Safety • Assembly • Operation • Adjustment • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
OF J -ro AL
Automatic Lawn Tractor- Model Series 605
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
forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,
Ohio44136-0019.
PRINTEDIN U.S.A.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
FORMNO.770-10448H
01/05/2006
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 ........................ 24
Off-Season Storage / Attachments ................. 30
Safety Labels .................................................... 31
Trouble Shooting .............................................. 32
Parts List ........................................................... 34
Finding and Recording IVlodel Number
BEFOREYOU STARTASSEMBLING
YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,
please locatethe modelplate onthe equipmentand copythe
informationtothe sample modelplate providedtothe right.
Youcan locatethe modelplate by lookingbeneathethe seat.
Thisinformationwillbe necessaryto usethe manufacturer's
website and/or obtainassistancefrom the CustomerSupport
Departmentoran authorizedservice dealer.
P. O. BOX 361131
o CLEVELAND,OH 44136
www.yardman.com 330-220-4683
800-800-731 O
Customer Support
Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
Ifyou have difficultyassemblingthis productorhave anyquestions regardingthe controls, operation,or maintenanceof this
unit,you canseek help fromthe experts.Choosefrom theoptions below:
1. Visit yardman.com. Click onthe Service& Support
menuoption.
2. Phonea Customer Support Representative at 1 (800)
800-7310.
3. Theengine manufacturerisresponsiblefor allengine-
relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-rating,
specifications,warrantyand service. Pleasereferto the
enginemanufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packed
separatelywith your unit,for moreinformation.
2
O
o
1=
o
>:.
(13
O3
(13
(13
O-
O
O
(--
O5
E
O
(13
(13
o3
(13
O-
O
o3
(13
E
(]3
(13
o
(13
C5
('5
O3
O5
(13
t"b
(13
O9
o5
(13
O-
O
O3
-5
O3
O
O
E
Sightandholdthis levelwith a verticaltree...
also
I
15°
Practices
WARNING
Thissymbol points
out importantsafety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed, could
endangerthe personal
safetyand/or property
ofyourself and others.
Readand follow all
I instructionsinthis man-
ualbeforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
tFailureto complywith
hese instructionsmay
resultin personalinjury.
When youseethis
symbol.
HEED iTS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
of this powermachine
to personswho read,
understand
andfollow the warnings
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 be operatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operationin this
manual.As with anytype of powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operatorcan
result inseriousinjury.This machine iscapable of amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.
Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injuryor 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
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 trailerbedwitha plasticliner.Always
placecontainerson thegroundawayfrom
yourvehiclebeforefilling.
c. Whenpractical,removegas-powered
equipmentfromthetruckor trailerand refuelit
ontheground.Ifthis isnotpossible,then
refuelsuchequipmenton a trailerwitha
portablecontainer,ratherthanfroma gasoline
dispensernozzle.
d. Keepthenozzlein 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. 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 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
theapprovedaccessoryor attachment.
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.
........................................................................................
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 thewarnings
and instructions
inthis manual
5
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 followthe warnings
and instructions
in this manual
Slope Operation:
Slopesare a majorfactorrelatedtolossofcontroland
tip-overaccidentswhichcanresultin severeinjuryor
death.All slopesrequireextracaution.If youcannot
backuptheslopeor ifyoufeeluneasyonit, do notmow
it.
Foryoursafety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartof
thismanualto measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunit
ona slopedor hillyarea.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15
degreesasshownon theslopegauge,do notoperate
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 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. 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 othersin oron towedequip-
ment.
4. Onslopes,theweightof thetowedequipmentmay
causelossoftractionandlossofcontrol.
5. Travelslowlyandallowextradistancetostop.
6. Donotshifttoneutralandcoastdownhill.
6
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.Adjustand serviceas
required.
5. Checktheblade(s)andenginemountingboltsat
frequentintervalsforpropertightness.Also,visually
inspectblade(s)fordamage(e.g.,excessivewear,
bent,cracked). Replacetheblade(s)withtheoriginal
equipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)blade(s)only,
listedinthis manual."Useof partswhichdonotmeet
theoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"
6. Mowerbladesaresharp.Wrapthebladeor wear
gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
7. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstighttobesurethe
equipmentis insafeworkingcondition.
