MTD 769-01598B Operator's Manual

FORM NO. 769-01598(11/29/2004)PRINTED IN U.S.A.Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any

10Attaching The SeatSeat styles vary by tractor model and there are three different styles available:• Standard Adjustment• Quick Adjustment & • K

11SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR LAWN TRACTORFigure 7NOTE: Any reference in this manual to the RIGHT or LEFT side of the tractor is observed from operator’s po

12Throttle Control LeverThe throttle control lever is located on the right side of the tractor’s dash panel. This lever controls the speed of the engi

13Clutch-Brake PedalThe clutch-brake pedal is located on the left side of the lawn tractor, along the running board. Depress the clutch-brake pedal pa

14SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN TRACTORSafety Interlock SwitchesThis tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system for the protection of the op

15Setting the Cutting HeightSelect the height position of the cutting deck by placing the deck lift lever in any of the five different cutting height

16IMPORTANT: First-time operators should use speed positions 1 or 2. Become completely familiar with the tractor’s operation and controls before opera

17MowingWARNING: To help avoid blade contact ora thrown object injury, keep bystanders,helpers, children and pets at least 75 feetfrom the machine whi

18SECTION 6: MAKING ADJUSTMENTSWARNING: Never attempt to make anyadjustments while the engine is running,except where specified in the operator’sman

19If the tractor does not come to a complete stop when the brake pedal is completely depressed, or if the tractor’s rear wheels can roll with the park

2TABLE OF CONTENTSFINDING MODEL NUMBERThis Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new lawn tractor. It will help you assemble, prepare and mai

20SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN TRACTORWARNING: Before performing anymaintenance or repairs, disengage PTO,move shift lever into neutral position

21Cleaning the Engine And DeckAny fuel or oil spilled on the machine should be wiped off promptly. Do NOT allow debris to accumulate around the coolin

22SECTION 8: SERVICECutting Deck RemovalNOTE: Models equipped with a 38-inch deck haveone deck idler pulley. Models equipped with a 42-inchdeck have

23BatteryThe battery is sealed and is maintenance-free. Acid levels cannot be checked.• Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean and free of

24Figure 22• To properly sharpen the cutting blades, remove equal amounts of metal from both ends of the blades along the cutting edges, parallel to t

25Right Hand PulleyDeck Idler Pulleys(beneath belt guard)Engine PulleyIdler BracketLeft Hand Pulley(beneath belt guard)42-Inch DeckRight Hand PulleyDe

26SECTION 9: OFF-SEASON STORAGEClean and lubricate the tractor as instructed in Section 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR on page 20 of this manual be

27SECTION 11: TROUBLESHOOTINGTrouble Possible Cause(s) Corrective ActionEngine fails to start PTO engaged.Parking brake not engaged.Spark plug wire(s

MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR:The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD LLC with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the

3SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICESWARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endangerthe

423. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.24. Check overhead clearances carefully before driving under low hanging tree br

5e. 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 t

68. Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.9. After striking a foreign object,

7SECTION 2: SLOPE GAUGE3IGHTANDHOLDTHISLEVELWITHAVERTICALTREEORACORNEROFABUILDINGORAFENCEPOST&OLDALONGDOTTEDLINEREPRES

8SECTION 3: TRACTOR SET-UPLoose PartsPackaged with this Operator’s Manual you’ll find:• One Small Clamp (726-0354)• One 1/4-20 x 1/2-inch Screw (710-

9Attaching the Battery CablesNOTE: Some models are shipped with the batterycables already connected.NOTE: The positive battery terminal is marked Pos