MTD 660, 679, Yard Machines 660, Yard Machines 679 Owner's Manual

YARDMACHINES

OWNER'S GUIDE

Model Series

660 thru 679

TRANSMATIC

LAWN TRACTORS

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 IocaI or state iaws (if any). It 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.

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

aRINTED IN U.S.A. FORMNO.770-8637M

IMP0RTAN

THIS SYMBOL POINTSOUT iMPORTANTSAFETYR STRUCTIONSWHICH, IF NOT FOLLOWED,COULD ENDANGERTHE PERSONAL_m L

,_ SAFETYANDiOR PROPERTYOF YOURSELFAND (_THERS.READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONSIN THiS MANUAL BEFORE

ATTEMPTINGTO OPERATEYOURUNIT.WHEN YOU:;ELTHiS SYMBOL-- _lb HEEDITSWARNING.

Your lawn mower was built to be operated accordingto the rules for safe operation in this manual. As with ]

_b DANGER: anytype of power eguipmmt, oarelessnessor erroron the part ofthe operatorcan resultin injury, This lawn

[

mower is capable of amput_ting handsandfeel and throwing objects. Failureto observe thefollowing salety

instructions couldresultin _eriousinjuryor death,

A_I. GENERALOPERATION

t. _ _d_d follow all instructions in the nanual and

on the machine beforestarting. Keepthis manuai in a sate place
for future and regular reference and for ordering eplacement

parts.

2 OnLyallow responsible individuals familiar with the nstructions

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

machine quickly.

3 Do not put hands or feet under cutting deck or rrar rotating

parts ,_

4 Clearthe area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire etc. which

could be picked up andthrov_nby the blade. A sinai object may
have beenoverlooked and could beaccidentally th own by the

mower in any direction and cause miury to you or _ bystanden
ToheIp avoid athrown objects injury, keep children bystanders
and helpers at least 75 feet from tile mower while L1is in opera-
tion Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles _uringoper-
ation or while performing an adjustment or repai, to protect
eyes from foreign objects Stop Pie btade(s) wh_,n crossing

graveldrives, walks or roads.

5 Be sure the area is clear of other people before m]wing. Stop

machine if anyo_leentersthe area,

6. Never carry passengers.

7. Oisengageblade(s) before shifting into reverseand backing up.
Alwayslook down and behind before and while bacdng.

8 Be aware of tile mower and attachment discharge [irection and

do not point it at anyone Do not operate the mc_er without
edherthe entiregrass catcher or the chute guard in piece.

9 Slow down before turning. Operate the machin_ smoothly.

Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed,

t0. Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off

blade(s), place transmission in neutral, set park brake, stop
engine and removekey beforedismounting.

11. Turn off blade(s)when not mowing
t2. Stop engine and waLtuntil blade(s) comes to a c( replete stop

before (a) removing grass catcher or unclogging :hute,or (b)
making any repairs, adjusting or removing any gra! s or debris.

13. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

14. Do not operatethe machine while under the infiuen eof alcohol
or drugs

15. Watchfor traffic wilen operating near or crossing r ladways.

16. Use extra care when loading or unIoading the m;chine into a
trailer or truck. This unit should not be driven u _or down a

ramp onto a trailer or truck under power, becauset _eunit could
tip over, causing serious personaI injury, The L/it must be

pushed manually on a ramp to load or unload propmly.

17. Never makea cutting height adjustment while engi leis running

it operator must dismount to do so ,&

18 Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close- itting slacks

andshirts Do not wear loose fitting clothes or jew_Iry. They can
be caught in moving parts. Never operate a unit in bare feet,

sandals, or sneakers.

19. Check overheadclearance carefully before driving under power
lines, wires, bridges or low hanging tree branches, oefore enter-
ing or leaving buiIdings, or in any other situatirn where the
operator may be struck or pulled from the unit, which could

result in serious injury.

20. Disengage a!l attachment clutches, thoroughly depress the
brake pedal, and shift into neutral before attempting to start
engum.

21. Your mower is designed to cut normal residentiaI grass of a
height no more than 10" Do not attempt to mow through

unusually tail 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.

II. SLOPEOPERATION

Slopesare a major factor relatedto loss of control and tip-over acci-
dents 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

Foryour 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 greaterthan 150 as shown on the slope gauge,
do not operatethis unit onthat areaor serious injury could result.

DO:

Mow up anddown slopes, not across.
Removeobstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts or bumps, Uneventerrain could overturn the
machine.Tall grasscan hide obstacles.

