Montgomery Ward TMO-33940A User manual

42" Lawn Tractors
Operating Manual
Model Nos. TMO-33940A
TMO-33941A
TMO-33942A
(Shown with Optional Grass Collector)
Montgomery Ward

INDEX
Slope Gauge.3
Contents of Hardware Pack.4
Rules for Safe Operation.5
Assembly Instructions.6
Controls.10
Operation.12
Adjustments.13
Lubrication.16
Maintenance. 1 6
Off-Season Storage.20
Trouble Shooting Guide. . .21, 22
Electrical System .23
Illustrated Parts for Lawn Tractor .24-35
Illustrated Parts for Transaxle.36, 37
Parts Information.Back Cover
Dear Customer,
So often throughout the year we are all in a
rush to meet our daily obligations.
However, we at Montgomery Ward are tak¬
ing a quick moment out to say.
“Thank you for your business."
Sincerely,
MONTGOMERY WARD
1 --———-. '
A
\ INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN WITH THIS SYM-
A BOL ARE FOR PERSONAL SAFETY. BE
SURE TO FOLLOW THEM.
NOTICE: A data plate with the model number and serial numbers of your unit is located on the frame, under
the seat. Record these number in the spaces provided on the back cover of this guide.
BEFORE YOU CALL SERVICE
Check Spark Plug Wire
• Firmly attached?
• Wire terminal clean?
Check Crankcase Oil Level
• Overfilled/underfilled?
Check Fuel Tank
• Fuel in tank?
• Fuel dirty or stale?
• If tank has been empty for a long period,
fill tank completely.
Check Air Cleaner
• Clean?
• Choke plate stuck?
• Governor spring free to move?
Check under Blade Housing (Disconnect Spark Plug First)
• Blade obstructed or bent?
Check Starting Instructions
• Read instruction manuals and labels for specific
instructions.
WARNING: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unim¬
proved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine 1 s exhaust system is equipped with
a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained
in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code).
Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester tor the muffler is available
through your nearest engine authorized service center or contact the parts sales center of Montgomery Ward.
2

SLOPE GAUGE
(Keep this sheet in a safe place for future reference.)
Hi
LU
DC
<
O
a:
Hi
>
<
X
H
$
Hi
>
Ui
to
X
o
_l
o
X
o
z
<
X
o
CO
T
3
Do
not
mow
on
inclines
with
a
slope
in
excess
of
15
degrees
(a
rise
of
approximately
2Vi
feet
every
10
feet).
A
riding
mower
could
overturn
and
cause
serious
injury.
If
operating
a
walk-behind
mower
on
such
a
slope,
it
is
extremely
difficult
to
maintain
your
footing
and
you
could
slip,
resulting
in
serious
Injury.
Operate
RIDING
mowers
up
and
down
slopes,
never
across
the
face
of
slopes.
Operate
WALK-BEHIND
mowers
across
the
face
of
slopes,
never
up
and
down
slopes.

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
Remove this sheet from your owner’s manual and lay the hardware on the illustration lor identification purposes.
After assembly, keep the Slope Gauge which is on the reverse side of this sheet for future use.
(Hardware pack may contain extra items which are not used on your unit.)
A | ATTACHING THE STE E RING WHEEL [QJ INSTALLING THE BATTERY-
I (Black Plastic Battery Cover is Not Shown)
i—Hex Bolt
1/4-20 x
1-5/16" Long
Hex
Lock
—Nut
1/4-20
Thread
Push Nuts
Plastic_
Wing Nuts
Steering
Bellow —
Steering
Wheel Cap
Battery —
Hold-Down
Rods
Hex Lock Nut
5/16-24 Thread
Cupped
Washer
5/16" I.D
o
ATTACHING THE HITCH BAR
Self-Tapping
Screws 3/8-16
x 3/4" Long
Hex Bolt ■
5/16-18 x;
1" Long •
ATTACHING THE SEAT
m
C°X°;
Self-Tapping
Screws—»
3/8-16 x
3/4" Long
JTj IGNITION KEYS
Not Shown
(May Be Attached
to Tractor)
0
INCHES
1
I
2
3

