MTD 13AX605H730, 13AT605H718 Owner’s Manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Adjustment • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty

OF A O AL

Automatic Lawn Tractor- Model Series 605

iMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: Thisunitis equippedwithaninternalcombustionengineandshouldnot beusedon ornearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush- coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwithasparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any). If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderby theoperator.IntheStateof Californiatheaboveisrequiredbylaw (Section4442ofthe CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester forthe mufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,

Ohio44136-0019.

FORMNO.769-02073C

PRINTEDIN U.S.A.

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

01/05/2006

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.

Table of Contents

Slope Gauge ....................................................... 3

Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4

Setting UpYour Lawn Tractor ............................ 8

Operating Your Lawn Tractor ........................... 12

Adjusting Your Lawn Tractor ............................ 20

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREYOU STARTASSEMBLING YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,

please locatethe modelplate on the equipmentand copythe informationto the sample model plate providedto the right. Youcan locatethe modelplate by looking beneathethe seat.

Thisinformationwillbe necessaryto use themanufacturer's website and/or obtainassistancefromthe CustomerSupport Departmentoran authorizedservice dealer.

Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor ........................ 24

Off-Season Storage / Attachments ................. 30

Safety Labels .................................................... 31

Trouble Shooting .............................................. 32

Parts List ........................................................... 34

Model Number

www.mtdproducts.com

Serial Number

MTD LLC

P.O= BOX 361131

CLEVELAND, OH 44136 330-220-4683

800-800-7310

Customer Support

Please do NOTretum the unit to the retailer from which it was

purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.

Ifyou have difficultyassemblingthis productor have any questions regardingthe controls,operation,or maintenanceof this unit,you can seek help from the experts.Choosefrom the options below:

1. Visit mtdproducts.com. Clickon the Service & Support menuoption.

2. Phonea Customer Support Representative at 1 (800) 800-7310.

3. The engine manufacturer is responsiblefor all engine-relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-rating,specifica- tions,warranty and service. Pleasereferto the engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packedseparatelywith your unit,for moreinformation.

MTD/n_er_@_i®a_ Award Wi_n i_g ?rd_s_ts O_r Com?_ay

Product Menu

o_r_,qo_ _ Suppo_±

Product. Registration

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WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of its constituents,andcertain vehicle compo- nentscontain or emitchemicals knownto State of Californiato causecancer and

birth defectsor otherreproductiveharm.

DANGER: This machinewas builtto beoperatedaccording to the rulesfor safe operationin this manual.As with any type of power equipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operatorcan

result inseriousinjury.This machine iscapableof amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.

Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injury ordeath.

Practices

WARNING

Thissymbol points

out importantsafety

instructionswhich, if notfollowed, could

endangerthe personal safetyand/or property

ofyourself andothers. Readand follow all

I instructionsinthis man-

ualbefore attemptingto operatethis machine.

tFailureto complywith

hese instructionsmay

resultin personalinjury.

When youseethis

symbol.

HEED iTS WARNING

Your

Responsibility

Restrictthe use

of this power machine

to personswho read,

understand

andfollow thewarnings

and instructions

in this manual

Children

1. Tragicaccidentscanoccurifthe operatoris not alertto thepresenceof children.Childrenareoften

attractedto themachineandthemowingactivity. Theydo notunderstandthe dangers.Neverassume

thatchildrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem.

a. Keepchildrenoutof themowingareaandin

watchfulcareof a responsibleadultother than theoperator.

b. Bealert andturnmachineoff ifa childenters

thearea.

c. Beforeandwhilebacking,lookbehindand

downfor smallchildren.

d. Nevercarrychildren,evenwiththeblade(s)

shutoff.Theymayfalloffandbeseriously injuredor interferewithsafemachineoperation.

e. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblind

corners,doorways,shrubs,treesorother objectsthatmayblockyourvisionofachild whomayrunintothemachine.

f. To avoid back-overaccidents, always

disengagethe cuttingblade(s) before shiftingintoReverse.ifequipped,the

"Reverse CautionMode"shouldnotbe usedwhenchildrenor others arearound.

g. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor running

engines.Theycansufferburnsfroma hot muffler.

h. Removekeywhenmachineis unattendedto

preventunauthorizedoperation.

2. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operate themachine.Children14yearsoldandovershould readand understandtheoperationinstructionsand safetyrulesinthis manualandshouldbetrainedand supervisedbya parent.

Operation

Safe Handling of Gasoline:

1. Toavoid personalinjuryor propertydamageuse

extremecareinhandlinggasoline.Gasolineis

extremely flammableand the vapors areexplo- sive. Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasoline

isspilledonyourselforyourclotheswhichcan ignite. Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.

a. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer. b. Neverfill containersinsideavehicleor ona

truckor trailerbedwitha plasticliner.Always placecontainerson thegroundawayfrom yourvehiclebeforefilling.

c. Whenpractical,removegas-powered

equipmentfromthetruckor trailerand refuelit ontheground.Ifthis isnotpossible,then

refuelsuchequipmenton a trailerwitha portablecontainer,ratherthanfroma gasoline

dispensernozzle.

d. Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththerimof

thefueltankor containeropeningatall timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donot usea nozzlelock-opendevice.

e. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesand

othersourcesofignition.

f. Neverfuel machineindoors. g. Neverremovegascaporaddfuel whilethe

engineishot or running.Allowenginetocool atleasttwominutesbeforerefueling.

h. Neveroverfillfuel tank.Fill tanktonomore

than1/2inchbelowbottomoffillerneckto allowspacefor fuelexpansion.

i. Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

j. If gasolineisspilled,wipeit off theengine

andequipment.Moveunittoanotherarea. Wait5 minutesbeforestartingtheengine.

k. Toreducefirehazards,keepmachinefreeof

grass,leaves,orotherdebris build-up.Clean upoil orfuelspillageand removeanyfuel

soakeddebris.

