Safety • Assembly • Operation • Adjustment • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
OF J -ro AL
Automatic Lawn Tractor- Model Series 605
iMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitis equippedwithaninternalcombustionengineandshouldnot beusedon ornearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush-
coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwithasparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).
If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderby theoperator.IntheStateof Californiatheaboveisrequiredbylaw
(Section4442ofthe CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester
forthe mufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,
Ohio44136-0019.
FORMNO.770-10448H
PRINTEDIN U.S.A.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
01/05/2006
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.
Table of Contents
Slope Gauge ....................................................... 3
Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4
Setting UpYour Lawn Tractor ............................ 8
Operating Your Lawn Tractor ........................... 12
Adjusting Your Lawn Tractor ............................ 20
Finding and Recording IVlodel Number
BEFOREYOU STARTASSEMBLING
YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,
please locatethe modelplate on the equipmentand copythe
informationto the sample model plate providedto the right.
Youcan locatethe modelplate by looking beneathethe seat.
Thisinformationwillbe necessaryto use themanufacturer's
website and/or obtainassistancefromthe CustomerSupport
Departmentoran authorizedservice dealer.
Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor ........................ 24
Off-Season Storage / Attachments ................. 30
Safety Labels .................................................... 31
Trouble Shooting .............................................. 32
Parts List ........................................................... 34
P. O. BOX 361131
o CLEVELAND,OH 44136
www.yardman.com 330-220-4683
800-800-731 O
Customer Support
Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
Ifyou have difficultyassemblingthis productor have any questions regardingthe controls,operation,or maintenanceof this
unit,you can seek help from the experts.Choosefrom the options below:
1. Visit yardman.com. Click on the Service& Support
menuoption.
2. Phonea Customer Support Representative at 1 (800)
800-7310.
3. Theengine manufactureris responsible for allengine-
relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-rating,
specifications,warrantyand service. Pleasereferto the
enginemanufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packed
separatelywithyour unit,for moreinformation.
2
O
o
1=
Sightand holdthis levelwith a verticaltree...
o
>:.
(13
O3
(13
(13
O-
O
O
(--
O5
E
O
(13
(13
also
o3
(13
O-
O
o3
(13
I
E
o5
(]3
(13
(13
O-
O
O3
o
(13
-5
C5
O3
('5
O
O3
O5
(13
O
E
t"b
(13
O9
15°
WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of its constituents,andcertain vehicle compo-
nentscontain or emitchemicals knownto State of Californiato causecancer and
birth defectsor otherreproductiveharm.
DANGER: This machinewas builtto beoperatedaccording to the rulesfor safe operationin this
manual.As with any type of power equipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operatorcan
result inseriousinjury.This machine iscapableof amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.
Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injury ordeath.
Practices
WARNING
Thissymbol points
out importantsafety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed, could
endangerthe personal
safetyand/or property
ofyourself andothers.
Readand follow all
I instructionsinthis man-
ualbefore attemptingto
operatethis machine.
tFailureto complywith
hese instructionsmay
resultin personalinjury.
When youseethis
symbol.
HEED iTS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
of this power machine
to personswho read,
understand
andfollow thewarnings
and instructions
in this manual
Children
1. Tragicaccidentscanoccurifthe operatoris not
alertto thepresenceof children.Childrenareoften
attractedto themachineandthemowingactivity.
Theydo notunderstandthe dangers.Neverassume
thatchildrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem.
a. Keepchildrenoutof themowingareaandin
watchfulcareof a responsibleadultother than
theoperator.
b. Bealert andturnmachineoff ifa childenters
thearea.
c. Beforeandwhilebacking,lookbehindand
downfor smallchildren.
d. Nevercarrychildren,evenwiththeblade(s)
shutoff.Theymayfalloffandbeseriously
injuredor interferewithsafemachineoperation.
e. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblind
corners,doorways,shrubs,treesorother
objectsthatmayblockyourvisionofachild
whomayrunintothemachine.
f. To avoid back-overaccidents, always
disengagethe cuttingblade(s) before
shiftingintoReverse.ifequipped,the
"Reverse CautionMode"shouldnotbe
usedwhenchildrenor others arearound.
g. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor running
engines.Theycansufferburnsfroma hot
muffler.
h. Removekeywhenmachineis unattendedto
preventunauthorizedoperation.
2. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operate
themachine.Children14yearsoldandovershould
readand understandtheoperationinstructionsand
safetyrulesinthis manualandshouldbetrainedand
supervisedbya parent.
Operation
Safe Handling of Gasoline:
1. Toavoid personalinjuryor propertydamageuse
extremecareinhandlinggasoline.Gasolineis
extremely flammableand the vapors areexplo-
sive. Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasoline
isspilledonyourselforyourclotheswhichcan ignite.
Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.
a. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
b. Neverfill containersinsideavehicleor ona
truckor trailerbedwitha plasticliner.Always
placecontainerson thegroundawayfrom
yourvehiclebeforefilling.
c. Whenpractical,removegas-powered
equipmentfromthetruckor trailerand refuelit
ontheground.Ifthis isnotpossible,then
refuelsuchequipmenton a trailerwitha
portablecontainer,ratherthanfroma gasoline
dispensernozzle.
d. Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththerimof
thefueltankor containeropeningatall
timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donot usea
nozzlelock-opendevice.
e. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesand
othersourcesofignition.
f. Neverfuel machineindoors.
g. Neverremovegascaporaddfuel whilethe
engineishot or running.Allowenginetocool
atleasttwominutesbeforerefueling.
h. Neveroverfillfuel tank.Fill tanktonomore
than1/2inchbelowbottomoffillerneckto
allowspacefor fuelexpansion.
i. Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
j. If gasolineisspilled,wipeit off theengine
andequipment.Moveunittoanotherarea.
Wait5 minutesbeforestartingtheengine.
k. Toreducefirehazards,keepmachinefreeof
grass,leaves,orotherdebris build-up.Clean
upoil orfuelspillageand removeanyfuel
soakeddebris.
I. Neverstorethe machineorfuelcontainer
insidewherethereis anopenflame,spark
orpilotlightason a waterheater,space
heater,furnace,clothesdryerorother gas
appliances.
m. Allowa machineto coolatleastfiveminutes
beforestoring.