Use slow speed,Choosea low enough gear so that you wilt not have
to stop or shift while on the slope. Always keep machine in gear

when going down slopes to takeadvantageof 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.

Keepall movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make
sudden changes in speed or direction, Rapid engagementor braking

could cause the front of the machine to lift and rapidly flip over
backwards which could causeserious injury.

Avoid starting or stopping on a slope, if tires lose traction, disen-
gagethe blade(s) and proceed slowly slraight down the slope.

DO NOT:

Do notturn on slopesunless necessary;then. turn slowly and grad-
ualty downhill, if possible,
Do not mow near dmp-offs, ditches or embankments.The mower
could suddenIy turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or
ditch, or if an edgecaves in,

Do net mow on wet grass. Reducedtraction could causesliding.
Oo not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the

ground.
Donot use grasscatcher on steepslopes.

III. 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 chiIdren wig remain where you
lastsaw them.

1. Keepchildren out of the mowing areaandin watchful care of an
adult other than the operator.

2. Bealert and turn machine off if chiIdren enter the area,

3 Before and when backing, look behind and down for small

chgdmn

2

4. Nevercarry children, even with the blades off. They mayfalI off
and beseriously injured or interfere with the safe machine oper-
ation.

5. Neverallow children under 14 years old to operatethe machine.
Children 14 years and over should only operate machine under
close parental supervision and proper instruction,

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

hazard.

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

IV, SERVICE

1. Useextreme care in handling gasoline and otherfueis, They are
extremely flammable and thevapors areexplosive.
a. Useonly an approved container,
b. Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine running.

Allow engine to cooI at leasttwo minutes before refueling

c. Replacefuel cap securely andwipe off any spilled fuei before

starting the engine as it maycause afire or explosion

d. Extinguish nil cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of

ignition.

e, Never refuel the machine indoors because fuel vapors wiil

accumulate in the area.

f. Never store the fuel container or machine inside where there

is an open flame or spark, such as a gas hot water heater
spaceheater or furnace.

2. Never run a machine inside aclosed area.

3 To reduce fire hazard, keepthe machine free of grass, leaves or

other debris build_up. Clean up eli or fuel spillage, Allow
machine to cooIat least 5minutes before storing,

4. Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make certain the blade

and nil moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug
wire. and keep the wire away from the spark ping to prevent

accidental starting,

5. Checktheblade and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals
for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade for damage

(e.g., excessive wear,bent. cracked) Replacewith blade which
meets original equipment specifications.

DANGER

6. KeepalI nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equipment is
in safe working condition

7. Nevertamper with safety devices, Checktheir proper operation
regularly. Useall gourds as instructed inthis manual.

8. After striking a foreign obiect, stop the engine, removethe wire
from the spark plug andthoroughly inspect the mower for any
damage. Repair the damage before restarting and operating the

mower

9 Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage and

deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects
to be thrown, Foryour safety protection, frequently check corn_

ponents and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts

when necessary.

10. Mower blades aresharp andcan cut Wrap the blade(s) or wear
gloves and use extra caution when servicing blade(s).

11. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as

required.

12. Muffler, engine and belt guards become hot during operation

andcan causea burn. Allow to cool down beforetouching.

13. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the

engine, Excessiveengine speeds are dangerous.

14, Observe proper disposal laws and regulations. Improper dis-

posaIof fluids and materials can harmthe environment andthe
ecology.

a. Prior to disposal, determinethe proper method to dispose of

v,,astefrom your local Environmental Protection Agency.

Recycling centers are established to properly dispose of
materialsin an environmentally safefashion.

b Useproper containers when draining fluids, Donot usefood

or beverage containers that may misIead someone into
drinking from them Properly dispose of the containers

immediately following the dramieg of fluids

c DONOTpooroil or other fluids into the ground, down a drain

or into a stream, pond, lake or ether body of water. Observe

Environmental Protection Agency regulations when dispos-
ing of oil, fuel, coolant, brakefluid, filters, batteries, tires and

other harmful waste.

