MTD 13AM762F765 User manual

Safety,Assembly®Operation,Adjustment,Maintenance,Troubleshooting, Warranty
Transmatic Lawn Tractor- Models 760°779
READ SAFETY RULES AND mNSTRUCTmONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: This unitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush=
coveredor grass=coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalorstatelaws(ifany),
If a sparkarresterisused,itshouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator,Inthe StateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw
(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode),Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws,Federallawsapplyonfederallands,A sparkarrester
forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO,Box361131Cleveland,
Ohio44136=0019,
FORMNO,769=02189A
PRINTEDIN U,S,A, MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 01/06/2006

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new lawn tractor, mtwill 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 Up Your 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
BEFOREYOU STARTASSEMBLING
YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,
please locatethe modelplate on the equipmentand copythe
informationtothe samplemodel plate providedto the righL
Youcan locatethe modelplate by looking beneathethe seal
This informationwill be necessaryto use the manufacturer's
web siteand/or obtainassistancefromthe CustomerSupport
Departmentor an authorizedservice dealer.
f
Modem Number
www, mtdpreducts,com
Serial Number
MTD LLC
P.O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330-220-4683
800-800-731 0
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 anyquestionsregardingthe controls,operation,or maintenanceof this
unit,youcan seekhelpfromthe experts.Choose fromthe options below:
1. Visit mtdproducts.com Click onthe Service & Supportmenuoption.
2_Phonea Customer Support Representative at (800) 800=7310_
3. The engine manufacturer is responsiblefor all engine-relatedissueswith regardsto performance, power=rating,specificao
tions,warrantyand service. Pleasereferto the engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packedseparatelywith
your unit, for more information.
Prod_J_ P_e gistr,_tio n
2

yourlawnmoweronsuchslopes.
/
/
/
/
o
/
/
t
o
w_ WARNING
Do not mowon inclines
with a dope in excess
of 15degrees(a rise
of approximately
2-"
feet). A riding r
couldoverturnand
cause seriousinjury.
if operatinga walb
behindmower on such
a dope, it isextremely
footing and youcould
dip, resultingin serious
injury.
OperateRiDiNG
mowersupand down
dopes, neveracross
theface of dopes.
Operate
WALK-BEHIND
mowersacrossthe
face of dopes, never
up and down slopes.
\
3

_i i _ i _i _ i _ iii _ _ DANGER: This machine was builtto be operatedaccordingto the rubs for safeoperation in this
manuakAs withany type of powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe partof the operatorcan
S ale resultin seriousinjury.This machineis capableof amputatinghandsand feet and throwing objects.
Failureto observethe following safetyinstructionscould resultin seriousinjury or death.
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed, could
endangerthe personal
safetyand/or property
of yourself and others.
Read andfobow all
instructionsin this man=
ualbeforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failureto complywith
Whenyouseethis
symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
of this power machine
to personswho read.
understand
and followthe warnings
and instructions
in this manual
Children
1. Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnot
abrt tothepresenceofchildren.Childrenareoften
attractedto themachineandthemowingactivity.
Theydo notunderstandthedangers.Neverassume
thatchildrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem.
a. Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaandin
watchfulcareofa responsibleadultotherthan
theoperator.
b. Bealertandturnmachineoff ifa childenters
thearea.
c. Beforeandwhilebacking,lookbehindand
downforsmallchildren.
d. Nevercarrychildren,evenwiththeblade(s)
shutoff.Theymayfalloffandbeseriously
iniuredor interferewithsafemachineoperation.
e. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblind
corners,doorways,shrubs,treesor other
objectsthatmayblockyourvisionofa child
whomayrunintothemachine.
f. Toavoid back-overaccidents, always
disengagethe cutting blade(s) before
shifting into Reverse.If equipped,the
"ReverseCaution Mode" should not be
usedwhen children or others are around.
g. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor running
engines.Theycansufferburnsfroma hot
muffler.
h. Removekeywhenmachineisunattendedto
preventunauthorizedoperation.
2. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operate
themachine.Children14}'earsoldandovershould
readandunderstandtheoperationinstructionsand
safetyrubs inthis manualandshouldbetrainedand
supervisedbya parent.
Operation
Safe Handlingof Gasoline:
1. Toavoid personal injuryor property damageuse
extremecare in handlinggasoline. Gasolineis
extremely flammableand the vapors areexplo-
sive. Seriouspersonaliniurycanoccurwhengasoline
isspilledonyourselfor yourclotheswhichcanignite.
Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.
a. Useonlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.
b. Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehbb or ona
truckor trailerbedwitha plastb liner.Always
placecontainerson thegroundawayfrom
yourvehblebeforefilling.
c. Whenpractbal,removegas-powered
equipmentfromthetruckortrailerand refuelit
ontheground.Ifthis isnotpossibb,then
refuelsuchequipmentona trailerwitha
portabbcontainer,ratherthanfromagasoline
dispensernozzb.
d. Keepthenozzb in contactwiththerimof
thefueltankor containeropeningatall
timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotusea
nozzleIocbopendevice.
e. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesand
othersourcesofignition.
f. Neverfuelmachineindoors.
g. Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhilethe
engineishotor running.Mow enginetocool
atbast twominutesbeforerefueling.
h. Neveroverfillfueltank.Filltanktonomore
than1/2inchbelowbottomoffilbr neckto
allowspaceforfuelexpansion.
i. Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
i. If gasolineisspilled,wipeitofftheengine
andequipment.Moveunittoanotherarea.
Wait5 minutesbeforestartingtheengine.
k. Toreducefirehazards,keepmachinefreeof
grass,leaves,orotherdebrisbuild-up.Clean
upoil orfuelspillageand removeanyfuel
soakeddebris.
I. Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainer
insidewherethereisanopenflame,spark
or pilotlightason a waterheater,space
heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergas
appliances.
m. Allowa machinetocoolatbast fiveminutes
beforestoring.
4

