MTD 779 Shift-On-The-Go TM Lawn Tractor User Manual

Safety • AssembJy • Operation • Adjustment • Maintenance • TroubJeshooting • Warranty

A OR'S MANUAL

Shift-On-The-Go TM Lawn Tractor -- Models 760=779

iMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: This unit is equippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnot beusedon or nearany unimprovedforest-covered,brush-

coveredor grass-coveredland unlessthe engine'sexhaustsystemis equippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalorstate laws(if any).

If a sparkarresteris used,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorder by the operator.Inthe Stateof Californiathe aboveis requiredbylaw

(Section4442of the CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode). Otherstates mayhavesimilarlaws.Federallaws applyonfederallands.A sparkarrester

for the muffleris availablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contactthe servicedepartment,RO. Box361131Cleveland,

Ohio44136-0019.

FORMNO.769-01598C

PRINTEDIN U.S.A. MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136=0019 01/22/2007

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 STARTASSEMBLING YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,

please locatethe model plate on the equipment and copy the

informationto the sample model plate provided to the right. You

can locate the model plate by looking beneaththe seat.

This information will be necessary to use the manufacturer's web

site and/or obtain assistance from the Customer Support Depart-

ment 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=731 0

Customer Support

Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was

purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.

ifyou 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 www.mtdproducts.com.

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

3. The engine manufacturer is responsiblefor all engine-related issues 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.

lyUsethispageasa guidetodetermineslopeswhereyoumaynotoperatesafe . .....

Do not operate your hwn mower on such slopes.

C_L

C'D

WARNING

Do not mowon inclines

with a slope in excess

of 15degrees (a rise

of approximately2-1/2

feet every 10feet). A

riding mower could

overturn and cause

serious injury.

Operate riding mowers

up and down slopes,

never across the face

of slopes.

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

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

birth defects or other reproductiveharm.

Ii i i

DANGER: This machine was 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

Safe 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.

operation

Practices Children Operation

1. Tragicaccidentscan occurif the operatoris not Safe Handling of Gasoline:

alert tothe presenceof children.Childrenare often

attractedto the machineandthe mowingactivity. 1. Toavoid personalinjuryor propertydamageuse

Theydo not understandthe dangers.Neverassume extremecare inhandlinggasoline. Gasolineis

thatchildrenwill remainwhereyou last sawthem. extremelyflammableand the vapors areexplo-

sive. Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccur whengasoline

a. Keepchildrenout of the mowingareaandin is spilledon yourselfor yourclotheswhichcan ignite.

watchfulcare of a responsibleadult otherthan Washyourskin andchangeclothesimmediately.

the operator.

b. Bealert andturn machineoff if a childenters a. Use onlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.

b. Neverfill containersinsidea vehicleor ona

the area.

truckor trailerbed witha plasticliner.Always

WARN IN G c. Beforeand while backing,lookbehindand

placecontainerson the groundawayfrom

downfor smallchildren.

yourvehiclebeforefilling.

. . d. Nevercarrychildren,evenwiththe blade(s)

This symbol points c. When practical,removegas-powered

. shutoff.They mayfalloff andbeseriously equipmentfromthe truck ortrailerand refuelit

out mportant safety injuredor interferewith safemachineoperation.

nstruct!0nswhich, !f onthe ground.Ifthis is notpossible,then

..... e. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblind refuelsuch equipmentona trailerwith a

i /

not followed, could corners,doorways,shrubs,trees or other portablecontainer,ratherthan from agasoline

objectsthat mayblockyourvisionof a child dispensernozzle.

endanger the personal who mayruninto the machine, d. Keepthe nozzlein contactwith the rimof

safety and!or property f. To avoid back-overaccidents, always

the fueltank or containeropeningat all

of yoursef and others, disengage the cutting blade(s) before timesuntilfuelingis complete.Donot usea

Read and follow all shiftinginto Reverse. If equipped, the nozzlelock-opendevice.

"Reverse Caution Mode" should not be e. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesand

instructions in this man- used when childrenor othersare around.

othersourcesof ignition.

ual before attempt ngto g. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor running f. Neverfuel machineindoors.

operate this machine; engines.Theycansufferburnsfroma hot

. . muffler, g. Neverremovegas cap oraddfuel whilethe

engineis hot or running.Allowengineto cool

Failure to comply with h. Removekeywhen machineis unattendedto at leasttwominutesbeforerefueling.

these instructions may preventunauthorizedoperation.

. . . h. Neveroverfill fuel tank.Fill tankto no more

result In personal Injury, 2. Neverallowchildrenunder 14yearsoldto operate

. thanYzinchbelowbottomof filler neckto

When you see this the machine.Children14years oldandovershould allowspacefor fuel expansion.

symbol, readandunderstandthe operationinstructionsand

safetyrules inthis manualandshouldbetrainedand i. Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

HEED iTS WARNING supervisedbya parent, j. If gasolineis spilled,wipe it offthe engine

andequipment.Moveunitto anotherarea.

Wait5 minutesbeforestartingthe engine.

k. To reducefire hazards,keepmachinefreeof

You r

grass,leaves,or other debrisbuild-up.Clean

Responsibility upoil orfuel spillageand removeany fuel

soakeddebris.

Restrictthe use I. Neverstorethe machineor fuel container

of th s power roachne insidewherethere is an openflame,spark

to persons who read, or pilotlightas on awaterheater,space

n'erstand heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergas

U Cl , appliances.

and follow the warnings . . .

m. Allowa machineto cool at leastfiveminutes

and instructions beforestoring.

n th_smanual

General Operation: 14.Watchfor traffic whenoperattngnearor crossmg

1. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionsonthe roadways.Thismachineis not intendedfor useon

machineandinthe manual(s)beforeattemptingto

assembleandoperate.Keepthis manualin a safe

placefor futureand regularreferenceand forordering

replacementparts.

2. Befamiliarwithall controlsand theirproperoperation.

Knowhow to stopthe machineanddisengagethem

quickly.

3. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsold to operate

this machine.Children14yearsold andovershould

readandunderstandthe operationinstructionsand

safetyrulesin this manualandshouldbetrainedand

supervisedby aparent.

4. Neverallowadults to operatethis machinewithout

properinstruction.

5. To helpavoid bladecontactora thrownobjectinjury,

keepbystanders,helpers,childrenand petsat least

75 feetfrom the machinewhileit is in operation.Stop

machineif anyoneentersthe area.

6. Thoroughlyinspecttheareawherethe equipmentis to

beused.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toys,

andotherforeignobjectswhichcould bepickedup

andthrownbythe blade(s).Thrownobjectscancause

seriouspersonalinjury.

7. Planyourmowingpatternto avoiddischargeof

materialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe

like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainsta wall or

obstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterialto

ricochetbacktowardthe operator.

8. Alwayswearsafety glassesor safetygogglesduring

operationand while performingan adjustmentor

repairto protectyour eyes.Thrownobjectswhich

ricochetcan causeseriousinjuryto the eyes.

9. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoes and close-fitting

slacksandshirts. Loosefittingclothesandjewelry

can becaughtin movableparts.Neveroperatethis

machinein barefeet or sandals.

10.Beawareof the mowerand attachmentdischarge

directionanddo notpoint it at anyone.Do notoperate

the mowerwithoutthe dischargecoverorentiregrass

catcherin itsproperplace.

11.Do notput handsor feet near rotatingpartsor under

the cuttingdeck.Contactwiththe blade(s)can

amputatehandsandfeet.

12.Amissingor damageddischargecovercan cause

bladecontactor thrownobject injuries.

13.Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggraveldrives,walks,

or roadsandwhilenot cuttinggrass.

anypublic roadway.

15.Do notoperatethe machinewhileunderthe influ-

enceof alcoholordrugs.

16.Mowonly in daylightor goodartificiallight.

17.Nevercarrypassengers.

18.Disengageblade(s)beforeshiftinginto reverse.

Backupslowly.Alwayslookdownandbehindbefore

andwhilebackingto avoida back-overaccident.

19.Slowdownbeforeturning.Operatethe machine

smoothly.Avoiderraticoperationand excessive

speed. Practices

20.Disengageblade(s),setparkingbrake,stopengine

andwaituntilthe blade(s)cometo acompletestop

beforeremovinggrasscatcher,emptyinggrass,

uncloggingchute,removingany grassor debris,or

makinganyadjustments.

21.Neverleavea runningmachineunattended.Always

turnoff blade(s),placetransmissionin neutral,set

parkingbrake,stop engineand removekey before

dismounting.

22.Useextracare whenloadingor unloadingthe

machineintoa traileror truck.Thisunitshould not

bedrivenupor downramp(s),becausethe unit

couldtip over,causingseriouspersonalinjury.The

unit mustbe pushedmanuallyon ramp(s)to loador

unloadproperly.

23.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causea

burn.Do nottouch.

24.Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedriving

underlowhangingtreebranches,wires,door open-

ingsetc., wheretheoperatormaybe struckor pulled

fromthe unit,whichcouldresultin seriousinjury.

25.Disengageallattachmentclutches,depressthe

brakepedalcompletelyand shift into neutralbefore

attemptingto startengine.

26.Yourmachineis designedto cut normalresidential

grassof aheightno morethan 10".Do notattemptto

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

or pilesof dry leaves.Dry grassor leavesmay

contactthe engineexhaustand/orbuildup onthe

mowerdeckpresentinga potentialfire hazard.

27.Useonlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapprovedfor

thismachineby the machinemanufacturer.Read,

understandandfollowall instructionsprovidedwith

the approvedaccessoryor attachment.

28.Dataindicatesthat operators,age 60 yearsand

above,areinvolvedin a largepercentageof riding

mower-relatedinjuries.Theseoperatorsshould

evaluatetheirability to operatetheridingmower

seriousinjury.

29.If situationsoccur whicharenot coveredinthis

manual,usecareandgood judgment.Contactyour

customerservicerepresentativefor assistance.

__ i_i_i_iii_iiiii_ii_i_

WARNING

This symbol points

out important safety

instructions which, if

not followed, could

endanger the personal

safety and/or property

of yourselfand others.

Readand follow all

instructions in this man-

ual before attempting to

operatethis machine.

Failureto comply with

these instructionsmay

'esult in personal injury.

When you see this

symbol.

HEED iTS WARNING

Your

safelyenoughto protectthemselvesandothersfrom

Responsibility

Restricl the use

d this power machine

to personswho read.

understand

and follow the warnings

and instructions

in this manual

l i

l i i i

i i i i

Safe

Operation

Practices

out mportantsafety

_nstruct!onswhich, !f

not followed, could

endanger the personal

safety and!or property

of yourself and othersl

Read and fol!ow a!l

instruct ons in this man'

ual beforeattempting to

operate th_smachine:

oc iy

Fa!luret omP w!th

these instructions may

jeSUit inpersonal injury,

When you see this

symbol,

HEED ITS WARNING

OUr

Responslbd_ty

Restnctthe use

of th s power roachne

to persons who read,

understand

Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedto lossof controland

tip-overaccidentswhichcan resultin severeinjury or

death.All slopesrequireextracaution.If you cannot

backupthe slopeor if youfeel uneasyon it, do notmow

it.

