MTD 769-01598B Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 769-01598B

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

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

A O AL

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Transmatic Lawn Tractor- Models 760=779

iMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush-

coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).

If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw

(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester

forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealerorcontacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,

Ohio44136-0019.

PRINTEDIN U.S.A.

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

FORMNO.769-01598B

01/06/2006

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new lawn tractor, it will help you assemble,

prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.

Table of Contents

Slope Gauge ....................................................... 3

Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4

Setting UpYour Lawn Tractor ............................ 8

Operating Your Lawn Tractor ........................... 12

Adjusting Your Lawn Tractor ............................ 20

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

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

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

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

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

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREYOU STARTASSEMBLING

YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,

please locatethe modelplate onthe equipmentand copythe

informationtothe sample modelplate providedtothe right.

Youcan locatethe modelplate by looking beneathethe seat.

Thisinformationwillbe necessaryto usethemanufacturer's

website and/or obtainassistancefromthe CustomerSupport

Departmentoran 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 NOTretum 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,you canseek help fromthe experts.Choosefrom the options below:

1. Visit mtdproducts.com. Click on the Service &Support menuoption.

2. Phonea Customer Support Representative at 1 (800) 800-7310.

3. The engine manufacturer is responsiblefor 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.

MTD/n_er_@_i®a_ Award Wi_n i_g ?rd_s_ts O_r Com?_ay

Product Menu

o_r_,qo_ _ Suppo_±

Product. Registration

?riv®cy Pd_y

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Sightandholdthis levelwith a verticaltree...

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15°

Practices

WARNING

Thissymbolpoints

out importantsafety

instructionswhich, if

notfollowed, could

endangerthe personal

safetyand/or property

ofyourself and others.

Readand follow all

I instructionsinthis man-

ualbeforeattemptingto

operatethis machine.

tFailureto complywith

hese instructionsmay

resultin personalinjury.

When youseethis

symbol.

HEED iTS WARNING

Your

Responsibility

Restrictthe use

of this powermachine

to personswho read,

understand

andfollow thewarnings

and instructions

in this manual

WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of itsconstituents,andcertain vehiclecompo-

nentscontain or emitchemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand

birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.

DANGER: This machinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operationin this

manual.As with anytype of powerequipment,carelessnessor error onthe part ofthe operatorcan

result inseriousinjury.This machine iscapableof amputatinghands andfeet andthrowingobjects.

Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injury ordeath.

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

injuredor interferewithsafemachineoperation.

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 trailerbedwithaplasticliner.Always

placecontainerson thegroundawayfrom

yourvehiclebeforefilling.

c. Whenpractical,removegas-powered

equipmentfromthetruckor trailerand refuelit

ontheground.Ifthis isnotpossible,then

refuelsuchequipmenton atrailerwitha

portablecontainer,ratherthanfromagasoline

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.

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. Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury,

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 daylightorgoodartificiallight.

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 struckorpulled

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

theapprovedaccessoryor attachment.

28.Dataindicatesthat operators,age60 yearsand

above,are involvedin alargepercentageofriding

mower-relatedinjuries.Theseoperatorsshould

evaluatetheirabilitytooperatethe ridingmower

safelyenoughto protectthemselvesandothersfrom

seriousinjury.

29.If situationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis

manual,usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyour

customerservicerepresentativeforassistance.

........................................................................................

WARNING

Thissymbolpoints

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

Thissymbolpoints

outimportantsafety

instructionswhich,if

notfollowed,could

endangerthepersonal

isafetyand/orproperty

ofyourselfandothers.

Readandfollowall

instructionsinthisman-

ualbeforeattemptingto

Ioperatethismachine.

I Failuretocomplywith

theseinstructionsmay

i resultinpersonalinjury.

Whenyouseethis

symbol.

i HEED ITSWARNING

Your

i Responsibility

Restrictthe use

of this power machine

to personswho read,

understand

and followthewarnings

and instructions

in this manual

Slope Operation:

Slopesare amajorfactorrelatedtolossofcontroland

tip-overaccidentswhichcanresultin severeinjuryor

death.All slopesrequireextracaution.If youcannot

backuptheslopeor ifyoufeeluneasyonit, donotmow

it.

Foryoursafety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartof

thismanualto measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunit

ona slopedor hillyarea.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15

degreesasshownon theslopegauge,do notoperate

thisunitonthatareaor seriousinjurycouldresult.

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 stoppingona 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 ifanedgecavesin.

3. Donottry tostabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfoot

ontheground.

4. Donotusea grasscatcheronsteepslopes.

5. Donotmowonwetgrass.Reducedtractioncould

causesliding.

6. Donotshifttoneutralandcoastdownhill.Over-speed-

ingmaycausetheoperatortolosecontrolofthe

machineresultingin seriousinjuryordeath.

7. Donottowheavypullbehindattachments(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 othersinoron towedequip-

ment.

4. Onslopes,theweightof thetowedequipmentmay

causelossoftractionandlossofcontrol.

5. Travelslowlyandallowextradistancetostop.

6. Donotshifttoneutralandcoastdownhill.

Service

1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorina poorlyventilated

area.Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,an

odorless,anddeadlygas.

2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertain

theblade(s)andall movingpartshavestopped.

Disconnectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe

engineto preventunintendedstarting.

3. Periodicallychecktomakesurethebladescometo

completestopwithinapproximately(5) fiveseconds

afteroperatingthebladedisengagementcontrol.Ifthe

bladesdo notstopwithinthethis timeframe,yourunit

shouldbe servicedprofessionallybyanauthorized

MTDServiceDealer.

4. Checkbrakeoperationfrequentlyasitissubjectedto

wearduringnormaloperation.Adjustandserviceas

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.

Thissymbolpoints

out importantsafety

instructionswhich, if

notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal

safetyand/or property

of yourselfand others.

Readandfollow all

instructionsin this man-

ual beforeattemptingto

operatethis machine.

Failureto complywith

these instructionsmay

result inpersonalinjury.

When yousee this

symbol.

HEED iTS WARNING

Your

Responsibility

Restrictthe use

ofthis powermachine

to personswho read.

understand

and followthe warnings

and instructions

in this manual

Tractor

Use extreme care

whenhandling

gaso nelGasoline

extremely flammable

and the vapors are

explosive: Never fuel

machine indoors

or while the engine

is hotor running,

Extinguish cigarettes,

cigars, pipes, and

othersourcesof

ignitionl

NOTE: This Operators

Manual Coversa range

ofproduCtspecifications

for VariousmodelS:

Characteristics and

featuresdiscussed

and/or illustratedin

s manualmay not

applicabletoall models:

MTD LLC reservesthe

rightto change product

specifications,(Jesigns

andequipment without

notice andwithout incur-

i[ing obligatiOnl

RubberBoot

Figure 1

NOTE:ThisOperatorsManualcoversa rangeofproduct

specificationsforvariousmodels.Characteristicsandfea-

turesdiscussedand/orillustratedinthis manualmaynot

beapplicabletoall models.MTDLLCreservesthe right

tochangeproductspecifications,designsandequipment

withoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation.

Attaching the Battery Cables

NOTE:Somemodelsareshippedwiththebatterycables

alreadyconnected.

NOTE:ThepositivebatteryterminalismarkedPos.(+).

Thenegativebatteryterminalis markedNeg.(-).

• Thepositivecable(heavyredwire)issecuredtothe

positivebatteryterminal(+)witha hexboltandhex

nutatthefactory.Makecertainthatthe rubberboot

coverstheterminaltohelpprotectitfromcorrosion.

• Removethehexboltand hexnutfromthenegative

cable.

• Removetheblackplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthe

negativebatteryterminalandattachthenegative

cable(heavyblackwire)tothenegativebattery

terminal(-) withtheboltandnut.

• Makecertainthehold-downstrapisin positionover

thebattery,securingitin place.SeeFigure1.

NOTE:Ifthe batteryis putintoserviceafterthedate

shownontopofbattery,chargethebatteryasinstructed

onpage24ofthis manualpriortooperatingthetractor.

Gas and Oil Fill-up

Thegasolinetankislocatedunderthehoodandhasa

capacityof 1-1/2gallons.Donotoverfill.

WARNING: Use extreme care

when handling gasoline.Gaso-

line is extremely flammable and

the vapors are explosive. Never

fuel machine indoors or while the

engine is hot or running. Extin-

guish cigarettes, cigars, pipes,

and other sources of ignition.

Servicetheenginewithgasolineandoil asinstructedin

theseparateEngineOperator/OwnerManualpackedwith

yourtractor.Readinstructionscarefully.

IMPORTANT:Yourtractorisshippedwithmotoroil inthe

engine.However,youMUSTchecktheoil levelbefore

operating.Becarefulnottooverfill.

Shipping Brace Removal f

WARNING:Make sure the riding

mower's engineis off, removethe

ignitionkey, and set the parking

brake before removingthe ship-

pingbrace.

• Locatetheshippingbrace,ifpresent,andaccompany-

ingwarningtagfoundon therightsideofthemower,

betweenthedischargechuteand thecuttingdeck.

See Figure2.

• Whileholdingthedischargechutewithyourleft hand,

removetheshippingbracewithyourrighthandby

graspingitbetweenyourthumbandindexfingerand

rotatingitclockwise.

WARNING: The shipping brace,

used for packagingpurposes

only, must be removedand dis-

carded before operating your

riding mower.

WARNING: The mowing deck is

capableof throwing objects. Fail-

ure to operate the ridingmower

without the dischargecover in the

proper operating position could

result inserious personal injury

and/or property damage.

Attaching The Steering Wheel

Ifthesteeringwheelforyourtractordid notcome

attached,thehardwareforattachingit hasbeenpacked

withinthesteeringwheel,beneaththe steeringwheel

cap.Carefullypryoffthesteeringwheelcapand remove

thehardware.

NOTE:Therearetwodifferentstylesof steeringwheel

cap.SeeFigure3.Stylesvary by model.

1. With thewheels of the tractor pointingstraight

forward, placethesteeringwheeloverthesteering

shaft.

2. Placethewasher(withthecuppedsidedown)over

thesteeringshaftandsecurewiththehexbolt.See

Figure3.

3. Placethesteeringwheelcapoverthecenterofthe

steeringwheelandpushdownwarduntilit"clicks"into

place.

