Yard Machines 690 Series User manual

I
MTDPRODUCTSINC.P.O.BOXil6SO22CLEVELAND'OHIO44136'9722
I
PRINTED
IN
U.S.A FORM
NO.770-101178
(11/00)
.\ I
no /t ,-
rfunotrlltctt'
OPERATOR'S
MANUAL
Hydrostatic
Lawn
Tractor
Model
Series
690
-699
IMPORTANT:
READ
SAFETY
RULES
AND
INSTRUCTIONS
CAREFULLY
warning: This
unit
isequipped
with
an
internal
combustion
engine
and
should
not
be
used
on
or
near
any
unrmproved
forest-
covered,
brush-covered
or
grass-covered
land
unless
theenglne's
exhaust
system
iSequipped
with
aspark
arrester
meellng
appricabre
rocar
orstate
raw's
(if
any).
rfa spark
arresler
isusld, itshould
bemaintained
ineffective
working
order
bythe
operator'
lnthestateolcalilorniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw(section
4442otthecaliforniaPublicResourcescode)
otherstatesmaynave
simirar
raws.
Federar
raws
appry
on
federar
rands.
Aspark
arrester
for
the
muffler
is
available
through
your
nearesl
engine
authorized
servicbdea|erorcontacttn"'."*i""department'P'o'Boxg68022C|eve|and,ohio44136.9722.
\
> -
\--
- \t.

TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
Content
Important
Sa{e
Operation
Assembling
Your
Lawn
Tractor """"""" "
8
Know
Your
Lawn
Tractor.................. """""12
Operating
YourLawn
Tractor
Making
Adjustments
Maintaining
YourLawn
Tractor
Optional
Equipment
Troubleshooting
FINDING
MODEL
NUMBER
ThisOperator's
Manual
isan
tmportant
part
of
your
new
lawntractor.
lt
willhelp
you
assemble,
prepare
and
maintain
theunit
forbest
performance.
Please
readand
understand
what
itsays.
Before
you
startassembling
your
newequipment,
please
locate
the
model
plate
on
the
equipment
and
copy
theinformation
from
itin
thespace
provided
below.
The
information
on
the
model
plate
is
veryimportant
if
you
need
help
fromour
Customer
Support
Department
or
anauthorized
dealer.
you
can
locate
the
model
number
by
pivoting
theseat
forward
and
looking
under
it
at
theseat
plvot
bracket.
Asample
model
plate
isexplained
below.
For
future
reference,
please
copy
the
model
number
and
theserial
number
oftheequipment
inthespace
below.
14
't6
17
ZZ
ZJ
(Model
Number) (Serial
Number)
MTD MTDPRODUCTS
INC
CLEVELAND,
OHIO 44136
rf
Copy
the
model
number
here:
Copy
theserial
number
here:
\
lf
you
have
difficulty
assembling
this
product
or
haveany
questions
regarding
the
controls'
operation
or
maintenance
ofthis
unit,
please
callthe
Customer
Support
Department.
Call
1-
(330)
220-4MTD
(4683)or
1-
(800)-800-7310
toreach
aCustomer
Support
representative.
Please
have
your
unit's
model
number
and
serial
number
ready
when
you
call.
See
previous
section
to
locate
this
information.
You
willbe
asked
toenter
the
serial
number
inorder
to
process
your
call.
CALLING
./
L

SECTI0N1: IMP0RTANT
SAFE
0PERATI0NPRACTICES
GENERAL
OPERATION
1. Read,
understand,
and
follow
all
instructions
onthe
machine
and
in
themanual(s)
beforeattempting
to
assemble
andoperate.Keep
thismanualin
asafe
place
forfuture
andregularreference
andfor
orderingreplacement
parts.
2. Befamiliarwith
allcontrols
andtheir
proper
operation.
Knowhowto
stopthemachine
and
disengagethem
quickly.
3. Never allow
childrenunder14
years
oldto
operate
thismachine.
Children
14
years
oldandover
should
read
and
understandthe
ooeration
instructions
and
safety
rules
inthismanual
and
should
betrained
andsupervised
byaparent.