8. Nevertamperwiththesafetyinterlocksystemor other
safetydevices.Checktheirproperoperationregularly.
9. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,
disconnectthesparkplugwire(s)andgroundagainst
theengine.Thoroughlyinspectthemachineforany
damage.Repairthedamagebeforestartingand
operating.
10.Neverattempttomakeadjustmentsor repairstothe
machinewhiletheengineisrunning.
11.Grasscatchercomponentsandthedischarge
coveraresubjecttowearanddamagewhichcould
exposemovingpartsor allowobjectstobethrown.
Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponents
andreplaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthis
manual."Useofpartswhichdonotmeettheoriginal
equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improper
performanceandcompromisesafety!"
12.Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsor
over-speedtheengine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe
maximumsafeoperatingspeedoftheengine.
13.Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as
necessary.
14.Observeproperdisposallawsand regulationsfor
gas,oil,etc.toprotecttheenvironment.
7
Thissymbol points
out importantsafety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safetyand/or property
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
i
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:ThepositivebatteryterminalismarkedPos.(+).
Thenegativebatteryterminalis markedNeg.(-).
• Thepositivecable(heavyredwire)issecuredtothe
positivebatteryterminal(+)witha hexboltandhex
nutatthefactory.Beforeattachingthenegativecable,
removethebatterybyremovingthepositivecable
andhold-downstrap.Notethedateon thesideofthe
battery.Ifthebatteryis putintoserviceafterthisdate,
chargethebatteryasinstructedin theMaintaining
YourLawnTractorsectionofthis manualpriorto
operatingthetractor.
• Securebatterybackontothetractorwiththehold-
downstrap.Reattachthepositivecable(heavyred
wire)tothepositivebatteryterminal(+)withthebolt
andnut.Makecertainthattherubberbootcoversthe
terminalto helpprotectit fromcorrosion.
• Removethehexboltandwingnutfromthenegative
cable.
• Removetheblackplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthe
negativebatteryterminalandattachthenegative
cable(heavyblackwire)tothenegativebattery
terminal(-) withtheboltandnut.
• Makecertainthehold-downstrapisin positionover
thebattery,securingitin place.SeeFigure1.
Gas and Oil Fill-up
Thegasolinetank islocatedunderthehoodandhasa
capacityofeithertwoor threegallons.Donotoverfill.
WARNING: Use extreme care
when handling gasoline.Gasoline
isextremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Never fuel
machine indoorsor while the
engine is hot or running. Extin-
guish cigarettes, cigars, pipes,
and other sources of ignition.
Servicetheenginewithgasolineandoil asinstructedin
theseparateEngineOperator/OwnerManualpackedwith
yourtractor.Readinstructionscarefully.
IMPORTANT:Yourtractorisshippedwith motoroil inthe
engine.However,youMUSTchecktheoil levelbefore
operating.Becarefulnottooverfill.
8
Shipping Brace Removal f
WARNING:Make surethe riding
mower's engine is 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.
9
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.
10
NOTE:Referto Mulching on page19formoredetailed
information.
Ifyou'dprefertooperatethecuttingdeckwithoutmulch-
ing,simplyremovethemulchplugbyunthreadingthe
plasticwingnutwhichfastensittothecuttingdeck.This
willallowtheclippingstodischargeoutofthedischarge
openingduringoperation.SeeFigure7.
Figure 7
LaWn
Tractor
WARNING
i i i i i i ii
ii i _iI_ ii
11
Know Your Lawn Tractor
NOTE:Any reference
in this manualto the
RIGHTor LEFTside of
thetractor isobserved
from operator'sposition.
G
H
B
J
K
C
F
D
E
@ @
f" "_ L
M
NOTE:Steeringwheelnotshownforclarity
Figure 8
A PTO(BladeEngage)Levert G ThrottleLever
PTO(BladeEngage)Knobt H CruiseControlButton
B SystemsIndicatorMonitort/Ammeter I IgnitionSwitchModule
C ChokeKnobt J BrakePedal
D ParkingBrakeButton K DrivePedal
E ShiftLever L DeckLiftLever
F CupHolder M SeatAdjustmentLevert
NOTE:Anyreferencein
If soequipped
thismanualto theRIGHTor LEFTsideofthetractoris observedfromoperator'sposition.
