MTD 13A1762F729 Owner's manual

Category
Lawnmowers
Type
Owner's manual
Safety Assembly Operation Adjustment Maintenance Troubleshooting Warranty
OF A O AL
Shift=On-The=Go'" Lawn Tractor -- Models 760=779
iMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon 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.769-01598C
01/22/2007
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
BEFOREYOUSTARTASSEMBLING YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,
pleaselocate the model plateon the equipment and copythe
informationto thesample model plate providedto the right.You
can locate the modelplate by lookingbeneaththe seat.
This informationwill be necessaryto usethe manufacturer'sweb
site and/or obtainassistancefromthe CustomerSupport Depart-
mentor an authorizedservicedealer.
Model Number
®
www.mtdproducts.corn
Serial Number
MTD LLC
P.O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330=220=4683
800=800=731 0 j
Customer Support
Please do IVOTreturn 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. Visitwww.mtdproducts.com.
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.
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Operation
WARNING
Thissymbol points
out importantsafety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed, could
i endangerthe personal
safetyand/or property
ofyourself and others.
I Readand follow all
i instructionsinthis man-
i ualbeforeattempting to
i operatethis machine.
Failureto complywith
these instructionsmay
resultin personalinjury.
i Whenyou see this
symbol.
i HEED ITS WARNING
Your
i Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
I to personswho read,
understand
and followthe warnings
and instructions
inthis manual
WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of itsconstituents,andcertain vehiclecompo-
nentscontain or emitchemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: Thismachinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operation in this
manual.As with anytype of powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operatorcan
result inseriousinjury.This machine iscapableof amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.
Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious 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
injuredorinterferewithsafemachineoperation.
e. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblind
corners,doorways,shrubs,treesorother
objectsthat mayblockyourvisionofachild
whomayrunintothemachine.
f. Toavoid back-overaccidents, always
disengagethe cuttingblade(s) before
shiftingintoReverse.Ifequipped,the
"Reverse CautionMode"shouldnotbe
usedwhenchildrenor others are around.
g. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor running
engines.Theycansufferburnsfroma hot
muffler.
h. Removekeywhenmachineisunattendedto
preventunauthorizedoperation.
2. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operate
themachine.Children14yearsoldandovershould
readand understandtheoperationinstructionsand
safetyrulesinthis manualandshouldbetrainedand
supervisedbya parent.
Operation
Safe Handlingof Gasoline:
1. Toavoid personalinjuryor propertydamageuse
extremecareinhandlinggasoline.Gasolineis
extremely flammableand the vapors areexplo-
sive. Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasoline
isspilledonyourselfor yourclotheswhichcanignite.
Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.
a. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
b. Neverfillcontainersinsideavehicleor ona
truckor trailerbedwitha plasticliner.Always
placecontainersonthegroundawayfrom
yourvehiclebeforefilling.
c. Whenpractical,removegas-powered
equipmentfromthetruckor trailerand refuelit
ontheground.Ifthis isnotpossible,then
refuelsuchequipmenton a trailerwitha
portablecontainer,ratherthanfroma gasoline
dispensernozzle.
d. Keepthenozzlein contactwiththerimof
thefueltankor containeropeningatall
timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotusea
nozzlelock-opendevice.
e. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesand
othersourcesofignition.
f. Neverfuelmachineindoors.
g. Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhilethe
engineishotor running.Allowenginetocool
atleasttwominutesbeforerefueling.
h. Neveroverfillfueltank.Filltanktonomore
than1/2inchbelowbottomoffillerneckto
allowspaceforfuelexpansion.
i. Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
j. If gasolineisspilled,wipeitoff theengine
andequipment.Moveunittoanotherarea.
Wait5 minutesbeforestartingtheengine.
k. Toreducefirehazards,keepmachinefreeof
grass,leaves,orotherdebrisbuild-up.Clean
upoil orfuelspillageand removeanyfuel
soakeddebris.
I. Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainer
insidewherethereisanopenflame,spark
orpilotlightason a waterheater,space
heater,furnace,clothesdryerorothergas
appliances.
m. Allowa machinetocoolatleastfiveminutes
beforestoring.
4
GeneralOperation:
1. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionsonthe
machineandin themanual(s)beforeattemptingto
assembleandoperate.Keepthismanualina safe
placeforfutureandregularreferenceandforordering
replacementparts.
2. Befamiliarwith allcontrolsandtheirproperoperation.
Knowhowtostopthe machineanddisengagethem
quickly.
3, Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsold tooperate
this machine.Children14yearsoldandovershould
readandunderstandtheoperationinstructionsand
safetyrulesinthis manualandshouldbetrainedand
supervisedbya parent.
4. Neverallowadultstooperatethis machinewithout
properinstruction.
5. 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.
!i!i ¸¸¸:¸/: :!i¸ ¸¸¸ : :
WARNING
Thissymbol points
out importantsafety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safety and/or property
ofyourself and others.
Readand followall
instructions inthis man-
ual beforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failureto comply with
these instructionsmay
result inpersonalinjury.
