MTD 134-618-000 User manual

OWNERS
MANUAL
5-SPEED
TRANSAXLE
LAWN
TRACTORS
ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
MAINTENANCE
PARTS LIST
Important:
Read Safety Rules and
Instructions Carefully
Model Numbers
134 - 6 1 8 - 000
134 - 638 - 000
134 - 6 6 8-000
134 - 6 9 8 - 000
Thank you for purchasing an
American built product.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO. 770-3233

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INDEX
Safe Operation Practices.3
Assembly instructions...4
Controls. 9
Operation.11
Adjustments.12
Lubrication.13
Maintenance .14
Off-Season Storage.17
Trouble Shooting Chart.18,19
IIlustrated Parts for Rider.20, 22,24, 26,28, 30
Parts List for Rider.21,23, 25,27,29, 31
Illustrated Parts for Transaxle .32, 33
Electrical System.34, 35
Parts Information.Back Cover
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V
LIMITEED WARRANTY
For one year from the date of original retail purchase, MTD PRODUCTS INC will either
repair or replace, at its option, free of charge, F.O.B. factory or authorized service firm, any
part or parts found to be defective in material or workmanship. Transportation charges for
the movement of any power equipment unit or attachment are the responsibility of the pur¬
chaser. Transportation charges foi any parts submitted for replacement under this warran¬
ty must be paid by the purchaser unless such return is requested by MTD PRODUCTS INC.
This warranty will not apply to any part which has become inoperative due to misuse, ex¬
cessive use, accident, neglect, irr proper maintenance, alterations, or unless the unit has
been operated and maintained in ciccordance with the instructions furnished. This warran¬
ty does not apply to the engine, motor, battery, battery chargeror component parts thereof.
Please refer to the applicable manufacturer’s warranty on these items.
This warranty will not apply where the unit has been used commercially.
Warranty service is available through your local authorized service dealer or distributor. If
you do not know the dealer or disti ibutor in your area, please write to the Customer Service
Department of MTD.
The return of a complete unit will not be accepted by the factory unless prior written per¬
mission has been extended by M 'D.
This warranty gives you specific egai rights. You may also have other rights which vary
from state to state.
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\ WARNjNG j
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’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 rec uired by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources
Code), ether states may have similar laws Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester muffler is
available at your nearest engine authorized service center.
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^ WARNING I
To reduce the potential for any injury, comply with the following safety instructions. Failure to comply
with the instructions may result in personal injury.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR RIDING VEHICLES
1. Read this owner’s manual carefully in its en¬
tirety before attempting 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 equip¬
ment, not a plaything. Therefore exercise ex¬
treme caution at all times.
3. Know the controls and how to stop quickly—
READ THIS OWNER’S MANUAL.
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. No one should operate this unit while intox¬
icated or while taking medication that impairs
the senses or reactions.
6. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and
close-fitting slacks and shirts to avoid en¬
tanglement in the moving parts. Never operate
a unit in bare feet, sandals, or sneakers.
7. To prevent injury, do not carry passengers or
give rides. Keep children, pets and by¬
standers out of the area while mowing. Only
the operator should ride on the unit and only
ride in the seat.
8. 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 in¬
jury.
9. To maintain control of the unit and reduce the
possibility of upset or collision, operate the
tractor smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and
excessive speed.
10. Keep the area of operation clear of all per¬
sons, particularly small children and pets.
Stop engine when they are in the vicinity of
your mower. Although the area of operation
should be completely cleared of foreign ob¬
jects, a small object may have been over¬
looked and could be accidently thrown by the
mower in any direction and cause injury.
11. Clear work area of objects which might be
picked up and thrown by the mower in any
direction and cause injury.
12. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives,
walks or roads.
13. Disengage all attachment clutches and shift
into neutral before attempting to start engine.
14. Disengage power to attachment(s) and stop
engine before leaving operating position.
15. 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 in¬
jury.
16. Disengage power to attachment(s) and stop
engine before making any repairs or ad¬
justments. Disconnect the spark plug wire
and keep the wire away from the plug to pre¬
vent accidental starting.
17. Before attempting to unclog the mower or
discharge chute, stop the engine. The mower
biade(s) may continue to rotate for a few
seconds after the engine is shut off.
Therefore, be sure the biade(s) have stopped
completely. Disconnect the spark plug wire
and keep the wire away from the plug to pre¬
vent accidental starting.
18. Disengage power to attachment(s) when
transporting or not in use.
19. Take all possible precautions when leaving
vehicle unattended such as disengaging
power-take-off, lowering attachments, shift¬
ing into neutral, setting parking brake, stop¬
ping engine and removing key.
