Yard Machines 690, 699 User Manual

YARDMACHINES

OWNER'S GUiD

Model Series

690 Thru 699

HYDROSTATIC LAWN

TRACTORS

IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

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

covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark attester 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.

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

PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORMNO.770-8253M

IMPORTANT OPERATIONPRACTICES

THIS SYMBOL POINTSOUT IMPORTANTSAFETYIN ;TRUCTIONSWHICH, IF NOT FOLLOWED,COULDENDANGERTHE PERSONAL

&

SAFETYAND/OR PROPERTYOF YOURSELFAND O-HERS. READ AND FOLLOWALL INSTRUCTIONSIN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ,_IL

ATTEMPTINGTOOPERATEYOURUNIT.WHENYOUS!ETHIS SYMBOL-- ,_ HEEDITSWARNING.

Yourlawn mowerwas built t

,_ DANGER:

GENERALOPERATION

Read,understand, and follow all instructions in the n anualand

on the machine before starting. Keepthis manual in asafe place
for future and regular reference and for ordering re_lacement

parts.

2. Only allow responsible individuals familiar with the ir structions
to operate the machine. Know controls and how t( stop the
machine quickly.

3. Do not put hands or feet under cutting deck or ne_r rotating
parts.

4. Clearthe area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, _tc., which
could bepicked upand thrown bythe blade.A small( bject may

havebeen overlooked and could be accidentally thro Nn by the
mower in any direction and cause injury to you or a _ystander.

Tohelp avoid a thrown objects injury, keepchildren, Lystanders
and helpers at least 75 feet from the mower while it i,, inopera-
tion. Always wear safetyglasses or safety goggles dudng oper-
ation or while performing an adjustment or repair, :o protect
eyes from foreign objects. Stop the blade(s) wher crossing

gravel drives, walks or roads.

5. Be sure the areais clear of other people before mov'ing. Stop

machine if anyone enters the area.

6. Never carry passengers.

7. Disengage blade(s) before shitting into reverseand b_cking up.

Alwayslook down and behind before and while backir g.

8. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge din ction and

do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mow_r without
either the entire grass catcher or the chute guard in pl Ice.

9. Slow down before turning. Operate the machine ;moothly.
Avoid erratic operation andexcessive speed.

10. Never leave a running machine unattended. Alway_ turn off
blade(s), place transmission in neutral, set park bf]ke, stop

engine and remove key before dismounting.

11. Turn off blade(s) when not mowing.

12. Stop engine and wait until blade(s) comes to a corn flete stop
before (a) removing grass catcher or unclogging chtte, or (b)

making any repairs, adjusting or removing any grass ( r debris.

13. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

14. Do not operatethe machine while under the influence _falcohol
or drugs.

15. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roacways.

16. Use extra care when loading or unloading the mach ne into a

trailer or truck. This unit should not be driven up o down a
ramp onto atrailer or truck under power, becausethe _pnitcould
tip over, causing serious personal injury. The unit must be
pushed manually on a rampto load or unload properl_

17. Never make a cutting height adjustment while engine i; running

if operator must dismount to do so.

18. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitti zgslacks
and shirts. Do not wear loose fitting clothes or jewelry. Theycan

be caught in moving parts. Never operate a unit in Darefeet,

sandals, or sneakers.

19. Check overhead clearance carefully before driving uncer power
lines, wires, bridges or low hanging tree branches, bef__reenter-
ing or leaving buildings, or in any other situation v here the
operator may be struck or pulled from the unit, wh _h could

result in serious injury.

anytype of powerequipment
moweris capable of amputal

instructionscouldresult in st

be operated accordingto the rules for safe operationin this manual. As with

carelessnessor error onthe parl of the operatorcanresull in injury. This lawn

ing handsandfeet and throwingobjects. Failure to observethe followingsafety

riousinjury or death.

20.

Disengage all attachment clutches, thoroughly depress the

brake pedal, and shift into neutral before attempting to start
engine.

21.

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.

