Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips &Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooling • Parts Lists • Warranty
A O AL
Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor- Model Series 610
iMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyuniiprovedforest-covered,brush-
coveredor grassicoveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalorstatelaws(if any).
If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw
(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester
forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,
Ohio44136-0019.
PRINTEDIN U.S.A
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
FORMNO.769101628A
12/1/2005
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
Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor ........................ 22
Off-Season Storage / Attachments ................. 28
Safety Labels .................................................... 29
Troubleshooting ................................................ 30
Replacement Parts ........................................... 32
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREASSEMBLINGYOUR NEW EQUIPMENT,please
locatethe model plateon the equipmentandcopy the
informationtothe sample modelplate providedtothe right.
Youcan locatethe modelplate by looking under the seat. This
informationwill be necessaryto usethemanufacturer'sweb
site,to obtain assistancefrom the CustomerSupport Depart-
ment,or when contacting an authorizedservice dealer.
Model Number
www.mtdproducts,com
Serial Number
MTD LLC
P.O= BOX 361131
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330-220-4683
800-800-7310
Customer Support
Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
Ifyou have difficultyassemblingthis productor have anyquestionsregardingthe controls, operation,or maintenanceof this
unit,youcanseek help from the experts.Choosefrom the options below:
1. Visitwww.mtdproducts.com.
2. Phonea Customer Support Representative at 1 (800) 800-7310.
3. The enginemanufacturer isresponsiblefor all engine-relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-rating,specifica-
tions,warranty and service. Pleasereferto the engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packedseparatelywith
your unit,for moreinformation.
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Operation
WARNING
Thissymbol points
out importantsafety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed, could
i endangerthe personal
safetyand/or property
ofyourself and others.
I Readand follow all
i instructionsinthis man-
i ualbeforeattempting to
i operatethis machine.
Failureto complywith
these instructionsmay
resultin personalinjury.
i Whenyou see this
symbol.
i HEED ITS WARNING
Your
i Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
I to personswho read,
understand
and followthe warnings
and instructions
inthis manual
WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of itsconstituents,andcertain vehiclecompo-
nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: Thismachinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safeoperation in this
manual.As with anytype of powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operatorcan
result inseriousinjury.This machine iscapableof amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.
Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injury or death.
Children
1. Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatoris not
alerttothepresenceofchildren.Childrenareoften
attractedto themachineandthemowingactivity.
Theydo notunderstandthedangers.Neverassume
thatchildrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem.
a. Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandin
watchfulcareofa responsibleadultotherthan
theoperator.
b. Bealertandturnmachineoff ifa childenters
thearea.
c. Beforeandwhilebacking,lookbehindand
downforsmallchildren.
d. Nevercarrychildren,evenwiththeblade(s)
shutoff.Theymayfalloffandbeseriously
injuredorinterferewithsafemachineoperation.
e. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblind
corners,doorways,shrubs,treesorother
objectsthatmayblockyourvisionofachild
whomayrunintothemachine.
f. Toavoid back-overaccidents, always
disengagethe cuttingblade(s) before
shiftingintoReverse.Ifequipped,the
"Reverse CautionMode"shouldnotbe
usedwhenchildrenor others are around.
g. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor running
engines.Theycansufferburnsfroma hot
muffler.
h. Removekeywhenmachineisunattendedto
preventunauthorizedoperation.
2. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operate
themachine.Children14yearsoldandovershould
readand understandtheoperationinstructionsand
safetyrulesinthis manualandshouldbetrainedand
supervisedbya parent.
Operation
Safe Handlingof Gasoline:
1. Toavoid personalinjuryor propertydamageuse
extremecareinhandlinggasoline.Gasolineis
extremely flammableand the vapors areexplo-
sive. Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasoline
isspilledonyourselfor yourclotheswhichcanignite.
Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.
a. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
b. Neverfillcontainersinsideavehicleor ona
truckor trailerbedwitha plasticliner.Always
placecontainersonthegroundawayfrom
yourvehiclebeforefilling.
c. Whenpractical,removegas-powered
equipmentfromthetruckor trailerand refuelit
ontheground.Ifthis isnotpossible,then
refuelsuchequipmenton a trailerwitha
portablecontainer,ratherthanfroma gasoline
dispensernozzle.
d. Keepthenozzlein contactwiththerimof
thefueltankor containeropeningatall
timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotusea
nozzlelock-opendevice.
e. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesand
othersourcesofignition.
f. Neverfuelmachineindoors.
g. Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhilethe
engineishotor running.Allowenginetocool
atleasttwominutesbeforerefueling.
h. Neveroverfillfueltank.Filltanktonomore
than1/2inchbelowbottomoffillerneckto
allowspaceforfuelexpansion.
i. Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
j. If gasolineisspilled,wipeitoff theengine
andequipment.Moveunittoanotherarea.
Wait5 minutesbeforestartingtheengine.
k. Toreducefirehazards,keepmachinefreeof
grass,leaves,orotherdebrisbuild-up.Clean
upoil orfuelspillageand removeanyfuel
soakeddebris.
I. Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainer
insidewherethereisanopenflame,spark
orpilotlightason a waterheater,space
heater,furnace,clothesdryerorothergas
appliances.
m. Allowa machinetocoolatleastfiveminutes
beforestoring.
4
GeneralOperation:
1. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionsonthe
machineandin themanual(s)beforeattemptingto
assembleandoperate.Keepthismanualinasafe
placeforfutureandregularreferenceandforordering
replacementparts.
2. Befamiliarwith allcontrolsandtheirproperoperation.
Knowhowtostopthe machineanddisengagethem
quickly.
3, Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsold tooperate
this machine.Children14yearsoldandovershould
readandunderstandtheoperationinstructionsand
safetyrulesinthis manualandshouldbetrainedand
supervisedbya parent.
4. Neverallowadultstooperatethis machinewithout
properinstruction.
5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,
keepbystanders,helpers,childrenand petsat least
75feet fromthemachinewhileitis inoperation.Stop
machineifanyoneentersthearea.
6. Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentisto
be used.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toys,
andotherforeignobjectswhichcouldbe pickedup
andthrownbytheblade(s).Thrownobjectscancause
seriouspersonalinjury.
7. Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeof
materialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe
like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainstawallor
obstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterialto
ricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
8. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduring
operationandwhileperformingan adjustmentor
repairtoprotectyoureyes.Thrownobjectswhich
ricochetcancauseseriousinjurytotheeyes.
9. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fitting
slacksandshirts.Loosefittingclothesandjewelry
canbecaughtinmovableparts.Neveroperatethis
machinein barefeetor sandals.
10.Beawareofthemowerandattachmentdischarge
directionanddo notpointitatanyone.Donotoperate
themowerwithoutthedischargecoverorentiregrass
catcherin itsproperplace.
11.Donotputhandsor feetnearrotatingpartsor under
thecuttingdeck.Contactwiththeblade(s)can
amputatehandsandfeet.
12.A missingor damageddischargecovercancause
bladecontactorthrownobjectinjuries.
13.Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggraveldrives,walks,
or roadsandwhilenotcuttinggrass.