4
GeneralOperation:
1. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionsonthe
machineandin themanual(s)beforeattemptingto
assembleandoperate.Keepthismanualina safe
placefor futureandregularreferenceandforordering
replacementparts.
2. Befamiliarwithallcontrolsandtheirproperoperation.
Knowhowtostopthe machineanddisengagethem
quickly.
3, Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsold to operate
this machine.Children14yearsoldandovershould
readandunderstandtheoperationinstructionsand
safetyrulesinthis manualandshouldbetrainedand
supervisedbya parent.
4. Neverallowadultstooperatethis machinewithout
properinstruction.
5. To helpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,
keepbystanders,helpers,childrenand petsat least
75feet fromthemachinewhileitis inoperation.Stop
machineifanyoneentersthearea.
6. Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentis to
be used.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toys,
andotherforeignobjectswhichcouldbe pickedup
andthrownbythe blade(s).Thrownobjectscancause
seriouspersonalinjury.
7. Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeof
materialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe
like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainstawall or
obstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterialto
ricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
8. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduring
operationandwhile performingan adjustmentor
repairtoprotectyoureyes.Thrownobjectswhich
ricochetcancauseseriousinjuryto theeyes.
9. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fitting
slacksandshirts.Loosefittingclothesandjewelry
canbecaughtinmovableparts.Neveroperatethis
machinein barefeetor sandals.
10.Beawareofthe mowerandattachmentdischarge
directionanddo notpointitat anyone.Donotoperate
themowerwithoutthedischargecoverorentiregrass
catcherin itsproperplace.
11.Donotput handsorfeetnearrotatingpartsor under
thecuttingdeck.Contactwiththe blade(s)can
amputatehandsandfeet.
12.A missingor damageddischargecovercan cause
bladecontactorthrownobjectinjuries.
13.Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggraveldrives,walks,
or roadsandwhilenotcuttinggrass.
14.Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearorcrossing
roadways.Thismachineisnotintendedforuseon
anypublic roadway.
15.Donotoperatethe machinewhileundertheinflu-
enceof alcoholordrugs.
16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.
17.Nevercarrypassengers.
18.Disengageblade(s)beforeshiftingintoreverse.
Backupslowly.Alwayslookdownandbehindbefore
andwhilebackingto avoida back-overaccident.
19.Slowdownbeforeturning.Operatethe machine
smoothly.Avoiderraticoperationandexcessive
speed.
20.Disengageblade(s),setparkingbrake,stopengine
andwaituntilthe blade(s)cometo a completestop
beforeremovinggrasscatcher,emptyinggrass,
uncloggingchute,removinganygrassor debris,or
makinganyadjustments.
21.Neverleavea runningmachineunattended.Always
turnoff blade(s),placetransmissionin neutral,set
parkingbrake,stopengineand removekeybefore
dismounting.
22.Useextracare whenloadingorunloadingthe
machineintoa trailerortruck.Thisunitshouldnot
bedrivenupor downramp(s),becausethe unit
couldtip over,causingseriouspersonalinjury.The
unitmustbepushedmanuallyonramp(s)to loador
unloadproperly.
23.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causea
burn.Do nottouch.
24.Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedriving
underlowhangingtreebranches,wires,dooropen-
ingsetc.,wheretheoperatormaybe struckor pulled
fromthe unit,whichcouldresultinseriousinjury.
25.Disengageallattachmentclutches,depressthe
brakepedalcompletelyandshift intoneutralbefore
attemptingtostartengine.
26.Yourmachineisdesignedto cutnormalresidential
grassofa heightno morethan10".Donotattemptto
mowthroughunusuallytall,dry grass(e.g.,pasture)
or pilesof dryleaves.Drygrassor leavesmay
contacttheengineexhaustand/orbuildup onthe
mowerdeckpresentingapotentialfirehazard.
27.Useonlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapprovedfor
thismachinebythe machinemanufacturer.Read,
understandandfollowall instructionsprovidedwith
theapprovedaccessoryorattachment.
28.Dataindicatesthat operators,age60 yearsand
above,are involvedin a largepercentageofriding
mower-relatedinjuries.Theseoperatorsshould
evaluatetheirabilityto operatethe ridingmower
safelyenoughto protectthemselvesandothersfrom
seriousinjury.
29.Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenot coveredinthis
manual,usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyour
customerservicerepresentativeforassistance.
........................................................................................
WARNING
Thissymbol points
out importantsafety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safety and/or property
ofyourself and others.
Readand followall
instructions inthis man-
ual beforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failureto comply with
these instructionsmay
result inpersonalinjury.
Whenyou seethis
symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read,
understand
and follow the warnings
and instructions
inthis manual
5
Thissymbolpoints
outimportantsafety
instructionswhich,if
notfollowed,could
endangerthepersonal
isafetyand/orproperty
ofyourselfandothers.
Readandfollowall
instructionsinthisman-
ualbeforeattemptingto
Ioperatethismachine.
I Failuretocomplywith
theseinstructionsmay
i resultinpersonalinjury.
Whenyouseethis
symbol.
i HEED ITSWARNING
Slope Operation:
Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedtolossof controland
tip-overaccidentswhichcanresultin severeinjuryor
death.All slopesrequireextracaution.If youcannot
backuptheslopeor ifyoufeeluneasyonit, donotmow
it.
Foryour safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedas partof
thismanualto measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunit
ona slopedor hillyarea.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15
degreesasshownon theslopegauge,do notoperate
thisunitonthatareaor seriousinjurycouldresult.
DO:
1. Mowupanddownslopes,notacross.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
2. Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orother hidden
objects.Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe machine.
Tallgrasscan hideobstacles.
3. Useslowspeed.Choosealow enoughspeed
settingso thatyouwill nothavetostopor shiftwhile
ontheslope.Tiresmaylosetractiononslopeseven
thoughthebrakesarefunctioningproperly.Always
keepmachineingearwhengoingdownslopesto
takeadvantageof enginebrakingaction.
4. Followthe manufacturer'srecommendationsfor
wheelweightsorcounterweightstoimprovestability.
5. Useextracare withgrasscatchersorotherat-
tachments.Thesecanchangethestabilityof the
machine.
6. Keepall movementon the slopesslowand gradual.
Donot makesuddenchangesinspeedor direction.