I. Neverstorethe machineorfuelcontainer

insidewherethereis anopenflame,spark orpilotlightason a waterheater,space heater,furnace,clothesdryerorother gas appliances.

m. Allowa machineto coolatleastfiveminutes

beforestoring.

GeneralOperation:

1. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionsonthe machineandin themanual(s)beforeattemptingto

assembleandoperate.Keepthismanualina safe placefor futureandregularreferenceandforordering

replacementparts.

2. Befamiliarwithallcontrolsandtheirproperoperation. Knowhowtostopthe machineanddisengagethem

quickly.

3, Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsold to operate

this machine.Children14yearsoldandovershould

readandunderstandtheoperationinstructionsand

safetyrulesinthis manualandshouldbetrainedand supervisedbya parent.

4. Neverallowadultstooperatethis machinewithout

properinstruction.

5. To helpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,

keepbystanders,helpers,childrenand petsat least 75feet fromthemachinewhileitis inoperation.Stop

machineifanyoneentersthearea.

6. Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentis to

be used.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toys, andotherforeignobjectswhichcouldbe pickedup andthrownbythe blade(s).Thrownobjectscancause seriouspersonalinjury.

7. Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeof

materialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainstawall or

obstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterialto

ricochetbacktowardtheoperator.

8. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduring

operationandwhile performingan adjustmentor

repairtoprotectyoureyes.Thrownobjectswhich ricochetcancauseseriousinjuryto theeyes.

9. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fitting

slacksandshirts.Loosefittingclothesandjewelry canbecaughtinmovableparts.Neveroperatethis

machinein barefeetor sandals.

10.Beawareofthe mowerandattachmentdischarge directionanddo notpointitat anyone.Donotoperate themowerwithoutthedischargecoverorentiregrass catcherin itsproperplace.

11.Donotput handsorfeetnearrotatingpartsor under thecuttingdeck.Contactwiththe blade(s)can

amputatehandsandfeet.

12.A missingor damageddischargecovercan cause bladecontactorthrownobjectinjuries.

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

14.Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearorcrossing roadways.Thismachineisnotintendedforuseon anypublic roadway.

15.Donotoperatethe machinewhileundertheinflu- enceof alcoholordrugs.

16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.

17.Nevercarrypassengers.

18.Disengageblade(s)beforeshiftingintoreverse. Backupslowly.Alwayslookdownandbehindbefore andwhilebackingto avoida back-overaccident.

19.Slowdownbeforeturning.Operatethe machine smoothly.Avoiderraticoperationandexcessive speed.

20.Disengageblade(s),setparkingbrake,stopengine andwaituntilthe blade(s)cometo a completestop beforeremovinggrasscatcher,emptyinggrass, uncloggingchute,removinganygrassor debris,or makinganyadjustments.

21.Neverleavea runningmachineunattended.Always turnoff blade(s),placetransmissionin neutral,set

parkingbrake,stopengineand removekeybefore dismounting.

22.Useextracare whenloadingorunloadingthe machineintoa trailerortruck.Thisunitshouldnot

bedrivenupor downramp(s),becausethe unit couldtip over,causingseriouspersonalinjury.The unitmustbepushedmanuallyonramp(s)to loador unloadproperly.

23.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causea burn.Do nottouch.

24.Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedriving underlowhangingtreebranches,wires,dooropen- ingsetc.,wheretheoperatormaybe struckor pulled fromthe unit,whichcouldresultinseriousinjury.

25.Disengageallattachmentclutches,depressthe brakepedalcompletelyandshift intoneutralbefore attemptingtostartengine.

26.Yourmachineisdesignedto cutnormalresidential grassofa heightno morethan10".Donotattemptto mowthroughunusuallytall,dry grass(e.g.,pasture) or pilesof dryleaves.Drygrassor leavesmay contacttheengineexhaustand/orbuildup onthe mowerdeckpresentingapotentialfirehazard.

27.Useonlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapprovedfor thismachinebythe machinemanufacturer.Read, understandandfollowall instructionsprovidedwith

theapprovedaccessoryorattachment.

28.Dataindicatesthat operators,age60 yearsand above,are involvedin a largepercentageofriding mower-relatedinjuries.Theseoperatorsshould evaluatetheirabilityto operatethe ridingmower safelyenoughto protectthemselvesandothersfrom seriousinjury.

29.Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenot coveredinthis manual,usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyour customerservicerepresentativeforassistance.

........................................................................................

