MTD AutoDrive 604 Operator's Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

™

AutoDrive

Model 604

Lawn Tractor

Model U604H Shown

IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

Warning:

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 arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester 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.

This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-

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

PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-10235A

(9/99)

SECTION 1: TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

SAFETY LABLES FOUND ON YOUR UNIT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

SLOPE GAUGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

ATTACHMENTS & ACCESSORIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

TRACTOR SET-UP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

OPERATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

ADJUSTMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

LUBRICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

PARTS LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

WARRANY INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover

SECTION 2: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER

This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new rider. It will help you assemble, prepare and maintain
your rider. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start to prepare your tractor for its first use, please locate the model plate and copy the information
from it in this Operator’s Manual. The information on the model plate is very important if you need help from
your dealer or the MTD customer support department.

• Every tractor has a model plate. You can locate it by lifting the seat and looking at the seat bracket.

• An example of what the model plate will look like is shown below.

This is where your model number will be.

XXX-X-XXX-X-XXX XXXXXXXXXXX

This is where your serial number will be.

Copy the model number here:

MTD PRODUCTS INC

P.O. BOX 368022

CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136

Copy the serial number here:

SECTION 3: CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT

• LOCATE YOUR MODEL NUMBER AND SERIAL NUMBER — Record this information in the space

provided. To find your unit’s specific model number and serial number, see SECTION 2: FINDING
YOUR MODEL NUMBER.

• If you are having difficulty assembling this product or if you have any questions regarding the controls,

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

• Customer Support can be reached by dialing: 1- (330) 220-4MTD

(4683)

or

1- (800)-800-7310

• Please have your model number and serial number ready when you call.

• Although both numbers are important, you will be asked to enter only your serial number before your

call can be processed.

2

SECTION 4: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

WARNING: THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF

NOT FOLLOWED, COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF
YOURSELF AND OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE YOUR LAWN MOWER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH
THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL,
HEED ITS WARNING.

WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

DANGER: Your lawn mower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in

this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator
can result in serious injury. This lawn mower is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing
objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

1. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the

operator’s manual and on the machine before
starting. Keep this manual in a safe place for future
and regular reference and for ordering replacement
parts.

• Only allow responsible individuals familiar with the

instructions to operate the machine. Know controls
and how to stop the machine quickly.

• Do not put hands or feet under cutting deck or near

rotating parts.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,

etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the
blade. A small object may have been overlooked
and could be accidentally thrown by the mower in
any direction and cause injury to you or a
bystander. To help avoid a thrown objects injury,
keep children, bystanders and helpers at least 75
feet from the mower while it is in operation. Always
wear safety glasses or safety goggles during
operation or while performing an adjustment or
repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects. Stop
the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks or
roads.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before

mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Never carry passengers.

• Disengage blade(s) before shifting into reverse and

backing up. Always look down and behind before
and while backing.

• Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge

direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not
operate the mower without either the entire grass
catcher or the chute guard in place.

• Slow down before turning. Operate the machine

smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive
speed.

• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always
turn off blade(s), place transmission in neutral, set
park brake, stop engine and remove key before
dismounting.

• Turn off blade(s) when not mowing.

• Stop engine and wait until blade(s) comes to a
complete stop before (a) removing grass catcher or
unclogging chute, or (b) making any repairs,
adjusting or removing any grass or debris.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

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

• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.

• Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck. This unit should not
be driven up or down a ramp onto a trailer or truck
under power, because the unit could tip over,
causing serious personal injury. The unit must be
pushed manually on a ramp to load or unload
properly.

• Never make a cutting height adjustment while
engine is running if operator must dismount to do
so.

• Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close­fitting slacks and shirts. Do not wear loose fitting
clothes or jewelry. They can be caught in moving
parts. Never operate a unit in bare feet, sandals, or
sneakers.

• Check overhead clearance carefully before driving
under power lines, wires, bridges or low hanging
tree branches, before entering or leaving buildings,
or in any other situation where the operator may be
struck or pulled from the unit, which could result in
serious injury.