Foryour safety,usethe slopegaugeincludedas partof

thismanualto measureslopesbeforeoperatingthis unit

ona slopedor hillyarea.If the slopeis greaterthan 15

degreesas shownonthe slopegauge,do notoperate

thisunit onthat areaorserious injurycouldresult.

Do:

1. Mow upand downslopes,notacross.Exercise

extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

2. Watchfor holes,ruts,bumps,rocks,or other hidden

objects.Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe machine.

Tallgrasscan hide obstacles.

3. Use slowspeed.Choosea low enoughspeed

settingso that youwill not haveto stop orshift while

onthe slope.Tiresmay losetractiononslopeseven

thoughthe brakesare functioningproperly.Always

keepmachinein gearwhengoingdownslopes to

takeadvantageof engine brakingaction.

4. Followthe manufacturer'srecommendationsfor

wheelweightsor counterweightsto improvestability.

5. Use extracarewithgrasscatchersor otherat-

tachments.Thesecanchangethe stabilityof the

machine.

6. Keepall movementon theslopes slow andgradual.

Do not makesuddenchangesin speedor direction.

Rapidengagementor brakingcouldcausethe front

of the machineto liftand rapidlyflip overbackwards

whichcouldcause seriousinjury.

7. Avoidstartingor stoppingon a slope.If tires lose

traction,disengagethe blade(s)andproceedslowly

straightdownthe slope.

Do Not:

1. Do notturn on slopes unlessnecessary;then,turn

slowlyand graduallydownhill,if possible.

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

The mowercouldsuddenlyturnoverif awheel is over

the edgeof acliff, ditch,or if anedgecavesin.

3. Do nottry to stabilizethe machineby puttingyourfoot

onthe ground.

4. Do not usea grasscatcheron steep slopes.

5. Do not mowon wetgrass.Reducedtractioncould

causesliding.

6. Do notshift to neutralandcoastdownhill.Over-speed-

ingmaycausethe operatorto lose controlof the

machineresultingin seriousinjuryordeath.

7. Do nottow heavypullbehindattachments(e.g.loaded

dumpcart, lawnroller,etc.)on slopesgreaterthan

5 degrees.Whengoingdown hill,the extraweight

tendsto pushthetractorand maycauseyou to loose

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

ingabilityare reduced,attachmentmayjack-knifeand

causetractorto overturn).

Towing:

1. Towonlywith a machinethathasa hitchdesignedfor

towing.Do not attachtowedequipmentexceptat the

hitchpoint.

2. Followthe manufacturersrecommendationforweight

limitsfor towedequipmentand towingonslopes.

3. Neverallowchildrenor othersin or on towedequip-

ment.

4. On slopes,theweightof thetowedequipmentmay

causelossof tractionandlossof control.

5. Travelslowlyandallowextradistanceto stop.

6. Do notshift to neutralandcoastdownhill.

Service

1. Neverrun an engineindoorsor ina poorlyventilated

area. Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,an

odorless,anddeadlygas.

2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertain

the blade(s)and all movingparts havestopped.

Disconnectthe sparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe

engineto preventunintendedstarting.

3. Periodicallycheckto make surethe bladescome to

completestopwithinapproximately(5) fiveseconds

afteroperatingthe bladedisengagementcontrol.Ifthe

bladesdo notstopwithin thethis timeframe,your unit

shouldbe servicedprofessionallyby an authorized

MTDServiceDealer.

4. Checkbrakeoperationfrequentlyas it is subjectedto

wearduring normaloperation.Adjustandserviceas

required.

5. Checkthe blade(s)andenginemountingboltsat

frequentintervalsfor propertightness.Also,visually

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

bent,cracked). Replacethe blade(s)with theoriginal

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

listedin this manual."Useof parts whichdonot meet

the originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto

improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"

6. Mowerbladesare sharp.Wrapthe bladeor wear

gloves,and useextra cautionwhenservicingthem.

7. Keepall nuts,bolts,andscrewstight to besurethe

equipmentis insafeworkingcondition.

8. Nevertamperwiththe safetyinterlocksystemor other

safetydevices.Checktheir properoperationregularly.

9. After strikinga foreignobject,stopthe engine,

disconnectthe sparkplugwire(s)and groundagainst

the engine.Thoroughlyinspectthe machinefor any

damage.Repairthe damagebeforestartingand

operating.

10.Neverattemptto makeadjustmentsor repairsto the

machinewhile theengine is running.

11.Grasscatchercomponentsand the discharge

coveraresubjectto wearand damagewhichcould

exposemovingpartsor allowobjectsto bethrown.

Forsafety protection,frequentlycheckcomponents

andreplaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment

manufacturer's(O.E.M.)parts only,listedinthis

manual."Useof partswhichdo notmeet theoriginal

equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improper

performanceandcompromisesafety!"

12.Do notchangethe enginegovernorsettingsor

over-speedthe engine.The governorcontrolsthe

maximumsafeoperatingspeedof theengine.

13.Maintainor replacesafety andinstructionlabels,as

necessary.

14.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsfor

gas,oil,etc. to protecttheenvironment.

This symbol points

out important safety

instructions which, if

not followed, could

endanger the personal

safety and/or property

of yourself and 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

sym3ol.

H EED iTS WARNING

Your

Responsibility

Restrictthe use

of this power machine

to persons who read.

understand

and follow the warnings

and instructions

in this manual

f _ NOTE:This OperatorsManualcoversa rangeof product

r ......

[ _ _ I RubberBoot I i j specfcatonsforvarousmodes Characterst csandfea-

, i ',

"--'E J <_ i turesdiscussedand/orillustratedin this manualmay not

J 'i:__!_i'i':,;. _b_ i beapplicableto all models.MTDLLC reservesthe right

// "_I_i_ !_ \', to changeproduct specificationsdesignsandequipment

;, _'-_ ,= -! :J!_: _ wthoutnotceand wthout ncurrng ob gaton

etll:lnCl UD .::..... 'o .....i,

v -- / _::, i " Attaching the Battery Cables

I : I . .

YOU_' LSW_ , I_,: , NOTE Somemodesareshppedwththebatterycabes

I ::: }

, I i_i:: '@ alreadyconnected.

| r'SC'_O r ' NOTE:The positivebatteryterminalis markedPos. (+).

The negativebatteryterminalis markedNeg. (-).

....

', ', • The post ve cabe (heavyredw re) s securedto the

" ' post ve batterytermna (+)wth a hexbot andhex

, nut at thefactory.Makecertainthatthe rubberboot

coversthe terminalto helpprotectit fromcorrosion.

WARNING

Use extreme care

when handling

gasoline. Gasoline is

extremely flammable

and the vapors are

;exp!osive:Never fuel

machine indoors

or While the engine

is hot or running.

Extinguishcgarettes,

cigars, pipes, and

other sources of

_gnJt on. ;

Removethehex bolt and hexnut from the negative

cable.

Removetheblack plasticcover,if present,from the

negativebatteryterminaland attachthe negative

cable(heavyblack wire)to the negativebattery

terminal(-) with the boltand nut.

NOTE:If the batteryis putinto serviceafter the date

shownontop/sideof battery,chargethe batteryas

instructedin the MaintainingYourLawnTractorsectionof

thismanualprior to operatingthe tractor.

Gas and Oil Fill-up

The gasolinetank is locatedunderthe hoodandhasa

capacityof 1-1/2gallons. Do notoverfill.

,_ WARNING:Use extreme care when

handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely

flammable and the vapors are explosive.

Neverfuel machine indoors or while the

engine is hot or running. Extinguish ciga-

rettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of

ignition.

Servicethe enginewithgasolineand oil as instructedin

the separateEngineOperator/OwnerManualpackedwith

yourtractor.Readinstructionscarefully.NOTE: This Operators

Manual covers a range

.... IMPORTANT:Yourtractoris shippedwith motoroil in the

of product specifications engine.However,you MUSTcheckthe oil levelbefore

for various models: operating.Becarefulnotto overfill.

Characteristicsand

. Shipping Brace Removal

features d scussed

and/or' ustrated 'n _ WARNING:Makesure the riding mower's

engine is off, remove the ignition key,and

th's manua may not be

applicab e to al! model& set the parkingbrakebefore removing the

shipping brace,

MTD LLC reservesthe

right to change product

Specif!cationsldesigns

and equipment without

notice and without incur-

obligation.,

ring

• Locatethe shippingbrace,if present,andaccompany- f-

ingwarningtagfoundon the rightside of the mower,

betweenthe dischargechuteandthe cuttingdeck.

SeeFig.3-2.

,, While holdingthe dischargechutewith yourleft hand,

removetheshippingbracewithyourright handby

graspingit betweenyourthumband indexfingerand

rotatingit clockwise.

,_ WARNING:The shipping brace, used

for packaging purposes only, must be

removed and discarded before operating

your riding mower.

_ WARNING:The mowing deck is capable

of throwing objects. Failure to operate the

riding mower without the discharge cover

in the proper operating position could

result in serious personal injury and/or

property damage.

Figure 3=2

WARNING

Attaching The Steering Wheel

If the steeringwheelfor yourtractordid notcome

attached,the hardwarefor attachingit hasbeenpacked

withinthe steeringwheel,beneaththe steeringwheel

cap.Carefullypry off thesteeringwheelcapand remove

the hardware.

1. With the wheels of the tractor pointing straight

forward, placethe steeringwheeloverthe steering

shaft.

2. Placethe washer(with thecuppedside down)over

the steeringshaftand securewiththe hex bolt.See

Fig.3-3.

3. Placethe steeringwheelcap overthe centerof the

steeringwheeland pushdownwarduntilit "clicks"into

place.

Attaching the Hood Scoop

(if so equipped)

If the hood scoopwasnot securedto the hoodof your

tractorat the factory,youwill find it in a plasticbag,

hangingfromthe throttlelever.

To install:

1. Carefullypivot the tractorhoodforward.

2. Removethe fourscrewsfromthe undersideof the

hoodscoop.

3. Lineup thefour holesin the hoodscoop withthe four

holes visiblethroughthe tractor'shood Iouvres.See

Figure3-4.

4. While holdingthe scoop in place,usea 3/8" socket

wrench(orboxwrench)to carefullytightenthe scoop

onto the hood.

Do NOTovertighten.

%**,,,

Figure 3-3

Figure 3-4

Make sure the riding

mower's engine is

off, remove the igni-

tion key, and set the

parking brake before

removing the shipping

brace.

The shipping brace,

used for packaging

purposes only, must

be removed and

discarded before

operating your riding

mower.

The mowing deck is

'capable of throwing

objects. Failure to

operate the riding

mower without the

discharge cover in

the proper operating

position could result

in serious personal

injury and/or property

damage.

F--, _, Attaching The Seat

f f_ _ Seatstyles varybytractormodelandtherearethree

. .

