MTD 13AL795H004, 13AJ795G059, 13AJ795G004 Owner’s Manual

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

L

Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor m Model Series 790

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136-0019

PrintedIn USA FormNo.769-04347

(October31,2008)

ToTheOwner

ThankYou

1

Thank you for purchasing a lawn tractor manufactured by
MTD LLC. 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 of printing. 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. MTD LLC

reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and
equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

Table of Contents

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

Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 9

Controls & Features ................................................ 12

Operation ................................................................ 13

Maintenance &Adjustment. ................................. 19

Service .................................................................... 23

If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine,
phone your local authorized MTD service dealer or contact us

directly. MTD's Customer Support telephone numbers, website
address and mailing address can be found on this page. 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

The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related
issues with regards to performance, power-rating, specifications,
warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer's
Owner's/Operator's Manual, packed separately with your

machine, for more information.

Troubleshooting .................................................... 28

Replacement Parts ................................................ 29

Attachments & Accessories .................................. 30

CA. Emission Control Statement ........................... 31

Warranty ................................................................ 32

RecordProductinformation

Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please
locate the model plate on the equipment and record the
information in the provided area to the right. You can locate the
model plate by looking beneath the seat. This information will

be necessary, should you seek technical support via our web
site, Customer Support Department, or with a local authorized

service dealer.

MODEL NUMBER

DNDNDNDNDND

SERIALNUMBER

DFI[3FI[3FI[3FI[3F1D

CustomerSupport

Please do NOT return the machine to the retailer or dealer without first contacting our Cu;tomer Support Department.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this machine, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

0 Visit us on the web at www.mtdproducts.com

0 Call a Customer Support Representative at [phone] or [phone]
0 Write us at MTD LLC • RO. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019

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!

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

WARNING! 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.

WARNING! Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead

,A

compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling

DANGER! This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in

this manual. 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.

2

GeneralOperation

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 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. 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. Amissingordamageddischargecovercancauseblade
contactorthrownobjectinjuries.

13. Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggraveldrives,walks,or
roadsandwhilenotcuttinggrass.

14. Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearorcrossing
roadways.Thismachineisnotintendedforuseonany
publicroadway.

15. Donotoperatethemachinewhileundertheinfluenceof
alcoholordrugs.

16. Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificiallight.

17. Nevercarrypassengers.

18. Disengageblade(s)beforeshiftingintoreverse.Backup
slowly.Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhile

backingtoavoidaback-overaccident.

19. Slowdownbeforeturning.Operatethemachinesmoothly.
Avoiderraticoperationandexcessivespeed.

20. Disengageblade(s),setparkingbrake,stopengineandwait
untiltheblade(s)cometoacompletestopbeforeremoving

grasscatcher,emptyinggrass,uncloggingchute,removing
anygrassordebris,ormakinganyadjustments.

21. Neverleavearunningmachineunattended.Alwaysturn
offblade(s),placetransmissioninneutral,setparking
brake,stopengineandremovekeybeforedismounting.

22. Useextracarewhenloadingorunloadingthemachineinto
atrailerortruck.Thismachineshouldnotbedrivenupor
downramp(s),becausethemachinecouldtipover,causing
seriouspersonalinjury.Themachinemustbepushed
manuallyonramp(s)toloadorunloadproperly.

23.

Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancauseaburn.Do
nottouch.

24.

Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedrivingunder
lowhangingtreebranches,wires,dooropeningsetc.,
wheretheoperatormaybestruckorpulledfromthe
machine,whichcouldresultinseriousinjury.

25.

Disengageallattachmentclutches,depressthebrake
pedalcompletelyandshiftintoneutralbeforeattempting
tostartengine.

26.

Your machine isdesigned 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.

27. 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.

28. 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.

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

representative for assistance.

SlopeOperation

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over
accidents which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes
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.

DoNot:

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).

4 I SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

Children

1.

Tragic accidents ca n 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 offand 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
blockyour 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.

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. 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

SafeHandling 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 1/2

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.

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.

GeneralService

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.

SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES S

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.

Donot 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.

SparkArrestor

internal combustion engine and should not be used

_ ARNING! This machine is equipped with an

Ifa 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 your
nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service

department, RO. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

on or near any unimproved forest-covered,
brushcovered or grass-covered land unless the

engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark
arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if

any).

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.

6 J SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

SAVETHESEiNSTRUCTIONS!

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.

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.

