Troybilt 13AT609H063-2001, 609, 608, 13AF608G062 Owner’s Manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

Automatic Lawn Tractor

Models 607

6O8
6O9

Model 609 Shown

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 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 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

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

PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-10130D

(12/2001)

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Content Page

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

Slope Gauge ............................................................................................................ 7

Tractor Set-up .......................................................................................................... 8

Know Your Lawn Tractor ......................................................................................... 9

Operating You r Lawn Tractor ................................................................................... 12

Making Adjustments ................................................................................................ 16

Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor ................................................................................ 18

Service ..................................................................................................................... 19

Off-Season Storage ................................................................................................. 24

Attachments & Accessories ..................................................................................... 24

Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................... 25

Models 607, 608 & 609 Parts List............................................................................. 26

FINDINGMODELNUMBER

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

Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the

equipment and copy the information from it in the space providedbelow. The information on the

@

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 plateis very important if you need help from our Customer Support Department or an
authorized dealer.

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

ENGINEINFORMATION

The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to performance, power-rating,
specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer's Owner's/Operator's Manual packed
separately with your unit for more information.

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) 220-4MTB (4683) or 1- [phone] 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 will be asked to enter the serial number in order to process your call.

SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES

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

the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual
before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal

injury. When you see this symbol--heed its warning.

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:

i_ WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain

GENERAL OPERATION

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the

2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper

3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate

4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without

5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object

6. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment

7. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of

8. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles

9. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-

or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other

reproductive harm.

10. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge
direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not

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.

operation. Know how to stop the machine and
disengage them quickly.

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.

proper instruction.

injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets
at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in

operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire,
bones, toys, and other foreign objects which could

be picked up and thrown by the blade(s). Thrown
objects can cause serious personal injury.

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.

during operation and while performing an
adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown
objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to
the eyes.

fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes and
jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never
operate this machine in bare feet or sandals.

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 blade(s) 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 blade(s) before shifting 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 blade(s), set parking brake, stop engine
and wait until the blade(s) come to a complete stop
before removing grass catcher, emptying grass,
unclogging chute, removing any grass or debris, or
making any adjustments.

21. Never leave a running machine unattended. Always
turn off blade(s), place transmission in neutral, 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,depressthe
brakepedalcompletelyandshiftintoneutralbefore
attemptingtostartengine.

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.Contactan

authorizedMTDServiceDealerforassistance.

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 ifyou 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. Ifthe slope is greater than

15 degrees as shown on the slope gauge, do not

operate this unit 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. Choose a low enough speed
setting so that you will not have to stop or shift while

on the slope. Tires may lose traction on slopes
even though the brakes are functioning properly.

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

4. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for
wheel weights or counterweights to improve

stability.

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

machine.

6. Keep allmovement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes inspeed 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. If tires lose
traction, disengage the blade(s) 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 isover 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 shift to neutral and coast downhill. Over-
speeding may cause the operator to lose control of

the machine resulting inserious injury or death.

7. 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

1,

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

saw them.

a. Keep children out of the mowing area and in

watchful care of a responsible adult other
than the operator.

b. Be alert and turn machine off 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 blade(s)

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

e. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblind

corners,doorways,shrubs,treesorother

objectsthatmayblockyourvisionofachild
whomayrunintothemachine.

f. Disengagethecuttingblade(s)before

shiftinginreverse.The"No-Cut-InReverse"

featureisaremindernottocutinreverseand
tohelpavoidbackoveraccidents.Donot

defeatit.

g. Keepchildrenawayfromhotorrunning

engines.Theycansufferburnsfromahot
muffler.

h. Removekeywhenmachineisunattendedto

preventunauthorizedoperation.

9. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldtooperate
themachine.Children14yearsoldandovershould
readandunderstandtheoperationinstructionsand
safetyrulesinthismanualandshouldbetrained
andsupervisedbyaparent.

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.

6. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.

