MTD 779 Owner's manual

Category
Lawnmowers
Type
Owner's manual
Safety AssembJy Operation Adjustment Maintenance TroubJeshooting Warranty
A OR'S MANUAL
Shift-On-The-Go TM Lawn Tractor -- Models 760=779
iMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush-
coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwithasparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalorstatelaws(ifany).
If a sparkarresterisused,itshouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator.Inthe StateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw
(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.Asparkarrester
forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealerorcontacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,
Ohio44136-0019.
FORMNO.769-01598C
PRINTEDIN U.S.A. MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136=0019 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,
please locatethe model plateon the equipment and copythe
informationto the samplemodel plateprovidedto the right.You
can locate themodel plate by looking beneaththe seat.
This informationwillbe necessaryto use themanufacturer'sweb
siteand/or obtainassistancefrom the CustomerSupportDepart-
mentor an authorized servicedealer.
Model Number
www,mtdproducts.com
Serial Number
MTD LLC
P.O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330=220=4683
800=800=731 0
n_
Customer Support
Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
ifyou havedifficulty assemblingthis productor have anyquestions regardingthe controls,operation,or maintenanceof this
unit,you can seekhelp fromthe experts.Choose fromtheoptions below:
1. Visitwww.mtdproducts.com.
2. Phonea Customer Support Representative at 1 (800) 800-7310.
3. The engine manufacturer isresponsiblefor all engine-relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-rating,specifica-
tions,warrantyand service. Pleasereferto the engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packedseparatelywith
your unit.
lyUsethispageasaguidetodetermineslopeswhereyoumaynotoperatesafe. .....
U
Do not operate your hwn mower on such slopes.
!
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CD
WARNING
Do not mowon inclines
with a slope in excess
of 15degrees (a rise
of approximately2-1/2
feet every 10feet). A
riding mowercould
overturnand cause
seriousinjury.
Operateriding mowers
up and downslopes,
neveracrossthe face
of slopes.
\
3
/ ,j_ WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of itsconstituents,and certainvehicle compo-
L A_k nentscontain or emitchemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancer and
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
Ii i i
DANGER: This machine was builtto be operatedaccordingto the rulesfor safeoperation in this
manual.As with any type of powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe partof the operatorcan
Safe resultin seriousinjury.This machineis capableof amputatinghandsand feetand throwingobjects.
i
- = Failureto observethe following safetyinstructionscould resultin seriousinjury or death.
operation
=
Practices Children Operation
1. Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnot Safe Handling of Gasoline:
alerttothepresenceofchildren.Childrenareoften
attractedto themachineandthemowingactivity. 1. Toavoid personalinjuryor propertydamageuse
Theydo notunderstandthedangers.Neverassume extremecareinhandlinggasoline. Gasolineis
thatchildrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem. extremelyflammableand the vapors areexplo-
sive. Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasoline
a. Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaandin isspilledonyourselfor yourclotheswhichcanignite.
watchfulcareofa responsibleadultotherthan Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.
theoperator.
b. Bealertandturnmachineoff ifa childenters a. Useonlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.
b. Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehicleor ona
thearea.
truckor trailerbedwithaplasticliner.Always
WARN IN G c. Beforeandwhilebacking,lookbehindand
placecontainerson thegroundawayfrom
downforsmallchildren.
yourvehiclebeforefilling.
. . d. Nevercarrychildren,evenwiththeblade(s)
This symbol points c. Whenpractical,removegas-powered
. shutoff.Theymayfalloffandbeseriously equipmentfromthetruckortrailerand refuelit
out mportantsafety injuredor interferewithsafemachineoperation.
nstruct!0nswhich, !f ontheground.Ifthisisnotpossible,then
..... e. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblind refuelsuchequipmentonatrailerwitha
i /
not followed, could corners,doorways,shrubs,treesor other portablecontainer,ratherthanfromagasoline
objectsthatmayblockyourvisionofa child dispensernozzle.
endanger the personal whomayrunintothemachine, d. Keepthenozzlein contactwiththerimof
safety and!or property f. Toavoid back-overaccidents, always
thefueltankor containeropeningatall
of yoursef and others, disengagethe cutting blade(s) before timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotusea
Read and follow all shiftingintoReverse.If equipped,the nozzlelock-opendevice.
"ReverseCaution Mode" should not be e. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesand
instructions inthis man- usedwhenchildrenor othersare around.
othersourcesofignition.
ualbeforeattempt ngto g. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor running f. Neverfuelmachineindoors.
operate this machine; engines.Theycansufferburnsfroma hot
. . muffler, g. Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhilethe
engineishotor running.Allowenginetocool
Failureto complywith h. Removekeywhenmachineisunattendedto atleasttwominutesbeforerefueling.
these instructions may preventunauthorizedoperation.
. . . h. Neveroverfillfueltank.Filltanktonomore
result In personal Injury, 2. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operate
. thanYzinchbelowbottomoffillerneckto
When you see this themachine.Children14yearsoldandovershould allowspaceforfuelexpansion.
symbol, readandunderstandtheoperationinstructionsand
safetyrulesinthismanualandshouldbetrainedand i. Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
HEED iTS WARNING supervisedbya parent, j. If gasolineisspilled,wipeitofftheengine
andequipment.Moveunittoanotherarea.
l
Wait5 minutesbeforestartingtheengine.
k. Toreducefirehazards,keepmachinefreeof
You r
grass,leaves,orotherdebrisbuild-up.Clean
Responsibility upoilorfuelspillageand removeanyfuel
soakeddebris.
Restrictthe use I. Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainer
of ths power roachne insidewherethereisanopenflame,spark
to personswho read, orpilotlightasonawaterheater,space
n'erstand heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergas
U Cl , appliances.
and followthe warnings . . .
m. Allowa machinetocoolatleastfiveminutes
and instructions beforestoring.
n th_smanual
4
.
General Operation: 14.Watchfortrafficwhenoperattngnearorcrossmg
1. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionsonthe roadways.Thismachineisnotintendedforuseon
machineandinthe manual(s)beforeattemptingto
assembleandoperate.Keepthismanualina safe
placeforfutureandregularreferenceandforordering
replacementparts.
2. Befamiliarwithall controlsandtheirproperoperation.
Knowhowtostopthemachineanddisengagethem
quickly.
3. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsold tooperate
this machine.Children14yearsoldandovershould
readandunderstandtheoperationinstructionsand
safetyrulesin thismanualandshouldbetrainedand
supervisedbyaparent.
