MTD 13RN771H729, 13AX775H730, 13AO772H755, 13AN772G729, 13AN772G700 Owner’s Manual

...

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

OF A O AL

Shift=On-The=Go'" Lawn Tractor -- Models 760=779

iMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

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

Ohio44136-0019.

FORMNO.769-01598C

PRINTEDIN U.S.A.

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

01/22/2007

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

BEFOREYOUSTARTASSEMBLING YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,

pleaselocate themodel plateon the equipmentand copythe

informationto the sample model plate providedto the right. You

can locate the modelplate by lookingbeneaththe seat.

This informationwillbe necessaryto use the manufacturer'sweb

site and/or obtain assistancefrom the Customer Support Depart-

mentor anauthorizedservice dealer.

Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor ........................ 22

Off-Season Storage / Attachments ................. 28

Safety Labels .................................................... 29

Trouble Shooting .............................................. 30

Warranty .............................................. Back Page

Model Number

www.mtdprod ucts.corn

Serial Number

MTD LLC

P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OH 44136

330=220=4683

800=800=731 0 j

Customer Support

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

purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.

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

1. Visitwww.mtdproducts.com.

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.

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Operation

WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of itsconstituents,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.

WARNING

Thissymbol points

out importantsafety

instructionswhich, if notfollowed, could

i endangerthe personal

safetyand/or property ofyourself and others.

I Readand follow all i instructionsinthis man-

i ualbeforeattempting to i operatethis machine.

Failureto complywith

these instructionsmay

resultin personalinjury.

i Whenyou see this

symbol.

i HEED ITS WARNING

Your

i Responsibility

Restrictthe use

ofthis power machine

I to personswho read,

understand

and followthe warnings

and instructions

inthis manual

Children

1. Tragicaccidentscanoccurifthe operatoris not alertto thepresenceof children.Childrenareoften

attractedto themachineandthemowingactivity. Theydo notunderstandthe dangers.Neverassume

thatchildrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem.

a. Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaandin

watchfulcareof a responsibleadultother than theoperator.

b. Bealertandturnmachineoff ifa childenters

thearea.

c. Beforeandwhilebacking,lookbehindand

downfor smallchildren.

d. Nevercarrychildren,evenwiththeblade(s)

shutoff.Theymayfalloffandbeseriously injuredorinterferewithsafemachineoperation.

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. Removekeywhenmachineisunattendedto

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. Neverfillcontainersinsideavehicleorona

truckor trailerbedwitha plasticliner.Always placecontainersonthegroundawayfrom yourvehiclebeforefilling.

c. Whenpractical,removegas-powered

equipmentfromthetruckor trailerand refuelit ontheground.Ifthis isnotpossible,then

refuelsuchequipmenton a trailerwitha portablecontainer,ratherthanfroma gasoline

dispensernozzle.

d. Keepthenozzlein contactwiththe rimof

thefueltankor containeropeningatall timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donot usea nozzlelock-opendevice.

e. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesand

othersourcesofignition.

f. Neverfuel machineindoors. g. Neverremovegascap oraddfuelwhilethe

engineishot or running.Allowenginetocool atleasttwominutesbeforerefueling.

h. Neveroverfill fueltank.Filltankto nomore

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.

!i!i ¸¸¸:¸/: :!i¸ ¸¸¸ : :

WARNING

Thissymbol points out importantsafety instructionswhich, if

notfollowed,could endangerthe personal

safety and/or property ofyourselfand 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 power machine

to personswho read,

understand

and follow the warnings

and instructions

inthis manual

Operation

This symbol points out important safety

instructionswhich, if notfollowed, could

endangerthe personal

i safety and/or property

of yourselfand others.

Readandfollow all =nstructionsinthis man-

ualbeforeattempting to

I operate this machine. I Failureto comply with

i these instructions may i resultin personalinjury.

Whenyou seethis symbol.

HEED ITS WARNING

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 takeadvantageofenginebrakingaction.

4. Followthe manufacturer'srecommendationsfor wheelweightsorcounterweightstoimprovestability.

5. Useextracare withgrasscatchersorotherat- tachments.Thesecanchangethestabilityof the

machine.

6. Keepall movementonthe 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 nottrytostabilizethemachineby puttingyourfoot 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 manufacturersrecommendationforweight limitsfor towedequipmentandtowingon slopes.

3. Neverallowchildrenorothersin orontowedequip- ment.

4. Onslopes,theweightof thetowedequipmentmay causelossoftractionandlossofcontrol.

5. Travelslowlyandallowextradistancetostop.

6. Do notshiftto neutralandcoastdownhill.

Your

Responsibility

Restrictthe use

of this power machine

to personswho read,

understand

and followthe warn=ngs

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 servicedprofessionallybyanauthorized

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

ofyourselfand 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 power machine

to personswho read,

understand

and followthe warn=ngs

and instructions

in this manual

Use extreme care

henhandling

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

other sOurceS of ignition:

NOTE: This Operators

Manual Coversa range ofprOduCtSpecifications

for variousmodels.

Characteristicsand

features disCussed

and/or illustrated

this manual may not be

applicable to all modelsl

MTD LLC reservesthe righttOchange product

specifiCationsldesigns

and equipmentwithout notice andwithout incur-

ting oblieation ,,

Rubber Boot

Figure 3-1

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

Attaching the Battery Cables

NOTE:Somemodelsareshippedwiththe batterycables alreadyconnected.

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

• Thepositivecable(heavyredwire)issecuredtothe positivebatteryterminal(+)withahexboltandhex nutat thefactory.Makecertainthatthe rubberboot coverstheterminaltohelpprotectitfromcorrosion.

• Removethehexboltand hexnutfromthe negative cable.

