Yard-Man 771 Operator's Manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Adjustment • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Warranty

-ro AL

Transmatic Lawn Tractor- Model 771

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.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveis requiredbylaw (Section4442ofthe CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester forthe mufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,

Ohio44136-0019.

PRINTEDIN U.S.A.

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

iMPORTANT

FORMNO.769-02171A

01/06/2006

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 lookingbeneathethe seat.

Thisinformationwillbe necessaryto use themanufacturer's website and/or obtainassistancefromthe CustomerSupport Departmentoran authorizedservice dealer.

Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor ........................ 22

Off-Season Storage / Attachments ................. 28

Safety Labels .................................................... 29

Trouble Shooting .............................................. 30

Warranty .............................................. Back Page

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 productorhave 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 manufacturerisresponsible for allengine- relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-rating, specifications,warrantyand service. Pleasereferto the enginemanufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packed

separatelywithyour unit,for moreinformation.

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WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of itsconstituents,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 and others. Readand follow all

I instructionsinthis man-

ualbeforeattemptingto 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. Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaandin

watchfulcareof a responsibleadultother than theoperator.

b. Bealertandturnmachineoff 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. Removekeywhenmachineisunattendedto

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. Neverfillcontainersinsideavehicleorona

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. Keepthenozzlein contactwiththe rimof

thefueltankor containeropeningatall timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donot usea nozzlelock-opendevice.

e. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesand

othersourcesofignition.

f. Neverfuel machineindoors. g. Neverremovegascap oraddfuelwhilethe

engineishot or running.Allowenginetocool atleasttwominutesbeforerefueling.

h. Neveroverfill fueltank.Filltankto nomore

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.

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 ofyourselfand 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 power machine

to personswho read,

understand

and follow the warnings

and instructions

inthis manual

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 nottrytostabilizethemachineby puttingyourfoot 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

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 power machine

to personswho read.

understand

and followthe warnings

and instructions

in this manual

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:Somemodelsareshippedwiththe batterycables alreadyconnected.

NOTE:ThepositivebatteryterminalismarkedPos.(+). Thenegativebatteryterminalis markedNeg.(-).

• Thepositivecable(heavyredwire)is securedtothe positivebatteryterminal(+)withahexboltandhex nutat thefactory.Makecertainthatthe rubberboot coverstheterminaltohelpprotectitfromcorrosion.

• Removethehex boltandhexnutfromthenegative cable.

• Removetheblackplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthe negativebatteryterminalandattachthenegative cable(heavyblackwire)tothe negativebattery terminal(-) withthebolt andnut.

• Makecertainthehold-downstrapis in positionover thebattery,securingitin place.SeeFigure1.

NOTE:Ifthe batteryis putintoserviceafterthedate shownontopof battery,chargethebatteryas instructed onpage24ofthis manualpriortooperatingthetractor.

Gas and Oil Fill-up

Thegasolinetank islocatedunderthe hoodandhasa capacityof 1-1/2gallons.Donot overfill.

NOTE: This Operators

Manual Coversa range ofproduCtspecifications

for VariousmodelS:

Characteristics and

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

WARNING: Use extreme care when handling gasoline.Gaso-

line is extremely flammable and

the vapors are explosive. Never fuel machine indoors or 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.

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 position could 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.

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 pivotbraCketWitt

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.

identifying the Mulch Plug (if so /,f

equipped)

On tractormodelssoequipped,amulchplugcan either be foundwithinthe cuttingdeck'sdischargeopeningor packedseparatelywithyourunit.

NOTE:Referto Mulching on page19for moredetailed information.

Ifyou'dprefertooperatethecuttingdeckwithoutmulch- ing,simplyremovethemulchplugby unthreadingthe plasticwing nutwhichfastensit tothecuttingdeck.This willallowtheclippingsto dischargeoutof thedischarge openingduringoperation.SeeFigure7.

Tire Pressure

Figure 7

,_ WARNING: Maximum tire pres-

Thetiresonyour unitmaybeover-inflatedforshipping purposes.Reducethetire pressurebeforeoperating thetractor.Recommendedoperatingtirepressureis approximately10p.s.iforthe reartires& 14p.s.i,forthe fronttires.Checksidewallof tireformaximump.s.i.

sure underany circumstances is 30 psi.Equal tire pressure should

be maintainedat all times.

WARNING

Maximumtirepres,

sure under any

circumstancesis30 psi, Equaltire pressure

shouldbe maintained

at all times,

NOTE:Any reference in this manualto the

RIGHTor LEFTside of

thetractor isobserved

from operator'sposition.

Know Your Lawn Tractor

NOTE:Anyreferencein thismanualto theRIGHTor LEFTsideof thetractorisobservedfromoperator'sposition.

NOTE:Steeringwheelnot shownforclarity

Figure 8

A SpeedControlLever/ParkingBrake E ThrottleControlLever

B Clutch-BrakePedal F IgnitionSwitchModule C ShiftLever G DeckLiftLever

D ChokeControl1- H PTO(BladeEngage)Lever

1-If soequipped

Throttle Control Lever

Thethrottlecontrolleveris locatedon therightside of 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.

FAST--4pm

Choke Control

Onsomemodels,movingthe throttleleverallthewayforward activatestheengine'schoke _L._ control.Onall othermodels,the

chokecontrolcanbefoundon theleftside ofthedashpanel

andisactivatedby pullingthe knoboutward.Activatingthe

chokecontrolclosesthe choke plateonthe carburetorandaidsinstartingtheengine.

RefertoStarting The Engineon page16ofthis manual fordetailedstartinginstructions.

Ignition Switch

Theignitionswitchisactivatedtostarttheengine.Insert keyintotheignitionswitchandturnclockwiseto the STARTposition.ReleasethekeyintotheON position onceenginehasfired.SeeFigure10A.

ignition Switch Module (if Equipped) Tostart theengine,insertthekeyintothe ignitionswitch andturnclockwisetothe STARTposition.Releasethe keyintothe NORMALMOWINGMODEpositiononce theenginehasfired. Tostopthe engine,turntheignitionkeycounterclockwise tothe OFFposition.SeeFigurelOB.

SLOW __ .,-.--.

Off

Position

SLOW

Figure 9

n/Lights

Start

Normal

i _ i : iii ii I ii i_/I

WARNING

lever leave a running

machine unattended,

Alwaysdisengage PTO,move shift lever

nto neutral position,

set parking ake, stop engine and remove key to preventunintended

startingl

Mode

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,

IMPORTANT:Priortooperatingthetractor,referto both SafetyInterlock Switches onpage14andStarting TheEngine onpage16of thismanualfordetailed instructionsregardingthe IgnitionSwitchModuleand operatingthetractorin REVERSECAUTIONMODE.

Start

Position

Figure 10

Deck Lift Lever

Foundonyourtractor'srightfender,thedeckliftleveris usedto changetheheightof thecuttingdeck.Touse, movethelevertothe left,then placeinthenotchbest suitedforyour application.

IMPORTANT

Priortooperatingthe

tractor, referto both Safety Interlock

Switchesonpag

14and

Engine 0n page i6

ofthismanualior

regardingthe Ignition

Switch Moduleand operating the tractor in

REVERIE CAUTION

MODEi

FORWARD

HUETRAL

Speed Control Lever

Thespeedcontrollever,locatedonthe left sideof thetractor'sdashconsole,

allowsyouto regulatethegroundspeed ofthe lawntractor.Touse,depressthe clutch-brakepedalandmovethe leveroul ofthe parkingbrakenotchandforward toincreasethetractor'sgroundspeed. Whenadesiredspeedhasbeenreached releasetheleverintoan appropriate notchto maintainthatspeed. Toslowthe tractor'sgroundspeed, depresstheclutch-brakepedalandmove thespeedcontrolleverrearwardand

releaseit intoa notch.

NOTE:Theparking brakemustbesetifthe

operatorleavestheseat withtheenginerun-

ningortheenginewill automaticallyshutoff.

