MTD 13AC762F729 Transmatic Lawn Tractor User Manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Adjustment • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Warranty

A O AL

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Transmatic Lawn Tractor- Models 760=779

iMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: Thisunit is equippedwithaninternalcombustionengineandshouldnot beusedon or nearany unimprovedforest-covered,brush-

coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemis equippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).

If a sparkarresteris used,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderby the operator.In theStateof Californiathe aboveis requiredbylaw

(Section4442of the CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode). Otherstatesmay havesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyon federallands.A sparkarrester

for the muffleris availablethroughyour nearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contactthe servicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,

Ohio44136-0019.

PRINTEDIN U.S.A.

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

FORMNO.769-01598B

01/06/2006

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 ........................ 22

Off-Season Storage / Attachments ................. 28

Safety Labels .................................................... 29

Trouble Shooting .............................................. 30

Warranty .............................................. Back Page

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREYOU START ASSEMBLING

YOUR NEW EQUIPMENT,

please locatethe model plate on the equipment and copy the

information to the sample model plate provided to the right.

You can locate the model plate by looking beneathe the seat.

This information will be necessary to use the manufacturer's

web site and/or obtain assistance from the Customer Support

Department or an authorized service 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.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regardingthe controls, operation,or maintenanceof this

unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

1. Visit mtdproducts.com. Click on the Service & Support menu option.

2. Phone a Customer Support Representative at 1 (800) 800-7310.

3. The engine manufacturer is responsiblefor all engine-relatedissues with regardsto performance, power-rating,specifica-

tions, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual, packed separatelywith

your unit, for more information.

MTD/n_er_@_i®a_ Award Wi_n i_g ?rd_s_ts O_r Com?_ay

Product Menu

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Practices

WARNING

This symbol points

out important safety

instructionswhich, if

notfollowed, could

endangerthe personal

safety and/or property

ofyourself and others.

Readand follow all

I instructions in this man-

ual before attempting to

operatethis machine.

tFailureto comply with

hese instructions may

result in personal injury.

When you see this

symbol.

HEED iTS WARNING

Your

Responsibility

Restrictthe use

of this power machine

to persons who read,

understand

and follow the warnings

and instructions

in this manual

WARNING: Engine Exhaust,some of its constituents, and certain vehicle compo-

nents contain or emit chemicals knownto State of Californiato cause cancer and

birth defects or other reproductiveharm.

DANGER: This machinewas built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this

manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can

result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.

Failureto observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

Children

1. Tragicaccidentscanoccurif the operatoris not

alertto the presenceof children.Childrenareoften

attractedto themachineandthe mowingactivity.

Theydo not understandthe dangers.Neverassume

thatchildrenwill remainwhereyou last sawthem.

a. Keepchildrenout of the mowingarea and in

watchfulcare of a responsibleadultother than

the operator.

b. Bealert andturnmachineoff ifa childenters

the area.

c. Beforeandwhile backing,lookbehindand

downfor smallchildren.

d. Nevercarrychildren,evenwiththe blade(s)

shutoff.Theymayfalloffandbeseriously

injuredor interferewithsafemachineoperation.

e. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblind

corners,doorways,shrubs,treesorother

objectsthat mayblockyourvision of a child

whomayrunintothe machine.

f. To avoid back-over accidents, always

disengagethe cuttingblade(s) before

shiftinginto Reverse.if equipped,the

"Reverse CautionMode"shouldnotbe

used whenchildrenor others are around.

g. Keepchildrenaway from hotor running

engines.Theycan sufferburnsfroma hot

muffler.

h. Removekeywhenmachineis unattendedto

preventunauthorizedoperation.

2. Neverallowchildrenunder 14 yearsold to operate

the machine.Children14yearsoldandovershould

readand understandthe operationinstructionsand

safetyrulesinthis manualandshouldbetrainedand

supervisedbya parent.

Operation

Safe Handling of Gasoline:

1. Toavoid personalinjuryor propertydamageuse

extremecare in handlinggasoline.Gasolineis

extremely flammableand the vapors are explo-

sive. Seriouspersonalinjurycan occurwhengasoline

isspilledon yourselfor yourclotheswhichcan ignite.

Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.

a. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.

b. Neverfill containersinsidea vehicleor on a

truckor trailerbedwitha plasticliner.Always

placecontainerson the groundawayfrom

yourvehiclebeforefilling.

c. Whenpractical,removegas-powered

equipmentfromthe truckor trailerand refuelit

onthe ground.Ifthis isnotpossible,then

refuelsuchequipmenton a trailerwitha

portablecontainer,ratherthan froma gasoline

dispensernozzle.

d. Keepthe nozzlein contactwith the rimof

the fueltankor containeropeningat all

timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donot usea

nozzlelock-opendevice.

e. Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesand

othersourcesof ignition.

f. Neverfuel machineindoors.

g. Neverremovegas cap oraddfuel whilethe

engineishot or running.Allowengineto cool

at leasttwominutesbeforerefueling.

h. Neveroverfill fuel tank.Fill tank to no more

than1/2inchbelowbottomof filler neck to

allowspacefor fuel expansion.

i. Replacegasolinecapand tighten securely.

j. If gasolineis spilled,wipe it off theengine

andequipment.Moveunit to anotherarea.

Wait5 minutesbeforestartingtheengine.

k. Toreducefirehazards,keepmachinefreeof

grass,leaves,orotherdebris build-up.Clean

upoil or fuel spillageand removeanyfuel

soakeddebris.

I. Neverstorethe machineor fuel container

insidewherethere is anopen flame,spark

orpilot lightas on a waterheater,space

heater,furnace,clothesdryerorother gas

appliances.

m. Allowa machineto cool at leastfive minutes

beforestoring.

GeneralOperation:

1. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionsonthe

machineandin the manual(s)beforeattemptingto

assembleand operate.Keepthis manualin a safe

placefor futureandregularreferenceandfor ordering

replacementparts.

2. Be familiarwith allcontrolsandtheir properoperation.

Knowhow to stopthe machineand disengagethem

quickly.

3, Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsold to operate

this machine.Children14years old and overshould

readandunderstandthe operationinstructionsand

safetyrulesinthis manualandshouldbetrainedand

supervisedby a parent.

4. Neverallowadultsto operatethis machinewithout

properinstruction.

5. To helpavoidbladecontactora thrownobject injury,

keep bystanders,helpers,childrenand petsat least

75feet fromthe machinewhileit is in operation.Stop

machineif anyoneenters thearea.

6. Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentis to

be used. Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toys,

andotherforeignobjectswhichcouldbe pickedup

andthrownbythe blade(s).Thrownobjectscancause

seriouspersonalinjury.

7. Planyourmowingpatternto avoiddischargeof

materialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe

like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainstawall or

obstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterialto

ricochetback towardthe operator.

8. Alwayswear safetyglassesor safetygogglesduring

operationand while performingan adjustmentor

repairto protectyoureyes.Thrownobjectswhich

ricochetcancauseseriousinjuryto the eyes.

9. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fitting

slacksandshirts.Loosefittingclothesandjewelry

can becaughtinmovableparts.Neveroperatethis

machinein barefeet or sandals.

10.Be awareof the mowerandattachmentdischarge

directionanddo not pointit at anyone.Donot operate

the mowerwithoutthe dischargecoveror entiregrass

catcherin its properplace.

11.Donot put handsor feetnear rotatingpartsor under

the cuttingdeck. Contactwiththe blade(s)can

amputatehandsand feet.

12.A missingor damageddischargecovercan cause

bladecontactorthrownobjectinjuries.

13.Stop the blade(s)whencrossinggraveldrives,walks,

or roadsand whilenot cuttinggrass.

14.Watchfor trafficwhenoperatingnearor crossing

roadways.This machineis not intendedfor useon

anypublic roadway.

15.Do notoperatethe machinewhileunderthe influ-

enceof alcoholor drugs.

16.Mowonly in daylightor goodartificiallight.

17.Nevercarry passengers.

18.Disengageblade(s)beforeshiftinginto reverse.

Backupslowly.Alwayslookdownandbehindbefore

andwhilebackingto avoida back-overaccident.

19.Slowdownbeforeturning.Operatethe machine

smoothly.Avoiderraticoperationand excessive

speed.

20.Disengageblade(s),set parkingbrake,stopengine

andwaituntilthe blade(s)cometo a completestop

beforeremovinggrass catcher,emptyinggrass,

uncloggingchute,removingany grassor debris,or

makinganyadjustments.

21.Neverleavea runningmachineunattended.Always

turnoff blade(s), placetransmissionin neutral,set

parkingbrake,stopengineand removekey before

dismounting.

22.Useextracare whenloadingorunloadingthe

machineintoa traileror truck. This unit shouldnot

bedrivenupor downramp(s),becausethe unit

couldtip over,causingseriouspersonalinjury.The

unit mustbepushedmanuallyon ramp(s)to load or

unloadproperly.

23.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causea

burn.Do nottouch.

24.Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedriving

underlowhangingtreebranches,wires,dooropen-

ingsetc.,wheretheoperatormaybe struckor pulled

fromthe unit,whichcouldresultinseriousinjury.

25.Disengageall attachmentclutches,depressthe

brakepedalcompletelyandshift into neutralbefore

attemptingto startengine.

26.Yourmachineisdesignedto cutnormalresidential

grassof a heightno morethan 10".Do notattemptto

mowthroughunusuallytall,dry grass(e.g.,pasture)

or pilesof dry leaves.Drygrassor leavesmay

contactthe engineexhaustand/orbuild up on the

mowerdeckpresentinga potentialfire hazard.

27.Use onlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapprovedfor

thismachinebythe machinemanufacturer.Read,

understandandfollowall instructionsprovidedwith

the approvedaccessoryor attachment.

28.Data indicatesthat operators,age 60 yearsand

above,are involvedin a largepercentageof riding

mower-relatedinjuries.Theseoperatorsshould

evaluatetheirabilityto operatethe ridingmower

safelyenoughto protectthemselvesand othersfrom

seriousinjury.

29.If situationsoccurwhichare not coveredin this

manual,usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyour

customerservicerepresentativefor assistance.

........................................................................................

WARNING

This symbol points

out important safety

instructions which, if

not followed, could

endanger the personal

safety and/or property

of yourself and others.

Readand follow all

instructions in this man-

ual before attempting to

operate this machine.

Failureto comply with

these instructionsmay

result in personal injury.

When you see this

symbol.

HEED ITS WARNING

Your

Responsibility

Restrictthe use

of this power machine

to persons who read,

understand

and follow the warnings

and instructions

in this manual

Thissymbolpoints

outimportantsafety

instructionswhich,if

notfollowed,could

endangerthepersonal

i safetyand/orproperty

ofyourselfandothers.