IMPORTANT
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
A
THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF NOT FOLLOWED, COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL SAFETY
AND/OR PROPERTY OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING
TO OPERATE YOUR UNIT. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE
THIS SYMBOL- HEED ITS WARNING.
DANGER
Your unit was built 1o be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual. As with any
type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious Injury.
If you violate any of these rules, you may cause serious injury to yourself or others.
1. READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL carefully in its entirety before at¬
tempting to assemble or operate this unit Keep this manual in
a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering
replacement parts
2. This unit is a precision piece of power equipment, not a plaything.
Therefore exercise extreme caution at all times.
3 Know the controls and how to stop the machine quickly.
4. Do not allow children to operate vehicle. Do not allow adults to
operate it without proper instruction Only persons well acquainted
with these rules of safe operation should be allowed to use your
mower.
5. Wear sturdy, rough soled work shoes and close-fitting slacks and
shirts to avoid entanglement in the moving parts. Never operate
a unit in bare feet, sandals, or sneakers
6. To prevent injury, do not carry passengers or give rides. Keep
children, pets and bystanders out ot the area while mowing Only
the operator should ride on the unit and only ride in the seat.
7. Check overhead clearance carefully before driving under power
lines, guy wires, bridges or low hanging tree branches, before
entering or leaving buildings, or in any other situation where the
operator may be struck or pulled from the unit, which could result
in serious injury.
8 To maintain control of the unit and reduce the possibility of upset
or collision, operate the tractor smoothly. Avoid erratic operation
and excessive speed.
9. Keep the area of operation clear of ail persons, particularly small
children and pets. Stop engine when they are in the vicinity of
your mower. Although the area of operation should be complete¬
ly cleared of foreign objects, a small object may have been
overlooked and could be accidently thrown by the mower In any
direction and cause injury to you or a bystander.
10 Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during operation or while
performing an adjustment or repair, to protect eyes from foreign
objects that may be thrown from the machine in any direction.
11 Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
12. Disengage all attachment clutches and shift into neutral before
attempting to start engine.
13. Before leaving the operator's position, disengage blade(s). place
shift lever in neutral, engage parking brake, shut engine off and
remove key.
14. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear
of the discharge opening at all times as the rotating blade(s) can
cause injury.
15. Disengage power to attachment(s) and stop engine before mak¬
ing any repairs or adjustments. Disconnect the spark plug wire
and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental starling.
16. Before attempting to unclog the mower or discharge chute, stop
the engine. The mower btade(s) may continue to rotate for a few
seconds after the engine Is shut off. Therefore, be sure the blade(s)
have stopped completely. Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep
the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental starting.
17. Disengage power to atlachment(s) when transporting or not in use
18. For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual
to measure slopes before operating this unit on a sloped or hilly
area. If the slope is greater than 15® as shown on the slope gauge,
do not operate this unit on that area or serious injury could result
19. Do not stop or start suddenly when going uphill or downhill. Mow
up and down face of steep slopes; never across the face. Use
extreme caution If it is necessary to drive the tractor up an incline
or back the tractor down an incline because the front of the trac¬
tor could lift and rapidly flip over backward which could cause
serious injury.
20. Reduce speed on slopes and in sharp turns to prevent tipping or
loss of control. Always keep the tractor in low gear when going
down steep hills to take advantage ot engine braking action. Choose
a low enough gear so that yoj will not have to stop or shift while
on the slope.
21. Stay alert for holes in terrain and other hidden hazards which may
cause the unit to tip over.
22. Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment,
A Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
B. Limit loads to those you can safely control.
C. Do not turn sharply. Use care when backing
D. Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights when suggested in
owner's manual.
23. Watch out tor traffic when crossing or near roadways.
24. When using any attachments, never direct discharge ot material
toward bystanders nor allow anyone near vehicle while in operation.
25 Handle gasoline with care. It is highly flammable.
A. Use approved gasoline container.
B. Never remove cap or add gasoline to a running or hot engine
or fill fuel tank indoors. Wipe up spilled gasoline. Always use
original type vented cap
C. Open doors if engine is run in garage. Exhaust fumes are
dangerous. Do not run engine indoors.
26. Never store the machine with fuel in the fuel tank inside a building
where ignition sources are present, such as hot water and space
heaters, clothes dryers, and the like. Allow the engine to cool before
storing in any enclosure.
27. To reduce fire hazard, keep engine and cuffing deck free of grass,
leaves or excessive grease.
28. Keep the vehicle and attachments in good operating condition,
and keep safety devices in place. Use guards a<» instructed in
operator's manual.
29 Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment
is in safe working condition.
30. The vehicle and attachments should be stopped and inspected for
damage after striking a foreign object. The damage should be
repaired betore restarting and operating the equipment.
31. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the
engine
5