14.Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearor crossing
roadways.Thismachineisnotintendedforuseon
anypublicroadway.
15.Donotoperatethe machinewhileundertheinflu-
enceofalcoholordrugs.
16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.
17.Nevercarrypassengers.
18.Disengageblade(s)beforeshiftingintoreverse.
Backupslowly.Alwayslookdownandbehindbefore
andwhilebackingtoavoida back-overaccident.
19.Slowdownbeforeturning.Operatethe machine
smoothly.Avoiderraticoperationandexcessive
speed.
20.Disengageblade(s),setparkingbrake,stopengine
andwaituntiltheblade(s)cometoa completestop
beforeremovinggrasscatcher,emptyinggrass,
uncloggingchute,removinganygrassor debris,or
makinganyadjustments.
21.Neverleavea runningmachineunattended.Always
turnoff blade(s),placetransmissionin neutral,set
parkingbrake,stopengineand removekeybefore
dismounting.
22.Useextracarewhenloadingorunloadingthe
machineintoa trailerortruck.Thisunitshouldnot
bedrivenupor downramp(s),becausethe unit
couldtipover,causingseriouspersonalinjury.The
unitmustbepushedmanuallyon ramp(s)toloador
unloadproperly.
23.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea
burn.Donottouch.
24.Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedriving
underlowhangingtreebranches,wires,dooropen-
ingsetc.,wheretheoperatormaybe struckor pulled
fromthe unit,whichcouldresultinseriousinjury.
25.Disengageallattachmentclutches,depressthe
brakepedalcompletelyandshiftintoneutralbefore
attemptingtostartengine.
26.Yourmachineisdesignedto cutnormalresidential
grassofa heightno morethan10".Donotattemptto
mowthroughunusuallytall,drygrass(e.g.,pasture)
or pilesofdryleaves.Drygrassor leavesmay
contacttheengineexhaustand/orbuilduponthe
mowerdeckpresentinga potentialfirehazard.
27.Useonlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapprovedfor
thismachinebythemachinemanufacturer.Read,
understandandfollowall instructionsprovidedwith
theapprovedaccessoryor attachment.
28.Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60 yearsand
above,are involvedin a largepercentageofriding
mower-relatedinjuries.Theseoperatorsshould
evaluatetheirabilitytooperatethe ridingmower
safelyenoughto protectthemselvesandothersfrom
seriousinjury.
29.If situationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis
manual,usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyour
customerservicerepresentativeforassistance.
!i!i ¸¸¸:¸/: :!i¸ ¸¸¸ : :
WARNING
Thissymbol points
out importantsafety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safety and/or property
ofyourself and others.
Readand followall
instructions inthis man-
ual beforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failureto comply with
these instructionsmay
result inpersonalinjury.
Whenyou seethis
symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read,
understand
and follow the warnings
and instructions
inthis manual
5
Operation
This symbol points
out important safety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed, could
endangerthe personal
i safety and/or property
of yourselfand others.
Readandfollow all
=nstructionsin this man-
ualbeforeattempting to
I operatethis machine.
I Failureto comply with
i these instructions may
i resultin personalinjury.
Whenyou seethis
symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
of this power machine
to personswho read,
understand
and followthe warn=ngs
and instructions
in this manual
Slopesare a majorfactorrelatedtolossofcontroland
tip-overaccidentswhichcanresultin severeinjuryor
death.All slopesrequireextracaution.If youcannot
backuptheslopeor ifyoufeeluneasyonit, do notmow
it.
Foryoursafety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartof
thismanualto measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunit
ona slopedor hillyarea.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15
degreesasshownon theslopegauge,do notoperate
thisunitonthatareaorseriousinjurycouldresult.
DO:
1. Mowupanddownslopes,notacross.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
2. Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orotherhidden
objects.Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe machine.
Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
3. Useslowspeed.Choosea lowenoughspeed
settingsothatyouwillnothaveto stopor shiftwhile
ontheslope.Tiresmaylosetractiononslopeseven
thoughthebrakesarefunctioningproperly.Always
keepmachineingearwhengoingdownslopesto
takeadvantageofenginebrakingaction.
4. Followthemanufacturer'srecommendationsfor
wheelweightsorcounterweightstoimprovestability.
5. Useextracarewithgrasscatchersorotherat-
tachments.Thesecanchangethestabilityofthe
machine.
6. Keepall movementon theslopesslowand gradual.
Donotmakesuddenchangesin speedor direction.
Rapidengagementor brakingcouldcausethefront
ofthemachineto liftand rapidlyflipoverbackwards
whichcouldcauseseriousinjury.
7. Avoidstartingor stoppingon aslope.If tireslose
traction,disengagetheblade(s)andproceedslowly
straightdowntheslope.
Do Not:
1. Donotturnon slopesunlessnecessary;then,turn
slowlyandgraduallydownhill,ifpossible.
2. Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments.
Themowercouldsuddenlyturnoverif awheelisover
theedgeofa cliff,ditch,or ifan edgecavesin.
3. Donottry tostabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfoot
ontheground.
4. Donotusea grasscatcheronsteepslopes.
5. Donotmowonwetgrass.Reducedtractioncould
causesliding.
6. Donotshifttoneutralandcoastdownhill.Over-speed-
ingmaycausetheoperatortolosecontrolofthe
machineresultingin seriousinjuryordeath.
7. Donottow heavypullbehindattachments(e.g.loaded
dumpcart,lawnroller,etc.)on slopesgreaterthan
5 degrees.Whengoingdownhill,theextraweight
tendsto pushthetractorandmaycauseyoutoloose
control.(e.g.tractormayspeedup,brakingandsteer-
ingabilityarereduced,attachmentmayjack-knifeand
causetractortooverturn).
Towing:
1. Towonlywitha machinethathasa hitchdesignedfor
towing.Donotattachtowedequipmentexceptatthe
hitchpoint.
2. Followthemanufacturersrecommendationforweight
limitsfortowedequipmentandtowingon slopes.
3. Neverallowchildrenor othersin oron towedequip-
ment.
4. Onslopes,theweightof thetowedequipmentmay
causelossoftractionandlossofcontrol.
5. Travelslowlyandallowextradistancetostop.
6. Donotshifttoneutralandcoastdownhill.
6
Service
1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorinapoorlyventilated
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 servicedprofessionallybyanauthorized
MTDServiceDealer.
4. Checkbrakeoperationfrequentlyasitissubjectedto
wearduringnormaloperation.Adjustand serviceas
required.
5. Checktheblade(s)andenginemountingboltsat
frequentintervalsforpropertightness.Also,visually
inspectblade(s)fordamage(e.g.,excessivewear,
bent,cracked). Replacetheblade(s)withtheoriginal
equipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)blade(s)only,
listedinthis manual."Useof partswhichdonotmeet
theoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"
6. Mowerbladesaresharp.Wrapthebladeor wear
gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
7. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstighttobesurethe
equipmentis insafeworkingcondition.
8. Nevertamperwiththesafetyinterlocksystemor other
safetydevices.Checktheirproperoperationregularly.
9. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,
disconnectthesparkplugwire(s)andgroundagainst
theengine.Thoroughlyinspectthemachineforany
damage.Repairthedamagebeforestartingand
operating.
