MTD 624, 13AD624G401 Owner’s Manual

Operator's M

nual

Lawn Tractor

Model 624

IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest*covered, brush-

covered or grass*covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark attester is used, itshould 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 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.

MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722

PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-10444A

ECO No.003236 (10/2000)

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Content Page

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

Important Note to First-time Operators .............................................................. 7

Slope Gauge ...................................................................................................... 8

Tractor Set-up .................................................................................................... 9

Know Your Lawn Tractor .................................................................................... 10

Operating Your Lawn Tractor ............................................................................. 13

Making Adjustments .......................................................................................... 18

Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor .......................................................................... 21

Service ............................................................................................................... 22

Off-Season Storage ........................................................................................... 26

Attachments & Accessories ............................................................................... 26

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 27

Model 624 Parts List .......................................................................................... 28

FINDINGMODELNUMBER

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new lawn tractor. It wilt help you assemble, prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.

Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below. The information on the model plate is very important if you need help from our Customer Support Department or an

authorized dealer.

You can locate the model number by looking beneath the seat. A sample model plate is explained below. For future reference, please copy the model number and the serial number of the equipment in the space

below.

(Model Number)

(Serial Number)

LEVELAND, OHIO 4413_

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or

maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.

Call 1- (330) 220-4MTD (4683) or 1- (800)-800-7310 to reach a Customer Support representative. Please have your unit's model number and serial number ready when you call. See previous section to locate this information. You wilt be asked to enter the serial number in order to process your call.

SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES

WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructionswhich, if not followed, could endanger

the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol--heed its warning.

DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this man-

ual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury.This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to

observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

California Proposition 65 Warning:

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehical components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other

reproductive harm.

GENERAL OPERATION

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to

assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.

2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the machine and disengage them quickly.

3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent.

4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction.

5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets

at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine ifanyone 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 blades. Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.

7. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction which may cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator.

8. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.

9. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close- fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes and

jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never

operate this machine in bare feet or sandals.

10. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without the discharge cover or entire grass catcher in its proper place.

11. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate hands and feet.

12. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries.

13. Stop the blades when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads and while not cutting grass.

14. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. This machine is not intended for use on any public roadway.

15. Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

16. Mow only indaylight or good artificial light.

17. Never carry passengers.

18. Disengage blades before moving both control handles into reverse. Back up slowly. Always look down and behind before and while backing to avoid

a back-over accident.

19. Slow down before turning. Operate the machine smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed.

20. Disengage blades, set parking brake, stop engine and wait until the blades come to a complete stop before removing grass catcher, emptying grass, unclogging chute, removing any grass or debris, or making any adjustments.

21. Neverleave arunning machine unattended. Always turn off btades/PTO, move both control handles into

neutral position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key before dismounting.

22. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. This unit should not

be driven up or down ramp(s), because the unit could tip over, causing serious personal injury. The unit must be pushed manually on ramp(s) to load or unload properly.

23.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Donottouch.

24.Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedriving underlowhangingtreebranches,wires,door

openingsetc.,wheretheoperatormaybestruckor pulledfromtheunit,whichcouldresultinserious

injury.

25.Disengageallattachmentclutches,setparking brakeandkeepbothcontrolhandlesintheneutral

positionbeforeattemptingtostartengine.

26.Yourmachineisdesignedtocutnormalresidential grassofaheightnomorethan10".Donotattempt

tomowthroughunusuallytall,drygrass(e.g., pasture)orpilesofdryleaves.Drygrassorleaves

maycontacttheengineexhaustand/orbuildupon themowerdeckpresentingapotentialfirehazard.

27.Useonlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapproved forthismachinebythemachinemanufacturer.

Read,understandandfollowallinstructions providedwiththeapprovedaccessoryor

attachment.

28.Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60yearsand above,areinvolvedinalargepercentageofriding mower-relatedinjuries.Theseoperatorsshould evaluatetheirabilitytooperatetheridingmower safelyenoughtoprotectthemselvesandothers fromseriousinjury.

