MTD 13AF698G722 Owner’s Manual
Operator's Manual
Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor
I
Models 690
692
693
695
698
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, 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 361131
Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
MTD LLC,P.O.BOX361131CLEVELAND,OHIO44136-9722
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 769-00534B.
(11/2003)
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content
Customer Support
Important Safe Operation Practices
Tractor Set-u p
Controls
Operation
Page Content Page
2 Maintenance 19
3 Service 21
8 Off-season Storage 26
11 Attachments & Accessories 26
13 Warranty Back Cover
FINDINGMODELNUMBER
This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new lawn tractor. Itwill 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:
P. O. BOX 361131
#o.oLLO
CLEVELAND,OH 44136
www mtdproducts.com 800-800-7310
330-220-4683
Copy the serial number here:
CUSTOMERSUPPORT
Please doNOTreturntheunitto the retailer withoutfirstcontactingCustomerSupport.
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
you will get the four options reproduced here. Click on the appropriate button and help is
immediately available.
_nd Answers
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Ma ual
En ine
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regard to
performance, power-rating, specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine
manufacturer's Owner's/Operator's Manual, packed separately with your unit, for more
information.
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.
or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain
reproductive harm.
GENERAL OPERATION
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
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.
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 old to operate
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.
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. 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.
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 or truck. 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 ifyou 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. If the 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:
,
Mow up and down slopes, not across. Exercise
extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
,
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 inspeed 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
,
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 aresponsible 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 machine.
f. Disengage the cutting blade(s) before
shifting in reverse. The "No-Cut-In Reverse"
feature is a reminder not to cut in reverse and
to help avoid back over accidents. Do not
defeat it.
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.
,
Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
the 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.
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:
,
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. Neverfuel 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 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 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 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.
read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.
WARNING: YOUR RESPONSIBILITY- Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who
11.Grasscatchercomponentsandthedischarge
coveraresubjecttowearanddamagewhichcould
exposemovingpartsorallowobjectstobethrown.
Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponents
andreplaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
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.toprotecttheenvironment.
TO AVOID SERIOUS
iNJURY OR DEATH
* GOUPAHDDOWNSLOPES,NOTACROSS.
* AVOIDSUDDENTURNS.
* ]DONOTOPERATETHE UNiTWHEREiT
COULDSLIPORTiP.
* iF MACHINESTOPSGOINGUPHiLL_STOP
BLADE(S)ANDBACHDOWNHILLSLOWLY.
* ]DONOTMOWWHENCHILDREN
OROTHERSAREADOUHD.
* NEVERCARRYCHILDRENEVENWiTH
BLADESOFF.
* LOOHOOWH& BEHINDBEFOREAND
WHILEBACHmG.
*HEEP SAFETYDEVICES(GUARDS,
SHIELDS,ANDSWITCHES,ETC.)
iNPLACEANDWORKING.
* REMOVEOBJECTSTHATCOULD
RETHROWNBYTHEBLADE(S).
* HNOWLOCATIONANDFUNCTIONOFALL
CONTROLS.
* BE SUREBLADE(S)AHDENGIHEARE
STOPPEDBEFOREPLACINGHANDS
0R FEETNEARBLADE(S).
* BEFORELEAVINGOPERATOR'SPOSiTiON,
DISENGAGEBLADE(S),PLACETHECONTROL
LEVERiNNEUTRAL,ENGAGEPARKING
BRAHE,SHUTOFFANDREMOVEHEY.
READ OPERATOR'S
I
I 1'91 A POWER POLE
I
" i i A CORNER OF A BUILDING
SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
,, .
OR A FENCE POST
" " " ,, ,, ,, I '1.9
Lid
Lid
a.
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64
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II
WARNING
Do not 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
your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.
r-..
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.
ToolsRequiredForAssembly
(1) 1/2" socket wrench (for steering wheel)
(1) 9/16" wrench or socket wrench (for seat)
(2) 7/16" wrenches or socket wrenches (for battery)
AttachingtheBatteryCables
NOTE: The positive battery terminal is marked Pos.
(+). The negative battery terminal is marked Neg. (-).
• The positive cable (heavy red wire) is secured to
the positive battery terminal (+) with a hex bolt and
hex nut at the factory. Make certain that the rubber
boot covers the terminal to help protect it from
corrosion.
• Remove the hex bolt and wing nut from the
negative cable.
• Remove the black plastic cover, if present, from the
negative battery terminal and attach the negative
cable (heavy black wire) to the negative battery
terminal (-) with the bolt and wing nut.
• Make certain the hold-down rod is in position over
the battery, securing it in place. See Figure 1.
Rubber
Boot
AttachingTheSteeringWheel
The hardware for attaching the steering wheel has
been packed within the steering wheel, beneath
steering wheel cap. Carefully pry off the 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 PTO (blade engage) lever (found on
the right hand side of tractor). NOTE: Tractor model
698 does NOT require a steering beflow and does
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 _
Hex Bolt
Figure 1
NOTE: If the battery is put into service after the date
shown on top of battery, charge the battery as
instructed on page 21 of this manual prior to operating
the tractor.
Wheel Cap 1
Washer
Steering
Shaft
Steeri ng
Bellow
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 5 to identify
which 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.
Standard Adjustment
Hex Screws
Shoulder
Screws
Opening
in Slot
Pivot Bracket
Standard AdjustmentSeat
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 sliding 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,
make sure the seat is engaged in the seat
stop, stand behind the machine and pull back
on seat until fully engaged into stop.
KnobAdjustmentSeat
1. Position the shoulder screws (found on the base of
the seat) inside the slot openings in the seat pivot
bracket. Figure 5.
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 knobs removed earlier. See Figure 5.
Figure 3
QuickAdjustment
Seat Stop
\
Pivot Bracket
Figure 4
KnobAdjustment
Knobs
Shoulder
Screws
Opening
in Slot_
Figure 5
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