NOTE:ThePTO(Blade

Engage)levermustbe

inthedisengaged(PTO

:3FF)positionwhen

startingtheengine.

iMPORTANT

Neverforce the shift lever.Doing so may

resultin senous

damageto thetractor's transmission.

REVERSE_

Figure 11

Parking Brake

Tosetthe parkingbrake,fullydepressthe clutch-brake pedal.Movethe speedcontrolleverallthewaydown andintothe parkingbrakeposition.Releasetheclutch- brakepedalto allowthe parkingbraketoengage. Toreleasetheparkingbrake,depresstheclutch-brake pedaland movethespeedcontrolleveroutofthe notchestothedesiredposition.Releasethespeed controlleverandthe clutch-brakepedal.

NOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbesetif theoperator leavestheseatwiththe enginerunningor theengine willautomaticallyshutoff.

Clutch-Brake Pedal

Theclutch-brakepedalis locatedontheleft sideof thelawntractor,alongtherunningboard.Depressthe clutch-brakepedalpartwaydownwhenslowingthe tractorbychangingspeeds(Referto SpeedControl Lever).Depressthepedalall thewaydowntoengage thedisc brakeand bringthetractortoa completestop.

NOTE:Thepedalmustbedepressedto startthe engine.Referto SafetyInterlockSwitcheson page14.

Shift Lever

Theshiftleverislocatedon theleftsideof thefender andhasthree positions,FORWARD,NEUTRALand

REVERSE.Thebrakepedalmustbedepressedand thetractor mustnotbe inmotionwhenthe movingshift lever.SeeFigure11.

IMPORTANT:Neverforcetheshiftlever.Doingsomay resultinseriousdamagetothetractor'stransmission.

NOTE:Lawntractorsvarybymodeland areavailablewitheithera 6- or 7-speed

controllever.

PTO (Blade Engage) Lever

Foundonthe tractor'srightfender,the PTO(bladeengage)leveris usedto engagepowertothecuttingdeckor other(separatelyavailable)attachments. Tooperate,movethe leverallthe way forward.Movingtheleverallthe way rearwardintothePTOOFFposition disengagespowertothecuttingdeck/

attachment. NOTE:The PTO(bladeengage)lever

mustbe inthe disengaged(PTOOFF) positionwhenstartingtheengine.

" #

Safety Interlock Switches

Thistractorisequippedwitha safetyinterlocksystem forthe protectionof theoperator.Ifthe interlocksystem shouldevermalfunction,donotoperatethetractor.

ContactanauthorizedMTDservicedealer.

* Thesafetyinterlocksystempreventstheengine

fromcrankingor startingunlessthe parkingbrakeis engaged,andthe PTO(BladeEngage)leverisinthe disengaged(OFF)position.

* Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoffif theoperator

leavestheseatbeforeengagingtheparkingbrake.

* Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoffif theoperator

leavesthetractor'sseatwiththePTO(BladeEngage) leverinthe engaged(ON)position,regardlessof whetherthe parkingbrakeis engaged.

* Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoffif theoperator

engagesthePTOwiththe parkingbrakeON.

Models without Reverse Caution Mode

• Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoffifthe PTO (BladeEngage)leveris movedintothe engaged(ON) positionwiththeshiftleverin Reverse.

Models with Reverse Caution Mode

• Withtheignitionkeyinthe NORMALMOWING position,theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff ifthe PTO(BladeEngage)leverismovedintotheengaged (ON)positionwiththe shiftleverin Reverse.

Indicator

Light

Stop

Position

Reverse

.PushButton

Reverse

CautionMode

Position

Start

Position

_ _ii ii_i i_iii_ii_ i?_i_i_i_ii_ ii__

,_ WARNING: Do not operate the

tractor if the interlocksystem

ismalfunctioning.This system

was designed for your safetyand

protection.

Reverse Caution Mode (if Equipped)

WARNING: Useextreme caution

while operating the tractor in the REVERSE CAUTION MODE.

Always lookdown 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.

TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEpositionofthe key switchmoduleallowsthetractorto be operatedin reversewiththeblades(PTO)engaged.

IMPORTANT:Mowinginreverseisnotrecommended. Tousethe REVERSECAUTIONMODE:

IMPORTANT:TheoperatorMUSTbeseatedinthe tractorseat.

1. Startthe engineasinstructedonpage16under Starting The Engine.

2. Turnthekeyfromthe NORMALMOWING(Green) positiontothe REVERSECAUTIONMODE(Yellow) positionofthe keyswitchmodule. SeeFigure12.

3. DepresstheREVERSEPUSHBUTTON(Orange, TriangularButton)atthetop,rightcornerof thekey switchmodule.Theredindicatorlightat thetop,left cornerof thekeyswitchmodulewillbe ONwhile activated.SeeFigure12.

Figure 12

4. Onceactivated(indicatorlightON),the tractorcan bedriveninreversewiththecuttingblades(PTO)

engaged.

5. Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhile backingtomakesurenochildrenarearound.

6. Afterresumingforwardmotion,returnthekeytothe NORMALMOWINGposition.

IMPORTANT:TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEwill remainactivateduntil:

a. The keyisplacedineithertheNORMALMOWING

positionor STOPposition.

b.The operatorengagestheparkingbrakebyfully

depressingtheclutch-brakepedalandholdingit downwhile movingthespeedcontrolleverintothe

PARKBRAKEposition.

Engaging the Parking Brake

Toengagethe parkingbrake:

1. Fullydepresstheclutch-brakepedalandholdit down withyourfoot.

2. Movethe speedcontrolleverall thewaydownand intothe parkingbrakeposition.

3. Releasetheclutch-brakepedalto allowthe parking braketoengage.

Toreleasetheparkingbrake:

1. Depresstheclutch-brakepedalandmovethe speed controlleveroutofthe parkingbrakepositionandinto a desiredspeed.

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.

YoUr LaWn

Tractor

WARNING

Keephands and feet awayfrom the dis- charge opening of the

cuttingdeck.

Setting the Cutting Height

1. Selectthe heightpositionofthecuttingdeckby placingthedeckliftleverinanyof thesixdifferent cuttingheightnotchesonthe rightsideofthe fender.

2. Adjustthe deckwheels,ifequipped,sothattheyare betweenl_-inchandY2-inchabovethegroundwhen thetractor isona smooth,flat surfacesuchasa driveway.

WARNING: Keep hands and feet away from the discharge open-

ing ofthe cutting deck.

NOTE:Onmodelsso equipped,thedeckwheelsare an anti-scalpfeatureofthedeckandare notdesignedto supporttheweightof thecuttingdeck.

Referto Levelingthe Deckonpage20ofthis manual formoredetailedinstructionsregardingvariousdeck adjustments.

Starting the Engine

,,__ WARNING" Do not operate the

tractor if the interlocksystem is

malfunctioning. This system was designed for your safety and

protection.

I G

AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

GO UPAND DOWNSLOPES,NOTACROSS. AVOIDSUDDENTURNS.

DO NOT OPERATETHEUNITWHEREIT COULDSLIPOR TIE IF MACHINESTOPSGOINGUPHILL,STOPBLADE(S)AND

BACKDOWNHILLSLOWLY. DO NOT MOWWHEN CHILDRENOROTHERSAREAROUND. NEVERCARRYCHILDREN,EVENWITHBLADESOFR

LOOK DOWNAND BEHIND BEFOREANDWHILEBACKING. KEEPSAFETYDEVICES(GUARDS,SHIELDS,ANDSWITCHES)

IN PLACEANDWORKING. REMOVEOBJECTSTHATCOULDBE THROWNBYTHE

BLADE(S). KNOWLOCATIONANDFUNCTIONOFALLCONTROLS.

BE SUREBLADE(S)ANDENGINEARE STOPPEDBEFORE PLACINGHANDSORFEETNEAR BLADE(S).