WARNING -- YOURRESPONSIBILITY

Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read.
understand and foflow the warnings and instructions in this

manual and on the machine,

DANOBFI

UNPACKING

TOREMOVEUNITFROMCRATE

1. Remove all screws from the top of the cr4te using
a 1/4" hex head socket or a flat blade scn;wdriver.

2. To remove ends, grasp top board on the _=nd,and
pull towards you in a downward motion.

3. Set panel aside to avoid tire punctures.

4. Repeat procedure for each side of the cr_te.

6. Loose parts (may include the owner's guide,
steering wheel, optional oil drain sleeve, battery

fluid, chute deflector, optional mulching kit, etc.)

are on the seat or in a box wrapped in plastic.
Carefully cut and remove the plastic wrap.
Remove the loose parts.

7. Make certain brake is released. Raise the deck
and push the unit off the skid.

5. Remove and discard plastic bag whicl covers
unit.

ASSEMI3LY INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT: After assembly, service engine] E.

with gasoline, and check oil level as ins:ructed

l

in the separate engine manual packed wi :h your
unit. E

NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the
unit is observed from the driver's seat, fa,;ing for-

ward.

TOOLSREQUIREDFORASSEMBLY

(1) 1/4" socket wrench or flat blade screwdriv._r
(1) 1/2" wrench or socket wrench*
(1) 9/16" wrench or socket wrench
(2) 7/16" wrenches or socket wrenches

G,

NEVER connect or disconnect charger clips to
battery while charger is turned on as it can cause
sparks.

Keep all lighted materials (cigarettes, matches,
lighters) away from the battery as the hydrogen
gas generated during charging can be combusti-

ble.
As a further precaution, only charge the battery in

a well-ventilated area.

*Always shield eyes, protect skin and clothing

when working near batteries.

*If your steering wheel cap is square, you mu_t have a

socket wrench in order to install the steering _zheel.

BATTERYINFORMATION

WARNING

A. Battery acid must be handled with great care as

contact with it can burn and blister the nkin. It is
also advisable to wear protective clothing

(goggles, rubber gloves and apron) wher working

with it.*

g_

Should battery acid accidentally splatter into the

eyes or onto the face, rinse the affec ed area

immediately with clean cold water. If the'e is any

further discomfort, seek prompt medical attention.

C. If acid spills on clothing, first dilute it wth clean

water, then neutralize with a solution of ammonia/
water or baking soda/water.

D. Since battery acid is corrosive, do not p( ur it into

any sink or drain. Before discarding empt!' electro-
lyte containers, rinse them with a neutrali_ ing solu-

tion.

DANGER

Battery contains sulfuric acid. Refer to warning

at right. Antidote: EXTERNAL--Flush with water.

INTERNAL--Drink large quantities of water or milk.
Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten eggs or

vegetable oil. Call physician immediately. EYES:

Flush with cool water for at least 15 minutes, then

get prompt medical attention.
Since batteries produce explosive gases, keep

all lighted materials (cigarettes, lighters,

matches, etc.) away. Be sure to charge battery

only in well-ventilated areas. Make certain venting

path of battery drain tube (if equipped) is always

open.

KEEP BATTERIES

OUT OFTHE REACH OF CHILDREN!

4

BATTERYIDENTIFICATION

CHARGE THE BATTERY after the 30 minute standing

period. Battery P/N 725-1705B--Charge at 2-3 amps
for one hour. Battery PiN 725-1707B and 725-

0453E--Charge at 6 amps for one hour.
NOTE: If you charge the battery at a Iower AMP rate,

use a hydrometer to make sure the battery is com-

pletely charged. The hydrometer should read 1,260

minimum at an electrolyte temperature of 60-110°E
DO NOT CHARGE AT MORE THAN 6 AMPS.

Type "A"

Type "B"

Compare the battery in your lawn tractor (located
under the seat) with the illustration above. Type "A"

batteries are activated and are ready to use. Type "B"
batteries must be filled with battery fluid (acid) and

charged before they are put into service. Follow the
instructions which apply to the battery in your lawn

tractor.

ACTIVATINGAND CHARGING THE BATTERY

(TYPE "B" BATTERY ONLY)
Do not activate battery (fill with battery acid) until
battery is actually placed in service. Be certain to
read previous battery warnings before activating
the battery.

1. Pivot the seat forward. Unhook the strap which
secures the battery (hook is on rear frame, under
fender). Disconnect the positive cable from the
positive terminal. Save the hardware for reassem-
bly.

2. Remove the battery from the lawn tractor, paying
attention to how the battery is placed in the unit,

and how the drain tube (attached to the battery) is

routed.

3, Activate the battery as instructed in the "Quick

Start" brochure included with the battery fluid.

Read instructions carefully.