Whenyou seethis
symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read,
understand
and follow thewarnings
and instructions
inthis manual
5
Operation
This symbol points
out important safety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed, could
endangerthe personal
i safety and/or property
of yourselfand others.
Readandfollow all
=nstructionsinthis man-
ualbeforeattempting to
I operate this machine.
I Failureto comply with
i these instructions may
i resultin personalinjury.
Whenyou seethis
symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
of this power machine
to personswho read,
understand
and followthe warn=ngs
and instructions
in this manual
Slopesare a majorfactorrelatedtolossofcontroland
tip-overaccidentswhichcanresultin severeinjuryor
death.All slopesrequireextracaution.If youcannot
backuptheslopeor ifyoufeeluneasyonit, do notmow
it.
Foryoursafety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartof
thismanualto measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunit
ona slopedor hillyarea.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15
degreesasshownon theslopegauge,do notoperate
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 ifanedgecavesin.
3. Donottry tostabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfoot
ontheground.
4. Donotusea grasscatcheronsteepslopes.
5. Donotmowonwetgrass.Reducedtractioncould
causesliding.
6. Donotshifttoneutralandcoastdownhill.Over-speed-
ingmaycausetheoperatortolosecontrolofthe
machineresultingin seriousinjuryordeath.
7. Donottow heavypullbehindattachments(e.g.loaded
dumpcart,lawnroller,etc.)on slopesgreaterthan
5 degrees.Whengoingdownhill,theextraweight
tendsto pushthetractorandmaycauseyoutoloose
control.(e.g.tractormayspeedup,brakingandsteer-
ingabilityarereduced,attachmentmayjack-knifeand
causetractortooverturn).
Towing:
1. Towonlywitha machinethathasa hitchdesignedfor
towing.Donotattachtowedequipmentexceptatthe
hitchpoint.
2. Followthemanufacturersrecommendationforweight
limitsfortowedequipmentandtowingon slopes.
3. Neverallowchildrenor othersin oron towedequip-
ment.
4. Onslopes,theweightof thetowedequipmentmay
causelossoftractionandlossofcontrol.
5. Travelslowlyandallowextradistancetostop.
6. Donotshifttoneutralandcoastdownhill.
6
Service
1. 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
ofyourself and others.
Readandfollow all
instructionsin this man-
ual beforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failureto complywith
these instructionsmay
result inpersonalinjury.
When yousee this
symbol.
HEED iTS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read,
understand
and followthe warn=ngs
and instructions
in this manual
Use extreme care
henhandling
gaso nelGasoline
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive: Never fuel
machine indoors
or while the engine
is hotor running:
Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars;pipes,and
other sOurceS of
ignition:
NOTE: This Operators
Manual Coversa range
ofprOduCtSpecifications
for variousmodels.
Characteristicsand
features disCussed
and/or illustrated
this manual maynotbe
I
applicable to all modelsl
MTD LLC reservesthe
righttOchange product
specifiCationsldesigns
and equipmentwithout
notice andwithout incur-
ting oblieation ,,
Rubber Boot
Figure 3-1
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.
NOTE:Ifthe batteryis putintoserviceafterthedate
shownontop/sideof battery,chargethebatteryas
instructedin theMaintainingYourLawnTractorsectionof
thismanualpriortooperatingthetractor.
Gas and Oil Fill-up
Thegasolinetankislocatedunderthehoodandhasa
capacityof 1-1/2gallons.Donotoverfill.
_ WARNING:Useextremecare when
handling gasoline. Gasolineis extremely
flammableand thevapors are explosive.
Neverfuel machine indoors or while the
engine is hot or running. Extinguish ciga-
rettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of
ignition.
Servicetheenginewithgasolineandoil asinstructedin
theseparateEngineOperator/OwnerManualpackedwith
yourtractor.Readinstructionscarefully.
IMPORTANT:Yourtractorisshippedwith motoroil inthe
engine.However,youMUSTchecktheoil levelbefore
operating.Becarefulnottooverfill.
Shipping Brace Removal
WARNING:Makesure theriding mower's
engine is off, removetheignition key,and
set theparking brakebefore removing the
shipping brace.
8
Locatetheshippingbrace,ifpresent,andaccompany-
ing warningtagfoundon therightsideofthemower,
betweenthedischargechuteand thecuttingdeck.
See Fig.3-2.
Whileholdingthedischargechutewithyourleft hand,
removetheshippingbracewithyourrighthandby
graspingitbetweenyourthumbandindexfingerand
rotatingitclockwise.
WARNING:Theshipping brace, used
for packaging purposes only, mustbe
removed and discarded before operating
your riding mower.
WARNING:Themowing deck is capable
of throwing objects. Failure to operatethe
riding mower without the discharge cover
in theproper operating position could
result in serious personal injury and/or
property damage.
Attaching The Steering Wheel
ifthesteeringwheelforyourtractordid notcome
attached,thehardwareforattachingit hasbeenpacked
withinthesteeringwheel,beneaththe steeringwheel
cap.Carefullypryoffthesteeringwheelcapand remove
thehardware.
