OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Hydrostatic Lawn
Tractor
Model Series
690 - 699
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-
covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
770-10129C.
(5/02)
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO.
SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
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. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal
injury. When you see this symbol—heed its warning.
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this man-
ual. 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. Failure to
observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
10. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge
GENERAL OPERATION
direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
operate the mower without the discharge cover or
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to
entire grass catcher in its proper place.
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe
11. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or
place for future and regular reference and for
under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s)
ordering replacement parts.
can amputate hands and feet.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper
12. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause
operation. Know how to stop the machine and
blade contact or thrown object injuries.
disengage them quickly.
13. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives,
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
walks, or roads and while not cutting grass.
this machine. Children 14 years old and over
14. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
should read and understand the operation
roadways. This machine is not intended for use on
instructions and safety rules in this manual and
any public roadway.
should be trained and supervised by a parent.
15. Do not operate the machine while under the
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without
influence of alcohol or drugs.
proper instruction.
16. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object
17. Never carry passengers.
injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets
18. Disengage blade(s) before shifting into reverse.
at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in
Back up slowly. Always look down and behind
operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
before and while backing to avoid a back-over
6. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment
accident.
is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire,
19. Slow down before turning. Operate the machine
bones, toys, and other foreign objects which could
smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive
be picked up and thrown by the blade(s). Thrown
speed.
objects can cause serious personal injury.
20. Disengage blade(s), place control lever in neutral,
7. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of
set parking brake, stop engine and wait until the
material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and
blade(s) come to a complete stop before removing
the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a
grass catcher, emptying grass, unclogging chute,
wall or obstruction which may cause discharged
removing any grass or debris, or making any
material to ricochet back toward the operator.
adjustments.
8. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles
21. Never leave a running machine unattended.
during operation and while performing an
Always turn off blade(s), set parking brake, stop
adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown
engine and remove key before dismounting.
objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to
22. Use extra care when loading or unloading the
the eyes.
machine into a trailer or truck. This unit should not
9. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-
be driven up or down ramp(s), because the unit
fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes and
could tip over, causing serious personal injury. The
jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never
unit must be pushed manually on ramp(s) to load or
operate this machine in bare feet or sandals.
unload properly.
23. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a
burn. Do not touch.
3
24. Check overhead clearances carefully before driving
under low hanging tree branches, wires, door
openings etc., where the operator may be struck or
pulled from the unit, which could result in serious
injury.
25. Depress the brake pedal completely and place the
control lever in neutral before attempting to start
engine.
5. Use extra care with grass catchers or other
attachments. These can change the stability of the
machine.
6. Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
Rapid engagement or braking could cause the front
of the machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards
which could cause serious injury.
26. Your machine is designed to cut normal residential
grass of a height no more than 10”. Do not attempt
to mow through unusually tall, dry grass (e.g.,
pasture) or piles of dry leaves. Dry grass or leaves
may contact the engine exhaust and/or build up on
the mower deck presenting a potential fire hazard.
27. Use only accessories and attachments approved
for this machine by the machine manufacturer.
Read, understand and follow all instructions
provided with the approved accessory or
attachment.
7. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose
traction, disengage the blade(s) and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.
DO NOT:
1. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
2. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The mower could suddenly turn
over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff, ditch, or if
an edge caves in.
28. Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and
above, are involved in a large percentage of riding
mower-related injuries. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower
safely enough to protect themselves and others
from serious injury.
29. If situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgment. Contact an
authorized service dealer for assistance.
3. Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your
foot on the ground.
4. Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes.
5. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could
cause sliding.
6. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill. Over-
speeding may cause the operator to lose control of
the machine resulting in serious injury or death.
7. Do not tow heavy pull behind attachments (e.g.
loaded dump cart, lawn roller, etc.) on slopes
greater than 5 degrees. When going down hill, the
extra weight tends to push the tractor and may
cause you to loose control. (e.g. tractor may speed
up, braking and steering ability are reduced,
attachment may jack-knife and cause tractor to
overturn).