Figure 2

Figure 3

TractOr

WARNING

Make surethe riding

mower's engine is

off, removethe igni-

tion key, and set the

parkingbrake before

removingthe shipping

brace.

The shipping brace,

used for packaging

purposes only, must

be removedand

discardedbefore

operatingyour riding

mower.

The mowing deck is

capableofthrowing

objects. Failureto

operate the riding

mower withoutthe

dischargecover in

the properoperating

position could result

in serious personal

injuryand/or property

damage.

WARNING

Beforeoperatingthis

machine,makesure

the seat isengaged in

the seatstop;stand

behindthemachine

andpu,backonseat

fu,yengaged

intostop:

NOTE: Forsh pping rea:

s0nsl Seatsareeither

fastenedto the tractor

seat's pivotbraCketWitt

a plastiCtie, or mounted

backwardtothe pivot

bracket. Ineithercase;

free the seatform its

shippingp0sitionand

removethe two Box

screws(or knobsion

models so equipped)

fromthebottom of seat

beforeproceedingwith

applicableinstructions:

Attaching The Seat

Seatstylesvarybytractormodelandtherearethree

differentstylesavailable:

• StandardAdjustment

• QuickAdjustment&

• KnobAdjustment

If theseatforyourtractordid notcomeattached,referto

Figure4, Figure5,and Figure6 toidentifyyourtractor's

seatstyleandfollowtheapplicableinstructionsbelowto

attachit.

Figure 4

NOTE:Forshippingreasons,seatsareeitherfastened

tothetractorseat'spivotbracketwitha plastictie,or

mountedbackwardtothepivotbracket.Ineithercase,

freetheseatformitsshippingpositionand removethe

twohexscrews(or knobs,onmodelssoequipped)from

thebottomof seatbeforeproceedingwithapplicable

instructionsbelow.

Standard Adjustment Seat

1. Positiontheshoulderscrews(foundonthe baseof the

seat)insidetheslotopeningsintheseatpivotbracket.

Figure4.

2. Slidetheseatslightlyrearwardintheseatpivot

bracket,liningupthe rearslotsinthepivotbracket

withtheremainingtwo holesintheseat'sbase.

3. Selectdesiredpositionfortheseat,andsecurewith

thetwohexscrewsremovedearlier.SeeFigure4.

Quick Adjustment Seat

NOTE:Ifyourseatwasshippedmountedbackwardson

theseatpivotbracket,pulloutthetabfoundonthe seat

stopandholditopenwhileslidingtheseatoff theseat

pivotbracket.SeeFigure5.

Figure 5

1. Lineuptheplasticseatspacerswiththeslotsin seat

pivotbracket.

2. Slideseatinuntilfrontseatspacerengagestheseat

stop.SeeFigure5.

WARNING" Before operating this

machine, make sure the seat is

engaged inthe seat stop, stand

behind the machine and pull back

on seat until fully engaged into

stop.

Figure 6

Knob Adjustment Seat

1. Positiontheshoulderscrews(foundonthe baseof the

seat)insidetheslotopeningsintheseatpivotbracket.

Figure6.

2. Slidetheseatslightlyrearwardintheseatpivot

bracket,liningupthe rearslotsinthepivotbracket

withtheremainingtwo holesintheseat'sbase.

3. Selectdesiredpositionfortheseat,andsecurewith

thetwoknobsremovedearlier.SeeFigure6.

identifying the Mulch Plug (if so /,f

equipped)

On tractormodelssoequipped,a mulchplugcaneither

be foundwithinthecuttingdeck'sdischargeopeningor

packedseparatelywithyourunit.

NOTE:Referto Mulching on page19formoredetailed

information.

Ifyou'dprefertooperatethecuttingdeckwithoutmulch-

ing,simplyremovethemulchplugbyunthreadingthe

plasticwingnutwhichfastensittothecuttingdeck.This

willallowtheclippingstodischargeoutofthedischarge

openingduringoperation.SeeFigure7.

Tire Pressure

,_ WARNING: Maximum tire pres-

sure underany circumstances is

30 psi.Equal tire pressureshould

be maintainedat all times.

Figure 7

Thetiresonyourunitmaybeover-inflatedforshipping

purposes.Reducethetire pressurebeforeoperating

thetractor.Recommendedoperatingtirepressureis

approximately10p.s.iforthereartires& 14p.s.i,forthe

fronttires.Checksidewallof tireformaximump.s.i.

WARNING

Maximumtirepres,

sure under any

circumstancesis30

psi, Equaltire pressure

shouldbe maintained

at all times,

Know Your Lawn Tractor

NOTE:Any reference

in this manualto the

RIGHTor LEFTside of

thetractor isobserved

from operator'sposition.

Figure 8

NOTE:Steeringwheelnotshownforclarity

1-If soequipped

A SpeedControlLever/ParkingBrake E ThrottleControlLever

B Clutch-BrakePedal F IgnitionSwitchModule

C ShiftLever G DeckLiftLever

D ChokeControl1- H PTO(BladeEngage)Lever

NOTE:Anyreferencein thismanualto theRIGHTor LEFTsideofthetractoris observedfromoperator'sposition.