1. With thewheels of the tractor pointingstraight
forward, placethesteeringwheeloverthesteering
shaft.
2. Placethewasher(withthecuppedsidedown)over
thesteeringshaftandsecurewiththehexbolt.See
Fig.3-3.
3. Placethesteeringwheelcapoverthecenterofthe
steeringwheelandpushdownwarduntilit"clicks"into
place.
Attaching the Hood Scoop
(if so equipped)
Ifthehoodscoopwasnotsecuredtothe hoodofyour
tractoratthefactory,youwillfindit ina plasticbag,
hangingfromthethrottlelever.
Toinstall:
1. Carefullypivotthetractorhoodforward.
2. Removethefourscrewsfromtheundersideof the
hoodscoop.
.
Lineup thefourholesin thehoodscoopwiththefour
holes visiblethroughthetractor'shoodIouvres.See
Figure3-4.
4. Whileholdingthescoopin place,usea 3/8" socket
wrench(or boxwrench)tocarefullytightenthescoop
ontothe hood.
DoNOTovertighten.
Figure 3=2
Figure 3=3
Figure 3-4
YourLawn
Tractor
WARNING
Make surethe riding
mower's engine is
off, removethe igni-
tion key, and set the
parkingbrake before
removing the shipping
brace.
The shipping brace,
used for packaging
purposes only, must
be removed and
discarded before
operatingyour riding
mower.
The mowing deck is
capableofthrowing
objects. Failure to
operate the riding
mower without the
discharge cover in
the properoperating
position could result
in serious personal
injuryand/or property
damage.
9
theseat isengaged in
theseatstop;stand
behindthemachine
and backonseat
until fully engaged
intostopl
i
NOTE: Forshipping rea-
sons seats areeither
fastenedtothe tractor
seat's pivotbracketwith
aplastiCtie,ormounted
backwardtothe pivot
bracketl either case;
freethe seatformits
shipping position and
applicableinstructions
Figure 3-5
Figure 3-6
Figure 3-7
Attaching The Seat
Seatstylesvarybytractormodelandtherearethree
differentstylesavailable:
StandardAdjustment
QuickAdjustment&
KnobAdjustment
If theseatforyourtractorwasnotattachedatthefactory,
refertoFig.3-5,Fig.3-6,andFig.3-7toidentifyyour
tractor'sseatstyleandfollowtheapplicableinstructions
belowtoattachit.
NOTE:Forshippingreasons,seatsareeitherfastened
tothetractorseat'spivotbracketwitha plastictie,or
mountedbackwardtothepivotbracket.Ineithercase,
freetheseatformitsshippingpositionand removethe
twohexscrews(or knobs,onmodelssoequipped)from
thebottomd seatbeforeproceedingwithapplicable
instructionsbelow.
Standard Adjustment Seat
1. Positiontheshoulderscrews(foundonthe based the
seat)insidetheslotopeningsintheseatpivotbracket.
Fig.3-5.
2. Slidetheseatslightlyrearwardintheseatpivot
bracket,liningupthe rearslotsinthepivotbracket
withtheremainingtwo holesintheseat'sbase.
3. Selectdesiredpositionfortheseat,andsecurewith
thetwohexscrewsremovedearlier.SeeFig.3-5.
Quick Adjustment Seat
NOTE:ifyourseatwas shippedmountedbackwardson
theseatpivotbracket,pulloutthetabfoundonthe seat
stopandholditopenwhileslidingtheseatoff theseat
pivotbracket.SeeFig.3-6.
1. Lineuptheplasticseatspacerswiththeslotsin seat
pivotbracket.
2. Slideseatinuntilfrontseatspacerengagestheseat
stop.SeeFig.3-6.
bi_ makesurestop,WARNINGstandbehindthemachine and pull:theseat is engaged in theBef°re operating thismachine,seat
back on seat until fully engaged into stop.
Knob Adjustment Seat
1. Positiontheshoulderscrews(foundonthe based the
seat)insidetheslotopeningsintheseatpivotbracket.
Fig.3-7.
2. Slidetheseatslightlyrearwardintheseatpivot
bracket,liningupthe rearslotsinthepivotbracket
withtheremainingtwo holesintheseat'sbase.
3. Selectdesiredpositionfortheseat,andsecurewith
thetwoknobsremovedearlier.SeeFig.3-7.
10
identifying the lVluich Plug
On tractormodelssoequipped,a mulchplugcanbe
foundwithinthecuttingdeck'sdischargeopening.
NOTE:Referto Mulching in the"OperatingYourLawn
Tractor"sectionofthismanualformoredetailedinforma-
tion.
Ifyou'dprefertooperatethecuttingdeckwithoutmulch-
ing,simplyremovethemulchplugbyunthreadingthe
plasticwingnutwhichfastensittothecuttingdeck.This
willallowtheclippingstodischargeoutofthedischarge
openingduringoperation.SeeFig.3-8.
Tire Pressure
,_ WARNING:Maximum tirepressure under
any circumstances is 30psL Equal tire
pressure should be maintained at all times.
