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Columbia Series 81GH Operator's Manual

Hydrostatic garden tractor
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Safety • Set-Up • Operation • Adjustments • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Warranty
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Hydrostatic Garden Tractor — Model Series 81GH
IMPORTANT:
READ SAFETY RULES AND
INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
BEFORE OPERATION
LES DISTRIBUTIONS RVI LIMITÉE, 2955, JEAN-BAPTISTE DESCHAMPS, LACHINE, QUEBEC H8T 1C5
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
769-04784
1.17.09

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  • Page 1 Safety • Set-Up • Operation • Adjustments • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Warranty OPERATOR’S MANUAL Hydrostatic Garden Tractor — Model Series 81GH IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION LES DISTRIBUTIONS RVI LIMITÉE, 2955, JEAN-BAPTISTE DESCHAMPS, LACHINE, QUEBEC H8T 1C5 MTD LLC, P.O.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new equipment. 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 Off-Season Storage / Attachments ........28 Safe Operation Practices .............4 Trouble Shooting ..............29 Setting Up Your Lawn Tractor ..........8...

  • Page 3: Slope Gauge

    Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely. Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes. Slope Gauge WARNING Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet).

  • Page 4: Safe Operation Practices

    WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to 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.

  • Page 5: Slope Operation

    Slope Operation a. Keep children out of the mowing area and in watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator. Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over b. Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area. accidents which can result in severe injury or death.

  • Page 6: Spark Arrestor

    e. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other frequently check components and replace immediately with sources of ignition. original equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the original f. Never fuel machine indoors. equipment specifications may lead to improper performance g.
  • Page 7 This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before attempting to assemble and operate. Symbol Description Safe READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S) Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting Symbols to assemble and operate DANGER—...

  • Page 8: Setting Up Your Lawn Tractor

    Connecting the Battery Cables CAUTION: When attaching battery cables, always connect the POSITIVE (Red) wire to its terminal first, followed by the NEGATIVE (Black) wire. Setting Up For shipping reasons, both battery cables on your equipment may have been left disconnected from the Your Lawn terminals at the factory.
  • Page 9 Attaching the PTO Lever Models with Manual PTO only) If the PTO lever for your tractor was not attached at the factory, follow the instructions below to attach it. 1. Position the PTO lever on the PTO shaft and secure Setting Up with the hex lock nut.
  • Page 10 Attaching The Seat NOTE: For shipping reasons, the seat is either fastened to the tractor seat’s pivot bracket with a plastic tie, or mounted backward to the pivot bracket. In either case, free the seat from its shipping position being careful not to Setting Up bend or kink the wiring harness and follow the instruc- tions below to attach it.

  • Page 11: Tire Pressure

    Setting the Deck Gauge Wheels Move the tractor on a firm and level surface, preferably pavement, and proceed as follows 1. Select the height position of the cutting deck by plac- ing the deck lift lever in the normally desired mowing Setting Up height setting (any of the six different cutting height notches on the right fender).

  • Page 12: Operating Your Lawn Tractor

    Know Your Lawn Tractor Throttle Control Operating Ignition Switch Module Your Lawn Tractor PTO (Blade Engage) Knob Brake Pedal Systems Indicator Monitor Drive Pedal Cruise Choke Control Parking Brake Control Button Seat NOTE: Any reference Adjustment Lever in this manual to Deck Lift the RIGHT or LEFT Lever...

  • Page 13: Choke Control

    Choke Control IMPORTANT: Prior to operating the tractor, refer to both Safety Interlock Switches and Starting The Engine On some models, moving the in this section of the manual for detailed instructions throttle lever all the way forward regarding the Ignition Switch Module and operating the activates the engine’s choke tractor in REVERSE CAUTION MODE.
  • Page 14 Electric PTO (Blade Engage) Knob The Indicator Monitor will also remind the operator of maintenance intervals for changing the engine oil. The Equipped) LCD will alternately flash the recorded hours, “CHG” and To engage the power to the cutting deck or other (sepa- “OIL”...

  • Page 15: Safety Interlock Switches

    Cruise Control Button • With the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING position, the electric PTO (Blade Engage) clutch will The cruise control button is automatically shut off if the PTO (Blade Engage) knob located on the tractor dash is moved into the engaged (ON) position with the panel to the left of the ignition drive pedal in Reverse.

  • Page 16: Engaging The Parking Brake

    WARNING AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH • GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS. Operating • AVOID SUDDEN TURNS. • DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SLIP OR TIP. Your Lawn • IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BLADE(S) AND Tractor BACK DOWNHILL SLOWLY.

  • Page 17: Driving The Tractor

    Driving The Tractor WARNING: Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden stops. WARNING: Do not leave the seat Operating of the tractor without first placing the PTO (Blade Engage) knob (or Your Lawn lever) in the disengaged (OFF) Tractor position, depressing the brake pedal and engaging the parking brake.

  • Page 18: Engaging The Blades

    Setting The Cruise Control Engaging the Blades Engaging the PTO (Blade Engage) transfers power to the NOTE: The cruise control feature should only be utilized cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments. while traveling in the forward direction. To engage the blades, proceed as follows: •...
  • Page 19 Mowing Headlights • On some models, the lamps are ON whenever the WARNING: To help avoid blade tractor’s engine is running. On other models, the contact or a thrown object lamps are ON whenever the ignition key is moved out injury, keep bystanders, helpers, of the STOP position.