4. Neverallowadultstooperatethis machinewithout
properinstruction.
5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury,
keepbystanders,helpers,childrenand petsat least
75 feetfromthemachinewhileit isinoperation.Stop
machineifanyoneentersthearea.
6. Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentisto
beused.Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toys,
andotherforeignobjectswhichcouldbepickedup
andthrownbytheblade(s).Thrownobjectscancause
seriouspersonalinjury.
7. Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeof
materialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe
like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainsta wallor
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 feetnearrotatingpartsorunder
thecuttingdeck.Contactwiththeblade(s)can
amputatehandsandfeet.
12.Amissingor damageddischargecovercancause
bladecontactor thrownobjectinjuries.
13.Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggraveldrives,walks,
or roadsandwhilenotcuttinggrass.
anypublicroadway.
15.Donotoperatethemachinewhileunderthe influ-
enceofalcoholordrugs.
16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.
17.Nevercarrypassengers.
18.Disengageblade(s)beforeshiftingintoreverse.
Backupslowly.Alwayslookdownandbehindbefore
andwhilebackingtoavoida back-overaccident.
19.Slowdownbeforeturning.Operatethe machine
smoothly.Avoiderraticoperationandexcessive
speed. Practices
20.Disengageblade(s),setparkingbrake,stopengine
andwaituntiltheblade(s)cometo acompletestop
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
unitmustbepushedmanuallyonramp(s)toloador
unloadproperly.
23.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea
burn.Donottouch.
24.Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedriving
underlowhangingtreebranches,wires,dooropen-
ingsetc.,wheretheoperatormaybe struckor pulled
fromtheunit,whichcouldresultinseriousinjury.
25.Disengageallattachmentclutches,depressthe
brakepedalcompletelyandshiftintoneutralbefore
attemptingtostartengine.
26.Yourmachineisdesignedtocutnormalresidential
grassof aheightno 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.Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60 yearsand
above,areinvolvedin a largepercentageofriding
mower-relatedinjuries.Theseoperatorsshould
evaluatetheirabilitytooperatetheridingmower
seriousinjury.
29.If situationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis
manual,usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyour
customerservicerepresentativeforassistance.
__ i_i_i_iii_iiiii_ii_i_
WARNING
Thissymbol points
out importantsafety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safety and/or property
of yourselfand others.
Readand followall
instructionsin this man-
ual beforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failureto complywith
these instructionsmay
'esult in personalinjury.
Whenyou seethis
symbol.
HEED iTS WARNING
Your
safelyenoughto protectthemselvesandothersfrom
Responsibility
Restriclthe use
d this powermachine
to personswho read.
understand
and follow thewarnings
and instructions
in this manual
\
5
l i
l i i i
i i i i
Safe
Operation
Practices
out mportantsafety
_nstruct!onswhich,!f
not followed,could
endangerthe personal
safety and!or property
of yourselfand othersl
Readand fol!owa!l
instruct onsin this man'
ual beforeattempting to
operateth_smachine:
oc iy
Fa!luret omP w!th
these instructionsmay
jeSUit inpersonal injury,
When youseethis
symbol,
HEED ITS WARNING
l
¥
OUr
l
Responslbd_ty
Restnctthe use
of ths powerroachne
to personswho read,
understand
Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedtolossofcontroland
tip-overaccidentswhichcanresultinsevereinjuryor
death.All slopesrequireextracaution.Ifyoucannot
backuptheslopeorifyoufeeluneasyonit, do notmow
it.
Foryoursafety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartof
thismanualto measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunit
onaslopedor hillyarea.If theslopeisgreaterthan15
degreesasshownontheslopegauge,do notoperate
thisunitonthatareaorseriousinjurycouldresult.
Do:
1. Mowupanddownslopes,notacross.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
2. Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,or otherhidden
objects.Uneventerraincouldoverturnthemachine.
Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
3. Useslowspeed.Choosealowenoughspeed
settingsothatyouwillnothaveto stoporshiftwhile
ontheslope.Tiresmaylosetractiononslopeseven
thoughthe brakesarefunctioningproperly.Always
keepmachineingearwhengoingdownslopesto
takeadvantageofenginebrakingaction.
4. Followthemanufacturer'srecommendationsfor
wheelweightsorcounterweightsto improvestability.
5. Useextracarewithgrasscatchersorotherat-
tachments.Thesecanchangethestabilityofthe
machine.
6. Keepall movementon theslopesslowandgradual.
Donotmakesuddenchangesinspeedor direction.
Rapidengagementor brakingcouldcausethefront
ofthemachineto liftandrapidlyflipoverbackwards
whichcouldcauseseriousinjury.
7. Avoidstartingor stoppingon a slope.If tireslose
traction,disengagetheblade(s)andproceedslowly
straightdowntheslope.
Do Not:
1. Donotturnonslopesunlessnecessary;then,turn
slowlyandgraduallydownhill,if possible.
2. Donotmowneardrop-otis,ditchesor embankments.
Themowercouldsuddenlyturnoverif awheelisover
theedgeof acliff,ditch,orif anedgecavesin.
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 pushthetractorand maycauseyoutoloose
control.(e.g.tractormayspeedup,brakingandsteer-
ingabilityarereduced,attachmentmayjack-knifeand
causetractortooverturn).
Towing:
1. Towonlywitha machinethathasa hitchdesignedfor
towing.Donotattachtowedequipmentexceptatthe
hitchpoint.
2. Followthemanufacturersrecommendationforweight
limitsfortowedequipmentandtowingonslopes.
3. Neverallowchildrenor othersin oron towedequip-
ment.
4. Onslopes,theweightofthetowedequipmentmay
causelossoftractionandlossofcontrol.
5. Travelslowlyandallowextradistancetostop.
6. Donotshifttoneutralandcoastdownhill.
6
Service
1. Neverrun anengineindoorsorinapoorlyventilated
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
shouldbeservicedprofessionallybyanauthorized
MTDServiceDealer.
4. Checkbrakeoperationfrequentlyas itissubjectedto
wearduringnormaloperation.Adjustandserviceas
required.
5. Checktheblade(s)andenginemountingboltsat
frequentintervalsforpropertightness.Also,visually
inspectblade(s)fordamage(e.g.,excessivewear,
bent,cracked). Replacetheblade(s)with theoriginal
equipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)blade(s)only,
listedin thismanual."Useofpartswhichdonotmeet
theoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"
6. Mowerbladesaresharp.Wrapthebladeorwear
gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
7. Keepall nuts,bolts,andscrewstight tobesurethe
equipmentis insafeworkingcondition.
