MTD 13AB775S000 Owner’s Manual

Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Service • Troubleshooting

OperatOr’s Manual

Lawn Tractor

Table of Contents

Safe Operation Practices ........................................ 2

Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 6

Controls & Operation .............................................10

WARNING

READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL

BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models. Features may vary by model. Not all features in this manual are applicable to all
models and the model depicted may differ from yours.

Product Care ...........................................................14

Parts/Warranty .............. See Separate Supplement

Form No. 769-17290B

(May 20, 2019)

Important Safe Operation Practices

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!

WARNING

California Proposition 65

Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Batter y posts, term inals, and rela ted accessorie s contain lead an d lead compound s, chemicals k nown to the State of Ca lifornia to cau se cancer and re productiv e harm. Wash hands after handling.

DANGER

This mac hine was built to be o perated accor ding to the safe op eration prac tices in this man ual. As with any ty pe of power equip ment, carele ssness or error o n the part of the o perator can res ult 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.

General Operation

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions
on the machine and in the manual(s) before
attempting to assemble and op erate. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference and for ordering replacement parts.

2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper
operation. Know how to stop the machine
and disengage them quickly.

3. Never allow children under 14 years of age to
operate this machine. Children 14 and over
should read and understand the instructions
and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and should be trained
and supervised by an adult.

4. Never allow adults to operate this machine
without proper instruction.

5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown
object 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.

6. Thoroughly inspect the area where the
equipment 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.

7. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid
discharge of material toward roads,
sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also,
avoid discharging material against a wall or
obstruction which may cause discharged
material to ricochet back toward the operator.

8. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles
during operation and while performing an
adjustment or repair to protect your eyes.
Thrown objects which ricochet can cause
serious injury to the eyes.

9. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and
close-fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting
clothes and jewelry can be caught in movable
parts. Never operate this machine in bare feet
or sandals.

10. For extended use of this product, hearing
protection is required.

11. Be aware of the mower and attachment
discharge direction and do not point it at
anyone. Do not operate the mower without
the discharge cover or entire grass catcher in
its proper place.

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

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

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

15. Watch for traffic when operating near or
crossing roadways. This machine is not
intended for use on any public roadway.

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

17. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

18. Never carry passengers.

19. 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.

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

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck. This machine
should not be driven up or down ramp(s),
because the machine could tip over, causing
serious personal injury. The machine must be
pushed manually on ramp(s) to load or unload
properly.

24. Muffler and engine become hot and can
cause a burn. Do not touch.

25. Check overhead clearances carefully before
driving under low hanging tree branches,
wires, door openings etc., where the operator
may be struck or pulled from the machine,
which could result in serious injury.

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

27. Your machine 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. Dry
grass or leaves may contact the engine exhaust
and/or build up on the mower deck presenting
a potential fire hazard.

28. Use only accessories and attachments
approved for this machine by the machine
manufacturer. Read, understand and follow
all instructions provided with the approved
accessory or attachment.

29. Data indicates that operators, age 60 years
and above, are involved in a large percentage
of riding mower-related injuries. These
operators should evaluate their ability to
operate the riding mower safely enough to
protect themselves and others from serious
injury.

30. If situations occur which are not covered in
this manual, use care and good judgment.
Contact your customer service representative
for assistance.

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 machine on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope
is greater than 15 degrees as shown on the slope
gauge, do not operate this machine 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.

2

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. Before and while backing, look behind

and down for small children.

d. Never carry children, even with the

blade(s) shut off. They may fall off and
be seriously injured or interfere with safe
machine operation.

e. Use extreme care when approaching

blind corners, doorways, shrubs, trees or
other objects that may block your vision
of a child who may run into the path of
the machine.

f. To avoid back-over accidents, always

disengage the cutting blade(s) before
shifting into Reverse. If equipped, the
“Reverse Caution Mode” should not
be used when children or others are
around.

g. Keep children away from hot or running

engines. They can suffer burns from a
hot muffler.

h. Remove key when machine is

unattended to prevent unauthorized
operation.

2. Never allow children under 14 years of age to
operate this machine. Children 14 and over
should read and understand the instructions
and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and should be trained and
supervised by an adult.