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

NOTE:Ifthe batteryis putintoserviceafterthedate shownontop/sideof battery,chargethe batteryas instructedin theMaintainingYourLawnTractorsectionof thismanualpriorto operatingthetractor.

Gas and Oil Fill-up

Thegasolinetankislocatedunderthe hoodandhasa capacityof 1-1/2gallons.Donot overfill.

_ WARNING:Useextremecare when

Servicetheenginewithgasolineandoil asinstructedin theseparateEngineOperator/OwnerManualpackedwith yourtractor.Readinstructionscarefully.

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

handling gasoline. Gasolineis extremely

flammableand the vapors are explosive. Neverfuel machine indoors or while the

engine is hot or running. Extinguish ciga- rettes, cigars, pipes,and other sources of ignition.

Shipping Brace Removal

WARNING:Makesure the riding mower's

engine is off, removetheignition key,and set theparking brakebefore removing the shipping brace.

Locatetheshippingbrace,ifpresent,andaccompany- ing warningtagfoundonthe rightsideofthemower, betweenthedischargechuteandthecuttingdeck. See Fig.3-2.

Whileholdingthe dischargechutewithyourleft hand,

removetheshippingbracewithyour righthandby graspingit betweenyourthumbandindexfingerand

rotatingitclockwise.

WARNING:Theshipping brace, used

for packaging purposes only,mustbe removed and discarded before operating your riding mower.

WARNING:Themowing deck is capable of throwing objects.Failure to operatethe riding mower without the discharge cover in theproper operating position could result in serious personal injury and/or property damage.

Figure 3=2

YourLawn

Tractor

WARNING

Attaching The Steering Wheel

ifthe steeringwheelforyourtractordid notcome

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

thehardware.

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

shaft.

2. Placethewasher(withthecuppedsidedown)over thesteeringshaftandsecurewiththehex bolt.See

Fig.3-3.

3. Placethesteeringwheelcapoverthecenterof the steeringwheelandpushdownwarduntilit "clicks"into place.

Attaching the Hood Scoop (if so equipped)

Ifthehoodscoopwasnot securedtothe hoodofyour tractorat thefactory,youwillfindit ina plasticbag, hangingfromthethrottlelever.

Toinstall:

1. Carefullypivotthetractor hoodforward.

2. Removethefourscrewsfromtheundersideof the

hoodscoop.

Lineup thefour holesinthehoodscoopwiththefour

holes visiblethroughthetractor'shoodIouvres.See

Figure3-4.

4. Whileholdingthescoopin place,usea 3/8" socket

wrench(or boxwrench)to carefullytightenthescoop ontothe hood.

Figure 3=3

Make surethe riding mower's engine is

off, removethe igni- tion key, and set the

parkingbrake before removing the shipping

brace.

The shipping brace, used for packaging purposes only, must

be removed and discarded before

operatingyour riding mower.

The mowing deck is capableofthrowing

objects. Failure to operate the riding

mower without the discharge cover in

the properoperating

position could result in serious personal

injuryand/or property

damage.

DoNOTovertighten.

Figure 3-4

theseat is engaged in

theseatstop;stand

behindthemachine

and backonseat

until fully engaged

intostopl

NOTE: Forshipping rea-

sons seats areeither

fastenedtothe tractor

seat's pivot bracketwith

aplastiCtie,ormounted

backwardtothe pivot

bracketl either case;

freethe seatformits

shipping position and

Figure 3-5

Figure 3-6

Attaching The Seat

Seatstylesvarybytractormodelandtherearethree differentstylesavailable:

StandardAdjustment

• QuickAdjustment&

• KnobAdjustment

If theseatfor yourtractorwasnotattachedatthefactory, referto Fig.3-5,Fig.3-6, andFig.3-7toidentifyyour tractor'sseatstyleandfollowtheapplicableinstructions

belowto attachit. NOTE:Forshippingreasons,seatsareeitherfastened

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

instructionsbelow. Standard Adjustment Seat

1. Positiontheshoulderscrews(foundonthe based the seat)insidetheslotopeningsinthe seatpivotbracket. Fig.3-5.

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

3. Selectdesiredpositionforthe seat,andsecurewith thetwohex screwsremovedearlier.SeeFig.3-5.

Quick Adjustment Seat NOTE:ifyour seatwas shippedmountedbackwardson theseatpivotbracket,pulloutthetab foundonthe seat stopandholditopenwhileslidingthe seatoff theseat pivotbracket.SeeFig.3-6.

1. Lineupthe plasticseatspacerswiththeslotsin seat pivotbracket.

2. Slideseatinuntilfrontseatspacerengagestheseat stop.SeeFig.3-6.

bi_ makesurestop,WARNINGstandbehindthe machine and pull:theseat is engaged in theBef°re operating thismachine,seat

back on seat until fully engaged into stop.

Knob Adjustment Seat

1. Positiontheshoulderscrews(foundonthe based the seat)insidetheslotopeningsinthe seatpivotbracket. Fig.3-7.

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

3. Selectdesiredpositionforthe seat,andsecurewith thetwoknobsremovedearlier.SeeFig.3-7.

applicableinstructions

Figure 3-7

identifying the lVluich Plug

On tractormodelssoequipped,amulchplugcan be foundwithinthecuttingdeck'sdischargeopening.

NOTE:Referto Mulching in the"OperatingYourLawn

Tractor"sectionofthismanualformoredetailedinforma- tion.

Ifyou'dprefertooperatethecuttingdeckwithoutmulch- ing,simplyremovethemulchplugby unthreadingthe plasticwing nutwhichfastensit tothecuttingdeck.This willallowtheclippingsto dischargeoutof thedischarge openingduringoperation.SeeFig.3-8.