12
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
control.Onall othermodels,the
chokecontrolcanbefoundon
theleftsideofthedashpanel
andisactivatedbypullingthe
knoboutward.Activatingthe
chokecontrolclosesthechoke
plateonthecarburetorandaidsinstartingtheengine.
RefertoStarting The Enginein this sectionofthe
manualfordetailedstartinginstructions.
Brake Pedal
[
Thebrakepedalislocatedon /
therightfrontsideofthetractor_
abovethedrivepedalalongthe
runningboard.Thebrakepedal
canbeusedforsuddenstops
or settingtheparkingbrake.
f
Fast
Position
Slow
Position
Choke
__-_).
Position
Fast
Position
Slow --->
Position
f
Position
Figure 9
Normal
Mode
Start
Position
NOTE:Thebrakepedalmust
befullydepressedtoactivate
thesafetyinterlockswitch
whenstartingthetractor.
Ignition Switch Module
Figure 10
IMPORTANT:Priortooperatingthetractor,referto both
SafetyInterlock Switches andStarting The Engine
inthissectionofthemanualfordetailedinstructions
regardingthe IgnitionSwitchModuleandoperatingthe
tractorinREVERSECAUTIONMODE.
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,
Tostarttheengine,insertthekeyintothe ignitionswitch
andturnclockwisetothe STARTposition.Releasethe
keyintotheNORMALMOWINGMODEpositiononce
theenginehasfired.
Tostoptheengine,turntheignitionkeycounterclockwise
totheOFFposition.SeeFigure10.
Drive Pedal
Thedrivepedalislocatedbelowthe
brakepedalon therightfrontsideof
thetractoralongthe runningboard.
Depressthedrivepedalwithyourright
footwhenthetractorshiftleveris in
eitherFORWARDor REVERSEtocaus_
thetractortomove.Groundspeedis
alsocontrolledwiththedrivepedal.The
furtherdownthepedalisdepressed,the
fasterthetractorwilltravel.Thepedal
willreturntoitsoriginalpositionwhenit'._
notdepressed.
M
/
4
IMPORTANT:Alwayssettheparkingbrakewhenleaving
thetractorunattended.
Operating
Your LaWn
ii?i?ii!:ii ¸C :L i!iiC !i ¸
WARNING
Never leave arunning
machine unattended,
Always disengage
PTO, move shift lever
nto neutral position,
set Parking brake, stop
engine and remove key
to prevent unintended
starting:
IMPORTANT
PriortooReratingthe
tractor,refer to both
Safety interlock
Switches and Starting
The Engine in this
seCtion ofthe manual
for detailed instructions
i
regardingthe Ign tion
SwitCh ModUleand
operatingthetractoi in
REVERSECAUTION
MODE:
13
Tractor
ii_i_ii iii_ii iii_iII ii!iii_i__IIIi i_i
NOTE: The PTO(Blade
Engage)knob must be
inthe disengaged (OFF)
positionwhen starting
theengine,when
travelingin reverseand
ifthe operatorleaves
theseat.
NOTE: The PTO (Blade
Engage) levermust be
in the disengaged (OFF)
3ositionwhen starting
theengine, when
travelingtn reverseand
ifthe operatorleaves
theseat.
f "_ Ammeter
"-\ BATT. OIL /z
[ 42.0
/// HOURS 1/1 0 \\\
PTO / BLADE PARKING
,.® ®
Figure 11
Systems Indicator Monitor (if
Equipped)
J
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 levelasinstructedinthis
Operator'sManual.
Brake
If theBrakelightilluminateswhenattemptingtostartthe
tractor'sengine,depressthebrakepedal.
PTO (Blade Engage)
if thePTOlightilluminateswhenattemptingtostartthe
tractor'sengine,movePTOleverintothedisengaged
(OFF)position.
Oil
It isnormalfortheOil lighttoilluminatewhiletheengine
iscranking duringstart-up,butifitilluminate'sduring
operation,while the engine isrunning,stopthe
tractorimmediatelyandcheckthecrankcaseoillevelas
instructedinthisOwner'sManual.