Rapidengagementor brakingcouldcausethe front
ofthe machineto liftandrapidlyflipoverbackwards
whichcouldcauseseriousinjury.
7. Avoidstartingorstoppingona slope.Iftireslose
traction,disengagetheblade(s)andproceedslowly
straightdowntheslope.
Do Not:
1. Do notturnon slopesunlessnecessary;then,turn
slowlyandgraduallydownhill,ifpossible.
2. Do notmowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments.
Themowercouldsuddenlyturnoverif awheel isover
theedgeof a cliff,ditch,orifan edgecavesin.
3. Do nottrytostabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfoot
ontheground.
4. Do notusea grasscatcheronsteepslopes.
5. Do notmowonwetgrass.Reducedtractioncould
causesliding.
6. Do notshiftto neutralandcoastdownhill.Over-speed-
ingmaycausetheoperatortolosecontrolofthe
machineresultingin seriousinjuryordeath.
7. Do nottowheavypullbehindattachments(e.g.loaded
dumpcart, lawnroller,etc.)on slopesgreaterthan
5 degrees.Whengoingdown hill,theextraweight
tendsto pushthetractorandmaycauseyouto loose
control.(e.g.tractormayspeedup, brakingandsteer-
ingabilityarereduced,attachmentmayjack-knifeand
causetractorto overturn).
Towing:
1. Towonlywitha machinethathasahitchdesignedfor
towing.Donotattachtowedequipmentexceptatthe
hitchpoint.
2. Followthe manufacturersrecommendationfor weight
limitsfor towedequipmentandtowingon slopes.
3. Neverallowchildrenorothersin orontowedequip-
ment.
4. Onslopes,theweightof thetowedequipmentmay
causelossoftractionandlossofcontrol.
5. Travelslowlyandallowextradistancetostop.
6. Do notshiftto neutralandcoastdownhill.
Your
i Responsibility
Restrictthe use
of this power machine
to personswho read,
understand
and followthe warnings
and instructions
in this manual
6
Service
1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorina poorlyventilated
area.Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,an
odorless,anddeadlygas.
2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertain
theblade(s)andall movingpartshavestopped.
Disconnectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe
engineto preventunintendedstarting.
3. Periodicallychecktomakesurethebladescometo
completestopwithinapproximately(5) fiveseconds
afteroperatingthebladedisengagementcontrol.Ifthe
bladesdo notstopwithinthethis timeframe,yourunit
shouldbe servicedprofessionallyby anauthorized
MTDServiceDealer.
4. Checkbrakeoperationfrequentlyas itis subjectedto
wearduringnormaloperation.Adjustand serviceas
required.
5. Checktheblade(s)andenginemountingboltsat
frequentintervalsfor propertightness.Also,visually
inspectblade(s)fordamage(e.g.,excessivewear,
bent,cracked). Replacetheblade(s)withtheoriginal
equipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)blade(s)only,
listedinthis manual."Useof partswhichdonot meet
theoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"
6. Mowerbladesaresharp.Wrapthe bladeor wear
gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
7. Keepallnuts, bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe
equipmentis insafeworkingcondition.
8. Nevertamperwiththe safetyinterlocksystemor other
safetydevices.Checktheirproperoperationregularly.
9. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,
disconnectthesparkplugwire(s)andgroundagainst
theengine.Thoroughlyinspectthe machineforany
damage.Repairthedamagebeforestartingand
operating.
10.Neverattempttomakeadjustmentsor repairstothe
machinewhilethe engineisrunning.
11.Grasscatchercomponentsandthe discharge
coveraresubjectto wearanddamagewhichcould
exposemovingpartsor allowobjectstobethrown.
Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponents
andreplaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthis
manual."Useofpartswhichdonotmeettheoriginal
equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improper
performanceandcompromisesafety!"
12.Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsor
over-speedthe engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe
maximumsafeoperatingspeedofthe engine.
13.Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as
necessary.
14.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsfor
gas,oil,etc. toprotecttheenvironment.
Thissymbol points
out importantsafety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safetyand/or property
of yourselfand others.
Readandfollow all
instructionsin this man-
ual beforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failureto complywith
these instructionsmay
result inpersonalinjury.
When yousee this
symbol.
HEED iTS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read.
understand
and followthe warnings
and instructions
in this manual
7
Tractor
Use extreme care
whenhandling
gaso nelGasoline
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive: Never fuel
machine indoors
or while the engine
is hotor running,
Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes,and
othersourcesof
ignitionl
RubberBoot
Figure 1
NOTE:ThisOperatorsManualcoversa rangeof product
specificationsfor variousmodels.Characteristicsandfea-
turesdiscussedand/orillustratedinthis manualmaynot
beapplicabletoall models.MTDLLCreservesthe right
tochangeproductspecifications,designsandequipment
withoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation.
Attaching the Battery Cables
NOTE:ThepositivebatteryterminalismarkedPos.(+).
Thenegativebatteryterminalis markedNeg.(-).
• Thepositivecable(heavyredwire)is securedtothe
positivebatteryterminal(+)withahexboltandhex
nutat thefactory.Beforeattachingthenegativecable,
removethebatterybyremovingthepositivecable
andhold-downstrap.Notethedateon thesideofthe
battery.Ifthe batteryis putintoserviceafterthisdate,
chargethebatteryas instructedin theMaintaining
YourLawnTractorsectionofthis manualpriorto
operatingthetractor.
• Securebatterybackontothetractorwiththehold-
downstrap.Reattachthepositivecable(heavyred
wire)to thepositivebatteryterminal(+)withthebolt
andnut.Makecertainthattherubberbootcoversthe
terminalto helpprotectit fromcorrosion.
• Removethehex boltandwing nutfromthenegative
cable.
• Removetheblackplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthe
negativebatteryterminalandattachthenegative
cable(heavyblackwire)tothe negativebattery
terminal(-) withthebolt andnut.
• Makecertainthehold-downstrapis in positionover
thebattery,securingitin place.SeeFigure1.
