MTD 660 Series User manual

YARDMACHINES
OWNER'S GUIDE
Model Series
660 thru 679
TRANSMATIC
LAWN TRACTORS
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-
covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable IocaI or state iaws (if any). It a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands, A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
aRINTED IN U.S.A. FORMNO.770-8637M

IMP0RTAN
THIS SYMBOL POINTSOUT iMPORTANTSAFETYR STRUCTIONSWHICH, IF NOT FOLLOWED,COULD ENDANGERTHE PERSONAL_m L
,_ SAFETYANDiOR PROPERTYOF YOURSELFAND (_THERS.READ AND FOLLOWALL INSTRUCTIONSIN THiS MANUAL BEFORE
ATTEMPTINGTO OPERATEYOURUNIT.WHEN YOU:;ELTHiS SYMBOL-- _lb HEEDITSWARNING.
Your lawn mowerwas built to beoperated accordingto the rules for safe operationin this manual. As with ]
_b DANGER: anytype of powereguipmmt, oarelessnessor erroron the part ofthe operatorcan resultin injury, This lawn [
mower is capable of amput_ting handsand feel and throwingobjects. Failureto observethefollowing salety
instructions couldresultin _eriousinjuryor death,
A_I. GENERALOPERATION
t. _ _d_d follow all instructions in the nanual and
on the machine beforestarting. Keepthis manuai in a sate place
for future and regular reference andfor ordering eplacement
parts.
2 OnLyallow responsible individuals familiar with the nstructions
to operate the machine. Know controls and how to stop the
machine quickly.
3 Do not put hands or feet under cutting deck or rrar rotating
parts ,_
4 Clearthe area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire etc. which
could be picked up and throv_nby the blade. A sinai object may
have beenoverlooked and could be accidentally th own by the
mower in any direction and causemiury to you or _ bystanden
To heIpavoid a thrownobjects injury, keepchildren bystanders
and helpers at least 75 feetfrom tile mower while L1is inopera-
tion Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles _uring oper-
ation or while performing an adjustment or repai, to protect
eyes from foreign objects Stop Pie btade(s) wh_,n crossing
graveldrives, walks or roads.
5 Be sure the area is clear of other people before m]wing. Stop
machine if anyo_leenters the area,
6. Never carry passengers.
7. Oisengageblade(s) before shifting into reverseand backing up.
Alwayslook down and behind before and while bacdng.
8 Beaware of tile mower and attachment discharge [ irection and
do not point it at anyone Do not operate the mc_er without
edher the entire grass catcher or the chute guard in piece.
9 Slow down before turning. Operate the machin_ smoothly.
Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed,
t0. Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off
blade(s), place transmission in neutral, set park brake, stop
engine and removekey beforedismounting.
11. Turn off blade(s)when not mowing
t2. Stop engine and waLtuntil blade(s) comes to a c( replete stop
before (a) removing grass catcher or unclogging :hute,or (b)
making any repairs, adjusting or removing any gra! s or debris.
13. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
14. Do not operatethe machine while under the infiuen e of alcohol
or drugs
15. Watchfor traffic wilen operating near or crossing r ladways.
16. Use extra care when loading or unIoading the m; chine into a
trailer or truck. This unit should not be driven u_or down a
ramp onto a trailer or truck under power, becauset _eunit could
tip over, causing serious personaI injury, The L/it must be
pushed manually on a ramp to load or unload prop mly.
17. Never makea cutting height adjustment while engi le is running
it operator must dismount to do so ,&
18 Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close- itting slacks
and shirts Do not wearloose fitting clothes or jew_Iry. Theycan
be caught in moving parts. Never operate a unit in bare feet,
sandals, or sneakers.
19. Check overheadclearancecarefully before driving under power
lines, wires, bridges or low hangingtree branches, oefore enter-
ing or leaving buiIdings, or in any other situatirn where the
operator may be struck or pulled from the unit, which could
result in serious injury.
20. Disengage a!l attachment clutches, thoroughly depress the
brake pedal, and shift into neutral before attempting to start
engum.
21. Your mower is designed to cut normal residentiaI grass of a
height no more than 10" Do not attempt to mow through
unusually tail dry grass (e.g., pasture) or piles of dry leaves.
Debris may build up on the mower deck or contact the engine
exhaust presenting a potential fire hazard.