10.Neverattempttomakeadjustmentsor repairstothe
machinewhiletheengineisrunning.
11.Grasscatchercomponentsandthedischarge
coveraresubjecttowearanddamagewhichcould
exposemovingpartsor allowobjectstobethrown.
Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponents
andreplaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthis
manual."Useofpartswhichdonotmeettheoriginal
equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improper
performanceandcompromisesafety!"
12.Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsor
over-speedtheengine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe
maximumsafeoperatingspeedoftheengine.
13.Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as
necessary.
14.Observeproperdisposallawsand regulationsfor
gas,oil,etc.toprotecttheenvironment.
7
Thissymbol points
out importantsafety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safetyand/or property
ofyourself and others.
Readandfollow all
instructionsin this man-
ual beforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failureto complywith
these instructionsmay
result inpersonalinjury.
When yousee this
symbol.
HEED iTS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read,
understand
and followthe warn=ngs
and instructions
in this manual
Use extreme care
henhandling
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
other sOurceS of
ignition:
NOTE: This Operators
Manual Coversa range
ofprOduCtSpecifications
for variousmodels.
Characteristicsand
features disCussed
and/or illustrated
this manual may notbe
I
applicable to all modelsl
MTD LLC reservesthe
righttOchange product
specifiCationsldesigns
and equipmentwithout
notice andwithout incur-
ting oblieation ,,
NOTE:ThisOperatorsManualcoversa rangeofprod-
uctspecificationsforvariousmodels.Characteristics
andfeaturesdiscussedand/orillustratedin thismanual
maynotbeapplicableto allmodels.MTDLLCreserves
therighttochangeproductspecifications,designs
andequipmentwithoutnoticeandwithoutincurring
obligation.
Attaching the Battery Cables
NOTE: If thesecablesarealreadyattached,ignore
thesestepsand proceedto"Gas& Oil Fill-Up."
NOTE: ThepositivebatteryterminalismarkedPos.(+).
Thenegativebatteryterminalis markedNeg.(-).
.
.
Thepositivecable(heavyredwire)issecuredtothe
positivebatteryterminal(+)withahexboltandhex
nutatthefactory.Makecertainthatthe rubberboot
coverstheterminaltohelpprotectitfromcorrosion.
Removethehexboltandwingnut(orhexnut)from
thenegativecable.SeeFig.3-1.
Removetheblackplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthe
negativebatteryterminalandattachthenegative
cable(heavyblackwire)tothenegativebattery
terminal(-) withtheboltandwingnut(or hexnut).
4. Makecertainthehold-downstrapisin positionover
thebattery,securingitin place.
NOTE: Ifthebatteryis putintoserviceafterthe
dateshownon topof battery,chargethebatteryas
instructedin themaintenancesectionofthismanual
priortooperatingthetractor.
Gas and Oil Fill-up
Thegasolinetank islocatedunderthehoodandhasa
capacityof2 gallons.Donotoverfill.
_ WARNING:Useextremecare when
handling gasoline. Gasolineis extremely
flammableand thevapors are explosive.
Neverfuel machine indoors or while
the engine ishot or running. Extinguish
cigarettes, cigars,pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
IMPORTANT:Yourtractorisshippedwith motoroil
in theengine.However,youMUSTchecktheoillevel
beforeoperating.Becarefulnotto overfill.
Servicetheenginewithgasolineandoil asinstructed
in theseparateEngineOperator/OwnerManualpacked
withyourtractor.Readinstructionscarefully.
Rubber Boot
Figure 3=1
8
f _ Shipping Brace Removal
WARNING:Makesure theriding mower's
engine is off, removetheignition key,and
set theparking brakebefore removing the
shipping brace.
Locatetheshippingbrace,ifpresent,andaccom-
panyingwarningtagfoundontherightsideofthe
mower,betweenthedischargechuteandthecutting
deck.SeeFig.3-2.
Whileholdingthedischargechutewithyourleft
hand,removetheshippingbracewithyourright
handbygraspingitbetweenyourthumbandindex
fingerandrotatingitclockwise.
\ j
Figure 3=2
f
Figure 3-3
WARNING:Theshipping brace, used
for packaging purposes only, must be
removedand discarded before operating
your riding mower.
WARNING:Themowing deck is capable
of throwing objects. Failureto operate the
riding mower without thedischarge cover
in theproper operatingposition could
result in serious personal injury and/or
property damage.
Attaching The Steering Wheel
If thesteeringwheelforyourtractordidnotcome
attached,thehardwareforattachingithasbeenpacked
withinthesteeringwheel,beneaththesteeringwheel
cap.Carefullypryoff thesteeringwheelcapand
removethehardware.
NOTE:Thereare differentstylesof steeringwheelcaps
available.Stylesvary by model.
.
With the wheels of the tractor pointingstraight
forward, placethesteeringwheeloverthesteering
shaft.
2. Placethewasheroverthesteeringshaftandsecure
withthehexbolt.See Fig.3-3.
3. Placethesteeringwheelcapoverthecenterofthe
steeringwheeland pushdownwarduntilit"clicks"
intoplace.
Setting Up
WARNING
Make sure the riding
mower's engine is
off, remove the igni-
tion key, and set the
parkingbrake before
removing the shipping
brace.
The shipping brace,
used for packaging
purposes only, must
be removed and
discarded before
operating your riding
mower.
The mowing deck is
capableof throwing
objects. Failure to
operatethe riding
mower without the
discharge cover in
the proper operating
positioncould result
in serious personal
injuryand/or property
damage.
9
WARNING
Before operatingthis
machine,make sure
the seat isengaged in
the seat stop, stand
behindthe machine
and pull back on seat
untilfully engaged
intostop.
/
Attaching The Seat
Seatstylesvarybytractormodelandtherearethree
differentstylesavailable:
• StandardAdjustment
QuickAdjustment&
• KnobAdjustment
If theseatforyourtractordid notcomeattached,
refertoFig.3-4,Fig.3-5,andFig.3-6to identifyyour
tractor'sseatstyleandfollowtheapplicableinstructions
belowtoattachit.
NOTE:Forshippingreasons,seatsareeitherfastened
tothetractorseat'spivotbracketwitha plastictie,or
mountedbackwardtothepivotbracket.Ineithercase,
freetheseatfromitsshippingpositionand removethe
twohexscrews(or knobs,onmodelssoequipped)from
thebottomof seatbeforeproceedingwithapplicable
instructionsbelow.
f
Figure 3-4
f
x.............................................................................
J
Standard Adjustment Seat
1. Positiontheshoulderscrews(foundonthe baseof
theseat)insidetheslotopeningsintheseatpivot
bracket.SeeFig.3-4.
2. Slidetheseatslightlyrearwardintheseatpivot
bracket,liningupthe rearslotsinthepivotbracket
withtheremainingtwo holesintheseat'sbase.
3. Selectdesiredpositionfortheseat,andsecurewith
thetwohexscrewsremovedearlier.SeeFig.3-4.