NOTE: This Operators
Manual Coversa range
ofproduCtspecifications
for VariousmodelS:
Characteristics and
i
featuresdiscussed
and/or illustratedin
s manualmay not
applicabletoall models:
MTD LLC reservesthe
rightto change product
specifications,(Jesigns
andequipment without
notice andwithout incur-
i[ing obligatiOnl
Gas and Oil Fill-up
Thegasolinetank islocatedunderthe hoodandhasa
capacityofeithertwoor threegallons.Do notoverfill.
WARNING: Use extreme care
when handling gasoline.Gasoline
isextremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Never fuel
machine indoorsor while the
engine is hot or running. Extin-
guish cigarettes, cigars, pipes,
and other sources of ignition.
Servicetheenginewithgasolineandoil asinstructedin
theseparateEngineOperator/OwnerManualpackedwith
yourtractor.Readinstructionscarefully.
IMPORTANT:Yourtractoris shippedwithmotoroil inthe
engine.However,youMUSTcheckthe oil levelbefore
operating.Becarefulnotto overfill.
8
Shipping Brace Removal f
WARNING:Make sure the riding
mower's engineis off, removethe
ignitionkey, and set the parking
brake before removingthe ship-
pingbrace.
• Locatetheshippingbrace,ifpresent,andaccompany-
ingwarningtagfoundon therightsideof themower,
betweenthedischargechuteandthecuttingdeck.
See Figure2.
• Whileholdingthedischargechutewithyourlefthand,
removetheshippingbracewithyour righthandby
graspingitbetweenyourthumbandindexfingerand
rotatingitclockwise.
WARNING: The shipping brace,
used for packagingpurposes
only, must be removedand dis-
carded before operating your
riding mower.
WARNING: The mowing deck is
capableof throwing objects. Fail-
ure to operate the ridingmower
without the dischargecover in the
proper operating positioncould
result inserious personal injury
and/or property damage.
Figure 2
TractOr
WARNING
Make surethe riding
mower's engine is
off, removethe igni-
tion key, and set the
parkingbrake before
removingthe shipping
brace.
The shipping brace,
used for packaging
purposes only, must
be removedand
discardedbefore
operatingyour riding
mower.
Attaching The Steering Wheel
Ifthesteeringwheelforyour tractordidnotcome
attached,thehardwareforattachingit hasbeenpacked
withinthesteeringwheel,beneaththe steeringwheel
cap.Carefullypryoffthesteeringwheelcapand remove
thehardware.
NOTE:Therearetwodifferentstylesof steeringwheel
cap.SeeFigure3. Stylesvary by model.
1. With thewheels of the tractor pointingstraight
forward, placethesteeringwheeloverthe steering
shaft.
2. Placethewasher(withthecuppedsidedown)over
thesteeringshaftandsecurewiththehex bolt.See
Figure3.
3. Placethesteeringwheelcapoverthecenterof the
steeringwheelandpushdownwarduntilit"clicks"into
place.
The mowing deckis
Figure 3
capableofthrowing
objects. Failureto
operate the riding
mower withoutthe
dischargecover in
the properoperating
position could result
in serious personal
injuryand/or property
damage.
9
WARNING
Beforeoperatingthis
machine,makesure
the seat isengaged in
the seat stop;stand
behindthemachine
andpu,backonseat
fu,yengaged
intostop:
Figure 4
Attaching The Seat
Seatstylesvarybytractormodelandtherearethree
differentstylesavailable:
• StandardAdjustment
• QuickAdjustment&
• KnobAdjustment
If theseatfor yourtractordid notcomeattached,referto
Figure4, Figure5,and Figure6toidentifyyourtractor's
seatstyleandfollowthe applicableinstructionsbelowto
attachit.
NOTE:Forshippingreasons,seatsareeitherfastened
tothe tractorseat'spivotbracketwithaplastictie,or
mountedbackwardtothepivotbracket.Ineithercase,
freethe seatformitsshippingpositionandremovethe
twohexscrews(orknobs,onmodelssoequipped)from
thebottomof seatbeforeproceedingwithapplicable
instructionsbelow.
Standard Adjustment Seat
1. Positiontheshoulderscrews(foundonthe baseof the
seat)insidetheslotopeningsinthe seatpivotbracket.
Figure4.
2. Slidethe seatslightlyrearwardintheseatpivot
bracket,liningupthe rearslots inthepivotbracket
withtheremainingtwo holesinthe seat'sbase.
3. Selectdesiredpositionforthe seat,andsecurewith
thetwohex screwsremovedearlier.SeeFigure4.
Quick Adjustment Seat
NOTE:Ifyour seatwasshippedmountedbackwardson
theseatpivotbracket,pulloutthetab foundonthe seat
stopandholditopenwhileslidingthe seatoff theseat
pivotbracket.SeeFigure5.
NOTE: Forsh pping rea:
s0nsl Seatsareeither
fastenedto the tractor
seat's pivot braCketWitt
a plastiCtie, or mounted
backwardtothe pivot
bracket. In either case;
free the seatform its
shippingp0sitionand
removethe two Box
screws(or knobsion
models so equipped)
fromthebottom of seat
beforeproceedingwith
applicableinstructions:
Figure 5
Figure 6
1. Lineupthe plasticseatspacerswiththeslotsin seat
pivotbracket.
2. Slideseatinuntilfrontseatspacerengagestheseat
stop.SeeFigure5.
WARNING" Before operating this
machine, make sure the seat is
engaged inthe seat stop, stand
behind the machine and pull back
on seat until fully engaged into
stop.
Knob Adjustment Seat
1. Positiontheshoulderscrews(foundonthe baseof the
seat)insidetheslotopeningsinthe seatpivotbracket.
Figure6.
2. Slidethe seatslightlyrearwardintheseatpivot
bracket,liningupthe rearslots inthepivotbracket
withtheremainingtwo holesinthe seat'sbase.
3. Selectdesiredpositionforthe seat,andsecurewith
thetwoknobsremovedearlier.SeeFigure6.
10
NOTE:Referto Mulching on page19formoredetailed
information.
LaWn
Ifyou'dprefertooperatethecuttingdeckwithoutmulch-
ing,simplyremovethemulchplugby unthreadingthe
plasticwing nutwhichfastensit tothecuttingdeck.This
willallowtheclippingsto dischargeoutof thedischarge
openingduringoperation.SeeFigure7.