--r 'J <] dfferentsty es ave abe

r--....._"j"_ • StandardAdjustment

• QuickAdjustment&

_l_tt II N tll ||1t_ • KnobAdjustment

If theseatfor yourtractorwas not attachedat the factory,

You r Lawn referto Fig. 3-5, Fig.3-6, andFig. 3-7to identifyyour

#tor

ING

Before operating this

machinemakesure

theseatengaged

the seat stop, stand

behind the machine

andpu,baoko,seat

until fully engaged

intostop.

i iill i iI i

NOTE:For Shipping tea!

sons seats are e_ther

fastened to the tractor

seat s pivotbracket w th

a plast,c t_e,or mounted

backward to the p vot

bracket.In either case,

free the seatform its

Shipping p°sition and

removethe two hex

screws (or knobs, on

models SOequqoped)

from the bottom of seat

. .

before proceed!rigw!th

apphcable _nstruct!ons.

Figure 3-6

tractor'sseatstyle andfollowthe applicableinstructions

belowto attachit.

NOTE:Forshippingreasons,seatsareeitherfastened

to the tractorseat'spivotbracketwith a plastictie,or

mountedbackwardto the pivotbracket.In eithercase,

freethe seat formitsshippingpositionand removethe

twohex screws(or knobs,on modelsso equipped)from

the bottomof seatbeforeproceedingwith applicable

instructionsbelow.

Standard Adjustment Seat

1. Positionthe shoulderscrews(foundon the baseof the

seat)insidethe slot openingsin the seat pivotbracket.

Fig.3-5.

2. Slide theseat slightlyrearwardin the seatpivot

bracket,liningupthe rear slots inthe pivotbracket

withthe remainingtwo holesin the seat'sbase.

3. Selectdesiredpositionforthe seat,and securewith

the twohexscrewsremovedearlier.SeeFig. 3-5.

Quick Adjustment Seat

NOTE:If yourseatwasshippedmountedbackwardson

the seatpivotbracket,pull outthe tab foundonthe seat

stopandhold it openwhileslidingthe seat offthe seat

pivotbracket.SeeFig. 3-6.

1. Line upthe plasticseatspacerswith the slotsin seat

pivotbracket.

2. Slide seatin until frontseat spacerengagesthe seat

stop.See Fig.3-6.

,_ WARNING:Before operating this machine,

makesure the seat is engagedin the seat

stop, stand behind the machine and pull

back on seat until fully engaged into stop.

Knob Adjustment Seat

1. Positionthe shoulderscrews(foundon the baseof the

seat)insidethe slot openingsin the seat pivotbracket.

Fig.3-7.

2. Slide theseat slightlyrearwardin the seatpivot

bracket,liningupthe rear slots inthe pivotbracket

withthe remainingtwo holesin the seat'sbase.

3. Selectdesiredpositionforthe seat,and securewith

the twoknobsremovedearlier.SeeFig. 3-7.

Identlfvma the Mulch Plua F "_ 1----.

On tractormodelsso equipped,a mulchplugcan be ( '_ ............. "_ [f-m

, , , g , , / / , ,

foundwthnthecuttngdeeksdsehargeopenng | _ " ' , | , _r J 4

• / 'x

• . ,, . / ...... |

)

NOTE:Referto Mulching tnthe OperattngYourLawn ..... \ , w /

Tractor secttonof thtsmanualfor moredetatledtnforma.......

tion. Setting p

If you'dpreferto operatethe cuttingdeckwithoutmulch- "'"

ing, simplyremovethe mulch plugby unthreadingthe ' your Lawn

plasticwing nutwhichfastensit to the cuttingdeck•This Tractor

will allowthe clippingsto dischargeout of the discharge

openingduringoperation.SeeFig.3-8.

Tire Pressure

_lk ARNING:Maximum tire pressure under

any circumstancesis 30psi. Equal tire

pressure should be maintained at all times.

The tiresonyour unitmaybe over-inflatedfor shipping

purposes.Reducethe tirepressurebeforeoperating

the tractor.Recommendedoperatingtire pressureis

approximately10p.s.ifor the reartires& 14p.s.i,for the

fronttires.Checksidewallof tirefor maximump.s.i.

Figure 3-8

WARNING

Max" "

imurn tire pres,

sure under any

circumstancesiS 30

psL Equal tire pressure

should be maintained

at all times.

NOTE:For shipping rea-

sons! seats are either

fastened tOthe tractor

seat s p!vot bracket w!th

a plastic tie, ormounted

backward tothe

brackeL In either case,

free the seat form its

shipping position and

rernovethe two hex

screws (or knobs, on

models so equ,pped)

from the bottom of seat

before proceedingWith

applicable instruction&

Ii_ i i

...... ;/

NOTE:Any reference

in this manual to the

RIGHTor LEFT side of

the tractor is observed

from operator's position.

NOTE: For shipping rea-

sons, seats are either

fastened to the tractor

seat's pivot bracket with

a plastic tie, or mounted

backward to the pivot

bracket. Ineither case.

Freethe seatform its

shippingposition and

removethe two hex

screws (or knobs, on

nodels so equipped)

from the bottom of seat

beforeproceeding with

applicable instructions.

Know Your Lawn Tractor

/ _-_J

i , ..............................)

Figure 4=1

g wheel

1 If so equipped

A SpeedControlLever/ParkingBrake E ThrottleControlLever

B Clutch-BrakePedal F IgnitionSwitchModule

C ShiftLever G DeckLift Lever

D ChokeControl1" H PTO(Blade Engage)Lever

NOTE:Anyreferencein thismanualto the RIGHTor LEFTside of the tractoris observedfrom operator'sposition.

i i _ i ii

Throttle Control Lever ,f- _

Thethrottlecontrolleveris locatedon therightside of

thetractor'sdash panel.This levercontrolsthespeed

of the engineand,on somemodels,when pushedall

the wayforward,the chokecontrolalso.Whenset in a

givenposition,the throttlewill maintaina uniformengine

speed.SeeFig. 4-2.

IMPORTANT:Whenoperatingthetractorwiththe cutting

deckengaged,be certainthatthe throttleleveris always

inthe FAST(rabbit)position.

Choke Control

Onsomemodels,movingthe

throttleleverallthe wayforward

activatestheengine'schoke

control.Onall othermodels,the

chokecontrolcan befoundon

the leftside of thedash panel

andis activatedby pullingthe

knoboutward.Activatingthe

chokecontrolclosesthe choke

plateon the carburetorandaids

instartingthe engine.Referto Starting The Engine on

page16of thismanualfor detailedstartinginstructions.

ignition Switch

Theignitionswitchis activatedto startthe engine.Insert

keyintothe ignitionswitchand turnclockwisetothe

STARTposition.Releasethe key intothe ON position

onceengine hasfired. SeeFig.4-3A.

ignition Switch Module (Ifso Equipped)

Tostartthe engine,insertthe keyintothe ignitionswitch

andturnclockwiseto theSTARTposition.Releasethe

keyintothe NORMALMOWINGMODEpositiononce

the enginehasfired.

Tostop the engine,turnthe ignitionkey counterclockwise

to the OFFposition.See Fig.4-3B.

,_ WARNING:Never leavearunning machine

unattended. Always disengage PTO,move

shift lever into neutral position, set park-

ing brake, stop engine and removekey to

prevent unintended starting.

IMPORTANT:Prior to operatingthe tractor,referto both

Safety Interlock Switches on page 14andStarting

The Engine on page16of this manualfordetailed

instructionsregardingthe IgnitionSwitchModuleand

operatingthetractorin REVERSECAUTIONMODE.

Deck Lift Lever

Foundon yourtractor'srightfender,thedecklift leveris

usedto changethe heightof the cuttingdeck.To use,

movethe leverto the left, thenplacein the notchbest

suitedfor yourapplication.

FAST _,_

_LOW =_ ---,-- SLOW

mmm.

Figure 4-2

f --,,

Off On/Lights

• _Start

Pnsition

Figure 4-3

WARNING

Never leave a running

machine unattended.

Awaysdsengage

PTO, move shift lever

into neutral position,

set parking brake stop

engineand remove key

to preventunintended

starting.

Pnor to operat!ngthe

tractor referto both

SafetyInterlock

Switches on page

Parking Brake

14 and Starting The

Toset the parkingbrake,fullydepressthe clutch-brake Engine on page 16

pedal.Movethe speedcontrolleverall the waydownand

intothe parkingbrakeposition.Releasethe clutch-brake of this manual for

pedalto allowthe parkingbraketo engage, detailed instructions

To releasetheparkingbrake,depresstheclutch-brake regard!ng.... the !gnltlon

pedalandmovethe speedcontrolleveroutof the .

Switch Moduleand

notchesto thedesiredposition.Releasethe speed . .

controlleverand the clutch-brakepedal, operating the tractor in

REVERSE CAUTION

Your Lawn

Tractor

WARNING

Do not operate the

tractor if the interlock

system is maffunctiom

ing. This system was

designed for your

iafety and protection:

NOTE: The parking

brake must beset if the

;

operator leavesthe Seat

with the engine run_

ning Or the enginewill

automaticallyshut off.

NOTE: The PTO(Blade

Engage) lever must be

in the disengaged (PTO

OFF) position when

sta[ting the engine:

iMPORTANT

Never force the shift

levei. Doing So

result in serious

damage to the tiactor s

transrnissionl

FORWARD

NUETRAL

REVERSE

Figure 4-4

NOTE:The parkingbrakemustbe setif theoperator

leavestheseat withthe enginerunningor theengine

willautomaticallyshut off.

Clutch=Brake Pedal

Theclutch-brakepedal is locatedon the left side of

the lawntractor,along the runningboard.Depressthe

clutch-brakepedalpart waydownwhenslowingthe

tractorby changingspeeds (Referto SpeedControl

Lever).Depressthe pedalall theway downto engage

thedisc brakeand bringthe tractorto a completestop.

NOTE:The pedalmustbedepressedto start the engine.

Referto SafetyInterlockSwitcheson page14.

Shift Lever

Theshift leveris locatedonthe left sideof thefender

andhasthree positions,FORWARD,NEUTRALand

REVERSE.The brakepedalmustbe depressedand

thetractor mustnotbe in motionwhenthe movingshift

lever.SeeFig.4-4.

IMPORTANT:Neverforce theshift lever.Doingso may

resultinseriousdamageto the tractor'stransmission.

Speed Control Lever

Thespeedcontrollever,locatedon

the leftside of the tractor'sdash

console,allowsyouto regulatethe

groundspeedof the lawntractor.To

use,depressthe clutch-brakepedal

andmovethe leveroutof the parking

brakenotchand forwardto increase

thetractor'sgroundspeed.Whena

desiredspeedhas been reached,

releasethe leverintoan appropriate

notchto maintainthatspeed.

Toslow thetractor'sgroundspeed,

depresstheclutch-brakepedaland

movethe speedcontrolleverrearward

andreleaseit intoa notch.

NOTE:Lawntractorsvary by modelandare availablewith

eithera 6- or 7-speedcontrollever.