Throttle Control Lever

Thethrottlecontrolleverislocatedon therightsideof

thetractor'sdashpanel.Thislevercontrolsthespeed

oftheengineand,on somemodels,whenpushedall

thewayforward,thechokecontrolalso.Whenset ina

givenposition,thethrottlewill maintaina uniformengine

speed.SeeFigure9.

IMPORTANT:Whenoperatingthetractorwiththecutting

deckengaged,becertainthatthethrottleleverisalways

inthe FAST(rabbit)position.

Choke Control

Onsomemodels,movingthe

throttleleverallthewayforward

activatestheengine'schoke _L._

control.Onall othermodels,the

chokecontrolcanbefoundon

theleftsideofthedashpanel

andisactivatedbypullingthe

knoboutward.Activatingthe

chokecontrolclosesthechoke

plateonthecarburetorandaidsinstartingtheengine.

RefertoStarting The Engineon page16ofthis manual

fordetailedstartinginstructions.

Ignition Switch

Theignitionswitchisactivatedtostarttheengine.Insert

keyintotheignitionswitchandturnclockwiseto the

STARTposition.ReleasethekeyintotheONposition

onceenginehasfired.SeeFigure10A.

ignition Switch Module (if Equipped)

Tostarttheengine,insertthekeyintothe ignitionswitch

andturnclockwisetothe STARTposition.Releasethe

keyintotheNORMALMOWINGMODEpositiononce

theenginehasfired.

Tostoptheengine,turntheignitionkeycounterclockwise

totheOFFposition.SeeFigurelOB.

WARNING: Never leave a running

machine unattended, Always

disengage PTO,move shift lever

intoneutral position, set parking

brake, stop engine and remove

key to prevent unintended

starting,

IMPORTANT:Priortooperatingthetractor,refertoboth

SafetyInterlock Switches on page14and Starting

TheEngine onpage16ofthismanualfordetailed

instructionsregardingthe IgnitionSwitchModuleand

operatingthetractorin REVERSECAUTIONMODE.

FAST--4pm

SLOW __ .,-.--.

SLOW

Figure 9

Off

n/Lights

Start

Position

Normal

Mode

Start

Position

Figure 10

Deck Lift Lever

Foundonyourtractor'srightfender,thedeckliftleveris

usedto changetheheightof thecuttingdeck.Touse,

movethelevertotheleft,thenplaceinthenotchbest

suitedforyourapplication.

i _ i : iii iiI ii i_/I

WARNING

lever leave a running

machine unattended,

Alwaysdisengage

PTO,move shift lever

nto neutral position,

set parking ake,stop

engine and remove key

to preventunintended

startingl

IMPORTANT

Priortooperatingthe

tractor, referto both

Safety Interlock

Switchesonpag

14and

Engine 0n page i6

ofthismanualior

regardingthe Ignition

Switch Moduleand

operating the tractor in

REVERIE CAUTION

MODEi

NOTE:Theparking

brakemustbesetifthe

operatorleavestheseat

withtheenginerun-

ningortheenginewill

automaticallyshutoff.

NOTE:ThePTO(Blade

Engage)levermustbe

inthedisengaged(PTO

:3FF)positionwhen

startingtheengine.

iMPORTANT

Neverforce theshift

lever.Doingso may

resultin senous

damageto thetractor's

transmission.

FORWARD

HUETRAL

REVERSE_

Figure 11

Speed Control Lever

Thespeedcontrollever,locatedonthe

left sideofthetractor'sdashconsole,

allowsyouto regulatethegroundspeed

ofthelawntractor.Touse,depressthe

clutch-brakepedalandmovetheleveroul

oftheparkingbrakenotchandforward

toincreasethetractor'sgroundspeed.

Whenadesiredspeedhasbeenreached

releasetheleverintoan appropriate

notchto maintainthatspeed.

Toslowthetractor'sgroundspeed,

depresstheclutch-brakepedaland move

thespeedcontrolleverrearwardand

releaseit intoa notch.

NOTE:Lawntractorsvarybymodeland

areavailablewitheithera 6- or7-speed

controllever.

Parking Brake

Tosettheparkingbrake,fullydepresstheclutch-brake

pedal.Movethespeedcontrolleverallthewaydown

andintotheparkingbrakeposition.Releasetheclutch-

brakepedaltoallowtheparkingbraketoengage.

Toreleasetheparkingbrake,depresstheclutch-brake

pedaland movethespeedcontrolleveroutofthe

notchestothedesiredposition.Releasethespeed

controlleverandtheclutch-brakepedal.

NOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbesetif theoperator

leavestheseatwiththeenginerunningor theengine

willautomaticallyshutoff.

Clutch-Brake Pedal

Theclutch-brakepedalislocatedontheleft sideof

thelawntractor,alongtherunningboard.Depressthe

clutch-brakepedalpartwaydownwhenslowingthe

tractorbychangingspeeds(RefertoSpeedControl

Lever).Depressthepedalall thewaydowntoengage

thedisc brakeand bringthetractortoa completestop.

NOTE:Thepedalmustbedepressedto startthe

engine.Referto SafetyInterlockSwitcheson page14.

Shift Lever

Theshiftleverislocatedon theleftsideof thefender

andhasthreepositions,FORWARD,NEUTRALand

REVERSE.Thebrakepedalmustbedepressedand

thetractormustnotbe inmotionwhenthe movingshift

lever.SeeFigure11.