,_11. SLOPEOPERATION

Slopesarea major factor relatedto loss of control and tip-over acci-
dents which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require

extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy
on it, do not mow it.

Foryour safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual

to measure slopes before operating this unit on a sloped or hilly
area. If the slope is greater than 15oas shown on the slope gauge,

do not operatethis unit on that area or serious injury could result.

DO:

Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Remove obstaclessuch as rocks, limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine.Tall grass canhide obstacles.

Use slow speed. Choosea 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 advantageof engine braking action.

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

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

Keepall movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make
sudden changesin speedor direction. Rapidengagementor 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, disen-
gagethe blade(s) and proceed slowly straightdown the slope.

DONOT:

Donot turn on slopes unless necessary;then, turn slowly and grad-

uallydownhill, 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. Reducedtraction could cause sliding.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the

ground.
Donot use grass catcher on steepslopes.

,_ III. CHILDREN

Trag_s 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
lastsaw them.

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

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

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

dlZ

2

4. Nevercarry children, evenwiththe blades off. They may fall off
andbe seriously injured or interfere with the safe machine oper-
ation.

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

6. Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees

or other objects that may obscureyour vision of a child or other
hazard.

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

V. SERVICE

1. Use extreme carein handling gasoline and other fuels. They are
extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
a. Use only an approved container.
b. Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine running.

Allow engineto cool at least two minutes before refueling.

c. Replacefuel cap securely and wipe off any spilled fuel before

starting the engine as it may cause a fire or explosion.

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

ignition.

e. Never refuel the machine indoors because fuel vapors will

accumulate in the area.

f. Neverstore 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.

2. Never run a machine inside a closed area.

3. To reducefire hazard,keep the machine free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow
machine to cool at least5 minutes before storing.

4. 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. Checkthe bladeandengine mounting bolts at frequent intervals
for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade for damage

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

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

7. Never tamper with safety devices. Checktheir proper operation
regularly. Use all guards as instructed in this manual.

8. 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.

9. Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage and
deterioration, which could exposemoving parts or allow objects
to bethrown. Foryour safety protection, frequently check com-
ponents and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts
when necessary.

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

11. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as

required.

12. Muffler, engine and belt guards become hot during operation
and can causea burn. Allow to cool down beforetouching.

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

engine. Excessiveengine speedsaredangerous.

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

posal of fluids and materials can harm the environment and the
ecology.
a. 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 safefashion.

b. Useproper containers when draining fluids. Donot usefood

or beverage containers that may mislead someone into
drinking from them. Properly dispose of the containers
immediately following the draining offluids.

c. DONOTpour oil or other fluids into the ground, down adrain

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

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

other harmful waste.

DANGER

,_ WARNING _ YOURRESPONSlBILITY

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.

UNPACKING

TO REMOVE UNIT FROM CRATE

1. Remove all screws from the top of the c_ate using
a 1/4" hex head socket or a flat blade scl ewdriver.

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

3. Set panel aside to avoid tire punctures.

4. Repeat procedure for each side of the cr]te.

5. Remove and discard plastic bag which covers
unit.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT: After assembly, service engine
with gasoline, and check oil level as instructed

in the separate engine manual packed wi th your
unit.

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

ward.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

(1) 1/4" socket wrench or flat blade screwdriv,=r
(1) 1/2" wrench or socket wrench*
(1) 9/16" wrench or socket wrench
(2) 7/16" wrenches or socket wrenches

*If your steering wheel cap is square, you mu_t have a
socket wrench in order to install the steering _vheel.

.

Loose parts (may include the owner's guide,
steering wheel, optional oil drain sleeve, battery
fluid, chute deflector, optional mulching kit, etc.)
are on the seat or in a box wrapped in plastic.
Carefully cut and remove the plastic wrap.

Remove the loose parts.

.

Make certain brake is released. Raise the deck.
Use the relief valve and push the unit off the skid.

E. NEVER connect or disconnect charger clips to

battery while charger is turned on as it can cause
sparks.

F. Keep all lighted materials (cigarettes, matches,

lighters) away from the battery as the hydrogen
gas generated during charging can be combusti-

ble.

