Yard 609, 608 User Manual

YARD

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

Automatic Lawn Tractor

Models 607

6O8 6O9

Model 608 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

dealer or contact the service department, P,O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722,

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

PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-10131A

(10/99)

SECTION 1: TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

FINDING YOURMODEL 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 ..................................................................... 13

MAINTENANCE ..................................................................... 16

LUBRICATION ...................................................................... 22

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE .......................................................... 23

PARTS LIST ........................................................................ 24

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

SECTION 2: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER

This Operator's Manual isan 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 rider 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.

XXX-X-XXX-X-XXX XXXXXXXXXXX

MTD RODUCTS INC

P.O. BOX 368022

CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

This is where your model number will be.

This is where your serial number wilt be.

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)

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.

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.

•Tum 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 close- fitting 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.

• Disengageall attachmentclutches,thoroughly depressthebrakepedal,andshiftintoneutral

beforeattemptingtostartengine.

• Yourmowerisdesignedtocutnormalresidential grassofaheightnomorethan10".Donotattempt to mowthroughunusuallytall,dry grass(e.g.,

pasture)orpilesofdryleaves.Debrismaybuildup

onthemowerdeckorcontacttheengineexhaust

presentingapotentialfirehazard.

2. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip- over accidents which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual to measure slopes before operating this 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 chil- dren 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 cany 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 odgina] equipment specifications.

• Keepallnuts,boltsandscrewstighttobesurethe equipmentisinsafeworkingcondition.

• Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheir

properoperationregularly.Useall guardsas instructedinthismanual.

• Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stoptheengine,

removethewirefromthesparkplugandthoroughly inspectthemowerforanydamage.Repairthe

damagebeforerestartingandoperatingthemower.

• Grasscatchercomponentsaresubjectto wear, damageanddeterioration,whichcouldexpose

movingpartsorallowobjectsto bethrown.For your safety protection,frequentlycheck componentsand replacewith manufacturer's

recommendedpartswhennecessary.

• Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthe blade(s)or wearglovesanduseextracaution

whenservicingblade(s).

• Checkbrakeoperationfrequently.Adjustand

serviceasrequired.

• Muffler,engineandbeltguardsbecomehotduring

operationandcancausea bum.Allowto cool downbeforetouching.

Donotchangethe enginegovernorsettingsor overspeedtheengine.Excessiveenginespeeds aredangerous.

Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations. Improperdisposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharm

theenvironmentandtheecology.

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.

,_ 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.

DANGER

Figure 1 Safety Labels found on your unit

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

SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE

15°

_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.

SECTION 5: ATTACHMENTS & ACCESSORIES

MODEL NUMBER

OEM-190-601 OEM-190-602 OEM-190-112 OEM-190-118 OEM-190-603 OEM- 190-604 OEM-190-822 OEM-190-823

FastAttach" Twin Bagger Grass Collector (For 42-inch Decks Only) FastAttach" Twin Bagger Grass Collector (For 46-inch Decks Only) Mulch Kit (For 42-inch Decks Only) Mulch Kit (For 46-inch Decks Only) FastAttach" Grille Guard" (mounts on front of tractor)

YardMate" Storage Container (mounts on rear of tractor)

FastAttach" 46-inch Front Dozer Blade

42-inch Two-stage Snow Thrower

DESCRIPTION

NOTE: Your tractor is NOT designed for use with any type of ground-engaging attachments (e.g. tiller,

plow). Use of this type of equipment WILL void the tractor's warranty.

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 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.

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 operat- ing. Be careful not to overfill.

WARNING: 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: Never fill fuel tank indoors,

gasoline produces noxious fumes. Always fill the fuel tank in a well ventilated area to

avoid inhalation of gasoline fumes.

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 fill the fuel tank while

engine is running or while engine is hot.

WARNING: Never smoke while fueling

your tractor. Gasoline produces combusti- ble fumes which can ignite and cause per- sonal injury.

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 accidentty spilled, move tractor away from area of spill. Avoid creating any source of ignition until gasoline vapors have disappeared.

SECTION 7: CONTROLS

NOTE: Steering Wheel not shown for clarity

Figure 3

A Ignition Switch F PTO (Power Take-Off) Lever

B Throttle Control Lever G Drive Pedal

C Choke Control (if so equipped) H Brake Pedal

D Indicator Monitor I Parking Brake Button E Lift Lever J Shift Lever

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

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.

