MTD 688, 685, 683, 682, 668 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

Transmatic Lawn Tractor

MODELS 660,680

662,682
663,683

665,685
668,688

IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.

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, itshould 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 361131
Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722,

MTD LLC, P.O.BOX361131CLEVELAND,OHIO44136-9722

PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 769-00533B.

(10/20/2003)

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Content Page Content Page

Customer Support 2 Maintenance 20
Important Safe Operation Practices 3 Service 22

Tractor Set-up 8 Off-season Storage 26

Controls 11 Attachments & Accessories 27

Operation 13 Warranty Back Cover

FINDINGMODELNUMBER

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new lawn tractor. It will help you assemble, prepare and
maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.

Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the equipment
and copy the information from it in the space provided below. A sample model plate is also given below.
You can locate the model plate by looking at the underside of the seat. This information will be necessary
to use the manufacturer's web site and/or help from the Customer Support Department or an authorized

service dealer.

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

www mtdprodbcts con

CUSTOMERSUPPORT

Pleasedo NOTreturntheunittotheretailerwithoutfirstcontactingCustomerSupport.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or

maintenance of this unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

_ Visit mtdproducts.com for many useful suggestions. Click on Customer Support button and

yOUwill get the four options reproduced here. Click on the appropriate button and help is

_mmediately available.

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_ooKlg"-_nfbr cou/d oejs_u-_ Lo_.,,._.o_.,heo,o,,,,_,_,_o,,__,,_........ looking for cou/d u_j_"-:u"

8 mouse crick 8w8 S

, _o_o, a mouse crick away!

m_ho_Jf_/_r_IH mFLI_l_d_&, el update ye_lJ U_els#ll_l

:

If you prefer to reach a Customer Support Representative, please call (330) 220-4MTD or1(800) 800-7310.

The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regard to

_erformance, power-rating, specifications, warranty engine

manufacturer's Owner's/Operator's Manual, packed separately with your unit, for more
information.

and service. Please refer to the

SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES

WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger

the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual
before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal
injury. When you see this symbol--heed its warning.

DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this man-

ual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in
serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to
observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

,_ WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain

GENERAL OPERATION

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the

2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper

3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate

4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without

5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object

6. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment

7. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of

8. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles

9. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-

or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.

10. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge
direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not

machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe
place for future and regular reference and for
ordering replacement parts.

operation. Know how to stop the machine and
disengage them quickly.

this machine. Children 14 years old and over
should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual and
should be trained and supervised by a parent.

proper instruction.

injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets
at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in

operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire,
bones, toys, and other foreign objects which could

be picked up and thrown by the blade(s). Thrown
objects can cause serious personal injury.

material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and
the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a
walt or obstruction which may cause discharged
material to ricochet back toward the operator.

during operation and while performing an
adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown
objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to
the eyes.

fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes and

jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never

operate this machine in bare feet or sandals.

operate the mower without the discharge cover or
entire grass catcher in its proper place.

11. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or
under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s)
can amputate hands and feet.

12. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause
blade contact or thrown object injuries.

13. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives,
walks, or roads and while not cutting grass.

14. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways. This machine is not intended for use on

any public roadway.

15. Do not operate the machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.

16. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

17. Never carry passengers.

18. Disengage blade(s) before shifting into reverse.
Back up slowly. Always look down and behind
before and while backing to avoid a back-over

accident.

19. Slow down before turning. Operate the machine
smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive
speed.

20. Disengage blade(s), set parking brake, stop engine
and wait until the blade(s) come to a complete stop

before removing grass catcher, emptying grass,
unclogging chute, removing any grass or debris, or

making any adjustments.

21. Never leave a running machine unattended.
Always turn off blade(s), place transmission in
neutral, set parking brake, stop engine and remove
key before dismounting.

22. Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer ortruck. This unit should not

be driven up or down ramp(s), because the unit
could tip over, causing serious personal injury.The
unit must be pushed manually on ramp(s) to load or
unload properly.

23.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea
burn.Donottouch.

24.Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedriving
underlowhangingtreebranches,wires,door

openingsetc.,wheretheoperatormaybestruckor
pulledfromtheunit,whichcouldresultinserious

injury.

25.Disengageallattachmentclutches,depressthe
brakepedalcompletelyandshiftintoneutralbefore

attemptingtostartengine.

26.Yourmachineisdesignedtocutnormalresidential
grassofaheightnomorethan10".Donotattempt

tomowthroughunusuallytall,drygrass(e.g.,
pasture)orpilesofdryleaves.Drygrassorleaves

maycontacttheengineexhaustand/orbuildupon
themowerdeckpresentingapotentialfirehazard.