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

a well-ventilated area.
*Always shield eyes, protect skin and clothing

when working near batteries.

BATTERYINFORMATION

_ WARNING

A.

Battery acid must be handled with greal care as

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

(goggles, rubber gloves and apron) whet working
with it.*

B. Should battery acid accidentally splatter

eyes or onto the face, rinse the affec
immediately with clean cold water. If the
further discomfort, seek prompt medical a

C. If acid spills on clothing, first dilute it w

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

D. Since battery acid is corrosive, do not pc

any sink or drain. Before discarding empt_
lyte containers, rinse them with a neutraliz

tion.

into the

ed area

e is any
Ltention.

th clean
mmonia/

ur it into

electro-

ing solu-

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!

BATTERYIDENTIFICATION

CHARGE THE BATTERY after the 30 minute standing

period. Battery P/N 725-1705B--Charge at 2-3 amps

for one hour. Battery P/N 725-1707B and 725-

0453E-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 com-
p/ete/y charged. The hydrometer should read 1.260

minimum at an electrolyte temperature of 60-110°F.

DO NOT CHARGE AT MORE THAN 6 AMPS.

Type "A"

Type "B"

Compare the battery in your lawn tractor (located
under the seat) with the illustration above. Type "A"
batteries are activated and are ready to use. Type "B"
batteries must be filled with battery fluid (acid) and
charged before they are put into service. Follow the
instructions which apply to the battery in your lawn

tractor.

z,CTIVATINGAND CHARGINGTHE BATTERY

'TYPE "B" BATTERY ONLY)
:)o not activate battery (fill with battery acid) until

_attery is actually placed in service. Be certain to
'ead previous battery warnings before activating

Ihe battery.

1. Pivot the seat forward. Unhook the strap which
secures the battery (hook is on rear frame, under

fender). Disconnect the positive cable from the

positive terminal. Save the hardware for reassem-
bly.

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

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

3. Activate the battery as instructed in the "Quick
Start" brochure included with the battery fluid.

Read instructions carefully.

NOTE: You can continue assembling the lawn tractor
while battery is standing for 30 minutes (after filling
with acid), and later while you are charging the battery.

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

ATTACHINGTHE STEERING WHEEL

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

pry off the steering wheel cap and remove the
hardware.

,

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

bellow over the steering shaft extending through
the dash.

NOTE: If the openings on each end of the steering bel-
low are two different sizes, the smaller end goes down
against the dash of the lawn tractor.

3. With the wheels of the tractor pointing straight
forward, place the steering wheel over the steer-

ing shaft, positioning steering wheel as desired.

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

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

use a socket wrench.

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

Steering

Wheel Cap

Hex Lock "_

Bolt _Cupped

Washer

Steering

Bellow

Steering

Shaft._.---- ----_

FIGURE 1.

!

FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 3.

Screws

7

\

H .=xNuts

(:upped

'ashers

_- ATI'ACHINGTHE 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.

ATTACHINGTHE CHUTE DEFLECTOR

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

_hb ARNING: Do not operate your unit

1. Make certain deck is raised to its highest position

NOTE: Your mowing deck may be equipped with a

optional mulching plug. Remove the mulching plug by
removing the wing nut on top of the deck. Grasp the

mulching plug and pull out of the deck.

2. Remove the hex head cap screws, cupped

unless the chute deflector has been
properly installed.

(lift lever pulled all the way back).

washers and hex nuts which are attached to the
deck next to the chute opening.

Place the chute deflector in position as shown in

figure 3. Secure with hardware just removed.

Cupped sides of washers go against the chute
deflector.

.

If you wish to mulch, lift up the chute and insert

optional mulching plug through chute opening.

Line up the bolt on mulching plug with the hole in

the top of deck. Push up on the end of the mulch-
ing plug and secure with the wing nut.

TIRE PRESSURE

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

approximately 12 p.s.i.

_ ARNING: Maximum tire pressure under

any circumstances is 30 p.s.i. Equal tire
pressure should be maintained on all

tires.