NOTE: You can continue assembling the lawn tractor

while battery is standing for 30 minutes (after filling
with acid), and later while you are charging the battery.

IMPORTANT: To obtain the maximum life from your
battery, it MUST BE CHARGED prior to initial use.

ATTACHINGTHE STEERING WHEEL

1. The hardware for attaching the steering wheel has
been packed inside the steering wheel, Carefully

pry off the steering wheel cap and remove the

hardware.

2. Remove the steering bellow from the lift lever on
the right hand side of lawn tractor. Place steering

bellow over the steering shaft extending through

the dash.

NOTE: tf the openings on each end of the steering bel-

low are two different sizes, the smaller end goes down

against the dash of the lawn tractor.

3. With the wheels of the tractor pointing straight
forward, place the steering wheel over the steer-
ing shaft, positioning steering wheel as desired.

4. Place the washer with the cupped side down over
the steering shaft. Secure with hex lock bolt.

NOTE: If your steering wheel cap is square, you must

use a socket wrench.

5. Place the steering wheel cap over the center of
the steering wheel and seat itwith your hand.

Steering

Wheel Cap

Hex Lock ""_

Bolt

Cupped

Steering

Shaft-

Steering

FIGURE 1.

5

7 °[

FIGURE 2.

Screws

ATTACHINGTHESEAT

Remove the four screws which secure the seat to the
seat pivot bracket. Turn the seat around and place in

position against the seat pivot bracket, lining up the
slotted holes in the pivot bracket with the holes in the

seat. Select desired position for the seat, and secure

with the four screws. See figure 2.

NOTE: Your seat may have been shipped in a box.
Remove the four screws from the bottom of seat and

place seat in position against the seat pivot bracket.

Follow the directions above to attach the seat.

FIGURE 3.

\ Hax Nuts

(;upped

Vlashers

ATTACHINGTHECHUTEDEFLECTOR

The chute deflector must be attached to the right side
of the deck so that it covers the chute opening.

_ ARNING: Do not operate your unit

unless the chute deflector has been
properly instaned.

1. Make certain deck is raised to its highest position
(lift lever pulled all the way back).

NOTE: Your mowing deck may be equipped with a
optional mulching plug. Remove the mulching plug by
removing the wing nut on top of the deck. Grasp the
mulching plug and pull out of the deck,

2. Remove the hex head cap screws, cupped
washers and hex nuts which are attached to the

deck next to the chute opening.
Place the chute deflector in position as shown in

figure 3. Secure with hardware just removed.
Cupped sides of washers go against the chute
deflector.

If you wish to mulch, lift up the chute and insert
optional mulching plug through chute opening.

Line up the bolt on mulching plug with the hole in
the top of deck. Push up on the end of the mulch-

ing plug and secure with the wing nut.

TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your unit may be over-inflated for shipping
purposes. Reduce the tire pressure before operating
the unit. Recommended operating tire pressure is
approximately 12 p.s.i.

&

WARNING: Maximum tire pressure under
any circumstances is 30 p,s.i, Equal tire

pressure should be maintained on all

tires,

eckHanger =C_=

FIGURE 4.

Positive Terminal

Inside Rubber Boot)

U

Q

Negative

Cable Negative Battery

FIGURE 5. Terminal Compartment

FIGURE 6.

Baffery

Tr_

Reinforcement

Bracket

-,.,.-LEVELINGTHE DECK

With unit on hard, level surface, measure the distance
from the bottom edge of the center of the left side of
deck to the ground. Measure the same distance on the
center of the right side of the deck, just behind the

chute area. Or, place the blades in a straight line, and
measure the distance from the outside edge of the
blade tips to the ground.

If adjustment is needed, proceed as follows.

1. Remove the hairpin clip and flat washer from the
bottom of the adjustable lift link on the left side of
the deck. (Hairpin clip and flat washer are on the
inside of the lift link.)

2. Pull the adjustable lift link out of the deck hanger
channel. See figure 4. Turn the adjustable lift link

up or down as necessary to level the deck.
Usually only one or two turns are needed,

3. Insert the end of the adjustable lift link into the
hole in the deck hanger channel. Recheck the
adjustment. Readjust if necessary.

4. When deck is level, secure end of adjustable lift

link with fiat washer and hairpin clip.