27.Useonlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapproved
forthismachinebythemachinemanufacturer.
Read,understandandfollowallinstructions
providedwiththeapprovedaccessoryor

attachment.

28.Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60yearsand
above,areinvolvedinalargepercentageofriding
mower-relatedinjuries.Theseoperatorsshould
evaluatetheirabilitytooperatetheridingmower
safelyenoughtoprotectthemselvesandothers
fromseriousinjury.

29.Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis
manual,usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyour

customerservicerepresentativeforassistance.

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. If you cannot
back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow

it.

For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of
this manual to measure slopes before operating this
unit on a sloped or hilly area. Ifthe slope is greater than

15 degrees as shown on the slope gauge, do not
operate this unit on that area or serious injury could

result.

DO:

1.

Mow up and down slopes, not across. Exercise
extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes.

2.

Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other
hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

3. Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed
setting so that you will not have to stop or shift while
on the slope. Tires may lose traction on slopes
even though the brakes are functioning properly.
Always keep machine in gear when going down
slopes to take advantage of engine braking action.

4. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for
wheel weights or counterweights to improve

stability.

5. Use extra care with grass catchers or other
attachments. These can change the stability of the

machine.

6. Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
Rapid engagement or braking could cause the front
of the machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards
which could cause serious injury.

7. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose
traction, disengage the blade(s) and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.

DO NOT:

1. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

2. 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, ditch, or if
an edge caves in.

3. Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your

foot on the ground.

4. Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes.

5. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could
cause sliding.

6. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill. Over-
speeding may cause the operator to lose control of

the machine resulting in serious injury or death.

7. Do not tow heavy pull behind attachments (e.g.
loaded dump cart, lawn roller, etc.) on slopes
greater than 5 degrees. When going down hill, the
extra weight tends to push the tractor and may
cause you to loose control. (e.g. tractor may speed
up, braking and steering ability are reduced,
attachment may jack-knife and cause tractor to
overturn).

CHILDREN

1.

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

attracted to the machine and the mowing activity.
They do not understand the dangers. Never

assume that children will remain where you last
saw them.

a. Keep children out of the mowing area and in

watchful care of a responsible adult other
than the operator.

b. Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters

the area.

c. Beforeandwhilebacking,lookbehindand

downforsmallchildren.

d. Nevercarrychildren,evenwiththeblade(s)

shutoff.Theymayfalloffandbeseriously
injuredorinterferewithsafemachine
operation.

e. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblind

corners,doorways,shrubs,treesorother
objectsthatmayblockyourvisionofachild

whomayrunintothemachine.

f. Disengagethecuttingblade(s)before

shiftinginreverse.The"No-Cut-InReverse"

featureisaremindernottocutinreverseand
tohelpavoidbackoveraccidents.Donot

defeatit.

g. Keepchildrenawayfromhotorrunning

engines.Theycansufferburnsfromahot
muffler.

h. Removekeywhenmachineisunattendedto

preventunauthorizedoperation.

g.

Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldtooperate
themachine.Children14yearsoldandovershould
readandunderstandtheoperationinstructionsand
safetyrulesinthismanualandshouldbetrained
andsupervisedbyaparent.

TOWING

1. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed
for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except

at the hitch point.

2. Follow the manufacturers recommendation for
weight limits for towed equipment and towing on

slopes.

3. Never allow children or others in or on towed
equipment.

4. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may
cause loss of traction and loss of control.

5. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

6. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.

SERVICE

SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE:

1.

To avoid personal injury or property damage
use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is

extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is

spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite.
Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.

a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Never fill containers inside a vehicle oron a

truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always

place containers on the ground away from
your vehicle before filling.

c. When practical, remove gas-powered

equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel
it on the ground. Ifthis is not possible, then
refuel such equipment on a trailer with a
portable container, rather than from a
gasoline dispenser nozzle.

d. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the

fuel tank or container opening at all times
until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle
lock-open device.

e. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and

other sources of ignition.

f. Neverfuel machine indoors.
g. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the

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

h. Never overfill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more

than ½ inch below bottom of filler neck to

allow space for fuel expansion.
i. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
j. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine

and equipment. Move unit to another area.

Wait 5 minutes before starting the engine.
k. To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of

grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean

up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel

soaked debris.
I. Never store the machine or fuel container

inside where there is an open flame, spark or

pilot light as on a water heater, space heater,

furnace, clothes dryer or other gas

appliances.
m. Allow a machine to cool at least five minutes

before storing.

GENERAL SERVICE:

1. Never run an engine indoors orina poorly

ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless, and deadly gas.