Tire Pressure

....,\\\\\

Setting Up

,_ WARNING:Maximum tirepressure under

Thetiresonyour unitmaybeover-inflatedforshipping purposes.Reducethetire pressurebeforeoperating thetractor.Recommendedoperatingtirepressureis approximately10p.s.iforthe reartires& 14p.s.i,forthe fronttires.Checksidewallof tireformaximump.s.i.

any circumstances is 30psL Equal tire pressure should bemaintainedat all times.

Figure 3=8

WARNING

Maximum tire pres' sure under any

circumstances is 30 psi, Equal tire pressure

should be maintained at all times,

NOTE:For shipping red:

sons, seats are either

fastenedtothe tractor

Seats pivot_ bracketWith

a plastic tie, or mounted

backwardto the pivot

brackeL In eithercase

freethe seat form its

shipping positionand

removethe two hex

screws(or knobs;on

modelssoequipped)

from the bottom ofseat before proceedingwith

p# le instructions:

NOTE:Anyreference inthismanualtothe

RIGHTorLEFTsideof

thetractorisobserved

fromoperator'sposition.

Know Your Lawn Tractor

NOTE:Forshippingrea- sons,seatsareeither

fastenedtothetractor

seat'spivotbracketwith aplastictie,ormounted backwardtothepivot bracket.Ineithercase

freetheseatformits shippingpositionand

removethetwohex screws(orknobs,on

modelssoequipped) fromthebottomofseat

beforeproceedingwith applicableinstructions.

NOTE:Steeringwheelnot shownforclarity

Figure 4=1

A SpeedControlLever/ParkingBrake E ThrottleControlLever

B Clutch-BrakePedal F IgnitionSwitchModule C ShiftLever G DeckLiftLever

D ChokeControl1- H PTO(BladeEngage)Lever

1-If soequipped

NOTE:Anyreferencein thismanualto theRIGHTor LEFTsideof thetractorisobservedfromoperator'sposition.

Throttle Control Lever

Thethrottlecontrolleveris locatedon therightside of thetractor'sdashpanel.Thislevercontrolsthespeed ofthe engineand,on somemodels,whenpushedall thewayforward,thechokecontrolalso.Whenset ina givenposition,thethrottlewill maintainauniformengine speed.SeeFig.4-2.

iMPORTANT:Whenoperatingthetractorwiththe cutting deckengaged,becertainthatthe throttleleverisalways inthe FAST(rabbit)position.

Choke Control

Onsomemodels,movingthe throttleleverallthe wayforward activatestheengine'schoke

control.Onall othermodels,the chokecontrolcanbefoundon

theleftsideof thedash panel andisactivatedby pullingthe knoboutward.Activatingthe

chokecontrolclosesthe choke plateonthe carburetorandaids

instartingtheengine.Referto Starting The Engineon page16of thismanualfordetailedstartinginstructions.

Ignition Switch

Theignitionswitchisactivatedto startthe engine,insert keyintotheignitionswitchandturnclockwiseto the STARTposition.ReleasethekeyintotheON position onceenginehasfired.SeeFig.4-3A.

ignition Switch Module (If SoEquipped) Tostart theengine,insertthekeyintothe ignitionswitch andturnclockwisetothe STARTposition.Releasethe keyintotheNORMALMOWINGMODEpositiononce theenginehasfired.

Tostopthe engine,turntheignitionkeycounterclockwise tothe OFFposition.SeeFig.4-3B.

WARNING:Neverleavearunning machine

unattended.Always disengagePTO,move shift lever into neutral position, set park- ing brake, stop engine and removekeyto

prevent unintended starting.

iMPORTANT:Priortooperatingthetractor,refertoboth Safetyinterlock Switches on page14and Starting TheEngine onpage16of thismanualfordetailed instructionsregardingthe ignitionSwitchModuleand operatingthetractorinREVERSECAUTIONMODE.

Deck Lift Lever

Foundonyourtractor'srightfender,the decklift leveris usedto changetheheightof thecuttingdeck.Touse, movethelevertotheleft,thenplaceinthenotchbest suitedforyourapplication.

FAST

CHOKE

FAST

SLOW

Off On/Lights

Stop

Position

SLOW

Figure 4=2

Start

Position

Figure 4-3

Parking Brake

Tosetthe parkingbrake,fullydepressthedutch-brake

pedal.Movethespeedcontrolleverallthewaydownand intotheparkingbrakeposition.Releasetheclutch-brake pedaltoallowtheparkingbraketo engage.

Toreleasetheparkingbrake,depresstheclutch-brake

pedalandmovethespeedcontrolleveroutofthe notchesto thedesiredposition.Releasethespeed

controlleverandthe clutch-brakepedal.

_ever leave a running

machine unattended, Always disengage

PTO,move shift lever

nto neutral position,

set parking brake, stop engine andremove key

to preventunintended

starting:

MPORTANT

Prior_o0

tractorirefe!to both

Safety Interlock ; Switches onpage

14.and starting The

:Engineonpage16

detailedinstraCtions

regardingtheIgnition

Switch Moduleand operatingthe tractor in

REVERSECAUTION

ODEi

NOTE:Lawntractorsvarybymodelandareavailablewith eithera 6- or7-speedcontrollever.

NOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbesetif theoperator

WARNING

Dooctop rato

tractor ifthe interlock

ing: This system was

safetyaodproteot oo,

leavestheseatwiththe enginerunningor theengine willautomaticallyshutoff.

Clutch-Brake Pedal

Theclutch-brakepedalis locatedontheleft sideof thelawntractor,alongtherunningboard.Depressthe clutch-brakepedalpartwaydownwhenslowingthe tractorbychangingspeeds(Referto SpeedControl Lever).Depressthepedalall thewaydowntoengage thedisc brakeand bringthetractortoa completestop. NOTE:Thepedalmustbedepressedto startthe engine. RefertoSafetyInterlockSwitcheson page14.