Readandfollowall

instructionsinthisman-

ualbeforeattemptingto

I operatethismachine.

I Failuretocomplywith

theseinstructionsmay

i resultin personalinjury.

Whenyouseethis

symbol.

i HEED ITSWARNING

Your

i Responsibility

Restrictthe use

of this power machine

to persons who read,

understand

and follow the warnings

and instructions

in this manual

Slope Operation:

Slopesare a majorfactor relatedto loss of controland

tip-overaccidentswhichcan resultin severeinjuryor

death.All slopesrequireextracaution.If youcannot

backupthe slopeor if youfeel uneasyon it, do notmow

it.

Foryour safety,usethe slopegaugeincludedas partof

thismanualto measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunit

ona slopedor hillyarea. If the slopeis greaterthan 15

degreesas shownon theslopegauge,do notoperate

thisunit onthatareaor seriousinjurycouldresult.

DO:

1. Mowupanddownslopes,notacross. Exercise

extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

2. Watchfor holes, ruts,bumps,rocks,orother hidden

objects.Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe machine.

Tallgrasscan hideobstacles.

3. Useslowspeed.Choosea low enoughspeed

settingso thatyouwill not haveto stopor shift while

onthe slope.Tires may losetractionon slopeseven

thoughthe brakesare functioningproperly.Always

keepmachineingearwhengoingdown slopesto

takeadvantageof engine brakingaction.

4. Followthe manufacturer'srecommendationsfor

wheelweightsorcounterweightsto improvestability.

5. Useextracare with grasscatchersor otherat-

tachments.Thesecanchangethe stabilityof the

machine.

6. Keepall movementon the slopesslowand gradual.

Do not makesuddenchangesin speedor direction.

Rapidengagementor brakingcouldcausethe front

of the machineto liftand rapidlyflip overbackwards

whichcouldcauseseriousinjury.

7. Avoidstartingor stoppingon a slope.If tireslose

traction,disengagethe blade(s)andproceedslowly

straightdownthe slope.

Do Not:

1. Do notturn on slopesunlessnecessary;then,turn

slowlyandgraduallydownhill,if possible.

2. Do not mownear drop-offs,ditchesor embankments.

Themowercouldsuddenlyturnoverif a wheel is over

the edgeof a cliff,ditch,or if an edgecavesin.

3. Do nottry to stabilizethe machineby puttingyourfoot

onthe ground.

4. Do not usea grasscatcheron steep slopes.

5. Do not mowon wet grass. Reducedtractioncould

causesliding.

6. Do not shiftto neutralandcoastdownhill.Over-speed-

ingmaycausethe operatorto losecontrol of the

machineresultingin seriousinjuryor death.

7. Do nottowheavypullbehindattachments(e.g.loaded

dumpcart, lawnroller,etc.)on slopesgreaterthan

5 degrees.Whengoingdown hill,the extra weight

tendsto pushthe tractorand may causeyou to loose

control.(e.g. tractormayspeedup, brakingand steer-

ingabilityarereduced,attachmentmayjack-knifeand

causetractorto overturn).

Towing:

1. Towonlywitha machinethat hasa hitchdesignedfor

towing.Donot attachtowedequipmentexceptat the

hitchpoint.

2. Followthe manufacturersrecommendationfor weight

limitsfor towedequipmentandtowingon slopes.

3. Neverallowchildrenor othersin oron towedequip-

ment.

4. Onslopes,the weightof the towedequipmentmay

causelossof tractionandlossof control.

5. Travelslowlyandallowextradistanceto stop.

6. Do not shiftto neutralandcoastdownhill.

Service

1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorina poorlyventilated

area. Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,an

odorless,and deadlygas.

2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertain

the blade(s)andall movingparts havestopped.

Disconnectthe sparkplug wireandgroundagainstthe

engineto preventunintendedstarting.

3. Periodicallycheckto make surethe bladescometo

completestop withinapproximately(5) five seconds

afteroperatingthe bladedisengagementcontrol.If the

bladesdo notstop within thethis timeframe,yourunit

shouldbe servicedprofessionallyby an authorized

MTDServiceDealer.

4. Checkbrakeoperationfrequentlyas it is subjectedto

wearduringnormaloperation.Adjustand serviceas

required.

5. Checkthe blade(s)andenginemountingboltsat

frequentintervalsfor propertightness.Also,visually

inspectblade(s)for damage(e.g.,excessivewear,

bent,cracked). Replacethe blade(s)withtheoriginal

equipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)blade(s)only,

listedinthis manual."Useof partswhich do not meet

the originalequipmentspecificationsmaylead to

improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"

6. Mowerbladesaresharp.Wrapthe bladeor wear

gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.

7. Keepall nuts, bolts,andscrewstightto be surethe

equipmentis insafeworkingcondition.

8. Nevertamperwith the safety interlocksystemor other

safetydevices.Checktheir properoperationregularly.

9. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stop the engine,

disconnectthe spark plug wire(s)and groundagainst

the engine.Thoroughlyinspectthe machinefor any

damage.Repairthe damagebeforestartingand

operating.

10.Neverattemptto makeadjustmentsor repairsto the

machinewhilethe engineisrunning.

11.Grasscatchercomponentsand the discharge

coveraresubjectto wearanddamagewhichcould

exposemovingpartsor allowobjectsto be thrown.

Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponents

andreplaceimmediatelywith originalequipment

manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listed in this

manual."Useof partswhichdo not meetthe original

equipmentspecificationsmay leadto improper

performanceandcompromisesafety!"

12.Do notchangethe enginegovernorsettingsor

over-speedthe engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe

maximumsafeoperatingspeedof the engine.

13.Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as

necessary.

14.Observeproperdisposallawsand regulationsfor

gas,oil,etc. to protecttheenvironment.

This symbol points

out important safety

instructions which, if

not followed, could

endangerthe personal

safety and/or property

of yourselfand others.

Read and follow all

instructions in this man-

ual before attempting to

operatethis machine.

Failureto comply with

these instructions may

result in personal injury.

When you see this

symbol.

HEED iTS WARNING

Your

Responsibility

Restrictthe use

of this power machine

to personswho read.

understand

and follow the warnings

and instructions

in this manual

Tractor

Use extreme care

whenhandling

gaso nelGasoline

extremely flammable

and the vapors are

explosive: Never fuel

machine indoors

or while the engine

is hot or running,

Extinguish cigarettes,

cigars, pipes, and

othersourcesof

ignitionl

NOTE: This Operators

Manual Coversa range

of produCtspecifications

for VariousmodelS:

Characteristics and

featuresdiscussed

and/or illustratedin

s manualmay not

applicable toall models:

MTD LLC reservesthe

right to change product

specifications, (Jesigns

and equipment without

notice and without incur-

i[ing obligatiOnl

RubberBoot

Figure 1

NOTE:ThisOperatorsManualcoversa rangeof product

specificationsfor variousmodels.Characteristicsandfea-

turesdiscussedand/orillustratedin this manualmay not

beapplicableto all models.MTDLLCreservesthe right

to changeproductspecifications,designsandequipment

withoutnotice and withoutincurringobligation.

Attaching the Battery Cables

NOTE:Somemodelsare shippedwiththe batterycables

alreadyconnected.

NOTE:Thepositivebatteryterminalis markedPos. (+).

Thenegativebatteryterminalis markedNeg.(-).

• Thepositivecable(heavyredwire) is securedto the

positivebatteryterminal(+)witha hexbolt and hex

nut at thefactory.Makecertainthatthe rubberboot

coversthe terminalto help protectit fromcorrosion.

• Removethehex boltand hexnut fromthe negative

cable.

• Removetheblack plasticcover,if present,from the

negativebatteryterminalandattachthe negative

cable(heavyblackwire)to the negativebattery

terminal(-) withthe bolt and nut.

• Makecertainthehold-downstrapis in positionover

the battery,securingit in place.See Figure1.

NOTE:Ifthe batteryis putinto serviceafterthe date

shownontop of battery,chargethe batteryas instructed

onpage24of this manualprior to operatingthe tractor.

Gas and Oil Fill-up

Thegasolinetank is locatedunderthe hoodandhasa

capacityof 1-1/2gallons.Donot overfill.

WARNING: Use extreme care

when handling gasoline. Gaso-

line is extremely flammable and

the vapors are explosive. Never

fuel machine indoors or while the

engine is hot or running. Extin-

guish cigarettes, cigars, pipes,

and other sources of ignition.

Servicethe enginewith gasolineandoil as instructedin

the separateEngineOperator/OwnerManualpackedwith

yourtractor.Readinstructionscarefully.

IMPORTANT:Yourtractoris shippedwith motoroil in the

engine.However,you MUSTcheckthe oil levelbefore

operating.Becarefulnotto overfill.

Shipping Brace Removal f

WARNING: Make sure the riding

mower's engine is off, remove the

ignition key, and set the parking

brake before removing the ship-

ping brace.

• Locatethe shippingbrace,ifpresent,andaccompany-

ingwarningtag foundon the rightside of the mower,

betweenthe dischargechuteand thecuttingdeck.

See Figure2.

• Whileholdingthe dischargechute with yourleft hand,

removethe shippingbracewith your righthandby

graspingitbetweenyour thumbandindexfingerand

rotatingitclockwise.

WARNING: The shipping brace,

used for packaging purposes

only, must be removed and dis-

carded before operating your

riding mower.

WARNING: The mowing deck is

capable of throwing objects. Fail-

ure to operate the riding mower

without the discharge cover in the

proper operating position could

result inserious personal injury

and/or property damage.

Attaching The Steering Wheel

Ifthe steeringwheelforyour tractordid notcome

attached,the hardwarefor attachingit hasbeenpacked

withinthe steeringwheel,beneaththe steeringwheel

cap.Carefullypry off the steeringwheelcapand remove

the hardware.

NOTE:Thereare two differentstylesof steeringwheel

cap.SeeFigure3. Styles vary by model.

1. With the wheels of the tractor pointingstraight

forward, placethe steeringwheeloverthe steering

shaft.

2. Placethe washer(withthecuppedsidedown)over

the steeringshaftandsecurewiththe hex bolt.See

Figure3.

3. Placethe steeringwheelcap overthe centerof the

steeringwheelandpushdownwarduntilit"clicks"into

place.

Figure 2

Figure 3

TractOr

WARNING

Make sure the riding

mower's engine is

off, remove the igni-

tion key, and set the

parking brake before

removingthe shipping

brace.

The shipping brace,

used for packaging

purposes only, must

be removed and

discarded before

operating your riding

mower.