GeneralOperation:
1. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionsonthe
machineandinthe manual(s)beforeattemptingto
assembleandoperate.Keepthismanualina safe
placeforfutureandregularreferenceandforordering
replacementparts.
2. Befamiliarwithall controlsandtheirproperoperation.
Knowhowtostopthemachineanddisengagethem
quickly.
3. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsold tooperate
this machine.Children14yearsold andovershould
readandunderstandtheoperationinstructionsand
safetyrubs in thismanualandshouldbetrainedand
supervisedbyaparent.
4. Neverallowadultstooperatethis machinewithout
properinstruction.
5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobiectiniury,
keepbystanders,helpers,childrenand petsat bast
75 feetfromthemachinewhileit isinoperation.8top
machineifanyoneentersthearea.
6. Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentisto
beused.Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toys,
andotherforeignobiectswhichcouldbepickedup
andthrownbytheblade(s).Thrownobiectscancause
seriouspersonaliniury.
7, Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeof
materialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe
like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainsta wallor
obstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterialto
ricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
8. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduring
operationandwhileperformingan adiustmentor
repairtoprotectyoureyes.Thrownobiectswhich
ricochetcancauseseriousiniurytotheeyes.
9. Wearsturdy,rough-sobdworkshoesandclose-fitting
slacksandshirts.Loosefittingclothesandiewelry
canbecaughtinmovabbparts.Neveroperatethis
machinein barefeetor sandals.
10.Beawareofthemowerandattachmentdischarge
directionanddo notpointitatanyone.Donotoperate
themowerwithoutthedischargecoverorentiregrass
catcherin itsproperplace.
11.Donotputhandsor feetnearrotatingpartsor under
thecuttingdeck.Contactwiththeblade(s)can
amputatehandsandfeet.
12.Amissingor damageddischargecovercancause
bladecontactor thrownobiectiniuries.
13.8toptheblade(s)whencrossinggraveldrives,walks,
or roadsandwhilenotcuttinggrass.
14.Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearor crossing
roadways.Thismachineisnotintendedforuseon
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
instructionswh ch. if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safety and/or property
of yourself and others.
Read and followall
instructionsin this man-
ual beforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
these instructions may
result in personal injury.
When you see this
symbol.
HEED iTS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
dthis powermachine
to personswho read,
understand
and followthe warninas
and instructions
in this manual
5
21.Neverleavea runningmachineunattended.Always
turnoff blade(s),placetransmissionin neutral,set
parkingbrake,stopengineand removekeybefore
dismounting.
22.Useextracarewhenloadingor unloadingthe
machineintoa trailerortruck.Thisunitshouldnot
bedrivenupor downramp(s),becausethe unit
couldtipover,causingseriouspersonaliniury.The
unitmustbepushedmanuallyonramp(s)toloador
unloadproperly.
23.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea
burn.Donottouch.
24.Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedriving
underlowhangingtreebranches,wires,dooropen-
ingsetc. wheretheoperatormaybe struckor pulled
fromtheunit,whichcouldresultinseriousiniury.
25.Disengageallattachmentclutches,depressthe
brakepedalcompbtelyandshiftintoneutralbefore
attemptingtostartengine.
26.Yourmachineisdesignedtocutnormalresidential
grassof aheightno morethan10".Donotattemptto
mowthroughunusuallytall,drygrass(e.g.,pasture)
or pilesofdryleaves.Drygrassor leavesmay
contacttheengineexhaustand/orbuildup onthe
mowerdeckpresentinga poten%lfirehazard.
27.Useonlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapprovedfor
thismachinebythemachinemanufacturer.Read,
understandandfollowall instructionsprovidedwith
theapprovedaccessoryor attachment.
28.Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60 yearsand
above,areinvolvedin a largepercentageofriding
mower-relatediniuries.Theseoperatorsshould
evaluatetheirabilitytooperatetheridingmower
safelyenoughto protectthemselvesandothersfrom
seriousiniury.
29.If situationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis
manual,usecareandgoodiudgment.Contactyour
customerservicerepresentativeforassistance.
WARNING
This symbol points
speed. }
20.Dbengageblade(s),setparkingbrake,stopengine
andwaituntiltheblade(s)cometo acompletestop
beforeremovinggrasscatcher,emptyinggrass,
uncloggingchute,removinganygrassor debris,or
makinganyadiustments.

Slope Operation:
Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedtolossofcontroland
tip-overaccidentswhichcanresultin severeinjuryor
death,All slopesrequireextracaution,ifyoucannot
backuptheslopeor ifyoufeeluneasyonit, do notmow
it,
Foryoursafety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartof
thismanualto measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunit
ona slopedor hillyarea,if theslopeisgreaterthan15
;_,_ degreesasshownontheslopegauge,do notoperate
,, thisunitonthatareaorseriousinjurycouldresult,
uperal:lon Do:
1, Mowupanddownslopes,notacross,Exercise
racl:lces extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononsbpes,
2, Watchforhobs, ruts,bumps,rocks,or otherhidden
objects,Uneventerraincouldoverturnthemachine,
out important safety
instructionswhich,if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safety and/or property
of yourself and others.
Readand follow all
instructionsin this man°
ual beforeattemptingto
Tallgrasscanhideobstacbs,
3, Useslowspeed,Choosea lowenoughspeed
settingsothatyouwillnothaveto stoporshiftwhile
ontheslope,Tiresmaylosetractiononslopeseven
thoughthe brakesarefunctioningproperly,Always
keepmachineingearwhengoingdownslopesto
takeadvantageofenginebrakingaction,
4, Followthemanufacturer'srecommendationsfor
wheelweightsorcounterweightsto improvestability,
5, Useextracarewithgrasscatchersor otherat-
tachments,Thesecanchangethestabilityofthe
machine,
6, Keepall movementon theslopesslowandgradual
Donotmakesuddenchangesinspeedor direction,
Rapidengagementor brakingcouldcausethefront
ofthemachineto liftand rapidlyfib overbackwards
whichcouldcauseseriousinjury,
7, Avoidstartingor stoppingon a slope,If tireslose
traction,disengagetheblade(s)andproceedslowly
straightdowntheslope,
Do Not:
1, Donotturnonslopesunlessnecessary;then,turn
slowlyandgraduallydownhill,if possibb,
2, Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments,
Themowercouldsuddenlyturnoverif awheelisover
theedgeof acliff,ditch,or if anedgecavesin,
3, Donottry tostaNlizethemachinebyputtingyourfoot
ontheground,
4, Donotusea grasscatcheronsteepslopes,
5, Donotmowonwetgrass,Reducedtractioncould
causesliding,
6, DonotshifttoneutralandcoastdownhillOver-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
these instructions may
result in personal injury,
When you see this
symbol
HEED ITS WARNING
YOUr
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read.
understand
and followthe warnings
and instructions
in this manual
6