20. Do not stop or start suddenly when going
uphill or downhill. Mow up and down face of
steep slopes; never across the face. Use ex¬
treme caution if it is necessary to drive the
tractor up an incline or back the tractor down
an incline because the front of the tractor
could lift and rapidly flip over backward which
could cause serious injury.
21. Reduce speed on slopes and in sharp turns to
prevent tipping or loss of control. Always
keep the tractor in gear when going down
steep hills to take advantage of engine brak¬
ing action.
22. Stay alert for holes in terrain and other hidden
hazards.
23. 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 back¬
ing.
D. Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights
when suggested in owner’s manual.
24. Watch out for traffic when crossing or near
roadways.
25. When using any attachments, never direct dis¬
charge of material toward bystanders nor
allow anyone near vehicle while in operation.
26. Handle gasoline with care. It is highly flam¬
mable.
A. Use approved gasoline container.
B. Never remove cap or add gasoline to a run¬
ning or hot engine or fill fuel tank indoors.
Wipe up spilled gasoline.
C. Open doors if engine is run in garage. Ex¬
haust fumes are dangerous. Do not run
engine indoors.
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27. Keep the vehicle and attachments in good
operating condition, and keep safety devices
in place. Use guards as instructed in
operator’s manual.
28. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tiglit to be
sure the equipment is in safe working condi¬
tion.
29. Never store the equipment with gascline in
the tank inside a building where furres may
reach an open flame or spark. Allow engine to
cool before storing in any enclosure.
30. To reduce fire hazard, keep engine free of
grass, leaves or excessive grease.
31. The vehicle and attachments should be
stopped and inspected for damage after strik¬
ing a foreign object. The damage shDuld be
repaired before restarting and opera ing the
equipment.
32. Do not change the engine governor settings
or overspeed the engine.
33. When using the vehicle with mower, proceed
as follows:
(1) M o w only in daylight or in good crtificial
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 intervals.
34. Check grass catcher bags frequently for wear
or deterioration. For safety protection, replace
only with new bag meeting original equipment
specifications.
35. Look behind to make sure the area is clear
before placing the transmission in reverse
and continue looking behind while backing
up. Disengage blades before shifting into
reverse and backing up.
36. This unit should not be driven up a ramp onto
a trailer or truck under power, because the
unit could tip over, causing serious personal
injury. The unit must be pushed manually to
load properly.
NOTE
This unit is shipped WITHOUT GAS¬
OLINE or OIL. After assembly, see
separate engine manual for proper
fuel and engine oil recommenda¬
tions.
ASSEMBLY
NOTE
Reference to right hand or left hand
side of machine is from the driver’s
seat facing forward.
This owner’s manual covers various models of
lawn tractors. The units illustrated may vary slight¬
ly from your unit. Follow the instructions which
pertain to your unit.
FIGURE 1.
Contents of Hardware Pack:
(See Figure 1)
A (1) Steering Wheel Cap
B (1) Belleville Washer
C (1) Hex Nut 5/16-18 Thread
D (1) Steering Bellow
E (2) Ignition Keys
F (1) Battery Cover
G (2) Battery Hold-Down Rods
-H (2) Wing Nuts
I (1) Cable Tie
J (1) Clevis Pin
K (1) Hairpin Cotter
Hardware for Mounting the Seat (Not Shown)
(2) Hex Bolts and Lock Washers
or
(1) Hex Nut and Lock Washer
Loose Parts in Carton:
(1) Battery Pack
(1) Steering Wheel
(1) Seat
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BATTERY INFORMATION
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WARNING
A. B attery 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, rubber gloves and apron) when work¬
ing with it.*
B. S hould battery acid accidentally splatter into
the eyes or onto the face, rinse the affected
area immediately with clean cold water. If
there is any further discomfort, seek prompt
medical attention.
C. I f acid spills on clothing, first dilute it with
clean water, then neutralize with a solution of
ammonia/water or baking soda/water.
FIGURE 2.
D. Since battery acid is corrosive, do not pour it
into any sink or drain. Before discarding empty
electrolyte containers, rinse them with a
neutralizing solution.
E. NEVER connect or disconnect charger clips to
battery while charger is turned on as it can
cause sparks.
F. Keep all lighted materials (cigarettes, match¬
es, lighters) away from the battery as the
hydrogen gas generated during charging can
be combustible.
G. A s a further precaution, only charge the battery
in a well-ventilated area.
*Always shield eyes, protect skin and clothing
when working near batteries.
ACTIVATING AND INSTALLING THE BATTERY
1. U p on opening the battery pack, you should
receive acid pack, battery, drain tube, filling
adapter and hardware.