Tractor
Figure 7
WARNING
i i i i i i ii
ii i _iI_ ii
11
NOTE:Any reference
in this manualto the
RIGHTor LEFTside of
thetractor isobserved
from operator'sposition.
B
Know Your Lawn Tractor
G
H
J
K
C
@ @
D
f" "_ L
E
M
F
NOTE:Steeringwheelnot shownforclarity
Figure 8
A PTO(BladeEngage)Levert G ThrottleLever
PTO(BladeEngage)Knobt H CruiseControlButton
B SystemsIndicatorMonitort/Ammeter I IgnitionSwitchModule
C ChokeKnobt J BrakePedal
D ParkingBrakeButton K DrivePedal
E ShiftLever L DeckLiftLever
F CupHolder M SeatAdjustmentLevert
NOTE:Anyreferencein
If soequipped
thismanualto theRIGHTorLEFTside ofthetractoris observedfromoperator'sposition.
12
Throttle Control Lever
Thethrottlecontrolleveris locatedon therightsideof
thetractor'sdashpanel.Thislevercontrolsthespeed
ofthe engineand,on somemodels,whenpushedall
thewayforward,thechokecontrolalso.Whenset ina
givenposition,thethrottlewill maintainauniformengine
speed.SeeFigure9.
IMPORTANT:Whenoperatingthetractorwiththecutting
deckengaged,becertainthatthe throttleleverisalways
inthe FAST(rabbit)position.
Choke Control
Onsomemodels,movingthe
throttleleverallthewayforward
activatestheengine'schoke
control.Onall othermodels,the
chokecontrolcanbefoundon
theleftside ofthedashpanel
andisactivatedby pullingthe
knoboutward.Activatingthe
chokecontrolclosesthe choke
plateonthe carburetorandaidsinstartingtheengine.
RefertoStarting The Engineinthissectionof the
manualfordetailedstartinginstructions.
Brake Pedal
Thebrakepedalislocatedon /
therightfrontsideof thetractor_
abovethedrivepedalalongthe
runningboard.Thebrakepedal
canbeusedforsuddenstops
or settingtheparkingbrake.
NOTE:Thebrakepedalmust
befullydepressedtoactivate
thesafetyinterlockswitch
whenstartingthetractor.
[
Ignition Switch Module
f
Fast
Position
Slow
Position
Figure 9
f
Position
Figure 10
IMPORTANT:Priortooperatingthetractor,referto both
SafetyInterlock Switches andStartingThe Engine
inthissectionof themanualfordetailedinstructions
regardingthe IgnitionSwitchModuleandoperatingthe
tractorinREVERSECAUTIONMODE.
Choke
Position
Fast
Position
Slow --->
Position
__-_).
Normal
Mode
Start
Position
Operating
Your LaWn
ii?i?ii!:ii ¸C :L i!iiC !i ¸
WARNING
Never leave arunning
machine unattended,
Always disengage
PTO, move shift lever
nto neutral position,
set Parking brake, stop
engine and remove key
to prevent unintended
starting:
WARNING: Never leave a running
machine unattended, Always
disengage PTO,move shift lever
intoneutral position, set parking
brake, stop engine and remove
key to prevent unintended
starting,
Tostart theengine,insertthekeyintothe ignitionswitch
andturnclockwisetothe STARTposition.Releasethe
keyintothe NORMALMOWINGMODEpositiononce
theenginehasfired.
Tostopthe engine,turntheignitionkeycounterclockwise
tothe OFFposition.SeeFigure10.
Drive Pedal
Thedrivepedalislocatedbelowthe
brakepedalonthe rightfrontside of
thetractoralongthe runningboard.
Depressthedrivepedalwithyourright
footwhenthe tractorshift leveris in
eitherFORWARDor REVERSEtocaus_
thetractortomove.Groundspeedis
alsocontrolledwiththe drivepedal.The
furtherdownthepedalisdepressed,the
fasterthe tractorwilltravel.Thepedal
willreturntoitsoriginalpositionwhenit'._
notdepressed.
IMPORTANT:Alwayssettheparkingbrakewhenleaving
thetractorunattended.
M
/
4
13
IMPORTANT
PriortooReratingthe
tractor,refer to both
Safety interlock
Switches and Starting
The Engine inthis
seCtion ofthe manual
for detailed instructions
regardingtheIgn tion
SwitCh ModUleand
operatingthe tractoi in
REVERSECAUTION
MODE:
i
Tractor
ii_i_ii iii_ii iii_iII ii!iii_i__IIIi i_i
NOTE: The PTO(Blade
Engage)knob mustbe
inthe disengaged (OFF)
positionwhen starting
theengine,when
travelingin reverseand
ifthe operatorleaves
theseat.
NOTE: The PTO (Blade
Engage) levermust be
in the disengaged (OFF)
3ositionwhenstarting
theengine, when
travelingtn reverseand
ifthe operator leaves
theseat.
f "_ Ammeter
Theammetermeasurestheelectricaloutputof the
engine'schargingsystem.Undernormaloperating
"-\ BATT. OIL /z
conditions,withengineatfull throttle,theammetershould
indicatepositivecharge.
Electric PTO (Blade Engage) Knob (If
Equipped)
[ 42.0
/// HOURS 1/1 0 \\\
PTO / BLADE PARKING
,.® ®
Figure 11
Systems Indicator Monitor (if
Equipped)
LCD
Locatedinthecenterof thetractor'sconsole,the
systemsindicatormonitorrecords,anddisplays on its
LCD,hoursoftractoroperationwhenevertheignition
keyisrotatedout ofthe STOPposition.
TheIndicatorMonitorwillalso remindtheoperatorof
maintenanceintervalsforchangingtheengineoil.The
LCDwillalternatelyflashtherecordedhours,"CHG"and
"OIL"forfiveminutes,afterevery50 hoursof recorded
operationelapse.Themaintenanceintervallastsfor
twohours(from50-52,100-102,150-152,etc.).The
LCDwillalsoflashasdescribedaboveforfiveminutes
everytimethetractor'senginehasbeenstartedduring
thismaintenanceinterval.Beforetheintervalexpires,
changethecrankcaseoil levelas instructedin this
Operator'sManual.
Brake
If theBrakelightilluminateswhenattemptingtostartthe
tractor'sengine,depressthe brakepedal.