Thetiresonyourunitmaybeover-inflatedforshipping
purposes.Reducethetire pressurebeforeoperating
thetractor.Recommendedoperatingtirepressureis
approximately10p.s.iforthereartires& 14p.s.i,forthe
fronttires.Checksidewallof tireformaximump.s.i.
....,\\\\\
Figure 3=8
Setting Up
WARNING
Maximum tire pres'
sure under any
circumstances is30
psi, Equal tire pressure
should be maintained
at all times,
11
NOTE:For shipping red:
sons, seatsare either
fastenedtothe tractor
Seats pivot_ bracketWith
a plastictie, ormounted
backwardto the pivot
brackeL In eithercase
freethe seat form its
shipping positionand
removethe two hex
screws(or knobs;on
modelssoequipped)
from the bottom ofseat
before proceedingwith
p# le instructions:
NOTE:Anyreference
inthismanualtothe
RIGHTorLEFTsideof
thetractorisobserved
fromoperator'sposition.
NOTE:Forshippingrea-
sons,seatsareeither
fastenedtothetractor
seat'spivotbracketwith
aplastictie,ormounted
backwardtothepivot
bracket.Ineithercase
freetheseatformits
shippingpositionand
removethetwohex
screws(orknobs,on
modelssoequipped)
fromthebottomofseat
beforeproceedingwith
applicableinstructions.
Know Your Lawn Tractor
A
\
Figure 4=1
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.
12
m
Throttle Control Lever
Thethrottlecontrolleverislocatedon therightsideof
thetractor'sdashpanel.Thislevercontrolsthespeed
oftheengineand,on somemodels,whenpushedall
thewayforward,thechokecontrolalso.Whenset ina
givenposition,thethrottlewill maintaina uniformengine
speed.SeeFig.4-2.
iMPORTANT:Whenoperatingthetractorwiththecutting
deckengaged,becertainthatthethrottleleverisalways
inthe FAST(rabbit)position.
Choke Control
Onsomemodels,movingthe
throttleleverallthewayforward
activatestheengine'schoke
control.Onall othermodels,the
chokecontrolcanbefoundon
theleftsideofthedashpanel
andisactivatedbypullingthe
knoboutward.Activatingthe
chokecontrolclosesthechoke
plateonthecarburetorandaids
instartingtheengine.RefertoStarting The Engineon
page16of thismanualfordetailedstartinginstructions.
Ignition Switch
Theignitionswitchisactivatedtostarttheengine,insert
keyintotheignitionswitchandturnclockwiseto the
STARTposition.ReleasethekeyintotheONposition
onceenginehasfired.SeeFig.4-3A.
ignition Switch Module (If SoEquipped)
Tostarttheengine,insertthekeyintothe ignitionswitch
andturnclockwisetothe STARTposition.Releasethe
keyintotheNORMALMOWINGMODEpositiononce
theenginehasfired.
Tostoptheengine,turntheignitionkeycounterclockwise
totheOFFposition.SeeFig.4-3B.
WARNING:Neverleavearunning machine
unattended.Always disengagePTO,move
shift lever into neutral position, set park-
ing brake, stop engine and remove key to
prevent unintended starting.
iMPORTANT:Priortooperatingthetractor,refertoboth
Safetyinterlock Switcheson page14and Starting
TheEngine onpage16ofthismanualfordetailed
instructionsregardingthe ignitionSwitchModuleand
operatingthetractorinREVERSECAUTIONMODE.
Deck Lift Lever
Foundon yourtractor'srightfender,thedecklift leveris
usedtochangetheheightofthecuttingdeck.Touse,
movethelevertotheleft,thenplaceinthenotchbest
suitedforyourapplication.
F
FAST
SLOW
|l
CHOKE
FAST
SLOW
Figure 4=2
_A
Off On/Lights
Start
Stop
Position
©
Start
Position
Figure 4-3
Parking Brake
Tosettheparkingbrake,fullydepressthedutch-brake
pedal.Movethespeedcontrolleverall thewaydownand
intotheparkingbrakeposition.Releasetheclutch-brake
pedaltoallowtheparkingbraketoengage.
Toreleasetheparkingbrake,depresstheclutch-brake
pedalandmovethespeedcontrolleveroutofthe
notchesto thedesiredposition.Releasethespeed
controlleverandtheclutch-brakepedal.
_ever leave a running
machine unattended,
Always disengage
PTO,move shift lever
nto neutral position,
set parking brake, stop
engine andremove key
to prevent unintended
starting:
MPORTANT
Prior_o0
tractorirefe!toboth
Safety Interlock ;
Switches onpage
14.and starting The
:Engineonpage16
detailedinstraCtions
regardingtheIgnition
Switch Moduleand
operatingthe tractor in
REVERSECAUTION
ODEi
13
WARNING
Dooctop rato
tractor ifthe interlock
ing: This system was
safetyaodproteot oo,
NOTE: Theparking
brakemustbesetifthe
operator leavesthe seat
with theengine
ningor the enginewi
automatiCallyshutofL
NOTE: The PTO (Blade
Engage)levermustbe
inthe disengaged (PTO
OFF) positionwhen
starting the engine:
IMPORTANT
Never force the shift
lever:Do ngso may
resultin serious
damageto thetractorls
transmissionl
FRRWARD
NUETRAL
REVERSE_
Figure 4-4
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 starttheengine.
