yard machines 660 thru 679 operators Manual
Operator’s Manual
Transmatic Lawn
Tractors
Model Series
660 thru 679
IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.
Warning:
covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-
MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
FORM NO.
770-10115A.fm
(10/99)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Slope Gauge ...................................................................................................... 3
Important Safe Operation Practices................................................................... 4 thru 6
Unpacking.......................................................................................................... 7
Assembling Your Lawn Tractor.......................................................................... 7
Know Your Lawn Tractor.................................................................................... 12
Operating Your Lawn Tractor ............................................................................. 13
Making Adjustments .......................................................................................... 15
Service............................................................................................................... 18
Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor .......................................................................... 19
Off-Season Storage ........................................................................................... 23
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 24
FINDING MODEL NUMBER
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 provided below. The information on
the model plate is very important if you need help from our Customer Support Department or
an authorized dealer.
• You can locate the model number by pivoting the seat forward and looking under the seat at the seat
pivot bracket. A sample model plate is explained below. For future reference, please copy the model
number and the serial number of the equipment in the space below.
(Model Number)
CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136
(Serial Number)
MTD PRODUCTS INC
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.
Call 1- (330) 220-4MTD (4683) or 1- (800)-800-7310 to reach a Customer Support
representative. Please have your unit’s model number and serial number ready when you
call. See previous section to locate this information. You will be asked to enter the serial
number in order to process your call .
2
Slope Gauge
Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.
Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower
could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is extremely difficult to maintain
your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
F
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,
A CORNER OF A BUILDING
SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
A POWER POLE
WARNING
15°
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3
SECTION 1: 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.
GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the
operator’s manual and on the machine before
starting. Keep this manual in a safe place for future
and regular reference and for ordering replacement
parts.
• Only allow responsible individuals familiar with the
instructions to operate the machine. Know controls
and how to stop the machine quickly.
• Do not put hands or feet under cutting deck or near
rotating parts.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the
blade. A small object may have been overlooked
and could be accidentally thrown by the mower in
any direction and cause injury to you or a
bystander. To help avoid a thrown objects injury,
keep children, bystanders and helpers at least 75
feet from the mower while it is in operation. Always
wear safety glasses or safety goggles during
operation or while performing an adjustment or
repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects. Stop
the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks or
roads.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before
mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Disengage blade(s) before shifting into reverse and
backing up. Always look down and behind before
and while backing.
• Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge
direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not
operate the mower without either the entire grass
catcher or the chute guard in place.
• Slow down before turning. Operate the machine
smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive
speed.
• Never leave a running machine unattended.
Always turn off blade(s), place transmission in
neutral, set park brake, stop engine and remove
key before dismounting.
• Turn off blade(s) when not mowing.
• Stop engine and wait until blade(s) comes to a
complete stop before (a) removing grass catcher or
unclogging chute, or (b) making any repairs,
adjusting or removing any grass or debris.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Do not operate the machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck. This unit should not
be driven up or down a ramp onto a trailer or truck
under power, because the unit could tip over,
causing serious personal injury. The unit must be
pushed manually on a ramp to load or unload
properly.
• Never make a cutting height adjustment while
engine is running if operator must dismount to do
so.
• Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and closefitting slacks and shirts. Do not wear loose fitting
clothes or jewelry. They can be caught in moving
parts. Never operate a unit in bare feet, sandals, or
sneakers.
• Check overhead clearance carefully before driving
under power lines, wires, bridges or low hanging
tree branches, before entering or leaving buildings,
or in any other situation where the operator may be
struck or pulled from the unit, which could result in
serious injury.
• Disengage all attachment clutches, thoroughly
depress the brake pedal, and shift into neutral
before attempting to start engine.
4
• Your mower is designed to cut normal residential
grass of a height no more than 10". Do not attempt
to mow through unusually tall, dry grass (e.g.,
pasture) or piles of dry leaves. Debris may build up
on the mower deck or contact the engine exhaust
presenting a potential fire hazard.
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. Choose a low enough gear so that
you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.
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.
CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume
that children will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and in
watchful care of an adult other than the operator.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the
area.
• Before and when backing, look behind and down
for small children.
• Never carry children, even with the blades off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
the safe machine operation.
• Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
the machine. Children 14 years and over should
only operate machine under close parental
supervision and proper instruction.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure
your vision of a child or other hazard.
• Remove key when machine is unattended to
prevent unauthorized operation.
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.
•
5
• We do not recommend the use of pressure
washers or garden hose to clean your unit. They
may cause damage to electric components,
spindles, pulleys, bearings or the engine. The use
of water will result in shortened life and reduce
serviceability.
• Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also,
visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., excessive
wear, bent, cracked). Replace with blade which
meets original equipment specifications.
• Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly. Use all guards as
instructed in this manual.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
remove the wire from the spark plug and thoroughly
inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the
damage before restarting and operating the mower.
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear,
damage and deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For your
safety protection, frequently check components
and replace with manufacturer’s recommended
parts when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blade(s) or wear gloves and use extra caution when
servicing blade(s).
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and
service as required.
• Muffler, engine and belt guards become hot during
operation and can cause a burn. Allow to cool down
before touching.
• Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Excessive engine speeds
are dangerous.
• Observe proper disposal laws and regulations.
Improper disposal of fluids and materials can harm
the environment and the ecology.
• Prior to disposal, determine the proper method to
dispose of waste from your local Environmental
Protection Agency. Recycling centers are
established to properly dispose of materials in an
environmentally safe fashion.
