MTD 13AP625K730 Owner's manual

Category
Lawnmowers
Type
Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

Safety Assembly Operation Tips &Techniques Maintenance Troubleshooting Parts Lists Warranty
A O AL
)
Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor- Model Series 620
iMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyuniiprovedforest-covered,brush-
coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(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.769-02964
12/13/2006
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
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.
2
>:.
G.)
o9
(13
(13
O
O
C
::>.,
E
c_
O
G.)
o6
_-- (13
co .oo
G.) o9
o -_
O9 C:_
G.) O9
C C
_ o
(13
-_ o_
O
C
(13
c_
0
o3
0
C
co 0
_ a
Sight and h01dthis levelwith a vertical tree..,
m_,_ or a corner of a building...
I
I
__ ora fencepost
I
i i
do;
-- fine (repros
I _ _ er_ts a 15o
15°
_0
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
objectsthat mayblockyourvisionofachild
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.Keepthismanualina safe
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/orbuildup onthe
mowerdeckpresentinga potentialfirehazard.
27.Useonlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapprovedfor
thismachinebythemachinemanufacturer.Read,
understandandfollowall instructionsprovidedwith
theapprovedaccessoryorattachment.
28.Dataindicatesthat operators,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,donotoperate
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 a slope.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,orinspecting,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. Nevertamperwiththesafetyinterlocksystemorother
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&OilFill-Up."
NOTE: ThepositivebatteryterminalismarkedPos.(+).
Thenegativebatteryterminalis markedNeg.(-).
.
.
Thepositivecable(heavyredwire)issecuredtothe
positivebatteryterminal(+)witha hexboltandhex
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
capacityof3 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.
Servicetheenginewithgasolineandoilasinstructed
in theseparateEngineOperator/OwnerManualpacked
withyourtractor.Readinstructionscarefully.
IMPORTANT:Yourtractorisshippedwith motoroil
in theengine.However,youMUSTchecktheoillevel
beforeoperating.Becarefulnotto overfill.
Rubber Boot
Figure 3=1
8
\
Figure 3=2
f
\
Figure 3-3
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.
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
\ J
Figure 3=7
identifying the Mulch Plug
(if so equipped)
On tractormodelssoequipped,a mulchplugcanbe
foundwithinthecuttingdeck'sdischargeopening.
NOTE:Referto Mulching in the"OperatingYourLawn
Tractor"sectionofthismanualformoredetailedinforma-
tion.
Tooperatethecuttingdeckwithoutmulching,simply
removethemulchplugbypivotingthedischargechuteup
and pullingthe plugoutward.
Toreinstallplug:
Locatetwo rectangularholeson thecuttingdeck
surface.
Pivotthedischargechuteup toaccessthedeck
opening.SeeFig.3-7.
Insertthemulchplug,aligningthetopedgeofthe
plugwiththedeckasshownin theFig.3-7.Makesure
thenotcheson theplugareintheslotson thedeck
opening.
Lightlytapon theplugwith yourhandto assurethat
thenotchesfit snuglyunderthechutetabs.SeeFig.
3-7.
Tire Pressure
Setting the Gauge Wheels
Selecttheheightpositionofthecuttingdeck byplacing
thedeckliftleverinanyofthesix differentcuttingheight
notchesonthe rightfender.
Adjustthedeckwheelssothattheyarebetween1A-inch
and1/2-inchabovethegroundasfollows.
,_ WARNING:Keephandsandfeetaway
fromthedischargeopeningof thecutting
deck.
Placethetractoron afirmand levelsurface,preferably
pavement.Proceedasfollows:
Placethetractor'sdecklift handleinthe normally
desiredmowingheightsetting,thencheckthegauge
wheelsforcontactorexcessiveclearancewiththe
surfacebelow.
If thewheelscontactthesurfaceadjustasfollows:
a. Raisethedecklifthandletoitshighestsetting.
b. Removethe reargaugewheelsbyremoving
thelocknutsand shoulderscrewswhich
securethemtothedeck.
C. Removethe locknutsand shoulderscrews
whichsecurethefrontgaugewheelstothe
deck.
d. Placethedecklifthandleinthedesired
mowingheightsetting.
e. Inserttheshoulderscrewwiththereargauge
wheelintotheindexholethatleavesapproxi
mately1/2"betweenthebottomofthewheel
andthepavement.
f. Notethepositionoftheindexholeused;then
installtheotherreargaugewheelandthe
frontballwheelsintothecorrespondingindex
holeoftheothergaugewheelbrackets.