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
tip-over accidents which can result in severe injury or
death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot
back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow
it.
For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of
this manual to measure slopes before operating this
unit on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than
15 degrees as shown on the slope gauge, do not
operate this unit on that area or serious injury could
result.
CHILDREN
1. Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not
alert to the presence of children. Children are often
attracted to the machine and the mowing activity.
They do not understand the dangers. Never
assume that children will remain where you last
saw them.
DO:
a. Keep children out of the mowing area and in
watchful care of a responsible adult other
than the operator.
b. Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters
the area.
c. Before and while backing, look behind and
down for small children.
d. Never carry children, even with the blade(s)
shut off. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine
operation.
1. Mow up and down slopes, not across. Exercise
extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
2. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other
hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
3. Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed
setting so that you will not have to stop or shift while
on the slope. Tires may lose traction on slopes
even though the brakes are functioning properly.
Always keep machine in gear when going down
slopes to take advantage of engine braking action.
4. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for
wheel weights or counterweights to improve
stability.
e. Use extreme care when approaching blind
corners, doorways, shrubs, trees or other
objects that may block your vision of a child
who may run into the machine.
4
f. Disengage the cutting blade(s) before
shifting in reverse. The “No-Cut-In Reverse”
feature is a reminder not to cut in reverse and
to help avoid back over accidents. Do not
defeat it.
g. Keep children away from hot or running
engines. They can suffer burns from a hot
muffler.
at least two minutes before refueling.
h. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more
than ½ inch below bottom of filler neck to
allow space for fuel expansion.
i. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
j. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine
and equipment. Move unit to another area.
Wait 5 minutes before starting the engine.
k. To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of
grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean
up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel
soaked debris.
h. Remove key when machine is unattended to
prevent unauthorized operation.
9. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
the machine. Children 14 years old and over should
read and understand the operation instructions and
safety rules in this manual and should be trained
and supervised by a parent.
l. Never store the machine or fuel container
inside where there is an open flame, spark or
pilot light as on a water heater, space heater,
furnace, clothes dryer or other gas
TOWING
appliances.
1. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed
for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except
at the hitch point.
m. Allow a machine to cool at least 5 minutes
before storing.
GENERAL SERVICE:
2. Follow the manufacturers recommendation for
weight limits for towed equipment and towing on
slopes.
3. Never allow children or others in or on towed
equipment.
4. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may
cause loss of traction and loss of control.
5. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
6. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly
ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless, and deadly gas.
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make
certain the blade(s) and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground against the engine to prevent unintended
starting.
3. Periodically check to make sure the blades come to
complete stop within approximately (5) five
seconds after operating the blade disengagement
control. If the blades do not stop within the this time
frame, your unit should be serviced professionally
by an authorized service dealer.
4. Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected
to wear during normal operation. Adjust and service
as required.
5. Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also,
visually inspect blade(s) for damage (e.g.,
excessive wear, bent, cracked).
Replace the blade(s) with the original equipment
manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) blade(s) only, listed in this
manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the
original equipment specifications may lead to
improper performance and compromise safety!”
6. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear
gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
7. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
SERVICE
SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE:
1. To avoid personal injury or property damage
use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is
spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite.
Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.
a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a
truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always
place containers on the ground away from
your vehicle before filling.
c. When practical, remove gas-powered
equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel
it on the ground. If this is not possible, then
refuel such equipment on a trailer with a
portable container, rather than from a
gasoline dispenser nozzle.
d. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the
fuel tank or container opening at all times
until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle
lock-open device.
8. Never tamper with the safety interlock system or
other safety devices. Check their proper operation
regularly.
e. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and
other sources of ignition.
f. Never fuel machine indoors.
g. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the
engine is hot or running. Allow engine to cool
9. After striking 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 starting and operating.
5
10. Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to
the machine while the engine is running.
original equipment specifications may lead to
improper performance and compromise safety!”