II. SLOPEOPERATION
Slopesare amajor factor relatedto lossof control andtip-over acci-
dents which can result in severe injury or death.All slopes require
extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy
on it, do not mow it
Foryour safety,use the slope gauge included as part of this manual
to measure slopes before operating this unit on a sloped or hilly
area. If the slope is greaterthan 150 asshown on the slope gauge,
do not operatethis unit onthat areaor serious injury could result.
DO:
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Removeobstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts or bumps, Uneventerrain could overturn the
machine.Tall grasscan hideobstacles.
Use slow speed,Choosea low enough gear so that you wilt not have
to stop or shift while on the slope. Always keep machine in gear
when going down slopes to takeadvantage of engine braking action,
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or
counterweights to improve stability.
Use extracare with grass catchers or other attachments. Thesecan
change the stability of the machine.
Keepall movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make
sudden changes in speedor direction, Rapid engagementor braking
could cause the front of the machine to lift and rapidly flip over
backwards which could cause serious injury.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope, if tires lose traction, disen-
gagethe blade(s) andproceed slowly slraight down the slope.
DO NOT:
Do notturn on slopes unless necessary;then. turn slowly and grad-
ualty downhill, if possible,
Do not mow near dmp-offs, ditches or embankments.The mower
could suddenIy turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or
ditch, or if an edgecaves in,
Do net mow on wet grass. Reducedtraction could causesliding.
Oo not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground.
Donotuse grasscatcher on steepslopes.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidentscan occur if the operator is not alertto the presence
of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the
mowing activity, Never assume that chiIdren wig remain where you
last saw them.
1. Keepchildren out of the mowing areaand in watchful careof an
adult other than the operator.
2. Bealert and turn machine off if chiIdren enter the area,
3 Before and when backing, look behind and down for small
chgdmn
2

4. Nevercarry children, even with the blades off. They mayfalI off
and beseriously injured or interfere with the safe machine oper-
ation.
5. Neverallow children under 14 years oldto operatethe machine.
Children 14 years and over should only operate machine under
close parental supervision and proper instruction,
6. Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees
or other objects that may obscure your vision of achild or other
hazard.
7. Remove key when machine is unattended to prevent
unauthorized operation.
IV, SERVICE
1. Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other fueis, They are
extremely flammable and the vapors areexplosive.
a. Useonly an approved container,
b. Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine running.
Allow engine to cooI at leasttwo minutes before refueling
c. Replacefuel cap securely andwipe off any spilled fuei before
starting the engine as it maycause afire or explosion
d. Extinguish nil cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of
ignition.
e, Never refuel the machine indoors because fuel vapors wiil
accumulate in the area.
f. Never store the fuel container or machine inside where there
is an open flame or spark, such as a gas hot water heater
spaceheateror furnace.
2. Never run amachine inside a closed area.
3 To reducefire hazard, keepthe machinefree of grass, leavesor
other debris build_up. Clean up eli or fuel spillage, Allow
machine to cooIat least 5minutes before storing,
4. Beforecleaning, repairing or inspecting, makecertain the blade
and nil moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug
wire. and keep the wire away from the spark ping to prevent
accidental starting,
5. Checkthe bladeand engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals
for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade for damage
(e.g., excessive wear,bent. cracked) Replace with bladewhich
meets original equipment specifications.
DANGER
6. KeepalI nuts, bolts andscrews tight to be surethe equipment is
in safe working condition
7. Never tamper with safety devices, Checktheir proper operation
regularly. Useall gourds as instructed in this manual.
8. After striking aforeign obiect, stop the engine, removethe wire
from the spark plug and thoroughly inspect the mower for any
damage. Repairthe damage before restarting and operating the
mower
9 Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage and
deterioration, which could exposemoving parts or allow objects
to be thrown, Foryour safety protection, frequently check corn_
ponents and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts
when necessary.
10. Mower bladesare sharp and can cut Wrap the blade(s) or wear
gloves anduse extra caution when servicing blade(s).
11. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.
12. Muffler, engine and belt guards become hot during operation
and can cause a burn. Allow to cool down before touching.
13. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the
engine, Excessiveengine speedsare dangerous.
14, Observe proper disposal laws and regulations. Improper dis-
posaIof fluids and materialscan harm the environment andthe
ecology.
a. Prior to disposal, determinethe proper method to dispose of
v,,astefrom your local Environmental Protection Agency.
