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Operator's Manual
Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor
MODEL LT 542H
IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.
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 44136-9722.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO. 769-01625A
(1/31/2005)
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Summary of Contents for White Outdoor LT 542H
- Page 1 Operator’s Manual Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor MODEL LT 542H IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment. 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...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
A sample model plate is also given below. You can locate the model plate by looking at the underside of the seat. This information will be necessary to use the manufacturer’s web site and/or help from your White Outdoor dealer. Copy the model number here:... -
Page 3: Important Safe Operation Practices
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. -
Page 4: Slope Operation
6. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill. Over- manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your speeding may cause the operator to lose control of White Outdoor dealer for assistance. the machine resulting in serious injury or death. 7. Do not tow heavy pull behind attachments (e.g. - Page 5 1. To avoid personal injury or property damage frame, your unit should be serviced professionally use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is by your White Outdoor dealer. extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. 4. Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is to wear during normal operation.
- Page 6 8. Never tamper with the safety interlock system or For safety protection, frequently check components other safety devices. Check their proper operation and replace immediately with original equipment regularly. manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this 9. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, manual.
- Page 7 SECTION 2: SLOPE GAUGE...
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Page 8: 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 the tractor. Refer to the White Outdoor Engines Operator’s Manual located after Page 26 of this manual. Read instructions carefully. -
Page 9: Tire Pressure
Hex Bolt ignition. Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in Figure 3 the White Outdoor Engines Operator’s Manual located NOTE: after Page 26 of this manual. Read instructions If the battery is put into service after the date carefully. - Page 10 SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR LAWN TRACTOR CHOKE FAST SLOW PARK BRAKE Figure 5 Parking Brake Lever Throttle / Choke Control Brake Pedal Ignition Switch Module Speed Control Lever G Deck Lift Lever Ammeter PTO (Blade Engage) Lever NOTE: Any reference in this manual to the RIGHT or LEFT side of the tractor is observed from operator’s position.
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Page 11: Brake Pedal
Throttle / Choke Control Parking Brake Lever The throttle/choke control is located To set the parking brake, fully on the right side of the tractor’s dash depress the brake pedal. Move the panel. This lever controls the speed parking brake lever all the way down CHOKE of the engine and, when pushed all and into the ON position. -
Page 12: Speed Control Lever
Speed Control Lever Ignition Switch Module The speed control lever, located on the left fender, WARNING: Never leave a running machine allows you to regulate the travel direction and ground unattended. Always disengage PTO, move speed of the lawn tractor. To use, release the parking shift lever into neutral position, set parking brake and move the speed control lever forward (to... -
Page 13: Safety Interlock Switches
ON while should ever malfunction, do not operate the tractor. activated. See Figure 7. Contact your White Outdoor dealer. 4. Once activated (indicator light ON), the tractor can • The safety interlock system prevents the engine... -
Page 14: Setting The Cutting Height
Setting the Cutting Height Stopping the Engine Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, the deck lift lever in any of the five different cutting stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug height notches on the right side of the fender. -
Page 15: Controls
• Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. If it is necessary to stop while driving up a slope, start up WARNING smoothly and carefully to reduce the possibility of flipping the tractor over backward. AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH Using the Deck Lift Lever •... - Page 16 Headlights • Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass invites weed growth and yellows quickly in dry weather. The lamps are ON whenever the tractor’s engine is • Mowing should always be done with the throttle/ running. To turn the lamps OFF, move the ignition key choke control to the FAST (rabbit) position.
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Page 17: Leveling The Deck
Neutral Adjustment If your tractor’s speed control lever does NOT return to the N (neutral) position when fully depressing the brake pedal, see your White Outdoor dealer to have the drive Figure 9 system inspected and professionally adjusted. -
Page 18: Parking Brake Adjustment
Parking Brake Adjustment Hex Screws WARNING: Never attempt to adjust the brakes while the engine is running. Always disengage PTO, move speed control lever into neutral position, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting. If 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 parking brake applied (and the hydrostatic bypass rod pulled out), the... -
Page 19: Operation
Air Cleaner Changing Engine Oil Service the pre-cleaner, if so equipped, and cartridge/ air cleaner element as instructed in he White Outdoor NOTE: Depending on the engine model found on your Engines Operator’s Manual located after Page 26 of tractor, it may be necessary to remove the tractor’s side... - Page 20 Cleaning the Engine And Deck Any fuel or oil spilled on the machine should be wiped off promptly. Do NOT allow debris to accumulate around the cooling fins of the engine or on any other part of the machine. The use of a pressure washer to clean IMPORTANT: your tractor is NOT recommended.