12. Do not change the engine governor settings or
over-speed the engine. The governor controls the
maximum safe operating speed of the engine.
13. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
11. Grass catcher components and the discharge
cover are subject to wear and damage which could
expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.
For safety protection, frequently check components
and replace immediately with original equipment
manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this
manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the
14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for
gas, oil, etc. to protect the environment.
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 on the machine.
NOTE: Not all safety labels shown may apply to your lawn tractor.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY, DO NOT
OPERATE UNLESS DISCHARGE COVER OR
GRASS CATCHER IS IN ITS PROPER PLACE.
IF DAMAGED, REPLACE IMMEDIATELY.
WARNING
TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
• GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS.
• AVOID SUDDEN TURNS.
• DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WHERE IT
COULD SLIP OR TIP.
• IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP
BLADE(S) AND BACK DOWNHILL SLOWLY.
• DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS
ARE AROUND.
• NEVER CARRY CHILDREN EVEN WITH.
BLADES OFF.
• LOOK DOWN & BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE
BACKING.
• KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND
SWITCHES, ETC.) IN PLACE AND WORKING.
• REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE
THROWN BY THE BLADE(S).
• KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL
CONTROLS.
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
• BE SURE BLADE(S) AND ENGINE ARE STOPPED
KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FROM ROTATING PARTS.
REMOVE OBJECTS THAT CAN BE THROWN BY THE
BEFORE PLACING HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADE(S)
• BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR'S POSITION,
BLADE IN ANY DIRECTION. WEAR SAFETY GLASSES.
DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND.
NEVER CARRY CHILDREN EVEN WITH BLADES OFF.
USE EXTRA CAUTION ON SLOPES. DO NOT MOW SLOPES
GREATER THAN 10° MOW UP AND DOWN, NOT ACROSS.
AVOID SUDDEN TURNS, USE LOW GEAR.
DISENGAGE BLADE(S), PLACE THE SHIFT LEVER
IN NEUTRAL, ENGAGE PARKING BRAKE,
SHUT OFF AND REMOVE KEY.
S30536
READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL. KEEP SAFETY DEVICES IN PLACE AND WORKING.
Label shape may vary by tractor model. Label contents do not vary.
READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL
6
SECTION 2: SLOPE GAUGE
7
SECTION 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR
NOTE: This manual covers various models of
hydrostatic tractors within the 690 series. Please use
instructions pertaining only to your tractor.
Antidote
Use the following antidotes if you come in contact with
the battery acid.
External - Flush with water.
Unpacking
Internal - Drink large quantities of water or milk. Follow
with milk of magnesia, beaten eggs or vegetable oil.
Call physician immediately.
•
Remove all screws from top of the crate using 1/4"
hex head socket or a flat blade screwdriver.
To remove ends, grasp top board on the end, and
pull towards you in downward motion. (A hammer
may be helpful). Set panel aside to avoid tire
damage.Repeat procedure on other sides.
Remove and discard plastic bag which covers unit.
Loose parts (may include the owner’s guide,
steering wheel, optional oil drain sleeve or hose,
battery fluid, chute deflector, optional mulching
plug, etc.) are on the seat or in a box wrapped in
plastic. Carefully cut and remove the plastic wrap.
Remove the loose parts.
•
Eyes - Flush with cool water for at least 15 minutes,
then get prompt medical attention.
If acid spills on clothing, first dilute it with clean water,
then neutralize with a solution of ammonia/ water or
baking soda/water.
•
•
IMPORTANT:Since battery acid is corrosive, do not pour
it into any sink or drain. Before discarding empty
electrolyte containers, rinse with a neutralizing solution.
WARNING: To avoid sparks, NEVER
connect or disconnect charger clips to
battery while charger is turned on.
•
•
Make sure that parking brake and hydrostatic
transmission relief valve are released and unit is in
neutral. See page 13 for the location of the parking
brake release and the hydrostatic relief valve.