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 injurycan occur when gasoline is

spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite.
Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.

a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a

truck or trailer bed with a plastic 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. Ifthis is not possible, then

refuel such equipment on a trailer with a
portable container, rather than from a

gasoline dispenser nozzle.

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

fuel tank or container opening at all times

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

e. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and

other sources of ignition.

f. Never fuel machine indoors.
g. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the

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

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

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

i. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

j. If gasoline is spilled, wipe itoff 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 blade(s) and all moving parts have

stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground against the engine to prevent unintended

starting.

3. Periodically check to make sure the blades come to
complete stop within approximately (5) five

seconds after operating the blade disengagement
control. Ifthe blades do not stop within the this time

frame, your unit should be serviced professionally
by an authorized MTD Service Dealer.

4. Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected
to wear during normal operation. Adjust and service

as required.

5. Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also,

visually inspect blade(s) for damage (e.g.,
excessive wear, bent, cracked).

Replace the blade(s) with the original equipment
manufacturer's (O.E.M.) blade(s) only, listed in this

manual. "Use of parts which do not meet the
original equipment specifications may lead to

improper performance and compromise safetyF

6. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear
gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

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

8. Nevertamperwiththesafetyinterlocksystemor
othersafetydevices.Checktheirproperoperation
regularly.

9. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,
disconnectthesparkplugwire(s)andground
againsttheengine.Thoroughlyinspectthe
machineforanydamage.Repairthedamage
beforestartingandoperating.

10.Neverattempttomakeadjustmentsorrepairsto
themachinewhiletheengineisrunning.

11.Grasscatchercomponentsandthedischarge
coveraresubjecttowearanddamagewhichcould
exposemovingpartsorallowobjectstobethrown.

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.

Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponents
andreplaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthis
manual."Useofpartswhichdonotmeetthe
originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafetyF

12.

Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsor
over-speedtheengine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe
maximumsafeoperatingspeedoftheengine.

13.

Maintainorreplacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as
necessary.

14.

Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsfor
gas,oil,etc.toprotecttheenvironment.

iq

SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE

A POWER POLE

A CORNER OFA BUILDING

OR A FENCE POST

W

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n

I.LI

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

SECTION3: 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
(or Kohlerengine's Owner's 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 riding mower's

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

Locate the shipping brace and accompanying
warning tag found on the right side of the mower,
between the discharge chute and 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 24 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.

\

\

\

\

WarningTag

Figure 2

While holding the discharge chute with your left
hand, remove the shipping brace with your right

hand by grasping itbetween your thumb and index

finger and rotating it clockwise.

WARNING: The shipping brace, used for

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

mower.

WARNING: The mowing deck is capable of

throwing objects. Failure to operate the riding
mower without the discharge cover in the

proper operating position could result in
serious personal injury and/or property

damage.

SECTION4: KNOWYOURLAWNTRACTOR

A

B

H

C

L

NOTE: Steering Wheel not shown for clarity.

1"Style varies by model

A PTO (Power Take-off) Lever:l:

PTO (Power Take-off) Knobs

B Choke Controls
C Parking Brake Button

D Shift Lever
E Cup Holder:l:

F Systems Indicator Monitort

G Throttle Control Lever
H Cruise Control Buttons
I Ignition Switch

J Brake Pedal

K Drive Pedal
L Deck Lift Lever

M Seat Adjustment Levers

Ifso equipped

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

ThrottleControlLever

The throttle control lever is located on the right side of
the tractor's dash panel. This lever controls the speed
of the engine and, on some models, when pushed all
the way forward, the choke control also. When set in a
given position, the throttle will maintain a uniform
engine speed. See Figure 3.

Choke

Position

Fast

Position

Fast

Position

IgnitionSwitch

WARNING: Never leave a running

A

To start the engine, insert the 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 4.

machine unattended Always disengage PTO,
move shift lever into neutral position, set

parking brake, stop engine and remove key to
prevent unintended starting.