8. Nevertamperwiththesafetyinterlocksystemor other
safetydevices.Checktheirproperoperationregularly.
9. Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stoptheengine,
disconnectthesparkplugwire(s)and groundagainst
theengine.Thoroughlyinspectthemachineforany
damage.Repairthedamagebeforestartingand
operating.
10.Neverattempttomakeadjustmentsor repairstothe
machinewhiletheengineisrunning.
11.Grasscatchercomponentsandthedischarge
coveraresubjecttowearanddamagewhichcould
exposemovingpartsorallowobjectstobethrown.
Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponents
andreplaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthis
manual."Useof partswhichdo notmeettheoriginal
equipmentspecificationsmayleadtoimproper
performanceandcompromisesafety!"
12.Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsor
over-speedtheengine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe
maximumsafeoperatingspeedof theengine.
13.Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as
necessary.
14.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsfor
gas,oil,etc.toprotecttheenvironment.
This symbolpoints
outimportant safety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed,could
endangerthepersonal
safetyand/or property
ofyourself and others,
Readandfollow all
instructionsin this man-
ual beforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failureto complywith
these instructionsmay
result inpersonalinjury.
Whenyousee this
sym3ol.
HEED iTS WARNING
li
li
\
7
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
of this powermachine
to personswho read.
understand
and followthe warnings
and instructions
in this manual
f _ NOTE:This OperatorsManualcoversa rangeofproduct
r ......
[ _ _ I RubberBoot I i j specfcatonsforvarousmodes Characterst csandfea-
, i ',
"--'E J <_ i turesdiscussedand/orillustratedinthis manualmaynot
J 'i:__!_i'i':,;. _b_ i beapplicabletoall models.MTDLLCreservestheright
// "_I_i_ !_ \', tochangeproductspecificationsdesignsandequipment
;, _'-_ ,= -! :J!_: _ wthoutnotceand wthout ncurrngob gaton
etll:lnCl UD .::..... 'o .....i,
v -- / _::, i " Attaching the Battery Cables
I : I . .
YOU_' LSW_ , I_,: , NOTE Somemodesareshppedwththebatterycabes
I ::: }
, I i_i:: '@ alreadyconnected.
| r'SC'_O r ' NOTE:ThepositivebatteryterminalismarkedPos.(+).
The negativebatteryterminalis markedNeg.(-).
....
', ', Thepost vecabe(heavyredwre) s securedtothe
" ' post vebatterytermna (+)wth a hexbot andhex
, nutatthefactory.Makecertainthatthe rubberboot
coverstheterminaltohelpprotectitfromcorrosion.
WARNING
Use extreme care
when handling
gasoline.Gasolineis
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
;exp!osive:Never fuel
machine indoors
or Whilethe engine
is hot or running.
Extinguishcgarettes,
cigars, pipes, and
other sourcesof
_gnJt on. ;
/
l
Removethehexboltandhexnutfromthenegative
cable.
Removetheblackplasticcover,if present,fromthe
negativebatteryterminalandattachthenegative
cable(heavyblackwire)tothenegativebattery
terminal(-) withthe boltandnut.
NOTE:If thebatteryis putintoserviceafterthedate
shownontop/sideof battery,chargethebatteryas
instructedin theMaintainingYourLawnTractorsectionof
thismanualpriortooperatingthetractor.
Gas and Oil Fill-up
Thegasolinetankislocatedunderthehoodandhasa
capacityof1-1/2gallons.Donotoverfill.
,_ WARNING:Useextremecare when
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammableand the vapors are explosive.
Neverfuel machineindoors or whilethe
engine is hot or running. Extinguish ciga-
rettes, cigars,pipes, and othersources of
ignition.
Servicetheenginewithgasolineandoil asinstructedin
theseparateEngineOperator/OwnerManualpackedwith
yourtractor.Readinstructionscarefully.NOTE: This Operators
Manual coversa range
.... IMPORTANT:Yourtractorisshippedwith motoroil inthe
of productspecifications engine.However,youMUSTchecktheoil levelbefore
i
forvarious models: operating.Becarefulnottooverfill.
Characteristicsand
. Shipping Brace Removal
features d scussed
and/or' ustrated'n _ WARNING:Makesure theriding mower's
engine is off, remove theignition key,and
th's manua maynotbe
applicab e to al! model& set theparkingbrakebefore removing the
shipping brace,
MTD LLC reservesthe
right tochange product
Specif!cationsldesigns
and equipmentwithout
notice andwithout incur-
obligation.,
ring
8
Locatetheshippingbrace,ifpresent,andaccompany- f-
ingwarningtagfoundon therightsideofthemower,
betweenthedischargechuteandthecuttingdeck.
SeeFig.3-2.
,, Whileholdingthedischargechutewithyourleft hand,
removetheshippingbracewithyourrighthandby
graspingitbetweenyourthumbandindexfingerand
rotatingitclockwise.
,_ WARNING:Theshipping brace, used
for packaging purposes only, must be
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.
Figure 3=2
WARNING
Attaching The Steering Wheel
If thesteeringwheelforyourtractordid notcome
attached,thehardwareforattachingit hasbeenpacked
withinthesteeringwheel,beneaththesteeringwheel
cap.Carefullypryoff thesteeringwheelcapand remove
thehardware.
1. Withthe wheels ofthe tractor pointing straight
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)
If thehoodscoopwasnotsecuredto thehoodofyour
tractoratthefactory,youwillfinditina plasticbag,
hangingfromthethrottlelever.
Toinstall:
1. Carefullypivotthetractorhoodforward.
2. Removethefourscrewsfromtheundersideof the
hoodscoop.
3. Lineup thefourholesin thehoodscoopwiththefour
holes visiblethroughthetractor'shoodIouvres.See
Figure3-4.
4. Whileholdingthescoopin place,usea3/8" socket
wrench(orboxwrench)tocarefullytightenthescoop
ontothehood.
DoNOTovertighten.
%**,,,
Figure 3-3
J
Figure 3-4
Make sure the riding
mower's engine is
off, remove the igni-
tion key, and set the
parking brake before
removing the shipping
brace.
The shipping brace,
used for packaging
purposes only, must
be removed and
discarded before
operating your riding
mower.
The mowing deck is
'capable of throwing
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
F--, _, Attaching The Seat
f f_ _ Seatstylesvarybytractormodelandtherearethree
. .