Service lO,Neverattempttomakeadiustmentsor repairstothe
1. Neverrun anengineindoorsor ina poorlyventilated
area.Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,an
odorless,anddeadlygas.
2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertain
theblade(s)andall movingpartshavestopped.
Disconnectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe
engineto preventunintendedstarting.
3. Periodicallychecktomakesurethebladescometo
compbtestopwithinapproximately(5) fiveseconds
afteroperatingthebladedisengagementcontrol,ifthe
bladesdo notstopwithinthethis timeframe,yourunit
shouldbeservicedprofessionallybyanauthorized
MTDServiceDealer.
4. Checkbrakeoperationfrequentlyas itissubiectedto
wearduringnormaloperation.Adiustandserviceas
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."Useof partswhichdonotmeet
theoriginalequipmentspecificationsmaybad to
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"
6. Mowerbladesaresharp.Wrapthebladeor wear
gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
7, Keepall nuts,bolts,andscrewstight tobesurethe
equipmentis insafeworkingcondition.
8. Nevertamperwiththesafetyinterlocksystemor other
safetydevices.Checktheirproperoperationregularly.
9. Afterstrikinga foreignobiect,stoptheengine,
disconnectthesparkplugwire(s)and groundagainst
theengine.Thoroughlyinspectthemachineforany
damage.Repairthedamagebeforestartingand
operating,
machinewhiletheengineisrunning,
11,Grasscatchercomponentsandthedischarge
coveraresubiecttowearanddamagewhichcould
exposemovingpartsor allowobiectstobethrown,
Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponents ii
andreplaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O,E,M,)partsonly,listedinthis
manual,"Useof partswhichdo notmeettheoriginal
equipmentspecificationsmaybad toimproper
performanceandcompromisesafety!"
12,Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsor
over-speedtheengine,Thegovernorcontrolsthe
maximumsafeoperatingspeedof theengine,
13,Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as
necessary,
14,Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsfor
gas,oil,etc,toprotecttheenvironment,
i /
This symbol points
instructionswhich, if
safetyand/or property
ofyourselfand others,
Readand follow al
ual beforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
When you see this
symbol,
NEED roTSWARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
of this powermachine
to personswho read,
understand
>wthe warnings
and instructions
in this manual
\
7

expiosivelNeverfue!
machineindoors
orwhiletheengine
Rubber Boot
©
\//
Nut Hex Bolt
Figure 1
"_ NOTE:This OperatorsManualcoversa rangeofproduct
specificationsforvariousmodels,Characteristicsandfea=
turesdiscussedand/orillustratedinthis manualmaynot
beapplicabletoall models,MTDLLCreservestheright
tochangeproductspecifications,designsandequipment
withoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation,
Attaching the Battery Cables
NOTE:Somemodelsareshippedwiththebatterycables
alreadyconnected,
NOTE:Thepositivebatteryterminalis markedPos,(+),
The negativebatteryterminalis markedNeg,(-),
Thepositivecane (heavyredwire)issecuredtothe
positivebatteryterminal(+)witha hexboltandhex
nutatthefactory,Makecertainthatthe rubberboot
coverstheterminaltohelpprotectitfromcorrosion,
Removethehexboltandhexnutfromthenegative
cable,
, Removetheblackplasticcover,if present,fromthe
negativebatteryterminalandattachthenegative
cane (heavyblackwire)tothenegativebattery
terminal(-) withthe boltandnut,
Makecertainthehold=downstrapisin positionover
thebattery,securingit inplace,SeeFigure1,
NOTE:If thebatteryis putintoserviceafterthedate
shownontopofbattery,chargethebatteryasinstructed
on page24ofthis manualpriorto operatingthetractor,
Characteristics and
Gas and Oil Fill-up
Thegasolinetankislocatedunderthehoodandhasa
capacityof1=1/2gallons,Donotoverfill,
WARNING: Use extreme care
when handling gasoline. Gaso-
lineis extremely flammable and
the vapors are explosive. Never
fue! machine indoors or while the
engine is hot or running. Extin-
guish cigarettes, cigars, pipes,
and other sources of ignition.
Servicetheenginewithgasolineandoil asinstructedin
theseparateEngineOperator/OwnerManualpackedwith
yourtractor,Readinstructionscarefully,
IMPORTANT:Yourtractorisshippedwith motoroil inthe
engine,However,youMUSTchecktheoil levelbefore
operating,Becarefulnottooverfill,
8