Raise the deck and push the unit off the skid.
Keep all lighted materials (cigarettes,
matches, lighters) away from the battery
as the hydrogen gas generated during
charging can be combustible.
NOTE: Reference to right or left side of the unit is
observed from the operating position on the driver’s
seat, facing forward.
As a further precaution, only charge the
battery in a well-ventilated area. Make
certain venting path of battery drain tube
(if equipped) is always open.
Tools Required
1. Socket wrench 1/4" or flat blade screwdriver
2. Adjustable or socket wrench 1/2" *
Identifying Battery Type
3. Adjustable or socket wrench 9/16"
4. Pair of adjustable or socket wrenches 7/16"
•
If your tractor steering wheel cap is square, you
must use a socket wrench to install the steering
wheel.
Handling Battery
WARNING: The battery contains sulfuric
Type "A"
acid. This battery acid must be handled
with great care as contact with it can burn
and blister skin. Wear protective clothing
(goggles, rubber gloves and apron) when
working with it. Keep batteries out of the
reach of children.
IMPORTANT: Should battery acid accidentally splatter
into the eyes or onto the face, rinse the affected area
immediately with clean, cold water. Refer to the
antidotes mentioned below. If there is any further
discomfort, seek prompt medical attention.
Type "B"
Figure 1
8
•
Compare the battery in your lawn tractor (located
under the seat) with the illustration above. Type “A”
batteries are activated and are ready to use. Type
“B” batteries must be filled with battery fluid (acid)
and charged before they are put into service.
Follow instructions which apply to the battery in
your lawn tractor only.
•
Place the steering bellow over the steering shaft
extending through the dash. See Figure 2.
NOTE: If the openings on each end of the steering
bellow are of two sizes, the smaller end goes down
against the dash of the lawn tractor.
•
With the wheels pointing straight, place the steering
wheel over the steering shaft, positioning the
steering wheel as desired.
Place the washer with the cupped side down over
the steering shaft. Secure with hex lock bolt. See
Figure 2.
Activating & Charging Battery
•
(Type “B” Battery Only)
WARNING: Do not activate battery (i.e. fill
with battery acid) until battery is actually
placed in service. Read warnings about
battery usage in the previous page before
activating the battery.
NOTE: If your tractor steering wheel cap is square, you
must use a socket wrench.
•
Place the steering wheel cap over the center of the
steering wheel and press it with your hand.
•
Pivot the seat pivot bracket forward. Unhook the
strap which secures the battery (hook is on rear
frame, under the fender). Disconnect the positive
cable from the positive terminal. Save the hardware
for reassembly.
Hex Lock
Bolt
Steering
Wheel Cap
Cupped
Washer
•
•
Remove the battery from the lawn tractor, paying
attention to how the battery is placed in the unit,
and how the drain tube (attached to the battery) is
routed.
Activate the battery as instructed in the “Quick
Start” brochure included with the battery fluid. Read
instructions carefully.
Steering
Bellow
Steering
Shaft
Figure 2
NOTE: You can continue to assemble the lawn tractor
while the battery is standing for 30 minutes after acid
fill-up, and later while you are charging the battery.
Attaching Seat
NOTE: Your tractor is equipped with one of the
following types of seats. Identify the seat type from the
illustrations below, and follow instructions pertaining to
your tractor.
IMPORTANT: To obtain maximum life from the battery,
charge it prior to initial use.
•
•
•
Battery P/N 725-1705D: Charge at 2-3 amps for
one hour.
Battery P/N 725-1707D, 725-0453G, and 725-
1750: Charge at 6 amps for one hour.
Charge battery after the 30-minute standing period.
Manual Adjustment Seat
•
Remove the four screws from the seat and remove
the packing straps from two of the bolts. Turn the
seat around and place it in position against the seat
pivot bracket, lining up the slotted holes in the pivot
bracket with the holes in the seat. Select desired
position for the seat, and secure with the four
screws removed earlier. See Figure 3.