--r 'J <] dfferentstyesave abe
r--....._"j"_ StandardAdjustment
QuickAdjustment&
R
_l_tt IIN tll ||1t_ KnobAdjustment
If theseatforyourtractorwasnotattachedatthefactory,
l
Your Lawn refertoFig.3-5,Fig.3-6,andFig.3-7toidentifyyour
#tor
ING
Before operating this
machinemakesure
theseatengaged
the seat stop, stand
behind the machine
andpu,baoko,seat
until fully engaged
intostop.
i iill i iI i
NOTE:For Shippingtea!
sons seats are e_ther
fastened to the tractor
seat s pivotbracketwth
a plast,ct_e,or mounted
backwardto the pvot
bracket.In either case,
freetheseatform its
Shipping p°sition and
removethe two hex
screws(or knobs,on
models SOequqoped)
from the bottomof seat
. .
beforeproceed!rigw!th
apphcable _nstruct!ons.
Figure 3-6
tractor'sseatstyleandfollowtheapplicableinstructions
belowtoattachit.
NOTE:Forshippingreasons,seatsareeitherfastened
tothetractorseat'spivotbracketwitha plastictie,or
mountedbackwardtothepivotbracket.Ineithercase,
freetheseatformitsshippingpositionand removethe
twohexscrews(orknobs,on modelssoequipped)from
thebottomofseatbeforeproceedingwithapplicable
instructionsbelow.
Standard Adjustment Seat
1. Positiontheshoulderscrews(foundonthe baseof the
seat)insidetheslot openingsintheseatpivotbracket.
Fig.3-5.
2. Slidetheseatslightlyrearwardintheseatpivot
bracket,lininguptherearslotsinthepivotbracket
withtheremainingtwo holesintheseat'sbase.
3. Selectdesiredpositionfortheseat,andsecurewith
thetwohexscrewsremovedearlier.SeeFig.3-5.
Quick Adjustment Seat
NOTE:If yourseatwasshippedmountedbackwardson
theseatpivotbracket,pulloutthetabfoundontheseat
stopandholditopenwhileslidingtheseatofftheseat
pivotbracket.SeeFig.3-6.
1. Lineuptheplasticseatspacerswiththeslotsin seat
pivotbracket.
2. Slideseatinuntilfrontseatspacerengagestheseat
stop.SeeFig.3-6.
,_ WARNING:Before operating this machine,
makesure theseat is engagedin the seat
stop,stand behind themachine and pull
back on seat until fully engaged into stop.
Knob Adjustment Seat
1. Positiontheshoulderscrews(foundonthebaseof the
seat)insidetheslot openingsintheseatpivotbracket.
Fig.3-7.
2. Slidetheseatslightlyrearwardintheseatpivot
bracket,lininguptherearslotsinthepivotbracket
withtheremainingtwo holesintheseat'sbase.
3. Selectdesiredpositionfortheseat,andsecurewith
thetwoknobsremovedearlier.SeeFig.3-7.
10
Identlfvma the Mulch Plua F "_ 1----.
On tractormodelssoequipped,a mulchplugcanbe ( '_............. "_ [f-m
, , , g , , / / , ,
foundwthnthecuttngdeeksdsehargeopenng | _ " ' , | , _r J 4
/ 'x
. ,, . / ...... |
)
NOTE:Referto Mulching tnthe OperattngYourLawn ..... \ , w /
Tractor secttonofthtsmanualformoredetatledtnforma.......
tion. Setting p
If you'dpreferto operatethecuttingdeckwithoutmulch- "'"
ing,simplyremovethemulchplugbyunthreadingthe ' your Lawn
plasticwingnutwhichfastensittothecuttingdeck•This Tractor
willallowtheclippingstodischargeoutofthedischarge
Ii
openingduringoperation.SeeFig.3-8.
Tire Pressure
_lk ARNING:Maximum tirepressure under
anycircumstancesis30psi. Equal tire
pressure should be maintained at all times.
Thetiresonyourunitmaybeover-inflatedforshipping
purposes.Reducethetirepressurebeforeoperating
thetractor.Recommendedoperatingtirepressureis
approximately10p.s.iforthereartires& 14p.s.i,forthe
fronttires.Checksidewalloftirefor maximump.s.i.
Figure 3-8
WARNING
Max" "
imurn tire pres,
sure under any
circumstancesiS 30
psL Equal tire pressure
should be maintained
at all times.
NOTE:For shipping rea-
sons! seatsare either
fastened tOthetractor
seat s p!vot bracket w!th
a plastic tie, ormounted
backward tothe
brackeLIneithercase,
free the seat form its
shipping positionand
rernovethetwo hex
screws (or knobs, on
models so equ,pped)
from the bottomof seat
beforeproceedingWith
applicable instruction&
Ii_ i i
...... ;/
11
NOTE:Any reference
in this manualto the
RIGHTor LEFTside of
the tractor isobserved
from operator'sposition.
NOTE:Forshippingrea-
sons,seats are either
fastenedto the tractor
seat's pivotbracketwith
a plastictie, or mounted
backwardto the pivot
bracket.Ineither case.
Freethe seatform its
shippingpositionand
removethetwo hex
screws (or knobs,on
nodelsso equipped)
from the bottomof seat
beforeproceedingwith
applicableinstructions.
Know Your Lawn Tractor
\
\
/ _-_J
i ,..............................)
Figure 4=1
g wheel
1 Ifso equipped
A SpeedControlLever/ParkingBrake E ThrottleControlLever
B Clutch-BrakePedal F IgnitionSwitchModule
C ShiftLever G DeckLift Lever
D ChokeControl1" H PTO(BladeEngage)Lever
NOTE:Anyreferencein thismanualtotheRIGHTor LEFTsideofthetractorisobservedfromoperator'sposition.
12
i i _ i ii
Throttle Control Lever ,f- _
Thethrottlecontrolleverislocatedon therightsideof
thetractor'sdashpanel.Thislevercontrolsthespeed
oftheengineand,on somemodels,whenpushedall
thewayforward,thechokecontrolalso.Whenset ina
givenposition,thethrottlewillmaintaina 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.Referto Starting TheEngine on
page16of thismanualfordetailedstartinginstructions.
ignition Switch
Theignitionswitchisactivatedtostarttheengine.Insert
keyintotheignitionswitchandturnclockwisetothe
STARTposition.ReleasethekeyintotheONposition
onceenginehasfired.SeeFig.4-3A.
ignition Switch Module (Ifso Equipped)
Tostarttheengine,insertthe keyintothe ignitionswitch
andturnclockwiseto theSTARTposition.Releasethe
keyintotheNORMALMOWINGMODEpositiononce
theenginehasfired.