3

• Disengage all attachment clutches, thoroughly
depress the brake pedal, and shift into neutral
before attempting to start engine.

• Your mower is designed to cut normal residential
grass of a height no more than 10". Do not attempt
to mow through unusually tall, dry grass (e.g.,
pasture) or piles of dry leaves. Debris may build up
on the mower deck or contact the engine exhaust
presenting a potential fire hazard.

2. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip­over 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 unit on
a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15° as
shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this unit on that
area or serious injury could result.

DO:

• Mow up and down slopes, not across.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain
could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.

• Use slow speed. Always keep machine in gear
when going down slopes to take advantage of
engine braking action.

• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for
wheel weights or counterweights to improve
stability.

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

• 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.

• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose
traction, disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.

DO NOT:

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

• 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 or ditch, or
if an edge caves in.

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

• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your
foot on the ground.

• Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.

3. 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. Never assume that chil­dren will remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the mowing area and in
watchful care of an adult other than the operator.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the
area.

• Before and when backing, look behind and down
for small children.

• Never carry children, even with the blades off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
the safe machine operation.

• Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
the machine. Children 14 years and over should
only operate machine under close parental
supervision and proper instruction.

• Remove key when machine is unattended to
prevent unauthorized operation.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure
your vision of a child or other hazard.

4. SERVICE

• Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.

• Use only an approved container.

• Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes
before refueling.

• Replace fuel cap securely and wipe off any spilled
fuel before starting the engine as it may cause a
fire or explosion.

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.

• Never refuel the machine indoors because fuel
vapors will accumulate in the area.

• Never store the fuel container or machine inside
where there is an open flame or spark, such as a
gas hot water heater, space heater or furnace.

• Never run a machine inside a closed area.

• To reduce fire hazard, keep the machine free of
grass, leaves or other debris build-up. Clean up oil
or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool at least 5
minutes before storing.

• Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make
certain the blade and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep
the wire away from the spark plug to prevent
accidental starting.

• Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also,
visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., excessive
wear, bent, cracked). Replace with blade which
meets original equipment specifications.

4

• Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly. Use all guards as
instructed in this manual.

• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
remove the wire from the spark plug and thoroughly
inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the
damage before restarting and operating the mower.

• Grass catcher components are subject to wear,
damage and deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For
your safety protection, frequently check
components and replace with manufacturer’s
recommended parts when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blade(s) or wear gloves and use extra caution
when servicing blade(s).

• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and
service as required.

• Muffler, engine and belt guards become hot during
operation and can cause a burn. Allow to cool

• Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Excessive engine speeds
are dangerous.

• Observe proper disposal laws and regulations.
Improper disposal of fluids and materials can harm
the environment and the ecology.

• Prior to disposal, determine the proper method to
dispose of waste from your local Environmental
Protection Agency. Recycling centers are
established to properly dispose of materials in an
environmentally safe fashion.

• Use proper containers when draining fluids. Do not
use food or beverage containers that may mislead
someone into drinking from them. Properly dispose
of the containers immediately following the draining
of fluids.

• DO NOT pour oil or other fluids into the ground,
down a drain or into a stream, pond, lake or other
body of water. Observe Environmental Protection
Agency regulations when disposing of oil, fuel,
coolant, brake fluid, filters, batteries, tires and other
harmful waste.

down before touching.

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.

Figure 1 Safety Labels found on your unit

WARNING

TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

• GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS.

AVOID SUDDE N TURNS.

• DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WHERE IT

COULD SLIP OR TIP.

• IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, ST OP

BLADE(S) AND BACK DOWNHILL SL OWLY.

• DO NOT MOW WHE N CHILDREN OR OTHERS

ARE AROUND.

• NEVER CAR RY CHILDREN.

• LOOK DOWN & BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE

BACKING.

• KEEP SAFETY DEV ICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS,

AND SWITCHES, ETC.) IN PLACE AND WORKING.

• REMOVE OBJE CTS THAT COULD BE

THROWN BY THE BLADE(S).

• KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL

CONTROLS.

• BE SURE BLA DE(S) AND ENGINE ARE STOPPED

BEFORE PLACI NG HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADE(S).

• BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR'S POSITION,

DISENGAGE BLADE( S), PLACE THE SHIFT

LEVER IN NEUTRAL, ENGAGE PARKING BRAKE,

SHUT OFF AND R EMOVE KEY.

READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL

5

Slope Gauge

USE THIS PAGE AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SLOPES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY.

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

Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower

could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is extremely difficult to maintain

your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.

F

O

L

D

O

N

D

O

T

T

N

E

D

L

I

N

E

,

R

E

P

R

E

S

E

A CORNER OF A BUILDING

SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE

A POWER POLE

WARNING

15°

T

I

N

G

A

1

5

°

S

L

O

P

E

OR A FENCE POST

6

SECTION 5: ATTACHMENTS & ACCESSORIES

MODEL NUMBER DESCRIPTION

OEM-190-601 FastAttach
OEM-190-602 FastAttach
OEM-190-112 Mulch Kit (For 42-inch Decks Only)
OEM-190-118 Mulch Kit (For 46-inch Decks Only)
OEM-190-603 FastAttach
OEM-190-604 TracPac
OEM-190-822 FastAttach
OEM-190-823 42-inch Two-stage Snow Thrower

™

Twin Bagger Grass Collector (For 42-inch Decks Only)

™

Twin Bagger Grass Collector (For 46-inch Decks Only)

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Grille Guard (mounts on front of tractor)

™

Storage Container (mounts on rear of tractor)

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46-inch Front Dozer Blade

SECTION 6: TRACTOR SET-UP

ATTACHING THE BATTERY CABLES

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. Attach the negative cable
(heavy black wire) to the negative battery
terminal (–) with the bolt and wing nut.

• Place the hold-down strap in position over the
battery to secure it in place. See Figure 2.

Positive

Terminal

Rubber

Boot

GAS AND OIL FILL-UP

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as
instructed in the separate engine manual packed
with your tractor. Read instructions carefully.

IMPORTANT: Your tractor is shipped with oil;

however, you MUST check the oil level before operat­ing. Be careful not to overfill. Overfilling with oil may
cause the engine to smoke. This will result in poor
engine performance and could cause permanent
engine damage.

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

WARNING: Gasoline produces noxious

fumes. Never fill fuel tank indoors. Always
fill the fuel tank in a well ventilated area to
avoid inhalation of gasoline fumes.

Battery

Wing

Nut

Negative

Terminal

Hold-down Strap

Bolt

Tray

Figure 2

NOTE: If battery is put into service after date

shown on top of battery, charge for minimum of one
hour at 6-10 amps. Refer to the MAINTENANCE
section of this manual for more detailed instructions
regarding proper battery charging procedure.

WARNING: Never smoke while fueling

your tractor or fill the fuel tank while engine
is running or while engine is hot.

WARNING: Do not fill closer than 1/2

inch from the top of the fuel tank to prevent
spills and to allow for fuel expansion. If
gasoline is accidently spilled, move tractor
away from area of spill. Avoid creating any
source of ignition until gasoline vapors
have disappeared.

INSTALLING THE MULCH KIT

On units equipped with a 42-inch deck, the mulch kit
is installed at the factory. To remove it, unfasten the
wing knob found on the top of the cutting deck and
carefully pull the mulch plug out from the discharge
area of the deck.
On units equipped with a 46-inch deck, the mulch kit
is packaged separately within the crate.

7

SECTION 7: CONTROLS

C

D

N*

F*

B

I

M

A

+

0

1

/

1

P

P

H

G

J

E

K

L

NOTE: Steering Wheel not shown for clarity.

Figure 3

A Ignition Switch H Brake Pedal
B Throttle Control Lever I Parking Brake Button
C Choke Control (if so equipped) J Shift Lever
D Indicator Monitor/Hour Meter K Seat Adjustment Lever
E Lift Lever L Cup Holder
F PTO (Power Take-Off) Lever* M Cruise Control Button

™

G AutoDrive

Pedal N PTO (Power Take-Off) Knob*

*Tractors vary by model and are equipped with either a PTO lever or a PTO knob, NEVER both.