Shift Lever

Theshiftleverislocatedon the leftsideof thefender andhasthree positions,FORWARD,NEUTRALand

NOTE: Theparking

brakemustbesetifthe

operator leavesthe seat with theengine

ningor the enginewi

automatiCallyshutofL

NOTE: The PTO (Blade

Engage)levermustbe

inthe disengaged (PTO

OFF) positionwhen starting the engine:

IMPORTANT

Never force the shift lever:Do ngso may

resultin serious

damageto thetractorls

REVERSE.Thebrakepedalmustbedepressedand thetractor mustnotbe inmotionwhenthe movingshift lever.SeeFig.4-4. IMPORTANT:Neverforcetheshiftlever.Doingsomay resultinseriousdamagetothetractor'stransmission.

Speed Control Lever

Thespeedcontrollever,locatedon theleftsideof thetractor'sdash

console,allowsyouto regulatethe groundspeedof thelawntractor.To use,depresstheclutch-brakepedal andmovetheleveroutof theparking

brakenotchandforwardto increase thetractor'sgroundspeed.Whena

desiredspeedhasbeenreached, releasetheleverintoan appropriate notchtomaintainthatspeed.

Toslowthetractor'sgroundspeed, depresstheclutch-brakepedaland movethespeedcontrolleverrearward

andreleaseit intoa notch.

transmissionl

FRRWARD

NUETRAL

REVERSE_

Figure 4-4

PARK

BRAKE

PTO (Blade Engage) Lever

Foundonthe tractor'srightfender,the PTO(bladeengage)leveris usedto engagepowertothecuttingdeckor other(separatelyavailable)attachments. Tooperate,movethe leverallthe way forward.Movingtheleverallthe way rearwardintothePTOOFFposition disengagespowertothecuttingdeck/

attachment. NOTE:ThePTO(bladeengage)lever

mustbe inthe disengaged(PTOOFF) positionwhenstartingtheengine.

"O /"

,t5

Safety Interlock Switches

Thistractorisequippedwitha safetyinterlocksystem forthe protectionof theoperator,iftheinterlocksystem shouldevermalfunction,donotoperatethetractor.

ContactanauthorizedMTDservicedealer.

Thesafetyinterlocksystempreventstheengine fromcrankingor startingunlessthe parkingbrakeis engaged,andthe PTO(BladeEngage)leverisinthe disengaged(OFF)position.

* Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoffif theoperator

leavestheseatbeforeengagingtheparkingbrake.

* Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoffif theoperator

leavesthetractor'sseatwiththePTO(BladeEngage) leverinthe engaged(ON)position,regardlessof whetherthe parkingbrakeis engaged.

* Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoffif theoperator

engagesthePTOwiththe parkingbrakeON.

Models without Reverse Caution Mode

,, Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoffifthe PTO(Blade

Engage)leveris movedintothe engaged(ON)position withtheshift leverinReverse.

Models with Reverse Caution Mode

* WiththeignitionkeyintheNORMALMOWINGposi-

tion,theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff if thePTO (BladeEngage)leveris movedintothe engaged(ON) positionwiththeshift leverinReverse.

_ ARNING:Do not operate the tractor if the

interlock system is malfunctioning. This system wasdesigned for your safety and protection.

Reverse Caution Mode

(Models equipped with ignition switch module)

_il= ARNING:Useextreme caution while

TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEpositionofthe key switchmoduleallowsthetractorto be operatedin reversewiththeblades(PTO)engaged.

IMPORTANT:Mowinginreverseisnotrecommended, Tousethe REVERSECAUTIONMODE:

IMPORTANT:TheoperatorMUSTbeseatedinthe tractorseat.

1, Startthe engineasinstructedonpage16under

2. Turnthekeyfromthe NORMALMOWING(Green)

3. DepresstheREVERSEPUSHBUTTON(Orange,

4. Onceactivated(indicatorlightON),thetractorcan

5. Alwayslookdownand behindbeforeandwhile

6. Afterresumingforwardmotion,returnthe keytothe

IMPORTANT:TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEwill remainactivateduntil:

Engaging the Parking Brake

Toengagethe parkingbrake:

1. Fullydepressthe clutch-brakepedalandholditdown

2. Movethe speedcontrolleverallthewaydownand

3. Releasetheclutch-brakepedaltoallowtheparking

operating the tractor in the REVERSE CAUTIONMODE.Always look down and behind before andwhile backing. Do notoperate the tractor whenchildren or others arearound. Stop the tractor immediately if someoneenters thearea.

Starting The Engine.

positiontothe REVERSECAUTIONMODE(Yellow) positionofthe keyswitchmodule. SeeFig.4-5.

TriangularButton)atthetop,rightcornerof thekey switchmodule.Theredindicatorlightat thetop,left cornerof thekeyswitchmodulewillbe ONwhile activated.SeeFig.4-5.

bedriveninreversewiththe cuttingblades(PTO) engaged.

backingtomakesureno childrenarearound.

NORMALMOWINGposition.

a. Thekeyisplacedineitherthe NORMALMOWING

positionor STOPposition.

b. Theoperatorengagestheparkingbrakebyfully

depressingtheclutch-brakepedalandholdingit downwhilemovingthespeedcontrolleverintothe PARKBRAKEposition.

withyourfoot.

intothe parkingbrakeposition.

braketo engage.

Reverse

Indicator

Light

Stop

Position

.PushButton

Reverse

CautionMode

Position

Start

Position

Figure 4-5

Toreleasetheparkingbrake:

1. Depresstheclutch-brakepedalandmovethe speed controlleveroutofthe parkingbrakepositionandinto a desiredspeed.

Setting the Cutting Height

1. Selectthe heightpositionofthecuttingdeckbyplac-

ingthedecklift leverinany ofthesixdifferentcutting heightnotcheson therightsideof thefender.