Recycling centers are established to properly dispose of
materialsin an environmentally safefashion.
b Useproper containers when draining fluids, Do not usefood
or beverage containers that may misIead someone into
drinking from them Properly dispose of the containers
immediately following the dramieg of fluids
c DONOTpoor oil or other fluids into the ground, down a drain
or into a stream, pond, lakeor ether body of water. Observe
Environmental Protection Agency regulations when dispos-
ing of oil, fuel, coolant, brake fluid, filters, batteries, tires and
other harmful waste.
WARNING -- YOURRESPONSIBILITY
Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read.
understand and foflow the warnings and instructions in this
manual and on the machine,
DANOBFI

UNPACKING
TOREMOVEUNITFROMCRATE
1. Remove all screws from the top of the cr4te using
a 1/4" hex head socket or a flat blade scn;wdriver.
2. To remove ends, grasp top board on the _=nd,and
pull towards you in a downward motion.
3. Set panel aside to avoid tire punctures.
4. Repeat procedure for each side of the cr_te.
6. Loose parts (may include the owner's guide,
steering wheel, optional oil drain sleeve, battery
fluid, chute deflector, optional mulching kit, etc.)
are on the seat or in a box wrapped in plastic.
Carefully cut and remove the plastic wrap.
Remove the loose parts.
7. Make certain brake is released. Raise the deck
and push the unit off the skid.
5. Remove and discard plastic bag whicl covers
unit.
ASSEMI3LY INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT: After assembly, service engine] E.
with gasoline, and check oil level as ins:ructed l
in the separate engine manual packed wi :h your
unit. E
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the
unit is observed from the driver's seat, fa,;ing for-
ward.
TOOLSREQUIREDFORASSEMBLY
(1) 1/4" socket wrench or flat blade screwdriv._r
(1) 1/2" wrench or socket wrench*
(1) 9/16" wrench or socket wrench
(2) 7/16" wrenches or socket wrenches
G,
NEVER connect or disconnect charger clips to
battery while charger is turned on as it can cause
sparks.
Keep all lighted materials (cigarettes, matches,
lighters) away from the battery as the hydrogen
gas generated during charging can be combusti-
ble.
As a further precaution, only charge the battery in
a well-ventilated area.
*Always shield eyes, protect skin and clothing
when working near batteries.
*If your steering wheel cap is square, you mu_t have a
socket wrench in order to install the steering _zheel.
BATTERYINFORMATION
WARNING
A. Battery acid must be handled with great care as
contact with it can burn and blister the nkin. It is
also advisable to wear protective clothing
(goggles, rubber gloves and apron) wher working
with it.*
g_ Should battery acid accidentally splatter into the
eyes or onto the face, rinse the affec ed area
immediately with clean cold water. If the'e is any
further discomfort, seek prompt medical attention.
C. If acid spills on clothing, first dilute it wth clean
water, then neutralize with a solution of ammonia/
water or baking soda/water.
D. Since battery acid is corrosive, do not p( ur it into
any sink or drain. Before discarding empt!' electro-
lyte containers, rinse them with a neutrali_ ing solu-
tion.
DANGER
Battery contains sulfuric acid. Refer to warning
at right. Antidote: EXTERNAL--Flush with water.
INTERNAL--Drink large quantities of water or milk.
Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten eggs or
vegetable oil. Call physician immediately. EYES:
Flush with cool water for at least 15 minutes, then
get prompt medical attention.
Since batteries produce explosive gases, keep
all lighted materials (cigarettes, lighters,
matches, etc.) away. Be sure to charge battery
only in well-ventilated areas. Make certain venting
path of battery drain tube (if equipped) is always
open. KEEP BATTERIES
OUT OFTHE REACH OF CHILDREN!
4

BATTERYIDENTIFICATION CHARGE THE BATTERY after the 30 minute standing
period. Battery P/N 725-1705B--Charge at 2-3 amps
for one hour. Battery PiN 725-1707B and 725-
0453E--Charge at 6amps for one hour.
NOTE: If you charge the battery at a Iower AMP rate,
use a hydrometer to make sure the battery is com-
pletely charged. The hydrometer should read 1,260
minimum at an electrolyte temperature of 60-110°E
DO NOT CHARGE AT MORE THAN 6 AMPS.
Type "A"
Type "B"
Compare the battery in your lawn tractor (located
under the seat) with the illustration above. Type "A"
batteries are activated and are ready to use. Type "B"
batteries must be filled with battery fluid (acid) and
charged before they are put into service. Follow the
instructions which apply to the battery in your lawn
tractor.