Quick Adjustment Seat
NOTE:Ifyourseatwas shippedmountedbackwardson
theseatpivotbracket,pulloutthetabfoundonthe seat
stopandholditopenwhileslidingtheseatoff theseat
pivotbracket.SeeFig.3-5.
f
1. Lineuptheplasticseatspacerswiththeslotsinseat .................,
pivotbracket.
2. Slideseatinuntilfrontseatspacerengagestheseat
stop.SeeFig.3-5.
_ ARNING:Beforeoperating this ma-chine, makesure theseat is engaged in
theseat stop, stand behind themachine
and pull back on seat until fully engaged
into stop.
Knob Adjustment Seat
1. Positiontheshoulderscrews(foundonthe baseof
theseat)insidetheslotopeningsintheseatpivot
bracket.Fig.3-6.
2. Slidetheseatslightlyrearwardintheseatpivot
bracket,liningupthe rearslotsinthepivotbracket
withtheremainingtwo holesintheseat'sbase.
3. Selectdesiredpositionfortheseat,andsecurewith
thetwoknobsremovedearlier.SeeFig.3-6.
Figure 3=5
f
x............................_................................................
J
Figure 3=6
10
Figure 3-7
identifying the Mulch Plug
(if so equipped)
Ontractormodelssoequipped,a mulchplugcanbe
foundwithinthecuttingdeck'sdischargeopening.
NOTE:RefertoMulching inthe"OperatingYour
LawnTractor"sectionofthis manualformoredetailed
information.
Ifyou'dprefertooperatethecuttingdeckwithoutmulch-
ing,simplyremovethemulchplugbyunthreadingthe
plasticwingnutwhichfastensittothecuttingdeck.This
willallowtheclippingstodischargeoutofthedischarge
openingduringoperation.SeeFig.3-7.
Tire Pressure
,_ WARNING:Maximumtire pressure under
anycircumstances is 30psi. Equal tire
pressure should be maintained atall
times.
Thetireson yourunitmaybeover-inflatedforshipping
purposes.Reducethetirepressurebeforeoperating
thetractor.Recommendedoperatingtirepressureis
approximately10p.s.iforthe reartires& 14p.s.i,forthe
fronttires.Checksidewalloftireformaximump.s.i.
11
Your LaWn
Tractor
WARNING
Ma,, mumt repres'
sure under any
circumstancesis30
psi: Equal tire pressure
should be maintained
atalltimesl
NOTE:Any reference
in this manualto the
RIGHTor LEFTside of
thetractor isobserved
from operator'sposition.
Know the Controls
Readthisowner'smanualandsafetyrulesbeforeoperatingyourlawnmower.Comparefigurebelowwithyourlawn
tractortolearnaboutthe Ioctionandpurposeofvariouscontrolsandadjustments.Savethis manualforfuturerefer-
ence.Itis veryimportanttofollowtheinstructionsandoperatethecontrolsproperly.
f
F
A
G
H
B
J
@ @
K
C
D
S
L
NOTE:Steeringwheelnotshownforclarityj
Figure 4=1
A PTO(BladeEngage)Levert F Throttle/ChokeControlLever
PTO(BladeEngage)Knobt G CruiseControlButtont
B SystemsIndicatorMonitor H IgnitionSwitchModule
Ammeter1-(NotShown) I BrakePedal
C ChokeKnobt J DrivePedal
D ParkingBrakeButton K SeatAdjustmentLevert
E CupHolder L DeckLiftLever
1-Ifsoequipped
NOTE:Anyreferenceinthis manualtotheRIGHTor LEFTsideofthetractorisobservedfromoperator'sposition.
12
m
Throttle Control Lever
Thethrottlecontrolleverislocatedon therightsideof
thetractor'sdashpanel.Thislevercontrolsthespeed
oftheengineand,on somemodels,whenpushedall
thewayforward,thechokecontrolalso.Whenset ina
givenposition,thethrottlewill maintaina uniformengine
speed.SeeFig.4-2.
IMPORTANT:Whenoperatingthetractorwiththecutting
deckengaged,becertainthatthethrottleleverisalways
inthe FAST(rabbit)position.
Choke Control
Onsomemodels,moving
thethrottleleverall the
wayforwardactivatesthe
engine'schokecontrol.On
allothermodels,thechoke
controlcanbefoundonthe
leftsideofthedashpanel
andisactivatedbypullingtheknoboutward.Activating
thechokecontrolclosesthechokeplateonthecarbure-
torandaidsinstartingtheengine.RefertoStarting
TheEngine inthis section ofthemanualfordetailed
startinginstructions.
Brake Pedal
Thebrakepedalislocated
ontherightfrontsideofthe
tractorabovethedrivepedal
alongtherunningboard.The
brakepedalcanbeusedfor
suddenstopsor settingthe
parkingbrake.
NOTE:Thebrakepedalmustbefullydepressedto
activatethesafetyinterlockswitchwhenstartingthe
tractor.
ignition Switch Module
_ ARNING:Neverleavearunning machine
unattended.Always disengagePTO,set
parking brake,stop engine and remove
key toprevent unintended starting.
Tostarttheengine,insertthekeyintothe ignitionswitch
andturnclockwisetothe STARTposition.Releasethe
keyintotheNORMALMOWINGMODEpositiononce
theenginehasfired.
Tostoptheengine,turntheignitionkeycounterclockwise
totheOFFposition.SeeFig.4-3.
IMPORTANT:Priortooperatingthetractor,refertoboth
SafetyInterlock Switches and Starting The Engine
inthis sectionofthe manualfordetailedinstructions
regardingtheIgnitionSwitchModuleandoperatingthe
tractorinREVERSECAUTIONMODE.
F
Fast
Position
Slow
Position
Choke
Position
Fast
Position
Slow
Position
F
Position
Figure 4=2
Normal
Mode
Start
Position
Figure 4=3
Drive Pedal
Thedrivepedalislocatedontheright
sideofthetractor,alongtherunning
board.Depresstheupperportionof
thedrivepedalforwardto causethe
tractortotravelforward.Depressthe
lowerportionofthedrivepedalwith the
ballof yourrightfoot(NOTyourheel)
tocausethetractortotravelin reverse.
Groundspeedisalsocontrolledwith
thedrivepedal.Thefurtherforwardor
rearwardthatthepedalispivoted,the
fasterthetractorwilltravel.Thepedal
I
M
W
,ib
willreturntoitsoriginalpositionwhenit'snotdepressed.
IMPORTANT:Alwayssetthe parkingbrakewhen
leavingthetractorunattended.
13
WAn.I.G
Never leave a running
machine unattended.
Alwaysdisengage
PTO,set parking
brake, stop engine and
remove keyto prevent
unintended starting;
iMPORTANT
Prioriooperatingthe
tractorl referto both
Safety Interlock
Switches and Starting
The Engine inthis
sectionofthemanual
for detailedinstructions
regarding the Ignition
Switch Moduleand
operatingthe tractor ir
NOTE:ThePTO(Blade
Engage)knobmustbe
inthedisengaged(OFF)
positionwhenstarting
theengine,when
travelinginreverseand
iftheoperatorleaves
theseat.