WARNING:Makesuretheriding
mower'sengineis off, remove the
ignitionkey, and set the parking
brake before removing the ship-
ping brace.
Locatetheshippingbrace,ifpresent,andaccompany=
ingwarningtagfoundon therightsideofthemower,
betweenthedischargechuteandthecuttingdeck,
SeeFigure2,
•Whileholdingthedischargechutewithyourleft hand,
removetheshippingbracewithyourrighthandby
graspingitbetweenyourthumbandindexfingerand
rotatingitclockwise,
WARNING: The shipping brace,
used for packaging purposes
onJy,must be removed and dis-
carded before operating your
riding mower.
WARNING: The mowing deck is
capaMe of throwing objects. FaiF
ure to operate the ridingmower
without the discharge cover in the
proper operating position could
resuJtin serious personal injury
and/or property damage.
Attaching The Steering Wheel
if thesteeringwheelforyourtractordid notcome
attached,thehardwareforattachingit hasbeenpacked
withinthesteeringwheel,beneaththesteeringwheel
cap,Carefullypryoff thesteeringwheelcapand remove
thehardware,
NOTE:Therearetwodifferentstylesofsteeringwheel
cap,SeeFigure3,Styles vary bymodel.
Figure 2
Figure 3
1. With the wheels of the tractor pointing straight
forward, placethesteeringwheeloverthesteering
shaft,
2, Placethewasher(withthecuppedsidedown)over
thesteeringshaftandsecurewiththehexbolt,See
Figure3,
3, Placethesteeringwheelcapoverthecenterofthe
steeringwheelandpushdownwarduntilit"clicks" into
place,
Your Lawn
Tractor
WARNING
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
operatethe riding
mower without the
discharge cover in
the proper operating
9

Attaching The Seat
1 Seatstylesvarybytractormodelandtherearethree
I rj <¢ dfferentstyesava abe
[ StandardAd ostment
QuickAdiustment&
Setti nqUp • KnobAdius ment
,_ If theseatforyourtractordid notcomeattached,refer,to
YO U [' Lawr_ Figure4, Figure5,and Figure6 tokJentifyyourtractors
seatstyleandfollowtheapplicableinstructionsbelowto
attachit,
Before operat ng this
machine, make sure
theseate"gaged
t,eseatstop;stand
behind the machin e
and pull back on seat
sons, seats are either
fastened tothe tractor
backwardto the pivot
models so equipped)
i •
Figure 4
NOTE:Forshippingreasons,seatsareeitherfastened
tothetractorseat'spivotbracketwitha plastictie,or
mountedbackwardtothepivotbracket,Ineithercase,
freetheseatformitsshippingpositionand removethe
twohexscrews(or knobs,on modelssoequipped)from
thebottomofseatbeforeproceedingwithapplicable
instructionsbelow,
Standard Adjustment Seat
1, Positiontheshoulderscrews(foundonthe baseof the
seat)insidetheslot openingsintheseatpivotbracket,
Figure4,
2, Slidetheseatslightlyrearwardintheseatpivot
bracket,lininguptherearslotsinthepivotbracket
withtheremainingtwo holesintheseat'sbase,
3, Selectdesiredpositionfortheseat,andsecurewith
thetwohexscrewsremovedearlier,SeeFigure4,
Quick Adjustment Seat
NOTE:If yourseatwasshippedmountedbackwardson
theseatpivotbracket,pulloutthetabfoundontheseat
stopandholditopenwhileslidingtheseatofftheseat
pivotbracket,SeeFigure5,
Figure 5 1, Lineuptheplasticseatspacerswiththeslotsin seat
pivotbracket,
2, Slideseatinuntilfrontseatspacerengagestheseat
stop,SeeFigure5,
WARNING: Before operating this
machine, make sure the seat is
engaged in the seat stop, stand
behind the machine and putl back
on seat until fully engaged into
stop.
Knob Adjustment Seat
1, Positiontheshoulderscrews(foundonthe baseof the
seat)insidetheslot openingsintheseatpivotbracket,
Figure6,
2, Slidetheseatslightlyrearwardintheseatpivot
bracket,lininguptherearslotsinthepivotbracket
withtheremainingtwo holesintheseat'sbase,
3, Selectdesiredpositionfortheseat,andsecurewith
10

equipped)
On tractormodelssoequipped,a mulchplugcaneither
be foundwithinthecuttingdeck'sdischargeopeningor
packedseparatelywithyourunit,
NOTE:RefertoMulching on page19formoredetailed
information,
if you'dpreferto operatethecuttingdeckwithoutmulch=
ing,simplyremovethemulchplugbyunthreadingthe
plasticwingnutwhichfastensittothecuttingdeck,This
willallowtheclippingstodischargeoutofthedischarge
openingduringoperation,SeeFigure7,
Tire Pressure
WARNING: Maximum tire pres-
sure under any circumstances is
30 psi. Equal tire pressure should
be maintained at all times.
Figure 7
Thetiresonyourunitmaybeover=inflatedforshipping
purposes,Reducethetirepressurebeforeoperating
thetractor,Recommendedoperatingtirepressureis
approximately10p,s,iforthereartires& 14p,s,i,forthe
fronttires,Checksidewalloftirefor maximump,s,i,
circumstances is 30
psi. Equal tire pressure
should be maintained
at all times.
\
11

inthis manualto the
fKnow Your Lawn Tractor
i •
\\
\
ii
Figure 8 tifso equipped
A SpeedControlLever/ParkingBrake E ThrottleControlLever
B Clutch-BrakePedal F ignitionSwitchModule
C ShiftLever G DeckLift Lever
D ChokeControlt H PTO(BladeEngage)Lever
NOTE:Anyreferencein thismanualtotheRIGHTor LEFTsideofthetractorisobservedfromoperatorsposition,
12