29.Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis manual,usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyour

dealerortelephone1-800-800-7310forassistance andthenameofyournearestservicingdealer.

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or 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 10 degrees as shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this machine on that area or serious injury

could result.

DO:

1. Mow up and down slopes, not across. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

2. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

3. Use slow speed. Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the brakes are functioning properly.

4. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for a counterweight for additional stability.

5. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the

machine.

6. Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.

Rapid engagement or braking could cause the front of the machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards

which could cause serious injury.

7. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. Iftires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly

straight down the slope.

DO NOT:

1. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

2. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The mower could suddenly turn

over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff, ditch, or if an edge caves in.

3. Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your

foot on the ground.

4. Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes.

5. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

6. Do not tow heavy pull behind attachments (e.g. loaded dump cart, lawn roller, etc.) on slopes greater than 5 degrees. When going down hill, the extra weight tends to push the tractor and may cause you to loose control. (e.g. tractor may speed up, braking and steering ability are reduced, attachment may jack-knife and cause tractor to overturn).

CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. They do not understand the dangers. Never assume that children wilt remain where you last

saw them.

a. Keep children out of the mowing area and in

watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

b. Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters

the area.

c. Before and while backing, look behind and

down for small children.

d. Never carry children, even with the blades

shut off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.

e. Use extreme care when approaching blind

corners, doorways, shrubs, trees or other objects that may block your vision of a child who may run into the machine.

f. Disengage the cutting blades before moving

both control handles into reverse. The "No- Cut-In Reverse" feature is a reminder not to

cut in reverse and to help avoid back over accidents. Do not defeat it.

g. Keep children away from hot or running

engines. They can suffer bums from a hot muffler.

h. Remove key when machine is unattended to

prevent unauthorized operation.

Never allow children under 14 years old to operate

the machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and understand the operation instructions and

safety rules in this manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent.

TOWING

1. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point.

2. Follow the manufacturers recommendation for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on

slopes.

3. Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.

4. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control.

5. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

SERVICE

SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE:

1. To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.

a. Use only an approved gasoline container. b. Neverfill containers inside a vehicle or on a

truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always

place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.

c. When practical, remove gas-powered

equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

d. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the

fuel tank or container opening at all times

until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

e. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and

other sources of ignition.

f. Neverfuel machine indoors.

g. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the

engine is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

h. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more

than ½ inch below bottom of filter neck to allow space for fuel expansion.

i. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely. j. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine

and equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the engine.

k. To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of

grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.

I. Never store the machine or fuel container

inside where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater,

furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances.

m. Allow a machine to cool at least 5 minutes

before storing.

GENERAL SERVICE:

1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly

ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless, and deadly gas.

2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the blades 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. Ifthe blades do not stop within the this time

frame, your unit should be serviced professionally

by an authorized MTD service dealer.

4. Check parking brake frequently as itis subjected to wear dudng normal operation. Adjust and service

as required.

5. Check the blades and engine mounting bolts at

frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also,

visually inspect blades for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked) Replace the blades with the odginal equipment manufacturer's (O.E.M.) blades 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 isin safe working condition.

8. Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

9. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine, disconnectthesparkplugwire(s)andground

againsttheengine.Thoroughlyinspectthe machineforanydamage.Repairthedamage

beforestartingandoperating.

10.Neverattempttomakeadjustmentsorrepairsto themachinewhiletheengineisrunning.

11.Grasscatchercomponentsandthedischarge coveraresubjecttowearanddamagewhichcould

exposemovingpartsorallowobjectstobethrown. Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponents

andreplaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthis

manual."Useofpartswhichdonotmeetthe odginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto

improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"

12.Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsor over-speedtheengine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe

maximumsafeoperatingspeedoftheengine.

13.Maintainorreplacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as necessary.

14.Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for

gas, oil, etc. to protect the environment.

i_ 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.

Labelshapemayvarybytractormodel.Labelcontentsdonatvary.