Tostoptheengine,turnthe ignitionkeycounterclockwise
totheOFFposition.SeeFig.4-3B.
,_ WARNING:Never leavearunning machine
unattended.Always disengagePTO,move
shift lever into neutral position, setpark-
ing brake, stop engine and removekey to
prevent unintended starting.
IMPORTANT:Priortooperatingthetractor,refertoboth
SafetyInterlock Switches on page14andStarting
TheEngine on page16ofthismanualfordetailed
instructionsregardingtheIgnitionSwitchModuleand
operatingthetractorin REVERSECAUTIONMODE.
Deck Lift Lever
Foundon yourtractor'srightfender,thedecklift leveris
usedtochangetheheightofthecuttingdeck.Touse,
movethelevertotheleft,thenplacein thenotchbest
suitedforyourapplication.
FAST _,_
_LOW =_ ---,-- SLOW
mm
mmm.
Figure 4-2
f --,,
A
Off On/Lights
_Start
Pnsition
©
Figure 4-3
WARNING
Never leave a running
machine unattended.
Awaysdsengage
PTO, move shift lever
into neutralposition,
set parking brake stop
engineand removekey
to preventunintended
starting.
Pnorto operat!ngthe
tractor referto both
SafetyInterlock
Switches on page
Parking Brake
14and Starting The
Tosetthe parkingbrake,fullydepresstheclutch-brake Engine on page 16
pedal.Movethespeedcontrolleverallthewaydownand
intotheparkingbrakeposition.Releasetheclutch-brake of this manualfor
pedaltoallowtheparkingbraketoengage, detailed instructions
Toreleasetheparkingbrake,depresstheclutch-brake regard!ng.... the !gnltlon
pedalandmovethespeedcontrolleveroutof the .
Switch Moduleand
notchesto thedesiredposition.Releasethespeed . .
controlleverandtheclutch-brakepedal, operatingthe tractor in
REVERSE CAUTION
13
Your Lawn
Tractor
WARNING
Donot operate the
tractor if the interlock
system is maffunctiom
ing.This systemwas
designed for your
iafety and protection:
NOTE: The parking
brake must beset if the
;
operator leavestheSeat
with the engine run_
ning Orthe enginewill
automaticallyshut off.
NOTE: The PTO(Blade
Engage) levermust be
in the disengaged (PTO
OFF) positionwhen
sta[ting theengine:
iMPORTANT
Never force the shift
levei. DoingSo
result in serious
damage to thetiactor s
transrnissionl
f
FORWARD
NUETRAL
REVERSE
J
Figure 4-4
NOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbe setif theoperator
leavestheseatwiththeenginerunningortheengine
willautomaticallyshutoff.
Clutch=Brake Pedal
Theclutch-brakepedalislocatedon theleftsideof
thelawntractor,alongtherunningboard.Depressthe
clutch-brakepedalpartwaydownwhenslowingthe
tractorbychangingspeeds(RefertoSpeedControl
Lever).Depressthepedalall thewaydowntoengage
thedisc brakeand bringthetractortoa completestop.
NOTE:Thepedalmustbedepressedtostarttheengine.
Referto SafetyInterlockSwitcheson page14.
Shift Lever
Theshiftleverislocatedonthe leftsideof thefender
andhasthreepositions,FORWARD,NEUTRALand
REVERSE.Thebrakepedalmustbe depressedand
thetractormustnotbe in motionwhenthe movingshift
lever.SeeFig.4-4.
IMPORTANT:Neverforcetheshift lever.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,
releasetheleverintoanappropriate
notchto maintainthatspeed.
Toslowthetractor'sgroundspeed,
depresstheclutch-brakepedaland
movethespeedcontrolleverrearward
andreleaseit intoanotch.
0
NOTE:Lawntractorsvarybymodelandare availablewith
eithera6- or7-speedcontrollever.
PTO (Blade Engage) Lever _,
f
Foundon thetractor'srightfender,the __-
PTO(bladeengage)leverisusedto --,
engagepowertothecuttingdeckor t
other(separatelyavailable)attachments. ; 2
Tooperate,movethe leverall theway
forward.Movingtheleveralltheway
_3
M
rearwardintothePTOOFFposition
disengagespowertothecuttingdeck/
attachment, i 4
NOTE:The PTO(bladeengage)lever
mustbe inthedisengaged(PTOOFF) _,5
positionwhenstartingtheengine. _ 4_
&*
Safety interlock Switches
Thistractorisequippedwitha safetyinterlocksystem
fortheprotectionoftheoperator.If theinterlocksystem
shouldevermalfunction,donotoperatethetractor.
ContactanauthorizedMTDservicedealer.
Thesafetyinterlocksystempreventstheengine
fromcrankingorstartingunlesstheparkingbrakeis
engaged,and thePTO(BladeEngage)leverisinthe
disengaged(OFF)position.
Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff iftheoperator
leavestheseatbeforeengagingtheparkingbrake.
Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff iftheoperator
leavesthetractor'sseatwiththePTO(BladeEngage)
leverintheengaged(ON)position,regardlessof
whethertheparkingbrakeisengaged.
Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff iftheoperator
engagesthePTOwiththeparkingbrakeON.
Models without Reverse Caution Mode
Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff ifthePTO(Blade
Engage)leveris movedintotheengaged(ON)position
withtheshiftleverin Reverse.
Models with Reverse Caution Mode
Withtheignitionkeyin theNORMALMOWINGposi-
tion,theenginewillautomaticallyshutoffifthePTO
(BladeEngage)leverismovedintotheengaged(ON)
positionwiththeshiftleverinReverse.
,_ WARNING:Do not operate thetractor if the
interlock systemis malfunctioning. This
system wasdesigned for your safety and
protection.
14
Reverse Caution Mode
(Models equipped with ignition switch
module)
_ ARNING:Useextremecaution while
operating the tractor in theREVERSE
CAUTIONMODE.Always look down and
behind before and whilebacking. Do
not operatethe tractor whenchildren
or others arearound. Stopthe tractor
immediately if someone enters thearea.
TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEpositionofthekey
switchmoduleallowsthetractortobe operatedin
reversewiththe blades(PTO)engaged.
iMPORTANT:Mowingin reverseis notrecommended.