WARNING

Thissymbol points out importantsafety instructionswhich, if

notfollowed,could endangerthe personal

safety and/or property ofyourself and others.

Readand followall

instructions inthis man- ual beforeattemptingto

operatethis machine.

Failureto comply with

these instructionsmay result inpersonalinjury. Whenyou seethis

symbol.

HEED ITS WARNING

Your

Responsibility

Restrictthe use

ofthis powermachine

to personswho read,

understand

and follow the warnings

and instructions

inthis manual

Thissymbolpoints outimportantsafety

instructionswhich,if notfollowed,could

endangerthepersonal

isafetyand/orproperty

ofyourselfandothers.

Readandfollowall instructionsinthisman-

ualbeforeattemptingto

Ioperatethismachine. I Failuretocomplywith

theseinstructionsmay

i resultinpersonalinjury.

Whenyouseethis symbol.

i HEED ITSWARNING

Slope Operation:

Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedtolossof controland tip-overaccidentswhichcanresultin severeinjuryor death.All slopesrequireextracaution.If youcannot backuptheslopeor ifyoufeeluneasyonit, donotmow

it. Foryour safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedas partof

thismanualto measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunit ona slopedor hillyarea.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15 degreesasshownon theslopegauge,do notoperate thisunitonthatareaor seriousinjurycouldresult.

DO:

1. Mowupanddownslopes,notacross.Exercise extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

2. Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orother hidden objects.Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe machine. Tallgrasscan hideobstacles.

3. Useslowspeed.Choosealow enoughspeed settingso thatyouwill nothavetostopor shiftwhile ontheslope.Tiresmaylosetractiononslopeseven thoughthebrakesarefunctioningproperly.Always keepmachineingearwhengoingdownslopesto takeadvantageof enginebrakingaction.

4. Followthe manufacturer'srecommendationsfor wheelweightsorcounterweightstoimprovestability.

5. Useextracare withgrasscatchersorotherat- tachments.Thesecanchangethestabilityof the

machine.

6. Keepall movementon the slopesslowand gradual. Donot makesuddenchangesinspeedor direction. Rapidengagementor brakingcouldcausethe front

ofthe machineto liftandrapidlyflipoverbackwards whichcouldcauseseriousinjury.

7. Avoidstartingorstoppingona slope.Iftireslose traction,disengagetheblade(s)andproceedslowly straightdowntheslope.

Do Not:

1. Do notturnon slopesunlessnecessary;then,turn slowlyandgraduallydownhill,ifpossible.

2. Do notmowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments. Themowercouldsuddenlyturnoverif awheel isover theedgeof a cliff,ditch,orifan edgecavesin.

3. Do nottrytostabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfoot ontheground.

4. Do notusea grasscatcheronsteepslopes.

5. Do notmowonwetgrass.Reducedtractioncould causesliding.

6. Do notshiftto neutralandcoastdownhill.Over-speed- ingmaycausetheoperatortolosecontrolofthe machineresultingin seriousinjuryordeath.

7. Do nottowheavypullbehindattachments(e.g.loaded dumpcart, lawnroller,etc.)on slopesgreaterthan

5 degrees.Whengoingdown hill,theextraweight tendsto pushthetractorandmaycauseyouto loose control.(e.g.tractormayspeedup, brakingandsteer- ingabilityarereduced,attachmentmayjack-knifeand

causetractorto overturn).

Towing:

1. Towonlywitha machinethathasahitchdesignedfor towing.Donotattachtowedequipmentexceptatthe hitchpoint.

2. Followthe manufacturersrecommendationfor weight limitsfor towedequipmentandtowingon slopes.

3. Neverallowchildrenorothersin orontowedequip- ment.

4. Onslopes,theweightof thetowedequipmentmay causelossoftractionandlossofcontrol.

5. Travelslowlyandallowextradistancetostop.

6. Do notshiftto neutralandcoastdownhill.

Your

i Responsibility

Restrictthe use

of this power machine

to personswho read,

understand

and followthe warnings

and instructions

in this manual

Service

1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorina poorlyventilated area.Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,an odorless,anddeadlygas.

2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertain theblade(s)andall movingpartshavestopped.

Disconnectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe

engineto preventunintendedstarting.

3. Periodicallychecktomakesurethebladescometo completestopwithinapproximately(5) fiveseconds afteroperatingthebladedisengagementcontrol.Ifthe bladesdo notstopwithinthethis timeframe,yourunit shouldbe servicedprofessionallyby anauthorized

MTDServiceDealer.

4. Checkbrakeoperationfrequentlyas itis subjectedto wearduringnormaloperation.Adjustand serviceas

required.

5. Checktheblade(s)andenginemountingboltsat frequentintervalsfor propertightness.Also,visually inspectblade(s)fordamage(e.g.,excessivewear, bent,cracked). Replacetheblade(s)withtheoriginal equipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)blade(s)only, listedinthis manual."Useof partswhichdonot meet theoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"

6. Mowerbladesaresharp.Wrapthe bladeor wear gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.

7. Keepallnuts, bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equipmentis insafeworkingcondition.

8. Nevertamperwiththe safetyinterlocksystemor other safetydevices.Checktheirproperoperationregularly.

9. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine, disconnectthesparkplugwire(s)andgroundagainst theengine.Thoroughlyinspectthe machineforany damage.Repairthedamagebeforestartingand operating.