2. Adjustthe deckwheels,ifequipped,sothat theyare between1A-inchandV2-inchabovethegroundwhen

thetractorisona smooth,flatsurfacesuchasa driveway.

d_ltlb WARNING: Keephands and feetawayfrom

NOTE:Onmodelssoequipped,thedeckwheelsarean

anti-scalpfeatureofthedeckandarenotdesignedto

supporttheweightof thecuttingdeck.

Referto Levelingthe Deckon page20 of thismanual formoredetailedinstructionsregardingvariousdeck adjustments.

the discharge opening of the cutting deck.

Use extreme caution

while operating

the tractor in the REVERSE CAUTION

MODE.Always look

down and behind before and while

backing. Do not oper- ate the tractor when

children or others are around. Stop the

tractor immediately if someone enters the

area.

Keep handsand

feet away from the discharge opening of

the cutting deck.

Do not operate

the tractor if the

interlocksystem is

malfunctioning. This system was designed for your safety and

protection.

WARNING

ifyou strike a foreign object,stop the engine,

disconnect the spark

plugwire(s) and groundagainst the

engine.Thoroughly

inspectthe machine for

any damage. Repair the damage before restart-

ingand operating.

Avoid sudden starts, ex-cessivespeed and

sudden stops.

Donot leavethe seat

ofthe tractor without

first placingthe PTO (Blade Engage)lever in the disengaged (OFF)

position,depressing the brake pedal and

engagingthe parking brake. If leaving the tractor unattended, also

turn the ignitionkeyoff and remove the key.

Alwayslook down

and behind before

and while backingup to avoid a back-over

Starting the Engine

_ ARNING:Do not operate the tractor if

NOTE:Referto theTRACTORSET=UPon page8 of thismanualforGasolineandOil fill-upinstructions.

1. Insertthetractorkeyintothe ignitionswitch.

2. PlacethePTO(BladeEngage)leverinthe disen-

3. Engagethetractor'sparkingbrake.

4. Activatethechokecontrol.

5. TurntheignitionkeyclockwisetotheSTARTposi-

IMPORTANT:DoNOTholdthekeyin the START positionforlongerthantensecondsata time. Doingso maycausedamagetoyourengine'selectricstarter.

6. Afterthe enginestarts,deactivatethe chokecontrol

NOTE:DoNOTleavethe chokecontrolonwhileoperat- ingthetractor.Doingsowill resultina "rich"fuelmixture andcausetheengineto runpoorly.

theinterlock system is malfunctioning. Thissystem wasdesigned for your safety andprotection.

gaged(OFF)position.

tion.Aftertheenginestarts,releasethekey.Itwill returnto theON(or NormalMowing)position.

andplacethe throttlecontrolinthe FASTposition.

Stopping the Engine

_ ARNING:If you strike a foreign object,

1. If thebladesareengaged,placethePTO(Blade

2. Turntheignitionkeycounterclockwiseto theSTOP

3. Removethe keyfromtheignitionswitchtoprevent

stop theengine, disconnect the spark

plug wire(s) and ground against the

engine. Thoroughly inspect themachine for any damage. Repair the damage beforerestarting and operating

Engage)leverinthe disengaged(OFF)position.

position.

unintendedstarting.

Driving The Tractor

_ WARNING:Avoid sudden starts, ex-ces-

sive speedand sudden stops.

WARNING:Donot leavethe seat of the

tractor without first placing the PTO (Blade Engage)lever in thedisengaged (OFF)position, depressing thebrake

pedal and engaging the parking brake.If

leaving the tractor unattended,also turn theignition key off and remove the key.

Always look downand behind beforeand

while backing upto avoid a back-over accident.

WA I

AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

GO UPAND DOWNSLOPES,NOTACROSS. AVOIDSUDDENTURNS.

DO NOT OPERATETHEUNITWHEREIT COULDSLIPOR TIR IF MACHINESTOPSGOINGUPHILL,STOPBLADE(S)AND

BACKDOWNHILLSLOWLY. DO NOT MOWWHEN CHILDRENOROTHERSAREAROUND. NEVERCARRYCHILDREN,EVENWITHBLADESOFR

LOOK DOWNAND BEHIND BEFOREANDWHILEBACKING. KEEPSAFETYDEVICES(GUARDS,SHIELDS,ANDSWITCHES)

IN PLACEANDWORKING. REMOVEOBJECTSTHATCOULDBE THROWNBYTHE

BLADE(S). KNOWLOCATIONANDFUNCTIONOFALLCONTROLS.

BE SUREBLADE(S)ANDENGINEARE STOPPEDBEFORE PLACINGHANDSORFEETNEAR BLADE(S).

BEFORELEAVINGOPERATOR'SPOSITION,DISENGAGE BLADE(S), PLACETHE SHIFTLEVERIN NEUTRAL,ENGAGE BRAKELOCK,SHUTENGINEOFFAND REMOVEKEY.

READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL

1. Depressthebrakepedalto releasetheparkingbrake andletthe pedalup.

2. Movethe throttleleverintothe FAST(rabbit)position.

3. Placetheshift leverineithertheFORWARDor REVERSEposition.

IMPORTANT:DoNOTusethe shiftlevertochangethe directionoftravelwhenthetractorisin motion.Always usethe brakepedalto bringthetractortoacompletestop beforeshifting.

4. Releasethe parkingbrakebydepressingthe clutch- brakepedaland positioningthe speedcontrolleverin desiredposition.

IMPORTANT:First-timeoperatorsshouldusespeedposi- tions 1or2. Becomecompletelyfamiliarwiththe tractor's operationandcontrolsbeforeoperatingthetractorin higherspeedpositions.