IMPORTANT:Neverforcetheshiftlever.Doingsomay

resultinseriousdamagetothetractor'stransmission.

PTO (Blade Engage) Lever

Foundon thetractor'srightfender,the

PTO(bladeengage)leveris usedto

engagepowertothecuttingdeckor

other(separatelyavailable)attachments.

Tooperate,movethe leverall theway

forward.Movingtheleverall theway

rearwardintothePTOOFFposition

disengagespowertothecuttingdeck/

attachment.

NOTE:ThePTO(bladeengage)lever

mustbe inthedisengaged(PTOOFF)

positionwhenstartingtheengine.

" #

Safety Interlock Switches

Thistractorisequippedwitha safetyinterlocksystem

fortheprotectionoftheoperator.If theinterlocksystem

shouldevermalfunction,donotoperatethetractor.

ContactanauthorizedMTDservicedealer.

* Thesafetyinterlocksystempreventstheengine

fromcrankingor startingunlesstheparkingbrakeis

engaged,andthe PTO(BladeEngage)leverisinthe

disengaged(OFF)position.

* Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoffif theoperator

leavestheseatbeforeengagingtheparkingbrake.

* Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoffif theoperator

leavesthetractor'sseatwiththePTO(BladeEngage)

leverintheengaged(ON)position,regardlessof

whetherthe parkingbrakeisengaged.

* Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoffif theoperator

engagesthePTOwiththeparkingbrakeON.

Models without Reverse Caution Mode

• Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff ifthePTO

(BladeEngage)leverismovedintotheengaged(ON)

positionwiththeshiftleverin Reverse.

Models with Reverse Caution Mode

• Withtheignitionkeyinthe NORMALMOWING

position,theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff ifthe

PTO(BladeEngage)leverismovedintotheengaged

(ON)positionwiththe shiftleverin Reverse.

,_ WARNING: Do not operate the

tractor if the interlocksystem

ismalfunctioning.This system

was designed for your safety and

protection.

Reverse Caution Mode (if Equipped)

WARNING: Useextreme caution

while operating the tractor in

the REVERSE CAUTIONMODE.

Always lookdown and behind

before and while backing. Do not

operate the tractor when children

or others are around, Stop the

tractor immediatelyif someone

enters the area.

TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEpositionofthe key

switchmoduleallowsthetractortobe operatedin

reversewiththeblades(PTO)engaged.

IMPORTANT:Mowinginreverseisnotrecommended.

Tousethe REVERSECAUTIONMODE:

IMPORTANT:TheoperatorMUSTbe seatedinthe

tractorseat.

1. Starttheengineasinstructedon page16under

Starting The Engine.

2. TurnthekeyfromtheNORMALMOWING(Green)

positiontotheREVERSECAUTIONMODE(Yellow)

positionofthekeyswitchmodule. SeeFigure12.

3. DepresstheREVERSEPUSHBUTTON(Orange,

TriangularButton)atthetop,rightcornerofthekey

switchmodule.Theredindicatorlightat thetop,left

cornerof thekeyswitchmodulewillbe ONwhile

activated.SeeFigure12.

Indicator

Light

Stop

Position

Reverse

.PushButton

Reverse

CautionMode

Position

Start

Position

Figure 12

4. Onceactivated(indicatorlightON),thetractorcan

bedriveninreversewiththecuttingblades(PTO)

engaged.

5. Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhile

backingtomakesurenochildrenare around.

6. Afterresumingforwardmotion,returnthekeytothe

NORMALMOWINGposition.

IMPORTANT:TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEwill

remainactivateduntil:

a. ThekeyisplacedineithertheNORMALMOWING

positionor STOPposition.

b.Theoperatorengagestheparkingbrakebyfully

depressingtheclutch-brakepedalandholdingit

downwhilemovingthespeedcontrolleverintothe

PARKBRAKEposition.

Engaging the Parking Brake

Toengagetheparkingbrake:

1. Fullydepresstheclutch-brakepedalandholdit down

withyourfoot.

2. Movethe speedcontrolleverall thewaydownand

intotheparkingbrakeposition.

3. Releasetheclutch-brakepedaltoallowtheparking

braketoengage.

Toreleasetheparkingbrake:

1. Depresstheclutch-brakepedalandmovethespeed

controlleveroutoftheparkingbrakepositionandinto

a desiredspeed.

_ _ii ii_i i_iii_ii_ i?_i_i_i_ii_ ii__

WARNING

Do not operatethe

tractor if the interlock

system ismalfunction-

ing. This system was

designed for your

safety and protection.

Use extreme caution

while operating the

tractor inthe REVERSE

CAUTION MODE.

Always look down and

behind beforeand

while backing. Do not

operate the tractor

when children or oth-

ers are around. Stop

the tractor immediately

f someone enters the

area.

YoUr LaWn

Tractor

WARNING

Keephandsand feet

awayfrom the dis-

charge opening of the

cuttingdeck.

Donot operate the

tractor if the interlock

system ismalfunction-

ing.This systemwas

designed for your

safety and protection.

if you strike aforeign

object, stopthe

engine, disconnect

the spark plugwire(s)

and groundagainst

the engine.Thoroughly

inspectthe machine

for anydamage. Repair

the damage before

restartingand operat-

ing.