Battery
It isnormalfortheBatterylightto illuminatewhilethe
engineiscranking duringstart-up,butifit illuminate's
duringoperation,while the engineisrunning,the
batteryisin needofa chargeortheengine'scharging
systemis notgeneratingsufficientamperage.Refer
totheMAINTENANCEsectionofthis manualforthe
properbatterychargingprocedureor havethecharging
systemcheckedbyyourservicedealer.
Theammetermeasurestheelectricaloutputofthe
engine'schargingsystem.Undernormaloperating
conditions,withengineatfullthrottle,theammetershould
indicatepositivecharge.
Electric PTO (Blade Engage) Knob (If
Equipped)
Toengagethepowerto
thecuttingdeckor other |
(separatelyavailable)attach-
mentson modelsequipped
withanelectricPTO,pull
outwardonthePTO(Blade
Engage)knob.PushthePTO
(BladeEngage)knobinward
todisengagethe powertothe
cuttingdeck.
NOTE:ThePTO(BladeEngage)knobmustbein the
disengaged(OFF)positionwhenstartingtheengine,
whentravelingin reverseand iftheoperatorleavesthe
seat.
PTO (Blade Engage) Lever
Onmodelsequippedwitha manualPTO(BladeEngage),
thePTO(BladeEngage)leverislocatedontheleft sideof
ON 1z !
OFF !
PTO
PTO /BLADE ENGAGE
thedashboardnexttothesteeringwheel.MovethePTO
(BladeEngage)leverforwardtoengagethepowertothe
cuttingdeckor other(separatelyavailable)attachments;
movethePTO(BladeEngage)leverrearwardtodisen-
gagethepowertotheattachments.
NOTE:ThePTO(BladeEngage)levermustbeinthe
disengaged(OFF)positionwhenstartingtheengine,
whentravelingin reverseand iftheoperatorleavesthe
seat.
Seat Adjustment Lever (If Equipped)
Toadjusttheseatforwardorbackwardon unitsequipped
witha quick-adjustseat,slidethe seatadjustmentlever
totheleftand repositiontheseattothedesiredposition.
Oncea comfortablepositionisfound,releasetheseat
adjustmentleverto lockthe seatinplace.Refertothe
AdjustingYourLawnTractorsectiond this manualfor
moredetailedinstructionson all seatadjustments.
Deck Lift Lever
Foundon yourtractor'srightfender,thedecklift leveris
usedtochangethe heightofthecuttingdeck.Touse,
movethelevertotheleft,thenplacein thenotchbest
suitedforyourapplication.
14
Parking Brake Button
Tosettheparkingbrake,fully
depressthe brakepedaland
pushtheparkingbrakebuttonin.
Holdthebuttoninwhiletaking
yourfootoffthe brakepedal.Both
theparkingbuttonandthebrake
pedalwillthenstaydepressed.
Toreleasetheparkingbrake,
depressthe brakepedalslightly.
Theparkingbrakebuttonwillthen
returntoitsoriginalposition.
NOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbesetif theoperator
leavestheseatwiththeenginerunningor theenginewill
automaticallyshutoff.
IMPORTANT:Alwayssettheparkingbrakewhenleaving
thetractorunattended.
Cruise Control Button
Thecruisecontrolbuttonis
locatedonthetractordash
paneltotheleft oftheignition
switch.Pushthecruisecontrol
buttonwhiletravelingforwardat a
desiredspeed.Whileholdingthe
buttonin, releasepressurefrom
thedrivepedal.Thiswillengage
thecruisecontrolandallowthe
tractorto remainatthatspeed
withoutapplyingpressuretothe
drivepedal.Depressthebrake
pedalor thedrivepedaltodeactivatecruisecontrol.
RefertoSetting the Cruise Control laterinthis section
themanualfordetailedinstructionsregardingthecruise
controlfeature.
NOTE:CruisecontrolcanNOTbeengagedatthe
tractor'sfastestgroundspeed.Iftheoperatorshould
attempttodoso,thetractorwillautomaticallydecelerate
tothefastestoptimalmowinggroundspeed.
Shift Lever
Theshiftleverislocatedonthe
leftsideofthefenderand has
threepositions,FORWARD,
NEUTRALand REVERSE.The
brakepedalmustbedepressed
andthetractormustnotbein
motionwhenthemovingshift
lever.
IMPORTANT:Neverforcethe
shiftlever.Doingsomayresultin
seriousdamagetothetractor's
transmission.