10.Neverattempttomakeadjustmentsor repairstothe machinewhilethe engineisrunning.

11.Grasscatchercomponentsandthe discharge coveraresubjectto wearanddamagewhichcould exposemovingpartsor allowobjectstobethrown. Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponents andreplaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthis manual."Useofpartswhichdonotmeettheoriginal equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improper performanceandcompromisesafety!"

12.Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsor over-speedthe engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperatingspeedofthe engine.

13.Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as necessary.

14.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsfor gas,oil,etc. toprotecttheenvironment.

Thissymbol points out importantsafety

instructionswhich, if notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal safetyand/or property

of yourselfand others.

Readandfollow all instructionsin this man-

ual beforeattemptingto operatethis machine.

Failureto complywith

these instructionsmay

result inpersonalinjury.

When yousee this

symbol.

HEED iTS WARNING

Your

Responsibility

Restrictthe use

ofthis powermachine

to personswho read.

understand

and followthe warnings

and instructions

in this manual

Tractor

Use extreme care

whenhandling

gaso nelGasoline

extremely flammable and the vapors are

explosive: Never fuel machine indoors

or while the engine

is hotor running,

Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes,and

othersourcesof

ignitionl

RubberBoot

Figure 1

NOTE:ThisOperatorsManualcoversa rangeof product specificationsfor variousmodels.Characteristicsandfea- turesdiscussedand/orillustratedinthis manualmaynot beapplicabletoall models.MTDLLCreservesthe right tochangeproductspecifications,designsandequipment withoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation.

Attaching the Battery Cables

NOTE:ThepositivebatteryterminalismarkedPos.(+). Thenegativebatteryterminalis markedNeg.(-).

• Thepositivecable(heavyredwire)is securedtothe positivebatteryterminal(+)withahexboltandhex nutat thefactory.Beforeattachingthenegativecable, removethebatterybyremovingthepositivecable andhold-downstrap.Notethedateon thesideofthe battery.Ifthe batteryis putintoserviceafterthisdate, chargethebatteryas instructedin theMaintaining YourLawnTractorsectionofthis manualpriorto operatingthetractor.

• Securebatterybackontothetractorwiththehold- downstrap.Reattachthepositivecable(heavyred wire)to thepositivebatteryterminal(+)withthebolt

andnut.Makecertainthattherubberbootcoversthe terminalto helpprotectit fromcorrosion.

• Removethehex boltandwing nutfromthenegative cable.

• Removetheblackplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthe negativebatteryterminalandattachthenegative cable(heavyblackwire)tothe negativebattery terminal(-) withthebolt andnut.

• Makecertainthehold-downstrapis in positionover thebattery,securingitin place.SeeFigure1.

NOTE: This Operators

Manual Coversa range ofproduCtspecifications

for VariousmodelS:

Characteristics and

featuresdiscussed

and/or illustratedin

s manualmay not

applicabletoall models:

MTD LLC reservesthe

rightto change product specifications,(Jesigns

andequipment without

notice andwithout incur- i[ing obligatiOnl

Gas and Oil Fill-up

Thegasolinetank islocatedunderthe hoodandhasa capacityofeithertwoor threegallons.Do notoverfill.

WARNING: Use extreme care when handling gasoline.Gasoline

isextremely flammable and the

vapors are explosive. Never fuel machine indoorsor while the

engine is hot or running. Extin- guish cigarettes, cigars, pipes,

and other sources of ignition.

Servicetheenginewithgasolineandoil asinstructedin theseparateEngineOperator/OwnerManualpackedwith yourtractor.Readinstructionscarefully.

IMPORTANT:Yourtractoris shippedwithmotoroil inthe engine.However,youMUSTcheckthe oil levelbefore operating.Becarefulnotto overfill.

Shipping Brace Removal f

WARNING:Make sure the riding mower's engineis off, removethe

ignitionkey, and set the parking brake before removingthe ship-

pingbrace.

• Locatetheshippingbrace,ifpresent,andaccompany- ingwarningtagfoundon therightsideof themower,

betweenthedischargechuteandthecuttingdeck. See Figure2.

• Whileholdingthedischargechutewithyourlefthand,

removetheshippingbracewithyour righthandby

graspingitbetweenyourthumbandindexfingerand

rotatingitclockwise.

WARNING: The shipping brace, used for packagingpurposes only, must be removedand dis-

carded before operating your riding mower.

WARNING: The mowing deck is capableof throwing objects. Fail- ure to operate the ridingmower

without the dischargecover in the

proper operating positioncould result inserious personal injury

and/or property damage.

Figure 2

TractOr

WARNING

Make surethe riding mower's engine is

off, removethe igni- tion key, and set the

parkingbrake before removingthe shipping

brace.

The shipping brace, used for packaging purposes only, must

be removedand

discardedbefore operatingyour riding

mower.

Attaching The Steering Wheel

Ifthesteeringwheelforyour tractordidnotcome attached,thehardwareforattachingit hasbeenpacked withinthesteeringwheel,beneaththe steeringwheel cap.Carefullypryoffthesteeringwheelcapand remove

thehardware. NOTE:Therearetwodifferentstylesof steeringwheel

cap.SeeFigure3. Stylesvary by model.