2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make
certain the blade(s) and all moving parts have

stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground against the engine to prevent unintended

starting.

3. Periodically check to make sure the blades come to
complete stop within approximately (5) five
seconds after operating the blade disengagement
control. If the blades do not stop within the this time

frame, your unit should be serviced professionally

by an authorized MTD Service Dealer.

4. Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected
to wear during normal operation. Adjust and service
as required.

5. Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at

frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also,

visually inspect blade(s) for damage (e.g.,
excessive wear, bent, cracked).

Replacetheblade(s)withtheoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)blade(s)only,listedinthis
manual."Useofpartswhichdonotmeetthe
originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"

6. Mowerbladesaresharp.Wrapthebladeorwear
gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.

7. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstighttobesurethe
equipmentisinsafeworkingcondition.

8. Nevertamperwiththesafetyinterlocksystemor
othersafetydevices.Checktheirproperoperation
regularly.

9. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,
disconnectthesparkplugwire(s)andground
againsttheengine.Thoroughlyinspectthe
machineforanydamage.Repairthedamage
beforestartingandoperating.

10.Neverattempttomakeadjustmentsorrepairsto
themachinewhiletheengineisrunning.

WARNING: YOUR RESPONSIBILITY- 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.

11.Grasscatchercomponentsandthedischarge
coveraresubjecttowearanddamagewhichcould
exposemovingpartsorallowobjectstobethrown.
Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponents
andreplaceimmediatelywithodginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthis
manual."Useofpartswhichdonotmeetthe
originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"

12.Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsor
over-speedtheengine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe

maximumsafeoperatingspeedoftheengine.

13.Maintainorreplacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as
necessary.

14.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsfor
gas,oil,etc.to protecttheenvironment.

TO AVOID SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH

' COUPANDDOWNSLOPES,OUTACROSS.

• AVOIDSUDDENTURNS,

• DONOTOPERATETHEUNiTWHEREIT

COULDSUPORTIP=

* IFMACHRESTOPSGOINGUPHILL,STOP

BLADE(S)ANDBACKDOWNHILLULOWLY,

• DONOTMOWWHENCHILDREN

OROTHERSAREAROUND.

* REVERCERRyCHILDRENEVENWITH

BLADESOFF.

• LOOKDOWN& BEDIOUREFOREA_ND

WHILEBACKING.

t KEEPSAFETYDEVICES(GUANDS_

SHIELDS,ANDSWITCHES_ETC.)

INPLACEANDWORKING.

• REMOVEOBJECTSTHATCOULD
BETHROWNBYTHEULARE(S),

, KNOWLOCATIONANDFUNCTIONOFALL

CONTROLS.

• RESt_E ULARE(S)ANDED61REARE
STOPPEDREFOREPLACINGHANDS

ORFRETNEARBLARE(S).

• BEFORELEAVIOUOPERATOR'SPosmoN,
OISEDGACEBLADE(S),PLACETRECONTROL

LEVERIN NEUTRAL,ENGAGEPARKING
BRAKE,SHUTOFFANDREMOVEREY.

READ OPERATOR'S

MANUAL

SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE

A POWER POLE

A CORNER OF A BUILDING

OR A FENCE POST

hlWARNING

m_ DOnot mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). 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

UJ

tJ3 Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.

your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.

SECTION3: TRACTORSET-UP

IMPORTANT:Your tractor is shipped with motor oil in the engine. However, you MUST check the oil level before

starting the engine and operating. Refer to the separate Briggs & Stratton Operator/Owner Manual (or Tecumseh
eng ne s Owner s Manua ) packed w th your tractor. Read nstruct ons carefu y.

NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the unit

is observed from the driver's seat, facing forward.

ToolsRequiredForSet-up

(1) 1/2" socket wrench (for steering wheel)
(1) 9/16" wrench or socket wrench (for models with

standard adjustment seat only)

ShippingBraceRemoval

,_ WARNING: Make sure the riding mower's

engine is off, remove the ignition key, and set
the parking brake before removing the
shipping brace.

Locate the shipping brace and warning tag found
on the right side of the mower, between the
discharge chute and the cutting deck. See Figure 1.

Waming Tag

Figure 1

AttachingTheSteeringWheel

The hardware for attaching the steering wheel has
been packed within the steering wheel, beneath
steering wheel cap. Carefully pry offthe steering
wheel cap and remove the hardware.

NOTE: There are two different styles of steering

wheel cap. See Figure 2. Styles vary by model.

Remove the steering bellow from its packaged
location on the deck engagement/lift lever (found

on the right hand side of tractor). NOTE: Tractor

models 668 & 688 do NOT require a steering bellow
and do NOT come equipped with one.