Safety Interlock Switches
Thistractorisequippedwitha safetyinterlocksystem
fortheprotectionoftheoperator.Iftheinterlocksystem
shouldevermalfunction,do notoperatethetractor.
Contactan authorizedMTDservicedealer.
• Thesafetyinterlocksystempreventstheengine
fromcrankingorstartingunlesstheparkingbrake
isengaged,andthe PTO(BladeEngage)knob(or
lever)isin thedisengaged(OFF)position.
• Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoffiftheoperator
leavestheseatbeforeengagingtheparkingbrake.
Models with Manual PTO (Blade Engage)
• Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoffiftheoperator
leavesthetractor'sseatwiththe PTO(BladeEngage)
leverin theengaged(ON)position,regardlessof
whethertheparkingbrakeisengaged.
• WiththeignitionkeyintheNORMALMOWING
position,theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff ifthe
PTO(BladeEngage)leveris movedintotheengaged
(ON)positionwiththeshiftleverinReverse.
Models with Electric PTO (Blade Engage)
• TheelectricPTO(BladeEngage)clutchwillautomati-
callyshutoff iftheoperatorleavesthetractor'sseat
withthePTO(BladeEngage)knobintheengaged
(ON)position,regardlessofwhethertheparking
brakeisengaged.
• WiththeignitionkeyintheNORMALMOWING
position,theelectricPTO(BladeEngage)clutchwill
automaticallyshutoffif thePTO(BladeEngage)knob
ismovedintotheengaged(ON)positionwiththeshift
leverin Reverse.
Reverse
WARNING: Donot operate the
tractor ifthe interlocksystem
is malfunctioning, This system
was designed for your safety and
protection.
Caution Mode
WARNING: Use extreme caution
while operating the tractor in
the REVERSECAUTION MODE.
Alwayslook down 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.
15
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.
WARNING
Keep hands and feet
away from the dis-
charge opening of the
cuttingdeck.
Donot operatethe
tractor ifthe interlock
system ismalfunction-
ing.This systemwas
designedfor your
safety and protection.
f
indicator
Light
Stop
Position
©
Reverse
.Push Button
Reverse
Caution Mode
Position
Start
Position
Figure 12
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. SeeFigure12.
3. DepresstheREVERSEPUSHBUTTON(Orange,
TriangularButton)atthetop,rightcornerofthekey
switchmodule.Theredindicatorlightatthetop,left
cornerof thekeyswitchmodulewillbeONwhile
activated.See Figure12.
4. Onceactivated(indicatorlightON), thetractorcan
bedrivenin reversewiththecuttingblades(PTO)
engaged.
5. Alwayslookdownand behindbeforeandwhile
backingtomakesureno childrenarearound.
6. Afterresumingforwardmotion,returnthekeytothe
NORMALMOWINGposition.
IMPORTANT:TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEwill
remainactivateduntil:
a. Thekeyisplacedin eithertheNORMALMOW-
INGpositionor STOPposition.
b. Theoperatorleavestheseat(ModelswithElectric
PTOONLY).
c. Theoperatorengagestheparkingbrakebyfully
depressingthebrakepedalandholdingitdown
whilegentlypushingthe parkingbrakebutton
inward(Modelswith ManualPTOONLY).
G
AVOID SERIOUS iNJURY OR DEATH
• GO UPANDDOWNSLOPES,NOTACROSS.
• AVOIDSUDDENTURNS.
• DO NOTOPERATETHEUNITWHEREIT COULDSLIPOR TIP.
• IF MACHINESTOPSGOINGUPHILL,STOPBLADE(S)AND
BACKDOWNHILLSLOWLY.
• DO NOTMOWWHEN CHILDRENOROTHERSARE AROUND.
• NEVERCARRYCHILDREN,EVENWITHBLADESOFF.
• LOOK DOWNAND BEHINDBEFOREANDWHILEBACKING.
• KEEPSAFETYDEVICES(GUARDS,SHIELDS,AND
SWITCHES)INPLACEANDWORKING.
• REMOVEOBJECTSTHATCOULD BETHROWNBYTHE
BLADE(S).
• KNOWLOCATIONANDFUNCTIONOFALLCONTROLS.