RefertoSafetyInterlockSwitcheson page14.
Shift Lever
Theshiftleverislocatedon theleftsideof thefender
andhasthreepositions,FORWARD,NEUTRALand
REVERSE.Thebrakepedalmustbedepressedand
thetractormustnotbe inmotionwhenthe movingshift
lever.SeeFig.4-4.
IMPORTANT:Neverforcetheshiftlever.Doingsomay
resultinseriousdamagetothetractor'stransmission.
Speed Control Lever
Thespeedcontrollever,locatedon
theleftsideofthetractor'sdash
console,allowsyouto regulatethe
groundspeedofthelawntractor.To
use,depresstheclutch-brakepedal
andmovetheleveroutof theparking
brakenotchandforwardtoincrease
thetractor'sgroundspeed.Whena
desiredspeedhasbeenreached,
releasetheleverintoan appropriate
notchtomaintainthatspeed.
Toslowthetractor'sgroundspeed,
depresstheclutch-brakepedaland
movethespeedcontrolleverrearward
andreleaseit intoa notch.
0
0
PARK
BRAKE
NOTE:Lawntractorsvarybymodelandareavailablewith
eithera 6- or7-speedcontrollever.
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.
"O /"
!2
o
_3
m
_4
!
"o
,t5
Safety Interlock Switches
Thistractorisequippedwitha safetyinterlocksystem
fortheprotectionoftheoperator,iftheinterlocksystem
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
,, TheenginewillautomaticallyshutoffifthePTO(Blade
Engage)leveris movedintotheengaged(ON)position
withtheshiftleverin Reverse.
Models with Reverse Caution Mode
* WiththeignitionkeyintheNORMALMOWINGposi-
tion,theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff ifthePTO
(BladeEngage)leverismovedintotheengaged(ON)
positionwiththeshiftleverinReverse.
_ ARNING:Donot operate thetractor if the
interlock system is malfunctioning. This
system wasdesigned for your safety and
protection.
14
Reverse Caution Mode
(Models equipped with ignition switch
module)
_il= ARNING:Useextremecaution while
operating the tractor in the REVERSE
CAUTIONMODE.Always look down and
behind before and while backing. Do
notoperate thetractor whenchildren
or others arearound. Stop the tractor
immediately if someone enters thearea.
TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEpositionofthe key
switchmoduleallowsthetractortobe operatedin
reversewiththeblades(PTO)engaged.
IMPORTANT:Mowingin reverseis notrecommended,
Tousethe REVERSECAUTIONMODE:
IMPORTANT:TheoperatorMUSTbe seatedinthe
tractorseat.
1, Starttheengineasinstructedon page16under
Starting The Engine.
2. TurnthekeyfromtheNORMALMOWING(Green)
positiontotheREVERSECAUTIONMODE(Yellow)
positionofthekeyswitchmodule. SeeFig.4-5.
3. DepresstheREVERSEPUSHBUTTON(Orange,
TriangularButton)atthetop,rightcornerofthekey
switchmodule.Theredindicatorlightat thetop,left
cornerof thekeyswitchmodulewillbe ONwhile
activated.SeeFig.4-5.
4. Onceactivated(indicatorlightON),thetractorcan
bedriveninreversewiththecuttingblades(PTO)
engaged.
5. Alwayslookdownand behindbeforeandwhile
backingtomakesureno childrenarearound.
6. Afterresumingforwardmotion,returnthekeytothe
NORMALMOWINGposition.
IMPORTANT:TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEwill
remainactivateduntil:
a. ThekeyisplacedineithertheNORMALMOWING
positionor STOPposition.
b. Theoperatorengagestheparkingbrakebyfully
depressingtheclutch-brakepedalandholdingit
downwhilemovingthespeedcontrolleverintothe
PARKBRAKEposition.
Indicator
Light
Stop
Position
©
Reverse
.PushButton
Reverse
CautionMode
Position
Start
Position
Figure 4-5
Toreleasetheparkingbrake:
1. Depresstheclutch-brakepedalandmovethespeed
controlleveroutoftheparkingbrakepositionandinto
a desiredspeed.
Setting the Cutting Height
1. Selectthe heightpositionofthecuttingdeckbyplac-
ingthedecklift leverinanyofthesixdifferentcutting
heightnotcheson therightsideof thefender.
2. Adjustthedeckwheels,ifequipped,sothat theyare
between1A-inchandV2-inchabovethegroundwhen
thetractorisona smooth,flatsurfacesuchasa
driveway.
d_ltlb WARNING: Keephands and feet away from
the discharge opening of the cutting deck.