• Use proper containers when draining fluids. Do not
use food or beverage containers that may mislead
someone into drinking from them. Properly dispose
of the containers immediately following the draining
of fluids.
• DO NOT pour oil or other fluids into the ground,
down a drain or into a stream, pond, lake or other
body of water. Observe Environmental Protection
Agency regulations when disposing of oil, fuel,
coolant, brake fluid, filters, batteries, tires and other
harmful waste.
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.
6
SECTION 2: UNPACKING
To Remove Unit From Crate
• Remove all screws from the top of the crate using a
1/4" hex head socket or a flat blade screwdriver.
• To remove ends, grasp top board on the end, and
pull towards you in a downward motion.
(A hammer may be helpful).
• Set panel aside to avoid tire punctures.
• Repeat procedure for each side of the crate.
• Remove and discard plastic bag which covers unit.
• Loose parts (may include the operator’s guide,
steering wheel, optional oil drain sleeve or hose,
battery fluid, chute deflector, optional mulching
plug, etc.) are on the seat or in a box wrapped in
plastic. Carefully cut and remove the plastic wrap.
Remove the loose parts.
• Make certain parking brake is released and deck is
raised. Push the unit off the skid.
NOTE: For detailed instructions on raising the deck and
releasing the parking brake, refer to the control section
in this manual.
SECTION 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR
IMPORTANT:
gasoline, and check oil level as instructed in the
separate engine manual packed with your unit.
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the unit is
observed from the driver’s seat, facing forward.
Tools Required For Assembly
(1) 1/4" socket wrench or flat blade screwdriver
(1) 1/2" wrench or socket wrench*
(1) 9/16" wrench or socket wrench
(2) 7/16" wrenches or socket wrenches
*If your steering wheel cap is square, you must have a
socket wrench in order to install the steering wheel.
After assembly, service engine with
• 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 combustible.
• As a further precaution, only charge the battery in a
well-ventilated area.
*Always shield eyes, protect skin and clothing when
working near batteries.
Battery Information
WARNING
• Battery acid must be handled with great care as
contact with it can burn and blister the skin. It is also
advisable to wear protective clothing (goggles,
rubber gloves and apron) when working with it.
• Should battery acid accidentally splatter into the
eyes or onto the face, rinse the affected area
immediately with clean cold water. If there is any
further discomfort, seek prompt medical attention.
• If acid spills on clothing, first dilute it with clean
water, then neutralize with a solution of ammonia/
water or baking soda/water.
• Since battery acid is corrosive, do not pour it into
any sink or drain. Before discarding empty
electrolyte containers, rinse them with a
neutralizing solution.
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 OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN!
7
Battery Identification
CHARGE THE BATTERY
period. Battery P/N 725-1705D—Charge at 2-3 amps
for one hour. Battery P/N 725-1707D, 725-0453G and
725-1750—Charge at 6 amps for one hour.
NOTE: If you charge the battery at a lower AMP rate,
use a hydrometer to make sure the battery is
completely charged. The hydrometer should read 1.260
minimum at an electrolyte temperature of 60-110
DO NOT CHARGE AT MORE THAN 6 AMPS.
after the 30 minute standing
o
F.
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.
Activating And 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.
• Pivot the seat pivot bracket 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
reassembly.
• 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.
• 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:
battery, it MUST BE CHARGED prior to initial use.
To obtain the maximum life from your
Attaching The Steering Wheel
• 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.
• 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. See Figure 1.
NOTE: If the openings on each end of the steering
bellow are two different sizes, the smaller end goes
down against the dash of the lawn tractor.
• With the wheels of the tractor pointing straight
forward, place the steering wheel over the steering
shaft, positioning steering wheel as desired.
• Place the washer with the cupped side down over
the steering shaft. Secure with hex lock bolt. See
Figure 1.
NOTE: If your steering wheel cap is square, you must
use a socket wrench.
• Place the steering wheel cap over the center of the
steering wheel and seat it with your hand.
Steering
Wheel Cap
Hex Lock
Bolt
Cupped
Washer
Steering
Bellow
Steering
Shaft
Figure 1
8
Seat
Pivot
Bracket
Screws
Manual Adjustment Seat
Figure 2
Seat Pivot
Bracket
Seat
Stop
Attaching The Seat
There are two different seat pivot brackets used on this
series of lawn tractor, a manual adjustment seat or a
quick adjustment seat. See Figure 2 and 3 to identify
which seat is on your unit. Follow the instructions which
apply to your lawn tractor.
Manual Adjustment Seat
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.
Quick Adjustment Seat
Pull out tab on seat stop and hold open while sliding
seat out of seat pivot bracket. See Figure 3. Turn the
seat around and line up plastic seat spacers with the
slots in seat pivot bracket. Slide seat in until front seat
spacer engages the seat stop. See Figure 4. To adjust
the seat refer to the adjustment section in this manual.
NOTE: If your seat was shipped in a box, line up plastic
seat spacers with the slots in seat pivot bracket and
slide seat in until front seat spacer engages seat stop.
Tab
Quick Adjustment Seat
Figure 3
Spacers
Slot
Seat
Spacers
Seat
Seat
Stop
WARNING: Before operating your unit,
stand behind quick adjustment seat and
pull back on seat, making sure seat is
engaged in seat stop.
Attaching The Chute Deflector
The chute deflector must be attached to the right side of
the deck so that it covers the chute opening.
WARNING: Do not operate your unit
unless the chute deflector has been
properly installed.
• Make certain deck is raised to its highest position
(lift lever pulled all the way back).
Slot
Quick Adjustment Seat
Figure 4
9
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