SECTION2: IMPORTANTNOTETOFIRST-TIMEOPERATORS

The Revolution TM lawn tractor has a number of unique features. For example, there is a single pair of Control

Handles which replace the steering wheel, forward!reverse shift lever, speed control and brake pedal typically found on conventional lawn tractors. Because of Revolution's TM unique controls, all first-time operators should thoroughly familiarize themselves with the function of all controls before beginning to mow. Refer to Figure 3 on page 10of this manual for the location of all of the tractor's controls. The following is required for all first -time operators.

1. Read entirely through this Operator's Manual. Pay particular attention to:

SECTION1:IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES, SECTION3:SLOPEGAUGE,

SECTION5:KNOWYOURLAWNTRACTORand SECTION6:OPERATINGYOURLAWNTRACTOR.

2. Before operating the unit the first time, push (do not drive) it out into a flat open area well away from any bystanders and obstacles such as buildings,

vehicles, trees, etc. For detailed instructions on doing so, refer to page 18 under the heading Meving

theTractorManually.

3. Before starting the engine, adjust the seat to a comfortable position. With the engine still off, operate the controls (i.e. Control Handles, Adjustable Hand Rest, Parking Brake Lever, Throttle Control Lever, Deck Lift Lever, PTO Knob) through their full range of operation to get a feel for how they function.

4. Once familiar with all the controls, start the tractor's engine as follows:

a. Insert the ignition key into the Ignition Switch. b. Make certain the PTO knob in the

disengaged (OFF) position. c. Engage the tractor's Parking Brake. d. Squeeze the Bail against the Adjustable

Hand Rest and position it rearward so that it

is in the position closest to the operator. e. Move the throttle control lever into the FAST

(or CHOKE, if so equipped) position.

Otherwise, pull out the Choke Control Knob,

if so equipped.

f. Turn the Ignition Key clockwise to start the

engine.

g. Once the engine has warmed up, move

the Throttle Control Lever to a low RPM (near the Turtle).

The rear tires of the Revolution TM both propel the lawn tractor as well as steer it.

The right control handle controls the right rear wheel. The left control handle controls the left rear wheel.

The further forward a control handle is positioned,

the faster the wheel it controls will drive forward.

The further rearward a control handle is positioned,

the faster the wheel it controls will drive in reverse.

Moving each control handle in varying positions allows the operator to maneuver the tractor in nearly any direction. Refer to the label found on the top of your tractor's dash panel (illustrated above) for a quick reference of basic control handle positions and their

relation to the direction the tractor will travel.

5. Practice maneuvering the tractor, with the PTO in the disengaged (OFF) position, around moveable objects such as pylons or cardboard boxes (NOT trees) to help get comfortable with the controls.

,_ WARNING: Always look down and behind

before and while backing up to avoid a back- over accident.

Gradually increase throttle speed and become completely comfortable with the tractor's controls before placing the PTO knob in the engaged (ON) position and using the tractor to cut grass.

1,9

SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE

A POWER POLE

A CORNER OF A BUILDING

n,i I

10°

OR A FENCE POST

iii

_WARNING

Do not use the riding mower on inclines with a slope in excess of 10 degrees (a rise of approximately 2 feet every 10 feet). A dding mower could overturn and cause serious injury.

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

SECTION4: TRACTORSET-UP

AttachingtheBatteryCables

NOTE: The positive battery terminal is marked Pos.

(+). The negative battery terminal is marked Neg. (-).

The positive cable (heavy red wire) is secured to the positive battery terminal (+) with a hex bolt and hex nut at the factory. Make certain that the rubber boot covers the terminal to help protect it from

corrosion. Remove the hex bolt and wing nut from the

negative cable. Remove the black plastic cover, if present, from the negative battery terminal and attach the negative cable (heavy black wire) to the negative battery terminal (-) with the bolt and wing nut. Make certain the hold-down strap is in position over the battery, securing it in place. See Figure 1.

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate Briggs & Stratton 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.

ShippingBraceRemoval

WARNING: Make sure the dding mower's

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

Locate the shipping brace and warning tag found on the right side of the cutting deck. See Figure 2.