NOTE:On modelssoequipped,thedeckwheelsarean
anti-scalpfeatureofthedeckandarenotdesignedto
supporttheweightofthecuttingdeck.
Referto Levelingthe Deckon page20 ofthismanual
formoredetailedinstructionsregardingvariousdeck
adjustments.
Engaging the Parking Brake
Toengagetheparkingbrake:
1. Fullydepresstheclutch-brakepedalandholditdown
withyourfoot.
2. Movethespeedcontrolleverallthewaydownand
intotheparkingbrakeposition.
3. Releasetheclutch-brakepedaltoallowtheparking
braketoengage.
15
I
Use extreme caution
while operating
the tractor in the
REVERSE CAUTION
MODE.Always look
down and behind
before and while
backing. Do not oper-
ate the tractor when
children or others
are around. Stop the
tractor immediately if
someone enters the
area.
Keep handsand
feet away from the
discharge opening of
the cutting deck.
Do not operate
the tractor if the
interlocksystem is
malfunctioning. This
system was designed
for your safety and
protection.
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 the
damage before restart-
ingand operating.
Avoid sudden starts,
ex-cessivespeed and
sudden stops.
Donot leavethe seat
ofthe tractor without
first placingthe PTO
(Blade Engage)lever in
the disengaged (OFF)
position,depressing
the brake pedal and
engagingthe parking
brake. If leaving the
tractor unattended, also
turn the ignitionkeyoff
and remove the key.
Alwayslook down
and behind before
and while backingup
to avoid a back-over
Starting the Engine
_ ARNING:Donot operate the tractor if
theinterlock system is malfunctioning.
Thissystem wasdesigned for your safety
andprotection.
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
returntotheON(or NormalMowing)position.
IMPORTANT:DoNOTholdthekeyin theSTART
positionforlongerthantensecondsata time.Doingso
maycausedamagetoyourengine'selectricstarter.
6. Aftertheenginestarts,deactivatethechokecontrol
andplacethethrottlecontrolinthe FASTposition.
NOTE:DoNOTleavethechokecontrolonwhileoperat-
ingthetractor.Doingsowillresultina "rich"fuelmixture
andcausetheengineto runpoorly.
Stopping the Engine
_ ARNING:If you strike a foreign object,
stop theengine, disconnect the spark
plug wire(s) and ground against the
engine. Thoroughly inspect themachine
for anydamage. Repairthe damage
beforerestarting andoperating
1. If thebladesareengaged,placethePTO(Blade
Engage)leverin thedisengaged(OFF)position.
2. TurntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheSTOP
position.
3. Removethe keyfromtheignitionswitchtoprevent
unintendedstarting.
Driving The Tractor
_ WARNING:Avoid sudden starts, ex-ces-
sive speedand sudden stops.
WARNING:Donot leavetheseat of the
tractor without first placing thePTO
(Blade Engage)lever in thedisengaged
(OFF)position, depressing thebrake
pedal and engaging the parking brake. If
leaving thetractor unattended,also turn
theignition key off and remove the key.
Always look downand behind beforeand
while backing up to avoida back-over
accident.
WA I
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
GO UPAND DOWNSLOPES,NOTACROSS.
AVOIDSUDDENTURNS.
DO NOTOPERATETHEUNITWHEREIT COULDSLIPOR TIR
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
1. Depressthebrakepedalto releasetheparkingbrake
andletthepedalup.
2. Movethethrottleleverintothe FAST(rabbit)position.
3. PlacetheshiftleverineithertheFORWARDor
REVERSEposition.
IMPORTANT:DoNOTusetheshiftlevertochangethe
directionoftravelwhenthetractorisin motion.Always
usethebrakepedaltobringthetractortoa completestop
beforeshifting.
4. Releasetheparkingbrakebydepressingtheclutch-
brakepedaland positioningthe speedcontrolleverin
desiredposition.
IMPORTANT:First-timeoperatorsshouldusespeedposi-
tions 1or2. Becomecompletelyfamiliarwiththetractor's
operationandcontrolsbeforeoperatingthetractorin
higherspeedpositions.
.
6.
Releaseclutch-brakepedalslowlyto putunitinto
motion.
Thelawntractorisbroughttoa stopbydepressingthe
clutch-brakepedal.
NOTE:Whenoperatingthe unitinitially,therewillbe little
differencebetweenthehighesttwo speedsuntilafterthe
beltshaveseatedthemselvesintothepulleysduringthe
break-inperiod.
16
WARNING:Beforeleavingthe operator's
positionfor anyreason,disengage the
blades,place theshift lever in neutral,
engagetheparking brake, shut engine off
and remove thekey.
iMPORTANT:Whenstoppingthetractorforanyreason
whileona grasssurface,always:
1. Placetheshiftleverin neutral,
2. Engagetheparkingbrake,
3. Shutengineoff andremovethekey.
Doingsowillminimizethepossibilityof havingyourlawn
"browned"byhotexhaustfromyourtractor'srunning
engine.