Rules for Safe Operation (continued)
32 When using the vehicle with mower, proceed as follows
(1) Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
(2) Never make a cutting height adjustment while engine is running
if operator must dismount to do so.
(3) Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to a complete
stop before removing the grass catcher
(4) Check blade mounting bolts for proper tightness at frequent in¬
tervals.
33. Check grass catcher bags frequently for wear or deterioration For
safety protection, replace only with new bag meeting original equip¬
ment specifications.
34 Look behind to make sure the area is clear before placing the
transmission in reverse anc continue looking behind while back
ing up. Disengage blades before shitting into reverse and backing
up.
35 This unit should not be driven up a ramp onto a trailer or truck
under power, because the unit could tip over, causing serious per¬
sonal injury The unit must be pushed manually to load properly
36 Check brake operation frequently Adjust and service according
to brake adjustment instructions in this manual
ASSEMBLY
IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped WITHOUT
GASOLINE or OIL; however, a small amount of oil
may be present from the factory. Do not overfill.
After assembly, service engine with gasoline and
oil as instructed in the separate engine manual
packed with your unit.
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the
unit is observed from the driver’s seat, facing
forward.
OPTIONAL REAR BAGGING KIT:
Two mounting brackets and hardware are included in
a separate bag for use with the optional rear bagging
kit, stock number 89-35111R. Keep these parts in a
safe place for future use.
UNPACKING
1. Remove the lawn tractor from the carton as follows.
Open the top flaps. Remove all loose pads and car¬
ton inserts. Cut the front corners of the cadon.
Make cedain brake is released, and push the unit
out of the cadon.
2. Remove page four from this manual and lay the
contents of the hardware pack on the illustration
for identification
BATTERY INFORMATION
A WARNING
A. Battery acid must be handled with great care as
contact with it can burn and blister the skin. It is also
advisable to wear protective clothing (goggles, rub¬
ber gloves and apron) when working with it.*
B. Should battery acid accidentally splatter into the
eyes or onto the face, rinse the affected area im¬
mediately with clean cold water. If there is any
fudher discomfod, seek prompt medical attention.
C. If acid spills on clothing, first dilute it with clean
water, then neutralize with a solution of ammonia/
water or baking soda/water.
D. Since battery acid is corrosive, do not pour it into
any sink or drain. Before discarding empty elec¬
trolyte containers, rinse them with a neutralizing
solution.
E. NEVER connect or disconnect charger clips to bat¬
tery while charger is turned on as it can cause
sparks.
F. Keep all lighted materials (cigarettes, matches,
lighters) away from fhe battery as the hydrogen gas
generated during charging can be combustible.
G. As a further precaution, only charge fhe battery in
a well-ventilated area.
‘Always shield eyes, protect skin and clothing
when working near batteries.
6

Fill Caps
FIGURE 2.
A DANGER
Battery contains sulfuric acid. Refer to warning
on page 6. Antidote: EXTERNAL—Rush with water.
INTERNAL—Drink large quantities of water or milk.
Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten eggs or
vegetable oil. Call physician immediately. EYES:
Flush with cool water for at least 15 minutes, then
get prompt medical attention.
Since batteries produce explosive gases, keep all
lighted materials (cigarettes, lighters, matches,
etc.) away. Be sure to charge battery only in well-
ventilated areas. Make certain venting path of bat¬
tery (drain tube) is always open.
KEEP BATTERIES
OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN!
ACTIVATING THE BATTERY
Ho not activate battery (fill with battery acid) until
battery is actually placed in service. Be certain to
read previous warnings before activating the
battery.
1. Open the battery pack. Be careful not to puncture
the box. It contains the battery with a long plastic
tube attached, battery fluid (acid) in a plastic con¬
tainer, one short plastic tube and one hardware
pack (two hex bolts and nuts).
2. Place the battery on a table or workbench. Make
certain the long plastic drain tube is in place on
the vent elbow.
3. Remove the six fill caps from the top of the bat-
-tery. See figure 1.
4. Place the battery fluid container on the table or
workbench. Carefully cut off tip of the spout and
attach the short plastic tube provided. Do not
squeeze the container when cutting tip.
5. Fill each battery cell slowly and carefully to the UP-
-PER LEVEL line marked on battery. See figure 2.
Use caution as the acid level will rise rapidly after
the bottom of the cell is filled.
6. Allow battery to stand for 30 minutes with the fill
caps removed, while the plates absorb acid.
7. If acid level has fallen after the 30 minute standing
period, refill each cell with battery acid to the UP¬
PER LEVEL line on battery. Replace the fill caps.
8. Before discarding the empty container, neutralize
any residue with baking soda and rinse container
with water. Puncture container several times
before discarding.
9. Charge the battery alter the 30 minute standing
period. SLOW CHARGE THE BATTERY (DO NOT
FAST CHARGE) at a maximum bench rate of 2
amperes until the specific gravity reading is 1.265.
Charge for a minimum of 3 hours and a maximum
of 5 hours.
NOTE: This engine is equipped with an alternator. The
current for the battery charger alternator is unregulated.
During normal operation, it is only necessary to charge
the battery:
1. When it is activated tor the first time.
2. Before winter storage!.
3. Before using the lawn tractor after winter storage.
7
NOTE: After battery has been charged, add only
distilled water. Do not add acid.