ACTIVATINGAND CHARGINGTHE BATTERY
(TYPE "B" BATTERY ONLY)
Do not activate battery (fill with battery acid) until
battery is actually placed in service. Be certain to
read previous battery warnings before activating
the battery.
1. Pivot the seat forward. Unhook the strap which
secures the battery (hook is on rear frame, under
fender). Disconnect the positive cable from the
positive terminal. Save the hardware for reassem-
bly.
2. Remove the battery from the lawn tractor, paying
attention to how the battery is placed in the unit,
and how the drain tube (attached to the battery) is
routed.
3, Activate the battery as instructed in the "Quick
Start" brochure included with the battery fluid.
Read instructions carefully.
NOTE: You can continue assembling the lawn tractor
while battery is standing for 30 minutes (after filling
with acid), and later while you are charging the battery.
IMPORTANT: To obtain the maximum life from your
battery, it MUST BE CHARGED prior to initial use.
ATTACHINGTHE STEERING WHEEL
1. The hardware for attaching the steering wheel has
been packed inside the steering wheel, Carefully
pry off the steering wheel cap and remove the
hardware.
2. Remove the steering bellow from the lift lever on
the right hand side of lawn tractor. Place steering
bellow over the steering shaft extending through
the dash.
NOTE: tf the openings on each end of the steering bel-
low are two different sizes, the smaller end goes down
against the dash of the lawn tractor.
3. With the wheels of the tractor pointing straight
forward, place the steering wheel over the steer-
ing shaft, positioning steering wheel as desired.
4. Place the washer with the cupped side down over
the steering shaft. Secure with hex lock bolt.
NOTE: If your steering wheel cap is square, you must
use a socket wrench.
5. Place the steering wheel cap over the center of
the steering wheel and seat itwith your hand.
Steering
Wheel Cap
Hex Lock ""_
Bolt Cupped
Steering
Shaft-
Steering
FIGURE 1.
5

7 °[
FIGURE 2.
Screws ATTACHINGTHESEAT
Remove the four screws which secure the seat to the
seat pivot bracket. Turn the seat around and place in
position against the seat pivot bracket, lining up the
slotted holes in the pivot bracket with the holes in the
seat. Select desired position for the seat, and secure
with the four screws. See figure 2.
NOTE: Your seat may have been shipped in a box.
Remove the four screws from the bottom of seat and
place seat in position against the seat pivot bracket.
Follow the directions above to attach the seat.
FIGURE 3.
\Hax Nuts
(;upped
Vlashers
ATTACHINGTHECHUTEDEFLECTOR
The chute deflector must be attached to the right side
of the deck so that it covers the chute opening.
_ARNING: Do not operate your unit
unless the chute deflector has been
properly instaned.
1. Make certain deck is raised to its highest position
(lift lever pulled all the way back).
NOTE: Your mowing deck may be equipped with a
optional mulching plug. Remove the mulching plug by
removing the wing nut on top of the deck. Grasp the
mulching plug and pull out of the deck,
2. Remove the hex head cap screws, cupped
washers and hex nuts which are attached to the
deck next to the chute opening.
Place the chute deflector in position as shown in
figure 3. Secure with hardware just removed.
Cupped sides of washers go against the chute
deflector.
If you wish to mulch, lift up the chute and insert
optional mulching plug through chute opening.
Line up the bolt on mulching plug with the hole in
the top of deck. Push up on the end of the mulch-
ing plug and secure with the wing nut.
TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your unit may be over-inflated for shipping
purposes. Reduce the tire pressure before operating
the unit. Recommended operating tire pressure is
approximately 12 p.s.i.
&WARNING: Maximum tire pressure under
any circumstances is 30 p,s.i, Equal tire
pressure should be maintained on all
tires,

eckHanger =C_=
FIGURE 4.
Positive Terminal
Inside Rubber Boot)
U
Q
Negative
Cable Negative Battery
FIGURE 5. Terminal Compartment
FIGURE 6.
Baffery
Tr_
Reinforcement
Bracket
-,.,.-LEVELINGTHE DECK
With unit on hard, level surface, measure the distance
from the bottom edge of the center of the left side of
deck to the ground. Measure the same distance on the
center of the right side of the deck, just behind the
chute area. Or, place the blades in a straight line, and
measure the distance from the outside edge of the
blade tips to the ground.