NOTE:ThePTO(Blade
Engage)levermustbe
inthedisengaged(OFF)
positionwhenstarting
theengine,when
travelinginreverseand
iftheoperatorleaves
theseat.
\-_ BATT, OIL zZ
I 42.0
/// HOURS 1/1 0 \\\
PTO/ BLADE PARKING
Figure 4-4
Systems Indicator Monitor (If so Equipped)
LCD
Locatedinthecenterofthetractor'sconsole,the
systemsindicatormonitorrecords,anddisplayson its
LCD,hoursoftractoroperationwhenevertheignition
keyisrotatedoutoftheSTOPposition.
TheIndicatorMonitorwillalsoremindtheoperatorof
maintenanceintervalsforchangingtheengineoil.The
LCDwillalternatelyflashtherecordedhours,"CHG"and
"OIL"forfiveminutes,afterevery50 hoursof recorded
operationelapse.Themaintenanceintervallastsfor
twohours(from50-52,100-102,150-152,etc.).The
LCDwillalsoflashasdescribedaboveforfiveminutes
everytimethetractor'senginehasbeenstartedduring
thismaintenanceinterval.Beforetheintervalexpires,
changethecrankcaseoil levelasinstructedin this
Operator'sManual.
Brake
If theBrakelightilluminateswhenattemptingtostartthe
tractor'sengine,depressthebrakepedal.
PTO (Blade Engage)
If thePTOlightilluminateswhenattemptingtostartthe
tractor'sengine,movePTOleverintothedisengaged
(OFF)position.
Oil
It isnormalfortheOil lighttoilluminatewhiletheengine
iscrankingduringstart-up,butifit illuminate'sduring
operation,while the engine isrunning,stopthe
tractorimmediatelyandcheckthecrankcaseoillevelas
instructedin thisOwner'sManual.
Battery
It isnormalforthe Batterylightto illuminatewhilethe
engineiscrankingduringstart-up,butifit illuminate's
duringoperation,while the engine isrunning, the
batteryisin needofa chargeortheengine'scharging
systemisnotgeneratingsufficientamperage.Referto
theMAINTENANCEsectionofthis manualfortheproper
batterychargingprocedureor havethechargingsystem
checkedbyyourservicedealer.
Ammeter (Ifso Equipped)
Onmodelswithouta SystemsIndicatorMonitor,an
ammeterwillexist.Theammetermeasurestheelectrical
outputoftheengine'schargingsystem.Undernormal
operatingconditions,withengineatfullthrottle,the
ammetershouldindicatepositivecharge.
Electric PTO (Blade Engage) Knob
(If So Equipped)
Toengagethepowerto
thecuttingdeckor other
(separatelyavailable) II
attachmentson models
equippedwithan electric I_
PTO,pulloutwardonthe
PTO(BladeEngage)knob.
PushthePTO(Blade
Engage)knobinwardto
disengagethepowertothe
cuttingdeck.
t/
II
NOTE:ThePTO(BladeEngage)knobmust bein the
disengaged(OFF)positionwhenstartingtheengine,
whentravelingin reverseand iftheoperatorleavesthe
seat.
PTO (Blade Engage) Lever
Onmodelsequippedwitha manualPTO(BladeEngage),
thePTO(BladeEngage)leverislocatedontheleft sideof
thedashboardnexttothesteeringwheel.MovethePTO
(BladeEngage)leverforwardtoengagethepowertothe
cuttingdeckor other(separatelyavailable)attachments;
movethePTO(BladeEngage)leverrearwardtodisen-
ON1 z
OFF, PTO
PTO /BLADE ENGAGE
gagethepowertotheattachments.
NOTE:ThePTO(BladeEngage)levermust be inthe
disengaged(OFF)positionwhenstartingtheengine,
whentravelingin reverseand iftheoperatorleavesthe
seat.
14
Seat Adjustment Lever (If so Equipped)
Toadjusttheseatforwardor backwardon unitsequipped
witha quick-adjustseat,slidethe seatadjustmentlever
totheleftand repositionthe seattothedesiredposition.
Oncea comfortablepositionisfound,releasetheseat
adjustmentleverto locktheseatinplace.Referto the
AdjustingYourLawnTractorsectionof thismanualfor
moredetailedinstructionson all seatadjustments.
Deck Lift Lever
Foundon yourtractor'srightfender,thedecklift leveris
usedtochangetheheightofthecuttingdeck.Touse,
movethelevertotheleft,thenplacein thenotchbest
suitedforyourapplication.
Parking Brake Button
Tosettheparkingbrake,fully
depressthe brakepedaland
pushtheparkingbrakebutton
in.Holdthebuttoninwhile
takingyourfootoff thebrake
pedal.Boththeparkingbutton
andthebrakepedalwillthen
staydepressed.Torelease
theparkingbrake,depressthe
brakepedalslightly.Theparking
brakebuttonwillthenreturnto
itsoriginalposition.
NOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbesetif theoperator
leavestheseatwiththeenginerunningortheenginewill
automaticallyshutoff.
iMPORTANT:Alwayssettheparkingbrakewhenleaving
thetractorunattended.
Cruise Control Button
Thecruisecontrolbuttonis
locatedonthetractordashpanel
totheleftoftheignitionswitch.
Pushthecruisecontrolbutton
whiletravelingforwardata
desiredspeed.Whileholdingthe
buttonin,releasepressurefrom
thedrivepedal.Thiswillengage
thecruisecontrolandallowthe
tractorto remainatthatspeed
withoutapplyingpressuretothe
drivepedal.Depressthebrake
pedalor thedrivepedaltodeactivatecruisecontrol.
RefertoSetting the Cruise Control laterinthis section
themanualfordetailedinstructionsregardingthecruise
controlfeature.
Safety Interlock Switches
Thistractorisequippedwitha safetyinterlocksystem
fortheprotectionoftheoperator.Iftheinterlocksystem
shouldevermalfunction,do notoperatethetractor.
Contactan authorizedMTDservicedealer.
• Thesafetyinterlocksystempreventstheengine
fromcrankingorstartingunlesstheparkingbrake
isengaged,andthe PTO(BladeEngage)knob(or
lever)isinthedisengaged(OFF)position.
• Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff iftheoperator
leavestheseatbeforeengagingtheparkingbrake.
Models with Manual PTO (Blade Engage)
• Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff iftheoperator
leavesthetractor'sseatwiththe PTO(BladeEngage)
leverin theengaged(ON)position,regardlessof
whethertheparkingbrakeisengaged.
• WiththeignitionkeyintheNORMALMOWING
position,theenginewillautomaticallyshutoffifthe
PTO(BladeEngage)leveris movedintotheengaged
(ON)positionwiththedrivepedalin Reverse.
Models with Electric PTO (Blade Engage)
• TheelectricPTO(BladeEngage)clutchwillautomati-
callyshutoff iftheoperatorleavesthetractor'sseat
withthePTO(BladeEngage)knobintheengaged
(ON)position,regardlessofwhethertheparking
brakeisengaged.
• WiththeignitionkeyintheNORMALMOWING
position,theelectricPTO(BladeEngage)clutchwill
automaticallyshutoffif thePTO(BladeEngage)knob
ismovedintotheengaged(ON)positionwiththe
drivepedalleverin Reverse.