Start

Figure 4

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.

SYSTEMS INDICATOR MONITOR

Your tractor is equipped with an ammeter as part of

its systems indicator monitor and is located on the

left side of your tractor's dash panel. See Figure 6.

Oil

AMPS

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

Brake

Ammeter __ _ _,_

PTO

Figure 6

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 into the disengaged

(OFF) position.

It is normal for the Oil light to illuminate while the engine is cranking, but if it illuminates while the engine is running, proceed as follows: OIL-- Stop the tractor immediately and check

the crankcase oil level as instructed in the seperate engine manual packed

with your unit. Add oil as required.

The ammeter measures the the electrical output of the engine's charging system. Under normal operating conditions, with the engine running at full throttle, the ammeter's needle should measure a

positive charge.

Figure 5

LIFT LEVER

, llnnnnq

//%

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.

BRAKE PEDAL

BRAKE _ IIII

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 for setting the parking brake.

PTO (POWER TAKE-OFF) LEVER

The PTO lever is located on the left side of the dash 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.

DRIVE PEDAL

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.

IMPORTANT: Always set the parking brake

when leaving the tractor unattended.

NOTE: The brake pedal must be fully depressed to

activate the safety interlock switch when starting the tractor.

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 wilt then stay depressed. To release the parking brake, depress the brake pedal slightly. The parking brake button will 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.

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 moving the shift

lever.

IMPORTANT: Never

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

transmission.

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 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 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 lever in the engaged (ON)

position, regardless of whether the brake lock

is engaged. The PTO lever must be in the disengaged (OFF) position to restart the engine.

• 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.

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

AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

• 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.

READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL

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.

from the discharge chute opening of the

WARNING: Keep hands and feet away cutting 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 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 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 wilt 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) 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.

STOPPING THE ENGINE

• Place the PTO lever 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.

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 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

drive pedal until the desired speed is achieved.

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

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 excess degrees (a

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.

of 15 rise of

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.

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 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.

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 mowe_

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 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 wilt shut off.

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 comes equipped with a cutting deck. The following information wilt 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 wilt

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

Always protect hands by wearing heavy

WARNING: Cutting blades are sharp. 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 stabi- lizer 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 cutting

deck.

With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface, place the lift lever in the top notch (highest position) and rotate the blade nearest

the discharge chute so that it is parallel with the tractor.

Measure the distance from the front of the blade tip to the ground and from the rear of

the blade tip to the ground. The first

measurement taken should be between 1/4" and 3/8" less than the second measurement.

• Determine the approximate distance necessary for proper adjustment and proceed, if necessary, to the next step.

• Loosen the two jam nuts on the rear side of

the deck stabilizer bracket. See Figure 7A.

• Locate the two lock nuts on the opposite side of the stabilizer bracket. See Figure 7A.

Tighten the lock nuts to raise the front of the

deck; loosen the lock nuts to lower the front of

the deck.

• Retighten the two jam nuts loosened earlier when proper adjustment is achieved.

Side to Side

If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly, a side-to-side adjustment can be performed. 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 cutting deck.

• With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface, place the lift lever in the top notch (highest position) and rotate the both blades so that they are perpendicular with the tractor.

• Measure the distance from the outside of the left blade tip to the ground and the distance from the

outside of the right blade tip to the ground. Both measurements taken should be equal. If they're not,

proceed to the next step.

• Loosen, but do NOT remove, the hex cap screw on the left deck hanger bracket. See Figure 7B.

• Balance the deck so that both blade tip measurements taken earlier are equal.

• Retighten the hex cap screw on the left deck hanger bracket when proper adjustment is achieved.

Lock

Nuts

Stabilizer

Bracket

Deck

Screw

Frontto Rear Side to Side

Figure 7

SEAT ADJUSTMENT

To adjust the position of the seat, loosen, but do

NOT remove the four screws which secure the seat

to the seat pivot bracket. Slide the seat forward or backward until desired position is reached. Retighten the four screws. See Figure 8.

Deck Hanger Bracket

Screws l_

/'_/_ _Seat Pivot

Bracket

Figure 8

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