Releaseclutch-brakepedalslowlyto putunitinto motion.

Thelawntractoris broughttoa stopbydepressingthe clutch-brakepedal.

NOTE:Whenoperatingthe unitinitially,therewill be little differencebetweenthehighesttwo speedsuntilafterthe beltshaveseatedthemselvesintothe pulleysduringthe break-inperiod.

WARNING:Beforeleavingthe operator's

positionfor any reason,disengage the

blades,place the shift lever in neutral, engagetheparking brake, shut engine off and remove thekey.

iMPORTANT:Whenstoppingthetractorforany reason whileona grasssurface,always:

1. Placetheshiftleverin neutral,

2. Engagetheparkingbrake,

3. Shutengineoff andremovethekey. Doingso willminimizethepossibilityof havingyourlawn

"browned"byhot exhaustfromyourtractor'srunning engine. If unit stalls with speedcontrolin highspeed,or ifunit willnotoperatewithspeedcontrolleverina low speed position,proceedasfollows:

1. Placeshiftleverin NEUTRAL.

2. Restartengine.

3. Placespeedcontrolleverinhighestspeedposition.

4. Releaseclutch-brakepedalfully.

5. Depressclutch-brakepedal.

6. Placespeedcontrolleverindesiredposition.

7. Placeshiftleverin eitherFORWARDor REVERSE, andfollownormaloperatingprocedures.

Driving On Slopes

Refertothe SLOPEGAUGEon page3 to helpdetermine slopeswhereyoumayoperatethetractorsafely.

WARNING:Donot mow on inclines with

aslope in excessof 15degrees (arise of approximately 2-1/2feet every10feet). The

tractor could overturn and cause serious injury.

Mowupanddownslopes,NEVERacross,

Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon slopes,

Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,or otherhidden objects.Uneventerraincouldoverturnthemachine, Tallgrasscan hideobstacles.

Avoidturnswhendrivingona slope.Ifa turnmustbe made,turndowntheslope.Turningup a slopegreatly

increasesthechanceof a rollover, Avoidstoppingwhendrivingupa slope,if itis

necessarytostopwhiledrivingupa slope,startup smoothlyandcarefullyto reducethepossibilityof flippingthetractoroverbackward.

Engaging the Blades

Engagingthe PTO(BladeEngage)transferspowertothe cuttingdeckor other(separatelyavailable)attachments. Toengagetheblades,proceedasfollows:

1. Movethe throttlecontrolleverto theFAST(rabbit) position.

2. Graspthe PTO(BladeEngage)leverandpivotitall thewayforwardintotheengaged(ON)position.

3. Keepthe throttleleverintheFAST(rabbit)position forthe mostefficientuseofthe cuttingdeckorother (separatelyavailable)attachments.

iMPORTANT:ModelswithReverseCaution Mode: Theenginewill automaticallyshutoff if thePTOis

engagedwiththeshift leverinpositionfor reversetravel withtheignitionkeyintheNORMALMOWINGposition.

Modelswithout ReverseCaution Mode: ThePTO(BladeEngage)levermustbe inthedisen-

gaged(OFF)positionwhenstartingtheengine,when travelingin reverse,and if theoperatorleavestheseat. RefertoSafetyInterlockSwitchesonpage14.

Using the Deck Lift Lever

Toraisethecuttingdeck,movethe decklift leverto theleft, thenplaceitinthe notchbestsuitedforyour application.RefertoSettingTheCuttingHeightearlierin

thissection.

WARNING

Do not mow on

inclineswith a slope in excess of 15

degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2

feet every 10feet). The tractor could

overturn and cause serious injury.

Your Lawn

Tracto

WARNING

Tohelp avoid blade

contact ora thrown

object injury, keep bystanders, helpers,

children and pets at

least 75 feet from the machinewhile it is in

operation.Stop ma= chine ifanyone enters

the area.

Planyour mowing

pattern to avoid

discharge of mated- DiStoward roads,

sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also,

avoiddischarging material against a wall

or obstruction which may cause discharged

material to ricochet

back toward the

operator.

Mowing

_ ARNING:Tohelp avoidblade contact or

Thefollowinginformationwillbehelpfulwhenusingthe cuttingdeckwithyourtractor:

_ WARNING:Planyour mowing pattern

• Donotmowat highgroundspeed,especiallyifa

• Forbestresultsit isrecommendedthatthefirsttwo

• Mowingshouldalwaysbedonewiththeengineatfull

• Underheavierconditionsitmaybenecessarytogo

• DoNOTattempttomowheavybrushandweedsand

• Keepthebladessharpandreplacethebladeswhen

a thrown objectinjury, keepbystanders, helpers, children andpets at least 75feet from the machinewhile it is inoperation. Stopmachine if anyoneentersthe area.

toavoid discharge ofmaterials toward roads, sidewalks,bystanders andthe like.

Also, avoid discharging material against

a wall orobstruction which may cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator.

mulchkitorgrasscollectorisinstalled.

lapsbecutwiththe dischargethrowntowardsthe center.Afterthefirsttwolaps,reversethedirection tothrowthe dischargetothe outsideforthebalance ofcutting.Thiswill givea betterappearanceto the

lawn. Donotcut thegrasstoo short.Shortgrassinvites

weedgrowthandyellowsquicklyin dry weather.

throttle.

backoverthe cut areaa secondtimetogeta clean cut.

extremelytallgrass.Yourtractoris designedtomow lawns,NOTclearbrush.

worn.Referto Cutting Blades onpage25ofthis manualforproperbladesharpeninginstructions.

AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

• GO UPANDDOWNSLOPES,NOTACROSS.

• AVOID SUDDENTURNS.