TousetheREVERSECAUTIONMODE:
iMPORTANT:TheoperatorMUSTbeseatedinthe
tractorseat.
1. Starttheengineasinstructedon page16under
Starting TheEngine.
2. TurnthekeyfromtheNORMALMOWING(Green)
positiontotheREVERSECAUTIONMODE(Yellow)
positionofthekeyswitchmodule.SeeFig.4-5.
3. DepresstheREVERSEPUSHBUTTON(Orange,
TriangularButton)atthetop,rightcornerofthekey
switchmodule.Thered indicatorlightat thetop, left
cornerofthekeyswitchmodulewillbeONwhile
activated.SeeFig.4-5.
4. Onceactivated(indicatorlightON), thetractorcan
bedrivenin reversewiththecuttingblades(PTO)
engaged.
5. Alwayslookdownand behindbeforeandwhile
backingtomakesurenochildrenarearound.
6. Afterresumingforwardmotion,returnthekeytothe
NORMALMOWINGposition.
iMPORTANT:TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEwill
remainactivateduntil:
a.The keyisplacedin eithertheNORMALMOWING
positionorSTOPposition.
b.Theoperatorengagestheparkingbrakebyfully
depressingtheclutch-brakepedaland holdingit
downwhilemovingthespeedcontrolleverintothe
PARKBRAKEposition.
Engaging the Parking Brake
Toengagetheparkingbrake:
1. Fullydepresstheclutch-brakepedalandholditdown
withyourfoot.
2. Movethespeedcontrolleverallthewaydownand
intotheparkingbrakeposition.
3. Releasetheclutch-brakepedaltoallowthe parking
braketoengage.
f
Reverse
Indicator Push Button
Light Reverse
Stop CautionMode
Position Position
©
Start
Position
Figure 4-5
Toreleasetheparkingbrake:
1. Depresstheclutch-brakepedalandmovethespeed
controlleveroutoftheparkingbrakepositionand into
a desiredspeed.
Setting the Cutting Height
1. Selecttheheightpositionofthecuttingdeckbyplac-
ing thedeckliftleverinanyofthesixdifferentcutting
heightnotcheson therightsideofthefender.
2. Adjustthedeckwheels,ifequipped,sothattheyare
betweenl_-inchandY2-inchabovethegroundwhen
thetractorisona smooth,flatsurfacesuchas a
driveway.
_lib ARNING: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.
WARNING
Useextremecaution
while operating
i the tractor in the
i REVERSECAUTION
MODE.Always ook
i 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 hands and
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.
15
Operating
Your Lawn
WARNING
ifyou strikeaforeign
object,stopthe engine,
disconnectthe spark
plug wire(s) and
groundagainstthe
engine.Thoroughly
inspectthe machine for
any damage.Repairthe
damagebefore restart-
ingandoperating.
Avoidsuddenstarts,
ex-cessivespeed and
sudden stops.
Donot leavethe seat
ofthe tractor without
first placingthe PTO
(Blade Engage)leverin
the disengaged(OFF)
position,depressing
the brakepedal and
engagingthe parking
brake, if leavingthe
tractor unattended, also
turn the ignitionkey off
and remove the key.
Alwayslookdown
and behindbefore
and while backingup
to avoida back-over
accident.
Starting the Engine
_ ARNING:Donot operate thetractorif
theinterlock system is malfunctioning.
This system 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:DoNOTholdthekeyintheSTART
positionforlongerthantensecondsata time.Doingso
maycausedamagetoyourengine'selectricstarter.
6. Aftertheenginestarts,deactivatethechokecontrol
andplacethethrottlecontrolin theFASTposition.
NOTE:DoNOTleavethechokecontrolonwhileoperat-
ingthetractor.Doingsowillresultina "rich"fuelmixture
andcausetheenginetorun poorly.
Stopping the Engine
,_ WARNING:If you strike a foreign object,
stop theengine, disconnect the spark
plug wire(s) and ground against the
engine.Thoroughly inspect the machine
for anydamage.Repair the damage
beforerestarting andoperating
1. if thebladesareengaged,placethePTO(Blade
Engage)leverinthedisengaged(OFF)position.
2. TurntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheSTOP
position.
3. Removethekeyfromtheignitionswitchto prevent
unintendedstarting.
Driving The Tractor
,_ WARNING:Avoid sudden starts, ex-ces-
sive speedand sudden stops.
WARNING:Donot leavethe seatof the
tractor without first placing thePTO
(Blade Engage)leverin thedisengaged
(OFF)position, depressing the brake
pedal and engaging the parking brake. If
leaving thetractor unattended,also turn
theignition key off and removethe key.
Always look downandbehind before and
while backing up to avoida back-over
accident.
A
AVOID SERIOUS iNJURY OR DEATH
GO UPANDDOWNSLOPES,NOTACROSS.
AVOIDSUDDENTURNS.
DO NOTOPERATETHEUNITWHEREIT COULDSLIPORTIP.
IFMACHINESTOPSGOINGUPHILL,STOPBLADE(S)AND
BACKDOWNHILLSLOWLY.
DO NOTMOWWHEN CHILDRENOR OTHERSAREAROUND.
NEVERCARRYCHILDREN,EVENWITHBLADES OFE
LOOK DOWNAND BEHINDBEFOREANDWHILEBACKING.
KEEPSAFETYDEVICES(GUARDS,SHIELDS,ANDBWlTCHE_
INPLACEANDWORKING.
REMOVEOBJECTSTHATCOULDBE THROWNBYTHE
BLADE(S).
KNOWLOCATIONANDFUNCTIONOFALL CONTROLS.
BE SUREBLADE(S) ANDENGINEARESTOPPEDBEFORE
PLACINGHANDSORFEETNEAR BLADE(S).
BEFORELEAVINGOPERATOR'SPOSITION,DISENGAGE
BLADE(S), PLACETHESHIFT LEVERIN NEUTRAL,ENGAGE
BRAKELOCK,SHUTENGINEOFFANDREMOVEKEY.
READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL
1. Depressthebrakepedalto releasetheparkingbrake
andletthepedalup.
2. MovethethrottleleverintotheFAST(rabbit)position.
3. Placetheshiftleverin eithertheFORWARDor
REVERSEposition.
IMPORTANT:DoNOTusetheshiftleverto changethe
directionoftravelwhenthetractorisinmotion.Always
usethebrakepedaltobringthetractortoa completestop
beforeshifting.