BEFORELEAVINGOPERATOR'SPOSITION,DISENGAGE BLADE(S), PLACETHE SHIFTLEVERIN NEUTRAL,ENGAGE BRAKELOCK,SHUTENGINEOFFAND REMOVEKEY.

READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL

Stopping the Engine

Donot operatethe

tractor ifthe interlock

system ismalfunction-

ing.This systemwas

designed for your safety and protection.

if you strike aforeign object, stopthe

engine, disconnect the spark plugwire(s) and ground against

the engine. Thoroughly

inspectthe machine

for any damage. Repair the damage before

restartingand operat-

ing.

NOTE:Referto theTRACTORSET-UPon page8 of thismanualforGasolineandOil fill-upinstructions.

1. Insertthetractorkeyintothe ignitionswitch.

2. PlacethePTO(BladeEngage)leverinthe disen- gaged(OFF)position.

3. Engagethetractor'sparkingbrake.

4. Activatethechokecontrol.

5. TurntheignitionkeyclockwisetotheSTARTposi- tion.Aftertheenginestarts,releasethekey.Itwill returnto theONposition.

IMPORTANT:DoNOTholdthe keyin theSTART positionforlongerthantensecondsata time. Doingso maycausedamagetoyourengine'selectricstarter.

6. Afterthe enginestarts,deactivatethe chokecontrol andplacethe throttlecontrolinthe FASTposition.

NOTE:Do NOTleavethe chokecontrolonwhileoperat- ingthetractor.Doingsowill resultina "rich"fuelmixture andcausetheengineto runpoorly.

__ ARNING: if you strike a foreign

object, stop the engine,discon-

nect the spark plug wire(s) and

ground against the engine. Thor-

oughly inspectthe machine for any damage. Repair the damage

before restarting and operating

1. If thebladesareengaged,placethe PTO(Blade Engage)leverinthe disengaged(OFF)position.

2. Turntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetothe STOP position.

3. Removethekeyfromthe ignitionswitchtoprevent unintendedstarting.

Driving The Tractor

WARNING: Avoidsudden starts,

e×-cessivespeed and sudden

stops.

WARNING: Do not leave the seat

of the tractor without first plac-

ingthe PTO(Blade Engage) lever inthe disengaged (OFF) posi-

tion, depressing the brake pedal

and engaging the parking brake.

if leaving the tractor unattended,

also turn the ignitionkey off and remove the key.

Always look down and behind before and while backing up to

avoid a back-over accident.

1. Depressthebrakepedalto releasetheparkingbrake andletthe pedalup.

2. Movethe throttleleverintotheFAST(rabbit)position.

3. Placetheshiftleverin eithertheFORWARDor REVERSEposition.

IMPORTANT:DoNOTusetheshiftlevertochangethe directionoftravelwhenthetractorisin motion.Always usethe brakepedalto bringthetractortoa complete stopbeforeshifting.

4. Releasetheparkingbrakebydepressingtheclutch- brakepedalandpositioningthespeedcontrolleverin desiredposition.

IMPORTANT:First-timeoperatorsshouldusespeed positions1or2. Becomecompletelyfamiliarwiththe tractor'soperationandcontrolsbeforeoperatingthe tractorinhigherspeedpositions.

Releaseclutch-brakepedalslowlyto putunit into motion.

Thelawntractoris broughttoa stopbydepressing theclutch-brakepedal.

NOTE:Whenoperatingtheunitinitially,therewillbe little differencebetweenthehighesttwospeedsuntilafterthe beltshaveseatedthemselvesintothe pulleysduringthe break-inperiod.

operator's positionfor any

_ ARNING: Before leaving the

reason, disengage the blades, place the shift lever inneutral,

engage the parking brake, shut engine off and remove the key.

IMPORTANT:Whenstoppingthetractorfor anyreason whileona grasssurface,always:

1. Placetheshift leverinneutral,

2. Engagetheparkingbrake,

3. Shutengineoff andremovethekey. Doingsowillminimizethepossibilityofhavingyourlawn

"browned"byhot exhaustfromyourtractor'srunning engine. If unit stalls withspeedcontrolin highspeed,orif unit willnot operatewithspeedcontrolleverin alowspeed position,proceedasfollows:

1. Placeshiftleverin NEUTRAL.

2. Restartengine.

3. Placespeedcontrolleverinhighestspeedposition.

4. Releaseclutch-brakepedalfully.

5. Depressclutch-brakepedal.

6. Placespeedcontrolleverindesiredposition.

7. Placeshiftleverin eitherFORWARDorREVERSE, andfollownormaloperatingprocedures.

WARNING

Avoid sudden starts,

ex-cessive speed and sudden stops.

Do not leave the seat

of the tractor without first placingthe PTO

(Blade Engage)lever in the disengaged (OFF)

position,depressing

the brake pedal and engaging the parking

brake, if leavingthe

tractor unattended, also turn the ignition

key off and remove the key.

Always look down and behind before

and while backing up to avoid a back-over

_ccident.

Driving On Slopes

Refertothe SLOPEGAUGEon page3 tohelpdeter- mineslopeswhereyoumayoperatethetractorsafely.

Using the Deck Lift Lever

Toraisethecuttingdeck,movethe decklift levertothe left,thenplaceitinthe notchbestsuitedforyourapplica- tion.RefertoSettingThe CuttingHeightearlierinthis

section.

WARNING

Donot mow on inclines

with a slopein excess of 15degrees (a rise

of approximately 2-1/2

feet every 10 feet). The tractor could overturn

and cause serious

injury.

Tohelp avoid blade ;ontact or a thrown

object injury, keep bystanders, helpers,

;hildren and pets at least75 feet from the

machine while it is in operation. Stop ma-

;hine if anyoneenters thearea.

inclineswith a slope in excess

,_ WARNING: Do not mow on

of 15degrees (a rise of approxi-

mately 2-1/2feet every 10feet).

The tractor could overturnand

cause serious injury.

• Mowupanddownslopes,NEVERacross.

• Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirection on slopes.

• Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orotherhidden objects.Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe machine. Tallgrasscan hideobstacles.

• Avoidturnswhendrivingonaslope.Ifa turnmust be made,turndowntheslope.Turningupa slope greatlyincreasesthechanceofa rollover.

• Avoidstoppingwhendrivingupaslope.If itis necessarytostopwhiledrivingup aslope,startup smoothlyandcarefullyto reducethepossibilityof flippingthetractoroverbackward.

Engaging the Blades

EngagingthePTO(BladeEngage)transferspowerto thecutting deckor other(separatelyavailable)attach- ments.Toengagethe blades,proceedasfollows:

1. Movethe throttlecontrollevertotheFAST(rabbit) position.

2. GraspthePTO(BladeEngage)leverandpivotit all thewayforwardinto theengaged(ON) position.

3. Keepthe throttleleverinthe FAST(rabbit)position forthe mostefficientuseofthe cuttingdeckorother (separatelyavailable)attachments

iMPORTANT:ModelswithReverseCaution Mode: Theenginewill automaticallyshutoff ifthePTOis

engagedwiththeshift leverin positionfor reversetravel withtheignitionkeyintheNORMALMOWINGposition.

Models withoutReverseCautionMode: ThePTO(BladeEngage)levermustbein thedisen-

gaged(OFF)positionwhenstartingtheengine,when travelingin reverse,and if theoperatorleavestheseat. RefertoSafetyinterlockSwitchesonpage14.

Mowing

WARNING: 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.

Thefollowinginformationwillbehelpfulwhenusingthe cuttingdeckwith yourtractor:

WARNING: Planyour mowing pattern to avoid discharge of materials toward roads, sidewalks,

bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against

a wall or obstruction which may cause discharged material to

ricochet back toward the operator.

• Do notmowathighgroundspeed,especiallyifa mulchkit orgrasscollectorisinstalled.

• For bestresultsitis recommendedthatthefirsttwo

lapsbe cutwiththe dischargethrowntowardsthe center.Afterthefirsttwolaps, reversethedirectionto throwthedischargetotheoutsidefor thebalanceof cutting.Thiswillgivea betterappearanceto the lawn.