PTO (Blade Engage)
if the PTOlightilluminateswhenattemptingtostart the
tractor'sengine,movePTOleverintothedisengaged
(OFF)position.
Oil
It isnormalforthe Oil lighttoilluminatewhilethe engine
iscranking duringstart-up,but ifitilluminate'sduring
operation,while the engine is running,stopthe
tractorimmediatelyandcheckthecrankcaseoillevelas
instructedinthisOwner'sManual.
Battery
It isnormalforthe Batterylightto illuminatewhilethe
engineiscranking duringstart-up,but ifit illuminate's
duringoperation,while the engineisrunning,the
batteryis in needofa chargeorthe engine'scharging
systemis notgeneratingsufficientamperage.Refer
tothe MAINTENANCEsectionofthis manualforthe
properbatterychargingprocedureor havethecharging
systemcheckedbyyourservicedealer.
Toengagethe powerto
thecuttingdeckor other |
(separatelyavailable)attach-
mentsonmodelsequipped
withanelectricPTO,pull
outwardonthePTO(Blade
Engage)knob.Pushthe PTO
(BladeEngage)knobinward
J
todisengagethe powertothe
cuttingdeck.
NOTE:The PTO(BladeEngage)knobmustbein the
disengaged(OFF)positionwhenstartingtheengine,
whentravelinginreverseandif theoperatorleavesthe
seat.
PTO (Blade Engage) Lever
Onmodelsequippedwitha manualPTO(BladeEngage),
thePTO(BladeEngage)leveris locatedontheleft sideof
ON 1z !
OFF !
PTO /BLADE ENGAGE
thedashboardnexttothe steeringwheel.MovethePTO
(BladeEngage)leverforwardto engagethepowertothe
cuttingdeckor other(separatelyavailable)attachments;
movethePTO(BladeEngage)leverrearwardtodisen-
gagethepowertothe attachments.
NOTE:The PTO(BladeEngage)levermustbeinthe
disengaged(OFF)positionwhenstartingtheengine,
whentravelinginreverseandif theoperatorleavesthe
seat.
Seat Adjustment Lever (If Equipped)
Toadjustthe seatforwardorbackwardonunitsequipped
witha quick-adjustseat,slidethe seatadjustmentlever
tothe leftand repositiontheseattothedesiredposition.
Oncea comfortablepositionisfound,releasetheseat
adjustmentleverto lockthe seatinplace.Referto the
AdjustingYourLawnTractorsectiond this manualfor
moredetailedinstructionson all seatadjustments.
Deck Lift Lever
Foundonyourtractor'srightfender,the decklift leveris
usedto changethe heightofthecuttingdeck.Touse,
movethelevertothe left,then placeinthenotchbest
suitedforyourapplication.
PTO
14
Parking Brake Button
Tosetthe parkingbrake,fully
depressthe brakepedaland
pushthe parkingbrakebuttonin.
Holdthe buttoninwhiletaking
yourfootoffthe brakepedal.Both
theparkingbuttonandthebrake
pedalwillthen staydepressed.
Toreleasetheparkingbrake,
depressthe brakepedalslightly.
Theparkingbrakebuttonwill then
returnto itsoriginalposition.
NOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbesetif theoperator
leavestheseatwiththe enginerunningor theenginewill
automaticallyshutoff.
IMPORTANT:Alwayssetthe parkingbrakewhenleaving
thetractor unattended.
Cruise Control Button
Thecruisecontrolbuttonis
locatedonthetractordash
paneltothe left oftheignition
switch.Pushthecruisecontrol
buttonwhiletravelingforwardat a
desiredspeed.Whileholdingthe
buttonin, releasepressurefrom
thedrive pedal.Thiswill engage
thecruisecontrolandallowthe
tractorto remainatthatspeed
withoutapplyingpressuretothe
drivepedal.Depressthebrake
pedalor thedrivepedaltodeactivatecruisecontrol.
RefertoSetting the Cruise Control laterinthis section
themanualfordetailedinstructionsregardingthecruise
controlfeature.
NOTE:Cruisecontrolcan NOTbeengagedatthe
tractor'sfastestgroundspeed.Iftheoperatorshould
attempttodoso,the tractorwill automaticallydecelerate
tothe fastestoptimalmowinggroundspeed.
Shift Lever
Theshiftleverislocatedonthe
leftsideof thefenderand has
threepositions,FORWARD,
NEUTRALand REVERSE.The
brakepedalmust bedepressed
andthetractormustnot bein
motionwhenthe movingshift
lever.
IMPORTANT:Neverforcethe
shiftlever.Doingsomayresultin
seriousdamagetothetractor's
transmission.
Safety Interlock Switches
Thistractorisequippedwitha safetyinterlocksystem
forthe protectionof theoperator.Iftheinterlocksystem
shouldevermalfunction,do notoperatethetractor.
Contactan authorizedMTDservicedealer.
• Thesafetyinterlocksystempreventstheengine
fromcrankingorstartingunlessthe parkingbrake
isengaged,andthe PTO(BladeEngage)knob(or
lever)isin thedisengaged(OFF)position.
• Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff ifthe operator
leavestheseatbeforeengagingtheparkingbrake.
Models with Manual PTO (Blade Engage)
• Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff ifthe operator
leavesthetractor'sseatwiththe PTO(BladeEngage)
leverinthe engaged(ON)position,regardlessof
whethertheparkingbrakeis engaged.
• WiththeignitionkeyintheNORMALMOWING
position,theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff ifthe
PTO(BladeEngage)leveris movedintotheengaged
(ON)positionwiththe shiftleverinReverse.
Models with Electric PTO (Blade Engage)
• TheelectricPTO(BladeEngage)clutchwillautomati-
callyshutoff ifthe operatorleavesthetractor'sseat
withthePTO(BladeEngage)knobinthe engaged
(ON)position,regardlessof whethertheparking
brakeisengaged.
• Withtheignitionkeyinthe NORMALMOWING
position,theelectricPTO(BladeEngage)clutchwill
automaticallyshutoffif thePTO(BladeEngage)knob
ismovedintotheengaged(ON)positionwiththeshift
leverinReverse.