,_ WARNING:Donotoperate the tractor if the
interlock system is malfunctioning. This
system was designed for your safety and
protection.
NOTE:CruisecontrolcanNOTbeengagedatthe
tractor'sfastestgroundspeed.Iftheoperatorshould
attempttodoso,thetractorwillautomaticallydecelerate
tothefastestoptimalmowinggroundspeed.
Tractol
WARNING
Do not operatethe
tractor if the interlock
system ismalfunction-
ing. This system was
designed for your
safety and protection.
15
WARNING
Useextreme caution
while operating
the tractor inthe
REVERSECAUTION
MODE. Always look
down and behind
before and while
backing. Do not oper-
atethe tractor when
children or others
are around. Stop the
tractor immediatelyif
someone enters the
area.
Keep hands and feet
away from the dis-
charge opening of the
cutting deck.
Do not operate the
tractor if the interlock
system ismalfunction-
ing. This system was
designed for your
safety and protection.
f
indicator
Light
Stop
Position
©
Reverse
.Push Button
Reverse
Caution Mode
Position
Start
Position
Figure 4=5
Reverse Caution Mode
_ ARNING:Useextremecaution while
operating the tractor in the REVERSE
CAUTIONMODE.Always look down and
behind before and while backing. Do
not operate thetractor whenchildren
or others arearound. Stop the tractor
immediately if someone enters thearea.
TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEpositionofthekey
switchmoduleallowsthetractortobe operatedin
reversewiththeblades(PTO)engaged.
IMPORTANT:Mowingin reverseisnot recommended.
Tousethe REVERSECAUTIONMODE:
IMPORTANT:TheoperatorMUSTbe seatedinthe
tractorseat.
1. Starttheengineaspreviouslyinstructedinthis
Operator'sManual.
2. TurnthekeyfromtheNORMALMOWING(Green)
positiontotheREVERSECAUTIONMODE(Yellow)
positionofthekeyswitchmodule. SeeFig.4-5.
3. DepresstheREVERSEPUSHBUTTON(Orange,
TriangularButton)atthetop,rightcornerofthekey
switchmodule.Theredindicatorlightatthetop,left
cornerof thekeyswitchmodulewillbeONwhile
activated.See Fig.4-5.
4. Onceactivated(indicatorlightON), thetractorcan
bedrivenin reversewiththecuttingblades(PTO)
engaged.
5. Alwayslookdownand behindbeforeandwhile
backingtomakesureno childrenarearound.
6. Afterresumingforwardmotion,returnthekeytothe
NORMALMOWINGposition.
, WA
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
• GO UP ANDDOWNSLOPES,NOTACROSS.
• AVOIDSUDDENTURNS.
• DO NOTOPERATETHEUNITWHEREIT COULDSLIPOR TIR
• IF MACHINESTOPSGOINGUPHILL,STOPBLADE(S)AND
BACKDOWNHILLSLOWLY.
• DO NOTMOWWHEN CHILDRENOR OTHERSARE AROUND.
• NEVERCARRYCHILDREN,EVENWITHBLADESOFR
• LOOK DOWNAND BEHINDBEFOREANDWHILEBACKING.
• KEEPSAFETYDEVICES(GUARDS,SHIELDS,AND
SWITCHES)INPLACEANDWORKING.
• REMOVEOBJECTSTHATCOULD BETHROWNBYTHE
BLADE(S).
• KNOWLOCATIONANDFUNCTIONOFALLCONTROLS.
• BE SUREBLADE(S) ANDENGINEARE STOPPEDBEFORE
PLACINGHANDSORFEETNEARBLADE(S).
• BEFORELEAVINGOPERATOR'SPOSITION,DISENGAGE
BLADE(S), ENGAGEBRAKELOCK,SHUTENGINEOFFAND
REMOVEKEY.
READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL
IMPORTANT:TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEwill
remainactivateduntil:
a. Thekeyis placedin eithertheNORMALMOWING
positionor STOPposition.
b. Theoperatorleavestheseat(ModelswithElectric
PTOONLY).
c. Theoperatorengagestheparkingbrakebyfully
depressingthe brakepedalandholdingitdown
whilegentlypushingtheparkingbrakebutton
inward(Modelswith ManualPTOONLY).
Engaging the Parking Brake
Toengagetheparkingbrake:
1. Fullydepressthebrakepedalandholdit downwith
yourfootwhilegentlypushingtheparkingbrakebutton
inward.
2. Holdtheparkingbrakebuttoninwhileremovingyour
footfromthe brakepedal.
3. Onceengaged,theparkingbrakebuttonandthebrake
pedalwilllockin the"down"position.
Todisengagetheparkingbrake:
1. Slightlydepressthebrakepedal.
NOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbeengagediftheoperator
leavestheseatwiththeenginerunningortheenginewill
automaticallyshutoff.
16
Setting the Cutting Height 2. TurntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheSTOP
1 Seecttheheghtpostonofthecuttngdeckby _ position............. //I I
' . .... _ HemovetneKeyTromtnegn ton swtchtoprevent
placingthedeckhftleverinanyofthesixdifferent ' . . /Z_ h
.... unntendedstartng
cuttingheightnotchesonthenghtsideofthefender.
2. Adjustthedeckwheelssothattheyarebetween Driving The Tractor
_A-inchand_/2-inchabovethegroundwhenthetractor
isona smooth,flat surfacesuchasadriveway.
,_ WARNING:Keephandsand feetawayfrom
thedischarge opening of thecutting deck.
NOTE:Thedeckwheelsarean anti-scalpfeatureof the
deckandarenotdesignedto supporttheweightofthe
cuttingdeck.
RefertoLevelingtheDeckonpage20ofthismanualformore
detailedinstructionsregardingvariousdeckadjustments.
,_ WARNING:Avoid sudden starts, ex-ces-
sive speed and sudden stops.
WARNING:Donot leave theseat of the
tractor without first placing the PTO(Blade
Engage)knob (or lever)in the disengaged
(OFF)position, depressing thebrakepedal
and engaging theparking brake./f leaving
the tractor unattended,also turn the
ignition key off and remove the key.
Starting the Engine
_ ARNING:Donot operate thetractor if
theinterlock system is malfunctioning.
Thissystem was designed for your safety
andprotection.
NOTE:RefertoSettingUpYourLawnTractoronpage8of
thismanualforGasolineandOilfill-upinstructions.
IMPORTANT:Yourtractorisshippedwith motoroilin the
engine.However,youMUSTchecktheoil levelbefore
operating.Becarefulnottooverfill.Refertotheseparate
EngineOperator/OwnerManualpackedwithyourtractor.
Readinstructionscarefully.
.
2.
.
4.
5.
Insertthetractorkeyintotheignitionswitch.
PlacethePTO(BladeEngage)knob(or lever)in the
disengaged(OFF)position.
Engagethetractor'sparkingbrake.
Activatethechokecontrol.
TurntheignitionkeyclockwisetotheSTARTposition.
