Yard-Man 604G, 604H Operator's Manual

Operator's Manual

Auto Drive

Lawn Tractors

Models 604G & 604H

IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.

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 isused, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator. In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

MTDLLC, P.O.BOX361131CLEVELAND,OHIO44136-0019

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FORM NO. 770-104481:;

(11/2003)

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Content

Customer Support

Important Safe Operation Practices Tractor Set-U p Operation Making Adjustments

Page Content Page

2 Maintenance 17 3 Attachments &Accessories 24 7 Illustrated Parts List 26

9 Warranty Back Cover

FINDINGMODELNUMBER

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new lawn tractor. Itwill 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 under the seat of the tractor and copy the information in the space provided below. A sample model plate is also given below. This information will be necessary to use the manufacturer's web site and/or help from the Customer Support Department or an authorized service dealer.

Model Number)

www.yardman.com

(Serial Number)

MTD LLC P. O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND,OH 44136

330-220-4683

880-888-7318

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

CUSTOMERSUPPORT

Please doNOTreturntheunitto the retailer fromwhereit waspurchased,withoutfirstcontactingCustomerSupport.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or maintenance of this unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

Visit yardman.com for many useful suggestions. Click on Customer Support button and you will get the four options reproduced here. Click on the appropriate button and help is immediately available.

answer you are

looking for could be just

a mouse c//cA away!

" f

To reach the Customer Support Line, please call 1-800-800-7310.

p_ef_e,

NeeJ li}al as._ista_c÷ ? Click _e_e te f_

_UalS O_li_e

answer are

looking for could be just

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En ine

The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to

performance, power-rating, specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer's Owner's/Operator's Manual, at the end of this manual, for more information.

SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES

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

the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol--heed its warning.

DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual.

As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

California Proposition 65 Warning: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle

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

other reproductive harm.

GeneralOperation

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in asafe place

for future and regular reference and for ordering

replacement parts.

2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the machine and disengage them quickly.

3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this machine. Children 14years old and over should read and understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent.

4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction.

5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75

feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop

machine if anyone enters the area.

6. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys, and other foreign objects which could be picked up and thrown by the blade(s). Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.

7. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a walt or obstruction

which may cause discharged material to ricochet back

toward the operator.

8. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.

9. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes and jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never operate this machine in

bare feet or sandals.

10. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without the discharge cover or entire grass catcher in its proper place.

11. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate

hands and feet.

12. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries.

13. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads and while not cutting grass.

14. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. This machine is not intended for use on any public roadway.

15. Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

16. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

17. Never carry passengers.

18. Disengage blade(s) before shifting into reverse. Back up slowly. Always took down and behind before and while backing to avoid a back-over accident.

19. Slow down before turning. Operate the machine smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed.

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

21. Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blade(s), place transmission in neutral, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key before dismounting.

22. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine

into a trailer or truck. This unit should not be driven up or down ramp(s), because the unit could tip over, causing serious personal injury. The unit must be pushed

manually on ramp(s) to load or unload properly.

23. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.

24. Check overhead clearances carefully before driving under tow hanging tree branches, wires, door openings etc., where the operator may be struck or pulled from the unit, which could result in serious injury.

25. Disengage all attachment clutches, depress the brake pedal completely and shift into neutral before attempting to start engine.

26. Your machine 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. Dry grass or leaves may contact the engine exhaust and/or build up on the mower deck presenting a potential fire hazard.

27.Useonlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapprovedforthis machinebythemachinemanufacturer.Read, understandandfollowallinstructionsprovidedwiththe approvedaccessoryorattachment.

28.Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60yearsandabove, areinvolvedinalargepercentageofridingmower- relatedinjuries.Theseoperatorsshouldevaluatetheir abilitytooperatetheridingmowersafelyenoughto protectthemselvesandothersfromseriousinjury.

29.Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual, usecareandgoodjudgment.CalltheCustomerSupport

Lineforassistance.

SlopeOperation

Slopes are a major factor related to toss of control and tip- over accidents which can result insevere 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 isgreater than 15 degrees as shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this unit on that area or serious injury could result.