O

DANGER-- ROTATING BLADES

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

J

J

Lq

M

N

A

WARNING-- 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.

WARNING--THROWN OBJECTS
This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury.

WARNING--THROWN OBJECTS
This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury.

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

operation.

WARNING-- SLOPE OPERATION

Do not operate this machine on a slope greater than 15 degrees.

WARNING-- HOT SURFACE

Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine

and muffler to cool before touching.

DANGER -- ROTATING BLADES

To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away. Do not operate unless discharge cover
or grass catcher is in its proper place. If damaged, replace immediately.

WARNING-- TOWING
Avoid jack-knifing when towing, go slow and make wide turns.

SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES 7

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or a corner of a building...I

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15°

Usethis page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely.

WARNING! Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes. 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. Operate riding

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

Assembly&Set-Up

3

TractorSet-lip

NOTE:This Operators Manual covers 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. MTD LLC reserves the right to change product
specifications, designs and equipment without notice and
without incurring obligation.

Attaching the Battery Cables

NOTE: Some models are shipped with the battery cables already
connected. If this is the case, disregard these steps.

Shipping BraceRemoval

_ ARNING! Make sure the riding mower's engine is

• brake before removing the shipping brace. Refer to

off, remove the ignition key, and set the parking

the Controls and Features section for instructions on

how to set the parking brake.

Locate the shipping brace, if present, and accompanying
warning tag found on the right side of the mower, between

the discharge chute and the cutting deck. See Fig. 3-2.

Figure 3-1

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.

NOTE: If the battery is put into service after the date shown
on top/side of battery, charge the battery as instructed in the
Service section of this manual prior to operating the tractor.

Figure 3-2

Place the deck lift lever in the highest cutting position.
Refer to Setting the Cutting Height in the Operation

section of this manual.
While pushing the discharge chute towards the machine

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.

purposes only, must be removed and discarded

_ ARNING! The shipping brace, used for packaging

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.

Attaching The SteeringWheel

If the steering wheel for your tractor did not come attached, the
hardware for attaching it has been packed within the steering
wheel, beneath the steering wheel cap. Carefully pry offthe

steering wheel cap and remove the hardware.
I. With the wheels of the tractor pointing straight forward,

place the steering wheel over the steering shaft.

2. Place the washer (with the cupped side down) over the
steering wheel and secure with the he× bolt. See Fig. 3-3.

Figure 3-3

3. Place the steering wheel cap over the center of the steering
wheel and push downward until it "clicks" into place.

Attaching the HoodScoop(Ifsoequipped)

If the hood scoop was not secured to the hood of your tractor
at the factory, you will find it in a plastic bag, hanging from the

throttle lever.

Toinstall:

1. Carefully pivot the tractor hood forward.

2. Remove the four screws from the underside of the hood
scoop.

3. Line up the four holes in the hood scoop with the four
holes visible through the tractor's hood Iouvres. See Fig.

3-4.

4.

While holding the scoop in place, use a 3/8" socket wrench
(or box wrench) to carefully tighten the scoop onto the

hood. Do NOT overtighten.

Attaching The Seat

If the seat for your tractor was not attached at the factory, follow
the applicable instructions below to attach it.

NOTE: For shipping reasons, some seats are not attached at the
factory. In this is the case, free the seat from its shipping position

and remove the hex screw (or knob screw if applicable) from the
bottom of seat before proceeding with the following instructions.

1. Position the seat facing forward over the seat pivot bracket,
with the two forward seat mount tabs fitting into the

provided grooves in the seat pivot bracket.

2. Slide the seat rearward and align the center mounting
hole in the seat with the slot in the seat pan. Insert the hex
or knob screw (if applicable) previously removed. Do not
tighten at this point.

3. Adjust the seat to the optimal operator preferred location,
this may mean actually sitting in the seat to decide what

feels best to the operator. Keep in mind the operator needs
to be able to fully operate all pedals comfortably while
sitting back in the seat.

4. Tighten the hex screw (or knob screw if applicable) at this
time.

5.

To adjust the position of the seat, loosen the hex screw (or
knob screw if applicable) on the bottom of the seat. Slide
the seat forward or backward as desired. Retighten the hex

screw (or knob screw if applicable). See Fig. 3-5.

Figure 3-4

SECTION 3-- ASSEMBLY& SET-UP

Knob Screw

ust

I=lex

Adjust

Figure 3-5