thewayforward,thechokecontrolalso,Whenset ina
givenposition,thethrottlewill maintaina uniformengine
speed,SeeFigure9,
IMPORTANT:Whenoperatingthetractorwiththecutting
deckengaged,becertainthatthethrottleleverisalways
inthe FAST(rabbit)position,
Choke Control
Onsomemodels,movingthe
throttleleverallthewayforward
activatestheengine'schoke
control Onall othermodels,the lk
chokecontrolcanbefoundon
theleftsideofthedashpanel
andisactivatedbypullingthe
knoboutward,Activatingthe
chokecontrolclosesthechoke
plateonthecarburetorandaidsinstartingtheengine,
RefertoStarting TheEngine on page16ofthis manual
fordetailedstartinginstructions,
mgnition Switch
Theignitionswitchisactivatedtostarttheengine,Insert
keyintotheignitionswitchandturnclockwisetothe
STARTposition,ReleasethekeyintotheONposition
onceenginehasfired,SeeFigureIOA,
Ignition Switch Module (mrEquipped)
Tostarttheengine,insertthe keyintothe ignitionswitch
andturnclockwiseto theSTARTposition,Releasethe
keyintotheNORMALMOWINGMODEpositiononce
theenginehasfired,
Tostoptheengine,turnthe ignitionkeycounterclockwise
totheOFFposition,SeeFigurelOB,
WARNING: Never leave a running
machine unattended. Always
disengage PTO,move shift lever
into neutral position, set parking
brake, stop engine and remove
key to prevent unintended
starting.
IMPORTANT:Priortooperatingthetractor,refertoboth
Safetyhterlock Switches on page14andStarting
TheEngine on page16ofthismanualfordetailed
instructionsregardingtheIgnitionSwitchModuleand
operatingthetractorin REVERSECAUTIONMODE,
FAST
SLOW
J
Figure 9
fAOff l/Lights
\\
)sition
Normal
Mode
Start
Position
Figure 10 J
Deck Lift Lever
Foundonyourtractor'srightfender,thedecklift leveris
usedtochangetheheightofthecuttingdeck,Touse,
movethe levertotheleft,thenplaceinthenotchbest
suitedforyourapplication,
13
machine unattended.
A ,vaysd sengage
PTO,move Shift lever
into neutral position,
set parking brake, stop
engine and remove key
operating thetractor in
REVERSE CAUTION

NOTE:Theparking
brakemustbesetifthe
operatorleavestheseal
withtheenginerun-
NOTE:ThePTO(Blade
Engage)levermustbe
inthedisengaged(PTO
OFFtpositionwhen
startingtheengine,
IMPORTANT
Neverforcetheshift
lever.Doingsomay
resultinserious
damagetothetractor's
transmission.
NUET_L
REVER_E
,,.. j
Figure 11
Parking Brake
Tosettheparkingbrake,fullydepresstheclutch_brake
pedal Movethespeedcontrolleverallthewaydown
andintotheparkingbrakeposition,Releasetheclutch_
brakepedaltoallowtheparkingbraketo engage,
Toreleasetheparkingbrake,depresstheclutch_brake
pedaland movethespeedcontrolleveroutofthe
notchestothedesiredposition,Releasethespeed
controlleverandtheclutch_brakepedal
NOTE:The parkingbrakemustbeset iftheoperator
leavestheseatwiththeenginerunningor theengine
willautomaticallyshutoff,
CJutch-Brake Pedal
Theclutch_brakepedalislocatedon theleftsideof
thelawntractor,alongtherunningboard,Depressthe
clutch_brakepedalpartwaydownwhenslowingthe
tractorbychangingspeeds(RefertoSpeedControl
Lever),Depressthepedalall thewaydowntoengage
thedisc brakeand bringthetractortoa completestop,
NOTE:The pedalmustbedepressedto startthe
engine,Referto SafetyInterlockSwitcheson page14,
Shift Lever
Theshiftleverislocatedonthe leftsideof thefender
andhasthreepositions,FORWARD,NEUTRALand
REVERSE,Thebrakepedalmustbedepressedand
thetractormustnotbe in motionwhenthe movingshift
lever,SeeFigure11,
IMPORTANT:Neverforcetheshift lever,Doingsomay
resultinseriousdamagetothetractor'stransmission,
Speed Contro_ Lever
Thespeedcontrollever,locatedon the
leftsideofthetractor'sdashconsole,
allowsyouto regulatethegroundspeed
ofthelawntractor,Touse,depressthe
clutch-brakepedalandmovetheleverou
oftheparkingbrakenotchand forward
toincreasethetractor'sgroundspeed,
Whenadesiredspeedhasbeenreached
releasetheleverintoan appropriate
notchto maintainthatspeed,
Toslowthetractor'sgroundspeed,
depresstheclutch-brakepedalandmow
thespeedcontrolleverrearwardand
releaseit intoa notch,
NOTE:Lawntractorsvarybymodeland
areavailablewith eithera6_or 7-speed
controllever,
w
m
m
PTO (B_ade Engage} Lever
Foundon thetractor'srightfender,the
PTO(bladeengage)leverisusedto
engagepowertothecuttingdeckor
other(separatelyavailable)attachments,
Tooperate,movethe leverall theway
forward,Movingtheleveralltheway
rearwardintothePTOOFFposition
disengagespowertothecuttingdeck/
attachment,
NOTE:ThePTO(bladeengage)lever
mustbe inthedisengaged(PTOOFF)
positionwhenstartingtheengine,
PARK
BAAKr'
=o
0
_3
_4
!
_5
0
8_
Safety hterJock Switches
Thistractorisequippedwitha safetyinterlocksystem
fortheprotectionoftheoperator,If theinterlocksystem
shouldevermalfunction,donotoperatethetractor,
ContactanauthorizedMTDservicedealer,
Thesafetyinterlocksystempreventstheengine
fromcrankingor startingunlesstheparkingbrakeis
engaged,and thePTO(BladeEngage)leverisinthe
disengaged(OFF)position,
, Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff iftheoperator
leavestheseatbeforeengagingtheparkingbrake,
, Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff iftheoperator
leavesthetractor'sseatwiththePTO(BladeEngage)
leverintheengaged(ON)position,regardlessof
whethertheparkingbrakeisengaged,
• Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff iftheoperator
engagesthePTOwiththeparkingbrakeON,
/14