Do:

1. Mow up and down slopes, not across. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

2. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

3. Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed setting so that you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope. Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the brakes are functioning properly. Always keep machine in gear

when going down slopes to take advantage of engine

braking action.

4. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel

weights or counterweights to improve stability.

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

6. Keep 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.

7. Avoid starting or stopping on aslope. Iftires lose traction, disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight down the slope.

DoNot:

1. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

2. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff, ditch, or if an edge caves in.

3. Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.

4. Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes.

5. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

6. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill. Over-speeding may cause the operator to lose control of the machine resulting in serious injury or death.

7. Do not tow heavy pull behind attachments (e.g. loaded dump cart, lawn roller, etc.) on slopes greater than 5 degrees. When going down hilt, the extra weight tends to push the tractor and may cause you to loose control. (e.g. tractor may speed up, braking and steering ability are reduced, attachment may jack-knife and cause tractor to overturn).

Children

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

a. Keep children out of the mowing area and in

watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

b. Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the

area.

c. Before and while backing, look behind and down

for small children.

d. Never carry children, even with the blade(s) shut

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

e. Use extreme care when approaching blind

corners, doorways, shrubs, trees or other objects that may block your vision of a child who may run

into the machine.

f. Disengage the cutting blade(s) before shifting in

reverse. The "No-Cut-In Reverse" feature is a reminder not to cut in reverse and to help avoid

back over accidents. Do not defeat it.

g. Keep children away from hot or running engines.

They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.

h. Remove key when machine is unattended to

prevent unauthorized operation.

2. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate the machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and

understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent.

Towing

1. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point.

2. Follow the manufacturers recommendation for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.

3. Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.

4. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control.

5. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

6. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.

Service

Gasoline:

To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.

a. Use only an approved gasoline container.

b. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on atruck

or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.

c. When practical, remove gas-powered equipment

from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground.

Ifthis is not possible, then refuel such equipment on atrailer with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

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

tank or container opening at all times until fueling

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

e. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other

sources of ignition.

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

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

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

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

i. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

j. Ifgasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and

equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5

minutes before starting the engine.

k. To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of

grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel soaked

debris.

1. Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light

as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances.

Allow a machine to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.

General:

Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless, and deadly gas.

Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the blade(s) and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting.

Periodically check to make sure the blades come to complete stop within approximately (5) five seconds after operating the blade disengagement control. If the blades do not stop within the this time frame, your unit should be

serviced professionally by your Troy-Bilt dealer.

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

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

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

cracked).

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

manual. "Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!"

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

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

8. Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

9. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the damage before starting and operating.

10. Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the

machine while the engine is running.

11. Grass catcher components and the discharge cover are subject to wear and damage which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.

For safety protection, frequently check components and

replace immediately with original equipment

manufacturer's (O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this manual. "Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!"

12. Do not change the engine governor settings or over- speed the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine.

13. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.

14. Observe proper disposal taws and regulations for gas, oil, etc. to protect the environment.

Sesp0 sibili

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.

lULl

Z I--

lULl

1'91

SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE

A POWER POLE

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.

t.O

SECTION3: TRACTORSET-UP

NOTE: This manual covers specifications of two models. Please follow instructions and parts numbers pertaining to your tractor only.

Attachi £ Batter Cables

NOTE: If these cables are already attached, proceed to "Attaching Steering Wheel." IMPORTANT:The positive battery terminal is marked Pos.

(+). The negative battery terminal is marked Neg. (-).

1. The positive cable (heavy red wire) is secured to the positive battery terminal (+) with a hex bolt and hex nut at the factory. Make certain that the rubber boot covers the terminal to help protect itfrom corrosion.

2. Remove the hex bolt and wing nut from the negative cable. See Figure 1.

3. Remove the black plastic cover, if present, from the negative battery terminal and attach the negative cable (heavy black wire) to the negative battery terminal (-) with the bolt and wing nut.