Setting the Cutting Height

1. Selecttheheightpositionofthecuttingdeckby

placingthedeckliftleverinanyofthesixdifferent

cuttingheightnotchesonthe rightsideofthefender.

2. Adjustthedeckwheels,ifequipped,sothattheyare

betweenl_-inchandY2-inchabovethegroundwhen

thetractorisona smooth,flat surfacesuchasa

driveway.

WARNING: Keep hands and feet

away from the discharge open-

ing ofthe cutting deck.

NOTE:Onmodelssoequipped,thedeckwheelsare an

anti-scalpfeatureofthedeckandare notdesignedto

supporttheweightofthecuttingdeck.

Referto Levelingthe Deckonpage20ofthis manual

formoredetailedinstructionsregardingvariousdeck

adjustments.

Starting the Engine

,,__ WARNING" Do not operate the

tractor if the interlocksystem is

malfunctioning. This system was

designed for your safety and

protection.

I G

AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

GO UPAND DOWNSLOPES,NOTACROSS.

AVOIDSUDDENTURNS.

DO NOTOPERATETHEUNITWHEREIT COULDSLIPOR TIE

IF MACHINESTOPSGOINGUPHILL,STOPBLADE(S)AND

BACKDOWNHILLSLOWLY.

DO NOTMOWWHEN CHILDRENOROTHERSAREAROUND.

NEVERCARRYCHILDREN,EVENWITHBLADESOFR

LOOK DOWNANDBEHIND BEFOREANDWHILEBACKING.

KEEPSAFETYDEVICES(GUARDS,SHIELDS,ANDSWITCHES)

IN PLACEANDWORKING.

REMOVEOBJECTSTHATCOULDBE THROWNBYTHE

BLADE(S).

KNOWLOCATIONANDFUNCTIONOFALL CONTROLS.

BE SURE BLADE(S)ANDENGINEARE STOPPEDBEFORE

PLACINGHANDSOR FEETNEAR BLADE(S).

BEFORELEAVINGOPERATOR'SPOSITION,DISENGAGE

BLADE(S), PLACETHE SHIFTLEVERIN NEUTRAL,ENGAGE

BRAKELOCK,SHUTENGINEOFFANDREMOVEKEY.

READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL

Stopping the Engine

NOTE:RefertotheTRACTORSET-UPon page8 of

thismanualforGasolineandOil fill-upinstructions.

1. Insertthetractorkeyintotheignitionswitch.

2. PlacethePTO(BladeEngage)leverinthedisen-

gaged(OFF)position.

3. Engagethetractor'sparkingbrake.

4. Activatethechokecontrol.

5. TurntheignitionkeyclockwisetotheSTARTposi-

tion.Aftertheenginestarts,releasethekey.Itwill

returntotheONposition.

IMPORTANT:DoNOTholdthekeyin theSTART

positionforlongerthantensecondsata time.Doingso

maycausedamagetoyourengine'selectricstarter.

6. Aftertheenginestarts,deactivatethechokecontrol

andplacethethrottlecontrolinthe FASTposition.

__ ARNING: if you strike a foreign

object, stop the engine, discon-

nect the spark plug wire(s) and

ground against the engine. Thor-

oughly inspectthe machine for

any damage. Repair the damage

before restarting and operating

1. If thebladesare engaged,placethe PTO(Blade

Engage)leverinthedisengaged(OFF)position.

2. TurntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheSTOP

position.

3. Removethekeyfromtheignitionswitchtoprevent

unintendedstarting.

NOTE:DoNOTleavethechokecontrolonwhileoperat-

ingthetractor.Doingsowillresultina "rich"fuelmixture

andcausetheengineto runpoorly.

Driving The Tractor

WARNING: Avoidsudden starts,

e×-cessivespeed and sudden

stops.

WARNING: Do not leave the seat

of the tractor without first plac-

ingthe PTO(Blade Engage) lever

inthe disengaged (OFF) posi-

tion, depressing the brake pedal

and engaging the parking brake.

if leaving the tractor unattended,

also turn the ignition key off and

remove the key.

Always look down and behind

before and while backing up to

avoid a back-over accident.

1. Depressthebrakepedalto releasetheparkingbrake

andletthepedalup.

2. MovethethrottleleverintotheFAST(rabbit)position.

3. Placetheshiftleverin eithertheFORWARDor

REVERSEposition.

IMPORTANT:DoNOTusetheshiftlevertochangethe

directionoftravelwhenthetractorisin motion.Always

usethebrakepedalto bringthetractortoa complete

stopbeforeshifting.

4. Releasetheparkingbrakebydepressingtheclutch-

brakepedalandpositioningthespeedcontrolleverin

desiredposition.

NOTE:Whenoperatingtheunitinitially,therewillbe little

differencebetweenthehighesttwospeedsuntilafterthe

beltshaveseatedthemselvesintothepulleysduringthe

break-inperiod.

_ ARNING: Before leaving the

operator's positionfor any

reason, disengage the blades,

place the shift lever in neutral,

engage the parking brake, shut

engine off and remove the key.

