be thrown bythe

blade(s).

Know location and function of all controls. Be sure blade(s) and engine are stopped

before placing hands or feet near blade(s). Before leaving operator's position, disengage

blade(s), place the shift lever in neutral, engage

parking brake, shut engine offand remove key.

Stopping Mower

• Release blade engagement pedal all the way.

• Release the speed control pedal and depress the brake pedal.

• When the mower comes to a complete stop,

place the shift lever in neutral.

• Engage the parking brake by pulling up on the

parking brake knob.

• Turn the ignition key to OFF position and

remove the key.

Using Throttle/Choke Control

The throttle/choke control is used to increase or decrease the speed ofthe engine.The FAST and the

SLOW positions are marked with illustrations of a rabbit and a turtle respectively. See Figure 15.

• For normal operation and when using a grasscatcher, move the throttle/choke control

to the FAST position.

• For maximum charging of the battery and also for a cooler engine while running, move the threttle/choke controlto the FAST position.

• For transport and to tow pull-behind attachments, move the throttle/choke control to

the SLOW position.

• Do not adjust the governor to increase or decrease the engine speed. The governor is set at the factory for maximum engine

performance, and should not be altered.

Using Shift Lever

The shiftlever is used to regulate the direction of your

rider mower. Itcan be set at forward, neutral, or reverse settings.These settings, marked as F, N,and R respectively, are located next to the shift lever on the unit. See Figure 15.

• Before you move the shift lever to any of the positions, depress the brake pedal and stopthe

unit. Keep your foot on the brake pedal.

Figure 15

Move the lever outwards (left) to remove the locking pin from the lever and slide the lever to

the position desired. Look at the rear and make sure the path is free of obstacles before

positioning the shift lever to the reverse.

Do not force the shift lever. If it does not shift, release the brake pedal slightly to line up the

shifting collar inthe transmission, then try to move the shift lever.

Slowly release the brake pedal and take your

foot off the pedal. Always make sure that there is no one in the way when you run the mower.

Adjusting Cutting Height

The deck cutting height adjustment lever islocated on the cover. For a representation of the cutting height

positions, refer to Figure 15.

• Pull the lever out ofthe slot and slide it upward

or downward to the desired cutting height.

• Lower the cutting height to mow close to the

ground.

Raise the deck height to the highest position

when you ride on a sidewalk or a road.

• To mow tall or thick grass, move the cutting

height adjustment lever to the highest position and cut. Then move the lever to a lower

position and cut again.

Using Parking Brake

To engage perking brake

• Completely push the brake pedal down and

stop the unit. With your right foot on the brake pedal, move

the shift lever tothe neutral position.

Continuing to hold down the brake pedal with

your rightfoot, pull up the parking brake knob.

Make sure the parking brake holds the unit.

Release the brake pedal. Stop the engine and remove the ignition key. Now your rider mower is parked.

To release the parking brake

• Depress the brake pedal. The parking brake

will be automatically disengaged.

Before Starting service the engine with gasoline as described in the

engine manual.

is running or hot. Do not smoke while filling

Never fill fuel tank indoors, or when engine up the gasoline tank.

Starting Engine

(Refer to Figure 16,)

• Attach the wire to the spark plug. Depress the brake pedal with your right foot.

• Set throttle/choke control in the CHOKE position (all the way forward).

• Place the shift lever inthe NEUTRAL position.

• Turn the ignition key to the START position. As soon as the engine starts, let the key return to the ON position.

• Move throttle/choke control out of CHOKE position and into FAST throttle position.

Hold straight

Place st N Move to FAST

to ON

Figure 16

Starting Mower

• Depress the brake pedal so that the parking brake is disengaged.

• Place the shift lever in either the FORWARD or the REVERSE position as you desire. Look to

the rear and check before backing up,

Release the brake pedal.

• Depress the speed control pedal.

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