Tow ing

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. Always use extra caution when towing with
a machine capable of making tight turns (e.g.
“zero-turn” ride-on mower). Make wide turns to
avoid jack-knifing.

6. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

7. 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 or

on 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. If this 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. Never fuel machine indoors.
g. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while

the engine is hot or running. Allow

engine to cool at least two minutes

before refueling.
h. Never over fill 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 machine

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.
l. 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 or in a 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 machine
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). Replace
the blade(s) with the original equipment
manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) blade(s) only, listed
in this manual. “Use of parts which do not
meet the original equipment specifications
may lead to improper performance and
compromise safety!”

6. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when
servicing them.

7. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure
the equipment is in safe working condition.

8. Never tamper with the safety interlock system
or other safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.

9. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground
against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the
machine for any damage. Repair the damage
before starting and operating.

10. Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to
the machine while the engine is running.

11. Grass catcher components and the discharge
cover are subject to wear and damage which
could expose moving parts or allow objects to
be thrown. For safety protection, frequently
check components and replace immediately
with original equipment manufacturer’s
(O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this manual.
“Use of parts which do not meet the original
equipment specifications may lead to
improper performance and compromise
safety!”

12. Do not change the engine governor settings
or over-speed the engine. The governor
controls the maximum safe operating speed of
the engine.

13. Maintain or replace safety and instruction
labels, as necessary.

14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations
for gas, oil, etc. to protect the environment.

15. According to the Consumer Products
Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this
product has an Average Useful Life of seven
(7) years, or 270 hours of operation. At the end
of the Average Useful Life have the machine
inspected annually by an authorized service
dealer to ensure that all mechanical and
safety systems are working properly and not
worn excessively. Failure to do so can result in
accidents, injuries or death.

Do not modify engine

To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify
engine in any way. Tampering with the governor
setting can lead to a runaway engine and cause it to
operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper with factory
setting of engine governor.

Notice Regarding Emissions

Engines which are certified to comply with California
and federal EPA emission regulations for SORE
(Small Off Road Equipment) are certified to operate
on regular unleaded gasoline, and may include
the following emission control systems: Engine
Modification (EM), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary
Air Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so
equipped.

When required, models are equipped with low
permeation fuel lines and fuel tanks for evaporative
emission control. California models may also include
a carbon canister. Please contact Customer Support
for information regarding the evaporative emission
control configuration for your model.

Spark Arrestor

WARNING

This machine 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 engi ne’s exhaust sys tem is equipped w ith a spark arre stor
meetin g applicable l ocal or state law s (if any).

If a spark arrestor 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 arrestor for the muffler is available through
your nearest engine authorized service dealer or
contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131
Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

3

Safety Symbols

This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before attempting to
assemble and operate.

Symbol Description

READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate

DANGER — ROTATING BLADES
Never carry passengers. Never carry children, even with the blades off.

DANGER — ROTATING BLADES
Always look down and behind before and while backing to avoid a back-over accident.

DANGER — ROTATING BLADES
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate hands and feet.
Be sure blades and engine are stopped before placing hands or feet near blades.

DANGER — BYSTANDERS
Mowing in reverse is not recommended. Do not mow when children or others are around. Keep bystanders, helpers, children
and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation.

DANGER — THROWN OBJECTS
This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury. Remove objects which could be
thrown by the blades.

DANGER — SLOPE OPERATION
Go up and down slopes, not across. Use extra caution on slopes. Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees. Avoid sudden turns.
Use low speed. Do not operate machine where it could tip or slip. If machine stops going uphill, stop blades and back down
slowly.

DANGER — ROTATING BLADES
Before leaving operator’s position, disengage blades, engage parking brake, shut off engine and remove key. Keep safety devices
(guards, shields, switches, etc.) in place and in working order.

DANGER — HOT SURFACES
Allow machine to cool before fueling or storing.

max10"

DANGER — HOT SURFACES
Do not drive through piles of dry leaves or tall dry grass. Keep machine free of debris.