1. With thewheels of the tractor pointingstraight forward, placethesteeringwheeloverthe steering

shaft.

2. Placethewasher(withthecuppedsidedown)over thesteeringshaftandsecurewiththehex bolt.See

Figure3.

3. Placethesteeringwheelcapoverthecenterof the steeringwheelandpushdownwarduntilit"clicks"into place.

The mowing deckis

Figure 3

capableofthrowing

objects. Failureto operate the riding

mower withoutthe

dischargecover in the properoperating position could result

in serious personal injuryand/or property damage.

WARNING

Beforeoperatingthis machine,makesure

the seat isengaged in the seat stop;stand

behindthemachine

andpu,backonseat

fu,yengaged

intostop:

Figure 4

Attaching The Seat

Seatstylesvarybytractormodelandtherearethree differentstylesavailable:

• StandardAdjustment

• QuickAdjustment&

• KnobAdjustment

If theseatfor yourtractordid notcomeattached,referto Figure4, Figure5,and Figure6toidentifyyourtractor's seatstyleandfollowthe applicableinstructionsbelowto

attachit. NOTE:Forshippingreasons,seatsareeitherfastened

tothe tractorseat'spivotbracketwithaplastictie,or mountedbackwardtothepivotbracket.Ineithercase, freethe seatformitsshippingpositionandremovethe twohexscrews(orknobs,onmodelssoequipped)from thebottomof seatbeforeproceedingwithapplicable

instructionsbelow. Standard Adjustment Seat

1. Positiontheshoulderscrews(foundonthe baseof the seat)insidetheslotopeningsinthe seatpivotbracket. Figure4.

2. Slidethe seatslightlyrearwardintheseatpivot bracket,liningupthe rearslots inthepivotbracket withtheremainingtwo holesinthe seat'sbase.

3. Selectdesiredpositionforthe seat,andsecurewith thetwohex screwsremovedearlier.SeeFigure4.

Quick Adjustment Seat NOTE:Ifyour seatwasshippedmountedbackwardson

theseatpivotbracket,pulloutthetab foundonthe seat stopandholditopenwhileslidingthe seatoff theseat pivotbracket.SeeFigure5.

NOTE: Forsh pping rea:

s0nsl Seatsareeither fastenedto the tractor

seat's pivot braCketWitt

a plastiCtie, or mounted backwardtothe pivot

bracket. In either case;

free the seatform its

shippingp0sitionand

removethe two Box

screws(or knobsion

models so equipped)

fromthebottom of seat

beforeproceedingwith applicableinstructions:

Figure 5

Figure 6

1. Lineupthe plasticseatspacerswiththeslotsin seat pivotbracket.

2. Slideseatinuntilfrontseatspacerengagestheseat stop.SeeFigure5.

WARNING" Before operating this machine, make sure the seat is

engaged inthe seat stop, stand behind the machine and pull back

on seat until fully engaged into stop.

Knob Adjustment Seat

1. Positiontheshoulderscrews(foundonthe baseof the seat)insidetheslotopeningsinthe seatpivotbracket. Figure6.

2. Slidethe seatslightlyrearwardintheseatpivot bracket,liningupthe rearslots inthepivotbracket withtheremainingtwo holesinthe seat'sbase.

3. Selectdesiredpositionforthe seat,andsecurewith thetwoknobsremovedearlier.SeeFigure6.

NOTE:Referto Mulching on page19formoredetailed information.

LaWn

Ifyou'dprefertooperatethecuttingdeckwithoutmulch- ing,simplyremovethemulchplugby unthreadingthe plasticwing nutwhichfastensit tothecuttingdeck.This willallowtheclippingsto dischargeoutof thedischarge openingduringoperation.SeeFigure7.

Tractor

Figure 7

WARNING

i i i i i i ii

ii i _iI_ ii

NOTE:Any reference in this manualto the

RIGHTor LEFTside of

thetractor isobserved

from operator'sposition.

Know Your Lawn Tractor

@ @

f" "_ L

NOTE:Steeringwheelnot shownforclarity

Figure 8

A PTO(BladeEngage)Levert G ThrottleLever

PTO(BladeEngage)Knobt H CruiseControlButton

B SystemsIndicatorMonitort/Ammeter I IgnitionSwitchModule C ChokeKnobt J BrakePedal

D ParkingBrakeButton K DrivePedal E ShiftLever L DeckLiftLever

F CupHolder M SeatAdjustmentLevert

NOTE:Anyreferencein

If soequipped

thismanualto theRIGHTorLEFTside ofthetractoris observedfromoperator'sposition.

Throttle Control Lever

Thethrottlecontrolleveris locatedon therightsideof thetractor'sdashpanel.Thislevercontrolsthespeed ofthe engineand,on somemodels,whenpushedall thewayforward,thechokecontrolalso.Whenset ina givenposition,thethrottlewill maintainauniformengine speed.SeeFigure9.

IMPORTANT:Whenoperatingthetractorwiththecutting deckengaged,becertainthatthe throttleleverisalways inthe FAST(rabbit)position.