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

8

IGNITION SWITCH

To start the engine, insert key into the ignition switch
and turn clockwise to the START position. Release
key to the ON position once engine has fired. See
Figure 4. Refer to STARTING THE ENGINE in the
OPERATION section of this manual for detailed
starting instructions. The ignition switch is also used
to operate the headlights. Refer to OPERATING
THE HEADLIGHTS in the OPERATION section of
this manual for detailed instructions

WARNING: Remove the key from the

tractor when the tractor is not in use to
prevent accidental starting.

Off

On/Lights

IMPORTANT: When using PTO operated

equipment such as the cutting deck or other
attachments, always operate the tractor with the
throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position.

CHOKE CONTROL

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 on the left side 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 STARTING THE
ENGINE in the OPERATION section of this manual
for detailed starting instructions.

On

Start

Figure 4

THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER

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 5.

Throttle

Symbol

Choke

Position

Fast

Position

Slow

Position

Throttle

Symbol

Fast

Position

Slow

Position

INDICATOR MONITOR / HOUR METER

Your tractor is equipped with four indicator lights and
an hour meter located on the left side of the dash
panel. See Figure 6.

Battery

+

Hour

Meter

1/10

P

PTO

Figure 6

If a light illuminates when attempting to start the unit,
proceed as follows:
BRAKE — Depress the brake pedal.
PTO — Move PTO lever, or PTO knob into the

disengaged (OFF) position.

OIL— Check the crankcase oil level, and add

oil as required.
The BATTERY indicator light will illuminate any time
the ignition key is the On position and the engine is
not running. If it illuminate’s while the engine is
running, it indicates that the battery is in need of a
charge. Refer to the MAINTENANCE section of this
manual for the proper battery charging procedure.

Oil

Brake

Figure 5

The hour meter operates whenever the ignition key
is in the On or On/Lights position and records the
actual hours of tractor operation.

9

ELECTRIC PTO
(POWER TAKE-OFF) KNOB

To engage the power to the cutting
deck or other attachments, pull
outward on the PTO knob. Push the
PTO knob inward to disengage the
power to the attachments.

NOTE: The PTO knob must be in the disengaged

(OFF) position when starting the engine, when
shifting into reverse and if the operator leaves the
seat.

PTO (POWER TAKE-OFF) LEVER

The PTO lever is located on the left side of the
dashboard next to the steering wheel. Move the PTO
lever forward to engage the power to the cutting
deck or other attachments; move the PTO lever
backward (toward the rear of the tractor) to
disengage the power to the attachments.

NOTE: The PTO lever must be in the disengaged

(OFF) position when starting the engine, when
shifting into reverse and if the operator leaves the
seat.

AUTODRIVE™ PEDAL

BRAKE PEDAL

BRAKE

The brake pedal is located on the right front side of
the tractor above the AutoDrive
running board. The brake pedal can be used for
sudden stops or setting the parking brake.

™

pedal along the

NOTE: The brake pedal must be fully depressed to

activate the safety interlock switch when starting the
tractor

.

LIFT LEVER

The lift lever is used to change the operating position
(height) of the cutting deck. To operate, move the
lever to the left, then place in the notch best suited
for your application.

PARKING BRAKE BUTTON

To set the parking brake, fully depress
the brake pedal and push the parking
brake button in. Hold the button in
while taking your foot off the brake
pedal. Both the parking button and
the brake pedal will then stay
depressed. To release the parking
brake, depress the brake pedal
slightly. The parking brake button will
then return to its original position.

P

The AutoDrive™ pedal is located below the brake
pedal on the right front side of the tractor along the
running board. Depress the AutoDrive
your right foot when the tractor shift lever is in either
forward or reverse to cause the tractor to move.
Ground speed is also controlled with the AutoDrive
pedal. The further down the pedal is depressed, the
faster the tractor will travel. The pedal will return to
its original position when it’s not depressed.