If thegaugewheelshaveexcessiveclearancewith
thesurfacebelow,lowerthewheelsto theindex
holethatprovidestheapproximate1/2"clearanceas
describedabove.
Referto Levelingthe DeckintheAdjustingYourLawn
Tractorsectionofthis manualformoredetailedinstruc-
tionsregardingvariousdeckadjustments.
,_ WARNING:Maximum tirepressure under
any circumstances is 30psL Equal tire
pressure should be maintained at all times.
Thetiresonyourunitmaybeover-inflatedforshipping
purposes.Reducethetire pressurebeforeoperating
thetractor.Recommendedoperatingtirepressureis
approximately10p.s.iforthereartires& 14p.s.i,forthe
fronttires.Checksidewallof tireformaximump.s.i.
11
SettingUp
WARNING
_aximum tire
pressure under any
circumstances is30
psi. Equal tire pressure
should be maintained
at all times.
Keep hands and
feet awayfrom the
discharge opening of
the cutting deck.
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
L
,_ NOTE:Steelingwhee!not shown!o! c!a!ity_
Figure 4=1
A PTO(BladeEngage)Knob G CruiseControlButtont
B SystemsIndicatorMonitor H IgnitionSwitchModule
Ammeter1-(NotShown) I BrakePedal
C ChokeKnobt J DrivePedal
D ParkingBrakeButton K SeatAdjustmentLevert
E CupHolder L DeckLiftLever
F Throttle/ChokeControlLever
1 Ifsoequipped
NOTE: Anyreferencein thismanualtothe RIGHTor LEFTsideofthetractorisobservedfromoperator'sposition.
12
m
Throttle Control Lever
Thethrottlecontrolleverislocatedon therightsideof
thetractor'sdashpanel.Thislevercontrolsthespeed
oftheengineand,on somemodels,whenpushedall
thewayforward,thechokecontrolalso.Whensetina
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.
\-_ 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,movePTOKnobintothedisengaged
(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
Toengagethepowerto
thecuttingdeckor other
(separatelyavailable) |
attachmentson models
equippedwithan electric
PTO,pulloutwardonthe
PTO(BladeEngage)knob.
PushthePTO(Blade
Engage)knobinwardto
disengagethepowertothe
cuttingdeck.
NOTE:ThePTO(BladeEngage)knobmust bein the
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
moredetailedinstructionsonall 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.
Safety Interlock Switches
Thistractorisequippedwitha safetyinterlocksystem
fortheprotectionoftheoperator.Iftheinterlocksystem
shouldevermalfunction,donotoperatethetractor.
Contactan authorizedMTDservicedealer.
Thesafetyinterlocksystempreventstheengine
fromcrankingorstartingunlesstheparkingbrakeis
engaged,andthePTO(BladeEngage)knobis inthe
disengaged(OFF)position.
Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff iftheoperator
leavestheseatbeforeengagingtheparkingbrake.
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.
_ ARNING:Donotoperate the tractor if the
interlock system is malfunctioning. This
system was designed for your safety and
protection.
Cruise Control Button
(if SoEquipped)
Thecruisecontrolbuttonis
locatedonthetractordashpanel
totheleftoftheignitionswitch.
Pushthecruisecontrolbutton
whiletravelingforwardata
desiredspeed.Whileholdingthe
buttonin, releasepressurefrom
thedrivepedal.Thiswillengage
thecruisecontrolandallowthe
tractorto remainatthatspeed
withoutapplyingpressuretothe
drivepedal.Depressthebrakepedalorthedrivepedal
todeactivatecruisecontrol.RefertoSetting the Cruise
Control laterin thissectionthemanualfordetailed
instructionsregardingthecruisecontrolfeature.
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 UPANDDOWNSLOPES,NOTACROSS.
AVOIDSUDDENTURNS.
DO NOTOPERATETHEUNITWHEREIT COULDSLIPOR TIR
IF MACHINESTOPSGOINGUPHILL,STOPBLADE(S)AND
BACKDOWNHILLSLOWLY.
