MTD 13AX615G055 Owner’s Manual

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

OPER roR's

L

Model Series 610 Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor

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

PrintedIn USA FormNo.769-03633

(November14,2007)

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 .................................................. 8

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

Operation ................................................................ 16

Maintenance &Adjustment ................................ 20

This product has met the rigid safety standards of the Outdoor
Power Equipment Institute and an independent testing

laboratory. 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.

Service .................................................................... 24

Troubleshooting .................................................... 29

Replacement Parts ................................................ 30

Attachmen ts & Accessories ................................... 31

CA. Emission Control Statement .......................... 35

Warranty ................................................. Back Cover

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 standing at the operator's position and looking

down at the tea r of the deck. 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

FINFINFINFINFIND

SERIAL NUMBER

DIqDIqDIqDIqDIqD

CustomerSupport

Please do NOT return the machine to the retailer or dealer without first contacting our Customer 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 isin 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,stopengineand
waituntiltheblade(s)cometoacompletestopbefore

removinggrasscatcher,emptyinggrass,uncloggingchute,
removinganygrassordebris,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.

Yourmachineisdesignedtocutnormalresidentialgrassof
aheightnomorethan10".Donotattempttomowthrough
unusuallytall,drygrass(e.g.,pasture)orpilesofdryleaves.
Drygrassorleavesmaycontacttheengineexhaustand/or
builduponthemowerdeckpresentingapotentialfire

hazard.

27. Useonlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapprovedforthis
machinebythemachinemanufacturer.Read,understand

andfollowallinstructionsprovidedwiththeapproved
accessoryorattachment.

28. Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60yearsandabove,are
involvedinalargepercentageofridingmower-related

injuries.Theseoperatorsshouldevaluatetheirability
tooperatetheridingmowersafelyenoughtoprotect
themselvesandothersfromseriousinjury.

29. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,use
careandgoodjudgment.Contactyourcustomerservice

representativeforassistance.

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
grasscan hide obstacles.

3. Useslow 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. Useextra care with grasscatchers 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. Iftires 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 cavesin.

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.

S. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause

sliding.

6. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill. Over-speeding
may causethe 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 S
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 causetractor to

overturn).

4. I SECTION2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

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 a responsible adult other than the
operator.

b. Be alert and turn machine off ira 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.

S. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

6. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.

Service

SafeHandling0f Gas01ine:

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 linen 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.

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.

SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES S

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 ta roper 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.

NoticeRegarding 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) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

SparkArrestor

internal combustion engine and should not be used

_ ARNING: This machine is equipped with an

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 attester 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.

AverageUsefulLife

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, buy
a new machine or 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.

on or near any unimproved forest-covered,
brushcovered or grass-covered land unless the
engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark

attester meeting applicable local or state laws (if
any).

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.

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 I SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

SAVETHESEiNSTRUCTIONS!

Sight and hold this levelwith avertical tree...

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Usethis page as a guide to determine slopeswhere 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-Op

3

TractorSet-Up

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.

Shipping BraceRemoval

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

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

Locate the shipping brace, 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 hex 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 nut (or 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

While holding the discharge chute with your left hand,
remove the shipping brace with your right hand by
grasping it between your thumb and index finger and

rotating it clockwise.

_kll ARNING: The shipping brace, used for packaging

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

WARNING: The mowing deck is capable of
throwing objects. Failure to operate the riding

mower without the discharge cover in the proper
operating position could result in serious personal

injury and/or property damage.

Attaching TheSteeringWheel

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 off the
steering wheel cap and remove the hardware.

1. 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 shaft and secure with the hex bolt. See Fig. 3-3.

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

Figure 3-3

Attaching the HoodScoop(Ifsoequipped)

Ifthe 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.

To install:

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

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

Standard Adjustment
Quick Adjustment

Knob Adjustment

Ifthe seat for your tractor was not attached at the factory, refer
to Fig. 3-5, Fig. 3-6, and Fig.3-7 to identify your tractor's seat
style and follow the applicable instructions below to attach it.

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
from its shipping position and remove the two hex screws (or
knobs, on models soequipped) from the bottom of seat before

proceeding with applicable instructions below.

StandardAdjustment Seat

1. Position the shoulder screws(found on the base of the seat)
inside the slot openings in the seat pivot bracket. Fig. 3-5.

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 hex screws removed earlier. See Fig.3-5.

4. Toadjust the position of the seat, loosen the two hex
screws on the bottom of the seat.Slide the seat forward or

backward asdesired. Retighten the two screws.

Figure 3-4

Figure 3-5

KnobAdjustment Seat

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

3-6.

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.