• DO NOTOPERATETHEUNITWHERE IT COULDSLIP OR TIR

• IF MACHINESTOPSGOINGUPHILL,STOPBLADE(S) ANDBACKDOWNHILLSLOWLY.

,, DO NOTMOWWHEN CHILDRENOR OTHERSARE

AROUND.

• NEVERCARRYCHILDREN,EVENWITHBLADESOFR

• LOOK DOWNAND BEHINDBEFOREANDWHILE BACKING.

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

• REMOVEOBJECTSTHATCOULD BETHROWNBY THE BLADE(S).

• KNOW LOCATIONANDFUNCTIONOF ALL CON TROLS.

• BE SUREBLADE(S) AND ENGINEARE STOPPED BEFOREPLACINGHANDSOR FEETNEAR

BLADE(S).

• BEFORE LEAVINGOPERATOR'SPOSITION,DISEN GAGEBLADE(S), PLACETHE SHIFTLEVERIN NEUTRAL,ENGAGEBRAKELOCK,SHUTENGINE

OFFANDREMOVEKEY.

READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL

Mulching

Selectmodelscomeequippedwitha mulchkitwhich incorporatesspecialblades,alreadystandardonthe tractor,ina processof recirculatinggrassclippings repeatedlybeneaththecuttingdeck.Theultra-fine clippingsarethenforcedbackintothe lawnwherethey

actasa naturalfertilizer. Observethefollowingpointsfor thebestresultswhen

mulching:

• Neverattempttomulchifthe lawnisdamp.Wetgrass tendsto stickto theundersideofthecuttingdeck preventingpropermulchingofthe clippings.

DoNOTattemptto mulchmorethan 1/3thetotal heightof thegrassor approximately1-1/2inches. Doingso willcausetheclippingstoclumpup beneath thedeckand notbe mulchedeffectively.

• Maintainaslowgroundspeedtoallowthegrass clippingsmoretimeto effectivelybemulched.

• AlwayspositionthethrottlecontrolleverintheFAST (rabbit)positionandallowitto remaintherewhile mowing.Failingtokeeptheengineat fullthrottle placesstrainon thetractor'sengineanddoesnot allowthe bladesto properlymulchgrass.

NOTE:Itisnotnecessarytoremovethedischargechute tooperatethemowerwiththe mulchkit installed.

Figure 4-6

Headlights

• Onsomemodels,thelampsare ONwheneverthe tractor'sengineisrunning.Onothermodels,the

lampsareONwhenevertheignitionkeyis movedout

ofthe STOPposition.

• Onall models,thelampsturnOFFwhentheignition

keyis movedtotheSTOPposition.

i_ ii i i

mower without the

dischargech

propedy attached,

_ WARNING:Neveroperatethe mower

Tooperatethecuttingdeckwithoutmulching,simply removethemulchplugbyunthreadingtheplasticwing nutwhichfastensit tothe cuttingdeck.Thiswillallowthe clippingstodischargeouttheside.See Fig.4-6.

without the discharge chute properly attached.

T ¸¸¸

NOTE: This 0 ManUa coversa range

of productspecifications for VariOusmodels:

characteristics and features discussec

andlor Ilustratedin

his manual maynot be

_tpplicableto all modelsl

MTDLLCreserves the rightto changeproduct

specificationsdesigns

and equipmentWithout

not ceand WithoutincUr_

ring obligation.

WARNING

Neverattemptto

make any adjust- ments while the

engine isrunning,

exceptwhere speci-

i fied in the operator's

manual.

Figure 5=1

Figure 5=2

,_ WARNING:Neverattempt to makeany

adjustments while the engineis running,

exceptwhere specified in the operator's

manual.

1. Withthe tractorparkedona firm,levelsurface,place thedecklift leverin thetopnotch(highestposition) androtatethebladenearestthedischargechuteso thatitis parallelwiththetractor.

2. Measurethedistancefromthe frontofthe bladetipto thegroundandthe rearofthe bladetiptotheground.

Thefirst measurementtakenshouldbebetween

1/4"and 3/8"lessthanthesecondmeasurement.

Determinetheapproximatedistancenecessaryfor properadjustmentandproceed,if necessary,tothe nextstep.

3. Locatethejam nutandlocknutonthefrontsideof the stabilizerbracket.SeeFig.5-1.Afterlooseningthejam

nut:

Tightenthelocknutto raisethefrontof thedeck; Loosenthelocknutto lowerthefrontofthe deck.

4. Retightenthejam nutloosenedearlierwhenproper adjustmentisachieved.

Side to Side If thecuttingdeckappearsto bemowingunevenly,a side

toside adjustmentcanbeperformed.Adjustif necessary asfollows:

Withthetractorparkedona firm,levelsurface,place thedecklift leverin thetopnotch(highestposition) androtatebothbladessothattheyareperpendicular

withthetractor.

2. Measurethedistancefromthe outsideoftheleftblade tipto thegroundandthe distancefromtheoutsideof

therightbladetipto theground.Bothmeasurements takenshouldbeequal. Ifthey'renot,proceedtothe nextstep.

3. Loosen,butdo NOTremove,the hexcapscrewon theleftdeckhangerbracket.SeeFig.5-2.

4. Balancethedeckby usingawrenchtoturnthe adjustmentgear(foundimmediatelybehindthehex capscrewjust loosened)clockwise/uporcounter- clockwise/down.Thedeckis properlybalancedwhen bothbladetip measurementstakenearlierareequal.

5. Retightenthehex capscrewontheleft deckhanger bracketwhenproperadjustmentisachieved.

Leveling the Deck

NOTE:Checkthetractor'stirepressurebeforeperform- inganydeck levelingadjustments.RefertoTires on page24 forinformationregardingtirepressure.