DO NOTMOWWHENCHILDRENOR OTHERSARE AROUND.
NEVERCARRYCHILDREN,EVENWITHBLADESOFR
LOOK DOWNAND BEHINDBEFOREANDWHILEBACKING.
KEEP SAFETYDEVICES(GUARDS,SHIELDS,AND
SWITCHES)INPLACEANDWORKING.
REMOVEOBJECTSTHATCOULD BETHROWNBYTHE
BLADE(S).
KNOWLOCATIONANDFUNCTIONOFALL CONTROLS.
BE SUREBLADE(S) ANDENGINEARESTOPPEDBEFORE
PLACINGHANDSOR FEETNEARBLADE(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 1, Ifthebhdesareengaged,phcethePTO(Bhde
................ Engage)knobnthedsengaged(OFF)poston / A I
]' _lelectth'eh'e/ghtl_°sm°ni°tthecu!!lng(]eCK'DYntacln[ne(]ecKiTHevernan oHneslx(]mere 2, TurntheignitionkeycounterdockwisetotheSTOP //I I
P g Y post on (LJ LI
cuttngheghtnotchesonther ghtsde ofthefender .... ,_÷_,_,_,f,^_÷_,_;_;÷;.... ;÷_,÷....... , '---q r"
' 3. R_...uwH_ _y .,u...H_ .y..uu. _vv.,_.,uF,_w.,
2. Adjustthedeckwheelssothattheyarebetween unintendedstarting.
_A-inchandY2-inchabovethegroundwhenthetractor
isona smooth,flat surfacesuchasadriveway.
,_ WARNING:Keephandsand feetawayfrom
thedischarge opening of thecutting deck.
NOTE:Thedeckwheelsareananti-scalpfeatureof the
deckandarenotdesignedto supporttheweightofthe
cuttingdeck.
Referto Levelingthe Deckonpage20ofthis manual
formoredetailedinstructionsregardingvariousdeck
adjustments.
Starting the Engine
WARNING:Donot operate thetractor if
theinterlock system is malfunctioning.
Thissystem was designed for your safety
andprotection.
IMPORTANT:Yourtractorisshippedwithmotoroil in the
engine.However,youMUSTchecktheoil levelbefore
operating.Becarefulnottooverfill.Checkand/oradd
oilas instructedintheseparateEngineOperator/Owner
Manualpackedwithyourtractor.Readtheinstructions
carefully.
NOTE:RefertoSettingUpYourLawnTractoronpage8of
thismanualforbasicGasolineandOilfill-upinstructions.
.
2.
.
4.
5.
Insertthetractorkeyintotheignitionswitch.
PlacethePTO(BladeEngage)knobinthedisen-
gaged(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
_L ARNING:If you strike a foreignobject,
stop theengine, disconnect the spark plug
wire(s) and ground against theengine.
Thoroughly inspect themachine for
anydamage.Repair thedamagebefore
restarting and operating.
Driving The Tractor
,_ 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 in the disengaged (OFF)
position, depressing thebrakepedal and
engaging theparking brake. If leaving the
tractor unattended,also turn theignition
key off and remove thekey.
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 aslope.If itis
necessarytostopwhiledrivingupa slope,startup
smoothlyandcarefullytoreducethepossibilityof
flippingthetractoroverbackward.
WARNING
if you strikeaforeign
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
of the tractor without
first placingthe PTO
(Blade Engage) knob
(or lever)in the disen-
gaged (OFF) position,
depressing the brake
pedal and engaging
the parkingbrake. If
leavingthe 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
.'auseserious injury.
17
WARNING
To helpavoid blade
contact or a thrown
object injury,keep
bystanders, helpers,
children and pets at
least75 feet from the
machine while it is in
operation. Stop ma-
chine if anyone 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
maycause discharged
material to ricochet
back toward the
operator.
Moving the Tractor Manually
Yourtractor'stransmissionisequippedwitha reliefvalve
foroccasionswhenitisnecessarytomovethetractor
manuallyActivatingthisvalveforcesthetransmission
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.
2. PullthePTO(BladeEngage)knoboutwardintothe
engaged(ON)position.
.
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.
Mowing
WARNING:Tohelp avoidblade contact or
a thrown object injury, keepbystanders,
helpers, children and pets at least 75feet
from themachine while it is in operation.
