MTD 1438 Operator's Manual
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MTD 1438 Operator's Manual

Rover raider and lawn tractor
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Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty
O
'
M
peratOr
s
anual
Rover Raider 1438 & 1842 Lawn Tractor
WARNING
READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
Printed In USA
Form No. 769-05382
(September 7, 2009)

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Summary of Contents for MTD 1438

  • Page 1 Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty ’ peratOr anual Rover Raider 1438 & 1842 Lawn Tractor WARNING READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Visit us on the web at www.rovermowers.com.au Call a Customer Support Representative at (1800) 803-537 Write us at Rover Mowers C/o MTD Products Australia • 6 Zenith Rd • Dandenong, VIC • 3175 If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine, phone your local authorized MTD service dealer or contact us directly.

  • Page 3: Safe Operation Practices

    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 A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads and while not cutting grass. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. This machine is not intended for use on any public roadway.
  • Page 5 Children Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. They do not understand the dangers. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

  • Page 6: Spark Arrestor

    (5) five seconds after operating the blade disengagement control. If the blades do not stop within the this time frame, your machine should be serviced professionally by an authorized MTD Service Dealer. Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected to wear during normal operation.

  • Page 7: Safety Symbols

    Safety Symbols This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before attempting to assemble and operate. Symbol READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S) Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate DANGER—...
  • Page 8 2 — i ectiOn MpOrtant peratiOn ractices...

  • Page 9: Assembly & Set-Up

    NOTE: This Operators Manual covers a range of product specifications for various models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated in this manual may not be applicable to all models. MTD LLC reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.
  • Page 10 Attaching The Steering Wheel If the steering wheel for your tractor did not come attached, the hardware for attaching it has been packed within the steering wheel, beneath the steering wheel cap. Carefully pry off the steering wheel cap and remove the hardware. With the wheels of the tractor pointing straight forward, place the steering wheel over the steering shaft.
  • Page 11 Figure 3-6 Note: See the Attachments & Accessories section if you would like information regarding adding a mulching system for your model of tractor. Tire Pressure WARNING! Maximum tire pressure under any circumstances is 30 psi. Equal tire pressure should be maintained at all times.

  • Page 12: Controls & Features

    Controls and Features Speed Control & Ammeter Parking Brake Lever (On some models) Clutch/Brake Pedal Choke Knob Throttle/Choke Lever Ignition Switch (On some models) Module Shift Lever PTO (Blade Engage) Lever Deck Lift Lever Figure 4-1 Lawn Tractor controls and features are illustrated in Fig 4-1 and described on the following pages. WARNING! Read and follow all safety rules and instructions in this manual, including the entire Operation section, before attempting to operate this machine.

  • Page 13: Throttle Control Lever

    Throttle Control Lever The throttle control lever is located on the right side of the tractor’s dash panel. This lever controls the speed of the engine and, on some models, when pushed all the way forward, the choke control also. When set in a given position, the throttle will maintain a uniform engine speed.

  • Page 14: Parking Brake

    To stop the engine, turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the OFF position. See Fig. 4-3B. Ignition Switch Module To start the engine, insert the key into the ignition switch and turn clockwise to the START position. Release the key into the NORMAL MOWING MODE position once the engine has fired.

  • Page 15: Operation

    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 system prevents the engine from...

  • Page 16: Starting The Engine

    Once activated (indicator light ON), the tractor can be driven in reverse with the cutting blades (PTO) engaged. Always look down and behind before and while backing to make sure no children are around. After resuming forward motion, return the key to the NORMAL MOWING position.

  • Page 17: Driving The Tractor

    Driving The Tractor WARNING! Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden stops. WARNING! Do not leave the seat of the tractor without first placing the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the disengaged (OFF) position, depressing the brake pedal and engaging the parking brake. If leaving the tractor unattended, also turn the ignition key off and remove the key.
  • Page 18 Mowing WARNING! To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. The following information will be helpful when using the cutting deck with your tractor: WARNING! Plan your mowing pattern to avoid...

  • Page 19: Maintenance & Adjustment

    Maintenance & Adjustments Maintenance WARNING! Before performing any maintenance or repairs, disengage PTO, move shift lever into neutral position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting. Engine Refer to the Engine Operator/Owner Manual for engine maintenance instructions.
  • Page 20 Cleaning Battery Clean the battery by removing it from the tractor and washing with a baking soda and water solution. If necessary, scrape the battery terminals with a wire brush to remove deposits. Coat terminals and exposed wiring with grease or petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion.

  • Page 21: Seat Adjustment

    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, the brake is in need of adjustment. See an authorized MTD Service Dealer to have your brakes properly adjusted. 6 — M...

  • Page 22: Maintenance Schedule

    NOTE: This Operators Manual covers a range of product specifications for various models. Characteristics and features discussed and/ or illustrated in this manual may not be applicable to all models. MTD LLC reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

  • Page 23: Service

    Service Service Cutting Deck Removal NOTE: Models equipped with a 38-inch deck have one deck idler pulley. Models equipped with a 42- and 46-inch deck have two deck idler pulleys. To remove the cutting deck, proceed as follows: Place the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the disengaged (OFF) position and engage the parking brake.
  • Page 24 On 46” Decks: Looking at the cutting deck from the left side of the tractor, locate the deck support pin on the rear left side of the deck. Pull the deck support pin outward to release the deck from the deck lift arm. See Fig. 7-3. Deck Lift Arm Deck Support Pin Figure 7-3...

  • Page 25: Cutting Blades

    Jump Starting WARNING! Never jump start a damaged or frozen battery. Be certain the vehicles do not touch, and ignitions are off. Do not allow cable clamps to touch. Connect positive ( +) cable to positive post (+) of your tractor’s discharged battery.
  • Page 26 NOTE: Several components must be removed and special tools (i.e. air/impact wrench) in order to change the tractor’s drive belt. See an authorized MTD Service Dealer to have your drive belt replaced or phone Customer Support as instructed on page 2 for information on ordering a Service Manual.
  • Page 27 Engine Pulley Idler Bracket Deck Idler Pulley Figure 7-9 Figure 7-10 38-Inch Deck 42 & 46-Inch Deck 7 — s 7 — s ectiOn ectiOn ervice ervice...

  • Page 28: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Problem Engine fails to start Engine runs erratic Engine overheats Engine hesitates at high Engine Idles rough Excessive vibration Mower will not mulch grass Uneven cut Cause PTO/Blade engaged. Spark plug wire disconnected. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel. Choke not activated.

  • Page 29: Replacement Parts

    NOTE: This Operators Manual covers a range of product specifications for various models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated in this manual may not be applicable to all models. MTD LLC reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

  • Page 30: Attachments & Accessories

    Attachments & Accessories The following attachments and accessories are compatible for Model Series 700 Lawn Tractors. See the retailer from which you purchased your tractor, an authorized MTD Service Dealer or phone (800) 800-7310 for information regarding price and availability. CAUTION: Series 700 Lawn Tractors are NOT designed for use with any type of ground-engaging attachments (e.g.

  • Page 31: Ca. Emission Control Statement

    Notes...
  • Page 32 11— n ectiOn Otes...

This manual is also suitable for:

1842

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