Aftertheenginestarts,releasethekey.Itwill returnto
theONposition.
IMPORTANT:DoNOTholdthekeyintheSTARTposi-
tionfor longerthantensecondsata time.Doingsomay
causedamagetoyourengine'selectricstarter.
6. Aftertheenginestarts,deactivatethechokecontrol
andplacethethrottlecontrolinthe FASTposition.
NOTE:DoNOTleavethechokecontrolonwhileoperat-
ingthetractor.Doingsowill resultina "rich"fuelmixture
andcausetheengineto runpoorly.
Stopping the Engine
,_ WARNING:If you strike a foreign object,
stop theengine, disconnect the spark plug
wire(s) and ground against theengine.
Thoroughly inspect themachine for
anydamage.Repair thedamagebefore
restarting and operating.
1. Ifthebladesareengaged,placethePTO(Blade
Engage)knob(orlever)inthedisengaged(OFF)
position.
1. Depressthebrakepedalto releasetheparkingbrake
andletthepedalup.
2. Movethethrottleleverintothe FAST(rabbit)position.
IMPORTANT:DoNOTusethedrivepedaltochangethe
directionoftravelwhenthetractorisin motion.Always
bringthetractortoa completestopbeforepivotingthe
drivepedalfromforwardto reverseor viceversa.
3. TotravelFORWARD,slowlydepressthe upperpor-
tionofthedrivepedalforwarduntilthedesiredspeed
isachieved.
4. Totravelin REVERSE,checkthattheareabehind
isclearthenslowlydepressthe lowerportionofthe
drivepedalwiththeballofyourfoot(NOTyourheel)
untilthedesiredspeedisachieved.
Driving On Slopes
Refertothe SLOPEGAUGEonpage3to helpdetermine
slopeswhereyoumayoperatethetractorsafely.
_ WARNING:Donot mow on inclines with
a slope in excessof 15degrees(a rise of
approximately 2-1/2feet every 10feet). The
tractor could overturn and causeserious
injury.
• Mowupanddownslopes,NEVERacross.
• Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon
slopes.
• Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,or otherhidden
objects.Uneventerraincouldoverturnthemachine.
Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
• Avoidturnswhendrivingon a slope.If a turnmustbe
made,turndowntheslope.Turningupa slopegreatly
increasesthechanceofa rollover.
Avoidstoppingwhendrivingup a slope.Ifitis
necessarytostopwhiledrivingupa slope,startup
smoothlyandcarefullytoreducethepossibilityof
flippingthetractoroverbackward.
WARNING
If you strike aforeign
object, stop the engine,
disconnect the spark
plugwire(s) and
groundagainst the
engine. Thoroughly
inspectthe machine for
anydamage. Repair the
damage before restart-
ing and operating.
Avoidsudden starts,
ex-cessive speed and
sudden stops.
Do not leave the seat
ofthe tractor without
first placingthe PTO
(Blade Engage) knob
(or lever) in the disen-
gaged (OFF) position,
depressing the brake
pedal and engaging
the parkingbrake. If
leaving the tractor
unattended, also turn
the ignitionkey off and
remove the key.
Do not mow on inclines
with a slope in excess
of 15degrees (a rise of
approximately 2-1/2feet
every 10feet). The trac-
tor could overturn and
:ause serious injury.
17
Your LaWn
WARNING
To help avoid blade
contact ora thrown
object injury, keep
-bystanders, helpers,
children and pets at
least 75 feet from the
machine while it is in
operation. Stop ma-
chine ifanyone enters
the area.
/
Plan your mowing pat-
tern to avoid discharge
of materials toward
roads, sidewalks, by=
standers and the like.
Also, avoid discharging
material against a wall
or obstruction which
may cause discharged
material to ricochet
back toward the
operator.
Moving the Tractor Manually
Yourtractor'stransmissionisequippedwitha reliefvalve
foroccasionswhenitisnecessarytomovethetractor
manually.Activatingthisvalveforcesthetransmission
fluidtobypassitsnormalroute,allowingthereartires
to"freewheel."Toengagethereliefvalve,proceedas
follows:
• Locatethehydrostaticbypassrodintherearof
thetractor.See Fig.4-5
Hydrostatic Bypass
Figure 4=5
Pullthehydrostaticbypassrodoutward,then
down,tolockit in place.
NOTE: ThetransmissionwillNOTengagewhenthe
hydrostaticbypassrodispulledout. Returnthe rodto its
normalpositionpriortooperatingthetractor.
IMPORTANT:Neverattempttomovethetractormanu-
allywithoutfirstengagingthereliefvalve.Doingsomay
damagethetractor'stransmission.
Setting The Cruise Control
NOTE:Thecruisecontrolfeatureshouldonlybeutilized
whiletravelingintheforwarddirection.
• Slowlypresstheupperportionofthedrivepedaluntil
thedesiredspeedisachieved.
• Lightlypressthecruisecontrollever.
• Whilecontinuingtoholdthecruiseleverdown,lift
yourfootfromthedrivepedal(youshouldfeelthe
cruiselatchengage).
• Onceengaged,thecruisecontrolleverandthedrive
pedalwilllock inthe"down"position,andthetractor
willmaintainthesameforwardspeed.
NOTE:Cruisecontrolcannotbe engagedatthe
tractor'sfastestgroundspeed.Iftheoperatorshould
attempttodoso,thetractorwillautomaticallydecelerate
tothefastestoptimalmowinggroundspeed.
Disengagethecruisecontrolusingoneofthefollowing
methods:
1. Depressthebrakepedaltodisengagethecruise
controlandstopthetractor.
2. Lightlydepressthedrivepedal.
Tochangethedirectionoftravelto reversewhen
operatingwithcruisecontrol,depressthebrakepedal
todisengagethecruisecontrolandbringthetractortoa
completestop.Thenslowlydepressthe rearportionofthe
drivepedalwiththe ballof yourfoottotravelin reverse.
Engaging the Blades
EngagingthePTO(BladeEngage)transferspowertothe
cuttingdeckor other(separatelyavailable)attachments.
Toengagetheblades,proceedasfollows:
1. MovethethrottlecontrollevertotheFAST(rabbit)
position.
Models with Manual PTO
2. a. Graspthe PTO(BladeEngage)leverandpivotit all
thewayforwardintotheengaged(ON)position.
Models with Electric PTO
b. PullthePTO(BladeEngage)knoboutwardintothe
engaged(ON)position.
3. Keepthethrottleleverinthe FAST(rabbit)position
forthemostefficientuseofthecuttingdeckor other
(separatelyavailable)attachments
IMPORTANT:Theengine(onmodelswitha manualPTO)
orelectricPTOclutch(on modelswith anelectricPTO)
willautomaticallyshutoff ifthePTOisengagedwiththe
drivepedalin positionforreversetravelwiththeignition
keyinthe NORMALMOWINGposition.Referto Safety
InterlockSwitchesearlierin thissection.
Using the Deck Lift Lever
Toraisethecuttingdeck,movethedecklift levertothe
left,thenplaceit inthenotchbestsuitedforyourapplica-
tion.RefertoSettingTheCuttingHeightearlierin this
section.