4. Releasetheparkingbrakebydepressingtheclutch-
brakepedaland positioningthespeedcontrolleverin
desiredposition.
IMPORTANT:First-timeoperatorsshouldusespeedposi-
tions 1or2. Becomecompletelyfamiliarwiththetractor's
operationandcontrolsbeforeoperatingthetractorin
higherspeedpositions.
5. Releaseclutch-brakepedalslowlyto putunitinto
motion.
6. Thelawntractorisbroughttoa stopbydepressingthe
clutch-brakepedal.
NOTE:Whenoperatingtheunitinitially,therewillbe little
differencebetweenthehighesttwo speedsuntilafterthe
beltshaveseatedthemselvesintothepulleysduringthe
break-inperiod.
16
WARNING:Before leavingthe operator's
position forany reason,disengage the
blades,place theshift leverin neutral,
engagetheparking brake, shut engine off
and removethe key.
IMPORTANT:Whenstoppingthetractorforanyreason
whileona grasssurface,always:
1. Placetheshiftleverin neutral,
2. Engagethe parkingbrake,
3. Shutengineoff andremovethekey.
Doingsowillminimizethepossibilityof havingyourlawn
"browned"byhotexhaustfromyourtractor'srunning
engine.
If unit stalls withspeedcontrolinhighspeed,or ifunit
willnotoperatewith speedcontrolleverina lowspeed
position,proceedasfollows:
1. PlaceshiftleverinNEUTRAL.
2. Restartengine.
3. Placespeedcontrolleverin highestspeedposition.
4. Releaseclutch-brakepedalfully.
5. Depressclutch-brakepedal.
6. Placespeedcontrolleverindesiredposition.
7. PlaceshiftleverineitherFORWARDor REVERSE,
andfollownormaloperatingprocedures.
Driving On Slopes
RefertotheSLOPEGAUGEon page3 tohelpdetermine
slopeswhereyoumayoperatethetractorsafely.
,_ WARNING:Do not mow on inclines with
aslope in excess of 15degrees(arise of
approximately 2-1/2feet every 10feet). The
tractor could overturnand cause serious
injury.
,, Mowupanddownslopes,NEVERacross.
,, Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon
slopes.
,, Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orotherhidden
objects.Uneventerraincouldoverturnthemachine.
Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
,, Avoidturnswhendrivingona slope.Ifa turnmustbe
made,turndowntheslope.Turningupa slopegreatly
increasesthechanceofa rollover.
Engaging the Blades
EngagingthePTO(BladeEngage)transferspowerto the
cuttingdeckor other(separatelyavailable)attachments.
Toengagethe blades,proceedasfollows:
1. Movethethrottlecontrollevertothe FAST(rabbit)
position.
2. Graspthe PTO(BladeEngage)leverandpivotitall
thewayforwardintotheengaged(ON)position.
3. KeepthethrottleleverintheFAST(rabbit)position
forthemostefficientuseofthecuttingdeckorother
(separatelyavailable)attachments.
IMPORTANT:Models with ReverseCaution Mode:
Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff if thePTOis
engagedwiththeshiftleverinpositionforreversetravel
withtheignitionkeyinthe NORMALMOWINGposition.
Operating
Your Lawn
l
Modelswithout ReverseCaution Mode:
ThePTO(BladeEngage)levermustbe inthedisen-
gaged(OFF)positionwhenstartingtheengine,when
travelingin reverse,and iftheoperatorleavestheseat.
l
RefertoSafetyInterlockSwitcheson page14. WARNING
Using the Deck Lift Lever
Toraisethecuttingdeck,movethedecklift leverto
theleft,thenplaceitinthenotchbestsuitedforyour
application.Referto BettingTheCuttingHeightearlierin
thissection.
Do not mow On
inclineswith a slope
in excess of 15
degrees (a rise of
approximately 2-1/2
feet every 10feet).
I The tractor could
overturn and cause
e i i jury
S r ous n
l
Avoidstoppingwhendrivingupa slope.If itis
necessarytostopwhiledrivingup aslope,startup
smoothlyandcarefullyto reducethepossibilityof
flippingthetractoroverbackward.
17
operating
) avoidblade
contactor a thrown
object injury, keep
bystanders,helpers,
chUdrenand pets at
least 75feet from the
machinewhile it is in
operation. Stop ma-
chine if anyoneenters
the area.
Planyour mowing
patternto avoid
discharge of materi-
als toward roads,
sidewalks,bystanders
and the like.Also,
avoid discharging
matedal against a wall
or obstructionwhich
may cause discharged
material to ricochet
backtowardthe
operator.
Mowing
,_ WARNING:Tohelp avoidblade contact or
a thrown object injury, keepbystanders,
helpers, children andpets at least75feet
from the machine whileit is inoperation.
Stopmachine if anyoneenters the area.
Thefollowinginformationwillbehelpfulwhenusingthe
cuttingdeckwithyourtractor:
,_ WARNING:Planyour mowing pattern
to avoid discharge of materials toward
roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like.
Also, avoid discharging material against
a wall or obstruction which maycause
discharged material to ricochet back
toward the operator.
Donotmowathighgroundspeed,especiallyifa
mulchkitorgrasscollectorisinstalled.
Forbest resultsit isrecommendedthatthefirsttwo
lapsbe cutwiththedischargethrowntowardsthe
center.Afterthefirsttwo laps,reversethedirection
tothrowthedischargetotheoutsideforthebalance
ofcutting.Thiswillgivea betterappearancetothe
lawn.
,, Donotcut thegrasstooshort.Shortgrassinvites
weedgrowthandyellowsquicklyindry weather.
,, Mowingshouldalwaysbe donewith theengineatfull
throttle.
,, Underheavierconditionsitmaybenecessaryto go
backoverthecut areaasecondtimetogeta clean
cut.
,, DoNOTattempttomowheavybrushandweedsand
extremelytallgrass.Yourtractorisdesignedtomow
lawns,NOTclearbrush.
,, Keepthebladessharpandreplacethebladeswhen
worn.Referto Cutting Blades onpage25ofthis
manualforproperbladesharpeninginstructions.
AVOID SERIOUS iNJURY OR DEATH
, GO UPANDDOWNSLOPES,NOTACROSS.
* AVOIDSUDDENTURNS.