Front To Rear Thefrontof thecuttingdeckissupportedbya stabilizer

barthatcanadjustedto levelthe deckfromfrontto rear. Thefrontof thedeckshouldbebetween1/4-inchand

3/8-inchlowerthantherearof thedeck.Adjustif necessaryasfollows:

Parking Brake Adjustment

WARNING:Neverattempt to adjust the

brakes while theengine is running. Always disengage PTO,moveshift leverinto neutral position, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintendedstarting.

Ifthetractordoesnot cometoa completestopwhenthe

brakepedalis completelydepressed,or if thetractor's

rearwheelscanrollwiththe parkingbrakeapplied,the brakeis in needofadjustment.SeeanauthorizedMTD ServiceDealertohaveyourbrakesproperlyadjusted.

Seat Adjustment

NOTE:Forshippingreasons,seatsareeitherfastened tothe tractorseat'spivotbracketwitha plastictie,or mountedbackwardto thepivotbracket.Ineithercase, freethe seatformits shippingpositionandremovethe two hexscrews(orknobs,on modelssoequipped)from thebottomofseatbeforeproceedingwith applicable

instructions.

_ ARNING:Before operating this machine,

Standard Seat Toadjustthe positionofthe seat,loosenthetwohex

screwson thebottomofthe seat.Slidetheseatforward or backwardas desired.Refightenthe twoscrews.See

Fig.5-3.

Knob Adjustment Seat (if so equipped) Toadjustthe positionofthe seaton modelssoequipped,

loosenthe twoknobson thebottomoftheseat. See

Fig.5-4.Slidethe seatforwardor backwardasdesired.

Retightenthetwoknobs. Quick Adjust Seat (if so equipped)

Toadjustthe positionofthe seaton modelsequipped witha seatadjustmentlever,movetheseatadjustment lever(locatedundertheseat)tothe leftand slidethe seatforwardor rearward.SeeFig.5-5.Makesureseatis lockedintopositionbeforeoperatingthetractor.

make sure theseat is engaged in theseat stop, stand behind themachine and pull back on seat until fully engaged into stop.

Figure 5=3

Figure 5=4

Figure 5=5

Adjusting

WARNING

Neverattemptto adjust the brakeswhile

the engineisrunning.

Alwaysdisengage PTO,move shift lever

intoneutral position, stopengineand

remove keyto prevent unintended starting.

Beforeoperating this

machine, make sure the seat is engaged in the

seatstop, stand behind the machine and pull

back on seat until fully engaged intostop.

NOTE:For shipping rea-

sons,seats are either fastenedto the tractor

;eat'spivot bracketwith

olastictie,or mounted

backward tothe pivot bracket. In either case, freethe seat form its

shipping positionand

removethe two hex

screws(or knobs,on models so equipped)

fromthe bottomof seat before proceedingwith

applicable instructions.

Tractor

WARNING

aBeforeperforming

ny maintenance or

repairs, disengage

PTO,move shift lever intoneutralposition,

set parkingbrake, stop

engine and remove key to preventunintended

starting.

Before lubricating,

repairing,or inspect- ing, always disengage

PTO,move shift lever intoneutralposition,

set parkingbrake, stop engineand remove key

to preventunintended starting.

_S Single ........

Figure 6=1

_ WARNING:Beforeperformingany

maintenanceor repairs,disengagePTO, moveshift lever into neutral position, set

parking brake,stop engineandremove

key toprevent unintended starting.

Engine

Referto the EngineOperator/Owner Manualfor enginemaintenanceinstructions. Checkengineoil level beforeeachuseas instructed inthe EngineOperator/OwnerManualpackedwithyour unit.Follow the instructionscarefully.

Changing Engine Oil Fordrainingoilfromthe engine'scrankcaseofselect

modeltractors,a plasticoildrainsleeveis packedwith thisOperator'sManual.Todraintheoil,proceedas

follows:

Unscrewtheoilfill capandremovethedipstickfrom theoil fill tube.

Snapthesmallendof oildrainsleeveontothe oil sump.SeeFig.6-1.

Removedrainpluganddrainoil intoa suitable containerwitha capacityofno lessthan64oz.

4. Servicethe oilfilter (if soequipped)asinstructedinthe separateEngineOperator/OwnerManualpackedwith yourunit.

Performtheabovestepsinthe oppositeorderafteroil has finisheddraining.

5. Refillthe enginewith newmotoroil asinstructedinthe EngineOperator/OwnerManualpackedwithyour unit.

IMPORTANT:Refertothe EngineOperator/Owner Manualpackedwithyourunitfor informationregardingthe quantityandproperweightof motoroil.

Air Cleaner Servicethepre-cleaner,if soequipped,andcartridge/air

cleanerelementasinstructedin theEngineOperator/ OwnerManualpackedwithyourunit.

Spark Plug(s) Thesparkplug(s)shouldbecleanedand thegap reset oncea season.Sparkplugreplacementisrecommended atthe startof eachmowingseason.RefertotheEngine Operator/OwnerManualforcorrectplugtypeandgap specifications.

Lubrication

,_ WARNING:Before lubricating, repairing, or

Engine Lubricatetheenginewithmotoroil as instructedinthe EngineOwnerManualpackedwith yourunit.

Pivot Points & Linkage

Lubricateall thepivotpointsonthe drivesystem,parking brakeandlift linkageatleastoncea seasonwithlightoil.

Rear Wheels Therearwheelsshouldbe removedfromtheaxlesonce a season.Lubricatethe axlesandtherimswell withan

all-purposegreasebeforere-installingthem. Front Axles

Eachendof thetractor'sfrontpivotbarmaybeequipped witha greasefitting.Lubricatewitha greasegunafter

every25 hoursof tractoroperation.

inspecting, alwaysdisengage PTO,move shift lever into neutral position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove keyto prevent unintended starting.

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