The mowing deck is

capable of throwing

objects. Failureto

operate the riding

mower without the

discharge cover in

the proper operating

position could result

in serious personal

injury and/or property

damage.

WARNING

Before operatingthis

machine,makesure

the seat is engaged in

the seat stop; stand

behindthemachine

andpu,backonseat

fu,yengaged

intostop:

NOTE: Forsh pping rea:

s0nsl Seatsareeither

fastenedto the tractor

seat's pivot braCketWitt

a plastiCtie, or mounted

backward to the pivot

bracket. In either case;

free the seat form its

shipping p0sition and

remove the two Box

screws (or knobsion

models so equipped)

from thebottom of seat

before proceedingwith

applicable instructions:

Attaching The Seat

Seatstylesvarybytractormodeland thereare three

differentstyles available:

• StandardAdjustment

• QuickAdjustment&

• KnobAdjustment

If the seatfor yourtractordid notcomeattached,referto

Figure4, Figure5, and Figure6 to identifyyourtractor's

seatstyleandfollowthe applicableinstructionsbelowto

attachit.

Figure 4

NOTE:Forshippingreasons,seatsare eitherfastened

to the tractorseat'spivotbracketwitha plastictie,or

mountedbackwardto the pivot bracket.Ineithercase,

freethe seatformitsshippingpositionand removethe

twohex screws(or knobs,on modelsso equipped)from

the bottomof seatbeforeproceedingwith applicable

instructionsbelow.

Standard Adjustment Seat

1. Positionthe shoulderscrews(foundonthe baseof the

seat)insidetheslot openingsin the seat pivot bracket.

Figure4.

2. Slidethe seatslightlyrearwardin the seat pivot

bracket,liningupthe rearslots in the pivot bracket

withthe remainingtwo holesin the seat'sbase.

3. Selectdesiredpositionforthe seat,andsecurewith

the two hex screwsremovedearlier.See Figure4.

Quick Adjustment Seat

NOTE:Ifyour seatwasshippedmountedbackwardson

the seat pivotbracket,pull outthe tab foundonthe seat

stopandholdit openwhileslidingthe seatoff the seat

pivotbracket.SeeFigure5.

Figure 5

1. Lineupthe plasticseatspacerswith the slotsin seat

pivotbracket.

2. Slideseatinuntilfrontseatspacerengagesthe seat

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. Positionthe shoulderscrews(foundonthe baseof the

seat)insidetheslot openingsin the seat pivot bracket.

Figure6.

2. Slidethe seatslightlyrearwardin the seat pivot

bracket,liningupthe rearslots in the pivot bracket

withthe remainingtwo holesin the seat'sbase.

3. Selectdesiredpositionforthe seat,andsecurewith

the two knobsremovedearlier.See Figure6.

identifying the Mulch Plug (if so /,f

equipped)

On tractormodelssoequipped,a mulchplug can either

be foundwithinthe cuttingdeck'sdischargeopeningor

packedseparatelywithyour unit.

NOTE: Referto Mulching on page19for moredetailed

information.

Ifyou'dpreferto operatethe cuttingdeckwithoutmulch-

ing, simplyremovethe mulchplugby unthreadingthe

plasticwing nutwhich fastensit to the cuttingdeck.This

will allowthe clippingsto dischargeout of the discharge

openingduringoperation.SeeFigure7.

Tire Pressure

,_ WARNING: Maximum tire pres-

sure under any circumstances is

30 psi. Equal tire pressure should

be maintained at all times.

Figure 7

The tiresonyour unitmaybeover-inflatedfor shipping

purposes.Reducethetire pressurebeforeoperating

the tractor.Recommendedoperatingtire pressureis

approximately10 p.s.ifor the rear tires & 14p.s.i,for the

fronttires.Checksidewallof tirefor maximump.s.i.

WARNING

Maximumtirepres,

sure under any

circumstances is 30

psi, Equal tire pressure

should be maintained

at all times,

Know Your Lawn Tractor

NOTE: Any reference

in this manual to the

RIGHTor LEFT side of

the tractor is observed

from operator's position.

Figure 8

NOTE:Steeringwheelnot shownfor clarity

1-If soequipped

A SpeedControlLever/ParkingBrake E ThrottleControlLever

B Clutch-BrakePedal F IgnitionSwitchModule

C ShiftLever G DeckLift Lever

D ChokeControl1- H PTO(BladeEngage)Lever

NOTE:Anyreferencein this manualto the RIGHTor LEFTside of the tractoris observedfromoperator'sposition.

Throttle Control Lever

Thethrottlecontrolleveris locatedon the rightside of

thetractor'sdash panel.Thislevercontrolsthe speed

of the engineand,on somemodels,when pushedall

thewayforward,the chokecontrol also.Whenset ina

givenposition,the throttlewill maintaina uniformengine

speed.SeeFigure9.

IMPORTANT:Whenoperatingthetractorwiththe cutting

deckengaged,be certainthat the throttleleverisalways

inthe FAST(rabbit)position.

Choke Control

Onsomemodels,movingthe

throttleleverall the way forward

activatestheengine'schoke _L._

control.On all othermodels,the

chokecontrolcan be foundon

the left side of thedash panel

andisactivatedby pullingthe

knoboutward.Activatingthe

chokecontrolclosesthe choke

plateonthe carburetorandaids instartingthe engine.

Referto Starting The Engineon page 16of this manual

for detailedstartinginstructions.

Ignition Switch

The ignitionswitchisactivatedto startthe engine.Insert

keyintothe ignitionswitchandturnclockwiseto the

STARTposition.Releasethe keyintothe ON position

onceenginehasfired.SeeFigure10A.

ignition Switch Module (if Equipped)

Tostart theengine,insertthe key intothe ignitionswitch

andturnclockwiseto the STARTposition.Releasethe

keyintothe NORMALMOWINGMODEpositiononce

theenginehasfired.

Tostopthe engine,turn theignitionkey counterclockwise

to the OFFposition.See FigurelOB.

WARNING: Never leave a running

machine unattended, Always

disengage PTO, move shift lever

into neutral position, set parking

brake, stop engine and remove

key to prevent unintended

starting,

IMPORTANT:Priorto operatingthetractor,referto both

Safety Interlock Switches on page14and Starting

The Engine on page 16 of this manualfordetailed

instructionsregardingthe IgnitionSwitchModuleand

operatingthe tractorin REVERSECAUTIONMODE.

FAST--4pm

SLOW __ .,-.--.

SLOW

Figure 9

Off

n/Lights

Start

Position

Normal

Mode

Start

Position

Figure 10

Deck Lift Lever

Foundon yourtractor'srightfender,the deck lift leveris

usedto changethe heightof the cuttingdeck. Touse,

movethe leverto the left, then placeinthe notchbest

suitedforyour application.

i _ i : iii ii I ii i_/I

WARNING

lever leave a running

machine unattended,

Always disengage

PTO, move shift lever

nto neutral position,

set parking ake, stop

engine and remove key

to preventunintended

startingl

IMPORTANT

Priortooperatingthe

tractor, refer to both

Safety Interlock

Switchesonpag

14and

Engine 0n page i6

ofthismanualior

regardingthe Ignition

Switch Module and

operating the tractor in

REVERIE CAUTION

MODEi

NOTE:Theparking

brakemustbesetifthe

operatorleavestheseat

withthe enginerun-

ningortheenginewill

automaticallyshutoff.

NOTE:ThePTO(Blade

Engage)levermustbe

inthedisengaged(PTO

:3FF)positionwhen

startingtheengine.

iMPORTANT

Neverforce the shift

lever.Doing so may

result in senous

damage to the tractor's

transmission.

FORWARD

HUETRAL

REVERSE_

Figure 11

Speed Control Lever

Thespeedcontrollever,locatedonthe

left sideof the tractor'sdash console,

allowsyouto regulatethegroundspeed

of the lawntractor.To use,depressthe

clutch-brakepedal and movethe leveroul

of the parkingbrakenotchandforward

to increasethe tractor'sgroundspeed.

Whenadesiredspeedhasbeen reached

releasethe leverintoan appropriate

notchto maintainthatspeed.

Toslowthe tractor'sgroundspeed,

depresstheclutch-brakepedaland move

the speedcontrolleverrearwardand

releaseit intoa notch.

NOTE:Lawntractorsvary by modeland

areavailablewith eithera 6- or 7-speed

controllever.

Parking Brake

Tosetthe parkingbrake,fullydepressthe clutch-brake

pedal.Movethe speedcontrol leverallthe waydown

andintothe parkingbrakeposition.Releasethe clutch-

brakepedalto allowthe parkingbraketo engage.

Toreleasethe parkingbrake,depressthe clutch-brake

pedaland movethe speedcontrolleverout of the

notchesto the desiredposition.Releasethe speed

controlleverandthe clutch-brakepedal.

NOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbe set if theoperator

leavesthe seatwith the engine runningor the engine

willautomaticallyshutoff.

Clutch-Brake Pedal

Theclutch-brakepedalis locatedonthe left sideof

the lawntractor,alongthe runningboard.Depressthe

clutch-brakepedalpartwaydownwhenslowingthe

tractorbychangingspeeds(Referto SpeedControl

Lever).Depressthe pedalall thewaydownto engage

thedisc brakeand bringthe tractorto a completestop.

NOTE:Thepedalmustbe depressedto startthe

engine.Referto SafetyInterlockSwitcheson page 14.

Shift Lever

The shiftleverislocatedon the leftsideof thefender

andhasthree positions,FORWARD,NEUTRALand

REVERSE.The brakepedalmustbe depressedand

thetractor mustnotbe inmotionwhenthe movingshift

lever.SeeFigure11.

IMPORTANT:Neverforcethe shiftlever.Doingso may

resultinseriousdamageto the tractor'stransmission.

PTO (Blade Engage) Lever

Foundon the tractor'srightfender,the

PTO(bladeengage)leveris usedto

engagepowerto the cuttingdeck or

other(separatelyavailable)attachments.

Tooperate,movethe leverall the way

forward.Movingthe leverall the way

rearwardintothe PTOOFFposition

disengagespowerto the cuttingdeck/

attachment.

NOTE:The PTO(bladeengage)lever

mustbe in the disengaged(PTOOFF)

positionwhenstartingthe engine.

" #

Safety Interlock Switches

Thistractorisequippedwitha safetyinterlocksystem

for the protectionof the operator.If the interlocksystem

shouldever malfunction,do not operatethe tractor.

ContactanauthorizedMTDservicedealer.

* Thesafetyinterlocksystempreventstheengine

fromcrankingor startingunlessthe parkingbrakeis

engaged,andthe PTO(BladeEngage)leveris in the

disengaged(OFF)position.