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pedal with

IMPORTANT: Always set the parking brake

when leaving the tractor unattended.

NOTE: The parking brake must be set if the

operator leaves the seat with the engine running or
the engine will automatically shut off.

IMPORTANT: Always set the parking brake

when leaving the tractor unattended.

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10

SHIFT LEVER

The shift lever is located
on the left side of the
fender and has three
positions, FORWARD,
NEUTRAL and REVERSE.
The brake pedal must be
depressed and the tractor
must not be in motion
when the moving shift
lever.

IMPORTANT: Never

force the shift lever. Doing
so may result in serious
damage to the tractor’s
transmission.

R

F

N

Shift

Knob

SECTION 8: OPERATION

SAFETY INTERLOCK SWITCHES

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 in your area. The safety interlock
system prevents the engine from cranking or starting
unless the brake pedal is fully depressed, and the
PTO lever, or PTO knob is in the disengaged (OFF)
position.

• The safety interlock system will automatically
shut off the engine if the operator leaves the
seat before engaging the brake lock.

• The safety interlock system will automatically
shut off the engine if the operator leaves the
seat with the PTO PTO lever, or PTO knob in
the engaged (ON) position, regardless of
whether the brake lock is engaged. The PTO
lever, or PTO knob must be in the disengaged
(OFF) position to restart the engine.

• On units equipped with an electric PTO, the
safety interlock system will automatically shut
off the PTO if the PTO knob is moved into the
engaged (ON) position with the shift lever in
the REVERSE position.

• On units equipped with a manual PTO, the
safety interlock system will automatically shut
off the tractor’s engine if the PTO lever is
moved into the engaged (ON) position with
the shift lever in the REVERSE position.

CRUISE CONTROL BUTTON

The cruise control button is located on
the tractor dash panel to the left of the
ignition switch. Push the cruise control
button while traveling forward at a
desired speed. While holding the
button in, release pressure from the

™

AutoDrive

pedal. This will engage the
cruise control and allow the tractor to
remain at that speed without applying

™

pressure to the AutoDrive

pedal.

Depress the brake pedal or the

™

AutoDrive

pedal to deactivate cruise
control. Refer to the OPERATION section of this
manual for detailed instructions regarding the cruise
control feature.

WARNING: Do NOT attempt to bypass

or disconnect the tractor’s safety interlock.
Doing so could result in serious personal
injury or death.

IMPORTANT: Tampering with or attempting to

bypass the tractors Safety Interlock Switches in any
way WILL void your warranty.

WARNING

• GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS.

• AVOID SUDDEN TURNS.

• DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SLIP OR TIP.

• IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BLADE(S) AND BACK

DOWNHILL SLOWLY.

• DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND.

• NEVER CARRY CHILDREN.

• 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 BLADE(S).

• KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL CONTROLS.

• BE SURE BLADE(S) AND ENGINE ARE STOPPED BEFORE PLAC-

ING HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADE(S).

• BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR’S POSITION, DISENGAGE
BLADE(S), PLACE THE SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTRAL, ENGAGE
BRAKE LOCK, SHUT ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KEY.

AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

READ OPERATOR’S MANUAL

11

SETTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT

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 at least
1/4 inch to 1/2 inch above the ground when the
tractor is on a smooth, flat surface such as a
driveway.

WARNING: Keep hands and feet away

from the discharge chute opening of the
cutting deck.

STOPPING THE ENGINE

• Place the PTO lever, or PTO knob in the
disengaged (OFF) position

• Move the throttle control into the SLOW
(turtle) position and allow the engine to "idle
down" for ten seconds. Failure to do so may
result in an engine afterfire.

• Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the
OFF position.

• Remove the key from the ignition switch to
prevent accidental starting.

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 the ADJUSTMENTS section of this manual
for more detailed instructions regarding various deck
adjustments.

STARTING THE ENGINE

NOTE: Refer to the TRACTOR SET-UP section of

this manual for Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions.

• Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.

• Place the PTO lever, or PTO knob in the

disengaged (OFF) position.

• Depress the brake pedal and set the parking
brake.

• Place the shift lever in the NEUTRAL position.

• 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 starter.

NOTE: If starting problems are encountered, refer

to the TROUBLESHOOTING section of this manual.

After the engine starts, slowly release the brake
pedal. 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.

IMPORTANT: If you think you’ve struck a foreign

object, stop the engine immediately. Remove the
wire(s) from the spark plug(s), thoroughly inspect the
unit for any damage, and repair the damage before
restarting and operating the tractor.

DRIVING THE TRACTOR

WARNING: Avoid sudden starts,

excessive speed and sudden stops.

WARNING: Do not leave the seat of the

tractor without first placing the PTO lever,
or PTO knob in the disengaged (OFF)
position, depressing the brake pedal and
engaging the parking brake. If leaving the
tractor unattended, also turn the ignition
key off and remove the key.

• Depress the brake pedal to release the
parking brake and let the pedal up. Move the
throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) position.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT use the shift lever to

change the direction of travel when the tractor is in
motion. Always use the brake pedal to bring the
tractor to a complete stop before shifting.

• To move forward, place the shift lever in the
FORWARD position, then slowly depress the
AutoDrive
achieved.

• To move in reverse, place the shift lever in the
REVERSE position, check that the area
behind is clear then slowly depress the
AutoDrive

™

pedal until the desired speed is

™

pedal.

SETTING THE CRUISE CONTROL

NOTE:

utilized in the forward direction.

The cruise control feature should only be

• Place the shift lever in the FORWARD
position, then slowly depress the AutoDrive
pedal until the desired speed is achieved.

• Lightly depress the cruise control button.

™

12

• While continuing to hold the cruise button in,
lift your foot from the AutoDrive
should feel the cruise latch engage).

• If properly engaged, the cruise control button
and the AutoDrive
down position, and the tractor will maintain the
same forward speed.

• Disengage the cruise control using one of the
following methods:

• Depress the brake pedal to disengage the
cruise control and stop the tractor.

• Lightly depress the

To change to the reverse direction when operating
with cruise control, depress the brake pedal to
disengage the cruise control and bring the tractor to
a complete stop. Then place the shift lever in the
REVERSE position and depress the AutoDrive
pedal.

™

pedal should lock in the

AutoDrive

™

pedal (you

™

pedal.

To turn the tractor’s headlights off:

• Turn the key either into the On position (to
leave the engine running) or the Off position
(to shut the engine off). Refer to Figure 4.

IMPORTANT: Never move the key into the Start

position while the engine is running. Doing so may
cause damage to your engine’s starter.

STOPPING THE ENGINE

• Place the PTO lever, or PTO knob in the
disengaged (OFF) position.

• Move the throttle control into the SLOW
position and allow the engine to "idle down"
for ten seconds, then turn the ignition key
counterclockwise to the OFF position.

™

• Remove the key from the ignition switch to

prevent accidental starting.

DRIVING ON SLOPES

Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 6 to help
determine slopes where you may not operate safely.

WARNING: Do not mow on inclines with

a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of
approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet).
The tractor could overturn and cause
serious injury.

Operate the tractor up and down slopes, never
across slopes. Do not drive so that the tractor may
tip over sideways.
Before operating the tractor on any slope, walk the
slope to look for possible hazards such as rocks.
mounds, ruts, stumps or other surface irregularities
which could cause the tractor to be upset.
Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must
be made, turn down the slope. Turning up a slope
greatly increases the chance of a roll over.
Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. If it is
necessary to stop while driving up a slope, start up
smoothly and carefully to reduce the possibility of
flipping the tractor over backward.

IMPORTANT: If you think you’ve struck a foreign

object, stop the engine immediately. Remove the
wire(s) from the spark plug(s), thoroughly inspect the
unit for any damage, and repair the damage before
restarting and operating the mower.