NOTE: If you charge the battery at a lower AMP rate,
use a hydrometer to make sure the battery is
completely charged. The hydrometer should read 1.260
o
minimum at an electrolyte temperature of 60-110 F.
Screws
WARNING: Do not charge the tractor
battery at more than 6 amps.
Attaching Steering Wheel
•
The hardware for attaching the steering wheel has
been packed inside the steering wheel. Carefully pry
off the steering wheel cap and remove the hardware.
Remove the steering bellow from the lift lever on
the right side of the tractor.
Seat
Pivot
Bracket
•
Figure 3
9
NOTE: The seat may have been shipped in a box.
Remove the four screws from the bottom of seat and
place seat in position against the seat pivot bracket.
Follow the directions above to attach the seat.
hand by grasping it between your thumb and index
finger and rotating it clockwise.
Carefully allow the discharge chute to pivot
downward.
Discard the shipping brace and accompanying
warning tag.
•
•
Quick Adjustment Seat
•
Remove the two bolts from the bottom of the seat
and remove the packing straps. Replace the bolts.
Line up plastic seat spacers with the slots in seat
pivot bracket. Slide seat in until front seat spacer
engages the seat stop. To adjust the seat refer to
the Adjustment Section. See Figure 4.
Seat
Spacers
Shipping Brace
Warning Tag
Slot
Slot
Figure 5
Installing The Mulching Plug (If Equipped)
NOTE: Your mulching plug may already be installed on
Seat
Stop
the deck.
Seat
Some lawn tractors come equipped with a mulch kit
which incorporates special blades, already standard on
all tractor, in a process of recirculating grass clippings
repeatedly beneath the cutting deck. The ultra-fine
clippings are then forced back into the lawn where they
act as a natural fertilizer. Observe the following
Spacers
Figure 4
NOTE: If the seat was shipped in a box, line up plastic
seat spacers with the slots in seat pivot bracket and
slide seat in until front seat spacer engages seat stop.
recommendations for the best results when mulching.
WARNING: Before operating your unit,
stand behind quick adjustment seat and
pull back on seat, making sure seat is
engaged in seat stop.
NOTE: The mulch kit is installed on models equipped
with a 38” or 42-inch deck. It is packed separately (with
an instruction sheet) in the crate on models equipped
with a 46-inch deck.
•
Never attempt to mulch if the lawn is damp. Wet
grass tends to stick to the underside of the cutting
deck preventing proper mulching of the clippings.
Do NOT attempt to mulch more than 1/3 the total
height of the grass or approximately 1-1/2 inches.
Doing so will cause the clippings to clump up
beneath the deck and not be mulched effectively.
Maintain a slow ground speed to allow the grass
clippings more time to effectively be mulched.
Always position the throttle control lever in the
FAST (rabbit) position and allow it to remain there
while mowing. Failing to keep the engine at full
throttle places strain on the tractor’s engine and
does not allow the blades to properly mulch grass.
Removing Shipping Brace
WARNING: The shipping brace, used for
packaging purposes only, must be removed
and discarded before operating your riding
mower.
•
WARNING: Make sure the riding mower’s
engine is off, remove the ignition key, and set
the parking brake before removing the
shipping brace.
•
•
•
•
Locate the shipping brace and accompanying
warning tag on the right side of the mower, between
the discharge chute and the cutting deck. See
Figure 5.
While holding the discharge chute with your left
hand, remove the shipping brace with your right
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the discharge
chute to operate the mower with the mulch kit installed.
10
To operate the cutting deck without mulching, simply
remove the mulch plug by unthreading the plastic wing
nut which fastens it to the cutting deck. This will allow
the clippings to discharge out the side. See Figure 6.
•
Pull the adjustable lift link out of the deck hanger
channel. Turn the adjustable lift link up or down as
necessary to level the deck. Usually only one or two
turns are needed. See Figure 7.
•
•
Insert the end of the adjustable lift link into the hole
in the deck hanger channel. Recheck the
adjustment. Readjust if necessary.