* Theenginewill automaticallyshut off if the operator

leavesthe seat beforeengagingthe parkingbrake.

* Theenginewill automaticallyshut off if the operator

leavesthe tractor'sseat with the PTO(BladeEngage)

leverinthe engaged(ON) position,regardlessof

whetherthe parkingbrakeis engaged.

* Theenginewill automaticallyshut off if the operator

engagesthe PTOwith the parkingbrakeON.

Models without Reverse Caution Mode

• Theenginewill automaticallyshut off if the PTO

(BladeEngage)leveris movedintothe engaged(ON)

positionwiththe shiftleverin Reverse.

Models with Reverse Caution Mode

• Withthe ignitionkeyin the NORMALMOWING

position,the enginewill automaticallyshut off ifthe

PTO(BladeEngage)leveris movedintothe engaged

(ON) positionwiththe shiftleverin Reverse.

,_ WARNING: Do not operate the

tractor if the interlock system

is malfunctioning. This system

was designed for your safety and

protection.

Reverse Caution Mode (if Equipped)

WARNING: Use extreme caution

while operating the tractor in

the REVERSE CAUTION MODE.

Always look down and behind

before and while backing. Do not

operate the tractor when children

or others are around, Stop the

tractor immediately if someone

enters the area.

The REVERSECAUTIONMODEpositionof the key

switchmoduleallows thetractorto be operatedin

reversewiththe blades(PTO)engaged.

IMPORTANT:Mowinginreverseis notrecommended.

Tousethe REVERSECAUTIONMODE:

IMPORTANT:The operatorMUSTbe seatedinthe

tractorseat.

1. Startthe engineas instructedon page16under

Starting The Engine.

2. Turnthe key from the NORMALMOWING(Green)

positionto the REVERSECAUTIONMODE(Yellow)

positionof the key switchmodule. SeeFigure12.

3. Depressthe REVERSEPUSHBUTTON(Orange,

TriangularButton)at the top, rightcornerof the key

switchmodule.The red indicatorlightat thetop,left

cornerof the keyswitch modulewill be ONwhile

activated.See Figure12.

Indicator

Light

Stop

Position

Reverse

. PushButton

Reverse

CautionMode

Position

Start

Position

Figure 12

4. Onceactivated(indicatorlight ON),the tractorcan

bedriveninreversewiththecutting blades(PTO)

engaged.

5. Alwayslookdownand behindbeforeandwhile

backingto make surenochildrenare around.

6. Afterresumingforwardmotion,returnthe key to the

NORMALMOWINGposition.

IMPORTANT:The REVERSECAUTIONMODEwill

remainactivateduntil:

a. The key is placedineitherthe NORMALMOWING

positionor STOPposition.

b. The operatorengagesthe parkingbrakebyfully

depressingthe clutch-brakepedaland holdingit

downwhile movingthe speedcontrolleverintothe

PARKBRAKEposition.

Engaging the Parking Brake

Toengagethe parkingbrake:

1. Fullydepressthe clutch-brakepedaland hold it down

withyourfoot.

2. Movethe speedcontrolleverall the waydownand

intothe parkingbrakeposition.

3. Releasethe clutch-brakepedalto allowthe parking

braketo engage.

To releasethe parkingbrake:

1. Depressthe clutch-brakepedaland movethe speed

controlleverout of the parkingbrakepositionand into

a desiredspeed.

_ _ii ii_i i_iii_ii_ i?_i_i_i_ii_ ii__

WARNING

Do not operate the

tractor if the interlock

system is malfunction-

ing. This system was

designed for your

safety and protection.

Use extreme caution

while operating the

tractor in the REVERSE

CAUTION MODE.

Always look down and

behind before and

while backing. Do not

operate the tractor

when children or oth-

ers are around. Stop

the tractor immediately

f someone enters the

area.

YoUr LaWn

Tractor

WARNING

Keep hands and feet

away from the dis-

charge opening of the

cutting deck.

Do not operate the

tractor if the interlock

system is malfunction-

ing.This system was

designed for your

safety and protection.

if you strike a foreign

object, stop the

engine, disconnect

the spark plug wire(s)

and ground against

the engine. Thoroughly

inspectthe machine

for any damage. Repair

the damage before

restarting and operat-

ing.

Setting the Cutting Height

1. Selectthe heightpositionof the cuttingdeckby

placingthe deck liftleverinany of the six different

cuttingheightnotchesonthe rightsideof the fender.

2. Adjustthe deck wheels,if equipped,so that they are

betweenl_-inchand Y2-inchabovethe groundwhen

thetractor is ona smooth,flat surfacesuchas a

driveway.

WARNING: Keep hands and feet

away from the discharge open-

ing of the cutting deck.

NOTE:Onmodelsso equipped,thedeckwheelsare an

anti-scalpfeatureof thedeck and are notdesignedto

supportthe weightof the cuttingdeck.

Referto Levelingthe Deckonpage20of this manual

for moredetailedinstructionsregardingvariousdeck

adjustments.

Starting the Engine

,,__ WARNING" Do not operate the

tractor if the interlock system is

malfunctioning. This system was

designed for your safety and

protection.

I G

AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

GO UPAND DOWNSLOPES,NOT ACROSS.

AVOIDSUDDENTURNS.

DO NOT OPERATETHEUNITWHERE IT COULDSLIPOR TIE

IF MACHINESTOPSGOINGUPHILL,STOP BLADE(S) AND

BACK DOWNHILLSLOWLY.

DO NOT MOWWHEN CHILDRENOROTHERSARE AROUND.

NEVER CARRYCHILDREN,EVENWITH BLADESOFR

LOOK DOWNAND BEHIND BEFOREAND WHILE BACKING.

KEEP SAFETY DEVICES(GUARDS,SHIELDS,AND SWITCHES)

IN PLACEAND WORKING.

REMOVEOBJECTSTHATCOULDBE THROWNBY THE

BLADE(S).

KNOW LOCATIONAND FUNCTIONOF ALL CONTROLS.

BE SURE BLADE(S)AND ENGINEARE STOPPEDBEFORE

PLACING HANDSOR FEETNEAR BLADE(S).

BEFORE LEAVINGOPERATOR'SPOSITION,DISENGAGE

BLADE(S), PLACETHE SHIFTLEVERIN NEUTRAL,ENGAGE

BRAKE LOCK, SHUT ENGINEOFF AND REMOVEKEY.

READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL

Stopping the Engine

NOTE:Referto the TRACTORSET-UPon page8 of

thismanualfor GasolineandOil fill-upinstructions.

1. Insertthe tractorkey intothe ignitionswitch.

2. Placethe PTO(BladeEngage)leverin the disen-

gaged(OFF)position.

3. Engagethetractor'sparkingbrake.

4. Activatethe chokecontrol.

5. Turnthe ignitionkey clockwiseto the STARTposi-

tion.Afterthe engine starts,releasethe key.Itwill

returnto the ONposition.

IMPORTANT:DoNOTholdthe keyin the START

positionfor longerthanten secondsat a time. Doingso

maycausedamageto yourengine'selectricstarter.

6. Afterthe engine starts,deactivatethe chokecontrol

andplacethe throttlecontrol in the FASTposition.

__ ARNING: if you strike a foreign

object, stop the engine, discon-

nect the spark plug wire(s) and

ground against the engine. Thor-

oughly inspectthe machine for

any damage. Repair the damage

before restarting and operating

1. If the bladesare engaged,placethe PTO(Blade

Engage)leverinthe disengaged(OFF)position.

2. Turnthe ignitionkey counterclockwiseto the STOP

position.

3. Removethe keyfrom the ignitionswitchto prevent

unintendedstarting.

NOTE:Do NOTleavethe chokecontrolonwhile operat-

ingthe tractor.Doingsowill result in a "rich"fuelmixture

andcausethe engineto run poorly.

Driving The Tractor

WARNING: Avoid sudden starts,

e×-cessivespeed and sudden

stops.

WARNING: Do not leave the seat

of the tractor without first plac-

ingthe PTO (Blade Engage) lever

inthe disengaged (OFF) posi-

tion, depressing the brake pedal

and engaging the parking brake.

if leaving the tractor unattended,

also turn the ignition key off and

remove the key.

Always look down and behind

before and while backing up to

avoid a back-over accident.

1. Depressthe brakepedalto releasetheparkingbrake

andlet the pedalup.

2. Movethe throttleleverintothe FAST(rabbit)position.

3. Placethe shiftleverin eitherthe FORWARDor

REVERSEposition.

IMPORTANT:DoNOTuse the shift leverto changethe

directionof travelwhenthe tractoris in motion.Always

usethe brakepedalto bringthe tractorto a complete

stopbeforeshifting.

4. Releasethe parkingbrakebydepressingthe clutch-

brakepedalandpositioningthe speedcontrolleverin

desiredposition.

NOTE:Whenoperatingthe unit initially,there willbe little

differencebetweenthe highesttwo speedsuntilafter the

beltshaveseatedthemselvesinto the pulleysduringthe

break-inperiod.

_ ARNING: Before leaving the

operator's positionfor any

reason, disengage the blades,

place the shift lever in neutral,

engage the parking brake, shut

engine off and remove the key.

IMPORTANT:Whenstoppingthe tractorfor anyreason

whileona grass surface,always:

1. Placethe shift leverin neutral,

2. Engagethe parkingbrake,

3. Shutengineoff and removethe key.

Doingsowill minimizethe possibilityof havingyourlawn

"browned"by hot exhaustfromyourtractor's running

engine.

If unit stalls with speedcontrolin highspeed,or if unit

willnot operatewithspeedcontrolleverin a lowspeed

position,proceedas follows:

1. Placeshiftleverin NEUTRAL.

2. Restartengine.

3. Placespeedcontrol leverinhighestspeedposition.

4. Releaseclutch-brakepedalfully.

5. Depressclutch-brakepedal.

6. Placespeedcontrol leverindesiredposition.

7. Placeshiftleverin eitherFORWARDor REVERSE,

andfollownormaloperatingprocedures.

IMPORTANT:First-timeoperatorsshouldusespeed

positions1or2. Becomecompletelyfamiliarwiththe

tractor'soperationand controlsbeforeoperatingthe

tractorinhigherspeedpositions.

Releaseclutch-brakepedalslowlyto putunit into

motion.

The lawntractoris broughtto a stopbydepressing

theclutch-brakepedal.

WARNING

Avoid sudden starts,

ex-cessive speed and

sudden stops.

Do not leave the seat

of the tractor without

first placingthe PTO

(Blade Engage)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.

Always look down

and behind before

and while backing up

to avoid a back-over

_ccident.

WARNING

Do not mow on inclines

with a slope in excess

of 15 degrees (a rise

of approximately 2-1/2

feet every 10 feet). The

tractor could overturn

and cause serious

injury.

To help avoid blade

;ontact or a thrown

object injury, keep

bystanders, helpers,

;hildren and pets at

least 75 feet from the

machine while it is in

operation. Stop ma-

;hine if anyoneenters

the area.

Driving On Slopes

Referto the SLOPEGAUGEon page3 to helpdeter-

mineslopeswhereyou mayoperatethe tractorsafely.

,_ WARNING: Do not mow on

inclineswith a slope in excess

of 15 degrees (a rise of approxi-

mately 2-1/2 feet every 10feet).

The tractor could overturn and

cause serious injury.

• Mow up anddownslopes,NEVERacross.

• Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirection

on slopes.

• Watchfor holes, ruts,bumps,rocks,or otherhidden

objects.Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe machine.

Tallgrasscan hideobstacles.

• Avoidturnswhendrivingona slope. If a turn must

be made,turn downthe slope.Turningupa slope

greatlyincreasesthechanceof a roll over.

• Avoidstoppingwhendrivingup a slope.If it is

necessaryto stop whiledrivingup a slope, startup

smoothlyandcarefullyto reducethe possibilityof

flippingthe tractoroverbackward.

Engaging the Blades

Engagingthe PTO(BladeEngage)transferspowerto

thecutting deckor other(separatelyavailable)attach-

ments.Toengagethe blades,proceedas follows:

1. Movethe throttlecontrolleverto the FAST(rabbit)

position.

2. Graspthe PTO(BladeEngage)leverand pivotit all

thewayforwardinto theengaged(ON) position.

3. Keepthe throttleleverinthe FAST(rabbit)position

for the mostefficientuseof the cuttingdeck or other

(separatelyavailable)attachments

iMPORTANT:Models with Reverse Caution Mode:

Theenginewill automaticallyshutoff ifthe PTOis

engagedwiththe shift leverin positionfor reversetravel

withthe ignitionkeyinthe NORMALMOWINGposition.

Models withoutReverseCautionMode:

The PTO(BladeEngage)levermust be in thedisen-

gaged(OFF)positionwhen startingthe engine,when

travelingin reverse,and if the operatorleavesthe seat.

Referto SafetyinterlockSwitcheson page 14.

Using the Deck Lift Lever

Toraisethe cuttingdeck,movethe deck lift leverto the

left,thenplaceit inthe notchbestsuitedfor yourapplica-

tion.Referto SettingThe CuttingHeightearlierinthis

section.

Mowing

WARNING: To help avoid blade

contact or a thrown object injury,

keep bystanders, helpers, children

and pets at least 75 feet from the

machine while it is in operation.

Stop machine if anyone enters the

area.

Thefollowinginformationwill be helpfulwhenusingthe

cuttingdeckwith yourtractor:

WARNING: Plan your mowing

pattern to avoid discharge of

materials toward roads, sidewalks,

bystanders and the like. Also,

avoid discharging material against

a wall or obstruction which may

cause discharged material to

ricochet back toward the operator.

• Do not mowat high groundspeed,especiallyifa

mulchkit or grass collectoris installed.

• For best resultsit is recommendedthat the firsttwo

lapsbe cut with the dischargethrowntowardsthe

center.Afterthe first two laps, reversethedirectionto

throwthe dischargeto the outsidefor the balanceof

cutting.Thiswill givea betterappearanceto the lawn.

• Do notcut thegrasstoo short.Shortgrass invites

weedgrowthandyellowsquicklyindry weather.

• Mowingshouldalwaysbe done with theengineat full

throttle.

Underheavierconditionsit may be necessaryto go

backoverthecut areaa secondtimeto get a clean

cut.

• Do NOTattemptto mowheavybrushand weedsand _ _ " --

extremelytall grass.Yourtractoris designedto mow /A I

awns,NOTdearbrush //I

• Keepthe bladessharpand replacethebladeswhen "i.: ....",,, [J

worn.Referto Cutting Blades on page25 of this / '

manualfor properblade sharpeninginstructions.

Mulching (If Equipped)

Selectmodelscomeequippedwitha mulchkit which

incorporatesspecialblades,alreadystandardon the

tractor,ina processof recirculatinggrassclippings

repeatedlybeneaththe cuttingdeck.Theultra-fine

clippingsarethen forcedback intothe lawnwherethey

actas a naturalfertilizer.

Observethe followingpointsfor the best resultswhen

mulching:

• Neverattemptto mulchif the lawnis damp.Wet grass

tendsto stickto theundersideof the cuttingdeck

preventingpropermulchingof the clippings.

• Do NOTattemptto mulchmorethan 1/3the total

heightof the grassor approximately1-1/2inches.

Doingso willcause theclippingsto clump up beneath

thedeckand notbe mulchedeffectively.

• Maintaina slow groundspeedto allowthe grass

clippingsmoretime to effectivelybe mulched.

• Alwayspositionthe throttlecontrolleverinthe FAST

(rabbit)positionandallowit to remaintherewhile

mowing.Failingto keepthe engineat full throttle

placesstrainon the tractor'sengineand doesnot

allowthe bladesto properlymulchgrass.

Figure 13

NOTE:It is not necessaryto removethe dischargechute

to operatethe mowerwith the mulchkit installed.

Tooperatethe cuttingdeck withoutmulching,simply

removethe mulch plug byunthreadingthe plasticwing

nutwhichfastensit to the cuttingdeck.This will allowthe

clippingsto dischargeout the side.See Figure13.

Headlights

• Onsomemodels,the lampsare ON wheneverthe

tractor'sengineisrunning.On othermodels,the

lampsareON wheneverthe ignitionkey is movedout

of the STOPposition.

• Onall models,the lampsturn OFFwhenthe ignition

keyismovedto the STOPposition.

Operating

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

_r obstruction which

may cause discharged

aterial to ricochet

back toward the

operator.

WARNING

Neverattemptto

make any adjust-

ments while the

engine is running,

except where speci-

i fied in the operator's

manual.

i Never attempt to

iadjust the brakes

_wh ie the engine

i is running. Always

idisengage PTO, move

::shift lever into neutral

position, stop engine

and remove key to

iprevent unintended

istarting.

Figure 14

1. Withthe tractorparkedona firm,levelsurface,place

the deck lift leverin the top notch(highestposition)

androtatethe blade nearestthe dischargechute so

thatitis parallelwiththe tractor.

2. Measurethe distancefromthe frontofthe bladetip to

the groundand the rearof the blade tip to the ground.

Thefirst measurementtakenshouldbe between

1/4"and 3/8" less than thesecondmeasurement.

Determinethe approximatedistancenecessaryfor

properadjustmentandproceed,if necessary,to the

nextstep.

3. Locatethejam nut andlocknut onthe frontsideof the

stabilizerbracket.See Figure14.After looseningthe

jam nut:

Tightenthe lock nutto raisethefront of the deck;

Loosenthe lock nut to lowerthefrontof the deck.

4. Retightenthe jam nut loosenedearlierwhen proper

adjustmentis achieved.

Figure 15

,_ WARNING: Never attempt to

make any adjustments while

the engine is running, except

where specified in the operator's

manual.

Leveling the Deck

NOTE:Checkthe tractor'stire pressurebeforeperform-

inganydeck levelingadjustments.Referto Tires on

page24 for informationregardingtire pressure.

Front To Rear

Thefrontof the cuttingdeckis supportedbya stabilizer

barthatcanadjustedto levelthe deckfromfrontto rear.

Thefrontof the deckshouldbebetween1/4-inchand

3/8-inchlowerthanthe rear of the deck.Adjustif

necessaryas follows:

Side to Side

If the cuttingdeckappearsto be mowingunevenly,a side

to side adjustmentcan be performed.Adjustif necessary

as follows:

1. Withthe tractorparkedona firm,levelsurface,place

the deck lift leverin the top notch(highestposition)

androtateboth bladesso thattheyareperpendicular

withthe tractor.

2. Measurethe distancefromthe outsideof the leftblade

tip to the groundandthe distancefromtheoutside of

the rightbladetip to theground.Bothmeasurements

takenshouldbeequal. Ifthey'renot,proceedto the

nextstep.

3. Loosen,butdo NOT remove,the hexcap screwon

the left deckhangerbracket.SeeFigure15.

4. Balancethe deck by usinga wrenchto turn the

adjustmentgear (foundimmediatelybehindthe hex

cap screwjust loosened)clockwise/uporcounter-

clockwise/down.Thedeck is properlybalancedwhen

bothbladetip measurementstakenearlierareequal.

5. Retightenthe hex capscrewonthe left deck hanger

bracketwhenproperadjustmentis achieved.

Parking Brake Adjustment

_ ARNING" Never attempt to ad-

just the brakes while the engine is

running. Always disengage PTO,

move shift lever into neutral posi-

tion, stop engine and remove key

to prevent unintended starting.

If the tractordoes notcometo a completestopwhenthe

brakepedalis completelydepressed,or if the tractor's

rearwheelscan roll withthe parkingbrakeapplied,the

brakeis in need of adjustment.Thebrakedisccan be

foundon the rightsideof thetransmissionin the rear of

the tractor.Adjustif necessaryas follows:

1. Lookingat thetransmissionfrom the right sideof the

tractor,locatethe compressionspringandbrakedisc.

See Figure16.

2. Loosen,but do NOTremove,the hex nutfoundon the

rightsideof the brakeassembly.See Figure16.

3. Usinga feelergauge,setthe gapbetweenthe brake

discandthe brakepuckat .011".

4. Re-tightenthe hexnut loosenedearlier.

Seat Adjustment

_ ARNING: Before operating this

machine, make sure the seat is

engaged in the seat stop, stand

behind the machine and pull back

on seat until fully engaged into

stop.

Standard Seat

Toadjustthe positionof the seat,loosenthe two hex

screwson the bottomof the seat.Slidethe seatforward

or backwardas desired.Retightenthe two screws.See

Figure17.

Knob Adjustment Seat (if so equipped)

Toadjustthe positionof the seaton modelsso equipped,

loosenthe twoknobson the bottomof theseat. See

Figure18.Slidethe seatforwardor backwardas desired.

Retightenthe two knobs.

Quick Adjust Seat (if so equipped)

Toadjustthe positionof the seaton modelsequipped

witha seat adjustmentlever,movethe seatadjustment

lever(locatedundertheseat)to the leftand slidethe seat

forwardor rearward.See Figure19.Makesureseatis

lockedintopositionbeforeoperatingthe tractor.

Set gap

Figure 16

Hex Nut

Figure 17

.....J

Figure 19 Figure 18

Adjusting

urLawn

WARNING

Before operating this

machine, make sure

the seat is engaged in

the seat stop, stand

behind the machine

and pull back on seat

until fully engaged into

stop.

WARNING

any maintenance or

repairs, disengage

PTO, move shift lever

intoneutral position,

set parkingbrake, stop

engine and remove key

o preventu nintended

_tarting!

Before lubricatingi

repairing, or inspect,

ing, always disengage

PTOImove shift lever

into neutral position,

set parking brake, stop

engineandremovekey

to prevent unintended

startingl

NOTE:Dependingon

the engine model found

Onyour tractorl itmay

be necessary to remove

the tractor!s side panel

in OrdertO replace the

oil filter (if so equipped):

Figure 20

,_ WARNING: Before performing

any maintenance or repairs,

disengage PTO, move shift lever

into neutral position, set parking

brake, stop engine and remove

key to prevent unintended

starting.

Engine

Referto the EngineOperator/Owner Manualfor

engine maintenance instructions.

Checkengine oil levelbeforeeachuseas instructed

inthe EngineOperator/OwnerManualpackedwith your

unit.Follow the instructionscarefully.

Changing Engine Oil

NOTE:Dependingonthe enginemodelfoundon your

tractor,it maybenecessaryto removethe tractor'sside

panelin order to replacethe oil filter (if so equipped).

Fordrainingoilfromthe engine'scrankcaseof select

modeltractors,a plasticoil drain sleeveis packedwith

thisOperator'sManual.Todrainthe oil, proceedas

follows:

1. Unscrewthe oilfill capand removethe dipstickfrom

theoil fill tube.

2. Snapthe small end of oil drain sleeveontothe oil

sump.SeeFigure20.

3. Removedrainpluganddrainoil intoa suitable

containerwitha capacityof no lessthan64 oz.

4. Servicethe oil filter (if soequipped)as instructedin

the separateEngineOperator/OwnerManualpacked

withyourunit.

Performthe abovestepsinthe oppositeorderafteroil has

finisheddraining.

5. Refillthe enginewith newmotoroil as instructedinthe

EngineOperator/OwnerManualpackedwith your unit.

IMPORTANT:Referto the EngineOperator/Owner

Manualpackedwith yourunit for informationregardingthe

quantityand properweight of motoroil.

Air Cleaner

Servicethe pre-cleaner,if soequipped,andcartridge/air

cleanerelementas instructedin the EngineOperator/

OwnerManualpackedwithyour unit.

Spark Plug(s)

Thesparkplug(s)shouldbe cleanedand thegap reset

oncea season.Sparkplugreplacementis recommended

at the startof each mowingseason.Referto the Engine

Operator/OwnerManualfor correctplugtypeandgap

specifications.

Lubrication

WARNING: Before lubricating,

repairing, or inspecting, always

disengage PTO, move shift lever

into neutral position, set parking

brake, stop engine and remove

key to prevent unintended start-

ing.

Engine

Lubricatethe enginewith motoroil as instructedin the

EngineOwnerManualpackedwith yourunit.

Pivot Points & Linkage

Lubricateall the pivotpoints on the drivesystem,parking

brakeand lift linkageat least oncea seasonwith lightoil.

Rear Wheels

The rearwheelsshouldbe removedfromthe axlesonce

a season.Lubricatethe axles and the rimswell with an

all-purposegreasebeforere-installingthem.

Front Axles

Eachendof the tractor'sfrontpivotbarmaybeequipped

witha greasefitting.Lubricatewitha greasegunafter

every25 hoursof tractoroperation.

Cleaning the Engine And Deck

Anyfuel oroil spilledon the machineshouldbe wiped

off promptly.Do NOTallowdebristo accumulatearound

the coolingfins of the engineor on any otherpart of the

machine.

IMPORTANT:The useof a pressurewasherto cleanyour

tractoris NOTrecommended.It maycause damageto

electricalcomponents,spindles,pulleys,bearingsor the

engine.

Deck Wash System TM

A hexplug can be foundon yourtractor'sdecksurface.

SeeFigure21.

Thisplugcanbe replacedwitha waterport to be usedas

part of a separately-availabledeckwash system.

Usethe DeckWashSystemTM to rinsegrassclippings

fromthe deck'sundersideand preventthe buildupof

corrosivechemicals.

NOTE:Referto page28for informationregardingthis

andotherseparately-availableattachments& acces-

soriesfor yourtractor.

Cutting Deck Removal

NOTE:Modelsequippedwitha 38-inchdeck haveone

deckidlerpulley.Modelsequippedwitha 42-inchdeck

havetwodeckidlerpulleys.

To removethecuttingdeck, proceedas follows:

1. Placethe PTO(BladeEngage)leverin the disen-

gaged(OFF)positionandengagethe parkingbrake.

2. Lowerthe deck by movingthedeck liftleverinto the

bottomnotchonthe rightfender.

3. Removethe beltfromaroundthetractor'sengine

pulleyandidlerpulley(s).Referto Changingthe Deck

Belton page26 for detailedinstructions.

4. Lookingat the cuttingdeck from theleft sideof the

tractor,locatethe hair pin clip that securesthe deck

supportrodon the rear left sideof the deck. See

Figure22.

5. Removethe hairpinclipthat securesthedeck

supportrod, and carefullyremovethe decksupport

fromthe deck lift arm.

6. Repeattheabovestepson thetractor'srightside.

7. Movethe deck lift leverintothe top notchon the right

fenderto raisethe deck lift armsupandout of the

way.

8. Carefullyremovethe PTOcablefromthe rearof

the cuttingdeckby removingthe hair pinclip which

securesit. Removethe springfrom the deck idler

bracket.SeeFigure23.

9. Gentlyslidethe cuttingdecktowardthe frontof the

tractorallowingthe hookson the deck to release

themselvesfromthedeckstabilizerrod.

10.Gentlyslidethe cuttingdeck(fromthe rightside)out

fromunderneaththe tractor.

Figure 21

Figure 22

Figure 23

tOTE: Models

equipped with a 38-inch

deck have one deck

idler pulley.Models

eau_ppedwith a 42-inch

deck have two deck

idler pulleys.

Tires Jump Starting

WARNING

Never exceed the

maximum inflation

pressure shown on the

sidewall of the tire.

Batteries give off an

explosive gas while

charging. Charge bat=

tery ina well ventilated

area and keep away

from an open flame

or pilot light as on a

water heater, space

heater, furnace, clothes

dryer or other gas

appliances.

Always use a fuse with

the same amperage

capacity for replace=

merit.

,_ WARNING: Never exceedthe ,_

maximum inflation pressure

shown on the sidewall of tire.

The recommendedoperatingtire pressureis:

• Approximately10 psifor the reartires

• Approximately14psi for the fronttires

IMPORTANT:Referto the tire sidewallforexacttire

manufacturer'srecommendedormaximumpsi. Do not

overinflate.Uneventirepressurecouldcausethe cutting

deckto mowunevenly.

Battery

The batteryis sealedandis maintenance-free.Acid

levelscannotbechecked.

• Alwayskeepthe batterycablesandterminalsclean

andfreeof corrosivebuild-up.

• Aftercleaningthe batteryandterminals,apply a light

coatof petroleumjellyor greaseto bothterminals.

• Alwayskeepthe rubberboot positionedoverthe

positiveterminalto preventshorting.

IMPORTANT:Ifremovingthe batteryfor anyreason,

disconnectthe NEGATIVE(Black)wire fromit'sterminal

first,followedby the POSITIVE(Red)wire.When

re-installingthe battery,alwaysconnectthe POSITIVE

(Red)wire itsterminalfirst,followedby the NEGATIVE

(Black)wire.Becertainthatthewiresareconnectedto

thecorrectterminals;reversingthemcouldchangethe

polarityandresultindamageto your engine'salternat-

ingsystem.

Charging

If thetractorhas not beenput into usefor anextended

periodof time,chargethe batterywith an automotive-

type 12-voltchargerfora minimumof one hour at six

amps.

WARNING: Batteries give off an

explosive gas while charging.

Charge battery in a well venti-

lated area and keep away from

an open flame or pilot light as

on a water heater, space heater,

furnace, clothes dryer or other

gas appliances.

WARNING:When removing or

installingthe battery, follow

these instructionsto prevent the

screwdriver from shorting against

the frame.

IMPORTANT:Neverjump yourtractor'sdeadbatterywith

the batteryof a runningvehicle.

1. Connectend of one jumpercableto the positive

terminalof the good battery,thenthe otherendto the

positiveterminalof the dead battery.

2. Connectthe otherjumpercable to the negative

terminalof the good battery,thento the frame of the

unit with the dead battery.

_ WARNING" Failure to use this

procedure could cause sparking,

and the gas in either battery could

explode.

Cleaning

Cleanthe batteryby removingit fromthe tractorand

washingwitha bakingsodaand water solution.If neces-

sary,scrapethe batteryterminalswith a wire brushto

removedeposits.Coatterminalsandexposedwiringwith

greaseor petroleumjelly to preventcorrosion.

Battery Failures

Somecommoncausesfor batteryfailureare:

• incorrectinitialactivation • undercharging

• overcharging • corrodedconnections

• freezing

These failures are NOTcovered by your tractor's

warranty.

Fuse

One20AMPfuseis installedin yourtractor'swiring har-

nessto protectthe tractor'selectricalsystemfrom damage

causedby excessiveamperage.

If the electricalsystemdoesnot function,or yourtractor's

enginewill notcrank,first checkto be certainthatthe fuse

has notblown.Itcan befoundunderthehood mounted

behindthe dashpanelon the rightside.

,_ WARNING: Always use a fuse with

the same amperage capacity for

replacement.

Cutting Blades f

WARNING: Be sure to shut

the engine off, remove ignition

key, disconnect the spark plug

wire(s) and ground against the

engine to prevent unintended

starting before removing the cut-

ring blade(s) for sharpening or

replacement. Protect your hands

by using heavy gloves or a rag to

grasp the cutting blade.

WARNING: Periodically inspect

the blade spindles for cracks or

damage, especially if you strike a

foreign object. Replace immedi-

ately if damaged.

The bladesmay be removedas follows.

1. Removethe deck from beneaththe tractor,(referto

CuttingDeckRemovalon page23) thengentlyflip

thedeckoverto exposeits underside.

2. Placea blockof wood betweenthe centerdeck hous-

ingbaffleandthe cuttingbladeto act as a stabilizer,

SeeFigure24,

3, Usea 15/16"wrenchto removethe hexflangenut

thatsecuresthe bladeto the spindleassembly.See

Figure24,

4. Toproperlysharpenthe cuttingblades,removeequal

amountsof metalfrom bothends of the bladesalong

thecutting edges,parallelto the trailingedge,at a

250to 300angle,

IMPORTANT:Ifthe cuttingedgeof the bladehasalready

beensharpenedto within 1 5/8" fromtheedge,or if any

metalseparationis present,replacethe bladeswith new

ones,SeeFigure25,

It isimportantthateachcuttingblade edge be ground

equallyto maintainproperblade balance.

A poorlybalancedbladewill causeexcessive

vibrationand maycausedamageto thetractorand

resultinpersonalinjury,The bladecan be testedby

balancingit on a roundshaftscrewdriver.Grind metal

fromthe heavysideuntil it balancesevenly.

Figure 24

1-5/8 inch

Figure 25

Whenreplacingthe blade,besureto installthe blade

withtheside of the blademarked"Bottom" (or with

apart numberstampedinit) facing the groundwhen

themoweris in the operatingposition.

IMPORTANT:Useatorquewrenchto tightenthe blade

spindlehexflange nutto between70foot-poundsand90

foot-pounds.

WARNING

Be sure to shut the

engine off, remove

ignition key, discon-

nect the spark plug

wire(s) and ground

against the engine to

prevent unintended

starting before remov-

ing the cutting blade(s)

for sharpening or

replacement. Protect

your hands by using

heavy gloves or a rag

to grasp the cutting

blacle,

Periodically inspect

the blade spindles for

cracks or damage,

especially if you strike

a foreign object.

Replace immediately if

damaged.

i ioto°i°g

WARNING

Be sure to shutthe

engine off, remove ig-

nition key, disconnect

the spark plug wire(s)

and ground against

the engine to prevent

unintendedstarting

before removingthe

belt(s).

Avoid the possibility of

a pinching injury.Do

not place your fingers

on the idler spring or

between the belt and a

pulleywhile removing

the belt.

Figure 26

Changing the Deck Belt & PTO Belt

_ WARNING" Be sure to shut

the engine off, remove ignition

key,disconnect the spark plug

wire(s) and ground against the

engine to prevent unintended

starting before removingthe

belt(s).

All beltson yourtractorare subjectto wearand should

be replacedif anysignsof weararepresent.

IMPORTANT:TheV-beltsfoundon yourtractorare

speciallydesignedto engageanddisengagesafely.A

substitute(non-OEM)V-beltcan be dangerousby not

disengagingcompletely.Fora properworkingmachine,

usefactoryapprovedbelts.

Tochangeor replacethe deckbelt andPTObelton your

tractor,proceedasfollows:

1. Lowerthe deck by movingthe decklift leverinto the

bottomnotchonthe rightfender.

2. Removethebelt guardsby removingthe self-tapping

screwsthatfastenthem to the deck.

3. Removethebelt keeperrodfromaroundthe engine

pulley.

4. Inserta 3/8"-driveratchetwrench (set to loosen)into

the squarehole foundin the idlerbracketonthe left

sideof the deck'ssurface.See Figure26.

5. Graspthe ratchet'shandleandpivotit towardthe front

of the tractorto relievetensiononthe belt.

6. Withbelttensionrelieved,carefullyremovethe belt

from around the left-hand spindlepulley.

IMPORTANT:Carefullyallowthe ratchetto pivotrearward

beforeremovingit fromthe squarehole.

_ WARNING" Avoidthe possibility

of a pinching injury. Do not place

your fingers on the idler spring

or between the belt and a pulley

while removing the belt.

7. Removethedeck belt fromaroundall pulleys,including

the deck idler pulley.

8. Routethe newbeltsas shownin and Figure27 and 28.

9. Remountthe beltguardsremovedearlier.

Changing the Transmission Drive

Belts

NOTE:Severalcomponentsmustbe removedand

specialtools(i.e.air/impactwrench)in order to change

the tractor'sdrivebelts. Seean authorizedMTDService

Dealerto haveyour drivebelts replacedorphone

CustomerSupportas instructedon page 2 for information

onorderinga Service Manual.

IdlerBracket

EnginePu_

42-Inch Deck_

Deck Idler Pulleys

.. j

Figure 26

Engine Pulley

38-Inch Deck_

Idler Bracket

Deck Idler Pulleys

Figure 27

Maintaining

Your Lawn

Tractor

WARNING

Drain fuel only into an

approvedcontainer

outdoors,away from

an open flame. Al-

low engine to cool

Extinguishcigarettes,

cigars, pipes, and

other sources of igni-

tion prior to draining

fuel.

Never store the ma-

chine or fuel container

indoors where there is

an open flame, spark

or pilot lightsuch

as on water heater,

furnace, clothes dryer

or other gas appliance.

Cleanandlubricatethe tractoras instructedinSection

6: MAiNTAiNiNGYOUR LAWNTRACTORon page19

of thismanualbeforestoringfor an extendedperiod.

_ ARNING" Drain fuel only into

an approved containeroutdoors,

away from an open flame. Allow

engine to cool. Extinguish

cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and

other sources of ignition prior to

draining fuel.

Followthe instructionsinthe Service, Storage &

Specifications sectionof the EngineOperator/Owner

Manualfor properenginecare priorto storingyourtractor.

WARNING: Never store the

__ achine or fuel container indoors

where there is an open flame,

spark or pilot light such as on

water heater, furnace, clothes

dryer or other gas appliance.

Attachments & Accessories

Thefollowingattachmentsand accessoriesare compatiblefor ModelSeries700 LawnTractors.See the retailer

fromwhichyou purchasedyourtractor,an authorizedMTDServiceDealeror phone(800) 800-7310for information

regardingpriceandavailability.

NOTE:ModelSeries700 LawnTractorsare NOTdesignedfor usewithany typeof ground-engagingattachments

(e.g.tiller or plow). Useof this type of equipmentWILLvoidthe tractor'swarranty.

MODEL I DESCRiPTiON

0EM-190-032 42-inchTwo-stageSnowThrower

OEM-190416 ....38/42-inchDeckMulchKit

0EM-190-180 TwinBaggerGrassCollector(for 38/42-inchDecks)

0EM-190-183' DeckWheelKit

0EM-190-218 RearWheelWeightKit

OEM-190-607' DeluxeTract0rsUnshade

OEM-190-658 Tire Chains,20x 8 Tires

OEM-190:672 GrilleGUard(mountsonfrontoftractor)

OEM-190-833 42-inchFrontDozerBlade

490_900-0025 "Deck WashKit

* Notcompatiblewith tractorsequippedwith a GrassCollector

NOTE:i. eOTHMODES,WHENOP_e_TO_LeavesSEAT,e_GINeWlL_

STOP_NLES__R_I_QeP_KEISSETANDe_ossme_ISEN_ED.

IF UNIT STALLS W]TH SPEED CONTROL IN HIGH SPEED, OR IF UNIT

WILL NOT OPERATE WITH SPEED CONTROL LEVER IN _ LOW SPEED

POSITION, PROCEED _S FOLLOWS:

ASSEMBLE CHUTE DEFLECTOR TO THIS UNIT BEFOREOPERATING.

WARNING

This symbolpoints

out importantsafety

instructionswhich, if

not followed,could

endangerthe personal

safety and/or property

of yourselfand others.

Readand follow all

instructionsin this

manual beforeat-

temptingto operate

this machine. Failure

to comply with these

instructionsmay result

in personalinjury.When

you see this symbol.

HEED ITS WARNING!

Your Responsibility

Restrictthe use

of this power machine

to persons who read,

understand

and follow the warnings

and instructions

in this manual

and onthe machine.

Trou

Shootin

For repairs beyond

the minor adjust-

ments listed here,

contact an authorized

service dealer.

Pro bl e m Ca use Remedy

Enginefails to start I 1 PTOengaged. 1 PlacePTOknob(orlever)in

I disengaged(OFF)position.

I 2. Sparkplugw re(s)disconnected. 2. Connectwire(s) to spark plug(s).

3 Fueltank em t or stalefuel 3 F tankwth c ean fresh gaso ne

py . •

I 4 Chokenot actvated 4. Pullout the CHOKEcontrol (if so

I " ' equipped)orplacethe throttle

I controlinCHOKEposition.

I 5. Faultysparkplug, 5. Clean,adjustgap,or replace

I 6. Blockedfuel line. 6. Cleanfuel lineor replacefuelfilter,

I 7. Engineflooded, if so equipped.

I I 7 Crankenginewiththrott e n FAST

I position.

I 8 Parkng brakenotengaged I 8. Engageparkingbrake.

I 9. Throttlecontro levernotin correct , 9. Placethrottleleverto FAST

I startingposition. _ position.

Engineruns erratic 1, Unit runningwith CHOKEapplied, 1, PushCHOKEcontrol(if so

2, Sparkplugwire(s)loose,

3, Blockedfuellineor stale fuel,

4, Ventingas cap plugged,

5, Waterordirt infuel system,

6. Dirty aircleaner.

_ J _ =_

equipped)in,or movethe throttle

controlout of the CHOKEposition.

2. Connectandtightenspark

plugwire(s).

3. Cleanfuel line;fill tank with clean,

fresh(lessthan30 daysold)

gasoline.Replacefuel filter,ifso

equipped.

4. Clearventor replaceif damaged.

5. Drainfuel tank. Refillwith

freshfuel.

6. Replaceair cleanercartridge/ele-

mentor cleanpre-cleaner,if so

equipped.

_ i

Problem Cause Remedy

Engineoverheats !i Engine Oi!levellow. !i Fi!!Ciankcasewith pr0pero!!,

21Air flow restricted. 2 c eangrass clippingsand debiis

fromaroundthe engines €00!ing

..... finsandblowerhousing.

Enginehesitates at 1. Sparkplug(s)gaptooclose, 1, Removesparkplug(s)and reset

high RPM the gap,

Idles poorl 1 Sparkpug(s)foued fautyorgap 1 Repacesparkpug(s)Setpug(s)

y ' ' t

too wide_ gap:

2 Dirtyair €eaner Replaceair cleanercaitr dgdele:

mentor cleanpre:cleaner if So

equipped.

Excessive 1. Cuttingbladelooseorunbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandspindle. Balanc_

Vibration blade.

2. Damagedor bentcuttingblade. 2. Replaceblade.

Mower will not 11 Enginespeedtoo iowl 1; P!acethrott!e €ontrolin FAST

ohgrass (If wet grass (rabbit)p0siti°n.

Equipped) 2. Donot m0wwhengrass s wet

wat unt aterto cut

3. Excessivelyhigh grassl ,,,

_. Mowonce a! a nigncuttingneight,

then mowagainat desiredheight

or makea narrowerCuttingpath,

Duiiblade &sharpen or repiacebiade:

Uneven cut 1. Decknotbalancedproperly. 1. Performside-to-sidedeck adjust-

2. Dullblade, ment.

2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

3. Uneventire pressure.

3. Checktire pressureinall fourtires.

rou

Use this page to make

notes and write down

important information:

U_e_¸pagetoma_

notesandwritedown

important information:

i_il i_i i i _II _i _ i _ i i ii

,i!_ii_i_i!i_ii_ii_!_i_i_ii_i_i_i_i_i_i_i_i_i_i_i_i_i_i_i_i_I

CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT

YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS

The CaliforniaAir ResourcesBoardandMTDConsumerGroupInc are pleasedto explaintheevaporativeemissioncontrolsystemwarrantyon your 2006 lawn

mower.In California,new lawnmowermust be designed,builtand equippedto meet the State'sstringentanti-smogstandards.MTDConsumerGroup Inc must

warrantthe EECSon yourlawn mowerfor the periodof time listedbelow providedthere has beenno abuse,neglector impropermaintenanceof your lawnmower.

Your EECSmayincludeparts such as thecarburetor,fuel-injectionsystem,the ignitionsystem,catalyticconverter,fuel tanks,fuel lines,fuel caps, valves,

canisters,filters,vapor hoses,clamps,connectors,and otherassociatedemission-relatedcomponents.

Where a warrantable condition exists, MTDConsumer Group Inc will repair your lawn mower at no cost to you includingdiagnosis, parts and labor.

MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY COVERAGE:

Thisevaporativeemissioncontrol systemis warrantedfor two years.If any evaporativeemission-relatedpart on yourequipmentis defective,the partwill be

repairedor replacedby MTDConsumerGroupInc.

OWNER'S WARRANTY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Asthe lawn mowerowner,you are responsiblefor performanceof the requiredmaintenancelistedin yourowner'smanual. MTDConsumerGroupIncrecom-

mendsthat you retain all receiptscoveringmaintenanceon your lawnmower,but MTDConsumerGroup Inccannot denywarrantysolelyforthe lack of receipts.

Asthe lawn mowerowner,you shouldhoweverbeawarethat MTDConsumerGroupInc maydeny you warrantycoverageif your lawnmoweror a part has failed

dueto abuse,neglect, or impropermaintenanceor unapprovedmodifications.

Youare responsiblefor presentingyourlawn mowerto MTDConsumerGroupInc'sdistributioncenteror servicecenteras soonas the problemexists.The

warrantyrepairsshouldbe completedin a reasonableamountof time, notto exceed30 days.If you havea questionregardingyour warrantycoverage,you should

contactthe MTDConsumerGroupIncService Departmentat 1-800-800-7310.

GENERAL EMISSIONS WARRANTY COVERAGE:

MTDConsumerGroupIncwarrantsto the ultimatepurchaserand eachsubsequentpurchaserthat the lawnmoweris: Designed,built andequippedso as to

conformwithall applicableregulations;andfree from defectsin materialsand workmanshipthat causethe failure of a warrantedpart to be identicalin allmaterial

respectsto that part as describedin MTDConsumerGroupInc's applicationfor certification.

The warrantyperiodbeginson thedate the lawnmoweris deliveredto an ultimatepurchaseror first placed into service.The warrantyperiodis two years.

Subjectto certain conditionsand exclusionsas statedbelow,the warrantyon emission-relatedparts is as follows:

1. Any warrantedpart that is not scheduledfor replacementas requiredmaintenanceinthe writteninstructionssupplied,is warrantedfor thewarrantyperiod

statedabove. Ifthe part fails duringthe periodof warrantycoverage,the part will be repairedor replacedby MTDConsumerGroupInc accordingto subsection

(4) below. Anysuch part repairedor replacedunderwarrantywillbe warrantedfor the remainderof the period.

2. Any warrantedpart that is scheduledonly for regularinspection inthe writteninstructionssupplied is warrantedfor thewarranty periodstated above.Any such

part repairedor replacedunderwarrantywill be warrantedfor the remainingwarrantyperiod.

3. Any warrantedpart that is scheduledfor replacementas requiredmaintenancein thewritten instructionssuppliedis warrantedforthe periodof time beforethe

first scheduledreplacementdatefor that part. If the partfails beforethe first scheduledreplacement,the part will be repairedor replacedby MTDConsumer

GroupInc accordingto subsection(4) below.Any such part repairedor replacedunderwarrantywillbe warrantedforthe remainderof the periodpriorto the

first scheduledreplacementpointfor the part.

4. Repairor replacementof any warrantedpart underthe warrantyprovisionshereinmustbe performedat a warrantystationat no chargeto the owner.

5. Notwithstandingthe provisionsherein,warrantyservicesor repairswill be providedat all of our distributioncentersthat arefranchisedto servicethe subject

enginesor equipment.

6. The lawnmowerowner will not be chargedfor diagnosticlaborthat is directlyassociatedwithdiagnosisof a defective,emission-relatedwarrantedpart,

providedthat such diagnosticwork is performedat a warrantystation.

7. MTDConsumerGroupInc is liablefor damagesto other engine or equipmentcomponentsproximatelycausedby a failure underwarrantyof any warranted

part.

8. Throughoutthe lawnmowerwarrantyperiod stated above,MTDConsumerGroupIncwill maintaina supplyof warrantedparts sufficientto meetthe expected

demandfor such parts.

9. Any replacementpart may be usedin the performanceof any warrantymaintenanceor repairsand mustbe providedwithoutchargeto the owner.Suchuse will

notreducethe warrantyobligationsof MTDConsumerGroupInc.

10.Add-onor modifiedpartsthat are not exemptedbythe Air ResourcesBoardmay not beused.The use of any non-exemptedadd-on or modifiedparts by the

ultimatepurchaserwillbe groundsfor disallowinga warrantyclaims. MTDConsumerGroup Incwill notbe liableto warrantfailuresof warrantedparts caused

bythe useof a non-exemptedadd-onor modifiedpart.

WARRANTED PARTS:

The repairor replacementof any warrantedpart otherwiseeligiblefor warrantycoveragemaybe excludedfrom such warrantycoverageif MTDConsumerGroup

Inc demonstratesthat the lawnmowerhas been abused,neglected,or improperlymaintained,andthat such abuse, neglect,or impropermaintenancewasthe

directcauseof the needfor repairor replacementof the part.That notwithstanding,any adjustmentof a componentthathas a factory installed,and properly

operating,adjustmentlimiting device is still eligiblefor warrantycoverage.Thefollowingemissionwarrantyparts list arecovered: FuelLine,Fuel Line Clamps

MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR

The limitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenby MTDLLCwithrespect

to newmerchandisepurchasedandusedin the UnitedStates,its

possessionsandterritories.

"MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsinmaterialand workman-

shipfor a periodof two (2)years commencingonthe date of original

purchaseandwill,at itsoption,repairor replace,freeof charge,any

part foundto be defectiveinmaterialsorworkmanship.Thislimitedwar-

rantyshallonlyapply if this product hasbeen operatedand maintained

inaccordancewith the Operator'sManualfurnishedwiththe product,

andhas notbeensubjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse, neglect,

accident,impropermaintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft, fire, water,

ordamagebecauseof otherperilor naturaldisaster.Damageresulting

fromthe installationor useof any part, accessoryor attachmentnot

approvedby MTDfor use with the product(s)coveredbythis manual

willvoid yourwarrantyas to any resultingdamage.

Normalwearpartsarewarrantedto be free fromdefects in materialand

workmanshipfor a periodof thirty (30) days fromthe dateof purchase.

Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuch as: batter-

ies,belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,

snowthrowerskidshoes,shaveplates,auger spiralrubberandtires.

NOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE: Warranty service is available,WITH

PROOFOF PURCHASE, through your local authorized service

dealer. To locate the dealer in your area, check your Yellow Pages,

or contact MTD LLC at RO. Box 361131,Cleveland, Ohio 44136-

0019, or call 1-800-800-7310or 1-330-220-4683 or log on to our

Web site at www.mtdproducts.com.

Thislimitedwarrantydoesnotprovidecoverageinthe followingcases:

a. Theengineor componentparts thereof.Theseitemsmaycarrya

separatemanufacturer'swarranty.Referto applicablemanufacturer's

warrantyfor termsandconditions.

b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,and cylindershavea separateoneyear

warranty.

c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchas lubricants,filters, blade

sharpening,tune-ups,brakeadjustments,clutchadjustments,deck

adjustments,and normaldeteriorationof the exteriorfinishdueto

useor exposure.

d. Servicecompletedby someoneotherthananauthorizedservice

dealer.

e. MTDdoesnot extendanywarrantyfor productssoldor exported

outsideof the UnitedStates,its possessionsandterritories,except

thosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorizedchannelsof exportdistribution.

f. Replacementpartsthatarenotgenuine MTDparts.

g. Transportationchargesandservicecalls.

No impliedwarranty,includingany impliedwarrantyof mer-

chantabilityof fitness for a particular purpose,applies after the

applicable periodof express written warranty above as to the

partsas identified.No otherexpresswarranty, whetherwritten or

oral, except as mentioned above,givenby any personor entity,

includinga dealeror retailer, withrespect to any product,shall

bindMTD.Duringthe periodof the warranty,the exclusiveremedy

is repairor replacementof the productas set forth above.

Theprovisionsas set forth inthis warrantyprovidethe sole and

exclusiveremedy arising from the sale.MTDshallnot be liable

for incidentalor consequentialloss or damage including,without

limitation, expensesincurredfor substituteor replacementlawn

careservicesor for rentalexpensesto temporarily replacea

warranted product.

Somestatesdo notallowthe exclusionor limitationof incidentalor

consequentialdamages,or limitationsonhowlongan impliedwarranty

lasts,sothe aboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynot applyto you.

Innoeventshallrecoveryof any kindbe greaterthanthe amountof the

purchasepriceof the productsold.Alterationof safetyfeatures of

the product shallvoid this warranty. Youassumethe riskand liability

for loss,damage,or injuryto you and yourpropertyand/orto othersand

theirpropertyarisingout of the misuseor inabilityto usethe product.

Thislimitedwarrantyshallnot extendto anyoneotherthan theoriginal

purchaserorto the personfor whomitwas purchasedas a gift.

HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHIS WARRANTY: This limited

warrantygivesyou specificlegal rights,and youmay alsohaveother

rightswhichvaryfromstateto state.

IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginal Proofof Purchaseto obtain

warrantycoverage.

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136=0019; Phone: 1=800=800=7310, 1=330=220=4683

MTD 13AC762F729 Transmatic Lawn Tractor

Product's Documents

Operator’s Manual

Specifications

MTD 13AC762F729 Questions and Answers