* DO NOTOPERATETHEUNITWHEREIT COULDSLIP
OR TIR
* IFMACHINESTOPSGOINGUPHILL,STOPBLADE(S)
ANDBACKDOWNHILLSLOWLY.
* DO NOTMOWWHEN CHILDRENOROTHERSARE
AROUND.
* NEVERCARRYCHILDREN,EVENWITHBLADESOFR
* LOOK DOWNANDBEHINDBEFOREANDWHILE
BACKING.
* KEEP SAFETYDEVICES(GUARDS,SHIELDS,AND
SWITCHES)INPLACEANDWORKING.
* REMOVEOBJECTSTHATCOULD BETHROWNBY
THEBLADE(S).
" KNOWLOCATIONANDFUNCTIONOFALL CON
TROLS.
BE SUREBLADE(S) ANDENGINEARE STOPPED
BEFOREPLACING HANDSORFEETNEAR
BLADE(S).
* BEFORELEAVINGOPERATOR'SPOSITION,DISEN
GAGEBLADE(S), PLACETHESHIFT LEVERIN
NEUTRAL,ENGAGEBRAKELOCK,SHUTENGINE
OFFAND REMOVEKEY.
READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL
18
Mulching
Selectmodelscomeequippedwitha mulchkitwhich
incorporatesspecialblades,alreadystandardonthe
tractor,inaprocessof recirculatinggrassclippings
repeatedlybeneaththecuttingdeck.Theultra-fine
clippingsarethenforcedbackintothelawnwherethey
actasanaturalfertilizer.
Observethefollowingpointsforthebestresultswhen
mulching:
,, Neverattempttomulchif thelawnisdamp.Wetgrass
tendstosticktothe undersideofthecuttingdeck
preventingpropermulchingoftheclippings.
,, DoNOTattempttomulchmorethan1/3thetotal
heightofthegrassor approximately1-1/2inches.
Doingsowillcausetheclippingstoclumpupbeneath
thedeckandnotbemulchedeffectively.
,, Maintaina slowgroundspeedtoallowthegrass
clippingsmoretimeto effectivelybe mulched.
,, AlwayspositionthethrottlecontrolleverintheFAST
(rabbit)positionandallowittoremaintherewhile
mowing.Failingtokeeptheengineatfullthrottle
placesstrainonthetractor'sengineanddoesnot
allowthebladestoproperlymulchgrass.
NOTE:It isnotnecessarytoremovethedischargechute
tooperatethemowerwiththemulchkit installed.
,_ WARNING:Never operatethe mower
without thedischarge chute properly
attached.
Tooperatethecuttingdeckwithoutmulching,simply
removethemulchplug byunthreadingtheplasticwing
nutwhichfastensitto thecuttingdeck.Thiswillallowthe
clippingstodischargeouttheside.SeeFig.4-6.
Figure 4-6
Headlights
,, On somemodels,thelampsare ONwheneverthe
tractor'sengineisrunning.On othermodels,the
lampsareONwhenevertheignitionkeyismovedout
oftheSTOPposition.
,, On allmodels,thelampsturnOFFwhentheignition
keyis movedtotheSTOPposition.
l i i i
i!i_ _ _ i _ _i_i_iii
Your LaWn
TraCtor
i ii
WARNING
Never operate the
mower w thout the
dischargechute
proPer!Y attached,
I
l
I i_ i '
NOTE: This Operators
Manual Coversa range
of product speclficat ons
forvariousmodels.
i /
Characteristicsand
features discussed
and/or illustratedin
th_smanua! maynot be
/ /
cable toall mo
ros0r os, h°;
right to change product
specifications,designs
and equipment without
notice and without incur-
ring obiigationl
19
1. Withthetractorparkedona firm,levelsurface,place
Adj
ust|nq
Yo rL
U awn
Tract
or
Never attempt to
i make any adjust-
i merits while the
i engine is running,
i except where speci-
f ed n the operator s
i manual.
Figure 5-1
Figure 5-2
J
WARNING:Never attempt to make any
adjustments while the engine is running,
except wherespecified in the operator's
manual
thedeckliftleverin thetopnotch(highestposition)
androtatethebladenearestthedischargechuteso
thatit isparallelwiththetractor.
2. Measurethedistancefromthefrontofthebladetipto
thegroundandtherearofthe bladetiptotheground.
Thefirstmeasurementtakenshouldbebetween
1/4"and3/8" lessthanthesecondmeasurement.
Determinetheapproximatedistancenecessaryfor
properadjustmentandproceed,ifnecessary,tothe
nextstep.
3. Locatethejam nutandlocknutonthefrontsideof the
stabilizerbracket.SeeFig.5-1.Afterlooseningthejam
nut:
Tightenthelocknutto raisethefrontofthedeck;
Loosenthelocknuttolowerthefrontofthedeck.
4. Retightenthejamnutloosenedearlierwhenproper
adjustmentisachieved.
Side to Side
If thecuttingdeckappearstobemowingunevenly,aside
tosideadjustmentcanbeperformed.Adjustif necessary
asfollows:
1. Withthetractorparkedona firm,levelsurface,place
thedeckliftleverin thetopnotch(highestposition)
androtatebothbladessothattheyare perpendicular
withthetractor.
2. Measurethedistancefromtheoutsideoftheleftblade
tiptothegroundandthedistancefromtheoutsideof
therightbladetipto theground.Bothmeasurements
takenshouldbeequal.If they'renot,proceedtothe
nextstep.
3. Loosen,butdo NOTremove,thehexcapscrewon
theleftdeckhangerbracket.SeeFig.5-2.
4. Balancethedeckbyusingawrenchto turnthe
adjustmentgear(foundimmediatelybehindthehex
capscrewjust loosened)clockwise/uporcounter-
clockwise/down.Thedeckis properlybalancedwhen
bothbladetipmeasurementstakenearlierareequal.
5. Retightenthehexcapscrewon theleftdeckhanger
bracketwhenproperadjustmentisachieved.
Leveling the Deck
NOTE:Checkthetractor'stirepressurebeforeperform-
inganydecklevelingadjustments.RefertoTires on
page24 forinformationregardingtirepressure.
Front To Rear
Thefrontofthecuttingdeckissupportedbya stabilizer
barthatcanadjustedtolevelthedeckfromfronttorear.
Thefrontofthedeckshouldbebetween1/4-inchand
3/8-inchlowerthantherearofthedeck.Adjustif
necessaryasfollows:
2O
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MTD 779 Owner's manual

Category
Lawnmowers
Type
Owner's manual

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