On/Lights

Off

Slow

Position

Figure 3

IMPORTAWr:When operating the tractor with the cutting

deck engaged, be certain that the throttle lever is
always in the FAST (rabbit) position.

Slow

Position

ChokeControl

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

control. On all other models, the I ,1choke 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 StartingTheEngineon page 13 of this
manual for detailed starting instructions.

BrakePedal

The brake pedal is located on the

right front side of the tractor

above the drive pedal along the

running board. The brake pedal
can be used for sudden stops or
setting the parking brake.

NOTE: The brake pedal must

be fully depressed to activate the

safety interlock switch when

starting the tractor.

(o)

Start

Figure 4

Refer to StartingTheEngineon page 13 of this manual for
detailed starting instructions

The ignition switch is also used to operate the tractor's
headlights. Refer to OperatingThe Headlightson page 15

of this manual for detailed instructions.

DrivePedal

The drive pedal is located below
the brake pedal on the right front
side of the tractor along the
running board. Depress the drive
pedal with 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 drive 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.

IMPORTAWr: Always set the parking brake when
leaving the tractor unattended.

10

SystemsIndicatorMonitor

Your tractor is equipped with either an hour meter or an
ammeter as part of two available systems indicator
monitors. Locate the monitor on the left side of your
dash panel and compare itto both shown in Figure 5.

Oil

Brake

ElectricPTO

(PowerTake-off)Knob

To engage the power to the
cutting deck or other (separately
available) attachments on
models equipped with an electric
PTO, pull outward on the PTO
knob. Push the PTO knob inward to disengage the
power to the cutting deck.

Ammeter

Battery

Hour Meter

PTO ,-,I-O"1

Figure 5

If the Brake light or PTO 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.

It is normal for the Oil light and the Battery light, if so
equipped, to illuminate while the engine is cranking,

but if either illuminate's 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 (or Kohlerengine's Owner's
Manual) included with your tractor.

BATTERY-- The battery is in need of a charge, or the

engine's charging system is not
generating sufficient amperage. Refer to

the MAINTENANCEsection of this manual
for the proper battery charging procedure
or have the charging system checked by

a Briggs & Stratton or Kohlerengine's
dealer.

On units so equipped, the ammeter measures the
electrical output of the engine's charging system. Under

normal operating conditions, with the engine at full
throttle, the ammeter's needle should measure a
positive charge.

The hour meter, on units so equipped, operates
whenever the engine is running and records the actual

hours of tractor operation.

PTO

Oil

Brake

NOTE: The PTO knob must be in the disengaged

(OFF) position when starting the engine, when traveling

in reverse and if the operator leaves the seat.

PTO(PowerTake-off)Lever

On models equipped with amanual PTO, 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 (separately
available) attachments; move the PTO lever rearward
to disengage the power to the attachments.

NOTE: The PTO lever must be in the disengaged

(OFF) position when starting the engine, when traveling

in reverse and if the operator leaves the seat.

SeatAdjustmentLever

To adjust the seat forward or backward on units
equipped with a quick-adjust seat, 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 17 of this

manual for more detailed instructions.

DeckLiftLever

Found on your tractor's right fender, the deck lift lever is
used to change the height of the cutting deck. To use,
move the lever to the left, then place in the notch best
suited for your application.

CupHolder

The tractor's cup holder, if so equipped, is located on
the fender to the left of the seat, just to the rear of the

shift lever.

11

ParkingBrakeButton

To set the parking brake, fully _S_,'_
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 wilt then return to its original position.

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.

k r,U

NOTE: Cruise control can NOT be engaged at the

tractor's fastest ground speed. If the operator should
attempt to do so, the tractor will automatically
decelerate to the fastest optimal mowing ground speed.

ShiftLever

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. See Figure 6.

,{,F

CruiseControlButton

The cruise control button, on
models so equipped, is located _mm

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

drive pedal. This will engage the
cruise control and allow the

tractor to remain at that speed without applying
pressure to the drive pedal. Depress the brake pedal or

the drive pedal to deactivate cruise control. Refer to
SettingtheCruiseControlon page 14 this manual for

detailed instructions regarding the cruise control
feature.

|m.