ModeJs with Reverse Caution Mode
Withtheignitionkeyin theNORMALMOWING
position,theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff ifthe
PTO(BladeEngage)leverismovedintotheengaged
(ON)positionwiththeshiftleverin Reverse,
WARNING: Do not operate the
tractor if the interlocksystem
is malfunctioning. This system
was designed for your safety and
protection.
Reverse Caution Mode (if Equipped)
WARNING: Use extreme caution
white operating the tractor in
the REVERSE CAUTION MODE.
Nways took down and behind
before and white backing. Do not
operate the tractor when children
or others are around. Stop the
tractor immediately if someone
enters the area.
TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEpositionofthekey
switchmoduleallowsthetractorto beoperatedin
reversewiththe blades(PTO)engaged,
IMPORTANT:Mowingin reverseis notrecommended,
TousetheREVERSECAUTIONMODE:
IMPORTANT:TheoperatorMUSTbeseatedinthe
tractorseat,
1, Starttheengineasinstructedon page16under
Starting TheEngine,
2, TurnthekeyfromtheNORMALMOWING(Green)
positiontotheREVERSECAUTIONMODE(Yellow)
positionofthekeyswitchmodule, SeeFigure12,
3, DepresstheREVERSEPUSHBUTTON(Orange,
TriangularButton)atthetop,rightcornerofthekey
switchmodule,Thered indicatorlightat thetop, left
cornerofthekeyswitchmodulewillbeONwhile
activated,SeeFigure12,
Stop
Position Position
Start
Position
Figure 12 ,J
4, Onceactivated(indicatorlightON),thetractorcan
be driveninreversewiththecuttingblades(PTO)
engaged,
5, Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhile
backingtomakesurenochildrenarearound,
6, Afterresumingforwardmotion,returnthekeytothe
NORMALMOWINGposition,
IMPORTANT:TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEwill
remainactivateduntih
a, ThekeyisplacedineithertheNORMALMOWING
positionor STOPposition,
b, Theoperatorengagestheparkingbrakebyfully
depressingtheclutch=brakepedalandholdingit
downwhilemovingthespeedcontrolleverintothe
PARKBRAKEposition,
Engaging the Parking Brake
Toengagetheparkingbrake:
1, Fullydepresstheclutch=brakepedaland holditdown
withyourfoot,
2, Movethespeedcontrolleverall thewaydownand
intotheparkingbrakeposition,
3, Releasethedutch=brakepedaltoallowtheparking
braketoengage,
Toreleasetheparkingbrake:
1, Depresstheclutch=brakepedalandmovethespeed
controlleveroutoftheparkingbrakepositionand into
a desiredspeed,
15
=aution
while operating the
tractor inthe REVERSE
Always look down and
behind before and
whi!e back!rig, Donot
OPerate the tractor
when children or oth=
erS are around. Stop
the tractor immediately
ifsomeone enters the

Setting the Cutting Height
1, Selecttheheightpositionofthecuttingdeckby
placingthedeckriftleverinanyofthesixdifferent
cuttingheightnotchesontherightsideofthefender,
2, Adjustthedeckwheels,ifequipped,sothattheyare
between1A-inchand1/2-inchabovethegroundwhen
thetractorisona smooth,flatsurfacesuchasa
driveway,
WARNING: Keep hands and feet
away from the discharge open°
ing of the cutting deck.
NOTE:Onmodelssoequipped,thedeckwheelsarean
anti:scalpfeatureofthedeckandare notdesignedto
supporttheweightofthecuttingdeck,
Referto Levelingthe Deckon page20ofthis manual
formoredetailedinstructionsregardingvariousdeck
adiustments,
Starting the Engine
WARNING: Do not operate the
tractor if the interlocksystem is
malfunctioning. This system was
designed for your safety and
protection.
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
GO UPANDDOWNSLOPES,NOTACROSS,
AVOIDSUDDENTURN&
DO NOTOPERATETHEUNITWHEREIT COULDSLIPORTIR
IFMACHINESTOPSGOINGUPHILL,STOPBLADE(S)AND
BACKDOWNHILLSLOWLY
DO NOTMOWWHEN CHILDRENOR OTHERSAREAROUND,
NEVERCARRYCHILDREN,EVENWITHBLADES OFE
LOOK DOWNANDBEHINDBEFOREAND WHILEBACKING.
KEEPSAFETYDEVICES(GUARDS,SHIELDS,ANDSWITCHES
INPLACEANDWORKING,
REMOVEOBJECTSTHATCOULDBE THROWNBYTHE
BLADE(S)_
KNOWLOCATIONAND FUNCTIONOF ALL CONTROLS.
BE SUREBLADE(S) ANDENGINEARESTOPPEDBEFORE
PLACINGHANDSORFEETNEAR BLADE(S)_
BEFORELEAVINGOPERATOR'SPOSITION,DISENGAGE
BLADE(S), PLACETHESHIFT LEVERINNEUTRAL,ENGAGE
BRAKELOCK,SHUTENGINEOFFANDREMOVEKEY_
READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Stopping the Engine
Do not operate the
tractor ifthe interlock
system is malfunction-
ing. This system was
designed for your
safety and protection.
ifyou strike a foreign
object, stop the
engine, disconnect
the spark plug wire(s)
and ground against
the engine. Thoroughly
inspect the machine
for any damage. Repair
the damage before
restarting and operat-
ing.
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
returntotheONposition,
iMPORTANT:DoNOTholdthekeyin theSTART
positionforlongerthantensecondsata time,Doingso
maycausedamagetoyourengine'selectricstarter,
6, Aftertheenginestarts,deactivatethechokecontrol
andplacethethrottlecontrolin theFASTposition,
NOTE:DoNOTleavethechokecontrolonwhileoperat-
ingthetractor,Doingsowillresultina "rich"fuelmixture
andcausetheenginetorun poorly,
WARNING: if you strike a foreign
object, stop the engine, discon-
nect the spark plug wire(s} and
ground against the engine. Thor°
ougNy inspect the machine for
any damage. Repair the damage
before restarting and operating
1, If thebladesare engaged,placethePTO(Blade
Engage)leverinthedisengaged(OFF)position,
2, TurntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheSTOP
position,
3, Removethekeyfromtheignitionswitchtoprevent
unintendedstarting,
/16

WARNING:Donotleavetheseat
ofthetractorwithoutfirstplac-
ing the PTO(Blade Engage} lever
in the disengaged (OFF) posi-
tion, depressing the brake pedal
and engaging the parking brake.
ifleavingthe tractor unattended,
also turn the ignition key off and
remove the key.
Nways look down and behind
before and whiJe backing up to
avoid a back-over accident.
1, Depressthebrakepedalto releasetheparkingbrake
andletthepedalup,
2, MovethethrottleleverintotheFAST(rabbit)position,
3, Placetheshiftleverin eithertheFORWARDor
REVERSEposition,
IMPORTANT:DoNOTusetheshiftlevertochangethe
directionof travelwhenthetractorisin motion,Always
usethebrakepedalto bringthetractortoa complete
stopbeforeshifting,
4, Releasetheparkingbrakebydepressingtheclutch-
brakepedaland positioningthespeedcontrolleverin
desiredposition,
IMPORTANT:First-timeoperatorsshouldusespeed
positions1or2, Becomecompletelyfamiliarwiththe
tractor'soperationandcontrolsbeforeoperatingthe
tractorin higherspeedpositions,
5, Releaseclutch-brakepedalslowlyto putunitinto
motion,
6, Thelawntractorisbroughttoa stopbydepressing
theclutch-brakepedal
place the shift lever in neutral,
engage the parking brake, shut
engine off and remove the key.
IMPORTANT:Whenstoppingthetractorforanyreason
whileona grasssurface,always:
1, Placetheshiftleverin neutral,
2, Engagetheparkingbrake,
3, Shutengineoff andremovethekey,
Doingsowill minimizethepossibilityof havingyourlawn
"browned"byhotexhaustfromyourtractor'srunning
engine,
If unit stalls withspeedcontrolin highspeed,or ifunit
willnotoperatewithspeedcontrolleverin a lowspeed
position,proceedasfollows:
1, Placeshiftleverin NEUTRAL,
2, Restartengine,
3, Placespeedcontrolleverinhighestspeedposition,
4, Releaseclutch=brakepedalfully,
5, Depressclutch=brakepedal,
6, Placespeedcontrolleverindesiredposition,
7, Placeshiftleverin eitherFORWARDor REVERSE,
andfollownormaloperatingprocedures,
17
WARNING
Avoid sudden starts,
ex=cessivespeed and
sudden stops.
Do not leavethe seat
of the tractor without
first placing the PTO
(Blade Engage) lever in
the disengaged (OFF)
position, depressing
the brake pedal and
engaging the parking
brake, ff leaving the
tractor unattended,
also turn the ignition
key off and remove the
key.
Always lookdown
and behind before
and while backing up
to avoid a back-over
accident.

WARNING
Do not mow on inclines
with a slope in excess
of 15degrees (a rise
of approximately 2-1/2
feet every 10feet}, "[he
tractor could overturn
and cause serious
injury,
fi help avoid blade
ntact or a thrown
ject injury, keep
bystanders, helpers,
;hildren and pets at
east 75feet from the
_achine while it is in
_peration, Stop ma=
,'hine if anyone enters
the area,
RefertotheSLOPEGAUGEon page3 to helpdetep
mineslopeswhereyoumayoperatethetractorsafely,
WARNING: Do not mow on
inclineswith a s!ope in excess
of !5 degrees (a rise of approxi-
mately 2-1/2 feet every 10feet}.
The tractor could overturn and
cause serious injury.
• Mowupanddownslopes,NEVERacross,
• Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirection
onslopes,
• Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orotherhidden
obiects,Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe machine,
Tallgrasscanhideobstacles,
• Avoidturnswhendrivingona slope,Ifa turnmust
be made,turndowntheslope,Turningupa slope
greatlyincreasesthechanceof a rollover,
, Avoidstoppingwhendrivingupa slope,If itis
necessarytostopwhiledrivingupa slope,startup
smoothlyandcarefullyto reducethepossiNlityof
flippingthetractoroverbackward,
Engaging the Blades
EngagingthePTO(BladeEngage)transferspowerto
thecuttingdeckor other(separatelyavailable)attach=
ments,Toengagetheblades,proceedasfollows:
1, MovethethrottlecontrollevertotheFAST(rabbit)
position,
2, GraspthePTO(BladeEngage)leverand pivotitall
thewayforwardintotheengaged(ON)position,
3, KeepthethrottleleverintheFAST(rabbit)position
forthemostefficientuseofthecuttingdeckor other
(separatelyavaUable)attachments
iMPORTANT:Models with ReverseCaution Node:
Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff ifthePTOis
engagedwiththeshiftleverin positionfor reversetravel
withtheignitionkeyintheNORMALMOWINGposition,
Models without ReverseCaution Node:
ThePTO(BladeEngage)levermustbein thedisen=
gaged(OFF)positionwhenstartingtheengine,when
travelingin reverse,andiftheoperatorleavestheseat,
Referto SafetyInterlockSwitcheson page14,
Using the Deck Lift Lever
Toraisethecuttingdeck,movethedecklift levertothe
left,thenplaceitinthenotchbestsuitedforyourapplica-
tion,RefertoSettingTheCuttingHeightearlierin this
section,
Mowing
WARNING: To help avoid blade
contact or a thrown object injury,
keep bystanders, hetpers, children
and pets at least 75 feet from the
machine while it is in operation.
Stop machine if anyone enters the
area.
Thefollowinginformationwillbehelpfulwhenusingthe
cuttingdeckwith yourtractor:
WARNING: Plan your mowing
pattern to avoid discharge of
materials toward roads, sidewalks,
bystanders and the like. Also,
avoid discharging material against
a walt or obstruction which may
cause discharged material to
ricochet back toward the operator.
Donotmowathighgroundspeed,especiallyifa
mulchkit or grasscollectoris installed,
Forbestresultsit isrecommendedthatthefirsttwo
lapsbe cutwiththedischargethrowntowardsthe
center,Afterthefirsttwolaps,reversethedirectionto
throwthedischargetotheoutsideforthebalanceof
cutting,Thiswillgivea betterappearancetothe lawn,
, Donotcut thegrasstooshort,Shortgrassinvites
weedgrowthandyellowsquicklyin dryweather,
, Mowingshouldalwaysbedonewiththeengineat full
throttle,
, Underheavierconditionsitmaybenecessarytogo
backoverthecut areaa secondtimetogeta clean
cut,
Y18