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Page 21: Service
(i.e. air/impact wrench) used in order to terminal of the good battery, then to the frame of change the tractor’s drive belt. See your White Outdoor the unit with the dead battery. dealer to have your drive belt replaced. - Page 22 Changing the Deck Belt Belt Guard WARNING: Be sure to shut the engine off, remove ignition key, disconnect the spark 3/8” Square Hole plug wire(s) and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting before removing the belt(s). All belts on your tractor are subject to wear and should be replaced if any signs of wear are present.
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Page 23: Cutting Blades
Cutting Deck Removal Idler Bracket To remove the cutting deck, proceed as follows: • Place the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the disengaged (OFF) position. • Engage the parking brake. • Lower the deck by moving the deck lift lever into the bottom notch on the right fender. - Page 24 • To properly sharpen the cutting blades, remove Blade Separation equal amounts of metal from both ends of the blades along the cutting edges, parallel to the trailing edge, at a 25° to 30° angle. See Figure 21. If the cutting edge of the blade has already IMPORTANT: been sharpened to within 5/8"...
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Page 25: Off-Season Storage
SECTION 10: ATTACHMENTS & ACCESSORIES The following attachments and accessories are compatible for model LT 542H Lawn Tractors. For information regarding price and availability, see the retailer from which you purchased your tractor or your White Outdoor dealer. NOTE: Model LT 542H Lawn Tractors are NOT designed for use with any type of ground-engaging attachments (e.g. -
Page 26: Troubleshooting
SECTION 11: TROUBLESHOOTING Trouble Possible Cause(s) Corrective Action Engine fails to start PTO engaged. Place PTO lever in disengaged (OFF) position. Parking brake not engaged. Engage parking brake. Spark plug wire(s) disconnected. Connect wire to spark plug. Throttle/choke control not in correct Place throttle/choke control in CHOKE position. - Page 27 3 YEAR E N G I N E WARRANTY P R E S S U R E L U B E SPIN-ON OIL FILTER OV490EA (OHV140-180) Operator’s Manual Four-Cycle Engine • Vertical Crankshaft • Air-Cooled Table of Contents IMPORTANT NOTICE! Safety Definitions ........ii I.
- Page 28 IMPORTANT NOTICE! Safety Definitions Statements in this manual preceded by the following words and graphics are of special significance: WARNING WARNING WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. NOTE Refers to important information and is placed in italic type. It is recommended that you take special notice of all items discussed on the next two pages and wear the appropriate safety equipment.
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Page 29: General Safety Precautions
I. General Safety Precautions • NEVER start or operate the engine with the fuel fill cap removed. • Allow engine to cool before refueling. WARNING • NEVER fill fuel tank indoors. Fill fuel tank outdoors Read equipment manufacturer’s manual and this in a well-ventilated area. - Page 30 E. Do Not Modify Engine To avoid serious injury or death, DO NOT modify engine in any way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. NEVER tamper with factory setting of engine governor. WARNING Use of this engine on fun-carts, go-karts, or mini-bikes can result in serious injury or death.
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Page 31: How To Get Service
II. How to Get Service For engine adjustments, repairs or warranty service not 2083 covered in this manual, contact your nearest Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer. Find them on our website at www.TecumsehPower.com or call Tecumseh Power TECUMSEH POWER COMPANY Company at 1-800-558-5402. THIS ENGINE MEETS 1995-2005 CALIF &... -
Page 32: Before Starting Your Engine
B. Fuel Table 2. Recommended Fuel Use unleaded regular, unleaded premium or reformulated Fuel Component Percentage automotive fuel only. You may use gasoline containing the following components identified in Table 2. Ethanol • DO NOT use leaded fuel. Grain Alcohol (“Gasohol”) •... - Page 33 B. Filling Oil Sump 1. Be sure engine is upright and level. 2. Unscrew oil fill cap from oil filler tube and wipe dipstick clean. See Figure 7. 3. Screw oil fill cap back into oil filler tube. Tighten securely. 4.
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Page 34: Starting Your Engine
V. Starting Your Engine An adult should start the engine. WARNING Only allow children to start engine if an adult has determined they are experienced and capable of such operation. If you are unable to start this engine WARNING after following instructions in this manual, contact your Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer. - Page 35 II. Independent Speed and Choke Controls Choke 1. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, make sure Control engine is outdoors in a well-ventilated area. 2. Move engine speed control to “FAST” position and set choke control to “FULL” position (see equipment manu- facturer’s instructions).
