MTD 618 Operator's Manual page 14

Parking Brake Button
To set the parking brake, fully
depress the brake pedal and
push the parking brake button in.
Hold the button in while taking
your foot off the brake pedal.
Both the parking button and the
brake pedal will then stay
depressed. To release the
parking brake, depress the brake
pedal slightly. The parking brake
button will then return to its original position.
NOTE:
The parking brake must be set if the operator
leaves the seat with the engine running or the engine
will automatically shut off.
Always set the parking brake when
IMPORTANT:
leaving the tractor unattended.
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR
WARNING:
all instructions and warnings on the machine
and in this manual before operating.
Safety Interlock Switches
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 prevents the engine from cranking or starting
unless the parking brake is engaged, and the PTO knob
(or lever) is in the disengaged (OFF) 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 PTO knob (or
lever) in the engaged (ON) position, regardless of
whether the parking brake is engaged.
• The engine will automatically shut off if the PTO
lever is moved into the engaged (ON) position with
the drive pedal in position for reverse travel.
• The electric PTO clutch, if so equipped, will
automatically shut off if the PTO knob is moved into
the engaged (ON) position with the drive pedal in
position for reverse travel.
WARNING:
interlock system is malfunctioning. This
system was designed for your safety and
protection.
P
Read, understand, and follow
Do not operate the tractor if the
Cruise Control Button
The cruise control button, on
models so equipped, is located
on the tractor dash panel to the
left of the ignition switch. Push
the cruise control button while
traveling forward at a desired
speed. While holding the button
in, release pressure from the
drive pedal. This will engage the
cruise control and allow the
tractor to remain at that speed without applying
pressure to the drive pedal. Depress the brake pedal or
the drive pedal to deactivate cruise control. Refer to
Setting the Cruise Control on page 16 this manual for
detailed instructions regarding the cruise control
feature.
NOTE:
Cruise control can NOT be engaged at the
tractor's fastest ground speed. If the operator should
attempt to do so, the tractor will automatically
decelerate to the fastest optimal mowing ground speed.
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 (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND 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 PLAC-
ING HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADE(S).
• BEFORE LEAVING
BLADE(S), PLACE THE SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTRAL, ENGAGE
BRAKE LOCK, SHUT ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KEY.
READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Setting the Cutting Height
Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing
the deck lift lever in any of the six different cutting height
notches on the right side of the fender. Then adjust the
deck wheels so that they are between ¼-inch and ½-
inch above the ground when the tractor is on a smooth,
flat surface such as a driveway.
WARNING:
from the discharge opening of the cutting
deck.
14
WARNING
OPERATOR'S POSITION, DISENGAGE
Keep hands and feet away