^ WARNING I
BATTERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC
ACID AND MAY CONTAIN EXPLO¬
SIVE GASES (when electrolyte has
been added).
2. Place the battery on table or workbench to be
filled.
3. Place one end of clear plastic drain tube on
—manifold of battery. See figure 2.
Some batteries may already have
the drain tube installed, in which
case it may be necessary to snip off
the sealed end.
4. Remove the six fill caps from the top of the
battery with a screwdriver. Care should be
taken not to damage the fill caps. See figure 2.
5. Lay acid package down, with “push in” facing
up. Using thumb, push in small perforated tab
at dot on frontof package. Tear down large tab
to solid line, exposing hose. Do not use any
sharp object to open acid package.
6. Pull out hose from package and hold upright.
Squeeze hose forcing all acid back into
package. Cut off tip of hose and insert filling
—adapter. See figure 3.
7. Fill each cell to upper level marked on front of
battery. Replace fill caps on battery. See
figure 3.
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DANGER
Battery contains sulfuric acid. Referto warning on
page 5. Antidote: EXTERNAL—Flush with water.
INTERNAL—Drink large quantities of witer or
milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten egg or
vegetable oil. Seek prompt medical attsntion.
EYES: Flush with cool water for at least 15
minutes, then seek immediate medical att ention.
Since batteries produce explosive gases, keep all
lighted materials (cigarettes, lighters, matches,
etc.) away. Be sure to charge battery only in well-
ventilated areas.
KEEP BATTERIES
OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN!
FIGURE 4.
8. Allow battery to sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Add
additional acid, if necessary, to bring it up to
the proper level.
9. The battery can be charged after the 20
minutes sitting period. SLOW CHARGE THE
BATTERY (DO NOT FAST CHARGE) at a max¬
imum bench rate of 1.4 amperes until the
specific gravity reading is 1.260-1.280. Charge
for a minimum of 2 hours and a maximum of 8
hours.
NOTE
Charging rate after battery has been
put into operation: The battery is to
be charged for a period of 14-16
hours. NO LONGER THAN 30
HOURS.
CAUTION
After battery has been in service,
add only distilled water. DO NOT
ADD ACID.
NOTE
This engine is equipped with an
alternator. The current for the bat¬
tery charger alternator is unregu¬
lated. During normal operation, it is
only necessary to charge the battery:
1. When it is activated for the first
time.
2. Before winter storage.
3. Before using the lawn tractor
after winter storage.
INSTALLING THE BATTERY
-1. Place gear shift lever in the “neutral” posi¬
tion. Unscrew the gear shift knob. See figure
4.
2. Remove the two hex bolts which secure the
—transmission cover. See figure 5.
The transmission cover on your unit
may be secured with V4 turn studs.
Push down and turn the studs one-
quarter turn to remove the cover.
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3. L ift the transmission cover. Unplug the green
safety wire from beneath the transmission
—cover. See figure 6. Remove transmission
cover.
FIGURE 7.
4. P lace the battery in the lawn tractor so that
the positive terminal is facing the right side of
—the unit. See figure 7.
Right and left hand sides of the unit
are determined from the operating
position, facing forward.
5. Slide the square nut (provided with battery
hardware) into the positive (+) terminal. Place
the positive (heavy red wire) cable and the
small red wire on the positive terminal. Secure
with screw and lock washer provided. See
figure 7.
6. Slide the square nut (provided with battery
hardware) into the negative (-) terminal.
Place the negative (heavy black wire) cable on
the negative terminal. Secure with screw and
lock washer provided.
7. H o ok one hold-down rod (G) into the hole in
the frame beside the battery. See figure 7.
Place the battery cover (F) in position over the
hold-down rod. Secure with wing nut (H). At¬
tach other hold-down rod to the other side of
—battery cover in the same manner. See figure
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8. Push the locking end of cable tie (I) through
—the hole in the left frame as shown in figure 9.
Route the battery drain tube back to the cable
tie. Place end of cable tie through the slot so a
loop is formed around the drain tube to secure
it. Tighten cable tie and cut off excess end.
9. Plug the green safety wire into the switch
beneath the transmission cover. Refer to
figure 6. Replace the transmission cover and
gear shift knob.
FIGURE 9.
Plastic
Bushing
in Dash
Panel
Clevis
Pin (J)
Upper Steering
Shaft
Hairpin Cotier (K)
Lower Steering
Shaft
FiGURE 10.—Model 698 Shown
STEERING WHEEL INSTALLATION
1. 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 three holes in the shaft provide
three steering wheel heights. Select desired
hole and secure with clevis pin (J) and hairpin
-cotter (K). See figure 10.