IMPORTANT:Whenstoppingthetractorforanyreason

whileona grasssurface,always:

1. Placetheshiftleverin neutral,

2. Engagetheparkingbrake,

3. Shutengineoff andremovethekey.

Doingsowillminimizethepossibilityofhavingyourlawn

"browned"byhotexhaustfromyourtractor'srunning

engine.

If unit stalls withspeedcontrolin highspeed,orif unit

willnotoperatewithspeedcontrolleverin a lowspeed

position,proceedasfollows:

1. Placeshiftleverin NEUTRAL.

2. Restartengine.

3. Placespeedcontrolleverinhighestspeedposition.

4. Releaseclutch-brakepedalfully.

5. Depressclutch-brakepedal.

6. Placespeedcontrolleverindesiredposition.

7. Placeshiftleverin eitherFORWARDorREVERSE,

andfollownormaloperatingprocedures.

IMPORTANT:First-timeoperatorsshouldusespeed

positions1or2. Becomecompletelyfamiliarwiththe

tractor'soperationandcontrolsbeforeoperatingthe

tractorinhigherspeedpositions.

Releaseclutch-brakepedalslowlyto putunitinto

motion.

Thelawntractorisbroughttoa stopbydepressing

theclutch-brakepedal.

WARNING

Avoid sudden starts,

ex-cessive speed and

sudden stops.

Do not leave the seat

of the tractor without

first placingthe PTO

(Blade Engage)lever in

the disengaged (OFF)

position,depressing

the brake pedal and

engaging the parking

brake, if leavingthe

tractor unattended,

also turn the ignition

key off and remove the

key.

Always look down

and behind before

and while backing up

to avoid a back-over

_ccident.

WARNING

Donot mow on inclines

with a slopein excess

of 15degrees (a rise

of approximately 2-1/2

feet every 10feet). The

tractor could overturn

and cause serious

injury.

Tohelp avoid blade

;ontact or a thrown

object injury, keep

bystanders, helpers,

;hildren and pets at

least75 feet from the

machine while it is in

operation. Stop ma-

;hine ifanyoneenters

thearea.

Driving On Slopes

RefertotheSLOPEGAUGEon page3tohelpdeter-

mineslopeswhereyoumayoperatethetractorsafely.

,_ WARNING: Do not mow on

inclineswith a slope in excess

of 15degrees(a rise of approxi-

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

The tractor could overturnand

cause serious injury.

• Mowupanddownslopes,NEVERacross.

• Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirection

on slopes.

• Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,or otherhidden

objects.Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe machine.

Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.

• Avoidturnswhendrivingona slope.Ifa turnmust

be made,turndowntheslope.Turningupa slope

greatlyincreasesthechanceofa rollover.

• Avoidstoppingwhendrivingupa slope.If itis

necessarytostopwhiledrivingup aslope,startup

smoothlyandcarefullyto reducethepossibilityof

flippingthetractoroverbackward.

Engaging the Blades

EngagingthePTO(BladeEngage)transferspowerto

thecuttingdeckor other(separatelyavailable)attach-

ments.Toengagetheblades,proceedasfollows:

1. MovethethrottlecontrollevertotheFAST(rabbit)

position.

2. GraspthePTO(BladeEngage)leverandpivotit all

thewayforwardintotheengaged(ON)position.

3. Keepthethrottleleverinthe FAST(rabbit)position

forthemostefficientuseofthecuttingdeckorother

(separatelyavailable)attachments

iMPORTANT:Models withReverseCaution Mode:

Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff ifthePTOis

engagedwiththeshiftleverin positionfor reversetravel

withtheignitionkeyintheNORMALMOWINGposition.

Models withoutReverseCautionMode:

ThePTO(BladeEngage)levermustbein thedisen-

gaged(OFF)positionwhenstartingtheengine,when

travelingin reverse,and iftheoperatorleavestheseat.

RefertoSafetyinterlockSwitcheson page14.

Using the Deck Lift Lever

Toraisethecuttingdeck,movethedecklift levertothe

left,thenplaceitinthenotchbestsuitedforyourapplica-

tion.RefertoSettingTheCuttingHeightearlierinthis

section.

Mowing

WARNING: To help avoid blade

contact or a thrown object injury,

keep bystanders, helpers, children

and petsat least 75feet from the

machine while it is in operation.

Stop machine if anyone enters the

area.

Thefollowinginformationwillbehelpfulwhenusingthe

cuttingdeckwith yourtractor:

WARNING: Planyour mowing

pattern to avoid discharge of

materials toward roads, sidewalks,

bystanders and the like. Also,

avoid discharging material against

a wall or obstruction which may

cause discharged material to

ricochet back toward the operator.

• Donotmowathighgroundspeed,especiallyifa

mulchkit orgrasscollectorisinstalled.

• Forbestresultsitisrecommendedthatthefirsttwo

lapsbe cutwiththedischargethrowntowardsthe

center.Afterthefirsttwolaps, reversethedirectionto

throwthedischargetotheoutsideforthebalanceof

cutting.Thiswillgivea betterappearancetothe lawn.

• Donotcut thegrasstooshort.Shortgrassinvites

weedgrowthandyellowsquicklyindry weather.

• Mowingshouldalwaysbedonewiththeengineat full

throttle.

Underheavierconditionsitmaybenecessarytogo

backoverthecut areaa secondtimetogeta clean

cut.