SECTION 2 = ASSEMBLY& SET-UP 9

3. Select desired position for the seat, and secure with the
two knobs removed earlier. See Fig. 3-6.

4. To adjust the position of the seat on models so equipped,
loosen the two knobs on the bottom of the seat. Slide the seat

forward or backward as desired. Retighten the two knobs.

4_

Toadjust the position of the seat on models equipped with
aseat adjustment lever, move the seat adjustment lever

(located under the seat) to the left and slide the seat forward
or rearward. See Fig.3-8. Make sure seat is locked into

F

\

Figure 3-6

QuickAdjustmentSeat

NOTE: Ifyour 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 offthe seat pivot bracket.

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

2. Slide seat in until front seat spacer engages the seat stop.
See Fig. 3-7.

i_ll 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.

Figure 3-8

position before operating the tractor.

Mulch Plug

On tractor models so equipped, a mulch plug can be found
within the cutting deck's discharge opening.

NOTE: Refer to Mulching in the "Operating Your Lawn Tractor"
section of this manual for more detailed information.

If you'd prefer to operate the cutting deck without mulching,
simply remove the mulch plug by unthreading the plastic
wing nut which fastens it to the cutting deck. This will allow

the clippings to discharge out of the discharge opening during
operation. See Fig. 3-9.

Figure 3-7

SECTION 2-- ASSEMBLY & SET-UP

Figure 3-9

TirePressure

circumstances is 30 psi. Equal tire pressure should be

/_ WARNING: Maximum tire pressure under any

maintained at all times.

The tires on your unit may be over-inflated for shipping
purposes. Reduce the tire pressure before operating the tractor.
Recommended operating tire pressure is approximately 10p.s.i

for the reartires & 14p.s.i,for the front tires. Check sidewall of
tire for maximum p.s.i.

Gasand 0il Fill-up

The gasoline tank is located under the hood and has a capacity
of 1-1/2 gallons or2 gallons based on your model of tractor. Do

not overfill.

i_L WARNING: Use extreme care when handling

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the
separate Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed with your

tractor. Read instructions carefully.
IMPORTANT:Your tractor is shipped with motor oil in the engine.

However, you MUST check the oil level before operating. Be
careful not to overfill.

gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the

vapors are explosive. Never fuel machine indoors or
while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish

cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.

MovingTheTractorManually

Your tractor's transmission is equipped with a hydrostatic relief
valve for occasions when it is necessary to move the tractor

manually. Activating this valve forces the fluid in the transmission
to bypass its normal route, allowing the rear tires to "freewheel."

To engage the hydrostatic relief valve, proceed as follows:

1. Locate the hydrostatic bypass rod in the rear of the tractor.
See Fig. 3-10.

2. Pull the hydrostatic bypass rod outward, then down and to
the left, to lock it in place.

NOTE:The transmission will NOTengage when the hydrostatic
bypass rod is pulled out. Return the rod to its normal position

prior to operating the tractor.
IMPORTANT: Never attempt to move the tractor manually

without first engaging the hydrostatic relief valve. Doing so will
result in serious damage to the tractor's transmission.

Setting the DeckGaugeWheels

Move the tractor on a firm and level surface, preferably
pavement, and proceed as follows

1. Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing
the deck lift lever in the normally desired mowing height
setting (any of the six different cutting height notches on

the right fender).

2. Check the gauge wheels for contact or excessive clearance
with the surface below. The deck gauge wheels should

have between 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch clearance above the
ground as follows:

If the gauge wheels have excessive clearance or contact with the
surface, adjust as follows:

a. Raise the deck lift handle to its highest setting.
b. Remove the gauge wheels by removing the lock

nuts and shoulder screws which secure them to the
deck. See Fig. 3-11.

F

Figure 3-10

Figure 3-11

c. Place the deck lift lever in the desired mowing

height setting.

d. Reinsert the shoulder screw (with each gauge

wheel) into the index hole that leaves approximately
1/2-inch between the bottom of the wheel and the

pavement.

Refer to Leveling the Deck in the Maintenance section of this
manual for more detailed instructions regarding various deck
adjustments.

SECTION 2 -- ASSEMBLY& SET-UP 11

ControlsandFeatures

f

PTO (Blade Engage) Lever

///

Ammeter

1//

Cruise Control

ignition Switch

Module

4

Parking Brake

Peda I

I

throttle/Choke Lever

Seat Adjustment

Lever (if equipped)

\

Cup Holder Deck Lift Lever

Jf _!

Figure 4=1

Lawn Tractor controls and features are illustrated in Fig 4-1 and described on the following pages.

before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with all safety rules and instructions may result in personal

WARNING! Read and follow all safety rules and instructions in this manual, including the entire Operation section,

injury.