MTD 13RN771H729 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

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

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 13RN771H729 Owner's manual

MTD 13RN771H729 Owner's manual

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