18
Mowing
,_ WARNING:Tohelp avoidblade contact or
a thrown object injury,keepbystanders,
helpers, children and pets at least 75feet
from the machine while it isin operation.
Stopmachine if anyoneenters the area.
Thefollowinginformationwillbehelpfulwhenusingthe
cuttingdeckwithyourtractor:
WARNING:Planyour mowing pattern to
avoiddischarge of materials toward roads,
sidewalks,bystanders and the like. Also,
avoiddischarging material against a wall
or obstruction which may cause dis-
chargedmaterial to ricochet back toward
theoperator.
• Donotmowathighgroundspeed,especiallyifa
mulchkit orgrasscollectoris installed.
• Forbest resultsit isrecommendedthatthefirsttwo
lapsbecutwiththedischargethrowntowardsthe
center.Afterthefirsttwolaps,reversethedirectionto
throwthedischargetotheoutsideforthebalanceof
cutting.Thiswillgivea betterappearancetothe lawn.
• Donotcut thegrasstooshort.Shortgrassinvites
weedgrowthandyellowsquicklyin dryweather.
• Mowingshouldalwaysbe donewiththeengineat full
throttle.
Underheavierconditionsitmaybenecessaryto go
backoverthecut areaa secondtimetogeta clean
cut.
DoNOTattempttomowheavybrushandweedsand
extremelytallgrass.Yourtractorisdesignedtomow
lawns,NOTclearbrush.
• Keepthebladessharpand replacethebladeswhen
worn.Referto Cutting Blades intheMaintaining
Your LawnTractor sectionofthismanualforproper
bladesharpeninginstructions.
Headlights
• ThelampsareONwhenevertheignitionkeyismoved
outof theSTOPposition.
• ThelampsturnOFFwhentheignitionkeyismovedto
theSTOPposition.
\
Figure 4-6
Mulching (Ifso Equipped)
Selectmodelscomeequippedwitha mulchkitwhich
incorporatesspecialblades,alreadystandardonthe
tractor,ina processof recirculatinggrassclippings
repeatedlybeneaththecuttingdeck.Theultra-fine
clippingsarethenforcedbackintothelawnwherethey
actasa naturalfertilizer.
Observethefollowingpointsforthebestresultswhen
mulching:
• Neverattemptto mulchifthelawnisdamp.Wetgrass
tendstosticktotheundersideofthecuttingdeck
preventingpropermulchingoftheclippings.
• DoNOTattempttomulchmorethan1/3thetotal
heightofthegrassorapproximately1-1/2inches.
Doingsowillcausetheclippingstoclumpupbeneath
thedeckandnotbe mulchedeffectively.
• Maintaina slowgroundspeedtoallowthegrass
clippingsmoretimetoeffectivelybemulched.
• Alwayspositionthethrottlecontrolleverin theFAST
(rabbit)positionandallowitto remaintherewhile
mowing.Failingtokeeptheengineatfullthrottle
placesstrainon thetractor'sengineanddoesnot
allowthebladestoproperlymulchgrass.
NOTE:Itisnotnecessarytoremovethedischargechute
tooperatethemowerwiththemulchkitinstalled.
Tooperatethecuttingdeckwithoutmulching,simply
removethemulchplugbyunthreadingtheplasticwing
nutwhichfastensittothecuttingdeck.Thiswillallowthe
clippingstodischargeouttheside.SeeFig.4-6.
19
Operati
NOTE: Itis not
necessaryto remove
the dischargechute
to operatethe
mowerwith the
mulch kit installed.
WARNING
Never attemptto make
anyadjustments
whilethe engine
is running, except
where specifiedinthe
operator'smanuaJ.
Never attempt to
adjustthe brakes
while the engine
isrunning. Always
disengage PTO,move
shift lever intoneutral
i position,stopengine
and removekey to
preventunintended
starting.
46-inchdeckshown Deck
Figure 5=1
Withthetractorparkedona firm,levelsurface,place
thedecklift leverin thetopnotch(highestposition)
androtatethebladenearestthedischargechuteso
thatitisparallelwiththetractor.
Measurethedistancefromthefrontofthebladetipto
thegroundandtherearofthebladetiptotheground.
Thefirstmeasurementtakenshouldbebetween1/4"
and3/8" lessthanthesecondmeasurement.Deter-
minetheapproximatedistancenecessaryforproper
adjustmentandproceed,ifnecessary,tothenextstep.
Fromthefrontofthetractor,loosenthehexlocknut
onthedeckhangerrod,andturnawayfromtheinner
hexnuts.SeeFig.5-1.
Tightentheinnerhexnutsfrontagainstthefront
hangerbracketto raisethefrontofthedeck;loosen
thehexnutstolowerthefrontofthedeck.
Retightenthetwo locknutsagainsttheinnerhexnuts
whenproperadjustmentisachieved.
Side to Side
If thecuttingdeckappearsto bemowingunevenly,aside
tosideadjustmentcanbeperformed.Adjustif necessary
asfollows:
.
Withthetractorparkedona firm,levelsurface,place
thedecklift leverinthetopnotch(highestposition)
androtatebothbladessothattheyareperpendicular
withthetractor.
Figure 5=2
,_ WARNING:Neverattempt tomakeany
adjustments while the engine is running,
exceptwherespecified in the operator's
manual.
Leveling the Deck
NOTE:Checkthetractor'stirepressurebeforeperform-
inganydeck levelingadjustments.RefertoTiresinthe
MaintainingYourLawnTractorsectionofthismanualfor
moreinformationregardingtirepressure.
Front To Rear
Thefrontofthecuttingdeckissupportedbyastabilizer
barthatcanadjustedtolevelthedeckfromfrontto
rear.Thefrontofthedeckshouldbe between1/4-inch
and 3/8-inchlowerthantherearofthedeck.Adjustif
necessaryasfollows:
2. MeasurethedistancefromtheoutsideoftheIdt blade
tiptothegroundandthedistancefromtheoutsideofthe
rightbladetiptotheground.Bothmeasurementstaken
shouldbeequal.Ifthey'renot,proceedtothenextstep.
3. Loosen,butdo NOTremove,thehexcapscrewon
theleftdeckhangerbracket.SeeFig.5-2.
.
Balancethedeckbyusingawrenchtoturnthe
adjustmentgear(foundimmediatelybehindthehex
capscrewjust loosened)clockwise/uporcounter-
clockwise/down.Thedeckis properlybalancedwhen
bothbladetipmeasurementstakenearlierareequal.
5. Retightenthehexcapscrewontheleft deckhanger
bracketwhenproperadjustmentisachieved.
Parking Brake Adjustment
_ ARNING:Neverattempt toadjust the
brakes while the engine is running. Always
disengagePTO,moveshift lever into
neutralposition, stop engineand remove
key toprevent unintended starting.
Ifthetractordoesnotcometoa completestopwhenthe
brakepedaliscompletelydepressed,or ifthetractor's
rearwheelscanrollwiththeparkingbrakeapplied,the
brakeisin needofadjustment.Seean authorizedMTD
ServiceDealertohaveyourbrakesproperlyadjusted.
2O
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