Choke Control

Onsomemodels,movingthe throttleleverallthewayforward activatestheengine'schoke control.Onall othermodels,the

chokecontrolcanbefoundon theleftside ofthedashpanel

andisactivatedby pullingthe knoboutward.Activatingthe

chokecontrolclosesthe choke plateonthe carburetorandaidsinstartingtheengine.

RefertoStarting The Engineinthissectionof the manualfordetailedstartinginstructions.

Brake Pedal

Thebrakepedalislocatedon / therightfrontsideof thetractor_

abovethedrivepedalalongthe runningboard.Thebrakepedal canbeusedforsuddenstops or settingtheparkingbrake.

NOTE:Thebrakepedalmust befullydepressedtoactivate thesafetyinterlockswitch whenstartingthetractor.

[

Ignition Switch Module

Fast

Position

Slow

Position

Figure 9

Position

Figure 10

IMPORTANT:Priortooperatingthetractor,referto both SafetyInterlock Switches andStartingThe Engine

inthissectionof themanualfordetailedinstructions regardingthe IgnitionSwitchModuleandoperatingthe

tractorinREVERSECAUTIONMODE.

Choke

Position

Fast

Position

Slow --->

Position

__-_).

Normal

Mode

Start

Position

Operating

Your LaWn

ii?i?ii!:ii ¸C :L i!iiC !i ¸

WARNING

Never leave arunning machine unattended,

Always disengage PTO, move shift lever

nto neutral position,

set Parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended

starting:

WARNING: Never leave a running

machine unattended, Always

disengage PTO,move shift lever

intoneutral position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove

key to prevent unintended

starting,

Tostart theengine,insertthekeyintothe ignitionswitch andturnclockwisetothe STARTposition.Releasethe keyintothe NORMALMOWINGMODEpositiononce theenginehasfired. Tostopthe engine,turntheignitionkeycounterclockwise tothe OFFposition.SeeFigure10.

Drive Pedal

Thedrivepedalislocatedbelowthe

brakepedalonthe rightfrontside of

thetractoralongthe runningboard.

Depressthedrivepedalwithyourright

footwhenthe tractorshift leveris in eitherFORWARDor REVERSEtocaus_

thetractortomove.Groundspeedis alsocontrolledwiththe drivepedal.The furtherdownthepedalisdepressed,the fasterthe tractorwilltravel.Thepedal willreturntoitsoriginalpositionwhenit'._

notdepressed. IMPORTANT:Alwayssettheparkingbrakewhenleaving

thetractorunattended.

IMPORTANT

PriortooReratingthe

tractor,refer to both Safety interlock Switches and Starting

The Engine inthis seCtion ofthe manual for detailed instructions

regardingtheIgn tion SwitCh ModUleand

operatingthe tractoi in

REVERSECAUTION MODE:

Tractor

ii_i_ii iii_ii iii_iII ii!iii_i__IIIi i_i

NOTE: The PTO(Blade

Engage)knob mustbe

inthe disengaged (OFF) positionwhen starting theengine,when

travelingin reverseand ifthe operatorleaves

theseat.

NOTE: The PTO (Blade Engage) levermust be in the disengaged (OFF)

3ositionwhenstarting theengine, when travelingtn reverseand

ifthe operator leaves theseat.

f "_ Ammeter

Theammetermeasurestheelectricaloutputof the engine'schargingsystem.Undernormaloperating

"-\ BATT. OIL /z

conditions,withengineatfull throttle,theammetershould indicatepositivecharge.

Electric PTO (Blade Engage) Knob (If

Equipped)

[ 42.0

/// HOURS 1/1 0 \\\

PTO / BLADE PARKING

,.® ®

Figure 11

Systems Indicator Monitor (if

Equipped)

LCD Locatedinthecenterof thetractor'sconsole,the systemsindicatormonitorrecords,anddisplays on its

LCD,hoursoftractoroperationwhenevertheignition keyisrotatedout ofthe STOPposition. TheIndicatorMonitorwillalso remindtheoperatorof maintenanceintervalsforchangingtheengineoil.The LCDwillalternatelyflashtherecordedhours,"CHG"and "OIL"forfiveminutes,afterevery50 hoursof recorded operationelapse.Themaintenanceintervallastsfor twohours(from50-52,100-102,150-152,etc.).The

LCDwillalsoflashasdescribedaboveforfiveminutes everytimethetractor'senginehasbeenstartedduring

thismaintenanceinterval.Beforetheintervalexpires, changethecrankcaseoil levelas instructedin this Operator'sManual.

Brake If theBrakelightilluminateswhenattemptingtostartthe

tractor'sengine,depressthe brakepedal. PTO (Blade Engage)

if the PTOlightilluminateswhenattemptingtostart the tractor'sengine,movePTOleverintothedisengaged (OFF)position.

Oil It isnormalforthe Oil lighttoilluminatewhilethe engine

iscranking duringstart-up,but ifitilluminate'sduring operation,while the engine is running,stopthe tractorimmediatelyandcheckthecrankcaseoillevelas

instructedinthisOwner'sManual. Battery

It isnormalforthe Batterylightto illuminatewhilethe engineiscranking duringstart-up,but ifit illuminate's duringoperation,while the engineisrunning,the batteryis in needofa chargeorthe engine'scharging systemis notgeneratingsufficientamperage.Refer

tothe MAINTENANCEsectionofthis manualforthe properbatterychargingprocedureor havethecharging

systemcheckedbyyourservicedealer.

