Operating Your Lawn Tractor; Starting The Engine; Safety Interlock System; Stopping The Engine - MTD 660 Operator's Manual

SECTION 5: OPERATING THE LAWN TRACTOR
WARNING
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 AND BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE BACKING.
• KEEP SAFETY DEVICES
SWITCHES) IN PLACE AND WORKING.
• REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE THROWN BY THE
BLADE(S).
• KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL CONTROLS.
• BE SURE BLADE(S) AND ENGINE ARE STOPPED BEFORE
PLACING HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADE(S).
• BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR'S POSITION, DISENGAGE
BLADE(S), PLACE THE SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTRAL, ENGAGE
PARKING BRAKE, SHUT ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KEY.
READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL

Safety Interlock System

WARNING:
all instructions and warnings on the machine
and in this manual before operating.
This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system
for the protection of the operator. If the interlock system
should ever malfunction, do not operate the tractor.
Contact an authorized MTD service dealer. The safety
interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or
starting unless the parking brake is engaged, and the
deck engagement/lift lever is in the disengaged
(BLADES STOP) position.
• The engine will automatically shut off if the operator
leaves the seat before engaging the parking brake.
• The engine will automatically shut off if the operator
leaves the tractor's seat with the deck engagement/
lift lever in ANY position other than BLADES STOP.
• The engine will automatically shut off if the deck
engagement/lift lever is moved out of the BLADES
STOP position with the shift lever in R (reverse).

Before Starting Engine

WARNING:
all instructions and warnings on the machine
and in this manual before operating.
(GUARDS, SHIELDS,
Read, understand, and follow
Read, understand, and follow

Starting the Engine

WARNING:
interlock system is malfunctioning. This
system was designed for your safety and
protection.
NOTE:
Refer to the TRACTOR SET-UP on page 8 of this
manual for Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions.
• Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.
• Place the deck engagement/lift lever in the
BLADES STOP position.
AND • Engage the tractor's parking brake.
• Activate the choke control.
• Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START
position. After the engine starts, release the key. It
will return to the ON position.
Do NOT hold the key in the START
IMPORTANT:
position for longer than ten seconds at a time. Doing so
may cause damage to your engine's electric starter.
• After the engine starts, deactivate the choke control
and place the throttle control in the FAST position.
Do NOT leave the choke control on while
IMPORTANT:
operating the tractor. Doing so will result in a "rich" fuel
mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.
NOTE:
If Starting problems are encountered, refer to
TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE on page 29.

Stopping the Engine

WARNING:
stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug
wire(s) and ground against the engine.
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any
damage. Repair the damage before restarting
and operating
• If the blades are engaged, place the deck
engagement/lift lever in the BLADES STOP
position.
• Depress the clutch-brake pedal to bring the tractor
to a complete stop.
• Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the OFF
position.
• Engage the tractor's parking brake.
• Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent
unintended starting.
13
Do not operate the tractor if the
If you strike a foreign object,