  • Page 20: Adjusting Your Lawn Tractor

    WARNING: Never attempt to make Leveling the Deck any adjustments while the engine NOTE: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before performing is running, except where specified any deck leveling adjustments. Refer to Tires on page 24 in the operator’s manual. for information regarding tire pressure.

  • Page 21: Parking Brake Adjustment

    Parking Brake Adjustment Steering Adjustment If the tractor turns tighter in one direction than the other, WARNING: Never attempt to adjust or if the ball joints are being replaced due to damage or the brakes while the engine is run- wear, the steering drag links may need to be adjusted.

  • Page 22: Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor

    7. Refill the engine with new motor oil as instructed in the Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed with your unit. IMPORTANT: Refer to the Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed with your unit for information regarding the quantity and proper weight of motor oil. Maintaining Air Cleaner Service the pre-cleaner, if so equipped, and cartridge/air...

  • Page 23: Product Specifications

    Deck Wash System™ (If equipped) Your tractor’s deck may be equipped with a water port on its surface as part of its deck wash system. Use the Deck Wash System™ (sold separately) to rinse grass clippings from the deck’s underside and prevent the buildup of cor- rosive chemicals.
  • Page 24 Charging Hairpin Clip If the tractor has not been put into use for an extended period of time, charge the battery with an automotive-type 12-volt charger for a minimum of one hour at six amps. Spring WARNING: Batteries give off an explosive gas while charging.

  • Page 25: Cutting Blades

    Cutting Blades 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 Maintaining before removing the cutting Your Lawn blade(s) for sharpening or replacement. Protect your hands Tractor by using heavy gloves or a rag to grasp the cutting blade.

  • Page 26: Authorized Service Dealer

    Changing the Deck Belt 5. Remove the deck belt from around all pulleys, including the deck idler pulleys and the electric PTO clutch (units WARNING: Be sure to shut the with electric PTO). engine off, remove ignition 6. Route the new belt as shown in Fig. 6-7, 6-8, and 6-9 key, disconnect the spark plug and retighten the deck idler pulleys.
  • Page 27 Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor Belt Cover Idler Pulleys Figure 6-8 This Operators Manual covers a range of product specifications for various models. Characteristics and 46” Deck features discussed and/or illustrated in (Electric PTO) Electric PTO this manual may not Clutch be applicable to all models.

  • Page 28: Off-Season Storage / Attachments

    Clean and lubricate the tractor as instructed in the Follow the instructions in the separate engine manual MAINTAINENCE section of this manual before storing packed with your unit for proper engine care prior to for an extended period. storing your tractor. WARNING: Drain fuel only into WARNING: Never store the an approved container outdoors,...

  • Page 29: Trouble Shooting

    Cause Problem Remedy Engine fails to start 1. PTO engaged. 1. Place PTO knob (or lever) in disengaged (OFF) position. 2. Connect wire(s) to spark plug(s). 2. Spark plug wire(s) disconnected. 3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline. 3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel. Trouble 4.

  • Page 30: Replacement Parts

    THREE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD Products Limited with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in Canada and/or its territories and possessions (either entity respectively, “MTD”). MTD warrants this product (excluding its normal wear parts as described below) against defects in material and workman- ship for a period of three (3) years commencing on the date of original purchase and will, at its option, repair or replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective in materials or workmanship.

  • Page 31: Warranty For Units Purchased In Canada

    For three (3) years-120 hrs. whichever come first, from the date of original purchase of COLUMBIA products, COLUMBIA will either repair or replace, at its option, free of charge, F.O.B. factory or authorized service firm, any part found to be defective in material and workmanship. All transportation charges on parts submitted for Warranty replacement under this warranty must be paid by the purchaser unless return is requested by COLUMBIA.

  • Page 32: Warranty For Units Purchased In United States

    CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS The California Air Resources Board and MTD Consumer Group Inc are pleased to explain the evaporative emission control system warranty on your 2008 lawn mower. In California, new lawn mowers must be designed, built and equipped to meet the State’s stringent anti-smog standards. MTD Consumer Group Inc must warrant the EECS on your lawn mower for the period of time listed below provided there has been no abuse, neglect or improper maintenance of your lawn mower.

  • Page 33: Emissions Control Warranty Statement

    WARRANTED PARTS: The repair or replacement of any warranted part otherwise eligible for warranty coverage may be excluded from such warranty coverage if MTD Consumer Group Inc demonstrates that the lawn mower has been abused, neglected, or improperly maintained, and that such abuse, neglect, or improper maintenance was the direct cause of the need for repair or replacement of the part.
  • Page 34 Replacement Parts Hydrostatic Garden Tractor Drive Belt (Mowing Deck) 46” Deck 754-04033 Deck Blade (46” Deck) Center Blade (one ea.) 742-0612A Deck Blade (46” Deck) Outer Blades (two ea.) 742-0611A Deck Spindle (46” Deck) (three ea.) 618-0666A Deck Wheel (Rear) 5.0 x 1.38 (two each) 734-0973 For parts and/or ac- Deck Wheel (Front) 5.0 Dia.

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