- Page 36 B. Engines with Recoil Starters If you have an electric starter see "A. Engines with Electric Starters" instructions on page 6. Only one of the following two sections will apply to your engine. See Table 4. Table 4. Engine Sections with Recoil Starters If your engine has: Go to: Combined Speed and Choke Controls...
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Page 37: Stopping Your Engine And Short-Term Storage
II. Independent Speed and Choke Controls Choke 1. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, make sure Control engine is outdoors in a well-ventilated area. 2. Move engine speed control to “FAST” position and set choke control to “FULL CHOKE” position (see equip- ment manufacturer’s instructions). -
Page 38: Maintenance
VII. Maintenance An adult should perform maintenance WARNING on this engine. Only allow children to perform maintenance if an adult has determined they are experienced and capable of such operation. To prevent accidental starting when WARNING working on equipment, always: •... - Page 39 B. Removing Debris from Engine Before each use, remove grass clippings, dirt and debris from the following areas: • Levers and Linkage • Cooling Fins • Air Intake Screen • Air Inlet • Guards Removing debris will insure adequate cooling, correct engine speed and reduce the risk of fire.
- Page 40 D. Cleaning/Replacing Air Cleaner Your engine has an air cleaner which helps prevent premature engine wear and failure. NEVER run engine without complete air cleaner installed on engine. Your air cleaner periodically needs to be cleaned or replaced. NOTE Contact your Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer for a Tecumseh Air Cleaner.
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Page 41: Transporting Your Engine
VIII. Transporting Your Engine IX. Storing Your Engine A. Short Term/Seasonal Storage NEVER transport this engine inside WARNING another vehicle or in any enclosed Clean Engine space if there is any gasoline in the tank. Fuel vapor or spilled fuel may ignite. Before servicing the engine remove the blower housing. - Page 42 III. Fuel System B. Extended Storage To avoid stale gas and carburetor problems, treat the fuel Draining Fuel system in the following method below: NOTES NOTES Clean debris from engine before draining fuel from Tecumseh recommends using ULTRA-FRESH™ or Fuel carburetor.
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Page 43: Preventing Forest, Brush And Grass Fires
II. Oil Cylinder Bore When lubricating cylinder bore, fuel WARNING may spray from spark plug hole. To prevent serious injury from fuel fires, follow these instructions: 1. Disconnect spark plug wire and keep it away from spark plug. See Figure 25. and Figure 26. •... -
Page 44: Maintenance Intervals
XI. Maintenance Intervals Maintenance is one of the most important things that you can do to extend the life of your Tecumseh Engine. If you are unable to perform maintenance intervals yourself, contact your nearest Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer. You may also call Tecumseh Power Company at 1-800-558-5402 or visit www.TecumsehPower.com to locate your dealer. -
Page 45: California & Us Epa Emission Control Warranty Statement
CALIFORNIA & US EPA EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), the You are responsible for presenting your small off-road engine to a California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) and Tecumseh Power Tecumseh Authorized Service Outlet (any Tecumseh Registered Company are pleased to explain the Federal and California Service Dealer, Tecumseh Authorized Service Distributor or Emission Control Systems Warranty on your new small off-road... -
Page 46: Emission Control System Warranty
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY Emission Control System Warranty (“ECS Warranty”) for 1995 4. Repair or replacement of any warranted, emissions- and later model year California small off-road engines (for other related part under this ECS Warranty shall be performed states, 1997 and later model year engines): at no charge to the owner at a Tecumseh Authorized Service Outlet. -
Page 47: Warranty Information
XII. Warranty Information LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW TECUMSEH ENGINES AND ELECTRONIC IGNITION MODULES For the time period shown below from the date of purchase and subject to the exceptions and limitations described herein, Tecumseh Power Company will, at its option as the exclusive remedy, either repair or replace for the original purchaser, free of charge, any part of any new Tecumseh engine which is found, upon examination by any Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Outlet or by Tecumseh’s factory in Grafton, Wisconsin, to be DEFECTIVE IN MATERIAL AND/OR WORKMANSHIP. - Page 48 MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR: The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD LLC with MTD does not extend any warranty for products sold or respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the exported outside of the United States, its possessions United States, its possessions and territories.
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Questions and answers
Are there any grease fittings on the deck or on the front and back axle other then the king pins
Yes, the White Outdoor LT 542H has grease fittings on each end of the tractor’s front pivot bar. There is no mention of grease fittings on the deck or the back axle besides the king pins.
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How many springs are on the mower deck and what is the part number for them. I have a White Outdoor riding lawn mower, model LT 542H