4. Never
allowadultstoooerate
thismachinewithout
proper
instruction.
5. Tohelp avoid
bladecontactor
athrown object
injury,keep
bystanders,helpers,
children
and
pets
at
least
75feetfrom
themachinewhile
itisin
operation.
Stop
machine
ifanyone
entersthe
area.
6. Thoroughly
inspectthe
areawherethe
equipment
isto
beused.Remove
allstones,
sticks,wire,
bones,toys,
andotherforeign
objects
which
could
be
picked
upandthrown
by
the
blade(s).Thrown
objects
can
causeserious
personal
injury.
7. Plan
your
mowing
pattern
to
avoiddischarge
of
material
towardroads,
sidewalks,
bystanders
and
thelike.
Also,
avoiddischargingmaterial
against
a
wallorobstruction
whichmay
causedischarged
material
toricochet
backtoward
theoperator.
8. Alwayswear
safety
glasses
orsafety
goggles
duringoperation
and
while
performing
an
adjustment
orrepairto
protect
your
eyes.Thrown
objectswhich
ricochet
cancause
serious
injury
to
the
eyes.
9. Wear
sturdy,rough-soledwork
shoesandclose-
fitting
slacksand
shirls.Loosefitting
clothes
and
jewelry
canbecaughtinmovable
parts.
Never
operatethis
machinein
barefeetor
sandals.
10.Be
aware
of
themower
and
attachmentdischarge
direction
anddonot
point
it
atanyone.Donot
WARNING:
Thissymbol
points
outimportant
safetyinstructionswhich,ifnotfollowed.
could
endangerthe
person4l
safety
and/or
property
ofyourself and
others.
Read
and
follow
allinstructionsin
thismanual
before
attemptingto
operatethismachine.Failure
to
comply
withtheseinstructions
mayresultin
personal
injury.
When
you
seethissymbol-heedits
warning.
DANGER: This
machinewas
builttobe
operatedaccordingtotherulesfor
safeoperation
in
thisman-
ual.Aswith
anytypeof
power
equipment,
carelessnessorerroronthe
part
ofthe
operatorcan
result
in
seriousinjury.This
machineis
capable
ofamputatinghandsandfeet
and
throwing
objects.Failure
to
observethefollowing
safetyinstructions
couldresultin
serious
injury
ordeath.
WARNING:Engine
exhaust,
someof its
constituents,andcerlainvehicle
components
containor
emit chemicalsknown to the State of Californiato cause cancer and birlh defects
or other
reproductive
harm.
operatethemowerwithout
the
dischargecoveror
entire
grass
catcher
inits
proper
place.
11. Donot
put
handsorfeet
nearrotating
parts
or
underthe
cuttingdeck.Contactwiththe
blade(s
r
canamoutatehands
and
feet.
12.Amissing
ordamageddischarge
covercan
cause
bladecontactor
thrown
objectinjuries.
13.Stoptheblade(s)when
crossing
graveldrives,
walks,
or
roads
and
while
not
cutting
grass.
14.Watchfortrafficwhen
operatingnear
orcrossing
roadways.
This
machine
isnotintended
for
useon
any
public
roadway.
15.Donot
operatethe
machine
while
underthe
influenceofalcoholordrugs.
16.Mow
only
in
daylightor
good
artificiallight.
17. Never
carry
passengers.
18.Disengage
blade(s)beforeshiftingintoreverse.
Back
upslowly.
Always
look
downandbehind
beforeandwhilebackingto
avoidaback-over
accident.
19.
Slowdownbeforeturning.
Operatethemachine
smoothly.Avoiderratic
operationandexcessive
speed.
20.Disengage
blade(s),
place
control
leverinneutral,
set
parking
brake,stopengineandwaituntilthe
blade(s)cometoacomplete
stopbefore
removrng
grass
catcher,emptying
grass,
uncloggingchute,
removing
any
grass
ordebris,
or
making
any
adjustments.
21.Neverleave
arunning machineunattended.