Stopmachine ff anyoneenters the area.
Thefollowinginformationwillbehelpfulwhenusingthe
cuttingdeckwith yourtractor:
_ ARNING:Planyour mowing pattern to
avoid discharge of materials toward roads,
sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also,
avoid discharging material against a wallor
obstruction which may cause discharged
material to ricochet back toward the
operator.
Donotmowathighgroundspeed,especiallyifa
mulchkit orgrasscollectoris installed.
Forbestresultsitis recommendedthatthefirsttwo
lapsbe cutwiththedischargethrowntowardsthe
center.Afterthefirsttwolaps, reversethedirectionto
throwthedischargetotheoutsideforthebalanceof
cutting.Thiswillgivea betterappearancetothe lawn.
18
Donotcut thegrasstooshort.Shortgrassinvites 2, Pivotthedischargechuteuptoaccessthedeck
weedgrowthandyellowsquicklyin dryweather, opening,SeeFig,4-6,
Mowingshouldalwaysbe donewiththeengineat full f
throttle.
Underheavierconditionsitmaybenecessaryto go
backoverthecut areaa secondtimetogeta clean
cut.
DoNOTattempttomowheavybrushandweedsand
extremelytallgrass.Yourtractorisdesignedtomow
lawns,NOTclearbrush.
Keepthebladessharpand replacethebladeswhen
worn.Referto Cutting Blades intheMaintaining
YourLawnTractor sectionofthismanualforproper Figure 4=6
bladesharpeninginstructions.
Headlights 3. Insertthemulchplug,aligningthetopedgeofthe
ThelampsareONwhenevertheignitionkeyismoved plugwiththedeckasshownin theFig.4-6.Make
surethenotchesontheplugarein theslotsonthe
outof theSTOPposition, deckopening. ""
ThelampsturnOFFwhentheignitionkeyismovedto
theSTOPposition. 4. Lightlytapontheplugwithyourhandto assurethat NOTE: It isnot
thenotchesfit snuglyunderthechutetabs.
necessaryto remove
Mulching (If so Equipped) thedischargechute to
Selectmodelscomeequippedwitha mulchkitwhich operatethe mowerwith
incorporatesspecialblades,alreadystandardonthe
tractor,ina processof recirculatinggrassclippings themulch kit installed.
repeatedlybeneaththecuttingdeck.Theultra-fine
clippingsarethenforcedbackintothe lawnwherethey
actasa naturalfertilizer.Observethefollowingpointsfor
thebestresultswhenmulching:
Neverattempttomulchif thelawnisdamp.Wetgrass
tendsto stickto theundersideofthecuttingdeck
preventingpropermulchingoftheclippings.
DoNOTattempttomulchmorethan1/3thetotal
heightof thegrassor approximately1-1/2inches.
Doingsowillcausetheclippingstoclumpup beneath
thedeckand notbe mulchedeffectively.
Maintaina slowgroundspeedtoallowthegrass
clippingsmoretimeto effectivelybemulched.
AlwayspositionthethrottlecontrolleverintheFAST
(rabbit)positionandallowitto remaintherewhile
mowing.Failingtokeeptheengineatfullthrottle
placesstrainon thetractor'sengineand doesnot
allowthebladesto properlymulchgrass.
NOTE:It isnotnecessarytoremovethedischargechute
tooperatethemowerwiththemulchkit installed.
Tooperatethecuttingdeckwithoutmulching,simply
removethemulchplugbypivotingthedischargechute
upand pullingtheplugoutward.
Toreinstallplug:
1. Locatetworectangularholesonthecuttingdeck
surface.
19
Your Lawn
i i
TractOr
WARNING
ii_i ii i _i i iiiiiiii /_
Neverattemptto
make any adjust,
,ments whilethe
engine is running,
exceptwhere specl,
i
lied in the operator's
manual
Never attempt to
adjust the brakes
while the engine
is running: Always
disengage PTO,move
i
shift lever into neutral
position;stop engine
and remove key to
prevent unintended
NOTE: Checkthe
,
tractors t!repressure
beforeperforming any
deck levelingadjust-
ments:RefertOTires
in the Maintaining Your
Tractor section of this
manualfor information
_ ARNING:Neverattempt tomakeany
adjustments while the engine is running,
exceptwherespecified in the operator's
manual.