4. Make certain the hold-down strap is in position over the battery, securing it in place.

NOTE: If the battery is put into service after the date shown on top of battery, charge the battery as instructed on page 18 of this manual prior to operating the tractor.

Rubber

Boot

Wing

Nut

Hex Bolt

Figure 1

Attachi The Steeri g Wheel

1. The hardware for attaching the steering wheel has been packed within the steering wheel, beneath steering wheel cap. Carefully pry off the steering

wheel cap and remove the hardware.

2. With the wheels of the tractor pointing straight forward, place the steering wheel over the steering

shaft. Place the washer (with the cupped side down) over the steering shaft and secure with the hex bolt. See Figure 2.

3. Place the steering wheel cap over the center of the

steering wheel and push downward until it "clicks" into place.

Attachi TheSeat

NOTE: For shipping reasons, seats are either fastened

to the tractor seat's pivot bracket with a plastic tie, or mounted backward to the pivot bracket. In either case, free the seat from its shipping position and remove the two knobs from the bottom of seat before proceeding with

instructions below.

• Ifyour seat was shipped mounted backwards on the

seat pivot bracket, pull out the tab found on the seat stop and hold itopen while sliding the seat off the seat pivot bracket. See Figure 3.

1. Position the shoulder screws (found on the base of the seat) inside the slot openings in the seat pivot bracket. See Figure 3.

Steering____

Wheel Cap

Hex Bolt

& Washer

Knobs

Shoulder

Screws

Opening

in Slot

Steering

Shaft

Figure 2

Figure 3

_ ARNING" Before operating this machine, make sure the seat is engaged in the seat stop, stand behindthe machine and pull back on seat until fully engaged into stop.

2. Slide the seat slightly rearward in the seat pivot bracket, lining up the rear slots in the pivot bracket with the remaining two holes in the seat's base.

3. Select desired position for the seat, and secure with the two knobs removed earlier. See Figure 3.

Gasand0il FilloUp

The gasoline tank is located under the hood and depending on the model of tractor, has a capacity of either two or three gallons. Do not overfill.

_ ARNING" Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vaporsare explosive. Never fuel machine indoors or while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes,

cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.

IMPORTANT: Even if the tractor is shipped with motor oil in the engine, you must check the engine oil level before operating. The capacity of the engine's sump and oil filter is 62 oz (1.8 liters). Be careful not to overfill.

RemoveShi B a88

IMPORTANT:The shipping brace must be removed and discarded before operating your riding mower.

WARNING" Make sure the riding mower'sengine is off, ignition key removed, and the parking brake engaged before proceeding further.

1. Locate the shipping brace and accompanying warning tag on the right side of the mower, between

discharge chute and cutting deck. See Figure 4.

2. While holding the discharge chute up, rotate the shipping brace clockwise and remove.

3. Discard the shipping brace.

_ ARNING" The mowing deck is capable ofthrowing objects. Failure to operate the riding

mower without the discharge cover in the proper operating position could result in serious personal injury and/or property damage.

Warning Tag

Figure 4

SECTION4: OPERATION

Ksswth®88st 81s

Read this owner's manual and safety rules before operating your lawn mower. Compare figure below with your lawn tractor to learn about the Ioction and purpose of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. It is very important to follow the instructions and operate the controls properly.

F G

B H

A Systems Indicator Monitor/Ammeter G Cruise Control Button

B PTO (Power Take-off) Lever 14 Ignition Switch C Choke Control I Brake Pedal D Shift Lever J Drive Pedal

E Throttle Control Lever K Deck Lift Lever F Parking Brake Button

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

Figure 5

ThrottleControlLever

The throttle control lever controls the speed of the engine. When set in a given position, the throttle will maintain a uniform engine speed.

IMPORTANT:When operating the tractor with the cutting deck engaged, throttle control lever must always be in the FAST (rabbit) position.

ChokeControl

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.

BrakePedal

The brake pedal is used for sudden stops or setting the parking brake. This pedal must be fully depressed to activate the safety interlock switch when starting the tractor.

Slow

Throttle Control Choke

ParkingBrakeButton

NOTE: The parking brake must be set if the operator leaves the seat with the engine running; otherwise the engine will automatically shut off.