On models so equipped, place the steering bellow

over the steering shaft extending through the dash.
See Figure 2.

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.

With the wheels of the tractor pointing straight

forward, place the steering wheel over the steering
shaft.

Place the washer (with the cupped side down) over
the steering shaft and secure with the hex bolt. See
Figure 2.

Place the steering wheel cap over the center of the
steering wheel and push downward until it "clicks"

into place.

Steering

Wheel Cap _

While holding the discharge chute with your left
hand, remove the shipping brace with your right

hand by grasping it between your thumb and index
finger and rotating it clockwise.

WARNING: The shipping brace, used for

shipping purposes only, must be removed and
discarded before operating your riding mower.

WARNING: The mowing deck is capable of

throwing objects. Failure to operate the riding
mower without the discharge cover in the

proper operating position could result in
serious personal injury and/or property

damage.

& Washer

Figure 2

AttachingTheSeat

Seat styles vary by tractor model and there are three
different styles available:

Standard Adjustment
Quick Adjustment &

Knob Adjustment

Refer to Figure 3, Figure 4 and Figure 5to identify your

tractor's seat style and follow applicable instructions
below.

NOTE: For shipping reasons, seats are either

fastened to the tractor seat's pivot bracket with a plastic
tie, or mounted backward to the pivot bracket. In either
case, free the seat form its shipping position and
remove the two hex screws (or knobs, on models so
equipped) from the bottom of seat before proceeding

with applicable instructions below.

StandardAdjustment

HexScrews

Shoulder

Screws

Opening

in Slot \

Pivot Bracket

StandardAdjustmentSeat

1. Position the shoulder screws (found on the base of
the seat) inside the slot openings in the seat pivot
bracket. Figure 3.

2. Slide the seat slightly rearward in the seat pivot
bracket, lining up the rear slots in the pivot bracket
with the remaining two holes in the seat's base.

3. Select desired position for the seat, and secure with
the two hex screws removed earlier. See Figure 3.

QuickAdjustmentSeat

NOTE: If your seat was shipped mounted backwards

on the seat pivot bracket, pull out the tab found on the
seat stop and hold it open while sfiding the seat off the
seat pivot bracket. See Figure 4.

1. Line up the plastic seat spacers with the slots in
seat pivot bracket.

2. Slide seat in until front seat spacer engages the
seat stop. See Figure 4.

,_ WARNING: Before operating this machine,

KnobAdjustmentSeat

1. Position the shoulder screws (found on the base of

2. Slide the seat slightly rearward in the seat pivot

3. Select desired position for the seat, and secure with

make sure the seat is engaged in the seat
stop, stand behind the machine and pull back
on seat until fully engaged into stop.

the seat) inside the slot openings in the seat pivot
bracket. Figure 5.

bracket, lining up the rear slots in the pivot bracket
with the remaining two holes in the seat's base.

the two knobs removed earlier. See Figure 5.

QuickAdjustment

Seat Stop

\

Pivot Bracket

KnobAdjustment

Knobs

Screws

Figure 3

)

Figure 4

Figure 5

GasandOilFill-up

The gasoline tank is located under the hood and has a
capacity of 1-1/2 gallons. Do not overfill.

Identifyingthe MulchPlug(if soequipped)

On tractor models with 38- and 42-inch decks so
equipped, a mulch plug can be found within the cutting

deck's discharge opening.

handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely

WARNING: Use extreme care when

flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Never fuel machine indoors or while the

engine is hot or running. Extinguish
cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of
ignition.

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in
the separate Briggs & Stratton Operator!Owner Manual
(or Tecumseh engine's Owner's Manual) packed with
your tractor. Read instructions carefully.

IMPORTANT:Your tractor is shipped with motor oil in the
engine. However, you MUST check the oil level before
operating. Be careful not to overfill.

TirePressure

_, WARNING: Maximum tire pressure under

The tires on your unit may be over-inflated for shipping
purposes. Reduce the tire pressure before operating
the tractor. Recommended operating tire pressure is
approximately 10 p.s.i for the rear tires & 14 p.s.i, for
the front tires. Check sidewall of tire for maximum p.s.i.

any circumstances is 30 psi. Equal tire

pressure should be maintained at all times.

NOTE: Refer to Mulchingon page 15 for more detailed

information.

If you'd prefer to operate the cutting deck without
mulching, simply remove the mulch plug by

unthreading the plastic wing nut which fastens it to the
cutting deck. This will allow the grass clippings to

discharge out of the discharge opening during
operation. See Figure 6.

@

Plastic Wing Nut Mulch Plug

Figure 6

10