• Do notcutthegrasstoo short.Shortgrassinvites weedgrowthandyellowsquicklyindry weather.

• Mowingshouldalwaysbedonewiththeengineat full throttle.

Underheavierconditionsitmaybenecessarytogo backoverthecut areaa secondtimetogeta clean

cut.

• DoNOTattempttomowheavybrushandweedsand _ _ " -- extremelytallgrass.Yourtractoris designedtomow /A I

awns,NOTdearbrush //I

• Keepthebladessharpand replacethebladeswhen "i.: ....",,, [J

worn.Referto Cutting Bladeson page25ofthis / ' manualforproperbladesharpeninginstructions.

Mulching (If Equipped) Selectmodelscomeequippedwitha mulchkitwhich incorporatesspecialblades,alreadystandardonthe tractor,ina processof recirculatinggrassclippings repeatedlybeneaththecuttingdeck.Theultra-fine clippingsarethenforcedbackintothe lawnwherethey

actasa naturalfertilizer. Observethefollowingpointsfor thebestresultswhen

mulching:

• Neverattempttomulchif the lawnisdamp.Wetgrass tendsto stickto theundersideofthecuttingdeck preventingpropermulchingofthe clippings.

• DoNOTattempttomulchmorethan1/3thetotal heightof thegrassor approximately1-1/2inches. Doingso willcausetheclippingstoclumpup beneath thedeckand notbe mulchedeffectively.

• Maintainaslowgroundspeedtoallowthegrass clippingsmoretimeto effectivelybemulched.

• AlwayspositionthethrottlecontrolleverintheFAST (rabbit)positionandallowitto remaintherewhile mowing.Failingtokeeptheengineat fullthrottle placesstrainon thetractor'sengineanddoesnot allowthe bladesto properlymulchgrass.

NOTE:It is notnecessarytoremovethedischargechute tooperatethemowerwiththe mulchkit installed.

Tooperatethecuttingdeckwithoutmulching,simply removethemulchplugbyunthreadingtheplasticwing nutwhichfastensit tothe cuttingdeck.Thiswillallowthe clippingstodischargeouttheside.See Figure13.

Operating

Figure 13

WARNING

Planyour mowing pat-

tern to avoid discharge of materials toward

roads, sidewalks, by-

standers and the like. Also, avoid discharging

_aterial against a wall _robstruction which

may cause discharged

aterial to ricochet

back toward the

operator.

Headlights

• Onsomemodels,thelampsareONwheneverthe tractor'sengineisrunning.Onothermodels,the lampsareONwhenevertheignitionkeyis movedout ofthe STOPposition.

• Onall models,thelampsturn OFFwhenthe ignition keyismovedto theSTOPposition.

WARNING

Neverattemptto

make any adjust- ments while the

engine isrunning,

exceptwhere speci-

i fied in the operator's

manual.

iNever attempt to iadjust the brakes

_whiethe engine iisrunning. Always

idisengage PTO, move ::shift lever intoneutral

position, stop engine and remove key to

iprevent unintended istarting.

Figure 14

Figure 15

,_ WARNING: Never attempt to

make any adjustments while the engine isrunning, except

where specified in the operator's manual.

1. Withthe tractorparkedona firm,levelsurface,place thedecklift leverin thetopnotch(highestposition) androtatethebladenearestthedischargechuteso thatitis parallelwiththetractor.

2. Measurethedistancefromthe frontofthe bladetipto thegroundandthe rearofthe bladetiptotheground.

Thefirst measurementtakenshouldbebetween

1/4"and 3/8"lessthanthesecondmeasurement.

Determinetheapproximatedistancenecessaryfor properadjustmentandproceed,ifnecessary,tothe nextstep.

3. Locatethejamnut andlocknutonthefrontsideof the stabilizerbracket.See Figure14.Afterlooseningthe

jamnut:

Tightenthelocknutto raisethefrontof thedeck; Loosenthelocknutto lowerthefrontofthe deck.

4. Retightenthejam nutloosenedearlierwhenproper adjustmentisachieved.

Side to Side If thecuttingdeckappearsto bemowingunevenly,a side

toside adjustmentcan beperformed.Adjustif necessary asfollows:

1. Withthe tractorparkedona firm,levelsurface,place thedecklift leverin thetopnotch(highestposition) androtatebothbladessothattheyareperpendicular

withthetractor.

2. Measurethedistancefromthe outsideoftheleftblade tipto thegroundandthe distancefromtheoutsideof

therightbladetipto theground.Bothmeasurements takenshouldbeequal. Ifthey'renot,proceedtothe nextstep.

3. Loosen,butdo NOTremove,the hexcapscrewon theleftdeckhangerbracket.SeeFigure15.

4. Balancethedeckby usingawrenchtoturnthe adjustmentgear (foundimmediatelybehindthehex capscrewjust loosened)clockwise/uporcounter- clockwise/down.Thedeckis properlybalancedwhen bothbladetip measurementstakenearlierareequal.

5. Retightenthehex capscrewontheleft deckhanger bracketwhenproperadjustmentisachieved.

Parking Brake Adjustment

Leveling the Deck

NOTE:Checkthetractor'stirepressurebeforeperform- inganydeck levelingadjustments.RefertoTires on page24 forinformationregardingtirepressure.

Front To Rear Thefrontof thecuttingdeckissupportedbya stabilizer

barthatcanadjustedto levelthe deckfromfrontto rear. Thefrontof thedeckshouldbebetween1/4-inchand

3/8-inchlowerthantherearof thedeck.Adjustif necessaryasfollows:

_ ARNING"Never attempt to ad-

just the brakes while the engine is running. Always disengage PTO, move shift lever into neutral posi-

tion, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.

If thetractordoesnotcometoa completestopwhenthe brakepedalis completelydepressed,or if thetractor's rearwheelscanrollwiththe parkingbrakeapplied,the

brakeis in needofadjustment.Thebrakedisccanbe foundon the rightsideof thetransmissionintherearof thetractor.Adjustif necessaryasfollows:

1. Lookingatthetransmissionfromthe rightsideofthe tractor,locatethecompressionspringandbrakedisc. See Figure16.

2. Loosen,butdo NOTremove,the hexnutfoundon the rightsideofthe brakeassembly.SeeFigure16.

3. Usingafeelergauge,setthe gapbetweenthe brake

discandthebrakepuckat.011".

4. Re-tightenthehexnutloosenedearlier.

Seat Adjustment

Adjusting

urLawn

_ ARNING: Before operating this

machine,make sure the seat is engaged in the seat stop, stand

behind the machine and pull back on seat until fully engaged into

stop.

Standard Seat Toadjustthe positionofthe seat,loosenthetwohex

screwson thebottomofthe seat.Slidetheseatforward or backwardas desired.Retightenthe twoscrews.See

Figure17. Knob Adjustment Seat (if so equipped)

Toadjustthe positionofthe seaton modelssoequipped, loosenthe twoknobson thebottomoftheseat. See

Figure18.Slidetheseatforwardorbackwardasdesired. Retightenthetwoknobs.

Quick Adjust Seat (if so equipped) Toadjustthe positionofthe seaton modelsequipped witha seatadjustmentlever,movetheseatadjustment lever(locatedundertheseat)tothe leftand slidetheseat forwardor rearward.SeeFigure19.Makesureseatis lockedintopositionbeforeoperatingthetractor.

Set gap

Figure 16

Figure 17

Hex Nut

WARNING

Before operating this machine, make sure

the seat is engaged in the seat stop, stand

behind the machine and pull back on seat

until fully engaged into

stop.

Figure 19 Figure 18

.....J

WARNING

any maintenance or

repairs,disengage

PTO,move shift lever intoneutralposition,

set parkingbrake, stop engine and remove key

o preventunintended _tarting!

