MTD 618 Operator's Manual page 16

NOTE:
The parking brake must be engaged if the
operator leaves the seat with the engine running or the
engine will automatically shut off.
Driving On Slopes
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 7 to help determine
slopes where you may operate the tractor safely.
WARNING:
slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of
approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). The
tractor could overturn and cause serious
injury.
• Mow up and down slopes, NEVER across.
• Exercise extreme caution when changing direction
on slopes.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other
hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must
be made, turn down the slope. Turning up a slope
greatly increases the chance of a roll over.
• Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. If it is
necessary to stop while driving up a slope, start up
smoothly and carefully to reduce the possibility of
flipping the tractor over backward.
Setting The Cruise Control
NOTE:
The cruise control feature is NOT standard on
all models.
• Slowly depress the upper portion of the drive pedal
until the desired speed is achieved.
• Lightly depress the cruise control button.
• While continuing to hold the cruise button in, lift
your foot from the drive pedal (you should feel the
cruise latch engage).
• Once engaged, the cruise control button and the
drive pedal will lock in the "down" position, and the
tractor will maintain the same forward speed.
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.
Disengage the cruise control using one of the following
methods:
• Depress the brake pedal to disengage the cruise
control and stop the tractor.
• Lightly depress the drive pedal.
Do not mow on inclines with a
To change the direction of travel to reverse when
operating with cruise control, depress the brake pedal
to disengage the cruise control and bring the tractor to a
complete stop. Then depress the lower portion of the
drive pedal with the ball of your foot to travel in reverse.
Moving The Tractor Manually
Your tractor's transmission is equipped with a
hydrostatic relief valve for occasions when it is
necessary to move the tractor manually. Activating this
valve allows the rear tires to "freewheel." To engage the
hydrostatic relief valve, proceed as follows:
• Locate the hydrostatic bypass rod in the rear of the
tractor. See Figure 12.
• Pull the hydrostatic bypass rod outward, then
down, to lock it in place.
NOTE:
The transmission will NOT engage when the
hydrostatic bypass rod is pulled out. Return the rod to
its normal position prior to operating the tractor.
Never attempt to move the tractor
IMPORTANT:
manually without first engaging the hydrostatic relief
valve. Doing so will result in serious damage to the
tractor's transmission.
Engaging the PTO
Engaging the PTO transfers power to the cutting deck
or other (separately available) attachments. To engage
the PTO, proceed as follows:
• Move the throttle control lever to the FAST (rabbit)
position.
Models with Manual PTO
• Grasp the PTO lever and pivot it all the way forward
into the engaged (ON) position.
16
Hydrostatic
Bypass Rod
Figure 12