IMPORTANT: Never force the shift lever. Doing so may
result in serious damage to the tractor's transmission.

SECTION5: OPERATINGYOURLAWNTRACTOR

• The engine will automatically shut off if the operator

all instructions and warnings on the machine

WARNING: Read, understand, and follow

and in this manual before operating.

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. The safety
interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or
starting unless the parking brake is engaged, and the

PTO knob (or lever) is in the disengaged (OFF)

position.

leaves the seat before engaging the parking brake.

• The engine will automatically shut off if the operator

leaves the tractor's seat with the PTO knob (or
lever) in the engaged (ON) position, regardless of
whether the parking brake is engaged.

• The engine wilt automatically shut off if the PTO

lever, if so equipped, is moved into the engaged
(ON) position with the shift lever in position for

reverse travel.

• The electric PTO clutch will automatically shut off if

the PTO knob, if so equipped, is moved into the

engaged (ON) position with the shift lever in
position for reverse travel.

N

_\\\\\

Shift

Knob

Figure 6

12

WARNING

AVOIDSERIOUSINJURYORDEATH

• GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS.

• AVOID SUDDEN TURNS.

• DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SLIP OR TIR

• IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BLADE(S) 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 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 POSITRON, DISENGAGE
BLADE(S), PLACE THE SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTRAL, ENGAGE
BRAKE LOCK, SHUT ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KE_

READOPERATOR'SMANUAL

WARNING: Do not operate the tractor if the

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

SettingtheCuttingHeight

Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing
the deck liftlever 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 ¼-inch and ½-
inch above the ground when the tractor is on a smooth,
flat surface such as a driveway.

from the discharge opening of the cutting

WARNING: Keep hands and feet away
deck.

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 16 of this manual for
more detailed instructions regarding various deck
adjustments.

StartingtheEngine

WARNING: Do not operate the tractor if the

A

NOTE: Refer to the TRACTORSET-UPon page 8 of this

manual for Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions.

• Insert the tractor key intothe ignition switch.

• Place the PTO knob (or lever) in the disengaged

• Engage the tractor's parking brake.

• Activate the choke control.

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

(OFF) position.

• 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.

• After the engine starts, deactivate the choke control
and place the throttle control in the FAST position.

NOTE: Do NOT leave the choke control on while

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

StoppingtheEngine

WARNING: If you strike a foreign object,

stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug
wire(s) and ground against the engine.
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any
damage. Repair the damage before restarting
and operating

• If the blades are engaged, place the PTO knob (or
lever) 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.

Driving

• Depress the brake pedal to release the parking

• Move the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit)

IMPORTAWr: 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

• To move in reverse, place the shift lever in the

TheTractor

WARNING: Avoid sudden starts, ex-

cessive speed and sudden stops.

WARNING: Do not leave the seat of the

tractor without first placing the PTO knob (or
lever) 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.

brake and let the pedal up.

position.

FORWARD position, then slowly depress the drive
pedal until the desired speed is achieved.

REVERSE position, check that the area behind is

clear then slowly depress the drive pedal.

13

EngagingtheParkingBrake

To engage the parking brake:

• Fully depress the brake pedal and hold it down with
your foot while gently pushing the parking brake

button inward.

• Hold the parking brake button in while removing
your foot from the brake pedal.

• Once engaged, the parking brake button and the
brake pedal will lock in the "down" position.

To disengage the parking brake:

• Slightly depress the brake pedal.

NOTE: The parking brake must be engaged if the

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

NOTE: Cruise control can not be engaged at the

tractor's fastest ground speed. If the operator should
attempt to do so, the tractor will automatically
decelerate to the fastest optimal mowing ground 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 drive pedal.
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 drive pedal.

DrivingOnSlopes

Refer to the SLOPEGAUGEon page 7 to help determine

slopes where you may operate the tractor 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.

• Mow up and down slopes, NEVER across.