Before lubricatingi repairing, or inspect,

ing,always disengage PTOImove shift lever

into neutral position,

set parking brake, stop

engineandremovekey

to preventunintended startingl

NOTE:Dependingon

the engine model found Onyour tractorl itmay

be necessaryto remove thetractor!s side panel

in OrdertOreplacethe

oilfilter (ifso equipped):

Figure 20

,_ WARNING: Before performing

any maintenance or repairs, disengage PTO,move shift lever

intoneutral position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove

key to prevent unintended

starting.

Engine

Referto the EngineOperator/Owner Manualfor engine maintenanceinstructions. Checkengineoil levelbeforeeachuseas instructed inthe EngineOperator/OwnerManualpackedwithyour unit.Follow the instructionscarefully.

Changing Engine Oil NOTE:Dependingontheenginemodelfoundon your

tractor,itmaybenecessaryto removethetractor'sside panelin ordertoreplacetheoilfilter(if soequipped).

Fordrainingoilfromthe engine'scrankcaseofselect modeltractors,a plasticoildrainsleeveis packedwith thisOperator'sManual.Todraintheoil,proceedas

follows:

1. Unscrewtheoilfill capand removethedipstickfrom theoil fill tube.

2. Snapthe smallendofoildrainsleeveontotheoil sump.SeeFigure20.

3. Removedrainpluganddrainoil intoasuitable containerwitha capacityofno lessthan64oz.

4. Servicethe oilfilter (if soequipped)as instructedin theseparateEngineOperator/OwnerManualpacked withyourunit.

Performtheabovestepsinthe oppositeorderafteroil has finisheddraining.

5. Refillthe enginewith newmotoroil asinstructedinthe EngineOperator/OwnerManualpackedwithyour unit.

IMPORTANT:Refertothe EngineOperator/Owner Manualpackedwithyourunitfor informationregardingthe quantityandproperweightof motoroil.

Air Cleaner Servicethepre-cleaner,if soequipped,andcartridge/air

cleanerelementasinstructedin theEngineOperator/ OwnerManualpackedwithyourunit.

Spark Plug(s) Thesparkplug(s)shouldbecleanedand thegap reset oncea season.Sparkplugreplacementisrecommended atthe startof eachmowingseason.RefertotheEngine Operator/OwnerManualforcorrectplugtypeandgap specifications.

Lubrication

WARNING: Before lubricating, repairing, or inspecting,always

disengage PTO,move shift lever

intoneutral position,set parking

brake, stop engine and remove

key to prevent unintended start- ing.

Engine Lubricatetheenginewithmotoroil as instructedinthe EngineOwnerManualpackedwith yourunit.

Pivot Points & Linkage

Lubricateall thepivotpointsonthe drivesystem,parking brakeandlift linkageatleastoncea seasonwithlightoil.

Rear Wheels Therearwheelsshouldbe removedfromthe axlesonce a season.Lubricatethe axlesandtherimswell withan

all-purposegreasebeforere-installingthem. Front Axles

Eachendof thetractor'sfrontpivotbarmaybeequipped witha greasefitting.Lubricatewitha greasegunafter every25 hoursof tractoroperation.

Cleaning the Engine And Deck

Anyfuel oroil spilledonthemachineshouldbewiped off promptly.DoNOTallowdebristo accumulatearound thecoolingfinsofthe engineor onanyotherpartofthe

machine. IMPORTANT:Theuseofa pressurewasherto cleanyour

tractoris NOTrecommended.It maycausedamageto electricalcomponents,spindles,pulleys,bearingsor the engine.

Deck Wash System TM A hexplugcan befoundonyourtractor'sdecksurface. SeeFigure21. Thisplugcanbe replacedwitha waterporttobeusedas partof a separately-availabledeckwashsystem. UsetheDeckWashSystemTM to rinsegrassclippings fromthedeck'sundersideandpreventthe buildupof

corrosivechemicals. NOTE:Referto page28forinformationregardingthis

andotherseparately-availableattachments& acces- soriesforyourtractor.

Cutting Deck Removal

NOTE:Modelsequippedwitha 38-inchdeckhaveone deckidlerpulley.Modelsequippedwitha 42-inchdeck havetwodeckidlerpulleys.

Toremovethecuttingdeck, proceedasfollows:

1. PlacethePTO(BladeEngage)leverinthe disen- gaged(OFF)positionandengagetheparkingbrake.

2. Lowerthedeckby movingthedeckliftleverinto the bottomnotchonthe rightfender.

3. Removethe beltfromaroundthetractor'sengine pulleyandidlerpulley(s).Referto ChangingtheDeck Belton page26 fordetailedinstructions.

4. Lookingatthe cuttingdeckfromtheleft sideof the tractor,locatethehairpinclip thatsecuresthedeck supportrodon therearleftsideofthe deck.See Figure22.

5. Removethe hairpinclipthat securesthedeck supportrod,andcarefullyremovethedecksupport

fromthedecklift arm.

6. Repeattheabovestepson thetractor'srightside.

7. Movethe decklift leverintothe topnotchonthe right fenderto raisethe deckliftarmsupandoutofthe

way.

8. CarefullyremovethePTOcablefromthe rearof thecuttingdeckbyremovingthehair pinclipwhich securesit.Removethe springfromthedeckidler bracket.SeeFigure23.

9. Gentlyslidethecuttingdecktowardthefrontof the tractorallowingthehooksonthe decktorelease

themselvesfromthedeckstabilizerrod.

10.Gentlyslidethecuttingdeck(fromtherightside)out fromunderneaththetractor.

Figure 21

tOTE: Models

equippedwith a 38-inch

deck have one deck

idlerpulley.Models eau_ppedwith a 42-inch

deck havetwo deck

idlerpulleys.

Figure 22

Figure 23

WARNING

Never exceed the maximuminflation

pressureshownon the

sidewall of the tire.

Batteries give off an explosive gas while charging. Charge bat=

tery ina wellventilated area and keep away

from an open flame or pilot light as on a

water heater,space heater,furnace, clothes

dryer or other gas

appliances.

Alwaysuse a fuse with

the same amperage

capacityfor replace= merit.

Tires Jump Starting

WARNING:When removing or

,_ WARNING: Never exceedthe ,_

maximuminflation pressure

shown on the sidewall of tire.

installingthe battery, follow

these instructionsto prevent the screwdriver from shorting against

Therecommendedoperatingtirepressureis:

• Approximately10psiforthereartires

• Approximately14psiforthefronttires IMPORTANT:Refertothetiresidewallforexacttire

manufacturer'srecommendedormaximumpsi.Donot overinflate.Uneventirepressurecouldcausethecutting decktomowunevenly.

Battery

Thebatteryis sealedandismaintenance-free.Acid levelscannotbechecked.

• Alwayskeepthebatterycablesandterminalsclean andfreeof corrosivebuild-up.

• Aftercleaningthebatteryandterminals,applya light coatofpetroleumjellyorgreaseto bothterminals.

• Alwayskeeptherubberbootpositionedoverthe positiveterminaltopreventshorting.

IMPORTANT:Ifremovingthebatteryforanyreason, disconnecttheNEGATIVE(Black)wire fromit'sterminal first,followedbythe POSITIVE(Red)wire.When re-installingthebattery,alwaysconnectthe POSITIVE (Red)wire itsterminalfirst,followedbytheNEGATIVE (Black)wire.Becertainthatthewiresareconnectedto thecorrectterminals;reversingthemcouldchangethe polarityandresultindamagetoyourengine'salternat- ingsystem.

Charging If thetractorhasnot beenputintouseforanextended periodoftime,chargethe batterywithanautomotive- type 12-voltchargerfora minimumofone hour at six

amps.

WARNING: Batteries give offan

explosive gas while charging.

Charge battery in a well venti- lated area and keep away from

an open flame or pilot light as

IMPORTANT:Neverjumpyourtractor'sdeadbatterywith thebatteryof a runningvehicle.

