Driving The Tractor; Starting The Engine; Stopping The Engine; Engaging The Parking Brake - MTD 618 Operator's Manual

NOTE:
The deck wheels are an anti-scalp feature of
the deck and are not designed to support the weight of
the cutting deck.
Refer to Leveling the Deck on page 18 of this manual for
more detailed instructions regarding various deck
adjustments.

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 PTO knob (or lever) in the disengaged
(OFF) position.
• Engage the tractor's parking brake.
• Pull the choke control outward.
• 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.
NOTE:
Do NOT leave the choke control on while
operating the tractor. Doing so will result in a "rich" fuel
mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.

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 PTO knob (or
lever) in the disengaged (OFF) position.
• Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the OFF
position.
• Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent
unintended starting.
Do not operate the tractor if the
If you strike a foreign object,

Driving The Tractor

WARNING:
cessive speed and sudden stops.
WARNING:
tractor without first placing the PTO knob (or
lever) in the disengaged (OFF) position,
depressing the brake pedal and engaging the
parking brake.
unattended, also turn the ignition key off and
remove the key.
• Briefly depress the brake pedal to release the
parking brake. Move the throttle lever into the FAST
(rabbit) position.
• To travel FORWARD, slowly depress the upper
portion of the drive pedal forward until the desired
speed is achieved. See Figure 11.
Reverse
Drive Pedal
• To travel in REVERSE, check that the area behind
is clear then slowly depress the lower portion of the
drive pedal with the ball of your foot (NOT your
heel) until the desired speed is achieved. See
Figure 11.
Do NOT attempt to change the direction of
IMPORTANT:
travel when the tractor is in motion. Always bring the
tractor to a complete stop before pivoting the drive
pedal from forward to reverse or vice versa.

Engaging the Parking Brake

To engage the parking brake:
• Fully depress the brake pedal and hold it there
while gently pushing the parking brake button
inward.
• Hold the parking brake button in while removing
your foot from the brake pedal.
• Once engaged, the parking brake button and the
brake pedal will lock in the "down" position.
To disengage the parking brake:
• Slightly depress the brake pedal.
15
Avoid sudden starts, ex-
Do not leave the seat of the
If leaving the
Forward
Brake Pedal
Fender /
Running Board
Figure 11
tractor