If adjustment is needed, proceed as follows.
1. Remove the hairpin clip and flat washer from the
bottom of the adjustable lift link on the left side of
the deck. (Hairpin clip and flat washer are on the
inside of the lift link.)
2. Pull the adjustable lift link out of the deck hanger
channel. See figure 4. Turn the adjustable lift link
up or down as necessary to level the deck.
Usually only one or two turns are needed,
3. Insert the end of the adjustable lift link into the
hole in the deck hanger channel. Recheck the
adjustment. Readjust ifnecessary.
4. When deck is level, secure end of adjustable lift
link with fiat washer and hairpin clip.
INSTALLING THE BATTERY(TYPE "A" BATTERY)
NOTE: If battery is put into service after date shown
on top of battery, charge for minimum of 1 hour at 6-10
amps,
1. Lift the seat.
2. Remove the plastic cover from the negative terminal.
3. Remove the hex bolt and nut from the negative
(black) cable. Attach negative cable to the nega-
tive terminal with this bolt and nut.
Battery
INSTALLING THE BATTERY(TYPE "B" BATTERY)
1. Lift the seat.
2. Make certain both the negative (black) cable and
the positive (red) cable are routed up through the
battery compartment as shown in figure 5.
3. Replace the battery into the battery compartment
in the same position as it was before (positive ter-
minal is toward the front of the unit).
4. Attach the positive (red) cable to the positive
terminal of the battery, Secure with hex bolt and
nut previously removed. Slide rubber boot down
over the positive terminal.
5. Remove the hex bolt and nut from the negative
(black) cable. Attach negative cable to the nega-
tive terminal with this bolt and nut.
6, Secure battery by hooking battery strap into slot in
rear frame, under the fender. See figure 6,
7. Insert the drain tube through the hole in the trans-
axle reinforcement bracket located on the right
side of the unit. See figure 6. Be certain drain tube
is routed away from the wheel rim.
8. Trim excess end of drain tube if necessary (about
4" should extend past the bracket or cable tie).

Choke /'
Clutch-Brake
Pedal
CONTROLS
Ignition
Switch
Switch
(Optional)
FIGURE 7.
_. Optional)
Shift Lcver
THROTTLECONTROL
The throttle control is used to regulate th_ engine
speed. To get maximum efficiency from cul:ing, the
throttle should be in the FAST position when cperating
the mower. See figure 7.
CHOKECONTROL
The choke control is located on the dashboard and is
operated manually. Details for the choke oper _tionare
covered in the separate engine manual pacced with
your unit. See figure 7.
SHIFT LEVER
The shift lever is located in the center of the console
and has three positions, FORWARD, NEUTI{AL and
REVERSE. See figure 8. The clutch-brake pe Jal must
be depressed and the lawn tractor must not b_ moving
when shifting gears. Do not force the shft lever.
Release the clutch-brake pedal slightly to lin ; up the
shifting collar in the transmission. Then try to shift
gears.
SPEEDCONTROLLEVER
The speed control lever is located either on :he con-
sole or on the right fender. See figure 8. Th_= speed
control lever allows you to regulate the grourd speed
of the lawn tractor. To select the ground speed,
depress clutch pedal. Move speed control lev,_r out of
the notches and backward to slow lawn tractor forward
to increase speed. When desired speed his been
obtained, release lever in that position. _Ahenever
clutch is released, unit will automatically go to the pre-
set speed.
IGNITIONSWITCH
The engine is started by turning the key to th_ START
position. After the engine starts, let the key eturn to
the ON position. To stop the engine, turn the k ;y to the
left to the OFF position and remove it to prey ;nt acci-
dental starting. See figure 7.
Speed
Control
Lever
Speed
Shift Control
Lever Lever
FIGURE 8.
LIGHTSWITCH(Optional)
Push the light switch to turn on the lights. The lights
will only operate when the engine is running.
NOTE: If your unit is not equipped with alight switch,
the lights will be on when the engine is running.
AMMETER (Optional)
The ammeter registers the rate of battery charge or
discharge. The ammeter will register on the discharg-
ing side when starting the engine. It should register on
the opposite side (charging) when the engine is run-
ning in the fast position until the battery is completely
charged. With a fully charged battery or with the
engine idling,the ammeter will not show a charge. See
figure 7.