WARNING: Donot operate the
tractor ifthe interlocksystem
is malfunctioning, This system
was designed for your safety and
protection.
Reverse
Caution Mode
WARNING: Use extreme caution
while operating the tractor in
the REVERSECAUTION MODE.
Alwayslook down and behind
before and while backing. Do not
operate the tractor when children
or others are around, Stop the
tractor immediatelyif someone
enters the area.
WARNING
Do not operate the
tractor if the interlock
system is malfunction-
ing. This system was
designed for your
safety and protection.
Use extreme caution
while operating the
tractor inthe REVERSE
CAUTION MODE.
Always look down and
behind beforeand
while backing. Do not
operate the tractor
when children or oth-
ers are around. Stop
the tractor immediately
f someone enters the
area.
15
f
WARNING
Keep hands andfeet
away from the dis-
charge opening of the
cuttingdeck.
Donot operatethe
tractor ifthe interlock
system is malfunction-
ing.This systemwas
designedfor your
safety and protection.
Reverse
indicator
Light
Stop
Position
.Push Button
Reverse
Caution Mode
Position
Start
Position
©
Figure 12
TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEpositionofthekey
switchmoduleallowsthetractorto be operatedin
reversewiththeblades(PTO)engaged.
IMPORTANT:Mowinginreverseisnot recommended.
Tousethe REVERSECAUTIONMODE:
IMPORTANT:TheoperatorMUSTbeseatedinthe
tractorseat.
1. Startthe engineaspreviouslyinstructedinthis
Operator'sManual.
2. Turnthekeyfromthe NORMALMOWING(Green)
positiontothe REVERSECAUTIONMODE(Yellow)
positionofthe keyswitchmodule. SeeFigure12.
3. DepresstheREVERSEPUSHBUTTON(Orange,
TriangularButton)atthetop,rightcornerof thekey
switchmodule.Theredindicatorlightatthetop,left
cornerof thekeyswitchmodulewillbeON while
activated.See Figure12.
4. Onceactivated(indicatorlightON), thetractorcan
bedrivenin reversewiththe cuttingblades(PTO)
engaged.
5. Alwayslookdownand behindbeforeandwhile
backingtomakesureno childrenarearound.
6. Afterresumingforwardmotion,returnthe keytothe
NORMALMOWINGposition.
IMPORTANT:TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEwill
remainactivateduntil:
a. Thekeyisplacedin eithertheNORMALMOW-
INGpositionor STOPposition.
b. Theoperatorleavestheseat(ModelswithElectric
PTOONLY).
c. Theoperatorengagestheparkingbrakebyfully
depressingthebrakepedalandholdingitdown
whilegentlypushingthe parkingbrakebutton
inward(ModelswithManualPTOONLY).
G
AVOID SERIOUS iNJURY OR DEATH
• GO UP ANDDOWNSLOPES,NOTACROSS.
• AVOIDSUDDENTURNS.
• DO NOTOPERATETHEUNITWHEREIT COULDSLIPOR TIP.
• IF MACHINESTOPSGOINGUPHILL,STOPBLADE(S)AND
BACKDOWNHILLSLOWLY.
• DO NOTMOWWHEN CHILDRENOR OTHERSAREAROUND.
• NEVERCARRYCHILDREN,EVENWITHBLADESOFF.
• LOOK DOWNAND BEHINDBEFOREANDWHILEBACKING.
• KEEP SAFETYDEVICES(GUARDS,SHIELDS,AND
SWITCHES)INPLACEANDWORKING.
• REMOVEOBJECTSTHATCOULD BETHROWNBYTHE
BLADE(S).
• KNOWLOCATIONANDFUNCTIONOFALL CONTROLS.
• BE SUREBLADE(S) AND ENGINEARE STOPPEDBEFORE
PLACINGHANDSORFEETNEAR BLADE(S).
• BEFORELEAVINGOPERATOR'SPOSITION,DISENGAGE
BLADE(S), PLACETHE SHIFTLEVERINNEUTRAL,ENGAGE
BRAKELOCK,SHUTENGINEOFFAND REMOVEKEY.
READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Engaging the Parking Brake
Toengagethe parkingbrake:
1. Fullydepressthe brakepedalandholdit downwith
yourfootwhilegentlypushingtheparkingbrakebutton
inward.
2. Holdtheparkingbrakebuttoninwhile removingyour
footfromthe brakepedal.
3. Onceengaged,theparkingbrakebuttonandthebrake
pedalwilllockin the "down"position.
Todisengagetheparkingbrake:
1. Slightlydepressthe brakepedal.
NOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbeengagedif theoperator
leavestheseatwiththe enginerunningor theenginewill
automaticallyshutoff.
Setting the Cutting Height
1. Selectthe heightpositionofthecuttingdeckbyplacing
thedecklift leverin anyofthe sixdifferentcutting
heightnotchesonthe rightsideof thefender.
2. Adjustthe deckwheelssothattheyarebetween
1A-inchandV2-inchabovethegroundwhenthetractor
isona smooth,flatsurfacesuchasadriveway.
16
,_ WARNING: Keep handsand feet Stopping the Engine
awayfrom the dischargeopening
of the cuttingdeck. ,_ WARNING: If youstrike a foreign
NOTE:Thedeckwheelsarean anti-scalpfeatureof the A
object,
deckandarenotdesignedto supportthe weightofthe _ nect the sparkplugwire(s) and
cuttingdeck. ground against the engine.
Referto Leveling the Deckonpage20ofthis manual Thoroughly inspectthe machine
formoredetailedinstructionsregardingvariousdeck for any damage. Repair the
adjustments, damage before restarting and
stop
the
engine,
discon-
Starting the Engine operating
1. Ifthe bladesareengaged,placethePTO(Blade
Operating
Your LaWn
_ WARNING: Do not operate the Engage)knob(orlever)in thedisengaged(OFF)
tractor ifthe interlocksystem is position.
malfunctioning. This system was 2. TurntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheSTOP
designed for your safety and position.
protection. 3. Removethekeyfromthe ignitionswitchto prevent
unintendedstarting.
NOTE:Referto theTRACTORSET-UPon page8 of this
manualforGasolineandOilfill-up instructions. Driving The Tractor
1. Insertthetractorkeyintothe ignitionswitch.
2. PlacethePTO(BladeEngage)knob(or lever)in the A_ WARNING: Avoid sudden starts,
disengaged(OFF)position. _ ex-cessive speed and sudden
3. Engagethetractor'sparkingbrake, stops.
4. Activatethechokecontrol.
5. TurntheignitionkeyclockwisetotheSTARTposition. WARNING: Do not leave the seat
Aftertheenginestarts,releasethekey.Itwill returnto of the tractor without first placing
theON position, the PTO(Blade Engage) knob (or
IMPORTANT:DoNOTholdthekeyin the STARTposi-
tionfor longerthanten secondsata time.Doingsomay position, depressing the brake
causedamagetoyourengine'selectricstarter, pedal and engaging the parking
lever) in the disengaged (OFF)
brake, if leaving the tractor
6. Afterthe enginestarts,deactivatethechokecontrol
andplacethe throttlecontrolinthe FASTposition, unattended, also turn the ignition
key off and remove the key.
NOTE:Do NOTleavethe chokecontrolonwhileoperat-
ingthetractor.Doingsowill resultina "rich"fuelmixture 1. Depressthebrakepedaltoreleasetheparkingbrake
andcausetheengineto runpoorly, andletthe pedalup.
2. Movethe throttleleverintothe FAST(rabbit)position.
IMPORTANT:DoNOTuse theshiftleverto changethe
directionoftravelwhenthetractoris inmotion.Always
usethe brakepedalto bringthetractortoacomplete
stopbeforeshifting.
3. Tomoveforward,placetheshift leverinthe FOR-
WARDposition,thenslowlydepressthedrivepedal
untilthe desiredspeedisachieved.
WARNING
ifyou strike a foreign
object, stop the
engine, disconnect
the spark plugwire(s)
and ground against
the engine. Thoroughly
inspectthe machine
for any damage. Repair
:hedamage before
restarting and operat-
ing.
Avoidsudden starts,
ex-cessive speed and
sudden stops.
Do not leave the seat
of the tractor without
first placingthe PTO
(Blade Engage) knob
(or lever)in the disen-
gaged (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.
17
Operating
Your Lawn
WARNING
Do not mow on inclines
with a slope inexcess
of 15degrees (arise
of approximately 2-1/2
feet every 10feet). The
tractor couldoverturn
and cause serious
injury.
To help avoid blade
contact or a thrown
object injury, keep
bystanders, helpers,
children and pets at
least75 feet from the
machine while it is in
operation.Stop ma=
chine ifanyone enters
the area.
4. Tomovein reverse,placetheshiftleverinthe
REVERSEposition,checkthattheareabehindis
clearthen slowlydepressthedrivepedal.
Driving On Slopes
Refertothe SLOPEGAUGEon page3 tohelpdeter-
mineslopeswhereyoumayoperatethetractorsafely.
_ WARNING" Do not mow on
inclineswith a slope in excess
of 15degrees (a rise of approxi-
mately 2-1/2feet every 10feet).
The tractor could overturn and
cause serious injury.
• Mowupanddownslopes,NEVERacross.
• Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirection
on slopes.
• Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,or otherhidden
objects.Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe machine.
Tallgrasscan hideobstacles.
• Avoidturnswhendrivingonaslope.Ifa turnmust
be made,turndowntheslope.Turningupa slope
greatlyincreasesthechanceofa rollover.
• Avoidstoppingwhendrivingupaslope.If itis
necessarytostopwhiledrivingup aslope,startup
smoothlyandcarefullyto reducethepossibilityof
flippingthetractoroverbackward.
Setting The Cruise Control
1. PlacetheshiftleverintheFORWARDposition,
thenslowlydepressthedrive pedaluntilthe desired
speedis achieved.
2. Lightlydepressthe cruisecontrolbutton.
3. Whilecontinuingtoholdthe cruisebuttonin,liftyour
footfromthedrive pedal(youshouldfeelthe cruise
latchengage).
Onceengaged,thecruisecontrolbuttonandthedrive
pedalwilllockinthe "down"position,andthetractorwill
maintainthesameforwardspeed.
NOTE:Cruisecontrolcan notbe engagedat the
tractor'sfastestgroundspeed.Iftheoperatorshould
attempttodoso,the tractorwill automaticallydecelerate
tothe fastestoptimalmowinggroundspeed.
Disengagethecruisecontrolusingoneofthe following
methods:
1. Depressthebrakepedaltodisengagethecruise
controlandstopthetractor.
2. Lightlydepressthe drivepedal.
Tochangeto the reversedirectionwhenoperatingwith
cruisecontrol,depressthebrakepedalto disengagethe
cruisecontroland bringthetractortoacompletestop.
Thenplacetheshift leverinthe REVERSEpositionand
depressthedrive pedal.
Engaging the Blades
EngagingthePTO(BladeEngage)transferspowertothe
cuttingdeckor other(separatelyavailable)attachments.
Toengagethe blades,proceedasfollows:
1. Movethe throttlecontrollevertotheFAST(rabbit)
position.
Models with Manual PTO
2. a. Graspthe PTO(BladeEngage)leverandpivotit all
thewayforwardinto theengaged(ON) position.
Models with Electric PTO
b. Pullthe PTO(BladeEngage)knoboutwardintothe
engaged(ON)position.
3. Keepthe throttleleverinthe FAST(rabbit)position
forthe mostefficientuseofthe cuttingdeckorother
(separatelyavailable)attachments
IMPORTANT:Theengine(onmodelswitha manualPTO)
orelectricPTOclutch(on modelswithanelectricPTO)
willautomaticallyshutoff ifthePTOisengagedwiththe
shiftleverinpositionforreversetravelwiththe ignition
keyinthe NORMALMOWINGposition.Referto Safety
InterlockSwitchesearlierinthissection.
Using the Deck Lift Lever
Toraisethecuttingdeck,movethe decklift levertothe
left,thenplaceit inthenotchbestsuitedfor yourapplica-
tion.RefertoSettingThe CuttingHeightearlierinthis
section.
Mowing
_ ARNING: To help avoid blade
contact or a thrown object injury,
keep bystanders, helpers, children
and petsat least 75feet from the
machine while it is in operation.
Stop machine ifanyone enters the
area.
18
Loading...