• DoNOTattempttomowheavybrushandweedsand _ _ " --

extremelytallgrass.Yourtractorisdesignedtomow /A I

awns,NOTdearbrush //I

• Keepthebladessharpandreplacethebladeswhen "i.: ....",,, [J

worn.Referto Cutting Bladeson page25ofthis / '

manualforproperbladesharpeninginstructions.

Mulching (If Equipped)

Selectmodelscomeequippedwitha mulchkitwhich

incorporatesspecialblades,alreadystandardonthe

tractor,ina processof recirculatinggrassclippings

repeatedlybeneaththecuttingdeck.Theultra-fine

clippingsarethenforcedbackintothe lawnwherethey

actasa naturalfertilizer.

Observethefollowingpointsforthebestresultswhen

mulching:

• 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.

Figure 13

NOTE:It isnotnecessarytoremovethedischargechute

tooperatethemowerwiththemulchkit installed.

Tooperatethecuttingdeckwithoutmulching,simply

removethemulchplugbyunthreadingtheplasticwing

nutwhichfastensittothecuttingdeck.Thiswillallowthe

clippingstodischargeouttheside.See Figure13.

Headlights

• Onsomemodels,thelampsareONwheneverthe

tractor'sengineisrunning.Onothermodels,the

lampsareONwhenevertheignitionkeyismovedout

oftheSTOPposition.

• Onall models,thelampsturnOFFwhentheignition

keyismovedtotheSTOPposition.

Operating

WARNING

Planyour mowing pat-

tern to avoid discharge

of materials toward

roads, sidewalks, by-

standers and the like.

Also, avoid discharging

_aterial against a wall

_robstruction which

may cause discharged

aterial to ricochet

back toward the

operator.

WARNING

Neverattemptto

make any adjust-

ments while the

engine isrunning,

exceptwhere speci-

i fied in the operator's

manual.

iNever attempt to

iadjust the brakes

_whiethe engine

iisrunning. Always

idisengage PTO,move

::shift lever intoneutral

position, stop engine

and remove key to

iprevent unintended

istarting.

Figure 14

1. Withthetractorparkedona firm,levelsurface,place

thedecklift leverin thetopnotch(highestposition)

androtatethebladenearestthedischargechuteso

thatitisparallelwiththetractor.

2. Measurethedistancefromthefrontofthe bladetipto

thegroundandtherearofthebladetiptotheground.

Thefirstmeasurementtakenshouldbebetween

1/4"and 3/8"lessthanthesecondmeasurement.

Determinetheapproximatedistancenecessaryfor

properadjustmentandproceed,ifnecessary,tothe

nextstep.

3. Locatethejamnutandlocknutonthefrontsideof the

stabilizerbracket.See Figure14.Afterlooseningthe

jamnut:

Tightenthelocknutto raisethefrontofthedeck;

Loosenthelocknuttolowerthefrontofthedeck.

4. Retightenthejamnutloosenedearlierwhenproper

adjustmentisachieved.

Figure 15

,_ WARNING: Never attempt to

make any adjustments while

the engine isrunning, except

where specified in the operator's

manual.

Leveling the Deck

NOTE:Checkthetractor'stirepressurebeforeperform-

inganydeck levelingadjustments.RefertoTires on

page24 forinformationregardingtirepressure.

Front To Rear

Thefrontofthecuttingdeckissupportedbya stabilizer

barthatcanadjustedtolevelthedeckfromfrontto rear.

Thefrontofthedeckshouldbebetween1/4-inchand

3/8-inchlowerthantherearofthedeck.Adjustif

necessaryasfollows:

Side to Side

If thecuttingdeckappearsto bemowingunevenly,a side

tosideadjustmentcanbeperformed.Adjustif necessary

asfollows:

1. Withthetractorparkedona firm,levelsurface,place

thedecklift leverin thetopnotch(highestposition)

androtatebothbladessothattheyareperpendicular

withthetractor.

2. Measurethedistancefromtheoutsideoftheleftblade

tiptothegroundandthedistancefromtheoutsideof

therightbladetiptotheground.Bothmeasurements

takenshouldbeequal.Ifthey'renot,proceedtothe

nextstep.

3. Loosen,butdo NOTremove,thehexcapscrewon

theleftdeckhangerbracket.SeeFigure15.

4. Balancethedeckbyusingawrenchtoturnthe

adjustmentgear (foundimmediatelybehindthehex

capscrewjust loosened)clockwise/uporcounter-

clockwise/down.Thedeckis properlybalancedwhen

bothbladetipmeasurementstakenearlierareequal.

5. Retightenthehexcapscrewontheleft deckhanger

bracketwhenproperadjustmentisachieved.

Parking Brake Adjustment

_ ARNING"Never attempt to ad-

just the brakes while the engine is

running. Always disengage PTO,

move shift lever into neutral posi-

tion, stop engine and remove key

to prevent unintended starting.

If thetractordoesnotcometoa completestopwhenthe

brakepedaliscompletelydepressed,or ifthetractor's

rearwheelscanrollwiththeparkingbrakeapplied,the

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MTD 769-01598B Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 769-01598B

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

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MTD 769-01598B Owner's manual

MTD 769-01598B Owner's manual

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