If unit stalls with speedcontrolin highspeed,or ifunit
willnotoperatewith speedcontrolleverina lowspeed
position,proceedasfollows:
1. Placeshiftleverin NEUTRAL.
2. Restartengine.
3. Placespeedcontrolleverinhighestspeedposition.
4. Releaseclutch-brakepedalfully.
5. Depressclutch-brakepedal.
6. Placespeedcontrolleverindesiredposition.
7. Placeshiftleverin eitherFORWARDor REVERSE,
andfollownormaloperatingprocedures.
Engaging the Blades
Engagingthe PTO(BladeEngage)transferspowertothe
cuttingdeckor other(separatelyavailable)attachments.
Toengagetheblades,proceedasfollows:
1. Movethethrottlecontrolleverto theFAST(rabbit)
position.
2. Graspthe PTO(BladeEngage)leverandpivotitall
thewayforwardintotheengaged(ON)position.
3. KeepthethrottleleverintheFAST(rabbit)position
forthemostefficientuseofthecuttingdeckorother
(separatelyavailable)attachments.
iMPORTANT:ModelswithReverseCaution Mode:
Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff ifthePTOis
engagedwiththeshiftleverinpositionforreversetravel
withtheignitionkeyintheNORMALMOWINGposition.
Modelswithout ReverseCaution Mode:
ThePTO(BladeEngage)levermustbe inthedisen-
gaged(OFF)positionwhenstartingtheengine,when
travelingin reverse,and iftheoperatorleavestheseat.
RefertoSafetyInterlockSwitchesonpage14.
Using the Deck Lift Lever
Toraisethecuttingdeck,movethedecklift leverto
theleft,thenplaceitinthenotchbestsuitedforyour
application.RefertoSettingTheCuttingHeightearlierin
thissection.
Driving On Slopes
RefertotheSLOPEGAUGEon page3 to helpdetermine
slopeswhereyoumayoperatethetractorsafely.
o
o
WARNING:Donot mow on inclines with
aslope in excessof 15degrees (arise of
approximately 2-1/2feet every 10feet). The
tractor could overturn and cause serious
injury.
Mowupanddownslopes,NEVERacross,
Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon
slopes,
Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,or otherhidden
objects.Uneventerraincouldoverturnthemachine,
Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
Avoidturnswhendrivingona slope.Ifa turnmustbe
made,turndowntheslope.Turningup a slopegreatly
increasesthechanceof a rollover,
Avoidstoppingwhendrivingupa slope,ifitis
necessarytostopwhiledrivingupa slope,startup
smoothlyandcarefullyto reducethepossibilityof
flippingthetractoroverbackward.
WARNING
Do not mow on
inclineswith a slope
in excess of 15
degrees (a rise of
approximately 2-1/2
feet every 10feet).
The tractor could
overturn and cause
serious injury.
17
Your Lawn
Tracto
WARNING
Tohelp avoid blade
contact or a thrown
object injury, keep
bystanders, helpers,
children and pets at
least 75feet from the
machinewhile it is in
operation.Stop ma=
chine if anyone enters
the area.
Planyour mowing
pattern to avoid
discharge of mated-
DiStoward roads,
sidewalks, bystanders
and the like. Also,
avoiddischarging
material against a wall
or obstructionwhich
may cause discharged
material to ricochet
back toward the
operator.
Mowing
_ ARNING:Tohelp avoidblade contact or
a thrown objectinjury, keepbystanders,
helpers, children and pets at least 75feet
from the machine while it is in operation.
Stopmachine if anyoneenters the area.
Thefollowinginformationwillbehelpfulwhenusingthe
cuttingdeckwithyourtractor:
_ WARNING:Planyour mowing pattern
toavoid discharge ofmaterials 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
mulchkitorgrasscollectorisinstalled.
Forbest resultsit isrecommendedthatthefirsttwo
lapsbecutwiththedischargethrowntowardsthe
center.Afterthefirsttwolaps,reversethedirection
tothrowthedischargetotheoutsideforthebalance
ofcutting.Thiswillgivea betterappearanceto the
lawn.
Donotcut thegrasstooshort.Shortgrassinvites
weedgrowthandyellowsquicklyin dryweather.
Mowingshouldalwaysbedonewiththeengineatfull
throttle.
Underheavierconditionsitmaybenecessaryto go
backoverthecut areaa secondtimetogeta clean
cut.
DoNOTattempttomowheavybrushandweedsand
extremelytallgrass.Yourtractorisdesignedtomow
lawns,NOTclearbrush.
Keepthebladessharpandreplacethebladeswhen
worn.Referto Cutting Blades onpage25ofthis
manualforproperbladesharpeninginstructions.
WA
G
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
GO UPANDDOWNSLOPES,NOTACROSS.
AVOIDSUDDENTURNS.
DO NOTOPERATETHEUNITWHEREIT COULDSLIP
OR TIR
IF MACHINESTOPSGOINGUPHILL,STOPBLADE(S)
ANDBACKDOWNHILLSLOWLY.
,, DO NOTMOWWHEN CHILDRENOR OTHERSARE
AROUND.
NEVERCARRYCHILDREN,EVENWITHBLADESOFR
LOOK DOWNAND BEHINDBEFOREANDWHILE
BACKING.