Side to Side
If thecuttingdeckappearsto bemowingunevenly,aside
tosideadjustmentcanbeperformed.Adjustif necessary
asfollows:
Leveling the Deck 1.
NOTE:Checkthetractor'stirepressurebeforeperform-
inganydeck levelingadjustments.RefertoTires inthe
MaintainingYour Tractorsectionofthismanualfor
informationregardingtirepressure. 2.
Front To Rear
Thefrontofthecuttingdeckissupportedbyastabilizer
barthatcanadjustedtolevelthedeckfromfrontto
rear.Thefrontofthedeckshouldbe between1/4-inch
and3/8-inchlowerthantherearofthedeck.Adjustif
necessaryasfollows:
Withthetractorparkedonafirm,levelsurface,place
thedecklift leverin thetopnotch(highestposition)
androtatebothbladessothattheyareperpendicular
withthetractor.
.
Measurethedistancefromtheoutsideoftheleftblade
tiptothegroundandthedistancefromtheoutsided
therightbladetiptotheground.Bothmeasurements
takenshouldbeequal.Ifthey'renot,proceedtothe
nextstep.
Loosen,butdo NOTremove,thehexcapscrewon
theleftdeckhangerbracket.SeeFig.5-2.
Withthetractorparkedonafirm,levelsurface,place
thedecklift leverin thetopnotch(highestposition)
androtatethebladenearestthedischargechuteso
thatitis parallelwiththetractor.
. Measurethedistancefromthefrontofthe blade
tiptothegroundandtherearofthe bladetipto
theground.Thefirstmeasurementtakenshould
bebetween1/4"and3/8" lessthanthe second
measurement.Determinetheapproximatedistance
necessaryforproperadjustmentandproceed,if
necessary,tothenextstep.
3. Fromthefrontofthetractor,loosentheoutermost
hexlock nutontheendof eachdeckhangerrod.
SeeFig.5-1.
.
Tighteneachinnerhexnutfrontagainstthefront
hangerbracketto raisethefrontofthedeck;loosen
eachhexnuttolowerthefrontofthedeck.SeeFig.
5-1.
Tghten
"\ to!owe_
Figure 5-1
5. Retightenbothlocknutsagainsttheinnerhexnuts
whenproperadjustmentisachieved.
Figure 5=2
4. Balancethedeckbyusingawrenchtoturnthe
adjustmentgear(foundimmediatelybehindthehex
capscrewjust loosened)clockwise/uporcounter-
clockwise/down.Thedeckis properlybalancedwhen
bothbladetipmeasurementstakenearlierareequal.
5. Retightenthehexcapscrewontheleft deckhanger
bracketwhenproperadjustmentisachieved.
Parking Brake Adjustment
,_ WARNING:Neverattempt toadjust the
brakes while the engine is running. Always
disengagePTO,moveshift lever into
neutralposition, stop engineand remove
key toprevent unintended starting.
ifthetractordoesnotcometoacompletestopwhenthe
brakepedaliscompletelydepressed,orifthetractor'srear
wheelscanrollwiththeparkingbrakeapplied,thebrakeis
in needofadjustment.SeeanauthorizedTroy-BiltService
Dealertohaveyourbrakesproperlyadjusted.
2O
  • Page 1 1
  • Page 2 2
  • Page 3 3
  • Page 4 4
  • Page 5 5
  • Page 6 6
  • Page 7 7
  • Page 8 8
  • Page 9 9
  • Page 10 10
  • Page 11 11
  • Page 12 12
  • Page 13 13
  • Page 14 14
  • Page 15 15
  • Page 16 16
  • Page 17 17
  • Page 18 18
  • Page 19 19
  • Page 20 20
  • Page 21 21
  • Page 22 22
  • Page 23 23
  • Page 24 24
  • Page 25 25
  • Page 26 26
  • Page 27 27
  • Page 28 28
  • Page 29 29
  • Page 30 30
  • Page 31 31
  • Page 32 32
  • Page 33 33
  • Page 34 34
  • Page 35 35
  • Page 36 36

MTD 13AP625K730 Owner's manual

Category
Lawnmowers
Type
Owner's manual
This manual is also suitable for

Ask a question and I''ll find the answer in the document

Finding information in a document is now easier with AI