Alwaysturnoffblade(s),
set
parking
brake,stop
engine
andremovekey
beforedismounting.
22. Useextracare when
loadingorunloadingthe
machineinto
atrailerortruck.Thisunit
should
not
bedrivenupordown
ramp(s),
becausethe
unit
could
tip
over,causingserious
personal
injury.The
unitmustbe
pushed
manuallyonramp(s)
toload
or
unload
properly.
23. Muffler
andenginebecome
hot
andcancause
a
burn.
Donottouch.
24. Checkoverheadclearancescarefully
beforedriving
under
low
hangingtreebranches,wires,
door

openrngs
etc.,
where
theoperator
maybe
strucK
or
oulled
from
theunit,
which
could
result
in
serious
Inlury.
25.Depress
the
brake
pedal
completely
and
place
the
control
lever
in
neutral
before
attempttng
tostart
engine.
26.
Yourmachine
isdesigned
tocut
normal
residential
grass
ofaheight
nomore
than
10".Do
notattempt
tomow
through
unusually
tall,dry
grass
(e.9..
pasture)
or
piles
of
dry
leaves.
Dry
grass
or
leaves
maycontact
theengine
exhaust
and/or
buildup
on
the
mower
deck
presenting
a
potentialfirehazard.
27.Use
only
accessories
andattachments
approved
forthis
machine
by
the
machine
manufacturer.
Read.understand
and
follow
all
instructions
provided
withthe
approved
accessory
or
attachment.
28 Data
rndicates
thatoperators,
age60
years
and
above,
are
involved
inalarge
percentage
of
rtdtng
mower-related
iniuries.
These
operators
should
evaluate
theirabilrty
tooperate
the
riding
mower
safely
enough
to
protect
themselves
and
others
fromserious
inlury.
29.lfsituations
occur
whichare
notcovered
inthis
manual,use
care
and
good
judgment.
Contact
an
authorized
service
dealer
forasststance.
SLOPE
OPERATION
Slopes
are
amajor
factor
related
to
lossofcontrol
and
tip-over
accidents
whichcan
result
insevere
injuryor
death.
Allslopes
requireextra
cautlon.
lf
you
cannot
back
up
theslope
or
if
you
feeluneasy
on
it,
do
notmow
it.
For
your
safety,
u5;e
the
slope
gauge
included
as
part
of
thismanual
to
measure
slopes
before
operating
this
unit
ona
sloped
or
hillyarea.
lftheslope
is
greater
than
1
5degrees
asshown
on
theslope
gauge,
do
not
operate
thisuniton
thatarea
orserious
injury
could
result.
DO:
1. Mowup
anddown
slopes,
notacross.
Exercise
extreme
caution
whenchanging
direction
on
SIODES.
2. Watch
forholes,
ruts,bumps,
rocks,or
other
hiddenobjects.
Uneven
terraincould
overturn
the
machine.
Tallgrass
can
hideobstacles
3. Use
slow
speed.
Choose
alowenough
speed
setting
so
that
you
will
nothave
tostopor
shift
while
on
theslope.
Tiresmay
losetraction
on
slopes
even
though
the
brakes
are
functioning
properly.
Always
keep
machine
in
gear
when
going
down
slopes
totake
advantage
ofengine
braking
action.
4. Follow
the
manufacturer's
recommendations
for
wheel
weights
orcounterweights
to
improve
stability.
5. Use
extracare
with
grass
catchers
orother
attachments.
Thesecan
change
thestability
of
the
machine.
6. Keep
all
movement
ontlre
slopes
slow
and
gradual'
Donot
make
sudden
changes
in
speed
or
direction.
Rapid
engagement
orbraking
could
cause
the
front
of
the
machine
toliftand
rapidly
flipover
backwards
whichcould
cause
serious
injurY.
7. Avoid
starting
orstopping
onaslope'
lf
tireslose
traction,
disengage
theblade(s)
and
proceed
slowly
straight
down
thesloPe.
DO
NOT:
1. Do
not
turnon
slopes
unless
necessary;
then,
turn
slowly
and
graduallydownhill,
if
possible.