Toengagethe powerto thecuttingdeckor other | (separatelyavailable)attach- mentsonmodelsequipped withanelectricPTO,pull outwardonthePTO(Blade Engage)knob.Pushthe PTO (BladeEngage)knobinward

todisengagethe powertothe cuttingdeck.

NOTE:The PTO(BladeEngage)knobmustbein the disengaged(OFF)positionwhenstartingtheengine, whentravelinginreverseandif theoperatorleavesthe

seat.

PTO (Blade Engage) Lever

Onmodelsequippedwitha manualPTO(BladeEngage), thePTO(BladeEngage)leveris locatedontheleft sideof

ON 1z !

OFF !

PTO /BLADE ENGAGE

thedashboardnexttothe steeringwheel.MovethePTO (BladeEngage)leverforwardto engagethepowertothe cuttingdeckor other(separatelyavailable)attachments; movethePTO(BladeEngage)leverrearwardtodisen- gagethepowertothe attachments.

NOTE:The PTO(BladeEngage)levermustbeinthe disengaged(OFF)positionwhenstartingtheengine, whentravelinginreverseandif theoperatorleavesthe

seat.

Seat Adjustment Lever (If Equipped)

Toadjustthe seatforwardorbackwardonunitsequipped witha quick-adjustseat,slidethe seatadjustmentlever tothe leftand repositiontheseattothedesiredposition. Oncea comfortablepositionisfound,releasetheseat adjustmentleverto lockthe seatinplace.Referto the AdjustingYourLawnTractorsectiond this manualfor moredetailedinstructionson all seatadjustments.

Deck Lift Lever

Foundonyourtractor'srightfender,the decklift leveris usedto changethe heightofthecuttingdeck.Touse, movethelevertothe left,then placeinthenotchbest suitedforyourapplication.

PTO

Parking Brake Button

Tosetthe parkingbrake,fully depressthe brakepedaland pushthe parkingbrakebuttonin. Holdthe buttoninwhiletaking yourfootoffthe brakepedal.Both theparkingbuttonandthebrake pedalwillthen staydepressed. Toreleasetheparkingbrake, depressthe brakepedalslightly. Theparkingbrakebuttonwill then returnto itsoriginalposition.

NOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbesetif theoperator leavestheseatwiththe enginerunningor theenginewill automaticallyshutoff.

IMPORTANT:Alwayssetthe parkingbrakewhenleaving thetractor unattended.

Cruise Control Button

Thecruisecontrolbuttonis locatedonthetractordash

paneltothe left oftheignition switch.Pushthecruisecontrol

buttonwhiletravelingforwardat a desiredspeed.Whileholdingthe buttonin, releasepressurefrom thedrive pedal.Thiswill engage

thecruisecontrolandallowthe tractorto remainatthatspeed

withoutapplyingpressuretothe drivepedal.Depressthebrake pedalor thedrivepedaltodeactivatecruisecontrol. RefertoSetting the Cruise Control laterinthis section themanualfordetailedinstructionsregardingthecruise

controlfeature. NOTE:Cruisecontrolcan NOTbeengagedatthe

tractor'sfastestgroundspeed.Iftheoperatorshould attempttodoso,the tractorwill automaticallydecelerate tothe fastestoptimalmowinggroundspeed.

Shift Lever

Theshiftleverislocatedonthe leftsideof thefenderand has

threepositions,FORWARD, NEUTRALand REVERSE.The

brakepedalmust bedepressed andthetractormustnot bein

motionwhenthe movingshift lever.

IMPORTANT:Neverforcethe shiftlever.Doingsomayresultin

seriousdamagetothetractor's transmission.

Safety Interlock Switches

Thistractorisequippedwitha safetyinterlocksystem forthe protectionof theoperator.Iftheinterlocksystem

shouldevermalfunction,do notoperatethetractor. Contactan authorizedMTDservicedealer.

• Thesafetyinterlocksystempreventstheengine fromcrankingorstartingunlessthe parkingbrake

isengaged,andthe PTO(BladeEngage)knob(or lever)isin thedisengaged(OFF)position.

• Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff ifthe operator

leavestheseatbeforeengagingtheparkingbrake.

Models with Manual PTO (Blade Engage)

• Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff ifthe operator

leavesthetractor'sseatwiththe PTO(BladeEngage) leverinthe engaged(ON)position,regardlessof

whethertheparkingbrakeis engaged.

• WiththeignitionkeyintheNORMALMOWING

position,theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff ifthe PTO(BladeEngage)leveris movedintotheengaged (ON)positionwiththe shiftleverinReverse.

Models with Electric PTO (Blade Engage)

• TheelectricPTO(BladeEngage)clutchwillautomati- callyshutoff ifthe operatorleavesthetractor'sseat withthePTO(BladeEngage)knobinthe engaged

(ON)position,regardlessof whethertheparking brakeisengaged.