NOTE
On model 668, the three adjustment
holes are located above the dash
panel.
2. Attach steering bellow (D) to the steering
—wheel as shown in figure 11.
NOTE
One end of the steering bellow is
slightly larger than the other. The
larger end must be assembled to the
steering wheel.
FIGURE 11.
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FIGURE 13.
3. Place steering wheel and bellow on the steer¬
ing shaft, lining up the flats in the wheel with
the flats on the shaft.
4. Secure with belleville washer (B) (cupped side
against the steering wheel) and hex nut (C).
—See figure 12.
5. Press the steering wheel cap (A) on the steer¬
ing wheei by hand.
SEAT INSTALLATION
Your seat mounts to the unit in one of two ways.
A. Two weld nuts in the bottom of the seat:
The seat may be adjusted to three different
positions. Select desired position and secure
to seat spring with two hex bolts and lock
-washers. See figure 13.
B. Weld bolt in the bottom of the seat:
The seat may be adjusted to four different
positions. Select desired position and secure
to seat spring with one lock washer and hex
nut. See figure 13.
CONTROLS
THROTTLE CONTROL
The throttle control is used to regulate the engine
speed and to activate the choke on the engine. To
get maximum efficiency from cutting, the throttle
should be in the FAST position when operating
the mower. Pushing the throttle all the way for¬
ward past FAST, will choke the engine. See figure
14.
FIGURE 14.—Models 638 and 698 Shown
GEAR SHIFT LEVER
The gear shift lever is used to shift into one of the
forward gears, “NEUTRAL” or “REVERSE.” See
figure 14.
IGNITION SWITCH
Turn the key to the “START” position to start the
engine. When the engine is running, let the key
return to the “ON” position. To stop the engine,
turn the key to the left to the “OFF” position and
remove it to prevent accidental starting. See
figure 14.
LIGHT SWITCH (Optional)
Push the light switch to turn on the lights. The
lights will only operate when the engine is run¬
ning. See figure 14.
AMMETER (Optional)
The ammeter registers the rate of battery charge
or discharge. The ammeter will register on the
discharging side when starting the engine, it
should register on the opposite side (charging)
when the engine is running in the fast position un¬
til the battery is completely charged. With a fully
charged battery or with the engine idling, the am¬
meter will not show a charge. See figure 14.
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CLUTCH-BRAKE PEDAL
The clutch-brake pedal is located on the right side
of the lawn tractor. Depressing the clutch-brake
pedal part way disengages the clutch. Pnsssing
the pedal all the way down disengages the :lutch
and engages the disc brake. See figure 15.
The clutch-brake pedal must be
depressed to start the engine.
PARKING BRAKE
To set the parking brake, depress the clutch-brake
pedal and press the parking brake knob do\\/n. To
release the parking brake, depress and release the
clutch-brake pedal. See figure 15.
FIGURE 15.
INCLINE ASSISTANCE BRAKE
When stopping on a hill, hold the i icline
assistance brake lever back while you relea se the
clutch-brake pedal until the lawn tractor begins to
move, then release the lever. This lever permits
smoother starts and clutch engagement by
holding the tractor during the brake release/clutch
engagement operation. See figure 15.
INTERLOCKS (Not Shown)
Interlock safety switches are located o i the
clutch-brake pedal, and the lift and disengage¬
ment lever and gear shift lever.
Before the engine will start, the clutch-brake
pedal must be depressed all the way and t le lift
and disengagement lever must be in the disen¬
gaged position.
Before the unit can be shifted into reverse, tie lift
and disengagement must be in the disengaged
position.
CUTTING CONTROLS
A. L IFT AND DISENGAGEMENT LEVER
The lift and disengagement lever is used to raise
and lower the cutting deck. Pulling it all the way
back and locking it disengages the blades. The lift
and disengagement lever must be in the disen¬
gaged position when starting the engine and
when shifting into reverse. See figure 14.
B. D E CK LIFT INDICATOR
The deck lift indicator marks the position being
used for the lift lever. Select the lift lever position
desired, press the indicator lever outward, move it
to the position immediately below the lift lever
and release the indicator lever. See figure 15.
C. W H E EL HEIGHT ADJUSTER
Move the lever towards the wheel and set it in the
desired height. See figure 16.
D. S ETTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT
1. Select the position for the lift lever which
gives the desired cutting height. Move the
deck lift indicator so that the lift lever can be
returned to the same position after it is raised.
2. Set the wheel height adjusters on the deck so
that the wheels are Va to Vz inch above the
ground.
To set the cutting deck in the suspended position,
set the height of cut stop in the desired cutting
height and then set the deck wheels so they just
clear the ground.
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