CLUTCH-BRAKE PEDAL
The clutch-brake pedal is located on the left side of the
lawn tractor. Depressing the clutch-brake pedal part
way disengages the clutch. Pressing the pedal all the
way down disengages the clutch and engages the disc
brake. See figure 7.
NOTE: The clutch-brake pedal must be depressed to
start the engine.
PARKINGBRAKE
The speed control lever is used to set the parking
brake. To set the parking brake, depress the clutch-
brake pedal. Move the speed control lever out of the
notches to the parking brake position. Release the
speed control lever and the clutch-brake pedal
To release the parking brake, depress the clutch-brake
pedal and move the speed control lever out of the
notches to the desired position. Release the speed
control lever and the clutch-brake pedal.
NOTE: The parking brake must be set if the operator
leaves the seat with the engine running.
INTERLOCKS(Not Shown)
Interlock safety switches are located by the clutch-
brake pedal, the lift lever, the shift lever and under the
seat.
8

Beforethe enginewill start,the clutch-brakepedal
mustbedepressedallthewayandtheliftlevermust
beintheBLADESOFFposition.
Beforethe unitcanbe shiftedinto reverseor if the
operatorleavestheseat,theliftlevermustbeinthe
BLADESOFFposition.
INDICATOR LIGHTS (Optional)
If your unit is equipped with indicator lights, two or
three indicator lights are located in the dash panel. If a
light illuminates when attempting to start the unit, pro-
ceed as follows.
CLUTCH--Depress the clutch pedal.
PTO--Place lift lever in the BLADES OFF position.
OiL (Vanguard Engines Only)--Check the crankcase
oil level, and add oil as required.
CUTTING CONTROLS
A. LIFT LEVER
The lift lever is used to raise and lower the cutting deck
and to engage and disengage the blades. Pulling it all
the way back and locking it disengages the blades.
NOTE: The lift lever must be in the BLADES OFF posi-
tion when starting the engine, when shifting into reverse
and if the operator leaves the seat. See figure 9.
OPERATION
WARNING
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
• GOUP AND DOWNSLOPES,NOTACROSS,• AVOIDSUDDENTURNS.
• DO NOT OPERATETHE UNITWHERE IT COULDSLiP OR TiP.
• IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BLADE(S) AND BACK
DOWNHILLSLOWLY.
•DONOTMOWWHENCHILDRENOROTHERSAREAROUND.
• NEVERCARRYCHILDREN.
• LOOKDOWNANDBEHINDBEFOREANDWHILEBACKING.
• KEEPSAFETYDEVICES(GUARDS, SHIELDS,ANDSWITCHES) IN
PLACEANDWORKING.
• REMOVEOBJECTSTHATCOULDBETHROWNBYTHEBLADE(S),
• KNOWLOCATIONANDFUNCTIONOFALLCONTROLS.
•BESUREBLADE(S) ANDENGINEARESTOPPEDBEFOREPLACING
HANDSORFEETNEARBLADE(S).
• BEFORELEAVINGOPERATOR'SPOSITION,DISENGAGEBLADE(S),
PLACETHESHIFTLEVERINNEUTRAL,ENGAGEBRAKELOCK,SHUT
ENGINEOFFANDREMOVEKEY
READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL
GAS AND OIL FILL-UP
NOTE: To open the hood, simply lift up on both sides
of the hood.
Check oil level and add if necessary. Service the
engine with gasoline as instructed in the sepa-
rate engine manual packed with your tractor.
Read instructions carefully,
IMPORTANT: Your tractor is shipped with oil; how-
ever, you must check the oil level before operating.
Be careful not to overfill.
oDeck
Lift Indicator •
,(Option_ \_:a Jk--'_
%
FIGURE 9.
B. DECK LIFT INDICATOR (Optional Equipment)
If so equipped, the deck lift indicator marks the posi-
tion being used for the lift lever. Select the lift lever
position desired, press the indicator lever outward,
move it to the position immediately below the lift lever
and release the indicator lever. See figure 9.
C. SETTING THE CU'I-rlNG HEIGHT
1. Select the position for the lift lever which gives the
desired cutting height. Move the deck lift indicator
(if so equipped) so that the lift lever can be
returned to the same position after it is raised.
2. Move the deck wheels (if so equipped) to the hole
location so the wheels are 1/4 to 1/2 inch above
the ground.
WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors,
with engine running or while engine is
hot.
STARTINGTHEENGINE
1. Depress the clutch-brake pedal and set the park-
ing brake.
2. Place the lift lever in the BLADES OFF position.
See figure 9.
IMPORTANT: This unit is equipped with a safety
interlock system for your protection. The purpose of
the safety interlock system is to prevent the engine
from cranking or starting unless the clutch-brake pedal
is depressed and the lift lever is in the BLADES OFF
position. In addition, the lift lever must be in the
BLADES OFF position when the unit is put into
reverse or the engine will shut off. If the operator
leaves the seat with the lift lever engaged and/or with-
out setting the parking brake, the engine will shut off.
WARNING: Do not operate the lawn
tractor if the interlock system is malfunc-
tioning because it is a safety device,
designed for protection.

3. Set the throttle control in the FAST posi ion, See
figure 7.
4. Pull out choke knob to choke engine ia warm
engine may not require choking).
5. Turn the ignition key to the START positk n. When
the engine is running, let the key return t_Jthe ON
position. See figure 7.
6. Push choke knob in gradually. Move th_ throttle
control to desired engine speed.
STOPPINGTHEENGINE
Turn the ignition key to the left to the OFF position.
Remove the key to prevent accidental starting
IMPORTANT: If you strike a foreign object, stop the
engine. Remove wire from spark plug, th)roughly
inspect the unit for any damage, and re3air the
damage before restarting and operating the iTower.
NOTE: tf any problems are encountered, ret =.rto the
Trouble Shooting Guide on page !9.
OPERATINGTHELAWNTRACTOR
1, Move throttle control to full throttle to prevent
strain on the engine and to operate th_ cutting
blades.
2. Place the shift lever in either the FORWARD or
REVERSE position.
,_ WARNING: Look to the before back-
rear
ing up.
3. Release the parking brake by depres_;ing the
clutch-brake pedal, pressing outward on the
speed control lever and moving to desir_,d posi-
tion. Use first speed position when oper_ ting the
lawn tractor for the first time.
4. Release clutch-brake pedal slowly to put unit into
motion.
5. The lawn tractor is brought to a stop by depress-
ing the clutch-brake pedal.
NOTE: When operating the un# initially, thera will be
little difference between the highest two spe, _,dsuntil
after the belts have seated themselves into th__pulleys
during the break-in period.
Be sure that the lawn is clear of stones, sticks wire, or
other objects which could damage lawn m3wer or
engine. For best results and to insure more ev,;n grass
distribution, do not mow when lawn is excessi_ ely wet.
&WARNING: Before leaving the op.=rator's
position for any reason, diseng=lge the
blades, place the shift lever in neutral,
engage the parking brake, shut en ;line off
and remove the key.
When stopping the unit to empty a grass bag, etc.,
follow the instructions above. This procedure will also
eliminate "browning" the grass, which is caused by hot
exhaust gases from a running engine.
If unit stalls with speed control in high speed, or if unit
will not operate with speed control lever in a low speed
position, proceed as follows.
1. Place shift lever in NEUTRAL.
2. Restart engine.
3. Place speed control lever in high speed position.
4. Release clutch-brake pedal fully.
5. Depress clutch-brake pedal.
6. Place speed control lever in desired position.
7. Place shift lever in either FORWARD or
REVERSE, and follow normal operating proce-
dures.
OPERATINGTHE CUTTING BLADES
The cutting blades may be engaged while the lawn
tractor is moving or standing still. DO NOT engage the
cutting blades abruptly as the sudden belt tension on
the pulley may cause the engine to stall.
_i WARNING: Keep feet and hands away
from the discharge opening, the blades or
any part of the deck. When the unit is
used for other than mowing operations,
the blade drive should be disengaged.
Move the lift lever into the BLADES OFF position to
raise the deck and disengage the blades.
GRASSCOLLECTORAVAILABLE
GRASS COLLECTOR model 190-063-000 is available
as optional equipment for the lawn tractors with 36",
38" or 42" decks. Grass collector model 190-103-000
is available for lawn tractors with 46" decks.
WARNING: The mower should not be
operated without the entire grass catcher
or chute deflector in place.
NOTE: Under normal usage bag material is subject to
wear, and should be checked periodically. Be sure to
use only factory authorized replacement bag.
10
ADJUSTMENTS
SEATADJUSTMENT
The seat may be adjusted to different positions. Refer
to seat installation section of assembly instructions.
DECKLEVELINGADJUSTMENT
If an uneven cut is obtained, the deck may be leveled
by following instructions at end of assembly section.