• BE SUREBLADE(S) ANDENGINEARE STOPPEDBEFORE
PLACINGHANDSORFEETNEAR BLADE(S).
• BEFORELEAVINGOPERATOR'SPOSITION,DISENGAGE
BLADE(S), PLACETHE SHIFTLEVERINNEUTRAL,ENGAGE
BRAKELOCK,SHUTENGINEOFFANDREMOVEKEY.
READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL
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
leavestheseatwiththeenginerunningor theenginewill
automaticallyshutoff.
Setting the Cutting Height
1. Selecttheheightpositionofthecuttingdeckbyplacing
thedecklift leverin anyofthe sixdifferentcutting
heightnotchesonthe rightsideofthefender.
2. Adjustthedeckwheelssothattheyare between
1A-inchandV2-inchabovethegroundwhenthetractor
isona smooth,flatsurfacesuchasadriveway.
16
,_ WARNING: Keep handsand feet Stopping the Engine
awayfrom the dischargeopening
of the cuttingdeck. ,_ WARNING: Ifyou strike a foreign
NOTE:Thedeckwheelsarean anti-scalpfeatureofthe A
object,
stop
the
engine,
discon-
deckandarenotdesignedto supporttheweightofthe _ nect the spark plug wire(s) and
cuttingdeck. ground against the engine.
Referto Levelingthe Deckonpage20ofthis manual Thoroughly inspectthe machine
formoredetailedinstructionsregardingvariousdeck for any damage. Repair the
adjustments, damage before restarting and
Starting the Engine operating
1. Ifthebladesareengaged,placethePTO(Blade
_ WARNING: Do not operate the Engage)knob(orlever)inthedisengaged(OFF)
tractor ifthe interlocksystem is position.
malfunctioning. This system was 2. TurntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheSTOP
designed for your safety and position.
protection. 3. Removethekeyfromthe ignitionswitchtoprevent
unintendedstarting.
NOTE:RefertotheTRACTORSET-UPon page8 ofthis
manualforGasolineandOilfill-upinstructions. Driving The Tractor
1. Insertthetractorkeyintotheignitionswitch.
2. PlacethePTO(BladeEngage)knob(or lever)in the A_ WARNING: Avoid sudden starts,
disengaged(OFF)position. _ ex-cessive speed and sudden
3. Engagethetractor'sparkingbrake, stops.
4. Activatethechokecontrol.
5. TurntheignitionkeyclockwisetotheSTARTposition. WARNING: Do not leavethe seat
Aftertheenginestarts,releasethekey.Itwill returnto of the tractor without first placing
theONposition, the PTO(Blade Engage) knob (or
lever) in the disengaged (OFF)
IMPORTANT:DoNOTholdthekeyin theSTARTposi-
tionfor longerthantensecondsata time.Doingsomay position, depressing the brake
causedamagetoyourengine'selectricstarter, pedal and engaging the parking
brake, if leaving the tractor
6. Aftertheenginestarts,deactivatethechokecontrol
andplacethethrottlecontrolinthe FASTposition, unattended, also turn the ignition
key off and remove the key.
NOTE:DoNOTleavethechokecontrolonwhileoperat-
ingthetractor.Doingsowill resultina "rich"fuelmixture 1. Depressthebrakepedaltoreleasetheparkingbrake
andcausetheengineto runpoorly, andletthe pedalup.
2. MovethethrottleleverintotheFAST(rabbit)position.
IMPORTANT:DoNOTusetheshiftlevertochangethe
directionoftravelwhenthetractoris inmotion.Always
usethebrakepedalto bringthetractortoacomplete
stopbeforeshifting.
3. Tomoveforward,placetheshiftleverinthe FOR-
WARDposition,thenslowlydepressthedrivepedal
untilthedesiredspeedisachieved.
Operating
Your LaWn
WARNING
ifyou strike a foreign
object, stop the
engine, disconnect
the spark plugwire(s)
and groundagainst
the engine. Thoroughly
inspectthe machine
for any damage. Repair
:hedamage before
restarting and operat-
ing.
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 parking brake, if
leaving the tractor
unattended, also turn
the ignition key off and
remove the key.
17
Operating
Your Lawn
WARNING
Do not mow on inclines
with a slope in excess
of 15degrees (arise
of approximately 2-1/2
feet every 10feet). The
tractor couldoverturn
and cause serious
injury.