PTO (Blade Engage) Lever _,

Foundon thetractor'sright fender,the _ _-

PTO(bladeengage)leveris usedto --,

engagepowerto the cuttingdeckor t

other(separatelyavailable)attachments. ; 2

Tooperate,movethe leverall the way

forward.Movingthe leverall the way

rearwardintothe PTOOFFposition

disengagespowerto the cuttingdeck/

attachment, i 4

NOTE:The PTO(bladeengage)lever

mustbe inthe disengaged(PTOOFF) _,5

positionwhenstartingthe engine. _ 4_

Safety interlock Switches

Thistractoris equippedwitha safetyinterlocksystem

for the protectionof the operator.If the interlocksystem

shouldevermalfunction,do not operatethe tractor.

ContactanauthorizedMTDservicedealer.

• Thesafety interlocksystempreventstheengine

fromcrankingor startingunlessthe parkingbrakeis

engaged,and the PTO(BladeEngage)leveris inthe

disengaged(OFF)position.

• Theenginewill automaticallyshut off if theoperator

leavestheseat beforeengagingthe parkingbrake.

• Theenginewill automaticallyshut off if theoperator

leavesthetractor'sseatwiththe PTO(BladeEngage)

leverin the engaged(ON) position,regardlessof

whetherthe parkingbrakeis engaged.

• Theenginewill automaticallyshut off if theoperator

engagesthe PTOwiththe parkingbrakeON.

Models without Reverse Caution Mode

• Theenginewill automaticallyshut off if the PTO(Blade

Engage)leveris movedintothe engaged(ON) position

withthe shift leverin Reverse.

Models with Reverse Caution Mode

• Withthe ignitionkeyin the NORMALMOWINGposi-

tion,the enginewillautomaticallyshutoff if the PTO

(BladeEngage)leveris movedintothe engaged(ON)

positionwiththe shift leverinReverse.

,_ WARNING:Do not operate the tractor if the

interlock system is malfunctioning. This

system wasdesigned for your safety and

protection.

Reverse Caution Mode

(Models equipped with ignition switch

module)

_ ARNING:Use extreme caution while

operating the tractor in the REVERSE

CAUTIONMODE.Always look down and

behind before and while backing. Do

not operate the tractor when children

or others arearound. Stop the tractor

immediately if someone enters the area.

TheREVERSECAUTIONMODEpositionof the key

switchmoduleallowsthetractorto be operatedin

reversewiththe blades(PTO)engaged.

iMPORTANT:Mowingin reverseis notrecommended.

Touse the REVERSECAUTIONMODE:

iMPORTANT:TheoperatorMUSTbe seatedinthe

tractorseat.

1. Start the engineas instructedon page 16under

Starting The Engine.

2. Turnthe keyfromthe NORMALMOWING(Green)

positionto the REVERSECAUTIONMODE(Yellow)

positionof the keyswitchmodule. SeeFig.4-5.

3. Depressthe REVERSEPUSHBUTTON(Orange,

TriangularButton)at the top,rightcornerof the key

switchmodule.The red indicatorlightat thetop, left

cornerof the keyswitch modulewill beON while

activated.See Fig.4-5.

4. Onceactivated(indicatorlightON), thetractorcan

bedrivenin reversewith the cuttingblades(PTO)

engaged.

5. Alwayslookdownand behindbeforeandwhile

backingto makesure nochildrenare around.

6. After resumingforwardmotion,returnthe keyto the

NORMALMOWINGposition.

iMPORTANT:The REVERSECAUTIONMODEwill

remainactivateduntil:

a. The keyis placedin eitherthe NORMALMOWING

positionorSTOPposition.

b. The operatorengagesthe parkingbrakebyfully

depressingtheclutch-brakepedaland holdingit

downwhilemovingthe speedcontrol leverintothe

PARKBRAKEposition.

Engaging the Parking Brake

Toengagethe parkingbrake:

1. Fullydepressthe clutch-brakepedalandhold it down

withyourfoot.

2. Movethe speedcontrolleverallthe waydownand

intothe parkingbrakeposition.

3. Releasethe clutch-brakepedalto allowthe parking

braketo engage.

Reverse

Indicator Push Button

Light Reverse

Stop CautionMode

Position Position

Start

Position

Figure 4-5

To releasetheparkingbrake:

1. Depressthe clutch-brakepedaland movethe speed

controlleverout of the parkingbrakepositionand into

a desiredspeed.

Setting the Cutting Height

1. Selectthe heightpositionof the cuttingdeck by plac-

ing thedeck liftleverin any of the sixdifferentcutting

heightnotcheson the rightside ofthe fender.

2. Adjustthe deckwheels,if equipped,so thattheyare

betweenl_-inchand Y2-inchabovethe groundwhen

the tractoris on a smooth,flat surfacesuchas a

driveway.

_lib ARNING: Keephands and feet away from

the discharge opening of the cutting deck.

NOTE:On modelssoequipped,the deck wheelsarean

anti-scalpfeatureof the deckand are not designedto

supporttheweightof the cuttingdeck.

Referto Leveling the Deck on page20 of thismanual

for moredetailedinstructionsregardingvariousdeck

adjustments.

WARNING

Use extreme caution

while operating

i the tractor in the

i REVERSE CAUTION

• MODE. Always ook

i down and behind

before and while

backing. Do not oper-

ate the tractor when

children or others

are around. Stop the

tractor immediately if

someone enters the

area.

Keep hands and

feet away from the

discharge opening of

the cutting deck.

Do not operate

the tractor if the

interlocksystem is

malfunctioning. This

system was designed

for your safety and

protection.

Operating

Your Lawn

WARNING

ifyou strike a foreign

object,stop the engine,

disconnectthe spark

plug wire(s) and

groundagainst the

engine.Thoroughly

inspectthe machine for

any damage. Repairthe

damage before restart-

ingandoperating.

Avoid sudden starts,

ex-cessive speed and

sudden stops.

Do not leavethe seat

of the tractor without

first placingthe PTO

(Blade Engage) leverin

the disengaged(OFF)

position, depressing

the brakepedal and

engagingthe parking

brake, if leavingthe

tractor unattended, also

turn the ignitionkey off

and remove the key.

Always look down

and behind before

and while backingup

to avoida back-over

accident.

Starting the Engine

_ ARNING:Do not operate the tractorif

the interlock system is malfunctioning.

This system was designed for your safety

andprotection.

NOTE:Referto the TRACTORSET-UPon page8 of

thismanualfor Gasolineand Oil fill-upinstructions.

1. insertthe tractorkeyinto the ignitionswitch.

2. Placethe PTO(BladeEngage)leverin the disen-

gaged(OFF)position.

3. Engagethetractor'sparkingbrake.

4. Activatethe chokecontrol.

5. Turnthe ignitionkeyclockwiseto the STARTposi-

tion.Afterthe enginestarts, releasethe key.it will

returnto theON (or NormalMowing)position.

IMPORTANT:Do NOT holdthe keyin the START

positionfor longerthanten secondsat a time. Doingso

maycausedamageto yourengine'selectricstarter.

6. After theenginestarts, deactivatethechoke control

andplacethe throttlecontrolin theFASTposition.

NOTE:Do NOTleavethechokecontrolon whileoperat-

ingthe tractor.Doingso will result ina "rich" fuelmixture

andcausethe engineto run poorly.

Stopping the Engine

,_ WARNING:If you strike a foreign object,

stop the engine, disconnect the spark

plug wire(s) and ground against the

engine. Thoroughly inspect the machine

for any damage.Repair the damage

before restarting and operating

1. if the bladesare engaged,placethe PTO(Blade

Engage)leverin the disengaged(OFF)position.

2. Turnthe ignitionkeycounterclockwiseto the STOP

position.

3. Removethe keyfromthe ignitionswitchto prevent

unintendedstarting.

Driving The Tractor

,_ WARNING:Avoid sudden starts, ex-ces-

sive speed and sudden stops.

WARNING:Do not leave the seat of the

tractor without first placing the PTO

(Blade Engage)lever in the disengaged

(OFF)position, depressing the brake

pedal and engaging the parking brake. 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.

AVOID SERIOUS iNJURY OR DEATH

GO UP AND DOWNSLOPES,NOT ACROSS.

AVOIDSUDDENTURNS.

DO NOT OPERATETHE UNITWHERE IT COULDSLIP ORTIP.

IFMACHINESTOPSGOINGUPHILL,STOP BLADE(S)AND

BACK DOWNHILLSLOWLY.

DO NOT MOWWHEN CHILDRENOR OTHERS AREAROUND.

NEVER CARRYCHILDREN,EVENWITH BLADES OFE

LOOK DOWNAND BEHINDBEFOREAND WHILE BACKING.

KEEP SAFETY DEVICES(GUARDS,SHIELDS,AND BWlTCHE_

IN PLACEAND WORKING.

REMOVEOBJECTSTHATCOULDBE THROWNBYTHE

BLADE(S).

KNOW LOCATIONAND FUNCTIONOF ALL CONTROLS.

BE SUREBLADE(S) AND ENGINEARESTOPPEDBEFORE

PLACINGHANDSORFEET NEAR BLADE(S).

BEFORE LEAVINGOPERATOR'SPOSITION,DISENGAGE

BLADE(S), PLACETHE SHIFT LEVERIN NEUTRAL,ENGAGE

BRAKE LOCK, SHUT ENGINEOFF AND REMOVEKEY.

READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL

1. Depressthe brakepedalto releasethe parkingbrake

andlet the pedalup.

2. Movethe throttleleverintothe FAST(rabbit)position.

3. Placethe shift leverin eitherthe FORWARDor

REVERSEposition.

IMPORTANT:DoNOT usethe shift leverto changethe

directionof travelwhenthe tractoris in motion.Always

use the brakepedalto bring thetractorto a completestop

beforeshifting.

4. Releasethe parkingbrakeby depressingthe clutch-

brakepedaland positioningthespeedcontrol leverin

desiredposition.

IMPORTANT:First-timeoperatorsshouldusespeedposi-

tions 1 or2. Becomecompletelyfamiliarwiththe tractor's

operationand controlsbeforeoperatingthe tractorin

higherspeedpositions.

5. Releaseclutch-brakepedalslowlyto put unitinto

motion.

6. The lawntractoris broughtto a stop by depressingthe

clutch-brakepedal.

NOTE:Whenoperatingthe unitinitially,therewill be little

differencebetweenthe highesttwo speedsuntilafter the

beltshaveseatedthemselvesintothe pulleysduringthe

break-inperiod.

WARNING:Before leavingthe operator's

position for any reason,disengage the

blades,place the shift leverin neutral,

engagethe parking brake, shut engine off

and remove the key.

IMPORTANT:Whenstoppingthe tractorfor anyreason

whileon a grass surface,always:

1. Placetheshift leverin neutral,

2. Engagethe parkingbrake,

3. Shutengineoff andremovethe key.

Doingso will minimizethe possibilityof havingyour lawn

"browned" byhot exhaustfrom yourtractor'srunning

engine.

If unit stalls with speedcontrol inhighspeed,or if unit

will notoperatewith speedcontrol leverin a low speed

position,proceedas follows:

1. Placeshift leverinNEUTRAL.

2. Restartengine.

3. Placespeedcontrol leverin highestspeedposition.

4. Releaseclutch-brakepedalfully.

5. Depressclutch-brakepedal.

6. Placespeedcontrol leverin desiredposition.

7. Placeshift leverineitherFORWARDor REVERSE,

andfollownormaloperatingprocedures.

Driving On Slopes

Referto the SLOPEGAUGEon page3 to help determine

slopeswhereyou mayoperatethe tractorsafely.

,_ WARNING:Do not mow on inclines with

aslope in excess of 15degrees (arise of

approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). The

tractor could overturn and cause serious

injury.

,, Mow upanddownslopes,NEVERacross.

,, Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon

slopes.

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

objects.Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe machine.

Tallgrasscan hide obstacles.

,, Avoidturns whendrivingona slope.Ifa turn mustbe

made,turndownthe slope.Turningupa slope greatly

increasesthechanceof a roll over.

Engaging the Blades

Engagingthe PTO(BladeEngage)transferspowerto the

cuttingdeckor other(separatelyavailable)attachments.

To engagethe blades,proceedas follows:

1. Movethe throttlecontrollevertothe FAST(rabbit)

position.

2. Graspthe PTO(BladeEngage)leverandpivot it all

the wayforwardintothe engaged(ON) position.

3. Keepthe throttleleverinthe FAST(rabbit)position

for the mostefficient useof the cuttingdeckor other

(separatelyavailable)attachments.

IMPORTANT:Models with ReverseCaution Mode:

The enginewill automaticallyshutoff if the PTOis

engagedwiththe shift leverinpositionfor reversetravel

withthe ignitionkey inthe NORMALMOWINGposition.

Operating

Your Lawn

Modelswithout ReverseCaution Mode:

The PTO(Blade Engage)levermustbe in the disen-

gaged(OFF)positionwhenstartingthe engine,when

travelingin reverse,and if the operatorleavesthe seat.

Referto SafetyInterlockSwitcheson page14. WARNING

Using the Deck Lift Lever

To raisethe cuttingdeck,movethe decklift leverto

the left,then placeit in the notchbestsuitedfor your

application.Referto BettingThe CuttingHeightearlierin

thissection.

Do not mow On

inclineswith a slope

in excess of 15

degrees (a rise of

approximately 2-1/2

feet every 10 feet).

I The tractor could

overturn and cause

e i i jury

S r ous n

Avoidstoppingwhendrivingup a slope.If it is

necessaryto stopwhiledrivingup aslope,startup

smoothlyandcarefullyto reducethe possibilityof

flippingthe tractoroverbackward.

operating

) avoid blade

contact or a thrown

object injury, keep

bystanders,helpers,

chUdrenand pets at

least 75 feet from the

machine while it is in

operation. Stop ma-

chine if anyone enters

the area.

Plan your mowing

patternto avoid

discharge of materi-

als toward roads,

sidewalks, bystanders

and the like. Also,

avoid discharging

matedal against a wall

or obstruction which

may cause discharged

material to ricochet

back toward the

operator.

Mowing

,_ WARNING: Tohelp avoid blade contact or

a thrown object injury, keep bystanders,

helpers, children andpets at least 75feet

from the machine while it is in operation.

Stopmachine if anyone enters the area.

Thefollowinginformationwill be helpfulwhenusingthe

cuttingdeck withyourtractor:

,_ WARNING: Planyour 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 highgroundspeed,especiallyif a

mulchkitor grasscollectoris installed.

• Forbest resultsit is recommendedthat the firsttwo

lapsbe cutwith the dischargethrowntowardsthe

center.Afterthefirst two laps,reversethedirection

to throwthe dischargeto the outsidefor the balance

of cutting.Thiswill givea better appearanceto the

lawn.

,, Do notcut the grasstoo short.Shortgrassinvites

weedgrowthand yellowsquicklyin dry weather.

,, Mowingshouldalwaysbe donewith theengine atfull

throttle.

,, Underheavierconditionsit may benecessaryto go

backoverthe cut areaa secondtime to get a clean

cut.

,, Do NOTattemptto mow heavybrushand weedsand

extremelytall grass.Yourtractoris designedto mow

lawns,NOTclearbrush.

,, Keepthe bladessharpandreplacethe bladeswhen

worn.Referto Cutting Blades onpage 25 of this

manualfor properbladesharpeninginstructions.

AVOID SERIOUS iNJURY OR DEATH

, GO UPAND DOWN SLOPES,NOT ACROSS.

* AVOIDSUDDENTURNS.

* DO NOT OPERATETHE UNITWHERE IT COULDSLIP

OR TIR

* IF MACHINESTOPS GOINGUPHILL,STOP BLADE(S)

AND BACK DOWNHILLSLOWLY.

* DO NOT MOWWHEN CHILDRENOROTHERS ARE

AROUND.

* NEVER CARRYCHILDREN,EVENWITH BLADESOFR

* LOOK DOWNAND BEHINDBEFOREAND WHILE

BACKING.

* KEEP SAFETYDEVICES(GUARDS,SHIELDS,AND

SWITCHES)IN PLACE ANDWORKING.

* REMOVEOBJECTSTHATCOULD BETHROWNBY

THE BLADE(S).

" KNOW LOCATIONAND FUNCTIONOF ALL CON

TROLS.

BE SUREBLADE(S) AND ENGINEARE STOPPED

BEFOREPLACING HANDSORFEET NEAR

BLADE(S).

* BEFORELEAVINGOPERATOR'SPOSITION,DISEN

GAGEBLADE(S), PLACETHE SHIFT LEVERIN

NEUTRAL, ENGAGEBRAKE LOCK, SHUT ENGINE

OFF AND REMOVEKEY.

READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL

Mulching

Selectmodelscomeequippedwith a mulchkit which

incorporatesspecialblades,alreadystandardon the

tractor,ina processof recirculatinggrass clippings

repeatedlybeneaththecutting deck.The ultra-fine

clippingsarethenforcedbackinto thelawnwherethey

actas a naturalfertilizer.

Observethe followingpointsfor the bestresultswhen

mulching:

,, Neverattemptto mulchif the lawnis damp.Wetgrass

tendsto stickto the undersideof the cuttingdeck

preventingpropermulchingof the clippings.

,, Do NOTattemptto mulch morethan 1/3the total

heightof thegrassor approximately1-1/2inches.

Doingso will causethe clippingsto clump upbeneath

the deckandnotbe mulchedeffectively.

,, Maintaina slowgroundspeedto allowthe grass

clippingsmoretimeto effectivelybe mulched.

,, Alwayspositionthe throttlecontrol leverin the FAST

(rabbit)positionand allowit to remaintherewhile

mowing.Failingto keepthe engineat full throttle

placesstrainonthe tractor'sengineand does not

allowthe bladesto properlymulchgrass.

NOTE:It is not necessaryto removethedischargechute

to operatethe mowerwith the mulchkit installed.

,_ WARNING:Never operate the mower

without the discharge chute properly

attached.

Tooperatethe cuttingdeckwithoutmulching,simply

removethe mulchplug by unthreadingthe plasticwing

nut whichfastensit to thecuttingdeck.Thiswill allowthe

clippingsto dischargeout the side.SeeFig. 4-6.

Figure 4-6

Headlights

,, On somemodels,the lampsare ONwheneverthe

tractor'sengineis running.On othermodels,the

lampsareONwheneverthe ignitionkeyis movedout

of the STOPposition.

,, On allmodels,the lamps turnOFF whenthe ignition

keyis movedto the STOPposition.

l i i i

i!i_ _ _ i _ _i_i_iii

Your LaWn

TraCtor

i ii

WARNING

Never operate the

mower w thout the

discharge chute

proPer!Y attached,

I i_ i '

NOTE: This Operators

Manual Coversa range

of product speclficat ons

forvarious models.

i /

Characteristics and

features discussed

and/or illustratedin

th_smanua! maynot be

/ /

cable toall mo

ros0r os, h°;

right to change product

specifications, designs

and equipment without

notice and without incur-

ring obiigationl

1. With thetractorparkedona firm,levelsurface,place

Adj

ust|nq

Yo rL

U awn

Tract

Never attempt to

i make any adjust-

i merits while the

i engine is running,

i except where speci-

f ed n the operator s

i manual.

Figure 5-1

Figure 5-2

WARNING:Never attempt to make any

adjustments while the engine is running,

except wherespecified in the operator's

manual

the deckliftleverin the top notch(highestposition)

androtatethe blade nearestthe dischargechute so

thatit is parallelwiththe tractor.

2. Measurethe distancefromthe frontof thebladetip to

the groundandthe rearof the bladetip to the ground.

Thefirst measurementtaken shouldbe between

1/4" and3/8" lessthanthe secondmeasurement.

Determinethe approximatedistancenecessaryfor

properadjustmentandproceed,if necessary,to the

nextstep.

3. Locatethejam nutandlock nut on the frontsideof the

stabilizerbracket.SeeFig. 5-1.Afterlooseningthe jam

nut:

Tightenthe locknutto raisethe frontof the deck;

Loosenthe lock nut to lowerthe frontof the deck.

4. Retightenthe jam nut loosenedearlierwhenproper

adjustmentis achieved.

Side to Side

If thecutting deckappearsto bemowingunevenly,a side

to sideadjustmentcan be performed.Adjustif necessary

as follows:

1. With thetractorparkedona firm,levelsurface,place

the deckliftleverin the top notch(highestposition)

androtatebothbladesso that they are perpendicular

withthe tractor.

2. Measurethe distancefromthe outsideof the leftblade

tip to the groundandthe distancefrom theoutsideof

the rightblade tipto the ground.Bothmeasurements

takenshouldbe equal.If they'renot,proceedto the

nextstep.

3. Loosen,butdo NOTremove,the hexcap screwon

the leftdeckhangerbracket.See Fig.5-2.

4. Balancethe deckby usinga wrenchto turnthe

adjustmentgear(foundimmediatelybehindthe hex

capscrewjust loosened)clockwise/uporcounter-

clockwise/down.Thedeck is properlybalancedwhen

both bladetip measurementstakenearlierare equal.

5. Retightenthe hex capscrewon the left deckhanger

bracketwhenproperadjustmentis achieved.

Leveling the Deck

NOTE:Checkthe tractor'stirepressurebeforeperform-

ingany decklevelingadjustments.Referto Tires on

page24 for informationregardingtire pressure.

Front To Rear

The frontof the cuttingdeckis supportedbya stabilizer

barthatcan adjustedto levelthe deckfrom frontto rear.

The frontof the deckshouldbebetween1/4-inchand

3/8-inchlowerthanthe rear of thedeck. Adjustif

necessaryas follows:

Parking Brake Adjustment

,_ WARNING:Never attempt to adjust the

brakes while the engine is running. Always

disengage PTO,move shift leverinto

neutral position, stop engine and remove

key to prevent unintended starting.

If the tractordoesnot cometo a completestop whenthe

brakepedal is completelydepressed,or if the tractor's

rearwheelscan rollwith the parkingbrakeapplied,the

brakeis in needof adjustment.See anauthorizedMTD

ServiceDealerto haveyourbrakesproperlyadjusted.

Seat Adjustment

NOTE:For shippingreasons,seatsare eitherfastened

to the tractorseat'spivotbracketwith a plastictie, or

mountedbackwardto the pivot bracket.In eithercase,

free theseat formits shippingpositionandremovethe

two hexscrews(or knobs,on modelsso equipped)from

the bottomof seat beforeproceedingwith applicable

instructions.

,j_ 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.

Standard Seat

Toadjust the positionof the seat,loosenthe two hex

screwson the bottomof the seat.Slidethe seatforward

or backwardas desired.Retightenthe two screws.See

Fig.5-3.

Knob Adjustment Seat (if so equipped)

Toadjust the positionof the seaton modelsso equipped,

loosenthe two knobsonthe bottomof the seat. See

Fig.5-4. Slidethe seatforwardor backwardas desired.

Retightenthe two knobs.

Quick Adjust Seat (if so equipped)

Toadjust the positionof the seaton modelsequipped

witha seatadjustmentlever,movetheseatadjustment

lever(locatedunder theseat) to the leftand slidethe

seatforwardor rearward.SeeFig.5-5. Makesureseatis

lockedintopositionbeforeoperatingthe tractor.

Figure 5-3

Figure 5-4

Adjust" g

Your Lawn

Tractor

WARNING

Never attempt to

adjust the brakes while

the eng'ne "s runn'ng

' Always disengage

PTO move shift lever

into neutral position,

stop engine and

remove key to prevent

unintended starting.

Before operating this

machine, make sure the

seat is engaged in the

seat stop, stand behind

the machineand pull

backon seat until fully

engaged into stop.

NOTE: For shipping rea-

sons. seats are either

fastened to the tractor

seat's pivot bracket with

a plastictie. or mounted

backward to the pivot

oracket. In either case.

free the seat form its

shipping position and

removethe two hex

screws (or knobs, on

_nodelsso equipped)

from the bottom of seat

before proceedingwith

applicable instructions,

........ /

Maintaining

Your LaWn

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.

Before lubricating,

repairing, or inspect-

ing, always disengage

PTO, move shift lever

into neutral position,

set parking brake, stop

engine and remove key

to prevent unintended

starting.

KohlerSingle

ssi°glo .............

Figure 6-1

,_ WARNING:Beforeperforming any

maintenance or repairs,disengage PTO,

moveshift lever into neutral position, set

parking brake,stop engine and remove

key to prevent unintended starting.

Engine

Referto the Engine Operator/Owner Manualfor

enginemaintenance instructions.

Checkengineoil level beforeeachuseas instructed

in the EngineOperator/OwnerManualpackedwith your

unit.Fellow the instructionscarefully.

Changing Engine Oil

Fordrainingoil fromthe engine'scrankcaseof select

modeltractors,a plasticoil drainsleeveis packedwith

thisOperator'sManual.Todrainthe oil, proceedas

follows:

1. Unscrewthe oilfill capand removethe dipstickfrom

the oilfill tube.

2. Snapthe smallendof oil drain sleeveontothe oil

sump.See Fig.6-1.

3. Removedrainpluganddrain oil intoa suitable

containerwitha capacityof no lessthan 64 oz.

4. Servicethe oil filter (if so equipped)as instructedin the

separateEngineOperator/OwnerManualpackedwith

yourunit.

Performthe abovestepsin theoppositeorderafter oil has

finisheddraining.

5. Refillthe enginewith newmotoroilas instructedinthe

EngineOperator/OwnerManualpackedwithyour unit.

IMPORTANT:Referto the EngineOperator/Owner

Manualpackedwithyourunit for informationregardingthe

quantityand properweightof motoroil.

Air Cleaner

Servicethe pre-cleaner,if so equipped,and cartridge/air

cleanerelementas instructedin the EngineOperator/

OwnerManualpackedwith your unit.

Spark Plug(s)

Thespark plug(s)shouldbecleanedandthe gap reset

oncea season.Sparkplugreplacementis recommended

at the startof each mowingseason.Referto the Engine

Operator/OwnerManualfor correctplug type andgap

specifications.

Lubrication

_ ARNING: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 starting.

Engine

Lubricatethe enginewithmotoroil as instructedinthe

EngineOwnerManualpackedwith your unit.

Pivot Points & Linkage

Lubricateall the pivotpointson the drivesystem,parking

brakeand lift linkageat least oncea seasonwithlightoil.

Rear Wheels

The rearwheelsshouldbe removedfromthe axles once

a season.Lubricatethe axles andthe rimswell withan

all-purposegreasebeforere-installingthem.

Front Axles

Eachend of the tractor'sfrontpivotbar may beequipped

witha greasefitting.Lubricatewitha greasegun after

every25 hoursof tractoroperation.

Cleaning the Engine And Deck

Anyfuel or oil spilledonthe machineshouldbewiped

offpromptly.DoNOTallowdebristo accumulatearound

the coolingfinsof the engine or on anyotherpart of the

machine.

IMPORTANT:The useof a pressurewasherto clean

yourtractoris NOTrecommended.It maycausedamage

to electricalcomponents,spindles,pulleys,bearingsor

the engine.

Deck Wash System TM

A hexplugcan be foundon yourtractor'sdeck surface.

SeeFig.6-2.

Thisplugcan be replacedwitha waterport to beused as

partof a separately-availabledeck washsystem.

Usethe DeckWash SystemTM to rinsegrassclippings

fromthedeck'sundersideandpreventthe buildupof

corrosivechemicals.

HexPlug

.....

Figure 6=2

NOTE:Referto page28 for informationregardingthis

andotherseparately-availableattachments& acces-

soriesfor yourtractor.

Cutting Deck Removal

NOTE:Modelsequippedwitha 38-inchdeck have

onedeckidler pulley.Modelsequippedwitha 42-and

46-inchdeck havetwodeck idlerpulleys.

Toremovethe cuttingdeck, proceedas follows:

1. Placethe PTO(BladeEngage)leverin the disen-

gaged(OFF)positionandengagethe parkingbrake.

2. Lowerthe deckby movingthedeck lift leverinto the

bottomnotchon the rightfender.

3. Removethe belt from aroundthe tractor'sengine

pulleyand idlerpulley(s).Refer toChangingthe Deck

Belton page26 for detailedinstructions.

4. Lookingat the cuttingdeck fromthe leftsideof the

tractor,locatethe hairpin clip that securesthe deck

supportrodon the rearleftsideof thedeck.

SeeFig.6-3.

5. Removethe hairpin clipthatsecuresthedeck

supportrod, andcarefullyremovethe deck support

fromthedeck lift arm.

6. Repeatthe abovestepson the tractor'srightside.

7. Movethe decklift leverintothe top notchonthe right

fenderto raisethedeck lift arms upand out of the

way.

8. Carefullyremovethe PTOcablefromthe rearof

the cuttingdeck by removingthe hair pin clipwhich

securesit. Removethe springfromthe deck idler

bracket.SeeFig.6-4.

9. Gentlyslidethe cuttingdecktowardthefrontof the

tractorallowingthe hookson the deckto release

themselvesfromthedeckstabilizerrod.

10.Gentlyslidethe cuttingdeck(from the rightside)out

fromunderneaththetractor.

Figure 6-3

l E E R i

llVlalntalnlng

Your Lawn

Tractor

Figure 6=4

NOTE: Models

equippedwith a 38-inch

deck have one deck

idler pulley.Models

equipped with a 42- and

46-inch deck have two

deck idler pulleys,

WARNING

Never exceedthe

maximum inflation

pressure shown on

the sidewall of the

tire.

Batteries give off an

explosive gas while

charging. Charge

battery in a well

ventilated area and

keep away from an

openflame or pUot

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 replacement.

Tires Jump Starting

,_ WARNING:Neverexceedthe maximum

inflation pressure shown on the sidewall

of tire.

The recommendedoperatingtire pressureis:

Approximately10psi for the reartires

Approximately14psi for the fronttires

IMPORTANT:Referto the tire sidewallforexacttire

manufacturer'srecommendedor maximumpsi. Do not

overinflate.Uneventire pressurecouldcausethe cutting

deckto mowunevenly.

Battery

The batteryis sealedand is maintenance-free.Acid

levelscannotbe checked.

Alwayskeepthe batterycablesandterminalsclean

andfreeof corrosivebuild-up.

Aftercleaningthe batteryand terminals,apply a light

coatof petroleumjelly or greasetoboth terminals.

Alwayskeepthe rubberbootpositionedoverthe

positiveterminalto preventshorting.

IMPORTANT:If removingthe batteryforany reason,

disconnectthe NEGATIVE(Black)wire from it's terminal

first,followedbythe POSITIVE(Red)wire.When

re-installingthe battery,alwaysconnectthe POSITIVE

(Red)wire its terminalfirst,followedbythe NEGATIVE

(Black)wire.Becertainthat thewires areconnectedto

thecorrectterminals;reversingthemcould changethe

polarityandresultin damageto your engine'salternat-

ingsystem.

Charging

IMPORTANT:Whenchargingyour tractor'sbattery,use

onlya chargerdesignedfor 12Vlead-acidbatteries.

Readyourbatterycharger'sOwner'sManualpriorto

chargingyourtractor'sbattery.Alwaysfollow its instruc-

tionsandheed itswarnings.

If yourtractorhasnot been put intousefor an extended

periodof time,chargethe batteryas follows:

,, Setyour batterychargerto delivera maximumof 10

amperes.Ifyourbatterychargeris automatic,charge

the batteryuntilthe chargerindicatesthat chargingis

complete.

NOTE:If the chargeris notautomatic,chargefor no

fewerthaneight hours.

,_ WARNING:Batteries give off an explosive

gas while charging. Charge battery in a

well ventilated areaand keep away from

an open flame or pilot lightas on a water

heater,space heater,furnace, clothes

dryer or other gas appliances.

,_lk WARNING:Whenremovingor installing the

battery, follow theseinstructions toprevent

the screwdriver from shorting against the

frame.

iMPORTANT:Neverjumpyourtractor'sdead batterywith

the batteryof a runningvehicle.

1. Connectendof onejumpercableto the positive

terminalof thegood battery,thenthe otherendto the

positiveterminalof the deadbattery.

2. Connectthe otherjumpercableto the negative

terminalof thegood battery,thento the frame of the

unit withthe dead battery.

3. Start the tractor as instructedon page 15.

_ ARNING:Failure to use this procedure

could cause sparking, and the gas in either

battery could explode.

Cleaning

Cleanthe batteryby removingit fromthe tractorand

washingwitha bakingsodaandwatersolution.If neces-

sary,scrapethe batteryterminalswith a wire brushto

removedeposits.Coatterminalsand exposedwiringwith

greaseor petroleumjelly topreventcorrosion.

Battery Failures

Somecommoncausesfor batteryfailureare:

• incorrectinitialactivation • undercharging

• overcharging • corrodedconnections

• freezing

Thesefailures are NOTcovered by your tractor's

warranty.

Fuse

One20AMPfuseis installedin yourtractor'swiringhar-

nessto protectthe tractor'selectricalsystemfrom damage

causedby excessiveamperage.

If the electricalsystemdoes notfunction,or your tractor's

enginewill not crank,first checkto be certainthatthe fuse

has notblown.It can befoundunderthe hoodmounted

behindthe dashpanelon the rightside.

,_ WARNING:Always use a fuse with the

sameamperage capacity for replacement.

Cutting Blades

,_ WARNING:Be sure to shut the engine

off, removeignitionkey, disconnectthe

spark plug wire(s) and ground against

the engine to prevent unintended starting

before removing the cutting 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

immediately if damaged.

Thebladesmaybe removedas follows.

1. Removethe deckfrombeneaththe tractor,(referto

CuttingDeckRemovalon page23) thengentlyflip

the deckoverto exposeits underside.

2. Placea blockof wood betweenthe centerdeckhous-

ingbaffleand the cuttingbladeto act asa stabilizer.

SeeFig.6-5.

3. Removethe hexflangenutthat securesthe bladeto

the spindleassembly.See Fig.6-5.

4. Toproperlysharpenthe cutting blades,removeequal

amountsof metalfrombothends of the bladesalong

the cuttingedges, parallelto the trailingedge,at a

25° to 30° angle.

IMPORTANT:If the cuttingedgeof the bladehasalready

beensharpenedto within 15/8" fromthe edge,or if any

metalseparationis present,replacethe bladeswith new

ones.SeeFig.6-6.

,, It is importantthateachcuttingblade edgebeground

equallyto maintainproperbladebalance.

,, A poorlybalancedbladewill causeexcessive

vibrationand maycausedamageto thetractorand

resultinpersonalinjury.The bladecan be testedby

balancingit ona roundshaftscrewdriver.Grind metal

fromthe heavysideuntil it balancesevenly.

,, Whenreplacingthe blade,be sureto installthe blade

withthe sideof the blademarked"Bottom" (or with

a part numberstampedin it) facingthe groundwhen

the moweris inthe operatingposition.

iMPORTANT:Useatorquewrenchto tightenthe blade

spindlehexflangenutto between70 foot-poundsand 90

foot-pounds.

Figure 6-5

Figure 6-6

Idlerpulleys

Idlerpulleynuts

Figure 6-7

Your Lawn

I Be sure to shut the

lengine off, remove

iignition key, discon-

inect the spark plug

wire(s) and ground

against the engine to

_revent 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

blade.

Periodicallyinspect

the blade spindles for

cracks or damage,

especially if you strike

a foreign object.

Replace immediately if

damaged.

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 belt.

Avoid the possibility of

a pinching injury. Do

not place your fingers

on the idler spring or

betweenthe belt and a

pulleywhile removing

he belt.

Changing the Deck Belt

,_ WARNING:Besure to shut the engine

off, removeignition key, disconnect the

spark plug wire(s) and ground against

the engine to prevent unintended starting

before removing the belt.

Allbelt on yourtractorare subjectto wearandshouldbe

replacedif any signsof wearare present.

IMPORTANT:The V-beltfoundon yourtractorare

speciallydesignedto engageand disengagesafely.A

substitute(non-OEM)V-beltcan bedangerousby not

disengagingcompletely.Fora properworkingmachine,

usefactory approvedbelts.

Tochangeorreplacethe deck belt onyourtractor,

proceedas follows:

1. Lowerthe deck by movingthedeck liftleverintothe

bottomnotchon the right fender.

2. Removethe beltguardsby removingtheself-tapping

screwsthatfastenthem to the deck.

3. Removethe beltkeeperrodfromaroundthe engine

pulley.

4. On the 42-inchdeck only, loosenbut do notremove,

the idlerpulleynuts.Thiswill enablethebelt to be

easilyremovedfrom the idler pulleys.See Fig. 6-7on

the previouspage.

,_ WARNING:Avoid thepossibility of a pinch-

ing injury. Do not place your fingers on the

idler spring or between the belt and a pulley

while removing the belt.

5. Removethe deck belt fromaroundall pulleys,including

the deckidlerpulley.

6. Routethe newbelt as shownin andFig.6-8, 6-9 or

6-10.

7. Remountthe beltguardsremovedearlier.

Changing the Lower Deck Belt (46" Decks)

NOTE:Severalcomponentsmustbe removedin orderto

changethe tractor'slowerdeck belt. Seean authorized

MTDServiceDealerto haveyourlowerdrivebelt replaced

orphoneCustomerSupportas instructedon page2 for

informationon orderinga Service Manual.

Changing the Transmission Drive Belt

NOTE:Severalcomponentsmustbe removedand special

tools(i.e.air/impactwrench)in orderto changethe

tractor'sdrivebelt. Seean authorizedMTDServiceDealer

to haveyourdrivebelt replacedorphoneCustomerSup-

port as instructedon page2 for informationon orderinga

ServiceManual.

Engine Pulley 38-Inch Deck

Idler Bracket

Deck Idler Pulley

Figure 6-8

Engine Pulley 42-Inch Deck

Idler Bracket

Deck Idler Pulleys

Figure 6-9

46-InchDeck

Belt Cover Idler Pulleys

Figure 6-10

F 1 Cleanandlubricatethe tractoras instructedin Section Followthe instructionsin the Service, Storage &

P 6: MAINTAININGYOURLAWNTRACTORon page19 Specifications sectionof the EngineOperator/Owner

of thismanualbeforestoringfor anextendedperiod. Manualfor properenginecare priorto storingyourtractor.

Off-Season

Storage!

Attachments

_ ARNING:Drainfuel only into anapproved

containeroutdoors,awayfroman open

flame.Allow engine to cool Extinguish

cigarettes,cigars,pipes, and other sources

of ignition prior to draining fuel

WARNING:Never store the machine 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

The followingattachmentsandaccessoriesare compatiblefor ModelSeries700 LawnTractors.Seethe retailer

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

regardingpriceand availability.

NOTE:ModelSeries700 LawnTractorsare NOTdesignedfor usewith any type of ground-engagingattachments

(e.g.tiller or plow).Use of thistype of equipmentWILLvoidthe tractor'swarranty.

i WARNING

i Drain o an

fuel only int

i approved container

outdoors, away

ifrom an open flame.

iAllow engine to cool.

i Extinguish cigarettes,

iicl'gars, p'ples, and

i other sources of

_ignition prior to

i dra n ng fue.

0EM-190-032 42-inchTwo-stageSnowThrower

0EM-190-116 38/42-inchDeckMulchKit

0EM-190-118 46-inch DeckMulchKit

0EM-190-180 TwinBaggerGrassCollector(for38/42-inchDecks)

0EM-190-182 TwinBaggerGrassCollector(for46-inch Decks)

0EM-190-183 DeckWheel Kit

0EM-190-215 RearWheelWeightKit

0EM-190-607' DeluxeTractorSunshade

0EM-190-658 Tire Chains,20 x 8 Tires

0EM-190-672 GrilleGuard(mountson frontoftractor)

0EM-190-833 42-inchFrontDozerBlade

490-900-0025 DeckWash Kit

Notcompatiblewith tractorsequippedwitha GrassCollector

i Never store the

machine or fuel

container indoors

where there is an

lopen flame, spark or

i pilot light such as on

iwater heater, furnace,

iclothes dryer or

iother gas appliance.

ROTATING BLADES CAUSE

SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

• DONOTMOWWHENCHILDRENOR

OTHERSAREAROUND

• NEVERCARRYCHILDRENEVENWITH

BLADE(S)OFF.

• LOOKDOWNANDBEHINDBEFORE

ANDWHILEBACKING.

WARNING

This symbol points

out importantsafety

instructionswhich, if

notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal

safetyand/or property

of yourselfand others.

Read andfollow all

instructionsin this

manual beforeat-

temptingto operate

this machine.Failure

to cornply withthese

instructionsmayresult

in personalinjury.When

yousee this symbol.

HEED ITS WARNING!

Your Responsibility

Restrictthe use

of this power machine

to persons who read.

understand

and follow the warn,ngs

and instructions

in this manual

and on the machine.

'Trot

Shootin

For repairs

beyond the minor

adjustments listed

here, contact an

authorized service

dealer.

Problem Cause Remedy

Eng ne fa s to start 1. PTOengaged• 1. PlacePTO knob(or ever) n

disengaged(OFF)position•

2. Sparkplugwire(s) disconnected. 2. Connectwire(s) to sparkplug(s).

3 Fueltank em t or stalefuel 3 F tank wth c ean,freshgaso ne

• py . .

4 Chokenot activated 4. Pullout the CHOKEcontrol(if so

equipped)orplacethe throttle

controlinCHOKEposition.

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

6. Blockedfuel hne. 6. Cleanfuel line or replacefuelfilter,

7 Engineflooded if so equip ed

• • p •

7. Crank enginewiththrottle in FAST

position•

8. Parkingbrakenot engaged• 8. Engageparkingbrake•

9. Throttlecontrollevernotin correct 9. Placethrottleleverto FAST

startingposition• position•

Engine runs erratic

1. Unitrunningwith CHOKEapplied.

2. Sparkplug wire(s)loose.

3. Blockedfuel lineor stale fuel.

4. Ventin gas cap plugged.

5. Wateror dirt infuel system.

6. Dirty air cleaner.

_ J

1. PushCHOKEcontrol(ifso

equipped)in, or movethethrottle

controloutof the CHOKEposition.

2. Connectand tightenspark

plugwire(s).

3. Cleanfuel line;fill tankwithclean,

fresh(lessthan30 daysold)

gasoline.Replacefuel filter,if so

equipped.

4. Clearvent or replaceif damaged.

5. Drainfuel tank. Refillwith

freshfuel.

6. Replaceaircleanercartridge/ele-

mentorclean pre-cleaner,if so

equipped.

_ J

Problem Cause Remedy

Engine overheats !. Engineoil level!ow.

2. Clean grassclippingsanddebris

' from aroundthe engine!scooling

finsandblowerhousing.

Enginehesitates at 1. Sparkplug(s)gap tooclose. 1. Removespark plug(s)and reset

high RPM thegap.

IdleS poorly spark plug(s)fou!e& !au!ty 0rgap !. RePlacespa!k p!ug(s),set plug(s)

' to° wide' I gap.

2. Dirty air cleaner. 21 Replaceair cleanercartridge!ele-

mentor €leanpre_€leaner,if So

equipped.

Excessive 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandspindle.

Vibration Balanceblade.

2. Damagedor bentcutting blade. 2. Replaceblade.

Mowerwi!l not !' Engine speedtO°low. I !: P!acethrottle Contro!in FAST

mulch grass I 2 Wet grass I (rabbit)position

odelse quipped 2 , Do not mowwhengrass swet;

withamuich'kit' I wat unt aterto cut

_) 3. Excessivelyhighgrass.

3. Mowonceata highcuttingheight,

then mowagainat desiredheight

I or makea narrowercutt ng path

4. Dullblade. 4. Sharpenor replaceblade.

Uneven cut

1. Decknotbalancedproperly.

2. Dullblade.

3. Uneventire pressure.

1. Performside-to-sidedeckadjust-

ment.

2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

3. Checktire pressureinall four

tires.

Trouble

Shootin

beyond the minor

adjustments listed

here, contact an

authorized service

dealer.

Replacement

l = i

Parts

GRHUIHX

_FACTORY PARTS

WARNING

f a safety feature

as not functionin¢

properly, do not use

the tractor. Contact

your authorized MTD

service deaJeror call

(800) 800-7310

i ill ii iii

This Operators

Manua covers a range

of product specifications

for various models,

Characteristics and

features discussed

, ,

and/or illustrated in

l !

this manual maynotbe

applicable to all models,

MTD LLO reserves the

nght to changeproduct

spec_flcat!ons,designs

and equipment without

noticeand without

_ncurring obligation,

NOTE:Phone(800) 800-7310to orderreplacementpartsor acompletePartsManual(have

your full modelnumberand serialnumberready).PartsManualdownloadsare also available

freeof chargeat www.mtdproducts.com.

DriveBelt (Transmission)

DriveBelt (MowingDeck)38" Deck

DriveBelt (MowingDeck)42" Deck

UpperDriveBelt (MowingDeck)46" Deck

LowerDriveBelt(MowingDeck)46" Deck

DeckBlades(38" Deck- twoeach)

DeckBlade(42"Deck)

DeckBlade(46" Deck)CenterBlade(oneea.)

DeckBlade(46" Deck)OuterBlade (two ea.)

DeckSpindle(38"Deck)

DeckSpindle(42"Deck)

DeckSpindle(46"Deck)DoublePulley(one ea.)

DeckSpindle(46"Deck)(twoeach)

DeckWheels

Battery(13hp Tecumseh)

Battery(15.5hp Briggs& Stratton)

Tire (Front)15x 6 x 6 RoundShoulder

Tire (Front)15x 6 x 6 SquareShoulder

Tire (Rear)20 x 8 x 8 RoundShoulder

Tire (Rear)20 x 8 x 8 SquareShoulder

HubCap

FuelTankCap

ChokeControl/Cable(TwinCylinderEngines)

ThrottleControl/Cable(SingleCylinderEngines)

DischargeChuteAssembly

754-04001A

754-04062

754-04060B

754-04142

754-0349

742-0610A

742-0616A

742-0612A

742-0611A

618-04197

618-04456

618-04134B

618-0240A

734-0973

725-1704A

725-1737A

734-0864

734-1731

734-1596

734-1730

731-0484A

951-3111

746-1085A

746-04258

931-1032B

NOTES

Use this page to make notes and write down important information.

CALiFORNiA EMiSSiON CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT

YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLiGATiONS

The CaliforniaAir ResourcesBoardand MTDConsumerGroup Inc are pleasedto explainthe evaporativeemissioncontrolsystemwarrantyon your2007 lawn

mower.In California,new lawnmowermust be designed,built andequippedto meet theState'sstringentanti-smogstandards.MTDConsumerGroupInc must

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

YourEECSmayincludeparts such as the carburetor,fuel-injectionsystem,the ignitionsystem,catalyticconverter,fuel tanks,fuel lines,fuel caps,valves,

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

Where a warrantableconditionexists, MTDConsumer Group Inc will repair your lawnmower at no costto you includingdiagnosis, parts and labor.

MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY COVERAGE:

Thisevaporativeemissioncontrol systemis warrantedfor twoyears. If anyevaporativeemission-relatedpart onyour equipmentis defective,the partwill be

repairedor replacedby MTDConsumerGroup Inc.

OWNER'S WARRANTY RESPONSiBILITiES:

Asthe lawn mowerowner,you are responsiblefor performanceof the requiredmaintenancelistedin your owner'smanual. MTDConsumerGroupInc recom-

mendsthat you retain all receiptscoveringmaintenanceon your lawnmower,but MTDConsumerGroupInc cannotdenywarrantysolelyfor the lackof receipts.

Asthe lawn mowerowner,you shouldhoweverbeawarethat MTDConsumerGroup Inc maydenyyou warrantycoverageif yourlawn moweror a part has failed

dueto abuse,neglect, orimpropermaintenanceor unapprovedmodifications.

Youare responsiblefor presentingyourlawn mowerto MTDConsumerGroupInc's distributioncenter or servicecenter as soonas the problemexists.The

warrantyrepairsshouldbe completedin a reasonableamountof time, not to exceed30 days.If you havea questionregardingyour warrantycoverage,you should

contactthe MTDConsumerGroupIncService Departmentat 1-800-800-7310.

GENERAL EMISSIONS WARRANTY COVERAGE:

MTDConsumerGroupIncwarrantsto the ultimatepurchaserandeachsubsequentpurchaserthat the lawnmower is: Designed,built and equippedso as to

conformwithall applicableregulations;and freefrom defectsin materialsand workmanshipthatcausethe failure of a warrantedpart to be identicalin all material

respectsto that part as describedin MTDConsumerGroup Inc'sapplicationfor certification.

The warrantyperiodbeginson the datethe lawnmoweris deliveredto an ultimatepurchaseror first placedinto service.Thewarranty periodis twoyears.

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

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

statedabove. If the part fails duringthe periodof warrantycoverage,the partwill be repairedor replacedby MTDConsumerGroupInc accordingto subsection

(4) below.Any such part repairedor replacedunderwarrantywill be warrantedfor the remainderof the period.

2. Any warrantedpart that is scheduledonly for regular inspectioninthe writteninstructionssuppliedis warrantedfor the warranty periodstated above.Any such

part repairedorreplacedunderwarrantywill be warrantedfor the remainingwarrantyperiod.

3. Any warrantedpart that is scheduledfor replacementas requiredmaintenanceinthe written instructionssuppliedis warrantedfor the periodof time beforethe

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

GroupInc accordingto subsection(4) below.Anysuch part repairedor replacedunderwarrantywillbe warrantedfor the remainderof the periodpriorto the

first scheduledreplacementpointfor the part.

4. Repairor replacementof any warrantedpart underthewarrantyprovisionshereinmustbe performedat a warrantystationat no chargeto theowner.

8. 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 engineor equipmentcomponentsproximatelycaused bya failure underwarrantyof any warranted

part.

8. Throughoutthe lawnmowerwarrantyperiodstated above,MTDConsumerGroup Incwill maintaina supplyof warrantedparts sufficientto meetthe expected

demandfor such parts.

9. Any replacementpart maybe usedinthe performanceof any warrantymaintenanceor repairsand mustbe providedwithoutchargeto the owner.Suchuse will

not reducethe warrantyobligationsof MTDConsumerGroupInc.

10.Add-onor modifiedpartsthat are notexemptedbythe Air ResourcesBoardmaynot be used.The use of any non-exemptedadd-onor modifiedparts by the

ultimatepurchaserwill be groundsfor disallowinga warrantyclaims. MTDConsumerGroup Incwill notbe liableto warrantfailures of warrantedparts caused

bythe use of a non-exemptedadd-onor modifiedpart.

WARRANTED PARTS:

The repairor replacementof any warrantedpartotherwiseeligiblefor warrantycoveragemay be excludedfromsuch warrantycoverageif MTDConsumerGroup

Inc demonstratesthat thelawn mowerhas been abused,neglected,or improperlymaintained,andthat such abuse,neglect,or impropermaintenancewas the

directcauseof the need for repairor replacementof the part.That notwithstanding,any adjustmentof a componentthat has a factory installed,and properly

operating,adjustmentlimiting deviceis still eligiblefor warrantycoverage.The following emissionwarrantyparts list are covered:FuelLine,Fuel Line Clamps

MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR

Thelimitedwarrantyset forthbelowis givenby MTDLLCwithrespect

to new merchandisepurchasedand usedin the UnitedStates,its

possessionsand territories.

"MTD"warrantsthis productagainstdefectsin materialandworkman-

shipfor a periodof two (2) yearscommencingon thedate of original

purchaseandwill,at its option,repairor replace,free of charge,any

partfound tobe defectiveinmaterialsor workmanship.This limitedwar-

rantyshallonlyapply if this producthas beenoperatedand maintained

inaccordancewith theOperator'sManualfurnishedwiththe product,

andhas notbeensubjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,

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

ordamagebecauseof otherperil or naturaldisaster.Damageresulting

fromthe installationor useof any part, accessoryor attachmentnot

approvedby MTDfor use with the product(s)coveredbythis manual

will voidyourwarrantyas to any resultingdamage.

Normalwearpartsare warrantedto befree fromdefects in materialand

workmanshipfor aperiodof thirty (30) daysfromthe date of purchase.

Normalwearparts include,butare notlimitedto itemssuch as: batter-

ies,belts,blades,bladeadapters,grass bags, riderdeckwheels,seats,

snowthrowerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.

HOW 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 1-800-800-7310 or 1-330-220-4683 or log on to our

Web site at www.mtdproducts.com.

Thislimitedwarrantydoesnot providecoveragein the followingcases:

a. Theengineor componentpartsthereof.These itemsmaycarry a

separatemanufacturer'swarranty.Referto applicablemanufacturer's

warrantyfor termsand conditions.

b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershavea separateone year

warranty.

c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuch as lubricants,filters, blade

sharpening,tune-ups,brakeadjustments,clutchadjustments,deck

adjustments,andnormaldeteriorationof the exteriorfinishdueto

useor exposure.

d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthanan authorizedservice

dealer.

e. MTDdoesnot extendanywarrantyfor productssold or exported

outsideof the UnitedStates,itspossessionsandterritories,except

thosesold throughMTD'sauthorizedchannelsof export distribution.

f. Replacementparts thatarenot genuineMTDparts.

g. Transportationchargesandservicecalls.

No impliedwarranty, includingany impliedwarranty of mer-

chantabilityof fitness for a particularpurpose,applies after the

applicable periodof expresswritten warranty above as to the

partsas identified.No other expresswarranty, whether written or

oral,exceptas mentioned above,givenby any personor entity,

includinga dealeror retailer,with respectto any product,shall

bind MTD.Duringthe periodof the warranty,the exclusiveremedy

is repair or replacementof the productas set forth above.

Theprovisionsas set forth in this warranty providethe soleand

exclusiveremedyarising from the sale. MTDshallnot be liable

for incidentalor consequentialloss or damageincluding,without

limitation,expensesincurredfor substituteor replacement lawn

careservicesor for rental expensesto temporarily replace a

warranted product.

Somestatesdo notallowthe exclusionor limitationof incidentalor

consequentialdamages,or limitationson how longan impliedwarranty

lasts,so the aboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapply to you.

In noeventshallrecoveryof any kindbegreaterthanthe amountof the

purchasepriceof the productsold. Alterationof safety features of

the product shall void this warranty. Youassumethe risk and liability

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

theirpropertyarisingout of the misuseor inabilityto usethe product.

This limitedwarrantyshallnot extendto anyoneotherthan the original

purchaserorto the personfor whomit was purchasedas a gift.

HOWSTATELAW RELATESTO THISWARRANTY: This limited

warrantygivesyou specificlegalrights,and youmay also haveother

rightswhichvaryfrom stateto state.

IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofof Purchasetoobtain

warrantycoverage.

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

GDOC-100015REV.A

MTD 779 Shift-On-The-Go TM Lawn Tractor

Product's Documents

Operator's Manual

Specifications

MTD 779 Questions and Answers