• Withtheignitionkeyinthe NORMALMOWING

position,theelectricPTO(BladeEngage)clutchwill

automaticallyshutoffif thePTO(BladeEngage)knob

ismovedintotheengaged(ON)positionwiththeshift leverinReverse.

WARNING: Donot operate the

tractor ifthe interlocksystem

is malfunctioning, This system

was designed for your safety and

protection.

Reverse

Caution Mode

WARNING: Use extreme caution while operating the tractor in

the REVERSECAUTION MODE.

Alwayslook down and behind before and while backing. Do not

operate the tractor when children or others are around, Stop the

tractor immediatelyif someone

enters the area.

WARNING

Do not operate the tractor if the interlock

system is malfunction- ing. This system was

designed for your safety and protection.

Use extreme caution

while operating the tractor inthe REVERSE

CAUTION MODE. Always look down and

behind beforeand

while backing. Do not operate the tractor

when children or oth- ers are around. Stop

the tractor immediately

f someone enters the

area.

WARNING

Keep hands andfeet

away from the dis-

charge opening of the cuttingdeck.

Donot operatethe

tractor ifthe interlock system is malfunction-

ing.This systemwas

designedfor your safety and protection.

Reverse

indicator

Light Stop

Position

.Push Button

Reverse

Caution Mode

Position

Start

Position

Figure 12

TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEpositionofthekey switchmoduleallowsthetractorto be operatedin reversewiththeblades(PTO)engaged.

IMPORTANT:Mowinginreverseisnot recommended. Tousethe REVERSECAUTIONMODE:

IMPORTANT:TheoperatorMUSTbeseatedinthe tractorseat.

1. Startthe engineaspreviouslyinstructedinthis Operator'sManual.

2. Turnthekeyfromthe NORMALMOWING(Green) positiontothe REVERSECAUTIONMODE(Yellow) positionofthe keyswitchmodule. SeeFigure12.

3. DepresstheREVERSEPUSHBUTTON(Orange, TriangularButton)atthetop,rightcornerof thekey switchmodule.Theredindicatorlightatthetop,left cornerof thekeyswitchmodulewillbeON while activated.See Figure12.

4. Onceactivated(indicatorlightON), thetractorcan bedrivenin reversewiththe cuttingblades(PTO) engaged.

5. Alwayslookdownand behindbeforeandwhile backingtomakesureno childrenarearound.

6. Afterresumingforwardmotion,returnthe keytothe NORMALMOWINGposition.

IMPORTANT:TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEwill remainactivateduntil:

a. Thekeyisplacedin eithertheNORMALMOW-

INGpositionor STOPposition.

b. Theoperatorleavestheseat(ModelswithElectric

PTOONLY).

c. Theoperatorengagestheparkingbrakebyfully

depressingthebrakepedalandholdingitdown whilegentlypushingthe parkingbrakebutton inward(ModelswithManualPTOONLY).

AVOID SERIOUS iNJURY OR DEATH

• GO UP ANDDOWNSLOPES,NOTACROSS.

• AVOIDSUDDENTURNS.

• DO NOTOPERATETHEUNITWHEREIT COULDSLIPOR TIP.

• IF MACHINESTOPSGOINGUPHILL,STOPBLADE(S)AND BACKDOWNHILLSLOWLY.

• DO NOTMOWWHEN CHILDRENOR OTHERSAREAROUND.

• NEVERCARRYCHILDREN,EVENWITHBLADESOFF.

• LOOK DOWNAND BEHINDBEFOREANDWHILEBACKING.

• KEEP SAFETYDEVICES(GUARDS,SHIELDS,AND SWITCHES)INPLACEANDWORKING.

• REMOVEOBJECTSTHATCOULD BETHROWNBYTHE BLADE(S).

• KNOWLOCATIONANDFUNCTIONOFALL CONTROLS.

• BE SUREBLADE(S) AND ENGINEARE STOPPEDBEFORE PLACINGHANDSORFEETNEAR BLADE(S).

• BEFORELEAVINGOPERATOR'SPOSITION,DISENGAGE BLADE(S), PLACETHE SHIFTLEVERINNEUTRAL,ENGAGE BRAKELOCK,SHUTENGINEOFFAND REMOVEKEY.

READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL

Engaging the Parking Brake

Toengagethe parkingbrake:

1. Fullydepressthe brakepedalandholdit downwith yourfootwhilegentlypushingtheparkingbrakebutton

inward.

2. Holdtheparkingbrakebuttoninwhile removingyour footfromthe brakepedal.

3. Onceengaged,theparkingbrakebuttonandthebrake pedalwilllockin the "down"position.

Todisengagetheparkingbrake:

1. Slightlydepressthe brakepedal.

NOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbeengagedif theoperator leavestheseatwiththe enginerunningor theenginewill automaticallyshutoff.

Setting the Cutting Height

1. Selectthe heightpositionofthecuttingdeckbyplacing thedecklift leverin anyofthe sixdifferentcutting heightnotchesonthe rightsideof thefender.

2. Adjustthe deckwheelssothattheyarebetween 1A-inchandV2-inchabovethegroundwhenthetractor isona smooth,flatsurfacesuchasadriveway.

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