WARNING — HOT SURFACES
Operation of this equipment may create sparks that can start fires around dry vegetation. A spark arrestor may be required. The
operator should contact local fire agencies for laws or regulations relating to fire prevention requirements.

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.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

4

Slopes a re a major facto r related to tip- over and roll-ove r accidents whi ch can result in s evere injury o r death. Do not oper ate machine on slo pes in excess of 15 deg rees. All slope s require ext ra caution. If yo u cannot back up th e slope or if you fee l uneasy on it, do n ot mow it.

Always mow u p and down slopes , never across the f ace of slopes.

To check the slope, proceed as follows:

1. Remove this page and fold along the dashed line.

2. Locate a vertical object on or behind the slope (e.g. a pole, building, fence, tree, etc.)

3. Align either side of the slope gauge with the object (See Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

4. Adjust gauge up or down until the left corner touches the slope (See Figure 1 and Figure 2).

5. If there is a gap below the gauge, the slope is too steep for safe operation (See Figure 2 above).

(OK) (TOO STEEP)

IF A SLOPE IS TOO STEEP FOR SAFE OPERATION!

USE THIS SLOPE GAUGE TO DETERMINE

15°/25% dashed line

Slope Gauge

15°/25% Slope

WARNING

Figure 2Figure 1

Slope

15°/25%

5Important Safe operatIon pr actIceS

Assembly & Set-Up 2

Foot Control CVT

(Page 9)

CVT

(Page 9)

Hydrostatic

(Page 9)

(b)

(b)

(a)

(a)

(c)

Thank You

Thank you for purchasing this product. It was carefully engineered to provide
excellent performance when properly operated and maintained.

Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment. It instructs you
how to safely and easily set up, operate and maintain your machine. Please be sure
that you, and any other persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the
recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could result in personal
injury or property damage.

All information in this manual is relative to the most recent product information
available at the time. Review this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the
machine, its features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator’s Manual
may cover a range of product specifications for various models. Characteristics
and features discussed and/or illustrated in this manual may not be applicable to

all models. We reserve the right to change product specifications, designs and
equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

If applicable, the power testing information used to establish the power rating of
the engine equipped on this machine can be found at ww w.opei.org or the engine
manufacturer’s web site.

If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine, phone your local
authorized service dealer or contact us directly. We want to ensure your complete
satisfaction at all times.

Throughout this manual, all references to right and left side of the machine are
observed from the operating position.

Contents of Carton

• Lawn Tractor (1) • Steering Wheel (1) -- Cup Washer (1) & Hex Bolt (1) • Operator’s Manual (1)

• Ignition Key (1) • Se at (1) • Engine Operator’s Manual (1)

• Plastic Oil Drain Sleeve (1) † • Dash Shroud (1) † • Fast Start Guide (1)†

• Oil Drain Hose (1) † • Deck Wash Nozzle (1) † • Parts/Warranty Document (1)

• Hood Scoop (1) † • Hose Coupler (1) † • Product Registration Card (1) †

† — If Equipped

Note: This Operator’s Manual covers several models. Features may vary by model. Not all features in this manual are applicable to all models and the model depicted may
differ from yours. Refer to Figure 2-1 to match your transmission style; Foot Control CV T (Continuously Variable Transmission), CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or
Hydrostatic.

Tools Required

• Adjustable Wrench or Socket Set

Connecting the Battery Cables

WARNING

California PROPOSITION 65 Battery posts, terminals,
and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemic als known to the Sta te of Californi a to cause cance r and
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

6

Figure 2-1

CAUTION

When att aching bat tery cables , always connec t the POSITIVE (Red )
wire to it s terminal fi rst, followe d by the NEGATIVE (Black) wi re.

For shipping reasons, both battery cables on your
equipment may have been left disconnected from the
terminals at the factory. To connect the battery cables,
proceed as follows:

Note: The positive battery terminal is marked Pos. (+).
The negative battery terminal is marked Neg. (–).

1. Remove the plastic cover, if present, from the
positive battery terminal and attach the red
cable to the positive battery terminal (+) with the
bolt (a) and hex nut (b). See Figure 2-2.

Figure 2-2