KEEPSAFETYDEVICES(GUARDS,SHIELDS,AND
SWITCHES)INPLACEANDWORKING.
REMOVEOBJECTSTHATCOULD BETHROWNBY
THE BLADE(S).
KNOWLOCATIONANDFUNCTIONOFALL CON
TROLS.
BE SUREBLADE(S) ANDENGINEARE STOPPED
BEFOREPLACINGHANDSOR FEETNEAR
BLADE(S).
BEFORELEAVINGOPERATOR'SPOSITION,DISEN
GAGEBLADE(S), PLACETHE SHIFTLEVERIN
NEUTRAL,ENGAGEBRAKELOCK,SHUTENGINE
OFFANDREMOVEKEY.
READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL
18
Mulching
Selectmodelscomeequippedwitha mulchkitwhich
incorporatesspecialblades,alreadystandardonthe
tractor,ina processof recirculatinggrassclippings
repeatedlybeneaththecuttingdeck.Theultra-fine
clippingsarethenforcedbackintothe lawnwherethey
actasa naturalfertilizer.
Observethefollowingpointsforthebestresultswhen
mulching:
Neverattempttomulchifthelawnisdamp.Wetgrass
tendsto stickto theundersideofthecuttingdeck
preventingpropermulchingoftheclippings.
DoNOTattempttomulchmorethan1/3thetotal
heightof thegrassor approximately1-1/2inches.
Doingsowillcausetheclippingstoclumpup beneath
thedeckand notbe mulchedeffectively.
Maintaina slowgroundspeedtoallowthegrass
clippingsmoretimeto effectivelybemulched.
AlwayspositionthethrottlecontrolleverintheFAST
(rabbit)positionandallowitto remaintherewhile
mowing.Failingtokeeptheengineatfullthrottle
placesstrainon thetractor'sengineand doesnot
allowthebladesto properlymulchgrass.
NOTE:It isnotnecessarytoremovethedischargechute
tooperatethemowerwiththemulchkit installed.
_ WARNING:Neveroperatethe mower
without thedischarge chute properly
attached.
Tooperatethecuttingdeckwithoutmulching,simply
removethemulchplugbyunthreadingtheplasticwing
nutwhichfastensittothecuttingdeck.Thiswillallowthe
clippingstodischargeouttheside.See Fig.4-6.
Figure 4-6
Headlights
Onsomemodels,thelampsare ONwheneverthe
tractor'sengineisrunning.On othermodels,the
lampsareONwhenevertheignitionkeyismovedout
oftheSTOPposition.
Onall models,thelampsturnOFFwhentheignition
keyis movedtotheSTOPposition.
19
i_ ii i i
mower without the
dischargech
propedy attached,
T ¸¸¸
NOTE: This 0
ManUa coversa range
of productspecifications
for VariOusmodels:
characteristics and
features discussec
andlor Ilustratedin
his manual may not be
_tpplicableto all modelsl
MTDLLCreserves the
rightto changeproduct
specificationsdesigns
and equipmentWithout
not ceand WithoutincUr_
ring obligation.
i
WARNING
Neverattemptto
make any adjust-
ments while the
engine isrunning,
exceptwhere speci-
i fied in the operator's
manual.
f
Figure 5=1
Figure 5=2
,_ WARNING:Neverattempt tomakeany
adjustments while the engine is running,
exceptwherespecified in the operator's
manual.
1. Withthetractorparkedona firm,levelsurface,place
thedecklift leverin thetopnotch(highestposition)
androtatethebladenearestthedischargechuteso
thatitis parallelwiththetractor.
2. Measurethedistancefromthefrontofthe bladetipto
thegroundandtherearofthebladetiptotheground.
Thefirstmeasurementtakenshouldbebetween
1/4"and3/8"lessthanthesecondmeasurement.
Determinetheapproximatedistancenecessaryfor
properadjustmentandproceed,if necessary,tothe
nextstep.
3. Locatethejam nutandlocknutonthefrontsideof the
stabilizerbracket.SeeFig.5-1.Afterlooseningthejam
nut:
Tightenthelocknutto raisethefrontofthedeck;
Loosenthelocknuttolowerthefrontofthedeck.
4. Retightenthejamnutloosenedearlierwhenproper
adjustmentisachieved.
Side to Side
If thecuttingdeckappearsto bemowingunevenly,a side
tosideadjustmentcanbeperformed.Adjustif necessary
asfollows:
.
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.SeeFig.5-2.
4. Balancethedeckbyusingawrenchtoturnthe
adjustmentgear(foundimmediatelybehindthehex
capscrewjust loosened)clockwise/uporcounter-
clockwise/down.Thedeckis properlybalancedwhen
bothbladetipmeasurementstakenearlierareequal.
5. Retightenthehexcapscrewontheleft deckhanger
bracketwhenproperadjustmentisachieved.
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:
2O
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MTD 13A1762F729 Owner's manual

Category
Lawnmowers
Type
Owner's manual

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