• 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 parking button and brake pedal will stay depressed.

• To release the parking brake, depress the brake pedal slightly. The parking brake button will then return to its original position.

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

DrivePedal

The drive pedal controls movement and ground speed of the tractor. 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. The further down the pedal is depressed, the faster the tractor will travel. The pedal will return to its original position when it is not depressed.

PTO(Blade Engage)Lever

Engaging the PTO (Blade Engage) lever transfers power to the cutting deck ON _7_-.....

or other (separately available) attachments. The PTO lever must be disengaged (Blade Stop) when (1) starting the engine, (2) traveling in BLADE_ ^__ _ ur#=_(_)

reverse or (3) if the operator leaves the seat. STOP "Z_ To engage the PTO (Blade Engage), proceed as follows:

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

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

3. Keep the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position for the most efficient use of the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments.

To disengage the PTO (Blade Engage), proceed as follows:

1. Move the PTO (Blade Engage) lever to the Blade Stop position. This will cut off power to deck or other attachments.

• The engine will automatically shut off if: (i) the operator leaves the seat while the PTO (Blade Engage) is still engaged regardless of

whether the parking brake is engaged, and

(ii) the PTO (Blade Engage) is engaged while the drive pedal is in position for reverse travel.

IgnitionSwitch

Ignition switch is activated to start the engine. Insert key into the ignition switch and turn clockwise to the START position. Release the key into the ON position once engine has fired.

,_ WARNING" Never leave a running machine unattended. Always

disengage PTO, move shift lever into neutral position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.

Off

On/Lights

Start

Headlights

• To turn on the headlights, rotate the same ignitionkey from ON position to ON/LIGHTS position of the ignition

switch.

• To turn off the headlights, rotate the ignition key from ON/LIGHTS position to either ON position (to leave the

engine running) or OFF position (to shut the engine off).

,_ WARNING" Never move the key into the Start position while the engine is running. Doing so may causedamage to your engine's starter.

SystemsIndicatorMonitor/ HourMeter

Your tractor is equipped with four indicator lights and an ammeter as shown in the figure here.

If the brake light or PTO light illuminates when attempting to start the unit, proceed as follows:

AMPS 0

Oil

Brake

Brake light on Depress the brake pedal.

PTO light on Move PTO lever to "Blade Stop" position.

It is normal for the oil light and the battery light to illuminate while the engine is cranking, but if either illuminates while the engine is running, follow the steps below as per indication:

r--1

Amm!ter

PTO

iiiiiiiii iiitiitiitiiiiiiiiiiiiiliiliili!i i ! !

Oil light on Stop the tractor immediately and check thecrankcase oil level as instructed in the

engine manual. Add oil as required.

Ammeter

The ammeter measures the electrical output of the engine's charging system. Under normal operating conditions, with engine at full throttle, the ammeter should indicate positive charge.

Shift Lever t F

The shift lever has three positions: FORWARD (F), NEUTRAL (N) and REVERSE (R).These control the direction of movement of the tractor. Depress the brake pedal and let the tractor stop before moving the shift lever to one of these three positions.

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

CruiseControlButton

The cruise control feature should only be utilized while traveling in the forward direction. To engage the cruise control, follow these steps:

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

2. Lightly depress the cruise control button.

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

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

"Shift

Knob

NOTE: Cruise control cannot be engaged at the tractor's fastest ground speed. If the operator should attempt to do so, the tractor will automatically decelerate to the fastest optimal mowing ground speed.

• To disengage the cruise control, lightly depress either the brake pedal or the drive pedal.

• To change to the reverse direction when operating with cruise control, depress the brake pedal to disengage the cruise control and bring the tractor to a complete stop. Then place the shift lever in the REVERSE position and depress the drive pedal.

SeatAdjustmentLever

To adjust the seat forward or backward, loosen the two seat adjustment knobs and reposition the seat to the desired position. Once a comfortable position is found, tighten the adjustment knobs to lock the seat in place.