ATTACHING THE STEERING WHEEL (Hardware A)
1. Open the hood of the lawn tractor by lifting up on
both sides of the hood.
2. For shipping purposes, the upper steering shaft is
pushed all the way down over the lower steering
shaft. Pull the upper steering shaft up. The holes
in the shaft provide steering wheel height adjust¬
ment. When securing the two halves of the steer¬
ing shaft, select one of the two lower holes in the
upper shaft as shown. Do not use the two upper
holes. Secure with hex bolt and hex lock nut. See
-figure 3.
FIGURE 4.
3. Attach one end of steering bellow to the steering
wheel as shown in figure 4, inset.
4. Position the front wheels of the tractor so they are
pointing straight forward.
5. Place the steering wheel and steering bellow over
the steering shaft, positioning steering wheel as
desired
6. Place the washer with the cupped side down over
the steering shaft. Secure with 5/16" hex lock nut.
—See figure 4.
7. Place the steering wheel cap over the center of the
steering wheel and seat it with your hand.
ATTACHING THE SEAT (Hardware B)
Place the seat in position against the seat pivot bracket,
lining up the slotted holes in the pivot bracket with the
holes in the seat. Select desired position for the seat,
—and secure with self-tapping screws. See figure 5.
FIGURE 5.
8

FIGURE 7.
\\u\
FIGURE 8.
INSTALLING THE BATTERY (Hardware C)
1. Open the hood of the lawn tractor by lifting up on
both sides of the hood.
2. Attach one push nut to each battery hold-down rod.
-See figure 6, inset. Hook one hold-down rod into
the holes in the battery plate which will be on each
end of the battery. Slide the push nut down the rod,
against the battery plate.
3. Place the battery in the awn tractor so that the
positive terminal is facing the right side of the unit.
See figure 6.
NOTE: Right and left hand sides of the unit are deter¬
mined from the operating position, facing forward.
4. Slide the hex nut (provided with battery hardware)
into the positive ( + ) terminal. Place the positive
cable on the positive terminal. Secure with bolt pro¬
vided. See figure 6.
5. Slide the hex nut (provided with battery hardware)
into the negative (-) terminal. Place the negative
cable on the negative terminal. Secure with bolt
provided.
6. P lace the black plastic battery cover in position
over the hold-down rods. Secure with wing nuts.
— See figure 7.
7. Route the battery drain tube down beside the
engine, then forward to the hole in the frame shown
— in figure 8. Insert end of drain tube through the hole
in the frame.
9

ATTACHING THE HITCH BAR (Hardware D)
1. Place the hitch bar (weld nuts up) above the edge
-of the hitch plate on the tractor. See figure 9.
Secure with two 3/4" long self-tapping screws and
cupped washers (cupped side of washers go
against the hitch plate).
2. Attach the hitch bar to the speed nut on the edge
of the fuel tank housing using hex bolt 1" long and
lock washer.
ATTACHING THE CHUTE DEFLECTOR
A WARNING: Do not operate your unit unless
the chute deflector has been properly in¬
stalled.
1. Remove the truss machine screws, cupped
washers and hex jam nuts which are attached to
the deck next to the chute opening.
2. Place the chute deflector in position as shown in
-figure 10. Secure with hardware just removed
CONTROLS
THROTTLE CONTROL
The throttle control is used to regulate the engine
speed. To get maximum efficiency from cutting, the
throttle should be in the FAST position when operating
the mower. See figure 11.
CHOKE CONTROL
The choke control is located on the dashboard and is
operated manually. Details for the choke operation are
covered in the separate engine manual packed with
your unit. See figure 11.
SHIFT LEVER
The shift lever is located in the center of the console
and has three positions, FORWARD, NEUTRAL and
REVERSE. See figure 11. The clutch-brake pedal must
be depressed and the lawn tractor must not be mov¬
ing when shifting gears. Do not force the shift lever.
Release the clutch-brake pedal slightly to line up the
shifting collar in the transmission Then try to shift
gears.
FIGURE 11.—Model TMO-33942A Shown
10