INSTALLING THE BATTERY(TYPE "A" BATTERY)

NOTE: If battery is put into service after date shown
on top of battery, charge for minimum of 1 hour at 6-10

amps,

1. Lift the seat.

2. Remove the plastic cover from the negative terminal.

3. Remove the hex bolt and nut from the negative
(black) cable. Attach negative cable to the nega-

tive terminal with this bolt and nut.

Battery

INSTALLING THE BATTERY(TYPE "B" BATTERY)

1. Lift the seat.

2. Make certain both the negative (black) cable and

the positive (red) cable are routed up through the

battery compartment as shown in figure 5.

3. Replace the battery into the battery compartment
in the same position as it was before (positive ter-

minal is toward the front of the unit).

4. Attach the positive (red) cable to the positive
terminal of the battery, Secure with hex bolt and

nut previously removed. Slide rubber boot down
over the positive terminal.

5. Remove the hex bolt and nut from the negative
(black) cable. Attach negative cable to the nega-

tive terminal with this bolt and nut.

6, Secure battery by hooking battery strap into slot in

rear frame, under the fender. See figure 6,

7. Insert the drain tube through the hole in the trans-
axle reinforcement bracket located on the right
side of the unit. See figure 6. Be certain drain tube
is routed away from the wheel rim.

8. Trim excess end of drain tube if necessary (about
4" should extend past the bracket or cable tie).

Choke / '

Clutch-Brake

Pedal

CONTROLS

Ignition

Switch

Switch

(Optional)

FIGURE 7.

_. Optional)

Shift Lcver

THROTTLECONTROL

The throttle control is used to regulate th_ engine

speed. To get maximum efficiency from cul:ing, the
throttle should be in the FAST position when cperating
the mower. See figure 7.

CHOKECONTROL

The choke control is located on the dashboard and is
operated manually. Details for the choke oper _tionare

covered in the separate engine manual pacced with
your unit. See figure 7.

SHIFT LEVER

The shift lever is located in the center of the console
and has three positions, FORWARD, NEUTI{AL and

REVERSE. See figure 8. The clutch-brake pe Jal must
be depressed and the lawn tractor must not b_ moving
when shifting gears. Do not force the shft lever.
Release the clutch-brake pedal slightly to lin ; up the
shifting collar in the transmission. Then try to shift

gears.

SPEEDCONTROLLEVER

The speed control lever is located either on :he con-

sole or on the right fender. See figure 8. Th_= speed
control lever allows you to regulate the grourd speed
of the lawn tractor. To select the ground speed,
depress clutch pedal. Move speed control lev,_r out of

the notches and backward to slow lawn tractor forward
to increase speed. When desired speed his been

obtained, release lever in that position. _Ahenever
clutch is released, unit will automatically go to the pre-

set speed.

IGNITIONSWITCH

The engine is started by turning the key to th_ START

position. After the engine starts, let the key eturn to

the ON position. To stop the engine, turn the k ;y to the

left to the OFF position and remove it to prey ;nt acci-
dental starting. See figure 7.

Speed

Control

Lever

Speed

Shift Control

Lever Lever

FIGURE 8.

LIGHTSWITCH(Optional)

Push the light switch to turn on the lights. The lights

will only operate when the engine is running.

NOTE: If your unit is not equipped with a light switch,

the lights will be on when the engine is running.

AMMETER (Optional)

The ammeter registers the rate of battery charge or
discharge. The ammeter will register on the discharg-
ing side when starting the engine. It should register on
the opposite side (charging) when the engine is run-
ning in the fast position until the battery is completely
charged. With a fully charged battery or with the
engine idling,the ammeter will not show a charge. See
figure 7.

CLUTCH-BRAKE PEDAL

The clutch-brake pedal is located on the left side of the
lawn tractor. Depressing the clutch-brake pedal part
way disengages the clutch. Pressing the pedal all the
way down disengages the clutch and engages the disc
brake. See figure 7.

NOTE: The clutch-brake pedal must be depressed to
start the engine.

PARKINGBRAKE

The speed control lever is used to set the parking

brake. To set the parking brake, depress the clutch-
brake pedal. Move the speed control lever out of the
notches to the parking brake position. Release the

speed control lever and the clutch-brake pedal
To release the parking brake, depress the clutch-brake

pedal and move the speed control lever out of the

notches to the desired position. Release the speed

control lever and the clutch-brake pedal.

NOTE: The parking brake must be set if the operator
leaves the seat with the engine running.

INTERLOCKS(Not Shown)

Interlock safety switches are located by the clutch-
brake pedal, the lift lever, the shift lever and under the
seat.

8