DeckLiftLever

The deck lift lever is used to change the height of the cutting deck. To use, move the lever to the left, then place it in one of the six notches best suited for your application.

To set the cutting height of the deck you will also have to adjust the deck wheels so that they are between 1/4-inchand ½-inch above the ground when the tractor is on a smooth, flat surface such as a driveway, refer to Deck Levelling instructions on page 15.

NOTE: The deck wheels are an anti-scalp feature of the deck and are not

designed to support the weight of the cutting deck.

CupHolder(if equipped)

The tractor's cup holder is located on the fender to the left of the seat, just to the rear of the parking brake lever.

Safe sted0ckSwitches

The safety interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or starting unless the parking brake is engaged, and the PTO lever is disengaged. If this system should ever malfunction, do not operate the tractor, immediately contact

a service dealer.

• The safety interlock system will automatically shut off the engine if the operator leaves the seat before engaging the parking brake.

• The safety interlock system will automatically shut off the engine if the operator leaves the tractor's seat with the PTO (Blade Engage) lever engaged, regardless of whether the parking brake is engaged.

• The safety interlock system will automatically shut off the engine if the PTO (Blade Engage) lever is moved into the engaged (ON) position with the drive pedal in position for reverse travel.

CAUTION: Tampering with or attempting to bypass the Safety Interlock Switches in any way will void your

tractor's warranty. Do not operate the tractor if the interlock system is malfunctioning.

NOTE: Refer to the TRACTORSET-UPon page 7 manual for gasoline and oil flU-up instructions.

1. Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.

2. Disengage the PTO (Blade Engage) lever.

3. Engage the tractor's parking brake.

4. Pull the Choke Control knob outward.

5. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position. After the engine starts, release the key. It will return to the ON position.

IMPORTANT: Do net hold the key inthe START position for longer than ten seconds at a time. Doing so may cause damage to your engine's electric starter.

6. After the engine starts, move the throttle control lever to the FAST position and Choke Control knob inward.

NOTE: Do net leave choke control on while operating the

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

WARNING: Ifyou strike a foreign object, stop the

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

1. If the blades are engaged, disengage the PTO.

2. Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the OFF position.

3. Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent unintended starting.

Idvi I Tie Tractor

• Depress the brake pedal to release the parking brake.

• Move the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) position.

• 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.

DrivingOnSlopes

IMPORTANT:Refer to the SLOPEGAUGEon page 6 to help determine slopes where you may operate the tractor safely.

• Mow up and down slopes, never across.

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

grass can hide obstacles.

• Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must be made, attempt while going downward on the slope.

• 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.

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

• Do not mow at high ground speed, especially if a mulch kit or grass collector is installed.

• 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

will 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.

• 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 CuttingBladeson page 19 of this manual for proper blade sharpening instructions.

_ WARNING" To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, childrenand pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

Mulching

Some models are equipped with a mulch kit with special blades to recirculate the grass clippings into the lawn where they act as a natural fertilizer.

• On models with 46-inch decks, where the mulch kit is packed separately within the tractor's crate, follow the instructions included with the mulch kit.

Observe the following points for best results when mulching.

• Never attempt to mulch if the lawn is damp. Wet grass tends to stick to the underside of the cutting deck preventing proper mulching of the clippings.

• Do not attempt to mulch more than 1/3 the total height of the grass or approximately 1-1/2 inches. Doing so will cause the clippings to clump up beneath the deck and not be mulched effectively.

• Maintain a slow ground speed to allow the grass clippings more time to effectively be mulched.

• Always position the throttle control lever in the FAST (rabbit) position and allow it to remain there while mowing. Failing to keep the engine at full throttle places strain on the tractor's engine and does not allow the blades to properly mulch grass.

NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the discharge chute to operate the mower with the mulch kit installed.

To operate the cutting deck without mulching, on models so equipped, simply remove the mulch plug by unthreading the plastic wing nut which fastens itto the cutting deck. See Figure 6. This will allow the clippings to discharge through the side opening.

Wing Nut

Screw

Mulch Plug

Figure 6

+ 30 hidden pages

Yard-Man 604G, 604H Operator's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual