MTD 13AT605G755 User manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Adjustment • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
OF AOAL
Automatic Lawn Tractor- Model Series 605
iMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush-
coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).
If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw
(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester
forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,
Ohio44136-0019.
PRINTEDIN U.S.A. MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 FORMNO.769-02073
11/03/2005

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 ........................ 24
Off-Season Storage /Attachments ................. 30
Safety Labels .................................................... 31
Trouble Shooting .............................................. 32
Parts List ........................................................... 34
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREYOU STARTASSEMBLING
YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,
please locatethe modelplate onthe equipmentand copythe
informationtothe sample modelplate providedtothe right.
Youcan locatethe modelplate by looking beneathethe seat.
This informationwill be necessaryto use the manufacturer's
website and/or obtainassistancefromthe CustomerSupport
Departmentor an authorizedservice dealer.
Model Number
www.mtdproducts.com
Serial Number
MTD LLC
P.O= BOX 361131
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330-220-4683
800-800-7310
Customer Support
Please do NOTretum the unit to the retailer from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
Ifyou have difficultyassemblingthis productor have anyquestions regardingthe controls, operation,or maintenanceof this
unit,youcanseek help from the experts.Choosefrom the options below:
1. Visit mtdproducts.com. Click on theService & Support menuoption.
2. Phonea Customer Support Representative at 1 [phone].
3. The engine manufacturer is responsiblefor all engine-relatedissueswith regardsto performance, power-rating,specifica-
tions,warranty and service. Pleasereferto theengine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packedseparatelywith
your unit,for moreinformation.
MTD/n_er_@_i®a_ Award Wi_n i_g ?rd_s_ts O_r Com?_ay
Product Menu
o_r_,qo_ _ Suppo_±
Product. Registration
?riv®cy Pd_y
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15°

Practices
WARNING
This symbol points
out importantsafety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed, could
endangerthe personal
safetyand/or property
ofyourself and others.
Readand follow all
I instructionsinthis man-
ualbeforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
tFailureto complywith
hese instructionsmay
resultin personalinjury.
When youseethis
symbol.
HEED iTS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
of this powermachine
to personswho read,
understand
andfollow thewarnings
and instructions
in this manual
WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of itsconstituents,andcertain vehiclecompo-
nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: Thismachinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operationin this
manual.As with anytypeof powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operatorcan
result in seriousinjury.This machine iscapable of amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.
Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultinserious injury or death.
Children
1. Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatoris not
alerttothepresenceofchildren.Childrenareoften
attractedto themachineandthemowingactivity.
Theydo notunderstandthedangers.Neverassume
thatchildrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem.
a. Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandin
watchfulcareofa responsibleadultotherthan
theoperator.
b. Bealertandturnmachineoff ifa childenters
thearea.
c. Beforeandwhilebacking,lookbehindand
downforsmallchildren.
d. Nevercarrychildren,evenwiththeblade(s)
shutoff.Theymayfalloffandbeseriously
injuredor interferewithsafemachineoperation.
e. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblind
corners,doorways,shrubs,treesorother
objectsthat mayblockyourvisionofachild
whomayrunintothemachine.
f. Toavoid back-overaccidents, always
disengagethe cuttingblade(s) before
shiftingintoReverse.The ReverseCaution
Mode"shouldnotbeusedwhen children
orothersare around.
g. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor running
engines.Theycansufferburnsfroma hot
muffler.
h. Removekeywhenmachineisunattendedto
preventunauthorizedoperation.
2. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operate
themachine.Children14yearsoldandovershould
readand understandtheoperationinstructionsand
safetyrulesinthis manualandshouldbetrainedand
supervisedbya parent.
Operation
Safe Handlingof Gasoline:
1. Toavoid personalinjuryor propertydamageuse
extremecareinhandlinggasoline.Gasolineis
extremely flammableand the vapors areexplo-
sive. Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasoline
isspilledonyourselfor yourclotheswhichcanignite.
Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.
a. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
b. Neverfillcontainersinsideavehicleor ona
truckor trailerbedwitha plasticliner.Always
placecontainerson thegroundawayfrom
yourvehiclebeforefilling.
c. Whenpractical,removegas-powered
equipmentfromthetruckor trailerand refuelit
ontheground.Ifthis isnotpossible,then
refuelsuchequipmenton a trailerwitha
portablecontainer,ratherthanfroma gasoline
dispensernozzle.
d. Keepthenozzlein contactwiththerimof
thefueltankor containeropeningatall
timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotusea
nozzlelock-opendevice.
e. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesand
othersourcesofignition.
f. Neverfuelmachineindoors.
g. Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhilethe
engineishotor running.Allowenginetocool
atleasttwominutesbeforerefueling.
h. Neveroverfillfueltank.Filltanktonomore
than1/2inchbelowbottomoffillerneckto
allowspaceforfuelexpansion.
i. Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
j. If gasolineis spilled,wipe itoff theengine
andequipment.Moveunittoanotherarea.
Wait5 minutesbeforestartingtheengine.
k. Toreducefirehazards,keepmachinefreeof
grass,leaves,orotherdebrisbuild-up.Clean
upoil orfuelspillageand removeanyfuel
soakeddebris.
I. Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainer
insidewherethereisanopenflame,spark
orpilotlightason a waterheater,space
heater,furnace,clothesdryerorothergas
appliances.
m. Allowa machinetocoolatleastfiveminutes
beforestoring.
4

GeneralOperation:
1. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionsonthe
machineandin themanual(s)beforeattemptingto
assembleandoperate.Keepthismanualina safe
placeforfutureandregularreferenceandforordering
replacementparts.
2. Befamiliarwith allcontrolsandtheirproperoperation.
Knowhowtostopthe machineanddisengagethem
quickly.
3, Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsold tooperate
this machine.Children14yearsoldandovershould
readandunderstandtheoperationinstructionsand
safetyrulesinthis manualandshouldbetrainedand
supervisedbya parent.
4. Neverallowadultstooperatethis machinewithout
properinstruction.
5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury,
keepbystanders,helpers,childrenand petsat least
75feet fromthemachinewhileitis inoperation.Stop
machineifanyoneentersthearea.
6. Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentisto
be used.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toys,
andotherforeignobjectswhichcouldbe pickedup
andthrownbytheblade(s).Thrownobjectscancause
seriouspersonalinjury.
7. Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeof
materialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe
like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainstawallor
obstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterialto
ricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
8. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduring
operationandwhileperformingan adjustmentor
repairtoprotectyoureyes.Thrownobjectswhich
ricochetcancauseseriousinjurytotheeyes.
9. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fitting
slacksandshirts.Loosefittingclothesandjewelry
canbecaughtinmovableparts.Neveroperatethis
machinein barefeetor sandals.
10.Beawareofthemowerandattachmentdischarge
directionanddo notpointitatanyone.Donotoperate
themowerwithoutthedischargecoverorentiregrass
catcherin itsproperplace.
11.Donotputhandsor feetnearrotatingpartsor under
thecuttingdeck.Contactwiththeblade(s)can
amputatehandsandfeet.
12.A missingor damageddischargecovercancause
bladecontactorthrownobjectinjuries.
13.Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggraveldrives,walks,
or roadsandwhilenotcuttinggrass.
14.Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearor crossing
roadways.Thismachineisnotintendedforuseon
anypublicroadway.
15.Donotoperatethe machinewhileundertheinflu-
enceofalcoholordrugs.
16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.
17.Nevercarrypassengers.
18.Disengageblade(s)beforeshiftingintoreverse.
Backupslowly.Alwayslookdownandbehindbefore
andwhilebackingtoavoida back-overaccident.
19.Slowdownbeforeturning.Operatethe machine
smoothly.Avoiderraticoperationandexcessive
speed.
20.Disengageblade(s),setparkingbrake,stopengine
andwaituntiltheblade(s)cometoa completestop
beforeremovinggrasscatcher,emptyinggrass,
uncloggingchute,removinganygrassor debris,or
makinganyadjustments.
21.Neverleavea runningmachineunattended.Always
turnoff blade(s),placetransmissionin neutral,set
parkingbrake,stopengineand removekeybefore
dismounting.
22.Useextracarewhenloadingorunloadingthe
machineintoa trailerortruck.Thisunitshouldnot
bedrivenupor downramp(s),becausethe unit
couldtipover,causingseriouspersonalinjury.The
unitmustbepushedmanuallyon ramp(s)toloador
unloadproperly.
23.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea
burn.Donottouch.
24.Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedriving
underlowhangingtreebranches,wires,dooropen-
ingsetc.,wheretheoperatormaybe struckor pulled
fromthe unit,whichcouldresultinseriousinjury.
25.Disengageallattachmentclutches,depressthe
brakepedalcompletelyandshiftintoneutralbefore
attemptingtostartengine.
26.Yourmachineisdesignedto cutnormalresidential
grassofa heightno morethan10".Donotattemptto
mowthroughunusuallytall,drygrass(e.g.,pasture)
or pilesofdryleaves.Drygrassor leavesmay
contacttheengineexhaustand/orbuildup onthe
mowerdeckpresentinga potentialfirehazard.
27.Useonlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapprovedfor
thismachinebythemachinemanufacturer.Read,
understandandfollowall instructionsprovidedwith
theapprovedaccessoryor attachment.
28.Dataindicatesthat operators,age60 yearsand
above,are involvedin a largepercentageofriding
mower-relatedinjuries.Theseoperatorsshould
evaluatetheirabilitytooperatethe ridingmower
safelyenoughto protectthemselvesandothersfrom
seriousinjury.
29.If situationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis
manual,usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyour
customerservicerepresentativeforassistance.
........................................................................................
WARNING
This symbol points
out importantsafety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safety and/or property
ofyourself and others.
Readand followall
instructions inthis man-
ual beforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failureto comply with
these instructionsmay
result in personalinjury.
Whenyou seethis
symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read,
understand
and follow the warnings
and instructions
inthis manual
5

Thissymbolpoints
outimportantsafety
instructionswhich,if
notfollowed,could
endangerthepersonal
isafetyand/orproperty
ofyourselfandothers.
Readandfollowall
instructionsinthisman-
ualbeforeattemptingto
Ioperatethismachine.
I Failuretocomplywith
theseinstructionsmay
i resultinpersonalinjury.
Whenyouseethis
symbol.
i HEED ITSWARNING
Your
i Responsibility
Restrictthe use
of this power machine
to personswho read,
understand
and followthewarnings
and instructions
in this manual
Slope Operation:
Slopesare a majorfactorrelatedtolossofcontroland
tip-overaccidentswhichcanresultin severeinjuryor
death.All slopesrequireextracaution.If youcannot
backuptheslopeor ifyoufeeluneasyonit, do notmow
it.
Foryoursafety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartof
thismanualto measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunit
ona slopedor hillyarea.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15
degreesasshownon theslopegauge,do notoperate
thisunitonthatareaor seriousinjurycouldresult.
DO:
1. Mowupanddownslopes,notacross.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
2. Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orotherhidden
objects.Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe machine.
Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
3. Useslowspeed.Choosea lowenoughspeed
settingsothatyouwillnothaveto stopor shiftwhile
ontheslope.Tiresmaylosetractiononslopeseven
thoughthebrakesarefunctioningproperly.Always
keepmachineingearwhengoingdownslopesto
takeadvantageofenginebrakingaction.
4. Followthemanufacturer'srecommendationsfor
wheelweightsorcounterweightstoimprovestability.
5. Useextracarewithgrasscatchersorotherat-
tachments.Thesecanchangethestabilityofthe
machine.
6. Keepall movementon theslopesslowand gradual.
Donotmakesuddenchangesin speedor direction.
Rapidengagementor brakingcouldcausethefront
ofthemachineto liftand rapidlyflipoverbackwards
whichcouldcauseseriousinjury.
7. Avoidstartingor stoppingon a slope.If tireslose
traction,disengagetheblade(s)andproceedslowly
straightdowntheslope.
Do Not:
1. Donotturnon slopesunlessnecessary;then,turn
slowlyandgraduallydownhill,ifpossible.
2. Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments.
Themowercouldsuddenlyturnoverif awheelisover
theedgeofa cliff,ditch,or ifan edgecavesin.
3. Donottry tostabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfoot
ontheground.
4. Donotusea grasscatcheronsteepslopes.
5. Donotmowonwetgrass.Reducedtractioncould
causesliding.
6. Donotshifttoneutralandcoastdownhill.Over-speed-
ingmaycausetheoperatortolosecontrolofthe
machineresultingin seriousinjuryordeath.
7. Donottowheavypullbehindattachments(e.g.loaded
dumpcart,lawnroller,etc.)on slopesgreaterthan
5 degrees.Whengoingdownhill,theextraweight
tendsto pushthetractorandmaycauseyoutoloose
control.(e.g.tractormayspeedup,brakingandsteer-
ingabilityarereduced,attachmentmayjack-knifeand
causetractortooverturn).
Towing:
1. Towonlywitha machinethathasa hitchdesignedfor
towing.Donotattachtowedequipmentexceptatthe
hitchpoint.
2. Followthemanufacturersrecommendationforweight
limitsfortowedequipmentandtowingon slopes.
3. Neverallowchildrenor othersin oron towedequip-
ment.
4. Onslopes,theweightof thetowedequipmentmay
causelossoftractionandlossofcontrol.
5. Travelslowlyandallowextradistancetostop.
6. Donotshifttoneutralandcoastdownhill.
6

Service
1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorina poorlyventilated
area.Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,an
odorless,anddeadlygas.
2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertain
theblade(s)andall movingpartshavestopped.
Disconnectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe
engineto preventunintendedstarting.
3. Periodicallychecktomakesurethebladescometo
completestopwithinapproximately(5) fiveseconds
afteroperatingthebladedisengagementcontrol.Ifthe
bladesdo notstopwithinthethis timeframe,yourunit
shouldbe servicedprofessionallybyanauthorized
MTDServiceDealer.
4. Checkbrakeoperationfrequentlyasitissubjectedto
wearduringnormaloperation.Adjustand serviceas
required.
5. Checktheblade(s)andenginemountingboltsat
frequentintervalsforpropertightness.Also,visually
inspectblade(s)fordamage(e.g.,excessivewear,
bent,cracked). Replacetheblade(s)withtheoriginal
equipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)blade(s)only,
listedinthis manual."Useof partswhichdonotmeet
theoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"
6. Mowerbladesaresharp.Wrapthebladeor wear
gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
7. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstighttobesurethe
equipmentis insafeworkingcondition.
8. Nevertamperwiththesafetyinterlocksystemor other
safetydevices.Checktheirproperoperationregularly.
9. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,
disconnectthesparkplugwire(s)andgroundagainst
theengine.Thoroughlyinspectthemachineforany
damage.Repairthedamagebeforestartingand
operating.
10.Neverattempttomakeadjustmentsor repairstothe
machinewhiletheengineisrunning.
11.Grasscatchercomponentsandthedischarge
coveraresubjecttowearanddamagewhichcould
exposemovingpartsor allowobjectstobethrown.
Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponents
andreplaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthis
manual."Useofpartswhichdonotmeettheoriginal
equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improper
performanceandcompromisesafety!"
12.Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsor
over-speedtheengine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe
maximumsafeoperatingspeedoftheengine.
13.Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as
necessary.
14.Observeproperdisposallawsand regulationsfor
gas,oil,etc.toprotecttheenvironment.
7
This symbol points
out importantsafety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safetyand/or property
of yourselfand others.
Readandfollow all
instructionsin this man-
ual beforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failureto complywith
these instructionsmay
result in personalinjury.
When yousee this
symbol.
HEED iTS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read.
understand
and followthe warnings
and instructions
in this manual

Use extreme care
whenhandling
gaso nelGasoline
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive: Never fuel
machine indoors
or while the engine
is hotor running:
Extinguishc garettes,
cigars,pipes,and
othersources of
,perators
Manual €oversa range
ofproduCtspecifications
for VariousmodelS:
Characteristicsand
featuresdiscussed
and/or ustrated n
this manualmaynotbe
applicableto all models!
MTD LLCreservesthe
rightto change product
specfications, designs
andequipment without
notice andwithout incur-
i[ing obligation:
',.. j
Figure 1
NOTE:ThisOperatorsManualcoversa rangeofproduct
specificationsforvariousmodels.Characteristicsandfea-
turesdiscussedand/orillustratedinthis manualmaynot
beapplicabletoall models.MTDLLCreservesthe right
tochangeproductspecifications,designsandequipment
withoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation.
Attaching the Battery Cables
NOTE:ThepositivebatteryterminalismarkedPos.(+).
ThenegativebatteryterminalismarkedMeg.(-).
• Thepositivecable(heavyredwire)issecuredtothe
positivebatteryterminal(+)witha hexboltandhex
nutatthefactory.Makecertainthatthe rubberboot
coverstheterminaltohelpprotectitfromcorrosion.
•Removethehexboltandwingnutfromthenegative
cable.
•Removetheblackplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthe
negativebatteryterminalandattachthenegative
cable(heavyblackwire)tothenegativebattery
terminal(-) withtheboltandwingnut.
•Makecertainthehold-downstrapisinpositionover
thebattery,securingitin place.SeeFigure1.
NOTE:Ifthe batteryisputintoserviceafterthedate
shownontopofbattery,chargethebatteryasinstructed
onpage26ofthis manualpriortooperatingthetractor.
Gas and Oil Fill-up
Thegasolinetank islocatedunderthehoodandhasa
capacityofeithertwoor threegallons.Donotoverfill.
WARNING: Use extreme care
when handling gasoline.Gasoline
isextremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Never fuel
machine indoorsor 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

Shipping Brace Removal f
WARNING:Make surethe riding
mower's engineis off, removethe
ignitionkey, and set the parking
brake before removing the ship-
pingbrace.
•Locatetheshippingbrace,ifpresent,andaccompany-
ingwarningtagfoundon therightsideofthemower,
betweenthedischargechuteand thecuttingdeck.
See Figure2.
•Whileholdingthedischargechutewithyourleft hand,
removetheshippingbracewithyourrighthandby
graspingitbetweenyourthumbandindexfingerand
rotatingitclockwise.
WARNING: The shipping brace,
used for packagingpurposes
only, must be removedand dis-
carded before operating your
riding mower.
WARNING: The mowing deck is
capableof throwing objects. Fail-
ure to operate the ridingmower
without the dischargecover in the
proper operating position could
result inserious personal injury
and/or property damage.
Attaching The Steering Wheel
Ifthesteeringwheelforyourtractordid notcome
attached,thehardwareforattachingit hasbeenpacked
withinthesteeringwheel,beneaththe steeringwheel
cap.Carefullypry offthesteeringwheelcapand remove
thehardware.
NOTE:Therearetwodifferentstylesof steeringwheel
cap.SeeFigure3.Stylesvary by model.
1. With thewheels of the tractor pointingstraight
forward, placethesteeringwheeloverthesteering
shaft.
2. Placethewasher(withthecuppedsidedown)over
thesteeringshaftandsecurewiththehexbolt.See
Figure3.
3. Placethesteeringwheelcapoverthecenterofthe
steeringwheelandpushdownwarduntilit"clicks"into
place.
Figure 2
Figure 3
TractOr
WARNING
Make surethe riding
mower's engine is
off, removethe igni-
tion key, and set the
parkingbrake before
removingthe shipping
brace.
The shipping brace,
used for packaging
purposes only, must
be removedand
discardedbefore
operatingyour riding
mower.
The mowing deck is
capableofthrowing
objects. Failureto
operate the riding
mower withoutthe
dischargecover in
the properoperating
position could result
in serious personal
injuryand/or property
damage.
9

WARNING
Beforeoperatingthis
machine, make sure
the seat is engagedin
the seat stop;stand
behindthemachine
andpu,backonseat
fu,yengaged
intostop:
NOTE: Forsh pping rea:
s0nsl Seatsareeither
fastenedto the tractor
seat's pivotbraCketWitt
a plastiCtie, or mounted
backwardtothe pivot
bracket. Ineither case;
free the seatform its
shippingp0sitionand
removethe two Box
screws(or knobsion
models so equipped)
fromthebottom of seat
beforeproceedingwith
applicableinstructions:
Attaching The Seat
Seatstylesvarybytractormodelandtherearethree
differentstylesavailable:
•StandardAdjustment
•QuickAdjustment&
•KnobAdjustment
If theseatforyourtractordid notcomeattached,referto
Figure4, Figure5,and Figure6 toidentifyyourtractor's
seatstyleandfollowtheapplicableinstructionsbelowto
attachit.
Figure 4
NOTE:Forshippingreasons,seatsareeitherfastened
tothetractorseat'spivotbracketwitha plastictie,or
mountedbackwardtothepivotbracket.Ineithercase,
freetheseatformitsshippingpositionand removethe
twohexscrews(or knobs,onmodelssoequipped)from
thebottomof seatbeforeproceedingwithapplicable
instructionsbelow.
Standard Adjustment Seat
1. Positiontheshoulderscrews(foundonthe baseof the
seat)insidetheslotopeningsintheseatpivotbracket.
Figure4.
2. Slidetheseatslightlyrearwardintheseatpivot
bracket,liningupthe rearslotsinthepivotbracket
withtheremainingtwo holesintheseat'sbase.
3. Selectdesiredpositionfortheseat,andsecurewith
thetwohexscrewsremovedearlier.SeeFigure4.
Quick Adjustment Seat
NOTE:Ifyourseatwasshippedmountedbackwardson
theseatpivotbracket,pulloutthetabfoundonthe seat
stopandholdit openwhileslidingtheseatoff theseat
pivotbracket.SeeFigure5.
Figure 5 1. Lineuptheplasticseatspacerswiththeslotsin seat
pivotbracket.
2. Slideseatinuntilfrontseatspacerengagestheseat
stop.SeeFigure5.
WARNING" Before operating this
machine, make sure the seat is
engaged inthe seat stop, stand
behind the machine and pull back
on seat until fully engaged into
stop.
Figure 6
Knob Adjustment Seat
1. Positiontheshoulderscrews(foundonthe baseof the
seat)insidetheslotopeningsintheseatpivotbracket.
Figure6.
2. Slidetheseatslightlyrearwardintheseatpivot
bracket,liningupthe rearslotsinthepivotbracket
withtheremainingtwo holesintheseat'sbase.
3. Selectdesiredpositionfortheseat,andsecurewith
thetwoknobsremovedearlier.SeeFigure6.
10

identifying the Mulch Plug (if so F_ _ -- ========--_
" \ 6
On tractormodes soequpped,amu chp ugcanether | .... [
,| ", ,, ,
be foundwth nthecuttngdecks dschargeopenng or ', ',,,, "_ .....[
packedseparatelywithyourunit.
NOTE:Referto Mulching on page19formoredetailed
information.
Ifyou'dprefertooperatethecuttingdeckwithoutmulch-
ing,simplyremovethemulchplugbyunthreadingthe
plasticwingnutwhichfastensittothecuttingdeck.This
willallowtheclippingstodischargeoutofthedischarge
openingduringoperation.SeeFigure7.
Figure 7
LaWn
Tracto
WARNING
i i i i i i ii
ii i _iI_ ii
11

Know Your Lawn Tractor
NOTE:Any reference
in this manualto the
RIGHTor LEFTside of
thetractor isobserved
from operator'sposition.
B
AG
H
@
K
C@ @
D
Ef"_ L
M
F
NOTE:Steeringwheelnotshownforclarity
Figure 8 1-If soequipped
A SystemsIndicatorMonitor G ThrottleLever
B PTO(BladeEngage)Lever1- H CruiseControlButton
PTO(BladeEngage)Knob1- I IgnitionSwitchModule
C ChokeKnob1- J BrakePedal
D ParkingBrakeButton K DrivePedal
E ShiftLever L DeckLiftLever
F CupHolder M SeatAdjustmentLever1-
NOTE:Anyreferencein thismanualto theRIGHTor LEFTsideofthetractoris observedfromoperator'sposition.
12

Throttle Control Lever
Thethrottlecontrolleveris locatedon therightsideof
thetractor'sdashpanel.Thislevercontrolsthespeed
oftheengineand,on somemodels,whenpushedall
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
chokecontrolcanbefoundon
theleftsideofthedashpanel
andisactivatedbypullingthe
knoboutward.Activatingthe
chokecontrolclosesthechoke
plateonthecarburetorandaidsinstartingtheengine.
RefertoStarting The Engineon page14ofthis manual
fordetailedstartinginstructions.
Brake Pedal
Thebrakepedalislocatedon
therightfrontsideofthetractor
abovethedrivepedalalongthe
runningboard.Thebrakepedal
canbeusedforsuddenstops
or settingtheparkingbrake.
NOTE:Thebrakepedalmust
befullydepressedtoactivate
thesafetyinterlockswitchwhenstartingthetractor.
Ignition Switch Module
WARNING: Never leave a running
machine unattended. Always
disengage PTO,move shift lever
intoneutral position, set parking
brake, stop engine and remove
key to prevent unintended
starting.
Tostarttheengine,insertthekeyintothe ignitionswitch
andturnclockwisetothe STARTposition.Releasethe
keyintotheNORMALMOWINGMODEpositiononce
theenginehasfired.
Tostoptheengine,turntheignitionkeycounterclockwise
totheOFFposition.SeeFigure10.
fFast
Position
Slow
Position
Choke
Position
Fast
Position
Slow ----_
Position
f
Position
Figure 9
Normal
Mode
Start
Position
Figure 10
IMPORTANT:Priortooperatingthetractor,referto both
SafetyInterlock Switches on page15andStarting The
Engineon page17ofthismanualfordetailedinstruc-
tionsregardingthe IgnitionSwitchModuleandoperating
thetractorin REVERSECAUTIONMODE.
Drive Pedal
Thedrivepedalislocatedbelowthe
brakepedalon therightfrontsideof
thetractoralongthe runningboard.
Depressthedrivepedalwithyourright
footwhenthetractorshiftleveris in
eitherFORWARDor REVERSEtocaus_
thetractortomove.Groundspeedis
alsocontrolledwiththedrivepedal.The
furtherdownthepedalisdepressed,the
fasterthetractorwilltravel.Thepedal
UM
W
willreturntoitsoriginalpositionwhenit'snotdepressed.
IMPORTANT:Alwayssettheparkingbrakewhenleaving
thetractorunattended.
Operating
Your LaWn
WARNING
Never leave arunning
machine unattended,
Alwaysdisengage
PT0, move shift lever
into neutralposition,
set parkingbrake, stop
engine and remove key
to preventunintended
starting:
ii
IMPORTANT
Priorto operating
tractor;refertoboth
Safety Interlock
Switches on page
15 andstarting The
Engine on page t7
of this manualfor
detailed instructions
regardingthe Ignition
Switch Moduleand
operating the tractor in
REVERSECAUTION
MODEi
13

Tractor
ii_i_ii iii_ii iii_iII ii!iii_i__:Ii i_i
NOTE: The PTO(Blade
Engage)knob must be
inthe disengaged (OFF)
positionwhen starting
theengine,when
travelingin reverseand
ifthe operatorleaves
theseat.
NOTE: The PTO (Blade
Engage) levermust be
in the disengaged (OFF)
3ositionwhen starting
the engine, when
travelingtn reverseand
ifthe operatorleaves
theseat.
_" BATT. OIL _
......rm ....
jJ
J
42.0
/// HOURS 1/10 \\\
W(®)
PTO/BLADE PARKING
Figure 11
Systems Indicator Monitor
LCD
Locatedinthecenterofthetractor'sconsole,the
systemsindicatormonitorrecords,anddisplayson its
LCD,hoursoftractoroperationwhenevertheignition
keyisrotatedoutoftheSTOPposition.
TheIndicatorMonitorwillalsoremindtheoperatorof
maintenanceintervalsforchangingtheengineoil.The
LCDwillalternatelyflashtherecordedhours,"CHG"and
"OIL"forfiveminutes,afterevery50 hoursof recorded
operationelapse.Themaintenanceintervallastsfor
twohours(from50-52,100-102,150-152,etc.).The
LCDwillalsoflashasdescribedaboveforfiveminutes
everytimethetractor'senginehasbeenstartedduring
thismaintenanceinterval.Beforetheintervalexpires,
changethecrankcaseoil levelasinstructedin this
Operator'sManual.
Brake
If theBrakelightilluminateswhenattemptingtostartthe
tractor'sengine,depressthebrakepedal.
PTO (Blade Engage)
If thePTOlightilluminateswhenattemptingtostartthe
tractor'sengine,movePTOleverintothedisengaged
(OFF)position.
Oil
It isnormalfortheOil lighttoilluminatewhiletheengine
iscrankingduringstart-up,butifit illuminate'sduring
operation,while the engine isrunning,stopthe
tractorimmediatelyandcheckthecrankcaseoillevelas
instructedin thisOwner'sManual.
Battery
It isnormalfortheBatterylightto illuminatewhilethe
engineiscranking duringstart-up,butifit illuminate's
duringoperation,while the engineisrunning,the
batteryisin needofa chargeortheengine'scharging
systemis notgeneratingsufficientamperage.Refer
totheMAINTENANCEsectionofthis manualforthe
properbatterychargingprocedureor havethecharging
systemcheckedbyyourservicedealer.
Electric PTO
(Blade Engage) I
Knob (if Equipped)
Toengagethepowerto
thecuttingdeckor other
(separatelyavailable)attach-
mentson modelsequipped
withanelectricPTO,pull
outwardonthePTO(Blade
Engage)knob.PushthePTO
(BladeEngage)knobinward
todisengagethe powertothecuttingdeck.
II t
NOTE:ThePTO(BladeEngage)knobmust bein the
disengaged(OFF)positionwhenstartingtheengine,
whentravelingin reverseand iftheoperatorleavesthe
seat.
PTO (Blade Engage) Lever
ON 1z!
PTO
PTO /BLADE ENGAGE
Onmodelsequippedwitha manualPTO(BladeEngage),
thePTO(BladeEngage)leverislocatedontheleft sideof
thedashboardnexttothesteeringwheel.MovethePTO
(BladeEngage)leverforwardtoengagethepowertothe
cuttingdeckor other(separatelyavailable)attachments;
movethePTO(BladeEngage)leverrearwardtodisen-
gagethepowertotheattachments.
NOTE:ThePTO(BladeEngage)levermust beinthe
disengaged(OFF)positionwhenstartingtheengine,
whentravelingin reverseand iftheoperatorleavesthe
seat.
Seat Adjustment Lever (If Equipped)
Toadjusttheseatforwardorbackwardon unitsequipped
witha quick-adjustseat,slidethe seatadjustmentlever
totheleftand repositiontheseattothedesiredposition.
Oncea comfortablepositionisfound,releasetheseat
adjustmentleverto lockthe seatin place.Referto Seat
Adjustmenton page22ofthis manualformoredetailed
instructionson allseatadjustments.
Deck Lift Lever
Foundon yourtractor'srightfender,thedecklift leveris
usedtochangethe heightofthecuttingdeck.Touse,
movethelevertotheleft,thenplacein thenotchbest
suitedforyourapplication.
14

Parking Brake Button
Tosettheparkingbrake,fully
depressthe brakepedaland
pushtheparkingbrakebuttonin.
Holdthebuttoninwhiletaking
yourfootoffthe brakepedal.Both
theparkingbuttonandthebrake
pedalwillthenstaydepressed.
Toreleasetheparkingbrake,
depressthe brakepedalslightly.
Theparkingbrakebuttonwillthen
returntoitsoriginalposition.
NOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbesetif theoperator
leavestheseatwiththeenginerunningor theenginewill
automaticallyshutoff.
IMPORTANT:Alwayssettheparkingbrakewhenleaving
thetractorunattended.
Cruise Control Button
Thecruisecontrolbuttonis
locatedonthetractordash
paneltotheleft oftheignition
switch.Pushthecruisecontrol
buttonwhiletravelingforwardat a
desiredspeed.Whileholdingthe
buttonin, releasepressurefrom
thedrivepedal.Thiswillengage
thecruisecontrolandallowthe
tractorto remainatthatspeed
withoutapplyingpressuretothe
drivepedal.Depressthebrake
pedalor thedrivepedaltodeactivatecruisecontrol.
RefertoSetting the Cruise Control on page18this
manualfordetailedinstructionsregardingthecruise
controlfeature.
NOTE:CruisecontrolcanNOTbeengagedatthe
tractor'sfastestgroundspeed.Iftheoperatorshould
attempttodoso,thetractorwillautomaticallydecelerate
tothefastestoptimalmowinggroundspeed.
Shift Lever
Theshiftleverislocatedonthe
leftsideofthefenderand has
threepositions,FORWARD,
NEUTRALand REVERSE.The
brakepedalmustbedepressed
andthetractormustnotbein
motionwhenthemovingshift
lever.
IMPORTANT:Neverforcethe
shiftlever.Doingsomayresultin
seriousdamagetothetractor's
transmission.
Safety Interlock Switches
Thistractorisequippedwitha safetyinterlocksystem
fortheprotectionoftheoperator.Iftheinterlocksystem
shouldevermalfunction,do notoperatethetractor.
Contactan authorizedMTDservicedealer.
• Thesafetyinterlocksystempreventstheengine
fromcrankingorstartingunlesstheparkingbrake
isengaged,andthe PTO(BladeEngage)knob(or
lever)isin thedisengaged(OFF)position.
• Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff iftheoperator
leavestheseatbeforeengagingtheparkingbrake.
Models with Manual PTO (Blade Engage)
• Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff iftheoperator
leavesthetractor'sseatwiththe PTO(BladeEngage)
leverin theengaged(ON)position,regardlessof
whethertheparkingbrakeisengaged.
• Theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff iftheoperator
engagesthe PTOwiththeparkingbrakeON.
• WiththeignitionkeyintheNORMALMOWING
position,theenginewillautomaticallyshutoff ifthe
PTO(BladeEngage)leveris movedintotheengaged
(ON)positionwiththeshiftleverinReverse.
Models with Electric PTO (Blade Engage)
• TheelectricPTO(BladeEngage)clutchwillautomati-
callyshutoff iftheoperatorleavesthetractor'sseat
withthePTO(BladeEngage)knobintheengaged
(ON)position,regardlessofwhethertheparking
brakeisengaged.
• WiththeignitionkeyintheNORMALMOWING
position,theelectricPTO(BladeEngage)clutchwill
automaticallyshutoffif thePTO(BladeEngage)knob
ismovedintotheengaged(ON)positionwiththeshift
leverin Reverse.
Reverse
WARNING: Donot operate the
tractor ifthe interlocksystem
is malfunctioning, This system
was designed for your safety and
protection.
Caution Mode
WARNING: Use extreme caution
while operating the tractor in
the REVERSECAUTION MODE.
Alwayslook down and behind
before and while backing. Do not
operate the tractor when children
or others are around, Stop the
tractor immediatelyif someone
enters the area.
15
WARNING
Do not operatethe
tractor if the interlock
system ismalfunction-
ing. This system was
designed for your
safety and protection.
Use extreme caution
while operating the
tractor inthe REVERSE
CAUTION MODE.
Always look down and
behind beforeand
while backing. Do not
operate the tractor
when children or oth-
ers are around. Stop
the tractor immediately
f someone enters the
area.

WARNING
Keep hands and feet
away from the dis-
charge opening of the
cuttingdeck.
Donot operate the
tractor ifthe interlock
system ismalfunction-
ing.This systemwas
designedfor your
safety and protection.
f
indicator
Light
Stop
Position ©
Reverse
.Push Button
Reverse
Caution Mode
Position
Start
Position
Figure 12
TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEpositionofthekey
switchmoduleallowsthetractortobe operatedin
reversewiththeblades(PTO)engaged.
IMPORTANT:Mowingin reverseisnot recommended.
Tousethe REVERSECAUTIONMODE:
IMPORTANT:TheoperatorMUSTbe seatedinthe
tractorseat.
1. Starttheengineaspreviouslyinstructedinthis
Operator'sManual.
2. TurnthekeyfromtheNORMALMOWING(Green)
positiontotheREVERSECAUTIONMODE(Yellow)
positionofthekeyswitchmodule. SeeFigure12.
3. DepresstheREVERSEPUSHBUTTON(Orange,
TriangularButton)atthetop,rightcornerofthekey
switchmodule.Theredindicatorlightatthetop,left
cornerof thekeyswitchmodulewillbeONwhile
activated.See Figure12.
4. Onceactivated(indicatorlightON), thetractorcan
bedrivenin reversewiththecuttingblades(PTO)
engaged.
5. Alwayslookdownand behindbeforeandwhile
backingtomakesureno childrenarearound.
6. Afterresumingforwardmotion,returnthekeytothe
NORMALMOWINGposition.
IMPORTANT:TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEwill
remainactivateduntil:
a. Thekeyisplacedin eithertheNORMALMOW-
INGpositionor STOPposition.
b. Theoperatorleavestheseat(ModelswithElectric
PTOONLY).
c. Theoperatorengagestheparkingbrakebyfully
depressingthebrakepedalandholdingitdown
whilegentlypushingthe parkingbrakebutton
inward(Modelswith ManualPTOONLY).
I G
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
GO UPAND DOWNSLOPES,NOTACROSS.
AVOIDSUDDENTURNS.
DO NOTOPERATETHEUNITWHEREIT COULDSLIPOR TIE
IF MACHINESTOPSGOINGUPHILL,STOPBLADE(S)AND
BACKDOWNHILLSLOWLY.
DO NOTMOWWHEN CHILDRENOROTHERSAREAROUND.
NEVERCARRYCHILDREN,EVENWITHBLADESOFR
LOOK DOWNANDBEHIND BEFOREANDWHILEBACKING.
KEEPSAFETYDEVICES(GUARDS,SHIELDS,ANDSWITCHES)
IN PLACEANDWORKING.
REMOVEOBJECTSTHATCOULDBE THROWNBYTHE
BLADE(S).
KNOWLOCATIONAND FUNCTIONOF ALL CONTROLS.
BE SURE BLADE(S)AND ENGINEARE STOPPEDBEFORE
PLACING HANDSOR FEETNEAR BLADE(S).
BEFORELEAVINGOPERATOR'SPOSITION,DISENGAGE
BLADE(S), PLACETHE SHIFTLEVERIN NEUTRAL,ENGAGE
BRAKELOCK,SHUTENGINEOFFANDREMOVEKEY.
READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Engaging the Parking Brake
Toengagetheparkingbrake:
1. Fullydepressthebrakepedalandholdit downwith
yourfootwhilegentlypushingtheparkingbrakebutton
inward.
2. Holdtheparkingbrakebuttoninwhileremovingyour
footfromthe brakepedal.
3. Onceengaged,theparkingbrakebuttonandthebrake
pedalwilllockin the"down"position.
Todisengagetheparkingbrake:
1. Slightlydepressthebrakepedal.
NOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbeengagediftheoperator
leavestheseatwiththeenginerunningor theenginewill
automaticallyshutoff.
Setting the Cutting Height
1. Selecttheheightpositionofthecuttingdeckbyplacing
thedecklift leverin anyofthe sixdifferentcutting
heightnotchesonthe rightsideofthefender.
2. Adjustthedeckwheelssothattheyare between
1A-inchandV2-inchabovethegroundwhenthetractor
isona smooth,flatsurfacesuchasadriveway.
16

l_ ARNING: Keep hands and feet
away from the discharge opening
of the cutting deck.
NOTE:Thedeckwheelsarean anti-scalpfeatureofthe
deckandarenotdesignedto supporttheweightofthe
cuttingdeck.
Referto Levelingthe Deckonpage20ofthis manual
formoredetailedinstructionsregardingvariousdeck
adjustments.
Starting the Engine
_ARNING: Do not operate the
tractor ifthe interlocksystem is
malfunctioning. This system was
designed for your safety and
protection.
NOTE:RefertotheTRACTORSET-UPon page8 ofthis
manualforGasolineandOilfill-upinstructions.
1. Insertthetractorkeyintotheignitionswitch.
2. PlacethePTO(BladeEngage)knob(or lever)in the
disengaged(OFF)position.
3. Engagethetractor'sparkingbrake.
4. Activatethechokecontrol.
5. TurntheignitionkeyclockwisetotheSTARTposition.
Aftertheenginestarts,releasethekey.Itwill returnto
theONposition.
IMPORTANT:DoNOTholdthekeyin theSTARTposi-
tionfor longerthantensecondsata time.Doingsomay
causedamagetoyourengine'selectricstarter.
6. Aftertheenginestarts,deactivatethechokecontrol
andplacethethrottlecontrolinthe FASTposition.
NOTE:DoNOTleavethechokecontrolonwhileoperat-
ingthetractor.Doingsowill resultina "rich"fuelmixture
andcausetheengineto runpoorly.
Stopping the Engine
WARNING: ifyou strike a foreign
object, stop the engine, discon-
nect the spark plug wire(s) and
ground against the engine.
Thoroughly inspectthe machine
for any damage. Repair the
damage before restarting and
operating
1. Ifthebladesareengaged,placethePTO(Blade
Engage)knob(orlever)inthedisengaged(OFF)
position.
2. TurntheignitionkeycounterclockwisetotheSTOP
position.
3. Removethekeyfromthe ignitionswitchtoprevent
unintendedstarting.
Driving The Tractor
WARNING: Avoid sudden starts,
ex-cessivespeed and sudden
stops.
WARNING: Do not leave the seat
of the tractor without first placing
the PTO(Blade Engage) knob (or
lever) in the disengaged (OFF)
position, depressing the brake
pedal and engaging the parking
brake, if leaving the tractor
unattended, also turn the ignition
key off and remove the key.
1. Depressthebrakepedaltoreleasetheparkingbrake
andletthe pedalup.
2. MovethethrottleleverintotheFAST(rabbit)position.
IMPORTANT:DoNOTusetheshiftlevertochangethe
directionoftravelwhenthetractoris inmotion.Always
usethebrakepedalto bringthetractortoacomplete
stopbeforeshifting.
3. Tomoveforward,placetheshiftleverinthe FOR-
WARDposition,thenslowlydepressthedrivepedal
untilthedesiredspeedisachieved.
Operating
:Your LaWn
WARNING
if you strike a foreign
object, stop the
engine, disconnect
the spark plugwire(s)
and groundagainst
the engine. Thoroughly
inspectthe machine
for any damage. Repair
:hedamage before
restarting and operat-
ing.
Avoidsudden starts,
ex-cessive speed and
sudden stops.
Do not leave the seat
of the tractor without
first placingthe PTO
(Blade Engage) knob
(or lever) in the disen-
gaged (OFF) position,
depressing the brake
pedal and engaging
the parkingbrake, if
leaving the tractor
unattended, also turn
the ignitionkey off and
remove the key.
17

Operating
Your Lawn
WARNING
Do not mow on inclines
with aslope in excess
of 15degrees (a rise
of approximately 2-1/2
feet every 10feet). The
tractor couldoverturn
and cause serious
injury.
To help avoid blade
contact or athrown
object injury, keep
bystanders, helpers,
children and pets at
least75 feet from the
machine while it is in
operation.Stop ma=
chine if anyone enters
the area.
4. Tomovein reverse,placetheshiftleverinthe
REVERSEposition,checkthat theareabehindis
clearthenslowlydepressthedrivepedal.
Driving On Slopes
RefertotheSLOPEGAUGEon page3 tohelpdeter-
mineslopeswhereyoumayoperatethetractorsafely.
_ WARNING" Do not mow on
inclineswith aslope in excess
of 15degrees(a rise of approxi-
mately 2-1/2 feet every 10feet).
The tractor could overturn and
cause serious injury.
• Mowupanddownslopes,NEVERacross.
• Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirection
on slopes.
• Watchforholes,ruts,bumps,rocks,or otherhidden
objects.Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe machine.
Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
• Avoidturnswhendrivingona slope.Ifa turnmust
be made,turndowntheslope.Turningupa slope
greatlyincreasesthechanceofa rollover.
• Avoidstoppingwhendrivingupa slope.If itis
necessarytostopwhiledrivingup aslope,startup
smoothlyandcarefullyto reducethepossibilityof
flippingthetractoroverbackward.
Setting The Cruise Control
1. PlacetheshiftleverintheFORWARDposition,
thenslowlydepressthedrivepedaluntilthedesired
speedisachieved.
2. Lightlydepressthecruisecontrolbutton.
3. Whilecontinuingtoholdthecruisebuttonin,liftyour
footfromthedrivepedal(youshouldfeelthecruise
latchengage).
Onceengaged,thecruisecontrolbuttonandthedrive
pedalwilllockinthe"down"position,andthetractorwill
maintainthesameforwardspeed.
NOTE:Cruisecontrolcannotbe engagedatthe
tractor'sfastestgroundspeed.Iftheoperatorshould
attempttodoso,thetractorwillautomaticallydecelerate
tothefastestoptimalmowinggroundspeed.
Disengagethecruisecontrolusingoneofthefollowing
methods:
1. Depressthebrakepedaltodisengagethecruise
controlandstopthetractor.
2. Lightlydepressthedrivepedal.
Tochangeto thereversedirectionwhenoperatingwith
cruisecontrol,depressthebrakepedalto disengagethe
cruisecontroland bringthetractortoacompletestop.
ThenplacetheshiftleverintheREVERSEpositionand
depressthedrivepedal.
Engaging the Blades
EngagingthePTO(BladeEngage)transferspowertothe
cuttingdeckor other(separatelyavailable)attachments.
Toengagetheblades,proceedasfollows:
1. MovethethrottlecontrollevertotheFAST(rabbit)
position.
Models with Manual PTO
2. a. Graspthe PTO(BladeEngage)leverandpivotit all
thewayforwardintotheengaged(ON)position.
Models with Electric PTO
b. PullthePTO(BladeEngage)knoboutwardintothe
engaged(ON)position.
3. Keepthethrottleleverinthe FAST(rabbit)position
forthemostefficientuseofthecuttingdeckor other
(separatelyavailable)attachments
IMPORTANT:Theengine(onmodelswitha manualPTO)
orelectricPTOclutch(on modelswith anelectricPTO)
willautomaticallyshutoff ifthePTOisengagedwiththe
shiftleverinpositionforreversetravelwiththeignition
keyinthe NORMALMOWINGposition.Referto Safety
InterlockSwitcheson page15.
Using the Deck Lift Lever
Toraisethecuttingdeck,movethedecklift levertothe
left,thenplaceitinthenotchbestsuitedforyourapplica-
tion.RefertoSettingTheCuttingHeightearlierinthis
section.
Mowing
_ARNING: To help avoid blade
contact or a thrown object injury,
keep bystanders, helpers, children
and petsat least 75 feet from the
machine while it is in operation.
Stop machine ifanyone enters the
area.
18

Thefollowinginformationwillbehelpfulwhenusingthe
cuttingdeckwithyourtractor:
WARNING: Plan your mowing
pattern to avoid discharge of
materials toward roads, side-
walks,bystanders and the like.
Also, avoid discharging material
against a wall or obstruction
which may cause discharged
material to ricochet back toward
the operator.
• Donotmowathighgroundspeed,especiallyifa
mulchkit orgrasscollectoris installed.
• Forbest resultsit isrecommendedthatthefirsttwo
lapsbecutwiththedischargethrowntowardsthe
center.Afterthefirsttwolaps,reversethedirectionto
throwthedischargetotheoutsideforthebalanceof
cutting.Thiswillgivea betterappearancetothe lawn.
• Donotcut thegrasstooshort.Shortgrassinvites
weedgrowthandyellowsquicklyin dryweather.
• Mowingshouldalwaysbe donewiththeengineat full
throttle.
Underheavierconditionsitmaybenecessaryto go
backoverthecut areaa secondtimetogeta clean
cut.
• DoNOTattempttomowheavybrushandweedsand
extremelytallgrass.Yourtractorisdesignedtomow
lawns,NOTclearbrush.
• Keepthebladessharpand replacethebladeswhen
worn.Referto Cutting Bladeson page21ofthis
manualforproperbladesharpeninginstructions.
Mulching (If Equipped)
Selectmodelscomeequippedwitha mulchkitwhich
incorporatesspecialblades,alreadystandardonthe
tractor,ina processof recirculatinggrassclippings
repeatedlybeneaththecuttingdeck.Theultra-fine
clippingsarethenforcedbackintothe lawnwherethey
actasa naturalfertilizer.
Observethefollowingpointsforthebestresultswhen
mulching:
• Neverattempttomulchif thelawnisdamp.Wetgrass
tendsto stickto theundersideofthecuttingdeck
preventingpropermulchingoftheclippings.
Figure 13
DoNOTattempttomulchmorethan1/3thetotal
heightofthegrassorapproximately1-1/2inches.
Doingsowillcausetheclippingstoclumpupbeneath
thedeckandnotbe mulchedeffectively.
• Maintaina slowgroundspeedtoallowthegrass
clippingsmoretimetoeffectivelybemulched.
• Alwayspositionthethrottlecontrolleverin theFAST
(rabbit)positionandallowitto remaintherewhile
mowing.Failingtokeeptheengineatfullthrottle
placesstrainon thetractor'sengineanddoesnot
allowthebladestoproperlymulchgrass.
NOTE:It isnotnecessaryto removethedischargechute
tooperatethemowerwiththemulchkitinstalled.
Tooperatethecuttingdeckwithoutmulching,simply
removethemulchplugbyunthreadingtheplasticwing
nutwhichfastensittothecuttingdeck.Thiswillallowthe
clippingstodischargeouttheside.SeeFigure13.
Headlights
• Onsomemodels,the lampsareONwheneverthe
tractor'sengineisrunning.Onothermodels,the
lampsareONwhenevertheignitionkeyismovedout
oftheSTOPposition.
• Onall models,thelampsturnOFFwhentheignition
keyismovedto theSTOPposition.
19
i ii i i ii iiiii iiii _I
0perat ing
Your LaWn
WARNING
Planyour mowing pat-
tern to avoid discharge
of materials toward
roads, sidewalks, by-
standers and the like.
Also, avoid discharging
_aterial against a wall
_robstruction which
may cause discharged
aterial to ricochet
back toward the
operator.

Tract
Novortte ptto
make any adjust:
merits while the
iengine isrunning,
!exceptwhere speci,
fled in the operator's
manual:
NOTE:Checkthe
tractor's tirepressure
i beforeperforming
anydeck leveling
adjustments.Referto
Tireson page26for
informationregarding
tire pressure.
Loosen........... _ghten
\to lower deck to raise deck/
J
Figure 14
Front To Rear
Thefrontofthecuttingdeckissupportedbya stabilizer
barthatcanadjustedtolevelthedeckfromfrontto rear.
Thefrontofthedeckshouldbebetween1/4-inchand
3/8-inchlowerthantherearofthedeck.Adjustif neces-
saryasfollows:
1. Withthetractorparkedona firm,levelsurface,place
thedecklift leverin thetopnotch(highestposition)
androtatethebladenearestthedischargechuteso
thatitis parallelwiththetractor.
2. Measurethedistancefromthefrontofthe bladetipto
thegroundandtherearofthebladetiptotheground.
Thefirstmeasurementtakenshouldbebetween
1/4"and 3/8"lessthanthesecondmeasurement.
Determinetheapproximatedistancenecessaryfor
properadjustmentandproceed,if necessary,tothe
nextstep.
3. Loosenthetwojamnuts,if present,on therearsideof
thedeckstabilizerbracket.
.Locatethetwolocknutsonthefrontsideofthe
stabilizerbracket.See Figure14.Tightenthelocknuts
toraisethefrontofthedeck;loosenthelocknutsto
lowerthefrontofthedeck.
NOTE:Modelswitha 42-inchdeckhaveonlyONEjam
nut,washer,and locknut.
Figure 15
__1 ARNING:Neverattempt to make
any adjustmentswhile the engineis
running,except wherespecified inthe
operator's manual.
Leveling the Deck
NOTE:Checkthetractor'stirepressurebeforeperform-
inganydeck levelingadjustments.RefertoTires on
page26 forinformationregardingtirepressure.
5. Retightenthetwojamnutsloosenedearlierwhen
properadjustmentisachieved.
Side to Side
If thecuttingdeckappearsto bemowingunevenly,a side
tosideadjustmentcanbeperformed.Adjustif necessary
asfollows:
1. Withthetractorparkedona firm,levelsurface,place
thedecklift leverin thetopnotch(highestposition)
androtatebothbladessothattheyareperpendicular
withthetractor.
2. Measurethedistancefromtheoutsideoftheleftblade
tiptothegroundandthedistancefromtheoutsided
therightbladetiptotheground.Bothmeasurements
takenshouldbeequal.Ifthey'renot,proceedtothe
nextstep.
3. Loosen,butdo NOTremove,thehexcapscrewon
theleftdeckhangerbracket.SeeFigure15.
4. Balancethedeckbyusingawrenchtoturnthe
adjustmentgear (foundimmediatelybehindthehex
capscrewjust loosened)clockwise/uporcounter-
clockwise/down.Thedeckis properlybalancedwhen
bothbladetipmeasurementstakenearlierareequal.
5. Retightenthehexcapscrewontheleft deckhanger
bracketwhenproperadjustmentisachieved.
20