1. Connectendofonejumpercableto thepositive terminalofthe goodbattery,thenthe otherendtothe positiveterminalofthedeadbattery.

2. Connecttheotherjumpercable tothenegative terminalofthe goodbattery,thento theframeof the unit with the dead battery.

_ WARNING" Failure to use this

Cleaning Cleanthe batterybyremovingit fromthetractorand washingwitha bakingsodaandwatersolution.Ifneces- sary,scrapethe batteryterminalswitha wirebrushto removedeposits.Coatterminalsandexposedwiringwith greaseorpetroleumjellyto preventcorrosion.

Battery Failures Somecommoncausesforbatteryfailureare:

• incorrectinitialactivation • undercharging

• overcharging • corrodedconnections

• freezing These failures are NOTcovered by your tractor's

warranty.

Fuse

One20AMPfuseis installedin yourtractor'swiringhar- nesstoprotectthetractor'selectricalsystemfromdamage causedbyexcessiveamperage. If theelectricalsystemdoesnotfunction,oryourtractor's enginewillnotcrank,first checkto be certainthatthefuse

hasnotblown.Itcanbefoundunderthehoodmounted behindthedashpanelon therightside.

the frame.

procedure could cause sparking, and the gas in either battery could

explode.

on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other

gas appliances.

,_ WARNING: Always use a fuse with

the same amperage capacity for replacement.

Cutting Blades f

WARNING: Be sureto shut the engine off, remove ignition

key,disconnect the spark plug

wire(s) and groundagainst the engineto preventunintended

starting before removing the cut- ring blade(s) for sharpening or

replacement. Protect your hands by using heavy glovesor arag to

grasp the cutting blade.

WARNING: Periodically inspect the blade spindles for cracks or damage, especially if you strike a

foreign object. Replace immedi- ately ifdamaged.

Thebladesmayberemovedasfollows.

1. Removethedeckfrombeneaththetractor,(referto CuttingDeckRemovalon page23) thengentlyflip thedeckovertoexposeitsunderside.

2. Placea blockofwoodbetweenthecenterdeckhous- ingbaffleandthecuttingbladetoact as a stabilizer,

SeeFigure24,

3, Usea 15/16"wrenchtoremovethe hexflangenut

thatsecuresthebladetothe spindleassembly.See Figure24,

4. Toproperlysharpenthecuttingblades,removeequal amountsofmetalfrombothends ofthe bladesalong thecutting edges,paralleltothe trailingedge,ata 250to300angle,

IMPORTANT:Ifthecuttingedgeof thebladehasalready beensharpenedtowithin15/8" fromtheedge,or if any metalseparationis present,replacethebladeswith new ones,SeeFigure25,

It isimportantthateachcuttingbladeedgebeground equallyto maintainproperbladebalance.

A poorlybalancedbladewillcauseexcessive vibrationand maycausedamageto thetractorand resultinpersonalinjury,Thebladecanbetestedby balancingitona roundshaftscrewdriver.Grindmetal fromthe heavysideuntilit balancesevenly.

Figure 24

1-5/8 inch

Figure 25

Whenreplacingtheblade,besureto installtheblade withtheside ofthe blademarked"Bottom"(or with apartnumberstampedinit) facingthegroundwhen themoweris in theoperatingposition.

IMPORTANT:Useatorquewrenchto tightentheblade spindlehexflangenuttobetween70foot-poundsand90

foot-pounds.

WARNING

Be sure to shut the engine off, remove

ignitionkey, discon- nect the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine to

prevent unintended starting before remov- ing the cutting blade(s)

for sharpening or replacement. Protect

your hands by using heavy glovesor a rag

to graspthe cutting blacle,

Periodically inspect the blade spindles for cracks or damage,

especially if you strike a foreign object.

Replace immediately if damaged.

i ioto°i°g

Figure 26

Changing the Deck Belt & PTO Belt

Tochangeor replacethe deckbeltandPTObelton your tractor,proceedasfollows:

1. Lowerthedeckby movingthedecklift leverinto the bottomnotchonthe rightfender.

2. Removethebelt guardsbyremovingthe self-tapping screwsthatfastenthemto thedeck.

3. Removethebelt keeperrodfromaroundtheengine pulley.

4. Inserta 3/8"-driveratchetwrench(setto loosen)into thesquareholefoundin the idlerbracketontheleft sideof thedeck'ssurface.SeeFigure26.

5. Grasptheratchet'shandleandpivotittowardthefront ofthe tractorto relievetensiononthebelt.

6. Withbelttensionrelieved,carefullyremovethe belt from around the left-handspindlepulley.

IMPORTANT:Carefullyallowtheratchetto pivotrearward beforeremovingitfromthesquarehole.

WARNING

Be sureto shutthe engine off, remove ig-

nition key,disconnect

the spark plugwire(s)

and groundagainst

the engine to prevent

unintendedstarting

before removingthe belt(s).

Avoidthe possibility of a pinching injury.Do

not place your fingers onthe idlerspringor

between the belt and a pulleywhile removing

the belt.

_ WARNING" Be sure to shut

the engine off, remove ignition

key,disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and groundagainst the

engineto preventunintended starting before removingthe

belt(s).

All beltson yourtractorare subjecttowearand should be replacedifanysignsof weararepresent.

IMPORTANT:TheV-beltsfoundon yourtractorare speciallydesignedtoengageanddisengagesafely.A substitute(non-OEM)V-beltcanbedangerousbynot disengagingcompletely.Fora properworkingmachine, usefactoryapprovedbelts.

_ WARNING" Avoidthe possibility

of a pinchinginjury.Do not place

your fingers on the idler spring

or between the belt and a pulley while removing the belt.

7. Removethedeckbelt fromaroundall pulleys,including thedeckidlerpulley.

8. Routethe newbeltsasshownin andFigure27and28.

9. Remountthe beltguardsremovedearlier.

Changing the Transmission Drive

Belts

NOTE:Severalcomponentsmustbe removedand specialtools(i.e.air/impactwrench)in ordertochange

thetractor'sdrivebelts.SeeanauthorizedMTDService Dealerto haveyourdrivebeltsreplacedorphone

CustomerSupportas instructedon page2forinformation onorderinga ServiceManual.

IdlerBracket

42-InchDeck_

EnginePu_

Maintaining

Your Lawn

Tractor

Deck Idler Pulleys

.. j

Figure 26

Engine Pulley

Idler Bracket

38-InchDeck_

Deck Idler Pulleys

Figure 27

WARNING

Drainfuel only intoan approvedcontainer

outdoors,away from an open flame. Al- low engine to cool

Extinguishcigarettes, cigars,pipes, and

other sourcesof igni-

tion priorto draining fuel.

Cleanandlubricatethetractoras instructedinSection 6: MAiNTAiNiNGYOURLAWNTRACTORon page19

ofthismanualbeforestoringforanextendedperiod.

Followtheinstructionsinthe Service,Storage& Specifications sectionofthe EngineOperator/Owner Manualforproperenginecarepriorto storingyourtractor.

WARNING: Never store the

_ ARNING"Drainfuel only into

an approved containeroutdoors, away from an open flame. Allow

engineto cool. Extinguish cigarettes,cigars, pipes, and

other sources of ignitionprior to

__ achine or fuel container indoors

where there is an open flame,

spark or pilot lightsuchas on

water heater, furnace, clothes

dryer or other gas appliance.

drainingfuel.

Attachments & Accessories

ThefollowingattachmentsandaccessoriesarecompatibleforModelSeries700LawnTractors.Seetheretailer fromwhichyoupurchasedyourtractor,an authorizedMTDServiceDealeror phone(800) 800-7310forinformation regardingpriceandavailability.

NOTE:ModelSeries700LawnTractorsare NOTdesignedforusewithany typeofground-engagingattachments (e.g.tilleror plow).Useof thistypeof equipmentWILLvoidthetractor'swarranty.