USING THE LIFT LEVER

To raise the cutting deck, move the lift lever to the
left, then place it in the notch best suited for your
application. Refer to SETTING THE CUTTING
HEIGHT earlier in this section.

ENGAGING THE ELECTRIC PTO
(POWER TAKE-OFF) KNOB (if so equipped)

Front View

Pull Out

Push In

OFF

ON

OPERATING THE HEADLIGHTS

To turn the tractor’s headlights on:

• Start the engine following the instructions

earlier in this section.

• Turn the key one notch counterclockwise into
the On/Lights position of the ignition switch.
Refer to Figure 4.

Figure 7

• Move the throttle control lever to the FAST
(rabbit) position.

• Pull the PTO knob outward into the engaged
(ON) position. See Figure 7.

• Keep the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit)
position for the most efficient use of the
cutting deck and other attachments.

13

• The operator must remain in the tractor seat
at all times. If the operator should leave the
seat without pushing the PTO knob inward
into the disengaged (OFF) position, the
tractor’s engine will shut off.

IMPORTANT: The PTO knob cannot be in the

engaged (ON) position when the tractor is driving in
the reverse direction. The PTO knob must be in the
disengaged (OFF) position when the shift lever is in
REVERSE or the PTO will automatically shut off.
Refer to SAFETY INTERLOCK SWITCHES in this
section.

ENGAGING THE PTO
(POWER TAKE-OFF) LEVER

• Move the throttle control lever to the FAST
(rabbit) position.

• Move the PTO lever forward into the engaged
(ON) position.

• Keep the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit)
position for the most efficient use of the
cutting deck and other attachments.

• The operator must remain in the tractor seat
at all times. If the operator should leave the
seat without moving the PTO lever into the
disengaged (OFF) position and setting the
parking brake, the engine will shut off.

(if so equipped)

IMPORTANT: The PTO lever cannot be in the

engaged (ON) position when the tractor is driving in
the reverse direction. The safety interlock system will
automatically shut off the engine if the PTO lever is
moved into the engaged (ON) position with the shift
lever in the REVERSE position. Refer to SAFETY
INTERLOCK SWITCHES earlier in this section.

MOWING

This tractor is equipped with one of MTD’s high
quality cutting decks. The following information will
be helpful when using the cutting deck with your
tractor.

WARNING: To avoid possible injury, do

not allow anyone in the area of the tractor
while mowing. Even if the area to be
mowed has been cleared of foreign
objects, small objects may be picked up
and discharged by the mower.

WARNING: Never direct the discharge

of material toward bystanders or allow
anyone near the machine while in
operation.

• For best results it is recommended that the
first two laps be cut with the discharge thrown
towards the center. After the first two laps,
reverse the direction to throw the discharge to
the outside for the balance of cutting. This will
give a better appearance to the lawn.

• Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass
invites weed growth and yellows quickly in dry
weather.

• Mowing should always be done with the
engine at full throttle.

• Do not mow at high ground speed, especially
if a mulch kit or grass collector is installed.

• Under heavier conditions it may be necessary
to go back over the cut area a second time to
get a clean cut.

• Do NOT attempt to mow heavy brush and
weeds and extremely tall grass. Your tractor is
designed to mow lawns, NOT clear brush.

• Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades
when worn. Refer to the MAINTENANCE
section of this manual for proper blade
sharpening instructions.

SECTION 9: ADJUSTMENTS

LEVELING THE DECK

WARNING: Cutting blades are sharp.

Always protect hands by wearing heavy
leather work gloves to grasp blades.

NOTE: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before

performing any deck leveling adjustments. Refer to
TIRES in the maintenance section of this manual for
further information regarding tire pressure.

Front to Rear

The front of the cutting deck is supported by a stabi­lizer bar that can adjusted to level the deck from front
to rear. The front of the deck should be 1/4" to 3/8"
lower than the rear of the deck. Adjust if necessary
as follows:

WARNING: Turn the tractor’s engine

off, remove the key from the ignition switch
and apply the tractor’s parking brake before
making any adjustments to the deck.

14