Tractor Set-Up - MTD 660 Operator's Manual

SECTION 3: TRACTOR SET-UP
Your tractor is shipped with motor oil in the engine. However, you MUST check the oil level before
IMPORTANT:
starting the engine and operating. Refer to the separate Briggs & Stratton Operator/Owner Manual (or Tecumseh
engine's Owner's Manual) packed with your tractor. Read instructions carefully.
NOTE:
Reference to right or left hand side of the unit
is observed from the driver's seat, facing forward.
Tools Required For Assembly
(1) 1/2" socket wrench (for steering wheel)
(1) 9/16" wrench or socket wrench (for seat)
(2) 7/16" wrenches or socket wrenches (for battery)
Attaching the Battery Cables
NOTE:
The positive battery terminal is marked Pos.
(+). The negative battery terminal is marked Neg. (–).
• The positive cable (heavy red wire) is secured to
the positive battery terminal (+) with a hex bolt and
hex nut at the factory. Make certain that the rubber
boot covers the terminal to help protect it from
corrosion.
• Remove the hex bolt and hex nut from the negative
cable.
• Remove the black plastic cover, if present, from the
negative battery terminal and attach the negative
cable (heavy black wire) to the negative battery
terminal (–) with the bolt and hex nut.
• Make certain the hold-down rod is in position over
the battery, securing it in place. See Figure 1.
Hex
Nut
Figure 1
NOTE:
If the battery is put into service after the date
shown on top of battery, charge the battery as
instructed on page 25 of this manual prior to operating
the tractor.
Rubber
Boot
Hold-
Down
Rod
Hex Bolt
Attaching The Steering Wheel
• The hardware for attaching the steering wheel has
been packed within the steering wheel, beneath
steering wheel cap. Carefully pry off the steering
wheel cap and remove the hardware.
NOTE:
There are two different styles of steering
wheel cap. See Figure 2. Styles vary by model.
• Remove the steering bellow from its packaged
location on the deck engagement/lift lever (found
on the right hand side of tractor). NOTE: Tractor
models 668 & 688 do NOT require a steering bellow
and do NOT come equipped with one.
• On models so equipped, 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 two different sizes, the smaller end goes
down, against the dash of the lawn tractor.
• With the wheels of the tractor pointing straight
forward, place the steering wheel over the steering
shaft.
• Place the washer (with the cupped side down) over
the steering shaft and secure with the hex bolt. See
Figure 2.
• Place the steering wheel cap over the center of the
steering wheel and push downward until it "clicks"
into place.
Steering
Wheel Cap
Hex Bolt
& Washer
8
Steering
Shaft
Steering
Bellow
Figure 2