Figure 1

NOTE: If the battery is put into service after the date

shown on top of battery, charge the battery as instructed on page 26 of this manual prior to operating

the tractor.

GasandOilFill-up

The gasoline tank is located under the hood and has a capacity of either two or three gallons. Do not overfill.

WARNING: Use extreme care when

handling 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.

Warning Tag

Figure 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.

NOTE: 42-inch decks come equipped with a mulch

plug installed over the chute opening. Do NOT discard it. Refer to Mulchingon page 17 for detailed information.

packaging purposes only, must be removed

WARNING: The shipping brace, used for

and discarded before operating your riding mower.

WARNING: The mowing deck iscapable 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.

SECTION5: KNOWYOURLAWNTRACTOR

C D

Figure 3

A Right Control Handle

B Left Control Handle C Electric PTO (Power Take-off) Knob

D Systems Indicator Monitor/Hour Meter E Parking Brake Lever F Cup Holder

G Hand Rest Bail

H Adjustable Hand Rest

I Throttle Control Lever J Choke Control (if so equipped)

K Ignition Switch L Seat Adjustment Lever

M Deck Lift Lever

NOTE: Any reference in this manual to the RIGHT or LEFT side of the tractor is observed from operator's position.

ThrottleControlLever

The throttle lever is located on the right side of the tractor's dash panel. This lever controls the speed of the engine, and on some units the choke control also. When set in a given position, the throttle will maintain a uniform engine speed. See Figure 4.

Choke Fast

Position Position

Fast

Slow Slow

Position Position

Figure 4

IMPORTANT:When operating the tractor with the cutting deck engaged, be certain that the throttle lever is always inthe FAST (rabbit) position.

Refer to StartingTheEngineon page 14 of this manual for detailed starting instructions

The ignition switch is also used to operate the tractor's headlights. Refer to OperatingTheHeadlightson page 17

of this manual for detailed instructions.

SystemsIndicatorMonitor/ HourMeter

Your tractor is equipped with four indicator lights and an hour meter located on the left side of the dash panel.

See Figure 6.

Batte_

Hour

Meter --

/, I-o---I %

PTO _Brake

IgnitionSwitch

WARNING: Never leave a running

machine unattended. Always turn off blades/

PTO, move both control handles into neutral

position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key before dismounting.

To start the engine, insertthe key into the ignition switch and turn clockwise to the START position.

Release the key into the ON position once engine has

fired. See Figure 5.

On/Lights

Off

Start

Figure 5

Figure 6

If the Brake light or PTO light illuminates when attempting to start the unit, proceed as follows:

Brake-- Engage the parking brake. PTO -- Move the PTO knob into the disengaged

(OFF) position.

It is normal for the Oil light and the Battery light to illuminate while the engine is cranking, but if either illuminates while the engine is running, proceed as

follows: Oil-- Stop the tractor immediately and check the

crankcase oil level as instructed in the Briggs & Stratton Operator!Owner Manual

included. Add oil as required.

Battery-- If this light illuminate's white the engine is

running, it indicates that the battery is in need of a charge OR that the engine's charging system is not generating sufficient amperage. Refer to Batteryon page 25 of this manual for the proper battery charging procedure or have the engine's charging system checked by an authorized Briggs & Stratton dealer.

The hour meter operates whenever the engine is running and records the actual hours of tractor operation.

ControlHandles

The control handles are located in the center of the tractor's dash. Moving the handles forward or rearward

controls both the ground speed of the tractor and the direction of travel. When released, the control handles

will return to their original STOP (neutral) position.

Refer to DrivingtheTractoron page 14 of this manual for

detailed instructions regarding the control handles.

Control Handles

Figure 7

IMPORTANT: Never use a control handle to stabilize yourself while mounting or dismounting the tractor.

Grasp only the adjustable hand rest (see Figure 8) to help stabilize yourself.

AdjustableHandRest& Bail

Found immediately in front of the control handles, the

adjustable hand rest can be repositioned (by squeezing the bail) to limit the forward travel of the control

handles.

Adjustable Hand Rest

ChokeControl

On some units, moving the throttle lever all the way forward activates the engine's choke

control. On all other units, the choke control can be found inthe

center of the dash panel and is activated by pulling the knob outward. Activating the choke control closes the choke plate on the carburetor and aids in starting the engine. Refer to STARTINGTHEENGINEon page 14 of this manual for detailed starting instructions.

ParkingBrakeLever

The parking brake should be engaged when leaving

the tractor unattended. To do so, grasp the parking

brake lever found on the tractor's left fender and pull

it toward the rear of the tractor in the long slot.

Move the lever slightly to the left before releasing it

into the short slot. IMPORTANT:The parking

brake should not be engaged while the tractor fll_l_

is in motion. If the operator should attempt to engage the parking brake with either (or both) control handle in position for FORWARD or REVERSE travel, the tractor's safety intedock system wilt automatically shut off the engine.

NOTE: The parking brake must be engaged if the

operator leaves the seat with the engine running or the engine will auto-matically shut of_

% .rj

Figure 8

DeckLiftLever

The deck lift lever is used to change the height of the cutting deck. To use, move the lever to the left, then

:_lacein the notch best suited for your application.

[

Figure 9

ElectricPTO

(PowerTake-off)Knob

To engage the power to the cutting deck, pull outward on the

PTO knob. Push the PTO knob

inward to disengage the power to the cutting deck.

SeatAdjustmentLever

To adjust the seat forward or backward, slide the seat adjustment lever to the left and reposition the seat to the desired position. Once a comfortable position is found, release the seat adjustment lever to lock the seat in place. Refer to SEATADJUSTMENTon page 19 of

this manual for more detailed instructions.

NOTE: The PTO knob must be in the disengaged

(OFF) position when starting the engine, when simultaneously moving both control handles into the REVERSE position and if the operator leaves the seat.

CupHolder

The tractor's cup holder is located on the fender to the left of the seat, just to the rear of the parking brake

lever.

SECTION6: OPERATINGYOURLAWNTRACTOR

,_ WARNING: Read, understand, and follow

SafetyInterlockSwitches

This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system for the protection of the operator. If the interlock system should ever malfunction, do not operate the tractor. Contact an authorized MTD Service Dealer inyour area. The safety interlock system prevents the engine from cranking unless the parking brake is engaged, and the PTO knob is in the disengaged (OFF) position.

IMPORTANT: Tampering with or attempting to bypass the tractors Safety Interlock Switches in any way WILL

void your tractor's warranty.

all instructions and warnings on the machine and in this manual before operating.

The safety interlock system will automatically shut off the tractor's engine ifthe operator leaves the seat before engaging the parking brake. The safety interlock system will automatically disengage the electric PTO clutch and stop the blades when the operator leaves the tractor's seat, regardless of whether the parking brake is engaged. The PTO knob must then be placed in the disengaged (OFF) position before being pulled out again to reengage the PTO and start the blades. The safety interlock system will automatically disengage the electric PTO clutch and stop the blades if both control handles are simultaneously placed in position for REVERSE travel. The safety interlock system will automatically shut off the tractor's engine if either control handle is placed in position for FORWARD or REVERSE travel with the parking brake engaged.

WARNING: Do not operate the tractor if

the interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was designed for your safety and protection.

AVOIOSERIOUSINJURYORDEATH

GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS.

AVOID SUDDEN TURNS. DO NOT OPERATE THE MACHINE WHERE IT COULD SLIP OR Ttr_ tF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, DISENGAGE BLADES/PTO AND BACK DOWNHILL SLOWLY. DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND. NEVER CARRY CHILDREN, EVEN WITH BLADES OFE LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE BACKING.

KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND SWITCHES) IN PLACE AND WORKING.

REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE THROWN BY THE BLADES. KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL CONTROLS. BE SURE BLADES AND ENGINE ARE STOPPED BEFORE PLACING HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADES. BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR'S POSITION, DISENGAGE BLADES/ PTO, MOVE BOTH CONTROL HANDLES IN NEUTRAL POSITION, SET PARKING BRAKE, SHUT ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KEY.

SettingtheCuttingHeight

Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing the deck lift lever in any of the six different cutting height notches on the right side of the fender. Then adjust the deck wheels so that they are between 1/_-inchand ½- inch above the ground when the tractor is on a smooth, flat surface such as a driveway.

,_ WARNING: Keep hands and feet away

NOTE: The deck wheels are an anti-scalp feature of

the deck and are not designed to support the weight of the cutting deck.

Refer to LevelingtheDeckon page 18 of this manual for more detailed instructionsregardingvarious deck adjustments.

from the discharge opening of the cutting deck.

WARNING

READOPERATOR'SMANUAL

StartingtheEngine

NOTE: Refer to the TRACTORSET-UPon page 9 of this

manual for Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions.

Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.

Place the PTO knob in the disengaged (OFF) position.

Engage the tractor's parking brake. Release both control handles.

Move the throttle control lever into the FAST (or CHOKE, if so equipped) position.

Pull out the choke control knob, if so equipped (a warm engine may not require choking).

Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position. After the engine starts, release the key. It will return to the ON position.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT hold the key in the START position for longer than ten seconds at a time. Doing so may cause damage to your engine's electric starter.

NOTE: Both control handles must be in the Neutral

(STOP) position when starting or the engine will NOT

crank.

As the engine warms up, gradually push the choke control knob inward (or move the throttle control lever out of the CHOKE position into the FAST position) to open up the choke plate on the engine's carburetor.

NOTE: Do NOT leave the choke control out while

operating the tractor. Doing so will result in a "rich" fuel mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.

Stoppingthe Engine

stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug

WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, wire(s) and ground against the engine.

Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the damage before starting and operating.

If the blades are engaged, place the PTO knob in the disengaged (OFF) position. Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the OFF position. Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent unintended starting.

Positioningthe AdjustableHandRest

Using both hands, squeeze the adjustable hand rest and bait together.

Position the adjustable hand rest forward or rearward until a comfortable position is found for

your application. Release the bail to lock the adjustable hand rest in

place.

DrivingtheTractor

before and while backing up to avoid a back-

WARNING: Always look down and behind

over accident.

IMPORTANT: For improved traction, when a bagger or any other separately available rear attachment is not being used, make certain that the rear weight is propedy secured before operating the tractor.

The Revolution TM lawn tractor is operated in the same manner as a conventional dding mower with the exception of control handles used in place of asteering wheel allowing for greater maneuverability.

The rear tires of the Revolution TMboth propel the lawn tractor as well as steer it. This allows the tractors front-

end to pivot freely on castor wheels.

ControlHandles

The right control handle controls the right rear wheel. The left control handle controls the left rear wheel.

The further forward a control handle is positioned,

the faster the wheel it controls will drive forward.

The further rearward a control handle is positioned,

the faster the wheel it controls will drive in reverse.

Moving each control handle in varying positions allows the operator to maneuver the tractor in neady any direction. Refer to the chart on the following page for a quick reference of basic control handle positions and

their relation to the direction the tractor will travel.

RevoluUonTM DrivingTips

First-time operators should start off in an open area

with bystanders at a significant distance away.

Position the adjustable hand rest in the slowest (nearest the operator) position while learning how

to drive the tractor.

Position the throttle lever at a low RPM (near the Turtle) and practice maneuvedng the tractor with the PTO always in the disengaged (OFF) position.

Practice maneuvering the tractor around moveable

objects such as pylons or cardboard boxes (NOT trees) to help get comfortable with the controls.

Gradually increase throttle speed and become

completely comfortable with the tractor's controls

before placing the PTO knob in the engaged (ON)

position and using the tractor to cut grass.

Control Handle Position Reference Chart

m m

RotateLeft

ForwardStraight

]

ForwardRight

RotateRight

m m

ReverseLeft

]

ReverseStraight

ReverseRight

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