MODEL I DESCRiPTiON

0EM-190-032 42-inchTwo-stageSnowThrower

OEM-190416 ....38/42-inchDeckMulchKit

0EM-190-180 TwinBaggerGrassCollector(for38/42-inchDecks)

0EM-190-183' DeckWheelKit

0EM-190-218 RearWheelWeightKit

OEM-190-607' DeluxeTract0rsUnshade

OEM-190-658 TireChains,20x 8 Tires OEM-190:672 GrilleGUard(mountsonfrontoftractor)

OEM-190-833 42-inchFrontDozerBlade

490_900-0025 "DeckWashKit

* Notcompatiblewithtractorsequippedwitha GrassCollector

Never store the ma-

chine or fuel container

indoorswhere there is

an open flame, spark or pilot lightsuch

as onwater heater, furnace, clothesdryer

or other gas appliance.

NOTE:i. eOTHMODES,WHENOP_e_TO_LeavesSEAT,e_GINeWlL_ STOP_NLES__R_I_QeP_KEISSETANDe_ossme_ISEN_ED.

IF UNIT STALLS W]TH SPEED CONTROL IN HIGH SPEED, OR IF UNIT WILL NOT OPERATE WITH SPEED CONTROL LEVER IN _ LOW SPEED

POSITION, PROCEED _S FOLLOWS:

WARNING

Thissymbolpoints out importantsafety

instructionswhich,if notfollowed,could endangerthepersonal safetyand/or property

of yourselfandothers.

Readandfollowall

instructionsinthis

manualbeforeat- temptingto operate

this machine.Failure to complywiththese

instructionsmayresult in personalinjury.When

youseethis symbol.

HEED ITS WARNING!

ASSEMBLECHUTE DEFLECTORTO THIS UNIT BEFOREOPERATING.

Your Responsibility

Restrictthe use ofthis power machine

to persons who read,

understand and follow the warnings

and instructions

in this manual and onthe machine.

Trou

Shootin

Forrepairsbeyond the minor adjust-

ments listed here,

contact an authorized

service dealer.

Problem Cause Remedy

Enginefailsto start I 1 PTOengaged. 1 PlacePTOknob(orlever)in

I disengaged(OFF)position. I 2. Sparkplugw re(s)disconnected. 2. Connectwire(s)tosparkplug(s).

3 Fueltankem t or stalefuel 3 F tankwth c ean freshgaso ne

I 4 Chokenotactvated 4. PullouttheCHOKEcontrol(ifso I " ' equipped)orplacethe throttle

I controlinCHOKEposition. I 5. Faultysparkplug, 5. Clean,adjustgap,or replace

I 6. Blockedfuelline. 6. Cleanfuellineor replacefuelfilter, I 7. Engineflooded, ifso equipped.

I I 7 Crankenginewiththrotte n FAST I position.

I 8 Parkngbrakenotengaged I 8. Engageparkingbrake. I 9. Throttlecontro levernotin correct , 9. PlacethrottlelevertoFAST I startingposition. _ position.

Engineruns erratic 1, UnitrunningwithCHOKEapplied, 1, PushCHOKEcontrol(if so

2, Sparkplugwire(s)loose,

3, Blockedfuellineor stalefuel,

4, Ventingascap plugged, 5, Waterordirt infuelsystem,

6. Dirty aircleaner.

py . •

equipped)in,or movethethrottle controloutof theCHOKEposition.

2. Connectandtightenspark plugwire(s).

3. Cleanfuelline;filltankwith clean,

fresh(lessthan30 daysold) gasoline.Replacefuelfilter,ifso equipped.

4. Clearventor replaceifdamaged.

5. Drainfueltank. Refillwith

freshfuel.

6. Replaceaircleanercartridge/ele- mentor cleanpre-cleaner,if so

equipped.

_ J _ =_

_ i

Problem Cause Remedy

Engineoverheats !i Engine Oi!levellow. !i Fi!!Ciankcasewith pr0pero!!,

21Air flowrestricted. 2 c eangrassclippingsanddebiis

..... finsandblowerhousing.

fromaroundtheengines €00!ing

Enginehesitatesat 1. Sparkplug(s)gaptooclose, 1, Removesparkplug(s)and reset

high RPM thegap,

Idles poorl 1 Sparkpug(s)foued fautyorgap 1 Repacesparkpug(s)Setpug(s)

y ' ' t

toowide_ gap:

2 Dirtyair €eaner Replaceair cleanercaitr dgdele:

mentor cleanpre:cleaner ifSo equipped.

Excessive 1. Cuttingbladelooseorunbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandspindle.Balanc_

Vibration blade.

2. Damagedorbentcuttingblade. 2. Replaceblade.

Mower will not 11 Enginespeedtooiowl 1; P!acethrott!e€ontrolinFAST

ohgrass (If wet grass (rabbit)p0siti°n.

Equipped) 2. Donot m0wwhengrass s wet

3. Excessivelyhighgrassl ,,,

Duiiblade &sharpen or repiacebiade:

wat unt aterto cut

_. Mowoncea!a nigncuttingneight,

then mowagainat desiredheight

or makea narrowerCuttingpath,

Unevencut 1. Decknotbalancedproperly. 1. Performside-to-sidedeckadjust-

2. Dullblade, ment.

3. Uneventirepressure.

2. Sharpenorreplaceblade.

3. Checktirepressureinall fourtires.

rou

Use this page to make notes and write down

important information:

U_e_¸pagetoma_

notesandwritedown

important information:

i_il i_i i i _II _i _ i _ i i ii

,i!_ii_i_i!i_ii_ii_!_i_i_ii_i_i_i_i_i_i_i_i_i_i_i_i_i_i_i_i_I

CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT

YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS

TheCaliforniaAirResourcesBoardandMTDConsumerGroupInc arepleasedto explaintheevaporativeemissioncontrolsystemwarrantyonyour 2006lawn mower.InCalifornia,newlawnmowermustbedesigned,builtand equippedto meettheState'sstringentanti-smogstandards.MTDConsumerGroupIncmust

warrantthe EECSonyourlawn mowerforthe periodof time listedbelowprovidedtherehasbeenno abuse,neglector impropermaintenanceofyour lawnmower. YourEECSmayincludepartssuchas thecarburetor,fuel-injectionsystem,theignitionsystem,catalyticconverter,fueltanks,fuel lines,fuel caps,valves,

canisters,filters,vaporhoses,clamps,connectors,andotherassociatedemission-relatedcomponents. Wherea warrantable condition exists, MTDConsumer Group Inc will repair your lawnmower at no cost to you includingdiagnosis, partsand labor.

MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY COVERAGE:

Thisevaporativeemissioncontrolsystemiswarrantedfortwoyears.Ifanyevaporativeemission-relatedparton yourequipmentisdefective,the partwill be repairedorreplacedbyMTDConsumerGroupInc.

OWNER'S WARRANTY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Asthe lawnmowerowner,youare responsiblefor performanceofthe requiredmaintenancelistedin yourowner'smanual. MTDConsumerGroupIncrecom- mendsthatyou retainall receiptscoveringmaintenanceonyourlawnmower,but MTDConsumerGroupInccannotdenywarrantysolelyforthe lack ofreceipts.

Asthe lawnmowerowner,youshouldhoweverbeawarethatMTDConsumerGroupIncmaydeny youwarrantycoverageifyourlawnmoweror aparthasfailed dueto abuse,neglect,orimpropermaintenanceorunapprovedmodifications.

Youare responsibleforpresentingyourlawn mowertoMTDConsumerGroupInc'sdistributioncenterorservicecenterassoonas the problemexists.The warrantyrepairsshouldbecompletedin a reasonableamountoftime, nottoexceed30 days.If youhaveaquestionregardingyour warrantycoverage,youshould

contactthe MTDConsumerGroupIncServiceDepartmentat 1-800-800-7310.