Mulching (IfEquipped)
Selectmodelscome equipped,witha mu{chkit,which
incorporatesspecialb{ades,alreadystandardonthe
tractor,ina processof recirculatinggrassclippings
repeatedlybeneaththecuttingdeck,Theultra-fine
clippingsarethenforcedbackintothelawnwherethey
actasa naturalfertilizer,
Observethefollowingpointsforthebestresultswhen
mulching:
• Neverattempttomulchif thelawnisdamp,Wetgrass
tendstosticktothe undersideofthecuttingdeck
preventingpropermulchingoftheclippings,
• DoNOTattempttomulchmorethan1/3thetotal
heightofthegrassor approximately1-1/2inches,
Doingsowillcausetheclippingstoclumpup beneath
thedeckandnotbemulchedeffectively,
, Maintaina slowgroundspeedtoallowthegrass
clippingsmoretimeto effectivelybe mulched,
, AlwayspositionthethrottlecontrolleverintheFAST
(rabbit)positionandallowittoremaintherewhile
mowing,Failingtokeeptheengineatfullthrottle
placesstrainonthetractor'sengineanddoesnot
allowthebladesto properlymulchgrass,
NOTE:It isnotnecessarytoremovethedischargechute
tooperatethemowerwiththemulchkit installed,
TooperatethecuttingdeckwithoutmulcNng,simply
removethemulchplugbyunthreadingtheplasticwing
nutwhichfastensitto thecuttingdeck,Thiswillallowthe
clippingstodischargeouttheside,SeeFigure13,
Headlights
• Onsomemodels,thelampsareONwheneverthe
tractor'sengineisrunning,Onothermodels,the
lampsareONwhenevertheignitionkeyis movedout
oftheSTOPposition,
, Onall models,thelampsturnOFFwhentheignition
keyismovedtotheSTOPposition,
Figure 13
19
tern to avoid discharge
of materials toward
roads, sidewalks, by-
standers and the like.
Also,avoiddischarging
material against a wail
or obstruction which
may cause discharged
material to ricochet
back toward the
operator.

!g
IrLaw
WARNING
Never attempt to
make any adjust=
merits while the
engine is running,
except where speci-
fied in the operator's
manual
_ever attempt to
_djuatthe brakes
while the engine
isrunning. Nways
disengage PTO,move
shift lever intoneutraJ
position, atop engine
and removekey to
prevent unintended
starting.
Figure 14
Figure 15
WARNING: Never attempt to
make any adjustments whiJe
the engine is running, except
where specified in the operator's
manual.
Leveling the Deck
NOTE:Checkthetractor'stirepressurebeforeperform-
inganydecklevelingadiustments,RefertoTires on
page24 forinformationregardingtirepressure,
Front To Rear
Thefrontofthecuttingdeckissupportedbya stabilizer
barthatcanadiustedtolevelthedeckfromfronttorear,
Thefrontofthedeckshouldbebetween1/4-inchand
3/8-inchlowerthantherearofthedeck,Adiustif
necessaryasfollows:
thatit isparallelwiththetractor,
2, Measurethedistancefromthefrontofthebladetipto
thegroundandtherearofthe bladetiptotheground,
Thefirstmeasurementtakenshouldbebetween
1/4"and3/8" lessthanthesecondmeasurement,
Determinetheapproximatedistancenecessaryfor
properadiustmentandproceed,ifnecessary,tothe
nextstep,
3, Locatetheiam nutandlocknutonthefrontsideof the
stabilizerbracket,SeeFigure14,Afterlooseningthe
iamnut:
Tightenthelocknutto raisethefrontofthedeck;
Loosenthelocknuttolowerthefrontofthedeck,
4, Retightentheiamnutloosenedearlierwhenproper
adiustmentisachieved,
Side to Side
If thecuttingdeckappearstobemowingunevenly,aside
tosideadiustmentcanbeperformed,Adiustif 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,SeeFigure15,
4, Balancethedeckbyusingawrenchto turnthe
adiustmentgear(foundimmediatelybehindthehex
capscrewiust loosened)clockwise/uporcounter-
clockwise/down,Thedeckis properlybalancedwhen
bothbladetipmeasurementstakenearlierareequal,
5, Retightenthehexcapscrewon theleftdeckhanger
bracketwhenproperadiustmentisachieved,
Parking Brake Adjustment
,_ll, WARNING: Never attempt to ad-
just the brakes while the engine is
running. Always disengage PTO,
move shift lever into neutral posi-
tion, stop engine and remove key
to prevent unintended starting.
If thetractordoesnotcometoa completestop whenthe
brakepedaliscompletelydepressed,orif thetractor's
rearwheelscanroll withtheparkingbrakeapplied,the
2O