To help avoid 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.
4. Tomovein reverse,placetheshiftleverinthe
REVERSEposition,checkthat theareabehindis
clearthenslowlydepressthedrivepedal.
Driving On Slopes
RefertotheSLOPEGAUGEon page3 tohelpdeter-
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 overturn and
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.
Setting The Cruise Control
1. PlacetheshiftleverintheFORWARDposition,
thenslowlydepressthedrivepedaluntilthedesired
speedisachieved.
2. Lightlydepressthecruisecontrolbutton.
3. Whilecontinuingtoholdthecruisebuttonin,liftyour
footfromthedrivepedal(youshouldfeelthecruise
latchengage).
Onceengaged,thecruisecontrolbuttonandthedrive
pedalwilllockinthe"down"position,andthetractorwill
maintainthesameforwardspeed.
NOTE:Cruisecontrolcannotbe engagedatthe
tractor'sfastestgroundspeed.Iftheoperatorshould
attempttodoso,thetractorwillautomaticallydecelerate
tothefastestoptimalmowinggroundspeed.
Disengagethecruisecontrolusingoneofthefollowing
methods:
1. Depressthebrakepedaltodisengagethecruise
controlandstopthetractor.
2. Lightlydepressthedrivepedal.
Tochangeto thereversedirectionwhenoperatingwith
cruisecontrol,depressthebrakepedalto disengagethe
cruisecontroland bringthetractortoacompletestop.
ThenplacetheshiftleverintheREVERSEpositionand
depressthedrivepedal.
Engaging the Blades
EngagingthePTO(BladeEngage)transferspowertothe
cuttingdeckor other(separatelyavailable)attachments.
Toengagetheblades,proceedasfollows:
1. MovethethrottlecontrollevertotheFAST(rabbit)
position.
Models with Manual PTO
2. a. Graspthe PTO(BladeEngage)leverandpivotit all
thewayforwardintotheengaged(ON)position.
Models with Electric PTO
b. PullthePTO(BladeEngage)knoboutwardintothe
engaged(ON)position.
3. Keepthethrottleleverinthe FAST(rabbit)position
forthemostefficientuseofthecuttingdeckor other
(separatelyavailable)attachments
IMPORTANT:Theengine(onmodelswitha manualPTO)
orelectricPTOclutch(on modelswith anelectricPTO)
willautomaticallyshutoff ifthePTOisengagedwiththe
shiftleverinpositionforreversetravelwiththeignition
keyinthe NORMALMOWINGposition.Referto Safety
InterlockSwitchesearlierinthissection.
Using the Deck Lift Lever
Toraisethecuttingdeck,movethedecklift levertothe
left,thenplaceitinthenotchbestsuitedforyourapplica-
tion.RefertoSettingTheCuttingHeightearlierinthis
section.
Mowing
_ ARNING: To help avoid blade
contact or a thrown object injury,
keep bystanders, helpers, children
and petsat least 75feet from the
machine while it is in operation.
Stop machine ifanyone enters the
area.
18
Thefollowinginformationwillbehelpfulwhenusingthe
cuttingdeckwithyourtractor:
_ ARNING: Plan your mowing
pattern to avoid discharge of
materials toward roads, side-
walks,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 orgrasscollectoris installed.
• Forbestresultsit isrecommendedthatthefirsttwo
lapsbecutwiththedischargethrowntowardsthe
center.Afterthefirsttwolaps,reversethedirectionto
throwthedischargetotheoutsideforthebalanceof
cutting.Thiswillgivea betterappearancetothe lawn.
• Donotcutthegrasstooshort.Shortgrassinvites
weedgrowthandyellowsquicklyin dryweather.
• Mowingshouldalwaysbe donewiththeengineat full
throttle.
Underheavierconditionsitmaybenecessaryto go
backoverthecut areaa secondtimetogeta clean
cut.
• DoNOTattempttomowheavybrushandweedsand
extremelytallgrass.Yourtractorisdesignedtomow
lawns,NOTclearbrush.
• Keepthebladessharpand replacethebladeswhen
worn.Referto Cutting Blades inthe Maintaining
YourLawnTractorsectionofthis manualforproper
bladesharpeninginstructions.