2. Do
not
mow
neardrop-offs,
ditches
or
embankments.
The
mower
could
suddenly
turn
over
if
a
wheel
isover
theedge
ofa
cliff
,
ditch,or
if
an
edge
caves
in.
3. Do
nottry
tostabilize
the
machine
by
putting
your
footon
the
ground.
4. Donot
usea
grass
catcher
onsteep
slopes.
5. Do
notmow
on
wet
grass.
Reduced
traction
could
cause
sliding.
6. Do
notshift
to
neutral
andcoast
downhtll.
Over-
speeding
maycause
theoperator
tolosecontrol
of
the
machine
resulting
inserious
injury
ordeath.
7. Do
nottow
heavy
pull
behind
attachments
(e.g'
loaded
dump
cart,
lawn
roller,etc.)
on
slopes
greater
than
5degrees.
When
going
down
hill,the
extra
weight
tends
to
push
the
tractor
and
may
cause
you
to
loose
control.
(e.g.tractor
mayspeed
up,braking
andsteering
ability
are
reduced,
attachment
may
jack-knife
and
cause
tractor
to
overturn).
CHILDREN
Tragic
accidents
can
occur
ifthe
operator
is
not
alert
to
the
presence
ofchildren.
Children
are
often
attracted
tothe
machine
and
themowing
activity.
They
do
notunderstand
thedangers.
Never
assume
that
children
will
remain
where
you
last
saw
them.
a. Keep
children
outof
the
mowing
areaand
in
watchfulcare
of
aresponsible
adult
other
than
the
operator.
b. Bealert
and
turn
machine
off
ifachild
enters
thearea.
c. Before
and
while
backing,
lookbehind
and
down
forsmall
children.
d. Never
carry
children,
even
withthe
blade(s)
shut
off.
They
may
falloff
and
beseriously
injured
or
interfere
withsafe
machine
ooeration.
e. Use
extreme
care
whenapproaching
blind
corners,
doorways,
shrubs,
trees
or
other
objects
that
mayblock
your
visionof
achild
who
may
run
intothe
machine.

f. Disengagethe
cuttingblade(s)before
shifting
inreverse.The
"No-Cut-ln
Reverse"
featureis
aremindernottocutinreverse
and
toheloavoid
backoveraccidents.
Donot
defeatit.
g. Keep
childrenawayfromhot
or
running
engines.They
cansufferburnsfromahot
muffler.
h. Removekeywhenmachineis
unattendedto
prevent
u
nauthorized
ooeration.
9. Never allowchildrenunder14
years
oldtooperate
themachine.
Children
14
years
old
andovershould
read
andunderstandthe
operation
instructions
and
safety
rulesin
thismanual
andshouldbe
trained
andsupervised
byaparent.
TOWING
1. Tow
onlywith
amachine that
has
ahitchdesigned
fortowing.
Donot
attach
towed
equipmentexcept
atthehitch
ooint.
2. Followthemanufacturersrecommendation
for
weightlimitsfortowed
equipmentandtowing
on
stooes.
3. Never allowchildrenor
others
in
orontowed
equipment.
4. Onslopes,theweight
of
thetowed
equipmentmay
cause
loss
oftraction
and
loss
ofcontrol.
5. Travelslowly
andallowextra
distance
to
stop.
6. Donot
shifttoneutral andcoast
downhil'.
SERVICE
SAFEHANDLING
OFGASOLINE:
1. Toavoid
personal
injury
or property
damage
useextremecareinhandling
gasoline.
Gasolineis
extremely
flarflmable
andthevapors
areexplosive.
Serious
personal
injurycanoccurwhen
gasoline
is
spilledon
yourself
or
your
clothes
which
canignite.
Wash
your
skinandchangeclothesimmediately.
a. Useonlyanapproved
gasoline
container.
b. Neverfill
containers
inside
avehicleor
ona
truck
ortrailerbedwithaplastic liner.Always
place
containersonthe
ground
awayfrom
your
vehicle
beforefilling.
c. When
practical,
remove
gas-powered
equipment
from
thetruckortrailer
and
refuel
it
onthe
ground.
lfthisisnot
possible,
then
refuel
suchequipmentonatrailerwith
a
portable
container,ratherthanfrom
a
gasoline
dispenser
nozzle.
d. Keep thenozzlein
contact
with
therimofthe
fuel
tankorcontaineropening
atalltimes
untilfuelingiscomplete.Donot
useanozzle
lock-open
device.
e. Extinguish
allcigarettes,cigars,
pipes
and
othersourcesofignition.
f. Neverfuel
machineindoors.
g Neverremove gas
caporaddfuelwhilethe
engine
rshot
or
running.
Allow
engineto
cool
at
leasttwo
minutes
before
refueling.
h. Never
over
fillfueltank.Fill
tanktonomore
lhan
1/z
inch
belowbottomoffillerneck
to
allowspace
f
or
f
uelexpanston.
i. Replace
gasoline
capand
trghten
securely.
j. lf
gasoline
issprlled.
rvrpe
toffthe
engine
andequipment.
Move
unrt
to
anotherarea.
Wait
5minutesbeforestartrngthe engine.
k. To
reduce
firehazards,keepmachine
free
of
grass,
leaves,orother
debrisbuild-upClean
upoilor
fuel
spillageandremoveanyfuel
soakeddebris.
l. Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainer
insidewherethereis
anopen
flame.
sparkor
pilot
light
asona
waterheater,
space
heater.
furnace,clothesdryerorother
gas
annliannpc
m. Allow
amachineto coolat
least
5minutes
beforestoring.
GENERALSERVICE:
1. Neverrun
an
engineindoors
or
in
apoorly
ventilated
area.
Engine
exhaustcontainscarbon
monoxide,anodorless,anddeadly
gas.
2. Before
cleaning,
repairing,
or
inspecting,make
certaintheblade(s)andallmoving
parts
have
stopped.
Disconnectthe
spark
plug
wire
and
ground
againsttheengineto
prevent
unintended
starting.
3. Periodically check
tomake
surethebladescometo
complete
stop
withinapproximately
(5)five
secondsafteroperatingthebladedisengagemenl
control.lfthebladesdonotstoowithinthethistime
frame,
your
unitshouldbeserviced
professionally
byanauthorizedservicedealer.
4. Check brakeoperationfrequently
as
itissublected
towear
during
normaloperation.Adjust
and
servrce
as
reouired.
5. Checktheblade(s)andenginemountingbollsat
frequentintervalsfor
proper
tightness.
Also,
visuallyinspectblade(s)fordamage
(e.9..
excessive
wear,
bent,cracked).
Replacetheblade(s)withtheoriginalequipment
manufacturer's
(O.E.M.)
blade(s)only.
listedin
this
manual.
"Use
ofoartswhichdo
notmeetthe
originalequipmentspecifications
maylead
to
improper
performance
andcompromisesafetyl"
6. Mowerbladesaresharp.Wrap
the
bladeorwear
gloves,
anduseextracaution
when
servicingthem.
7. Keep
all
nuts,
bolts,and
screwstrghttobesurethe
equipmentis
in
safe
workingconditron.
8. Nevertamperwiththesafety
interlock
systemor
othersafetydevices.
Checktheir
proper
operation
regularly.
9. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,
stop
the
engine,
disconnectthespark
plug
wire(s)
and
ground
against
theengine.Thoroughly
inspect
the

wARNING: YOUR
RESPONSIBILITY
Restrict
theuse
ofthis
powermachine
to personswhoread'
understand
and
follow
the
warnings
and
instructions
in
this
manual
and
on
the
machine.
NOTE: Notatt
safetylabels
shownmayapplytoyourlawntractor'
machine
forany
damage.
Repair
the
damage
before
starting
and
oPerating.
10.
Never
attempt
tomake
adjustments
orrepairs
to
the
machine
while
the
engine
isrunning.
11.Grass
catchel
components
and
thedischarge
cover
are
subject
to
wearand
damage
which
could
expose
moving
parts
orallow
objects
tobe
thrown'
Forsafety
protection,frequently
check
components
and
replace
immediately
withoriginal
equipment
manufacturels
(O.E.M.)
parts
only,
listed
inthis
manual.
"Use
of
parts
which
do
not
meet
the
original
equipment
specifications
may
lead
to
improper
performance
and
compromise
safety!"
12.
Do
not
change
the
engine
governorsettings
or
over-speed
the
engine.
The
governor
controls
the
maximum
safe
operating
speed
of
the
engine.
13.
Maintain
or
replace
safety
and
instruction
labels,
as
necessary.
14.Observe
proper
disposal
laws
and
regulations
for
gas,
oil,
etc.
to
protecttheenvironment.
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Label
shape
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Labelcontents
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SECTI0N
3: ASSEMBLING
YOUR
LAWN
TRACTOR
NOTE: This manual covers various models of
hydrostatictractors within the 690 series. Please use
tnstructions
pertaining
only
to
yourtractor-
Unpacking
. Remove
all
screws
from
topof
thecrate
using
1/4
hex
head
socket
or
a
flatblade
screwdriver.
. Toremove
ends,
grasp
top
board
on
the
end,and
pulltowards
you
in
downward
motion.
(A
hammer
may
be
helpful).
Set
panel
aside
toavoid
ttre
damage.Repeat
procedure
on
other
sides'
. Remove
and
discard
plastic
bag
whichcovers
unlt.
. Loose
parts
(may
include
the
owner's
gulde'
steering
wheel,
optional
oil
drain
sleeve
or
hose,
battery
fluid,chute
deflector,
optional
mulching
plug.
etc.)
are
on
theseat
or
inabox
wrapped
in
plastic.
Carefully
cut
and
remove
the
plastic
wrap.
Remove
the
loose
Parts.
. Make
sure
that
parking
brake
and
hydrostatic
transmisston
relief
valveare
released
and
unit
is
in
neutral.
See
page12-12
forthe
location
of
the
parkrng
brake
release
and
the
hydrostatlc
relief
valve.
. Raise
thedeck
and
push
theunit
off
theskid.
NOTE: Reference
to right or left side of the unit is
observed
from the operating
positionon the driver's
seat,
facing
forward.
Tools
Required
Antidote
Use
the
following
antidotes
if
you
come
incontact
with
thebattery
acid.
External-
Flush
with
water.
Internal
-Drink
large
quantities
of
water
or
milk.
Follow
with
milkof
magnesia,
beaten
eggs
or
vegetable
oil.
Call
physicianimmediatelY.
Eyes
- Flush
withcool
water
forat
least
15
minutes'
then
get
prompt
medical
attention.
lfacid
spills
on
clothing,
firstdilute
it
withclean
water,
then
neutralize
with
asolution
ofammonia/
water
or
baking
soda/water.
IMPORTANT:Since
battery
acid
iscorrosive,
do
not
pour
itintoany
sink
ordrain.
Before
discarding
empty
electrolvte
containers,
rinse
with
aneutralizing
solution
WARNING: To avoid sParks, NEVER
connect or disconnectchargerclips to
battery
while
charger
isturned
on.
Keep all lighted materials (cigarettes'
matches,
lighters)away from the battery
as the hydrogen gas generated during
charging
can
becombustible.
As a further
precaution,only charge
the
battery in a well-ventilatedarea. Make
certain
venting pathof battery
drain tube
(if
equipped)
isalwaYs
oPen-
Socket
wrenc'Ir
114"or
flat
blade
screwdriver
Adjustable
orsocket
wrench
1/2' .
Adjustable
orsocket
wrench
9/16
Pairof
adlustable
orsocket
wrenches
7/16"
lf
your
tractor
steering
wheel
cap
issquare'
you
must
usea
socket
wrench
toinstall
the
steering
wheel.
ldentifying
BatterY
T1tPe
1.
z.
4.
a
Handling
Battery
WABNING:
The battery
contains
sulfuric
acid. This battery acid must be handled
with great
care
ascontact
with it canburn
and blisterskin.Wearprotective
clothing
(goggles,rubber
gloves
and
apron)
when
working with it. Keepbatteries
out of the
reach
ofchildren.
IMPORTANT:
Should
battery
acidaccidentally
splatter
into
theeyes
orontothe
face,
rinse
theaffected
area
immediately
withclean,
cold
water.
Refer
to
the
antidotes
mentioned
below.
lfthere
isany
further
discomfort,
seek
prompt
medical
attention.
@"e)@au)
Jaz
t :.r
"-:*
I
Type
"B"
Figure
1

. Comparethe
batteryin
your
lawn
tractor
(located
undertheseat)withtheillustration
above.Type
"A"
batteriesareactivated
andarereadyto
use.Type
"8"
batteriesmust
be
filled
with
battery
fluid
(acid)
andcharged
beforetheyare
put
into
service.
Followinstructions
which
applytothe
batteryin
your
lawntractor
only.
Activating
&
Charging
Battery
(Type
"8" Battery
Only)
WARNING:
Donotactivatebattery (i.e.
fill
with battery
acid) until batteryis actually
placedin service.
Readwarnings
about
battery
usagein the previouspage
before
activatingthebattery.
Pivotthe
seat
pivot
bracketforward.
Unhookthe
strapwhich
securesthebattery
(hook
isonrear
frame,
underthefender).
Disconnect
the
positive
cable
from
the
positive
terminal.
Savethehardware
forreassembly.
Remove
the
batteryfromthelawn
tractor,
paying
attentiontohow
thebatteryis
placed
inthe
unit,
and
how
thedraintube
(attached
tothe
battery)is
routed.
Activate
thebattery
as
instructed
inthe
"Quick
Start"brochureincluded
with
thebattervfluid.
Read
instructions
carefullv.
NOTE: You
cancontinueto assemblethelawntractor
while the batteryis standing for 30 minutes after acid
fill-up,
andlaterwhile
youarecharging
thebattery.
IMPORTANT:
Toobtainmaximum
lifefrom
thebatterv.
chargeit
prior
toinitial
use.
. Battery
P/N725-1705D:
Chargeat2-3ampsfor
onenour.
. Battery
P/N725-1707D,725-0453G,
and725-
1750:
Chargeat6ampsfor
one
hour.
. Chargebattery
afterthe30-minute
standing
period.
NOTE:lf you chargethebattery
at a lower AMP rate,
use a hydrometer to make sure the battery is
completely
charged.Thehydrometer
shouldread1.260
minimum
atanelectrolyte
temperature
of60-11eF.
WARNING:Do not charge the tractor
batteryatmorethan6amps.
. Placethe
steering
bellow
overthe
steering
shaft
extendingthroughthedash
See
Figure
2.
NOTE: lf the openingson each end of the steering
belloware of two sizes. the smallerend ooes down
againstthe
dashofthe
lawn
tractar
. Withthewheels
pointing
straight
p
ace
the
steering
wheel
overthesteeringshaft.
posrt
onrngthe
steeringwheel
asdesired.
. Placethe
washerwiththe
cuppeds,dedow,n
over
thesteering
shaft.Securewithhex
iocx
DoltSee
Figure2.
NOTE:lf
your
tractor
steeringwheel
cap
is
seudre
j/oLl
mustuseasocketwrench.
. Placethe
steeringwheel
capoverthecente.or:he
steering
wheel
and
press
itwith
your
hand
HexLock
Steering
Bellow
Figure2
AttachingSeat
NOTE: Your tractor rs equipped with one of lhe
followingtypesofseats.ldentify
theseattypefron the
illustrations
below.and followinstructions
perlarntne
io
your tractor.
ManualAdjustmentSeat
Removethefour
screwsfromthe
seatand
rernove
the
packrng
straps
from
twoofthe
bolts
Turnthe
seataroundand
place
itin
position
againstthe
seat
pivot
bracket.
lrning
uptheslottedholesinthe
prvot
bracket
wrththeholes
inthe
seat.Selectdes
red
position
f
or
the
seat.andsecurewiththe
four
Attaching
SteeringWheel
Thehardware
for
attachingthe
steeringwheelhas
been
packed
inside
the
steeringwheel.
Carefully
pry
offthe
steeringwheelcap
andremovethehardware.
Remove
the
steeringbellowfromthe
liftlever
on
theright
side
of
the
tractor. Figure
3

NOTE: The seat may have been shippedin a box'
Remove
the fourscrews
fromthe bottom
of seatand
place seat
in position
againstthe seatpivot bracket.
Followthedirections
abovetoattachtheseat.
0uick
AdjustmentSeat
. Remove
thetwo
bolts
from
thebottom
of
theseat
and
remove
the
packing
straps.
Replace
thebolts.
Lineup
plastic
seatspacers
with
theslots
inseat
pivot
bracket.
Slide
seat
inuntil
frontseat
spacer
engages
theseat
stop.
To
adjust
theseat
refer
to
the
Adjustment
Section.
See
Figure
4.
Slol
Figure
4
NOTE:lf theseatwasshipped
ina box,
lineupplasttc
seat spacerswith the slots
in seat pivot bracket
and
slide
seat
inuntiHront
seat
spacer
engages
seat
stop.
WARNING:
Before operatingyour unit,
stand behind
quick adjustment seatand
pull back on seat,making sure seat is
engaged
inseat
stop.
Removing
Shipping
Brace
WARNING:
The shipping
brace,
usedfor
packaging
purposes
only,
mustberemoved
anddiscarded
before
operating
your
riding
mower.
WARNING:
Make
sure
the riding
mower's
engine
isoff
,
remove
theignition
key,
and
set
the parkingbrake before removing
the
shipping
brace.
Locatethe
shipping
brace
andaccompanying
warning
tagon
the
rightsideof
the
mower,between
thedischarge
chuteand
thecutting
deck.
See
Figure
5.
While
holding
thedischarge
chute
with
your
left
hand,
removethe
shipping
brace
with
your
right
handby
graspingitbetween
your
thumb
and
index
finger
and
rotating
itclockwise.
Carefully
allow
thedischarge
chute
to
pivot
downward.
Discard
theshipping
brace
and
accompanylng
warning
tag.
Warning
Tag
Figure5
Installing
The
Mulching
Plug
(rrEquipped)
NOTE:Yourmulching
plugmayalready beinstalledon
thedeck.
Some
lawntractors
come
equipped
witha
mulch
kit
which
incorporates
special
blades,
already
standard
on
all
tractor,
inaprocess
of
recirculating
grass
clipptngs
repeatedly
beneath
thecutting
deck.
The
ultra-f
ine
clippings
are
then
forced
back
into
thelawn
where
they
act
asanatural
fertilizer.Observe
the
following
recommendations
for
thebest
results
when
mulchtng.
NOTE: Themulchkit is installed
on modelsequipped
witha 38"or42-inch
deck.
lt ispacked
separately
(with
an instruction
sheet)
in thecrateon models
equipped
witha46-inchdeck.
. Neverattempt
to
mulch
ifthe
lawn
isdamp.
Wet
grass
tends
tostick
totheunderside
of
thecutting
deck
preventing
proper
mulching
ofthe
clippings
. Do
NOTattempt
to
mulch
more
than
1/3the
total
height
of
the
grass
or
approximately
1-112
inches
Doing
so
willcause
the
clippings
toclump
up
beneath
thedeck
and
not
be
mulchedeffecttvely.
. Maintain
aslow
ground
speed
toallow
the
grass
clippings
more
time
toeffectively
be
mulched.
. Always
positron
the
throttlecontrol
lever
tnthe
FAST
(rabbit)
position
and
allow
itto
rematnthere
while
mowing.
Failing
to
keep
theengine
atfull
throttle
places
strain
on
the
tractor's
engine
and
does
notallow
theblades
to
properly
mulch
grass.
NOTE: tt is not necessary
to remove the discharge
chute
tooperate
the
mower
withthe
mulch
kit
installed.
10