When the deck is levelled, secure end of adjustable
lift link with flat washer and hairpin clip.
Carriage Screw
Installing Battery
Type A Battery
NOTE: If the battery is put into service after the
expiration of the date shown on top of the battery,
charge it for a minimum one hour at 6-10 amps.
Bell
Washer
•
•
Lift the seat and remove the plastic cover from the
negative terminal.
Remove the hex bolt and nut from the negative
(black) cable. Attach negative cable to the negative
terminal with this bolt and nut.
Wing Nut
Mulch Plug
Figure 6
Type B Battery
Tire Pressure
•
Lift the seat. Make sure both the negative (black)
•
The tires on your unit may be over-inflated for
shipping purposes. Reduce the tire pressure before
operating the unit. Recommended operating tire
pressure is approximately 10 p.s.i. Check sidewall
of tire for maximum p.s.i.
cable and the positive (red) cable are routed up
through the battery compartment. See Figure 8.
Replace the battery in the battery compartment as
it was before. Make sure that the positive terminal is
toward the front of the unit.
•
WARNING: Maximum tire pressure under
any circumstances is 30 p.s.i. Equal tire
pressure should be maintained on all tires.
Positive Terminal
Battery
Strap
Leveling the Deck
•
With unit on hard, level surface, place the blades in
a straight line, and measure the distance from the
outside edge of the blade tips to the ground. If the
distance varies, adjustment is needed.
•
Remove the hairpin clip and flat washer from the
bottom of the adjustable lift link on the left side of
the deck. Locate the hairpin clip and the flat washer
on the inside of the lift link.
Negative
Terminal
Battery
Compartment
Adjustable
Lift Link
Deck Hanger
Channel
Figure 8
•
Attach the positive (red) cable to the positive
terminal of the battery. Secure with hex bolt and nut
previously removed. Slide rubber boot down over
the positive terminal.
•
•
Remove the hex bolt and nut from the negative
(black) cable. Attach negative cable to the negative
terminal with this bolt and nut.
Secure battery by hooking battery strap into slot in
rear frame, under the fender. See Figure 9.
Figure 7
11
•
•
Insert the drain tube down through the hole in the
battery compartment and the hole in the transaxle
reinforcement bracket located on the right side of
the unit. See Figure 9. Be certain drain tube is
routed away from the wheel rim.
Battery Strap
Slot in
Frame
Hole
Trim excess end of drain tube if necessary (about
4" should extend past the bracket or cable tie).
Drain Tube
Transaxle
Reinforcement
Bracket
Figure 9
SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR LAWN TRACTOR
Ignition Switch
Throttle Control
The throttle control is located on the dashboard and is
used to regulate the engine speed. To get maximum
efficiency in cutting grass, the throttle should be in the
FAST position when operating the tractor.
The ignition switch is located on the dashboard. Start
the engine by turning the key to the START position.
When the engine is running, leave the key in the ON
position. To stop the engine, turn the key to the OFF
position. See Figure 10.
Clutch-Brake Pedal
The clutch-brake pedal is located on the left side of the
tractor. Depressing the pedal returns the drive unit to
neutral (N) and applies the brake. The clutch-brake
pedal must be depressed to start the engine.
WARNING: Remove the key from the
tractor, when the tractor is not in use, to
prevent accidental starting.
Hydrostatic Control Lever
Ignition Switch
Light Switch
The hydrostatic control lever is located on top of the
fender on the right side of the tractor. This single control
lever, connected to the hydrostatic transmission,
controls both the speed and direction of the tractor.
Infinite speed control is achieved by moving the control
lever forward or backward. The farther forward or
backward you move the control lever, the faster you will
travel. Pulling the control lever into neutral (N) area will
stop the tractor. See Figure 11.
Choke
Throttle
Cable
Lift
Lever
Hydrostatic
Control Lever
Ammeter
Clutch / Brake Pedal
Figure 10
Choke Control
The choke control is located on the dashboard and is
operated manually. Details for the choke operation are
covered in the separate engine manual packed with
your unit. See Figure 10.
Figure 11
12
Parking Brake
Lift Lever
To set the parking brake, depress the clutch-brake
pedal, pull up the parking brake knob and release the
clutch-brake pedal. It will stay in the raised position. To
release the parking brake, depress and release the
clutch-brake pedal while pushing down on the parking
brake knob. The parking brake must be set if the
operator leaves the seat with the engine running.
See Figure 12.
Deck Lift
Indicator
Figure 14
Optional Features
NOTE: The controls listed below are optional features
and many tractor models may not be equipped with one
or more of these. Please use information pertinent to
your lawn tractor.
Parking Brake
Knob
Indicator Lights
If your unit is equipped with indicator lights, two or three
indicator lights are located in the dash panel. If a light
illuminates when attempting to start the unit, proceed
as follows.
Figure 12
Relief Valve
A hydrostatic relief valve is provided so the unit can be
moved without the engine running. The lever which
operates the relief valve is located in the rear of the
tractor between the wheels. See Figure 13.
Clutch: Depress the clutch pedal.
PTO: Place lift lever in the Blades Stop position.
Oil (Vanguard Twin and Intek Twin Engines Only).
Check the crankcase oil level and add oil as required.
To operate the relief valve, place the hydrostatic control
lever in neutral and release the parking brake. Move the
lever from the lock position into the slot to relieve the
hydraulic pump. Make sure to release the lever to the
lock position before operating the engine.
Deck Lift Indicator
The deck lift indicator (if so equipped) marks the
position being used for the lift lever. Select the lift lever
position desired, press the indicator lever outward,
move it to the position immediately below the lift lever
and release the indicator lever.
Light Switch
The head lamps are operated by pushing the light
switch located on the dashboard. The head lamps will
only operate when the engine is running.
Ammeter
The ammeter registers the rate of battery charge or
discharge. While the engine starts, the ammeter will
register on the discharging side. It should register on
the opposite side (charging) when the engine is running
fast and the battery is not yet completely charged. With
a fully charged battery or with the engine idling, the
ammeter will not show a charge.
Relief Valve
Figure 13
Lift Lever
The lift lever is used to raise and lower the cutting deck
and to engage and disengage the blades. Pulling it all
the way back and locking it disengages the blades.
See Figure 14.
NOTE: The lift lever must be in the BLADES STOP
position when starting the engine, when shifting into
reverse and if the operator leaves the seat.
13
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR
WARNING: Go up and down slopes, not
across. Avoid sudden turns. Do not
operate the unit where it could slip or tip
over. If the tractor stops while going
uphill, stop the blade(s) and reverse down
the hill slowly.
•
Turn the ignition key to the right to the START
position. After the engine starts, release the key. It
will return to the ON position.
NOTE: Protect the starter’s life by using short starting
cycles of several seconds. Cranking more than 15
seconds per minute can damage the starter motor.
Do not mow when children or others are
around. Never carry children. Look down
and behind the tractor before and while
backing. Keep the pathway of the tractor
free of obstructions.
•
Push choke knob gradually. Move the throttle
control to desired engine speed.
Stopping Engine
•
Turn the ignition key to the left to the OFF position.
Remove the key to prevent accidental starting.
Keep safety devices like guards, shields
and switches in place and fully functional.
IMPORTANT:If you strike a foreign object, stop the
engine. Remove wire from spark plug, thoroughly
inspect the unit for any damage, and repair the damage
before restarting and operating the mower.
Make sure that the blade(s) and the engine
have stopped completely before you put
hands or feet near the blade(s).
WARNING: Before leaving the operator’s
position, disengage blade(s), place shift
lever in neutral, engage brake lock, shut
off engine and remove key.
Gas And Oil Fill-Up
•
Check the oil level and add if necessary. Service
the engine with gasoline as instructed in the
separate engine manual packed with your tractor.
|