Mulching (If Equipped)
Selectmodelscomeequippedwitha mulchkitwhich
incorporatesspecialblades,alreadystandardonthe
tractor,ina processof recirculatinggrassclippings
repeatedlybeneaththecuttingdeck.Theultra-fine
clippingsarethenforcedbackintothe lawnwherethey
actasa naturalfertilizer.
Figure 13
Observethefollowingpointsforthebestresultswhen
mulching:
• Neverattemptto mulchifthelawnisdamp.Wetgrass
tendstosticktotheundersideofthecuttingdeck
preventingpropermulchingoftheclippings.
DoNOTattempttomulchmorethan1/3thetotal
heightofthegrassorapproximately1-1/2inches.
Doingsowillcausetheclippingstoclumpupbeneath
thedeckandnotbe mulchedeffectively.
• Maintainaslowgroundspeedtoallowthegrass
clippingsmoretimetoeffectivelybemulched.
• Alwayspositionthethrottlecontrolleverin theFAST
(rabbit)positionandallowitto remaintherewhile
mowing.Failingtokeeptheengineatfullthrottle
placesstrainon thetractor'sengineanddoesnot
allowthebladestoproperlymulchgrass.
NOTE:It isnotnecessaryto removethedischargechute
tooperatethemowerwiththemulchkitinstalled.
Tooperatethecuttingdeckwithoutmulching,simply
removethemulchplugbyunthreadingtheplasticwing
nutwhichfastensittothecuttingdeck.Thiswillallowthe
clippingstodischargeouttheside.SeeFigure13.
Headlights
• ThelampsareONwhenevertheignitionkeyismoved
outoftheSTOPposition.
• ThelampsturnOFFwhenthe ignitionkeyismovedto
theSTOPposition.
19
i ii i i ii iiiii iiii _I
0 perat ing
Your LaWn
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.
Tract
Novor tte ptto
make any adjust:
merits while the
i
engine isrunning,
!
exceptwherespeci,
fled in the operator's
manual:
NOTE:Checkthe
tractor's tirepressure
i beforeperforming
anydeck leveling
adjustments.Referto
Tireson page26for
informationregarding
tire pressure.
Loosen........... _ghten
\to lowerdeck to raise deck/
k,,._. .j
Figure 14
Front To Rear
Thefrontofthecuttingdeckissupportedbya stabilizer
barthatcanadjustedtolevelthedeckfromfrontto rear.
Thefrontofthedeckshouldbebetween1/4-inchand
3/8-inchlowerthantherearofthedeck.Adjustifneces-
saryasfollows:
1. Withthetractorparkedona firm,levelsurface,place
thedeckliftleverinthetopnotch(highestposition)
androtatethebladenearestthedischargechuteso
thatitisparaIMwiththetractor.
2. Measurethedistancefromthefrontofthe bladetipto
thegroundandtherearofthebladetiptotheground.
Thefirstmeasurementtakenshouldbebetween
1/4"and3/8"lessthanthesecondmeasurement.
Determinetheapproximatedistancenecessaryfor
properadjustmentandproceed,ifnecessary,tothe
nextstep.
3. Fromthefrontofthetractor,loosenthehexlocknut
oneachendof thedeck hangerrod,andturnaway
fromtheinnerhexnuts.SeeFigure14.
4. Tightentheinnerhexnutsfrontagainstthefront
hangerbracketto raisethefrontofthedeck;loosen
thehexnutstolowerthefrontofthedeck.
NOTE:Modelswitha 42-inchdeckhaveonlyONEjam
nut,washer,and locknut.
Figure 15
_ ARNING: 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
page26 forinformationregardingtirepressure.
5. Retightenthetwo locknutsagainsttheinnerhexnuts
whenproperadjustmentisachieved.
Side to Side
If thecuttingdeckappearsto bemowingunevenly,a side
tosideadjustmentcanbeperformed.Adjustif necessary
asfollows:
1. Withthetractorparkedona firm,levelsurface,place
thedecklift leverinthetopnotch(highestposition)
androtatebothbladessothattheyareperpendicular
withthetractor.
2. Measurethedistancefromtheoutsideoftheleftblade
tiptothegroundandthedistancefromtheoutsided
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.
20
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
Page is loading ...
/