• Exercise extreme caution when changing direction
on slopes.

• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other
hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the

machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

• 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.

SettingTheCruiseControl

NOTE: The cruise control feature is NOT standard on

all models.

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

• Lightly depress the cruise control button.

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

• Once engaged, the cruise control button and the
drive pedal will lock in the "down" position, and the
tractor will maintain the same forward speed.

Engagingthe PTO

Engaging the PTO transfers power to the cutting deck
or other (separately available) attachments. To engage
the PTO, proceed as follows:

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

Modelswith Manual PTO

• Grasp the PTO lever and pivot it all the way forward
into the engaged (ON) position.

Modelswith ElectricPTO

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

Front View Pull Out Push In

Figure 7

• Keep the throttle lever inthe FAST (rabbit) position

for the most efficient use of the cutting deck or other

(separately available) attachments

IMPORTANT:The engine (on models with a manual
PTO) or electric PTO clutch (on models with an electric
PTO) will automatically shut off if the PTO is engaged
with the shift lever in position for reverse travel. Refer to

SafetyInterlockSwitcheson page 12.

Usingthe DeckLift Lever

To raise the cutting deck, move the deck lift lever to the
left, then place it in the notch best suited for your
application. Refer toSettingTheCuttingHeightearlier in

this section.

14

Mowing

WARNING: To help avoid blade contact or

A

The following information will be helpful when using the
cutting deck with your tractor.

• Do not mow at high ground speed, especially ifa

• For best results it is recommended that the first two

• Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass invites

• Mowing should always be done with the engine at

• Under heavier conditions it may be necessary to go

• Do NOT attempt to mow heavy brush and weeds

• Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades

a thrown object injury, keep bystanders,
helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet

from the machine while it is in operation. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.

WARNING: Plan your mowing pattern to

avoid discharge of materials 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.

mulch kit or grass collector is installed.

laps be cut with the discharge thrown towards the
center. After the first two taps, reverse the direction
to throw the discharge to the outside for the
balance of cutting. This will give a better
appearance to the lawn.

weed growth and yellows quickly in dry weather.
full throttle.

back over the cut area a second time to get a clean
cut.

and extremely tall grass. Your tractor is designed to
mow lawns, NOT clear brush.

when worn. Refer to CuttingBladeson page 20 of this
manual for proper blade sharpening instructions.

• Always position the throttle control lever in the
FAST (rabbit) position and allow it to remain there
while mowing. Failing to keep the engine at full

throttle places strain on the tractor's engine and

does not allow the blades to properly mulch grass.

NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the discharge

chute to operate the mower with the mulch kit installed.

42-inch Decks

To operate the cutting deck without mulching, on
models so equipped, simply remove the mulch plug by

unthreading the plastic wing nut which fastens it to the
cutting deck. This will allow the clippings to discharge

out the side. See Figure 8.

/

Plastic Wing Nut Mulch Plug

Figure 8

46-inch Decks

On models so equipped, the mulch kit is packed
separately withinthe tractor's crate. Observe the

instructions included withthe mulch kit for the best

results when mulching.

Mulching

Some, NOT all, models come equipped with a mulch kit
which incorporates special blades, already standard on
your tractor, in a process of recirculating grass clippings

repeatedly beneath the cutting deck. The ultra-fine
clippings are then forced back into the lawn where they
act as a natural fertilizer. Observe the following points
for the best results when mulching.

• Never attempt to mulch if the lawn is damp. Wet

grass tends to stick to the underside of the cutting
deck preventing proper mulching of the clippings.

• Do NOT attempt to mulch more than 1/3 the total

height of the grass or approximately 1-1/2 inches.
Doing so will cause the clippings to clump up
beneath the deck and not be mulched effectively.

• Maintain a slow ground speed to allow the grass

clippings more time to effectively be mulched.

OperatingTheHeadlights

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.

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.

NOTE: Never move the key into the Start position

while the engine is running. Doing so may cause

damage to your engine's electric starter.

15