GENERAL EMISSIONS WARRANTY COVERAGE:

MTDConsumerGroupIncwarrantstothe ultimatepurchaserandeachsubsequentpurchaserthatthe lawnmoweris:Designed,builtandequippedsoas to conformwithall applicableregulations;andfreefrom defectsinmaterialsandworkmanshipthatcausethe failureof awarrantedpartto beidenticalin allmaterial respectstothat partasdescribedin MTDConsumerGroupInc'sapplicationfor certification.

Thewarrantyperiodbeginsonthedatethe lawnmoweris deliveredtoan ultimatepurchaserorfirst placedintoservice.Thewarrantyperiodistwo years. Subjecttocertainconditionsand exclusionsasstatedbelow,thewarrantyonemission-relatedpartsis asfollows:

1. Anywarrantedpartthat isnotscheduledforreplacementasrequiredmaintenanceinthe writteninstructionssupplied,is warrantedforthewarrantyperiod statedabove.Ifthepart fails duringtheperiodof warrantycoverage,the partwillbe repairedor replacedby MTDConsumerGroupIncaccordingto subsection (4)below.Anysuchpart repairedorreplacedunderwarrantywillbe warrantedforthe remainderofthe period.

2. Anywarrantedpartthat isscheduledonlyfor regularinspectioninthe writteninstructionssuppliediswarrantedforthewarrantyperiodstatedabove.Any such partrepairedor replacedunderwarrantywill bewarrantedforthe remainingwarrantyperiod.

3. Anywarrantedpartthat isscheduledforreplacementas requiredmaintenancein thewritteninstructionssuppliediswarrantedforthe periodoftime beforethe firstscheduledreplacementdatefor thatpart.If the partfails beforethefirst scheduledreplacement,the partwillbe repairedor replacedby MTDConsumer GroupIncaccordingto subsection(4)below.Anysuch partrepairedor replacedunderwarrantywillbewarrantedforthe remainderof the periodpriortothe firstscheduledreplacementpointfor the part.

4. Repairorreplacementofanywarrantedpart underthewarrantyprovisionshereinmustbeperformedata warrantystationatno chargetotheowner.

5. Notwithstandingthe provisionsherein,warrantyservicesorrepairswill beprovidedatall ofour distributioncentersthat arefranchisedto servicethesubject enginesor equipment.

6. Thelawnmowerownerwillnot bechargedfor diagnosticlaborthat is directlyassociatedwithdiagnosisofa defective,emission-relatedwarrantedpart, providedthat suchdiagnosticworkis performedata warrantystation.

7. MTDConsumerGroupIncisliablefordamagesto otherengineor equipmentcomponentsproximatelycausedby afailure underwarrantyofanywarranted part.

8. Throughoutthelawnmowerwarrantyperiodstatedabove,MTDConsumerGroupIncwill maintaina supplyof warrantedpartssufficientto meettheexpected demandfor suchparts.

9. Anyreplacementpartmaybe usedinthe performanceof anywarrantymaintenanceorrepairsand mustbe providedwithoutchargetothe owner.Suchusewill notreducethe warrantyobligationsofMTDConsumerGroupInc.

10.Add-onor modifiedpartsthat arenotexemptedbytheAir ResourcesBoardmaynot beused.Theuseofany non-exemptedadd-onor modifiedpartsby the ultimatepurchaserwillbegroundsfor disallowinga warrantyclaims.MTDConsumerGroup Incwill notbe liabletowarrantfailuresof warrantedpartscaused

bythe useofa non-exemptedadd-onormodifiedpart.

WARRANTED PARTS:

TherepairorreplacementofanywarrantedpartotherwiseeligibleforwarrantycoveragemaybeexcludedfromsuchwarrantycoverageifMTDConsumerGroup Incdemonstratesthatthe lawnmowerhasbeenabused,neglected,or improperlymaintained,andthat suchabuse,neglect,or impropermaintenancewasthe directcauseofthe needfor repairor replacementofthe part.Thatnotwithstanding,anyadjustmentof acomponentthathas afactory installed,andproperly operating,adjustmentlimitingdeviceisstill eligiblefor warrantycoverage.Thefollowingemissionwarrantypartslistarecovered:FuelLine,Fuel LineClamps

MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR

ThelimitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenbyMTDLLCwithrespectto newmerchandisepurchasedandusedin the UnitedStates,itsposses-

sionsandterritories. "MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsin materialandworkmanship

fora periodof two(2) yearscommencingonthedateof originalpurchase andwill,atits option,repairor replace,free ofcharge,anypartfoundto bedefectiveinmaterialsorworkmanship.Thislimitedwarrantyshallonly applyif this producthasbeenoperatedandmaintainedinaccordance withtheOperator'sManualfurnishedwiththeproduct,andhasnotbeen subjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,accident,improper maintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft,fire,water,ordamagebecause ofotherperilor naturaldisaster.Damageresultingfromthe installationor useof anypart,accessoryorattachmentnotapprovedbyMTDfor use withtheproduct(s)coveredbythis manualwillvoidyourwarrantyasto anyresultingdamage.

Normalwearpartsarewarrantedto befreefromdefectsinmaterialand workmanshipfor a periodofthirty(30)daysfromthe dateof purchase. Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuchas:batteries, belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,snow throwerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.

HOWTOOBTAINSERVICE:Warrantyserviceisavailable,WITH PROOFOFPURCHASE,throughyourlocalauthorizedservicedealer.To locatethedealerin yourarea,checkyourYellowPages,orcontactMTD LLCat RO.Box361131,Cleveland,Ohio44136-0019,or call1-800-800- 7310or logon toourWebsiteat www.mtdproducts.com.

Thislimitedwarrantydoesnot providecoverageinthefollowingcases: a. Theengineor componentpartsthereof.Theseitemsmay

carrya separatemanufacturer'swarranty.Refertoapplicable manufacturer'swarrantyfortermsandconditions.

b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershavea separateone

yearwarranty.

c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchaslubricants,filters,blade

sharpening,tune-ups,brakeadjustments,clutch adjustments, deckadjustments,andnormaldeteriorationofthe exteriorfinish duetouse orexposure.

d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthananauthorizedservice

dealer.

MTDdoesnotextendany warrantyforproductssoldor exportedoutsideofthe UnitedStates,its possessionsand territories,exceptthosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorized channelsofexportdistribution.

Replacementpartsthatarenot genuineMTDparts. Transportationchargesandservicecalls.

No impliedwarranty, includinganyimpliedwarranty of merchant- ability of fitness for a particularpurpose,applies after the applicable periodof expresswritten warranty aboveas to the partsas identi- fied. Noother expresswarranty, whether written or oral, except as mentionedabove,given by anypersonor entity,includinga dealer or retailer,with respect to anyproduct,shallbind MTD.Duringthe periodof the warranty,the exclusiveremedyisrepairor replacement of the productas setforth above.

Theprovisionsas setforth inthis warrantyprovidethe soleand exclusiveremedyarising from the sale.MTDshallnot be liable for incidentalorconsequentialloss or damage including,without limitation, expensesincurredfor substituteor replacement lawn care

servicesor for rentalexpensesto temporarily replaceawarranted product.

Somestatesdo not allowtheexclusionorlimitationofincidentalor consequentialdamages,orlimitationson howlonganimpliedwarranty

lasts,sothe aboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplyto you.

Innoeventshall recoveryof anykind begreaterthantheamountofthe purchasepriceof theproductsold.Alterationof safety features of the productshall void thiswarranty. Youassumetheriskandliabilityfor loss,damage,orinjuryto youandyour propertyand/ortoothersandtheir propertyarisingout ofthe misuseorinabilityto usetheproduct.

Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendto anyoneotherthanthe original purchaseror tothe personforwhomitwaspurchasedas a gift.

HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHISWARRANTY: Thislimitedwar-

rantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalso haveotherrights whichvaryfromstateto state.

IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofofPurchasetoobtain warrantycoverage.

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136=0019; Phone: 1=800=800=7310

Yard-Man 771 Operator's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual