Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips & Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty

A

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Hydrostatic Lawn TractorModel Series 620

iMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: This unit is equippedwithan internalcombustionengineand shouldnot be usedon or nearany uniiprovedforest-covered,brushcoveredor grass-coveredland unlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemis equippedwith a sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).

If a sparkarresteris used,it shouldbe maintainedin effectiveworkingorder by the operator.In theState of Californiathe aboveis requiredbylaw

(Section4442 of the CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode). Otherstatesmay havesimilarlaws.Federallaws applyon federallands.A sparkarrester for the muffleris availablethroughyour nearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contactthe servicedepartment,RO. Box361131Cleveland,

Ohio 44136-0019.

PRINTEDIN U.S.A

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

FORMNO. 769-02964

12/13/2006

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

Troubleshooting ................................................

Replacement Parts ...........................................

30

32

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREASSEMBLING YOUR NEW EQUIPMENT,please locate the 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 under the seat. This information will be necessary to use the manufacturer's web site, to obtain assistancefrom the Customer Support Department, or when contacting an authorizedservice dealer.

Model Number

www.mtdproducts,com

Serial Number

MTD LLC

P.O= BOX 361131

CLEVELAND, OH 44136

330-220-4683

800-800-7310

Customer Support

Please do NOTreturn 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 www.mtdproducts.com.

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

3. The engine manufacturer is responsiblefor all engine-related issueswith regards to performance, power-rating,specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual, packed separatelywith your unit, for more information.

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WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to State of Californiato cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

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 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

WARNING

This symbol points out important safety instructionswhich, if not followed, could i endangerthe personal safety and/or property ofyourself and others.

I Read and follow all i instructions in this mani ual before attempting to i operate this machine.

Failureto comply with these instructions may result in personal injury.

i Whenyou see this symbol.

i HEED ITS WARNING

Your i Responsibility

Restrict the use of this power machine

I to persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual

Children Operation

1. Tragicaccidentscanoccur if the operatoris not alertto the presenceof children.Childrenare often attractedto themachineand the mowingactivity.

Theydo not understandthe dangers.Neverassume

that childrenwill remainwhereyou last sawthem.

a. Keepchildrenout of the mowingarea and in watchfulcare of a responsibleadultother than the operator.

b. Be alert and turnmachineoff ifa childenters the area.

c. Beforeand while backing,lookbehindand downfor smallchildren.

d. Nevercarry children,evenwith the blade(s) shutoff.They mayfalloff and be seriously injuredor interferewith safemachineoperation.

e. Use extremecarewhenapproachingblind corners,doorways,shrubs,trees or other objectsthat may blockyourvision of a child whomay run intothe machine.

f. To avoid back-over accidents, always

disengagethe cuttingblade(s) before

shiftinginto Reverse.If equipped,the

"Reverse CautionMode"shouldnot be used when childrenor others are around.

g. Keepchildrenaway from hotor running engines.They can sufferburnsfroma hot muffler.

h. Removekeywhenmachineis unattendedto preventunauthorizedoperation.

2. Neverallowchildrenunder 14 yearsold to operate the machine.Children14years old and overshould safety rulesinthis manualand shouldbe trainedand supervisedbya parent.

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.

Washyourskin and changeclothesimmediately. a. Use onlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.

b. Neverfill containersinsidea vehicleor on a truckor trailerbed with a plasticliner.Always

placecontainerson the groundawayfrom yourvehiclebeforefilling.

c. Whenpractical,removegas-powered equipmentfromthe truckor trailerand refuelit on the ground.If this isnotpossible,then refuelsuch equipmenton a trailerwith a portablecontainer,ratherthan froma gasoline dispensernozzle.

d. Keepthe nozzlein contactwith the rimof the fueltank or containeropeningat all timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donot usea nozzlelock-opendevice.

e. Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesand othersourcesof ignition. f.

Neverfuel machineindoors.

g. Neverremovegas cap or add fuel whilethe engineishot or running.Allowengineto cool at least two minutesbeforerefueling.

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 and equipment.Moveunit to anotherarea.

Wait5 minutesbeforestartingtheengine.

k. Toreducefirehazards,keepmachinefreeof grass,leaves,or otherdebris build-up.Clean

up oil or fuel spillageand removeanyfuel soakeddebris.

I.

Neverstorethe machineor fuel container insidewherethere is an open flame,spark or pilot lightas on a waterheater,space heater,furnace,clothesdryeror other gas appliances.

m. Allowa machineto cool at least five minutes beforestoring.

4

GeneralOperation:

1. Read,understand,and followall instructionson the machineand in the manual(s)beforeattemptingto assembleand operate.Keepthis manualin a safe placefor future and regularreferenceand for ordering replacementparts.

2. Be familiarwith all controlsandtheir properoperation.

Knowhow to stopthe machineand disengagethem quickly.

3, Neverallowchildrenunder 14yearsold to operate this machine.Children14years old and overshould readand understandthe operationinstructionsand safety rulesin this manualand shouldbe trainedand supervisedby a parent.

4. Neverallowadults to operatethis machinewithout proper instruction.

5. To helpavoidblade contactor a thrownobject injury, keep bystanders,helpers,childrenand petsat least

75 feet fromthe machinewhileit is in operation.Stop

machineif anyoneenters thearea.

6. Thoroughlyinspectthearea wheretheequipmentis to be used. Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toys, and otherforeignobjectswhichcouldbe pickedup and thrown bythe blade(s).Thrownobjectscancause

seriouspersonalinjury.

7. Planyourmowingpatternto avoiddischargeof materialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystandersand the like. Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainsta wall or obstructionwhich maycause dischargedmaterialto ricochetback towardthe operator.

8. Alwayswear safetyglassesor safetygogglesduring operationand while performingan adjustmentor repairto protectyoureyes.Thrownobjectswhich

ricochetcancause seriousinjuryto the eyes.

9. Wearsturdy,rough-soledwork shoesand close-fitting slacks and shirts. Loosefittingclothesandjewelry can be caught in movableparts.Neveroperatethis

machinein barefeet or sandals.

10.Be awareof the mowerand attachmentdischarge directionand do not pointit at anyone.Donot operate the mowerwithoutthe dischargecoveror entiregrass catcherin its properplace.

11.Donot put handsor feet near rotatingpartsor under the cuttingdeck. Contactwith the blade(s)can amputatehandsand feet.

12.A missingor damageddischargecovercan cause blade contactor thrown objectinjuries.

13.Stop the blade(s)whencrossinggraveldrives,walks, or roadsand whilenot cuttinggrass.

14.Watchfor traffic whenoperatingnearor crossing roadways.This machineis not intendedfor useon anypublic roadway.

15.Do notoperatethe machinewhileunderthe influenceof alcoholor drugs.

16.Mowonly in daylightor good artificiallight.

17.Nevercarry passengers.

18.Disengageblade(s)beforeshiftinginto reverse.

Back up slowly.Alwayslookdownand behindbefore and whilebackingto avoida back-overaccident.

19.Slowdownbeforeturning.Operatethe machine smoothly.Avoiderraticoperationand excessive speed.

20.Disengageblade(s),set parkingbrake,stopengine and wait untilthe 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,stop engineand removekey before dismounting.

22.Useextracare whenloadingor unloadingthe machineintoa traileror truck. This unit shouldnot be drivenup or downramp(s),becausethe unit couldtip over,causingseriouspersonalinjury.The

unit mustbe pushedmanuallyon ramp(s)to load or unloadproperly.

23.Mufflerand enginebecomehotand can causea burn.Do nottouch.

24.Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedriving

under lowhangingtreebranches,wires,dooropeningsetc., wheretheoperatormaybe struckor pulled fromthe unit,which couldresult in seriousinjury.

25.Disengageall attachmentclutches,depressthe brakepedalcompletelyand shift into neutralbefore attemptingto startengine.

26.Yourmachineisdesignedto cut normalresidential grassof a heightno morethan 10".Do notattemptto mowthroughunusuallytall, dry grass (e.g.,pasture) or pilesof dry leaves.Dry grass or leavesmay contactthe engineexhaustand/orbuild up on the mowerdeck presentinga potentialfire hazard.

27.Use onlyaccessoriesand attachmentsapprovedfor this machinebythe machinemanufacturer.Read, understandand followall instructionsprovidedwith the approvedaccessoryor attachment.

28.Data indicatesthat operators,age 60 yearsand above,are involvedin a largepercentageof riding mower-relatedinjuries.Theseoperatorsshould

evaluatetheirability to operatethe ridingmower safelyenoughto protectthemselvesand othersfrom seriousinjury.

29.If situationsoccurwhich are not coveredin this manual,usecareand good judgment.Contactyour

customerservicerepresentativefor assistance.

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WARNING

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 manual before attempting to operate this 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 persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual

5

Operation

This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endangerthe personal i safety and/or property of yourself and others.

Read and follow all

=nstructionsin this manual before attempting to

I operate this machine.

I Failureto comply with i these instructions may i result in personal injury.

When you see this symbol.

HEED ITS WARNING

Slopesare a majorfactor relatedto loss of controland tip-overaccidentswhich can resultin severeinjuryor death.All slopesrequireextracaution.If youcannot back up the slopeor if youfeel uneasyon it, do notmow it.

Foryour safety,usethe slopegaugeincludedas partof this manualto measureslopesbeforeoperatingthis unit on a slopedor hillyarea. If the slopeis greaterthan 15 degreesas shownon theslopegauge,do notoperate this unit on that area or seriousinjurycouldresult.

DO:

1. Mow up and downslopes,notacross. Exercise extremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon slopes.

2. Watchfor holes, ruts,bumps,rocks,or other hidden objects.Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe machine.

Tallgrasscan hide obstacles.

3. Use slow speed.Choosea low enoughspeed settingso that youwill not haveto stopor shift while on the slope.Tires may losetractionon slopeseven thoughthe brakesare functioningproperly.Always

keepmachinein gear whengoingdown slopesto take advantageof engine brakingaction.

Do Not:

1. Do notturn on slopesunlessnecessary;then,turn slowlyand graduallydownhill,if possible.

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

Themowercouldsuddenlyturnoverif a wheel is over the edgeof a cliff, ditch,or if an edge cavesin.

3. Do nottry to stabilizethe machineby puttingyourfoot on the ground.

4. Do not usea grasscatcheron steep slopes.

5. Do not mowon wet grass. Reducedtractioncould causesliding.

6. Do not shiftto neutraland coastdownhill.Over-speeding may causethe operatorto losecontrol of the machineresultingin seriousinjuryor death.

7. Do nottow heavypull behindattachments(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 steering ability are reduced,attachmentmayjack-knifeand causetractorto overturn).

wheelweightsor counterweightsto improvestability.

5. Use extracare with grasscatchersor otherattachments.Thesecanchangethe stabilityof the machine.

6. Keepall movementon the slopesslowand gradual.

Do not makesuddenchangesin speedor direction.

Rapidengagementor brakingcouldcausethe front of the machineto lift and rapidlyflip overbackwards whichcouldcause seriousinjury.

7. Avoidstartingor stoppingon a slope.If tires lose traction,disengagethe blade(s)and proceedslowly straightdownthe slope.

Towing:

1. Towonlywith a machinethat hasa hitch designedfor towing.Donot attachtowedequipmentexceptat the hitch point.

2. Followthe manufacturersrecommendationfor weight limitsfor towedequipmentand towingon slopes.

3. Neverallowchildrenor othersin or on towedequipment.

4. On slopes,the weightof the towedequipmentmay causeloss of tractionand loss of control.

5. Travelslowlyand allowextra distanceto stop.

6. Do not shiftto neutraland coastdownhill.

Your

Responsibility

Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow the warn=ngs and instructions in this manual

6

Service

1. Neverrun an engineindoorsor in a poorlyventilated area. Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,an odorless,and deadlygas.

2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertain the blade(s)and all movingparts havestopped.

Disconnectthe sparkplug wireand groundagainstthe engineto preventunintendedstarting.

3. Periodicallycheckto make surethe bladescome to completestop withinapproximately(5) five seconds after operatingthe bladedisengagementcontrol.If the bladesdo notstop within thethis timeframe,yourunit shouldbe servicedprofessionallyby an authorized

MTDServiceDealer.

4. Checkbrakeoperationfrequentlyas it is subjectedto wearduring normaloperation.Adjustand serviceas required.

5. Checkthe blade(s)and enginemountingbolts at 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, listed inthis manual."Useof partswhich do not meet the originalequipmentspecificationsmaylead to

improperperformanceand compromisesafety!"

6. Mowerbladesare sharp.Wrapthe bladeor wear gloves,and useextra cautionwhenservicingthem.

7. Keepall nuts, bolts,and screwstight to be surethe equipmentis insafe workingcondition.

8. Nevertamperwith the safety interlocksystemor other safety devices.Checktheir properoperationregularly.

9. After strikinga foreignobject,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 engine isrunning.

11.Grasscatchercomponentsand the discharge coverare subjectto wearand damagewhich could exposemovingpartsor allowobjectsto be thrown.

Forsafety protection,frequentlycheckcomponents and replaceimmediatelywith originalequipment manufacturer's(O.E.M.)parts only,listed in this manual."Useof parts which do not meetthe original equipmentspecificationsmay leadto improper performanceand compromisesafety!"

12.Do notchangethe enginegovernorsettingsor over-speedthe engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe

maximumsafe operatingspeedof the engine.

13.Maintainor replacesafety and instructionlabels,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 yourself and others.

Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this 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 warn=ngs and instructions in this manual

7

Use extreme care

henhandling

extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive: Never fuel machine indoors

or while the engine

is hot or running:

Extinguish cigarettes,

pipes,

other sOurceS of ignition:

NOTE:This OperatorsManualcoversa rangeof product specificationsfor variousmodels.Characteristics

and featuresdiscussedand/or illustratedin this manual

may not be applicableto all models.MTDLLCreserves

the rightto changeproductspecifications,designs and equipmentwithoutnoticeand withoutincurring obligation.

Attaching the Battery Cables

NOTE: If thesecablesare alreadyattached,ignore thesestepsand proceedto "Gas& Oil Fill-Up."

NOTE: Thepositivebatteryterminalis markedPos. (+).

Thenegativebatteryterminalis markedNeg. (-).

Thepositivecable(heavy redwire) is securedto the positivebatteryterminal(+)with a hexbolt and hex nut at thefactory.Makecertainthat the rubberboot coversthe terminalto help protectit fromcorrosion.

.

Removethehex boltand wing nut (or hex nut)from the negativecable. See Fig.3-1.

.

Removetheblack plasticcover,ifpresent,from the negativebatteryterminaland attachthe negative cable(heavy blackwire)to the negativebattery terminal(-) withthe bolt and wing nut(or hexnut).

4. Makecertain thehold-downstrap is in positionover the battery,securingit in place.

NOTE: If the batteryis putinto serviceafterthe dateshownon topof battery,chargethe batteryas instructedin the maintenancesectionof this manual prior to operatingthe tractor.

Gas and Oil Fill-up

Thegasolinetank is locatedunderthe hood and hasa capacityof 3 gallons.Do notoverfill.

NOTE: This Operators

Manual Coversa range of prOduCtSpecifications for various models.

Characteristicsand features disCussed and/or illustrated

I this manual may not be applicable to all modelsl

MTD LLC reservesthe right tOchange product specifiCationsldesigns and equipment without notice and without incurting oblieation ,,

_ WARNING: Use extreme care when flammable and the vapors are explosive.

Never fuel machine indoors or while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.

Servicethe enginewith gasolineand oil as instructed in theseparateEngineOperator/OwnerManualpacked with yourtractor.Readinstructionscarefully.

IMPORTANT:Yourtractorisshippedwith motoroil in theengine.However,you MUSTcheckthe oil level beforeoperating.Be carefulnotto overfill.

8

Rubber Boot

Figure 3=1

f

\

Figure 3=2

\

Figure 3-3

Shipping Brace Removal

WARNING: Makesure the riding mower's engine is off, removethe ignition key,and set the parking brake before removing the shipping brace.

Locatethe shippingbrace,if present,and accompanyingwarningtag foundon the right sideof the mower,betweenthe dischargechute and thecutting deck.See Fig. 3-2.

Whileholdingthe dischargechutewith your left hand,removethe shippingbracewith your right hand bygraspingit betweenyour thumband index fingerand rotatingit clockwise.

WARNING: Theshipping brace, used for packaging purposes only, must be removed and discarded before operating your riding mower.

WARNING: Themowing 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.

Attaching The Steering Wheel

If the steeringwheelfor yourtractordid not come attached,the hardwareforattachingithas beenpacked withinthe steeringwheel,beneaththe steeringwheel cap. Carefullypryoff the steeringwheelcap and removethe hardware.

NOTE:Thereare differentstylesof steeringwheelcaps available.Styles vary by model.

.

With the wheels of the tractor pointingstraight forward, placethe steeringwheeloverthe steering shaft.

2. Placethewasheroverthe steeringshaftand secure with the hexbolt. See Fig.3-3.

3. Placethe steeringwheelcap overthecenter of the steeringwheeland pushdownwarduntilit "clicks" into place.

Setting U p

WARNING

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.

9

/

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.

Attaching The Seat

Seatstyles vary bytractormodeland thereare three differentstyles available:

• StandardAdjustment

QuickAdjustment&

• KnobAdjustment

If the seatfor yourtractordid notcome attached, referto Fig. 3-4, Fig. 3-5, and Fig. 3-6 to identifyyour tractor'sseatstyle and followthe applicableinstructions belowto attachit. f

NOTE:Forshippingreasons,seatsare eitherfastened to the tractorseat'spivot bracketwith a plastictie, or mountedbackwardto the pivot bracket.Ineithercase, freethe seat from its shippingpositionand removethe two hex 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 pivot bracket.See Fig.3-4.

2. Slide the seatslightlyrearwardinthe seat pivot bracket,liningup the rearslots inthe pivot bracket with the remainingtwo holesinthe seat'sbase.

3. Selectdesiredpositionforthe seat,and securewith the two hex screwsremovedearlier.See Fig.3-4.

Quick Adjustment Seat

NOTE:If your seatwas shippedmountedbackwardson the seat pivotbracket,pull outthe tab foundon the seat stop and hold itopen whileslidingthe seatoff the seat pivot bracket.See Fig. 3-5.

1. Line up the plasticseat spacerswith the slotsin seat pivot bracket.

2. Slide seat inuntilfront seat spacerengagesthe seat stop.See Fig. 3-5.

f

_ 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 pivot bracket.Fig.3-6.

2. Slide the seatslightlyrearwardinthe seat pivot bracket,liningup the rearslots inthe pivot bracket with the remainingtwo holesinthe seat'sbase.

3. Selectdesiredpositionforthe seat,and securewith the two knobs removedearlier.See Fig.3-6.

10

Figure 3-4 f x.............................................................................

J

Figure 3=5 f

J

Figure 3=6

Setting the Gauge Wheels

Selectthe heightpositionof the cuttingdeck byplacing the deck lift leverin anyof the six differentcuttingheight notcheson the rightfender.

Adjustthe deck wheelsso that they are between1A-inch

SettingUp

,_ WARNING:Keep hands andfeet away deck.

Placethetractoron a firm and levelsurface,preferably pavement.Proceedas follows:

\

identifying the Mulch

(if so equipped)

On tractormodelssoequipped,a mulchplug can be foundwithin thecuttingdeck'sdischargeopening.

NOTE:Referto Mulching in the"OperatingYour Lawn

Tire Pressure

Plug

J

Tractor"sectionof this manualfor moredetailedinformation.

Tooperatethecuttingdeck withoutmulching,simply removethe mulchplug by pivotingthe dischargechute up and pullingthe plugoutward.

To reinstallplug:

• Locatetwo rectangularholeson the cuttingdeck surface.

Figure 3=7

Pivotthe dischargechuteup to accessthe deck opening.See Fig.3-7.

Insertthe mulch plug,aligningthetop edge of the plug with the deck as shownin the Fig.3-7.Makesure

the notcheson the plug are in the slotson the deck opening.

Lightlytapon the plugwith yourhandto assurethat the notchesfit snuglyunder the chutetabs. See Fig.

3-7.

Placethetractor'sdeck lift handlein the normally desiredmowingheightsetting,thencheckthe gauge wheelsfor contactor excessiveclearancewith the surfacebelow.

If thewheelscontact the surfaceadjustas follows: a.

b.

Raisethedecklift handleto its highestsetting.

Removethe reargaugewheels by removing the lock nutsand shoulderscrewswhich securethem to thedeck.

C.

d.

e.

f.

Removethe lock nutsand shoulderscrews which securethe front gaugewheelsto the deck.

Placethedeck lift handle in the desired mowingheightsetting.

Insertthe shoulderscrewwith the reargauge wheelintothe indexhole that leavesapproxi mately1/2" betweenthe bottomof the wheel and the pavement.

Notethe positionof the indexhole used; then installthe other reargaugewheeland the front ball wheelsintothe correspondingindex hole of the othergaugewheelbrackets.

If thegauge wheelshaveexcessiveclearancewith the surfacebelow,lowerthe wheelsto the index hole that providesthe approximate1/2" clearanceas describedabove.

Referto Levelingthe Deckin theAdjustingYourLawn

Tractorsectionof this manualfor moredetailedinstruc- tions regardingvariousdeck adjustments.

WARNING

_aximum tire

pressure under any circumstances is 30

psi. Equal tire pressure should be maintained at all times.

Keep hands and feet away from the discharge opening of the cutting deck.

,_ pressure should be maintained at all times.

The tires on your unitmay be over-inflatedfor shipping purposes.Reducethetire pressurebeforeoperating the tractor.Recommendedoperatingtire pressureis approximately10 p.s.ifor the rear tires & 14p.s.i,for the front tires.Checksidewallof tirefor maximump.s.i.

11

Know the Controls

Readthis owner'smanualand safety rulesbeforeoperatingyourlawnmower.Comparefigurebelowwith yourlawn tractorto learnaboutthe Ioctionand purposeof variouscontrolsand adjustments.Savethis manualfor futurereference. It is very importantto followthe instructionsand operatethe controlsproperly.

f

F

A

G

H

NOTE:Any reference in this manual to the

RIGHTor LEFT side of the tractor is observed from operator's position.

B

C

D

@ @

K

J

L

,_ NOTE:Steelingwhee!not shown!o! c!a!ity_

Figure 4=1

A PTO(Blade Engage)Knob

B SystemsIndicatorMonitor

Ammeter1-(NotShown)

C ChokeKnobt

D ParkingBrakeButton

E Cup Holder

F Throttle/ChokeControl Lever

G

I

H

J

K

L

CruiseControlButtont

IgnitionSwitchModule

BrakePedal

DrivePedal

SeatAdjustmentLevert

DeckLift Lever

1 If so equipped

NOTE: Any referencein this manualto the RIGHTor LEFTside of the tractoris observedfrom operator'sposition.

12

m

Throttle Control Lever

Thethrottlecontrol leveris locatedon the rightside of thetractor'sdash panel.This levercontrolsthe speed of the engineand,on somemodels,when pushedall theway forward,the chokecontrol also.Whenset ina givenposition,the throttlewill maintaina uniformengine speed.See Fig. 4-2.

IMPORTANT:Whenoperatingthetractorwith the cutting deck engaged,be certainthat the throttleleverisalways

inthe FAST(rabbit)position.

Choke Control

On some models,moving thethrottle leverall the wayforwardactivatesthe engine'schoke control.On

all other models,the choke controlcan be foundon the

leftside of the dashpanel and is activatedby pullingthe knob outward.Activating

thechoke controlclosesthe chokeplateon the carburetor and aidsin startingtheengine.Referto Starting

The Engine in this section of the manualfor detailed startinginstructions.

F

Fast

Position

Slow

Position

F

Choke

Position

Fast

Position

Slow

Position

Figure 4=2

Normal

Mode

Brake Pedal

The brakepedal islocated on the rightfront side of the tractorabovethe drivepedal alongthe runningboard.The

brakepedalcan be usedfor suddenstopsor settingthe parkingbrake.

Position

Start

Position

NOTE:Thebrakepedal mustbe fully depressedto

Figure 4=3 tractor.

ignition Switch Module

_ parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.

and turnclockwiseto the STARTposition.Releasethe

key intothe NORMALMOWINGMODEpositiononce theengine hasfired.

Tostop the engine,turn theignitionkey counterclockwise to the OFF position.See Fig. 4-3.

Drive Pedal

The drivepedal is locatedon the right sideof the tractor,along the running board.Depressthe upper portionof the drivepedal forwardto causethe tractorto travelforward.Depressthe

lowerportionof the drivepedalwith the ballof yourrightfoot (NOT yourheel) to cause thetractorto travel in reverse.

I

M

Groundspeedis alsocontrolledwith the drivepedal.Thefurther forwardor rearwardthat the pedal is pivoted,the fasterthe tractorwill travel.Thepedal

W

,ib will returnto its original positionwhen it's notdepressed.

IMPORTANT:Priorto operatingthetractor,referto both

Safety Interlock Switches and Starting The Engine

inthis sectionof the manualfordetailedinstructions regardingthe IgnitionSwitchModuleand operatingthe tractorin REVERSECAUTIONMODE.

IMPORTANT:Alwayssetthe parkingbrakewhen leavingthetractorunattended.

WAn.I.G

Never leave a running machine unattended.

Always disengage

PTO,set parking brake, stop engine and remove keyto prevent unintended starting; iMPORTANT tractorl referto both

Safety Interlock

Switches and Starting

The Engine inthis

section ofthe manual

for detailed instructions regarding the Ignition

Switch Module and operating the tractor ir

13

\-_ BATT, OIL zZ

Battery

It is normalfor the Batterylightto illuminatewhile the engineis crankingduring start-up,but if it illuminate's duringoperation,while the engine is running, the batteryis in needof a chargeor the engine'scharging systemis not generatingsufficientamperage.Referto

the MAINTENANCEsectionof this manualfor the proper batterychargingprocedureor havethechargingsystem checkedby yourservicedealer.

///

I 42.0

HOURS 1/1 0 \\\

PTO/ BLADE PARKING

Ammeter (If so Equipped)

On modelswithouta SystemsIndicatorMonitor,an ammeterwill exist. Theammetermeasuresthe electrical outputof the engine'schargingsystem.Undernormal

operatingconditions,with engineat full throttle,the ammetershouldindicatepositivecharge.

Figure 4-4

NOTE:ThePTO(Blade positionwhenstarting theengine,when theseat.

Systems Indicator Monitor (if so Equipped)

LCD

Locatedin the centerof the tractor'sconsole,the systemsindicatormonitorrecords,and displays on its

LCD,hoursof tractoroperationwheneverthe ignition key is rotatedout of the STOPposition.

The IndicatorMonitorwill also remindthe operatorof maintenanceintervalsfor changingthe engineoil. The

LCDwill alternatelyflashthe recordedhours,"CHG"and

"OIL"for five minutes,after every50 hoursof recorded operationelapse.The maintenanceintervallastsfor two hours(from 50-52,100-102,150-152,etc.). The

LCDwill alsoflash as describedabovefor five minutes everytime the tractor'sengine hasbeen startedduring this maintenanceinterval.Beforethe intervalexpires, changethe crankcaseoil levelas instructedin this

Operator'sManual.

Brake

If the Brakelight illuminateswhenattemptingto start the tractor'sengine,depressthe brakepedal.

PTO (Blade Engage)

If the PTOlightilluminateswhenattemptingto start the tractor'sengine,movePTOKnob intothe disengaged

(OFF) position.

Oil

It is normalforthe Oil lightto illuminatewhilethe engine is crankingduringstart-up,but if it illuminate'sduring operation,while the engine is running,stop the tractorimmediatelyand checkthe crankcaseoil levelas instructedin this Owner'sManual.

Electric PTO (Blade Engage) Knob

Toengagethe powerto the cuttingdeck or other

(separatelyavailable) attachmentson models

| equippedwith an electric

PTO,pull outwardon the

PTO(Blade Engage)knob.

Pushthe PTO(Blade

Engage)knobinwardto disengagethe powerto the cuttingdeck.

NOTE:The PTO(Blade Engage)knobmust be in the disengaged(OFF) positionwhen startingthe engine, whentravelingin reverseand if the operatorleavesthe seat.

14

Seat Adjustment Lever (if so Equipped)

Toadjustthe seat forwardor backwardon unitsequipped with a quick-adjustseat,slidethe seatadjustmentlever to the left and repositionthe seatto the desiredposition.

Oncea comfortablepositionis found,releasethe seat adjustmentleverto lock the seatin place. Referto the

AdjustingYourLawnTractorsectionof this manualfor moredetailedinstructionson all seatadjustments.

Deck Lift Lever

Foundon yourtractor'srightfender,the deck lift leveris usedto changetheheightof the cuttingdeck.To use, movethe leverto the left,then placein the notchbest suitedfor yourapplication.

Safety Interlock Switches

This tractoris equippedwith a safetyinterlocksystem for the protectionof the operator.Ifthe interlocksystem shouldevermalfunction,do notoperatethe tractor.

Contactan authorizedMTDservicedealer.

• The safetyinterlock from crankingor startingunlessthe parkingbrakeis engaged,and the PTO(Blade Engage)knobis in the disengaged(OFF)position.

• The enginewill automaticallyshutoff if the operator

leavesthe seat beforeengagingtheparkingbrake.

Parking Brake Button

Toset the parkingbrake,fully depressthe brakepedal and pushthe parkingbrakebutton

in.Holdthe button inwhile takingyourfoot off the brake pedal.Boththe parkingbutton and the brakepedalwill then staydepressed.To release the parkingbrake,depressthe brakepedalslightly.Theparking

brakebuttonwill then returnto

itsoriginal position.

Electric PTO (Blade Engage)

• The electricPTO(BladeEngage)clutchwillautomatically shut off if the operatorleavesthetractor'sseat with the PTO(Blade Engage)knob in the engaged

(ON)position,regardlessof whetherthe parking brakeisengaged.

• With the ignitionkey in the NORMALMOWING position,the electricPTO(Blade Engage)clutchwill automaticallyshut off if the PTO(Blade Engage)knob is movedintothe engaged(ON) positionwith the drivepedal leverin Reverse.

_ system was designed for your safety and protection.

NOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbe set if theoperator leavesthe seatwith the engine runningor theengine will automaticallyshutoff.

IMPORTANT:Alwaysset the parkingbrakewhen leaving thetractor unattended.

Cruise Control Button

(if So Equipped)

Thecruise controlbutton is locatedon the tractordashpanel to the left of the ignitionswitch.

Pushthe cruisecontrolbutton whiletravelingforwardat a desiredspeed.Whileholdingthe

buttonin, releasepressurefrom thedrive pedal.Thiswill engage thecruise controland allowthe tractorto remainat that speed withoutapplyingpressureto the drivepedal.Depressthe brakepedal or the drive pedal to deactivatecruisecontrol.Referto Setting the Cruise

Control laterin this sectionthe manualfor detailed instructionsregardingthe cruise controlfeature.

NOTE:Cruisecontrolcan NOTbe engagedat the tractor'sfastestgroundspeed. If the operatorshould attemptto do so, the tractorwill automaticallydecelerate to the fastestoptimalmowinggroundspeed.

Tractol

WARNING

Do not operate the tractor if the interlock system is malfunction-

ing. This system was designed for your safety and protection.

15

WARNING

Use extreme caution while operating the tractor in the

REVERSE CAUTION

MODE. Always look 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 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.

f

©

, WA indicator

Light

Stop

Position tractorseat.

Figure 4=5

Reverse Caution Mode

Reverse

.Push Button

Reverse

Caution Mode

Position

Start

Position

_

CAUTIONMODE.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 REVERSECAUTIONMODE positionof the key switchmoduleallowsthe tractorto be operatedin reversewith the blades(PTO)engaged.

IMPORTANT:Mowingin reverseis not recommended.

Tousethe REVERSECAUTIONMODE:

IMPORTANT:TheoperatorMUSTbe seatedin the

1. Start the engineas previouslyinstructedin this

Operator'sManual.

2. Turnthe key from the NORMALMOWING(Green) positionto the REVERSECAUTIONMODE(Yellow) positionof the key switchmodule. See Fig. 4-5.

3. Depressthe REVERSEPUSHBUTTON(Orange,

TriangularButton)at the top, rightcornerof the key switchmodule.The red indicatorlight at thetop, left cornerof the keyswitch modulewill be ON while activated.See Fig.4-5.

4. Onceactivated(indicatorlightON), thetractorcan be drivenin reversewith the cuttingblades(PTO) engaged.

5. Alwayslookdownand behindbeforeand while backingto makesureno childrenare around.

6. After resumingforwardmotion,returnthe keyto the

NORMALMOWINGposition.

AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

• GO UP AND DOWNSLOPES,NOT ACROSS.

• AVOID SUDDENTURNS.

• DO NOT OPERATETHE UNIT WHERE IT COULDSLIP OR TIR

• IF MACHINE STOPSGOING UPHILL,STOP BLADE(S) AND

BACK DOWNHILLSLOWLY.

• DO NOT MOWWHEN CHILDRENOR OTHERSARE AROUND.

• NEVER CARRYCHILDREN,EVENWITH BLADESOFR

• LOOK DOWNAND BEHINDBEFOREAND WHILE BACKING.

• KEEP SAFETY DEVICES(GUARDS,SHIELDS,AND

SWITCHES) IN PLACE ANDWORKING.

• REMOVE OBJECTSTHAT COULD BE THROWNBY THE

BLADE(S).

• KNOW LOCATIONAND FUNCTIONOF ALL CONTROLS.

• BE SUREBLADE(S) AND ENGINEARE STOPPEDBEFORE

PLACING HANDSOR FEET NEAR BLADE(S).

• BEFORE LEAVINGOPERATOR'SPOSITION,DISENGAGE

BLADE(S), ENGAGEBRAKE LOCK, SHUTENGINE OFF AND

REMOVE KEY.

READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL

IMPORTANT:The REVERSECAUTIONMODEwill remainactivateduntil: a. The keyis placedin eitherthe NORMALMOWING positionor STOPposition.

b. Theoperatorleavesthe seat (Modelswith Electric

PTOONLY).

c. Theoperatorengagesthe parkingbrakebyfully depressingthe brakepedal and holdingit down whilegently pushingthe parkingbrakebutton inward(Modelswith ManualPTOONLY).

Engaging the Parking Brake

Toengagethe parkingbrake:

1. Fullydepressthe brakepedaland hold it downwith yourfoot whilegently pushingthe parkingbrakebutton inward.

2. Holdthe parkingbrakebutton in while removingyour foot fromthe brakepedal.

3. Onceengaged,the parkingbrakebuttonand the brake pedalwill lock in the "down"position.

Todisengagetheparkingbrake:

1. Slightlydepressthe brakepedal.

NOTE:Theparkingbrakemustbe engagedif the operator leavesthe seatwith the engine runningor theengine will automaticallyshutoff.

16

Setting the Cutting

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

Height

P g Y cutt ng he ght notcheson the r ght sde of the fender

'

2. Adjustthe deck wheelsso that they are between

_A-inchand Y2-inchabovetheground whenthetractor is on a smooth,flat surfacesuch as a driveway.

1, If thebhdesareengaged,phcethePTO(Bhde

Engage)knobnthedsengaged(OFF)poston

2, Turnthe ignitionkey counterdockwiseto the STOP post on

....

,_÷_,_,_,f,^_÷_,_;_;÷;....

;÷_,÷.......

,

3. R_...uw H_ _y .,u... H_ .y..uu. _vv.,_.,u F,_w., unintendedstarting.

Driving The Tractor

/ A I

//I I

(LJ L I

'---q r"

,_

Starting the Engine

WARNING: Do not operate the tractor if the interlock system is malfunctioning.

This system was designed for your safety and protection.

IMPORTANT:Yourtractor is shippedwith motoroil in the engine.However,you MUSTcheckthe oil levelbefore operating.Be carefulnot to overfill.Checkand/or add oil as instructedin the separateEngineOperator/Owner

Manualpackedwith yourtractor.Readthe instructions carefully.

NOTE:Referto SettingUpYour LawnTractoron page8 of

_L

WARNING:Keephands and feetaway from the discharge opening of the cutting deck.

NOTE:Thedeck wheelsare an anti-scalpfeatureof the deck and are not designedto supportthe weightof the cuttingdeck.

Referto Leveling the Deck on page 20 of this manual adjustments.

.

Insertthe tractorkey intothe ignitionswitch.

2.

Placethe PTO(Blade Engage)knobin the disengaged(OFF) position.

.

Engagethe tractor'sparkingbrake.

4.

Activatethe chokecontrol.

5.

Turnthe ignitionkey clockwiseto the STARTposition.

Afterthe engine starts,releasethe key.It will returnto the ON position.

IMPORTANT:DoNOThold the key in the STARTpositionfor longerthanten secondsat a time.Doingso may causedamageto your engine'selectricstarter.

6. Afterthe engine starts,deactivatethechokecontrol and placethe throttlecontrol in the FASTposition.

NOTE:Do NOTleavethe chokecontrolon while operating the tractor.Doingso will resultin a "rich"fuel mixture and causethe engineto run poorly.

Stopping the Engine

ARNING:If you strike a foreignobject, wire(s) and ground against the engine.

Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the damage before restarting and operating.

,_

WARNING:Do not leave the seat of the tractor without first placing the PTO(Blade

Engage) knob in the disengaged (OFF) position, depressing the brake pedal and

engaging the parking brake. If leaving the tractor unattended, also turn the ignition key off and remove the key.

1. Depressthe brakepedalto releasethe parkingbrake and let the pedal up.

2. Movethe throttleleverintothe FAST(rabbit)position.

IMPORTANT:Do NOTusethe drivepedal to changethe directionof travelwhenthe tractoris in motion.Always

bringthe tractortoa completestop beforepivotingthe drivepedal from forwardto reverseor vice versa.

3. Totravel FORWARD,slowlydepressthe upperportion of the drivepedalforward untilthe desiredspeed isachieved.

4. Totravel in REVERSE,checkthat the area behind isclear thenslowlydepressthe lowerportionof the drivepedal with the ball of yourfoot (NOT yourheel) untilthedesiredspeedis achieved.

Driving On Slopes

Referto the SLOPEGAUGEon page 3 to help determine slopeswhereyou mayoperatethetractorsafely.

_

approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10feet). The tractor could overturn and cause serious injury.

• Mowup and down slopes,NEVERacross.

• Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon slopes.

• Watchfor holes,ruts,bumps,rocks,or otherhidden objects. Uneventerraincouldoverturnthe machine.

Tallgrass can hideobstacles.

• Avoidturnswhen drivingon a slope.If a turnmustbe made,turn downthe slope.Turningup a slopegreatly increasesthe chanceof a roll over.

Avoidstoppingwhen drivingup a slope.If it is necessaryto stopwhile drivingup a slope,start up smoothlyand carefullyto reducethe possibilityof flippingthe tractorover backward.

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

.'ause serious injury.

WARNING if you strike a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark

plugwire(s) and

groundagainst the engine. Thoroughly

inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the damage before restart-

ing and operating.

Avoid sudden starts, ex-cessive speed and sudden stops.

Do not leave the seat of the tractor without first placing the PTO

(Blade Engage) knob

(or lever) in the disen-

gaged (OFF) position, depressing the brake pedal and engaging the parking brake. If

leavingthe tractor unattended, also turn the ignition key off and remove the key.

17

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.

Plan your mowing pat- tern 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.

Moving the Tractor Manually

Yourtractor'stransmissionisequippedwitha reliefvalve foroccasionswhenitisnecessaryto movethetractor manuallyActivatingthis valveforcesthetransmission fluidto bypassitsnormalroute,allowingthe reartires to "freewheel."Toengagethe reliefvalve,proceedas follows:

• Locatethe hydrostaticbypassrod in the rear of thetractor.See Fig.4-5

Tochangethe directionof travelto reversewhen operatingwith cruisecontrol,depressthe brakepedal to disengagethe cruise controland bring thetractorto a completestop.Thenslowlydepressthe rearportionof the drivepedalwith the ballof yourfoot to travelin reverse.

Engaging the Blades

Engagingthe PTO(Blade Engage)transferspowerto the cuttingdeckor other(separatelyavailable)attachments.

Toengagethe blades,proceedas follows:

1. Movethe throttlecontrolleverto the FAST(rabbit) position.

2. Pull the PTO(Blade Engage)knoboutwardintothe engaged(ON)position.

.

Keepthe throttleleverin the FAST(rabbit)position for the mostefficientuseof the cuttingdeck or other

(separatelyavailable)attachments

IMPORTANT:The engine(on modelswith a manualPTO) or electric PTOclutch(on modelswith an electricPTO) will automaticallyshut off if the PTOis engagedwith the drivepedal in positionfor reversetravelwith the ignition key in the NORMALMOWINGposition.Referto Safety

InterlockSwitchesearlierin this section.

Hydrostatic Bypass

Figure 4=5

• Pull the hydrostaticbypassrodoutward,then down,to lock it in place.

NOTE: Thetransmissionwill NOTengagewhenthe hydrostaticbypassrod is pulledout. Returnthe rodto its normalpositionpriorto operatingthetractor.

IMPORTANT:Neverattemptto movethetractormanuallywithoutfirstengagingthe reliefvalve.Doingso may damagethe tractor'stransmission.

Using the Deck Lift Lever

Toraisethe cuttingdeck,movethe deck lift leverto the left, thenplaceit in the notch best suitedforyour application. Referto SettingThe CuttingHeightearlierin this section.

Mowing

Setting The Cruise Control

NOTE:The cruisecontrol featureshouldonly be utilized whiletravelingin the forwarddirection.

• Slowlypressthe upper portionof thedrive pedaluntil thedesiredspeedis achieved.

• Lightlypress thecruise controllever.

• Whilecontinuingto hold the cruiseleverdown,lift yourfoot from the drivepedal(you shouldfeel the cruise latchengage).

• Onceengaged,the cruisecontrolleverand the drive pedalwill lock in the "down"position,and the tractor will maintainthe sameforwardspeed.

NOTE:Cruisecontrolcan notbe engagedat the tractor'sfastestgroundspeed. If the operatorshould attemptto do so, the tractorwill automaticallydecelerate to the fastestoptimal mowinggroundspeed.

Disengagethecruise controlusingone of the following methods:

1. Depressthe brakepedalto disengagethecruise controland stop the tractor.

2. Lightlydepressthe drivepedal.

helpers, children and pets at least 75feet from the machine while it is in operation.

Stop machine ff anyone enters the area.

Thefollowinginformationwill be helpfulwhenusingthe cuttingdeckwith yourtractor:

_ 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,especiallyif a 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.This will givea betterappearanceto the lawn.

18

• Do notcut the grasstoo short.Shortgrass invites weedgrowthand yellowsquicklyin dryweather,

Mowingshouldalwaysbe donewith the engineat full f throttle.

• Underheavierconditionsit may be necessaryto go backoverthe cut areaa secondtime to get a clean cut.

• Do NOTattemptto mow heavybrushand weedsand extremelytall grass.Yourtractoris designedto mow lawns,NOTclearbrush.

• Keepthe bladessharpand replacethe bladeswhen worn. Referto Cutting Blades in the Maintaining

YourLawnTractor sectionof this manualfor proper blade sharpeninginstructions.

2, Pivotthe dischargechute up to accessthe deck opening,See Fig,4-6,

Figure 4=6

Headlights

• The lampsare ONwheneverthe ignitionkey is moved

3. Insertthe mulchplug,aligningthe topedge of the plugwith the deck as shownin the Fig. 4-6. Make surethe notcheson the plug are in the slotson the deckopening.

outof the STOPposition,

• The lampsturnOFF whenthe ignitionkey is movedto the STOPposition.

4. Lightlytap on the plug with yourhandto assurethat thenotchesfit snuglyunderthe chutetabs.

Mulching (If so Equipped)

Selectmodelscome equippedwith a mulch kit which incorporatesspecialblades,alreadystandardon the tractor,in a processof recirculatinggrass clippings repeatedlybeneaththe cuttingdeck.Theultra-fine clippingsarethen forcedback intothe lawnwherethey act as a naturalfertilizer.Observethe followingpointsfor the best resultswhenmulching:

• Neverattemptto mulchif the lawnis damp.Wet grass tendsto stickto theundersideof the cuttingdeck preventingpropermulchingof the clippings.

• Do NOTattemptto mulch morethan 1/3the total heightof the grassor approximately1-1/2inches.

Doingso willcause theclippingsto clump up beneath thedeck and notbe mulchedeffectively.

• Maintaina slow groundspeedto allowthe grass clippingsmoretime to effectivelybe mulched.

• Alwayspositionthe throttlecontrol leverin the FAST

(rabbit)positionand allowit to remaintherewhile mowing.Failingto keepthe engineat full throttle placesstrainon the tractor'sengineand doesnot allowthe bladesto properlymulchgrass.

NOTE:It is not necessaryto removethe dischargechute to operatethe mowerwith the mulchkit installed.

Tooperatethe cuttingdeck withoutmulching,simply removethe mulch plug bypivotingthe dischargechute up and pullingtheplug outward.

To reinstallplug:

1. Locatetwo rectangularholeson the cuttingdeck surface.

Your Lawn

i i

""

NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the discharge chute to operate the mower with the mulch kit installed.

19

TractOr

WARNING ii_i ii i _i

Never

i iiiiiiii

to

make any adjust,

, ments while the i engine is running,

except where specl, lied in the operator's manual

/_

Never attempt to

adjust the brakes while the engine

is running: Always disengage PTO,move i shift lever into neutral

position; stop engine

and remove key to prevent unintended

Side to Side

_ except where specified in the operator's manual.

Leveling the Deck

NOTE:Checkthe tractor'stire pressurebeforeperforming anydeck levelingadjustments.Referto Tires in the

MaintainingYour Tractor sectionof this manualfor

Front To Rear

Thefront of the cuttingdeck issupportedbya stabilizer bar that canadjustedto levelthe deck from frontto rear.The front of the deck shouldbe between1/4-inch and 3/8-inch lowerthanthe rear of the deck.Adjustif

necessaryas follows:

If the cuttingdeck appearsto be mowingunevenly,a side to side adjustmentcan be performed.Adjustif necessary as follows:

1.

With the tractorparkedon a firm,levelsurface,place the deck lift leverin the top notch(highestposition) and rotateboth bladesso that they are perpendicular with the tractor.

2.

Measurethe distancefrom the outsideof the left blade tip to the groundand the distancefrom theoutside d the rightblade tip to theground.Bothmeasurements

takenshouldbe equal. If they'renot, proceedto the next step.

.

Loosen,butdo NOT remove,the hexcap screwon the left deck hangerbracket.See Fig. 5-2.

With the tractorparkedon a firm,levelsurface,place the deck lift leverin the top notch(highestposition) and rotatethe blade nearestthe dischargechute so that it is parallelwith the tractor.

.

Measurethe distancefrom the front ofthe blade tip to the groundand the rearof the bladetip to the ground.Thefirst measurementtakenshould be between1/4"and 3/8" less thanthe second measurement.Determinethe approximatedistance necessaryfor properadjustmentand proceed,if necessary,to the next step.

3. Fromthe front of thetractor,loosenthe outermost hexlock nuton the end of eachdeck hangerrod.

See Fig. 5-1.

.

Tighteneachinner hexnutfront againstthe front hangerbracketto raisethe front of the deck;loosen eachhex nutto lowerthe front of thedeck. See Fig.

5-1.

Figure 5=2

4. Balancethe deck by usinga wrenchto turn the adjustmentgear (foundimmediatelybehindthe hex cap screwjust loosened)clockwise/upor counterclockwise/down.Thedeck is properlybalancedwhen bothblade tip measurementstakenearlierare equal.

5. Retightenthe hex capscrewon the left deck hanger bracketwhenproperadjustmentis achieved.

Parking Brake Adjustment

NOTE: Check the

, tractors t!re pressure before performing any deck leveling adjustments: RefertO Tires in the Maintaining Your

Tractor section of this manual for information

Tghten

"\ to !owe_

Figure 5-1

5. Retightenbothlock nuts againstthe innerhex nuts whenproperadjustmentis achieved.

,_ disengage PTO,move shift lever into neutral position, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.

ifthe tractordoesnotcometo a completestop whenthe brakepedalis completelydepressed,or if the tractor'srear wheelscan rollwith theparkingbrakeapplied,the brakeis in needof adjustment.See an authorizedTroy-BiltService

Dealerto haveyourbrakesproperlyadjusted.

2O

Seat Adjustment

Quick Adjust Seat (if so equipped)

_

stop, standbehind the machineand puff back on seat until fullyengagedinto stop.

Toadjust the positionof the seaton modelsequipped with a seat adjustmentlever,movethe leverto the left and slidethe seatforwardor rearward.Referto the

Setting UpYour LawnTractorsection.Makesure seat

is lockedintopositionbeforeoperatingthe tractor.

Knob Adjustment Seat (if so equipped)

Toadjust the positionof the seaton modelsso equipped, loosenthe two knobson the bottomof theseat. See

Fig.5-3. Slide the seatforwardor backwardas desired.

Retightenthe two knobs.

Standard Seat (ifso equipped)

Toadjustthepositionofthe seat,loosenthetwohexscrews on thebottomof theseat.Slidethe seatforwardor backward as desired.Retightenthetwo screws.See Fig.5-4.

f

Steering Adjustment

Ifthe tractorturnstighter in one directionthanthe other, or if the ball jointsare being replaceddue to damageor wear,the steeringdrag linksmay needto be adjusted.

Adjustthe drag linksso that equal lengthsare threaded

intothe balljointon the leftand rightside:

1. Loosenthejam nut foundon the drag linkat the rear of the ball joint.See Fig.5-5.

2. Removehex nuton thetop of balljoint.See Fig.5-5.

3. Threadthe balljoint towardthejam nut to shortenthe drag link. Threadtheball jointawayfrom thejamnut to lengthenthe drag link.

4. Replacehex nutand retightenthejam nut after proper adjustmentis achieved.

NOTE:Threadingthe balljoints too far ontothe drag links will causethe front tires to "toe-in"too far. Propertoe-in is between 1/16"and 5/16".

Fronttiretoe-in canbe measuredas follows:

1. Placethe steeringwheelin positionfor straightahead travel.

2. Infront of the axle, measurethe distancehorizontally from the insideof the leftrimto the insideof the right rim. Notethe distance.

3. Behindthe axle, measurethe distancehorizontally from the insideof the leftrimto the insideof the right rim. Notethe distance.

4. The measurementtaken in frontof the axle shouldbe between 1/16"and 5/16"less thanthe measurement taken behindthe axle.Adjust if necessary.

21

Figure 5-3

Figure 5=4

Figure 5=5

Adjusting

Before operating this machine, make sure the seat is engaged in the seat stop, stand

behind the machine and pull back on seat

stop:

NOTE: Threading the ball joints too far onto the drag linkSWill Cause the front tires to 'ttoeqn'!

tOOfarl Proper t!eqn

is bt!ween i/i6 and

5ii61

Air Cleaner

Servicethe pre-cleaner,if soequipped,and cartridge/air cleanerelementas instructedin the EngineOperator/

OwnerManualpackedwith your unit.

Spark Plug(s)

Thespark plug(s)shouldbe cleanedand thegap reset oncea season.Sparkplug replacementis recommended at the startof each mowingseason.Referto the Engine

Operator/OwnerManualfor correctplug type and gap specifications.

Lubrication

WARNING

Before performing

any maintenanceor repairs,disengage

PTO, move shift lever

intoneutral 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.

_

KohlerTwinShown

Figure 6-1

Engine move shift lever into neutral position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.

Refer to the Engine Operator/Owner Manualfor engine maintenance instructions.

Checkengine oil level beforeeachuseas instructed

inthe EngineOperator/OwnerManualpackedwith your unit. Follow the instructionscarefully.

_ shift lever into neutral position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.

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 removedfrom the axles once a season.Lubricatethe axles and the rimswell with an all-purposegreasebeforere-installingthem.

Front Axles

Changing Engine Oil

Pop openthe protectivecap on the end of the oil drainvalve to exposethedrain port.

.

Removethe oil fill cap/dipstick from the oil fill tube.

3.

Pushtheoildrainhose(packedwiththismanual)onto theoil drainport.Routetheoppositeendofthehoseinto

Eachend of the tractor'sfront pivot bar may be equipped with a greasefitting. Lubricatewith a greasegun after every25 hoursof tractoroperation.

greatenoughtocollecttheusedoil.SeeFig.6-1.

.

Pushthe drainvalve in and turn counter-clockwiseto releasevalveto drainoil.

Cleaning the Engine And Deck

Anyfuel or oil spilledon the machineshouldbe wiped off promptly.Do NOTallowdebristo accumulatearound the coolingfins of the engineor on any otherpart of the machine.

.

Afterthe oil has finisheddraining,pushtheoil drain valveback in, rotateit clockwiseto lock the valve closedand re-capthe end of the oil drainvalve to keepdebrisfromenteringthedrain port.

.

Servicethe oil filter (if so equipped)as instructedin the separateEngineOperator/OwnerManualpacked with yourunit.

Performthe abovestepsin the oppositeorderafter oil hasfinisheddraining.

7. Refilltheenginewithnewmotoroil as instructedin the

EngineOperator/OwnerManualpackedwith yourunit.

IMPORTANT:Referto the EngineOperator/Owner

Manualpackedwith yourunit for informationregarding thequantityand properweightof motoroil.

IMPORTANT:The useof a pressurewasherto cleanyour tractoris NOT recommended,it maycause damageto electricalcomponents,spindles,pulleys,bearingsor the engine.

22

Deck Wash System

TM

Twowaterports are availableon your mowerdeck to be usedas partof the deck wash system.Use the

DeckWashSystem

TM to rinsegrassclippingsfrom the deck'sundersideand preventthe buildupof corrosive chemicals.

If yourtractoris notalreadyequippedwith a Deck then a hexplug can be foundon your tractor'sdeck surface.This plug can be replacedwith a separately-availableDeckWash System

TM.

ing stepsAFTEREACHMOWING: completethefollow-

1. Drivethe tractorto a level,clear spoton yourlawn, nearenoughto a water sillcock(spigot)for your gardenhoseto reach.

IMPORTANT:Makecertainthe tractor'sdischargechute is directedAWAYfrom yourhouse,garage,parkedcars,etc.

.

Disengagethe PTO(Blade Engage),movethe shift leverintothe neutralposition,set the parkingbrake, and stop the engine.

.

Threadthe hosecoupler(packagedwith yourtractor's

Operator'sManual)ontothe end of yourgardenhose.

.

Attachthe hosecouplerto the waterport on your deckssurface.See Fig. 6-2.

5. Turnthe wateron.

.

Whilesittingin theoperator'spositionon the tractor, re-starttheengine and placethethrottle leverin the

FAST(rabbit)position.

.

Disengagethe parkingbrake.

8.

Movethe tractor'sPTO(BladeEngage)intothe ON position.

.

Remain in the operator's positionwith thecutting deck engagedfor a minimumof two minutes,allowing the undersideof the cuttingdeck to thoroughlyrinse.

10.Movethe tractor'sPTO(BladeEngage)intothe OFF position.

11.Turnthe ignitionkey to the STOPpositionto turn the tractor'sengineoff and engagethe parkingbrake.

12.Turnthe wateroff and detachthe hosecouplerfrom thewater port on yourdeckssurface.

13.Repeatsteps4-11on theoppositesideof the cutting deck.

Figure 6=2

Figure 6=3

Cutting Deck Removal

To removethe cuttingdeck,proceedas follows:

1. Placethe PTO/BladeEngageknob in the disengaged

(OFF)positionand engagetheparkingbrake.

2. Lowerthedeck bymovingthe deck lift leverintothe bottomnotchon the rightfender.

3. Removethe deck beltfrom aroundthe tractor's electricPTOclutch(referto Changingthe DeckBelt).

4. Lookingat thecuttingdeck from the left side of the tractor,locatethe deck supportpin on the rear left sideof the deck.

5. Rotatethe pin slightlytowardthe rear of the tractor and releaseit.

6. Pullthe deck supportpin outwardto releasethe deck from the deck lift arm. See Fig.6-3.

iMPORTANT

Make certain the tractor's discharge chute is directed AWAYfrom your house, garage, parked cars. etc.

23

WARNING

Never exceed the maximum inflation

pressure shown on the sidewall of the tire.

Batteries give off an explosive gaswhile charging. Charge battery in a 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.

When removing or

installing the battery, follow these instruc- tions to preventthe screwdriver from shorting against the frame.

7, Repeatthe abovestepson the tractor'srightside,

,

Movethe deck lift leverintothe top notchto raisethe deck lift armsup and outof the way.

,

Gentlyslidethe cuttingdeck towardthe frontof the tractorallowingthe hookson the deck to release themselvesfromthe deck stabilizerrod.

10.Gentlyslidethe cuttingdeck (from the rightside)out from underneaththetractor.

11.Pull the decksupport pin outwardto releasethe deck from thedeck lift arm.

Charging

IMPORTANT:Whenchargingyourtractor'sbattery,use onlya chargerdesignedfor 12Vlead-acidbatteries.Read

yourbatterycharger'sOwner'sManualpriorto charging yourtractor'sbattery.Alwaysfollow its instructionsand heed its warnings.

If yourtractorhasnot been putinto usefor an extended periodof time,chargethe batteryas follows:

• Setyour batterychargerto delivera maximumof 10 amperes.If your batterychargeris automatic,charge the batteryuntilthe chargerindicatesthat chargingis complete.

NOTE:If the chargeris notautomatic,chargefor no fewer thaneight hours.

12.Rotatethe pin slightlytowardthe rear of the tractor and releasethe pin intothe hole provided.

13.Repeatthe abovestepson the tractor'srightside.

14.Movethe deck lift leverintothe top notchon the right fenderto raisedeck lift arms up and out of the way.

15.Gentlyslidethe cuttingdeck towardthe frontof the tractorallowingthe hookson the deck to release themselvesfromthe deck stabilizerrod.

16.Gentlyslidethe cuttingdeck (from the rightside)out from underneaththetractor.

_k 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.

Jump Starting

Tires

_k the screwdriver from shorting against the frame.

,_ of tire.

The recommendedoperatingtire pressureis:

Approximately10 psifor the rear tires

Approximately14psi for the fronttires

IMPORTANT:Referto the tire sidewallforexacttire manufacturer'srecommendedor maximumpsi. Do not overinflate.Uneventirepressurecouldcausethe cutting deck to mow unevenly.

IMPORTANT:Neverjumpyourtractor'sdead batterywith the batteryof a runningvehicle.

1. Connectend of one jumpercableto the positive terminalof the good battery,thenthe otherend to 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.

Battery

The batteryis sealedand is maintenance-free.Acid

levelscannotbe checked.

Alwayskeepthe batterycablesand terminalsclean and freeof corrosivebuild-up.

Aftercleaningthe batteryand terminals,apply a light coat of petroleumjelly or greaseto bothterminals.

Alwayskeepthe rubberboot positionedoverthe positiveterminalto preventshorting.

IMPORTANT:If removingthe batteryfor anyreason, disconnectthe NEGATIVE(Black)wire fromit's terminal first, followedby the POSITIVE(Red)wire. When re-installingthe battery,alwaysconnectthe POSITIVE

(Red)wire its terminalfirst, followedby the NEGATIVE

(Black)wire. Be certain that thewires are connectedto thecorrectterminals;reversingthemcouldchangethe polarityand result in damageto your engine'salternating system.

_1 battery could explode.

Cleaning

Cleanthe batteryby removingit fromthe tractorand washingwith a bakingsodaand water solution.If necessary,scrapethe batteryterminalswith a wire brushto removedeposits.Coatterminalsand exposedwiringwith greaseor petroleumjelly to preventcorrosion.

Battery Failures

Somecommoncausesfor batteryfailureare:

• incorrectinitialactivation • undercharging

• overcharging

• freezing

• corrodedconnections

NOTE:Thesefailuresare NOTcoveredbyyour tractor's warranty.

24

Cutting Blades

_ 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.

The bladesmay be removedas follows.

1. Removethe deck from beneaththe tractor,(referto

CuttingDeckRemovalon page23) thengently flip thedeck overto expose its underside.

2. Placea blockof wood betweenthe centerdeck housing baffle and the cuttingbladeto act as a stabilizer.

See Fig. 6-4.

3. Removethe hexflangenutthat securesthe bladeto the spindleassembly.See Fig.6-4.

4. Toproperlysharpenthe cuttingblades,removeequal amountsof metalfrom bothends of the bladesalong thecutting edges,parallelto the trailingedge,at a

250to 300angle.

IMPORTANT:Ifthe cuttingedgeof the blade hasalready been sharpenedto within 1 5/8" from theedge,or if any metal separationis present,replacethe bladeswith new ones. See Fig.6-5.

• It is importantthat eachcuttingblade edge be ground equallyto maintainproperblade balance.

• Whenreplacingtheblade,be sureto installthe blade with the sideof the blade marked"Bottom" (or with a part numberstampedin it) facingthe groundwhen the moweris in the operatingposition.

IMPORTANT:Usea torquewrenchto tighten the blade spindlehexflangenutto between70 foot-poundsand 90 foot-pounds.

Fuses

A fuse is installedin yourtractor'swiringharnessto protectthe tractor'selectricalsystemfrom damage causedby excessiveamperage.

If theelectricalsystemdoesnot function,or your tractor'senginewill not crank,firstcheckto be certain that the fuse hasnot blown.

• It caneither be foundunderthe hood mountedbehind thetop of the dash panelon the supportbar,or under the seat mountedto the insideof the tractorframe next to the batterytray.

IMPORTANT:Alwaysusea fuse with the sameamperage capacityfor replacement.

f'_ He× Flange Nut

Figure 6-4

\

Figure 6-5

25

"_

Maintaining

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 cutting blade(s) for sharpening or replacement. Protect your hands by using heavy gloves or a rag to grasp the cutting blade.

Periodically inspect the blade spindles for cracks or damage, especially if you strike a foreign object.

Replace immediately if damaged.

Maintaining

WARNING

Be sure to shut the engine off,

remove ignition key,

disconnect the spark plugwire(s) and

ground against the

engine to prevent unintended starting before removing the belt(s).

Avoid the possibilityof a pinching injury. Do

not placeyour fingers

on the idler springor

betweenthe belt and a puley while removing the belt.

Changing the Deck Belt NOTE:Theidlerpulleysmayhaveto be loosened,but not removed,in orderto removethe beltfromaroundthem.

_ ARNING:Be sure to shut the engineoff, plug wire(s) and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting before removing the belt(s).

WARNING:Avoid the possibilityof a

pinchinginjury. Donot placeyour fingers on the idler spring or between the belt and a pulley while removing the belt.

All beltson yourtractorare subjectto wearand shouldbe replacedifanysignsof wearare present.

iMPORTANT:The V-beltsfoundon yourtractorare speciallydesignedto engageand disengagesafely.A

substitute(non-OEM)V-beltcan be dangerousby not disengagingcompletely.Fora properworkingmachine, usefactoryapprovedbelts.

Tochangeor replacethe deck belt on yourtractor, proceedas follows:

1. Lowerthe deck by movingthe deck lift leverintothe bottomnotchon the rightfender.

2. Removethe beltguardsby removingthe self-tapping screwsthat fastenthem to the deck.

3. Toeasein removingthe belt inlater steps,loosen, butdo not remove,the boltwhich securesthe pivotingidlerpulleyto the idlerbracket.See Fig. 6-6.

8. Routethe newbelts as shownbelowin Fig.6-7 or 6-8.

9. Retightenthe bolt which securesthe pivotingidler pulleyto the idler bracket.

10.Remountthe beltguardsremovedearlier.

Changing the Transmission Drive Belt

NOTE:Severalcomponentsmustbe removedand special tools (i.e.air/impactwrench)in orderto changethe tractor'sdrive belt. Seean authorizedMTDServiceDealer to haveyourdrivebelt replacedor phoneCustomerSupportas instructedon page 2 for informationon orderinga

ServiceManual.

Pivoting Idler Pulley Belt Guard

/

"Square

Hole

4. Inserta 3/8"-driveratchetwrench (setto tighten)into the squarehole foundin the idler bracketon the left sideof the deck'ssurface.See Fig. 6-6.

5. Graspthe ratchet'shandleand pivot it to relieve tensionon the belt.

6. With belttension relieved,carefullyremovethe belt from aroundthe left-handspindlepulley.

IMPORTANT:Carefullyallowthe ratchetto pivotrearward beforeremovingit fromthe squarehole.

7. Removethe deck belt from aroundall pulleys, includingthe deck idler pulley(s)and the electric

PTOclutch.

26

d

50oinch Deck

(Electric PTO)

Tractor

Figure 6=7

J

54-inch Deck

(Electric PTO)

Figure 6=8

27

Cleanand lubricatethe tractoras instructedin the Followthe instructionsin the Service, Storage &

MAiNTAiNiNGYOUR LAWNTRACTORsectionof this Specifications sectionof the EngineOperator/Owner manualbeforestoringfor an extendedperiod.

Manualfor properenginecare priorto storingyourtractor.

WARNING i Drain fuel only into an

approvedcontainer

outdoors,away

ifrom an openflame.

i Allowengineto cool.

i Extinguishcigarettes,

'cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition prior to

, draining fuel.

i Never store the i machine or fuel container indoors

_where there is an

open flame, spark or i pilot light such as on

water heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliance.

_i= flame.Allowengine to cool. Extinguish cigarettes,cigars, pipes,and othersources of ignitionpriorto draining fuel.

,A_ flame, spark or pilot lightsuch as on water heater, furnace, clothes dryer or othergas appliance.

Attachments & Accessories

Thefollowingattachmentsand accessoriesare compatiblefor ModelSeries620 LawnTractors.See the retailer from whichyou purchasedyourtractor,an authorizedMTDServiceDealeror phone(800) 800-7310for information regardingpriceand availability.

NOTE:ModelSeries620 LawnTractorsare NOTdesignedfor usewith any type of ground-engagingattachments

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

MODEL DESCRiPTiON

OEM-190-032 42-inchTwo-stageSnowThrower

OEM-190-193 50-inch DeckMulchKit

OEM-190-013 54-inch DeckMulchKit

OEM-190-192 TripleBaggerGrassCollector(for 50-inchDecks)

OEM-190-842 TripleBaggerGrassCollector(for 54-inchDecks)

OEM-190-607" DeluxeTractorSunshade

OEM-190-671 Tire Chains,20 x 8 Tires

OEM-190-784 WheelWeights

OEM-190-751 SnowCab

0EM-190-672 GrilleGuard(mountson front of tractor)

0EM-190-833 46-inch FrontDozerBlade

790-900-0025 DeckWash Kit

* Notcompatiblewith tractorsequippedwith a Grass Collector

28

Labels

29

ROTATING BLADES CAUSE

SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

0

ANDWHILEBACKING,

WARNING

The abovesymbol points out important safety instructionsin this manual which, if not followed,could endangerthe personal safety and/or property of yourselfand others.

Read and follow all instructionsin this manual beforeattemptingto operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructionsmay result in personalinjury.When

you see this symbol.

HEED ITS WARNING!

Your Responsibility

Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and onthe machine.

For repairs beyond the minor adjust- ments listed here, contact an authorized service dealer.

Pro bl e m

Enginefails to start

Engineruns erratic

-

'

Ca use

1. PTOengaged•

2. Sparkplugwire(s) disconnected.

3 Fueltank em t or stalefuel

•

4 Chokenot act vated

•

5. Faultysparkplug•

6. Blockedfuel line•

7. Engineflooded,

8. Parkingbrakenotengaged.

9. Throttlecontrol levernotin correct startingposition.

1. Unit runningwith CHOKEapplied.

2. Sparkplug wire(s) loose.

.

3. Blockedfuelline or stale fuel.

4. Ventin gas cap plugged.

5. Wateror dirt in fuel system.

6. Dirty air cleaner.

Remedy

1. PlacePTOknobin disengaged

(OFF)position•

2. Connectwire(s) to spark plug(s)•

•

4. Pullout the CHOKEcontrol (if so

equipped)or placethe throttle control in CHOKEposition•

5. Clean,adjustgap,or replace•

6. Cleanfuel line or replacefuelfilter, if so equipped.

7. Crank enginewith throttle in FAST position.

8. Engageparkingbrake.

9. Placethrottleleverto FAST position.

1. PushCHOKEcontrolin.

2. Connectandtighten spark plugwire(s).

3. Cleanfuel line;fill tank with clean, fresh (less than30 daysold) gasoline.Replacefuel filter,if so equipped.

4. Clearvent or replaceif damaged.

5. Drainfuel tank. Refillwith fresh fuel.

6. Replaceair cleanercartridge/elementor cleanpre-cleaner,if so equipped.

_ J _

3O

=_ _ i

Problem

Engine overheats

Enginehesitates at high RPM desp0or

Y

.......

Excessive

Vibration

Mower will not mulch grasS(f

E qu pped)

Uneven cut

Cause

1! Engine0il level!0wl

2. Air flow restricted.

.......

1. Sparkplug(s)gap tooclose.

1 Sparkpug(s)foued fautyorgap too wide.

2 Dirtyair Cleaner.

1. Cuttingblade looseor unbalanced.

2. Damagedor bentcuttingblade.

li EngineSpeedtoo low,

Wet gra_

....

3. Excessivey h gh grass:

Duilblade

1. Decknotbalancedproperly.

2. Dullblade,

3. Uneventire pressure.

Remedy

i: FillCrankcasewith pi0per oi!,

Clean grassClippingsand debis fromaroundthe eng ne Scoo!ing

fins and blowerhousing.

1. Removesparkplug(s)and reset the gap.

1

'

Repacesparkpug(s) Setpug(s) gap.

2 Replaceaircleaner cartridgeielei equipped.

1. Tightenbladeand spindle. Balanc_ blade.

2. Replaceblade.

1: Placethrottle controlin FAST

(rabbit)position:

2 • Do not mowwhengrass swet; wat unt aterto cut

3. Mowonce at a high cuttingheight, then mow againat desiredheight or makea narrowerCuttingpathl

4. sharpenOrreplaceblade:

1. Performside4o-sidedeck adjustmont.

2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

3. Checktire pressurein all fourtires.

31

i

)¸¸¸lfasafetyfeature

is notfunctioning

properlyi do not use

the tractor.Contact

your authorizedMTD

service dealeror call

8oo,73 o:

This Operators

ManUalcovers a range of product specifications for VariousmodelS:

CharacteriSticsand features discUssed and/or illustrated in this manual may not be appliCabletOal! roodels:

MTD LEOreserves the right to change prOduCt specifications designs and equipmentWitllout notice and without ncurring obligationl

_ purchasea PartsManual.Be sureto haveyourmodelnumberand serialnumberready.These canbe foundon the modelplatelocatedunderthe seat.Referto page 2 for moreinformationregardinglocatingyourmodeland serial numbers.

DriveBelt (Transmission)

DriveBelt (MowingDeck)50" Deck

DriveBelt (MowingDeck)54" Deck

DeckBlade(50" Deck)three each

DeckBlade(54" Deck)Center Blade

DeckSpindle(50"Deck)

DeckSpindle(54"Deck)

RearDeckWheels5.0x 1.38(50"Deck)

FrontDeckWheels5.0dia. ball (50" Deck)

DeckWheels5.0 dia. ball (54" Deck)

Battery

Tire (Front) 15"x 6" x 6" SquareShoulder

Tire (Rear)22"x 9.5" x 12"SquareShoulder

HubCap

FuelTankCap

ChokeControlCable(KohlerTwinCylinder)

ThrottleControlCable(KohlerTwinCylinder)

DischargeChuteAssembly

754-0461

754-04107

754-0642

742-04053A

742-0677

618-04126A

618-04125A

734-0973

734-04155

734-04155

925-1707D

734-1731

734-04174

731-05674

951-3111

746-1085A

746-1086

631-04070A

32

NOTES

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

33

NOTES

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

34

CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT

YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS

The CaliforniaAir ResourcesBoardandMTDConsumerGroup Inc are pleasedto explainthe evaporativeemissioncontrolsystemwarrantyon your 2007lawn mower.In California,new lawnmowermust be designed,builtand equippedto meet the State's stringentanti-smogstandards.MTDConsumerGroup Inc must warrantthe EECSon yourlawn mowerfor the period of time listedbelow providedthere has beenno abuse,neglector impropermaintenanceof your lawnmower.

Your EECSmay includeparts such as the carburetor,fuel-injectionsystem,the ignitionsystem,catalyticconverter,fuel tanks,fuel lines,fuel caps, valves, canisters,filters,vapor hoses,clamps,connectors,and other associatedemission-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:

This evaporativeemissioncontrol systemis warrantedfor two years.If any evaporativeemission-relatedpart on yourequipmentis defective,the partwill be repairedor replacedby MTDConsumerGroup Inc.

OWNER'S WARRANTY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Asthe lawn mowerowner,you are responsiblefor performanceof the requiredmaintenancelistedin yourowner'smanual. MTDConsumerGroup Increcommendsthat you retain all receiptscoveringmaintenanceon your lawnmower,but MTDConsumerGroup Inccannot denywarrantysolelyforthe lack of receipts.

Asthe lawn mowerowner,you shouldhoweverbe awarethat MTDConsumerGroup Inc maydeny you warrantycoverageif your lawnmoweror a part has failed dueto abuse,neglect, or impropermaintenanceor unapprovedmodifications.

Youare responsiblefor presentingyourlawn mowerto MTDConsumerGroup Inc's distributioncenteror servicecenter as soonas the problemexists.The

warrantyrepairsshouldbe completedin a reasonableamountof time, not to exceed30 days. If you havea question regardingyour warrantycoverage,you should contactthe MTDConsumerGroup IncService Departmentat 1-800-800-7310.

GENERAL EMISSIONS WARRANTY COVERAGE:

MTDConsumerGroup Incwarrantsto the ultimatepurchaserand eachsubsequentpurchaserthat the lawnmower is: Designed,built andequippedso as to conformwith all applicableregulations;andfree from defectsin materialsand workmanshipthat causethe failure of a warrantedpart to be identicalin all material respectsto that part as describedin MTDConsumerGroup Inc's applicationfor certification.

The warrantyperiod beginson the date the lawnmoweris deliveredto an ultimatepurchaseror first placed into service.The warrantyperiod is two years.

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

1. Any warrantedpart that is not scheduledfor replacementas requiredmaintenancein the writteninstructionssupplied, is warrantedfor the warranty period statedabove. Ifthe part fails duringthe period of warrantycoverage,the part will be repairedor replacedby MTDConsumerGroup Inc accordingto subsection

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

2. Any warrantedpart that is scheduledonly for regularinspection in the writteninstructionssupplied is warrantedfor the warranty periodstated above.Any such part repairedor replacedunderwarrantywill be warrantedfor the remainingwarrantyperiod.

3. Any warrantedpart that is scheduledfor replacementas requiredmaintenancein the written instructionssuppliedis warrantedforthe period of time beforethe first scheduledreplacementdatefor that part. If the partfails beforethe first scheduledreplacement,the part will be repairedor replacedby MTDConsumer

Group Inc accordingto subsection(4) below.Any such part repairedor replacedunderwarrantywill be warrantedforthe remainderof the period priorto the first scheduledreplacementpointfor the part.

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

5. Notwithstandingthe provisionsherein,warrantyservicesor repairswill be providedat all of our distributioncenters that arefranchisedto servicethe subject enginesor equipment.

6. The lawnmowerowner will not be chargedfor diagnosticlaborthat is directlyassociatedwith diagnosisof a defective,emission-relatedwarrantedpart, providedthat such diagnosticwork is performedat a warrantystation.

7. MTDConsumerGroup Inc is liablefor damagesto other engine or equipmentcomponentsproximatelycausedby a failure underwarrantyof any warranted part.

8. Throughoutthe lawnmowerwarrantyperiod stated above,MTDConsumerGroup Incwill maintaina supplyof warrantedparts sufficientto meetthe expected demandfor such parts.

9. Any replacementpart may be usedin the performanceof any warrantymaintenanceor repairsand mustbe providedwithoutchargeto the owner.Such use will not reducethe warrantyobligationsof MTDConsumerGroup Inc.

10. Add-onor modified partsthat are not exemptedbythe Air ResourcesBoardmay not be used.The use of any non-exemptedadd-on or modified parts bythe ultimatepurchaserwill be groundsfor disallowinga warrantyclaims. MTDConsumerGroup Incwill not be liableto warrantfailuresof warrantedparts caused bythe use of a non-exemptedadd-onor modified part.

WARRANTED PARTS:

The repairor replacementof any warrantedpart otherwiseeligiblefor warrantycoveragemay be excludedfrom such warrantycoverageif MTDConsumerGroup

Inc demonstratesthat the lawnmowerhas been abused,neglected,or improperlymaintained,andthat such abuse, neglect,or impropermaintenancewas the 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.Thefollowing emissionwarrantyparts list arecovered: FuelLine,Fuel Line Clamps

MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY

FOR

The limitedwarrantyset forth belowisgivenby MTDLLCwith respect to newmerchandisepurchasedand usedin the UnitedStates,its possessionsand territories.

"MTD"warrantsthis productagainstdefectsin materialand workmanshipfor a periodof two (2) years commencingon the date of original purchaseand will, at its option,repairor replace,freeof charge,any part foundto be defectiveinmaterialsor workmanship.This limitedwarranty shallonlyapply if this product hasbeen operatedand maintained

inaccordancewith the Operator'sManualfurnishedwith the product, and has notbeen subjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse, neglect, accident,impropermaintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft, fire, water, or damagebecauseof otherperil or naturaldisaster.Damageresulting

fromthe installationor useof any part, accessoryor attachmentnot approvedby MTDfor use with the product(s)coveredbythis manual willvoid yourwarrantyas to any resultingdamage.

Normalwearparts are warrantedto be free fromdefects in materialand workmanshipfor a periodof thirty (30) days fromthe dateof purchase.

Normalwearparts include,butare notlimitedto itemssuch as: batter-

ies,belts,blades,blade adapters,grass bags, riderdeck wheels,seats, snowthrowerskid shoes,shaveplates,auger spiralrubberand tires.

HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE: Warranty service is available, WITH

PROOF OF 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.

This limitedwarrantydoesnot providecoverageinthe followingcases: a. Theengineor componentparts thereof.These itemsmaycarry a separatemanufacturer'swarranty.Referto applicablemanufacturer's warrantyfor termsand conditions.

b. Log splitterpumps,valves,and cylindershavea separateone year warranty.

c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuch as lubricants,filters, blade sharpening,tune-ups,brakeadjustments,clutchadjustments,deck adjustments,and normaldeteriorationof the exteriorfinish due to useor exposure.

e. MTDdoesnot extendanywarrantyfor productssoldor exported outsideof the UnitedStates,its possessionsand territories,except those soldthroughMTD'sauthorizedchannelsof export distribution.

f. Replacementparts that are notgenuine MTDparts.

g. Transportationchargesand servicecalls.

No impliedwarranty,includingany impliedwarranty of mer-

chantabilityof fitness for a particular purpose,applies after the applicable periodof express written warranty above as to the

parts as identified.No otherexpresswarranty, whetherwrittenor oral, except as mentioned above, givenby any personor entity,

includinga dealeror retailer, with respect to any product,shall

bind MTD.Duringthe periodof the warranty,the exclusiveremedy

is repairor replacementof the productas set forth above.

The provisionsas set forth in this 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 limitationson howlong an impliedwarranty lasts, sothe aboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynot applyto you.

In no event shallrecoveryof any kindbe greaterthanthe amountof the purchasepriceof the productsold.Alterationof safety features of the productshallvoid this warranty. Youassumethe risk and liability for loss,damage,or injuryto you and yourpropertyand/orto others and theirpropertyarisingout of the misuseor inabilityto usethe product.

This limitedwarrantyshallnot extendto anyoneotherthan theoriginal purchaseror to the personfor whomitwas purchasedas a gift.

HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHIS WARRANTY: This limited warrantygivesyou specificlegal rights,and youmay alsohaveother rightswhich vary from stateto state.

IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginal Proofof Purchaseto obtain warrantycoverage.

d. Servicecompletedby someoneotherthanan authorizedservice dealer.

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

GDOO-lO0015 REV. A