MTD 344 Operator's Manual
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MTD 344 Operator's Manual

MTD 344 Operator's Manual

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Operator's Manual
Riding Mower
Internal Bagging System
Model 344
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 44136-0019.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
FORM NO. 769-01115.fm
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
(1/2004)

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  • Page 1 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 44136-0019. MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 FORM NO. 769-01115.fm PRINTED IN U.S.A.

  • Page 2: Finding Model Number

    This information will be necessary to use the manufacturer’s web site and/or help from the Customer Support Department or an authorized service dealer. Copy the model number here: Copy the serial number here: MTD LLC P. O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND,OH 44136 330-220-4683 www.mtdproducts.com...

  • Page 3: Section 1: 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 your Riding Mower. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury.

  • Page 4: Slope Operation

    Slope Operation • Keep children out of the mowing area and in watchful care of an adult other than the operator. • Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control • Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the and tip-over accidents which can result in severe area.
  • Page 5 • After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, • Observe proper disposal laws and regulations. remove the wire from the spark plug and thoroughly Improper disposal of fluids and materials can harm inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the the environment and the ecology.

  • Page 6: Section 2: Slope Guage

    SECTION 2: SLOPE GUAGE USE THIS PAGE AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SLOPES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE RIDING MOWER SAFELY:...

  • Page 7: Section 3: Assembling Your Riding Mower

    SECTION 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR RIDING MOWER Unpacking • Remove wing nut from front battery hold-down rod. • Slide the battery cover towards the rear to access • Remove all screws and staples from the crate. the front (negative) terminal. • Holding sides of the crate firmly, lift top of the crate •...
  • Page 8 chute and a mulching plug are included as loose parts. • To attach the mulching plug now to the unit, follow Follow instructions below to attach this chute. instructions on previous page to attach side- discharge chute to the deck. WARNING: Do not operate the mower if any •...

  • Page 9: Section 4: Know Your Riding Mower

    SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR RIDING MOWER Compare the illustrations in Figure 7 with your riding mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. WARNING: The operation of any riding mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the operator’s eyes, causing severe eye damage.

  • Page 10: Stopping Mower

    Blade Engagement Pedal • Before leaving operator's position, disengage blade(s), place the shift lever in neutral, engage Use to engage or disengage the blade. parking brake, shut engine off and remove key. Blade Lock Use to lock blade at the engaged position. Using Shift Lever Cutting Height Adjustment Lever This lever is used to regulate...

  • Page 11: Section 5: Operating Your Riding Mower

    SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR RIDING MOWER Using Throttle/Choke Control Starting Engine The throttle/choke control is used to • Attach the wire to the spark plug. increase or decrease the speed of • Depress the brake pedal with your right foot. the engine.The FAST and SLOW •...

  • Page 12: To Empty Grass Catcher

    Using the Riding Mower NOTE: Do not leave the key in the ON position when you are not operating the mower. Such action will drain Observe safety rules listed on pages 3-5 of this manual the battery dead. for safe operation of your mower. •...

  • Page 13: Section 6: Making Adjustments

    SECTION 6: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS Drive Pedal WARNING: Do not at any time make any Adjustment to the Drive Pedal is made at the cable end. adjustment to the mower without first stopping See Figure 9 . engine and disconnecting spark plug wire. •...

  • Page 14: Seat Position

    Seat Position • If the belt is slipping when you depress the blade engagement pedal about 3/4”, loosen the two hex The seat position on the riding mower can be adjusted nuts on the cable. See Figure 10. to maximize the operator’s convenience. •...
  • Page 15 Test 2: Checking Front to Rear Levelling • Measure the distance from the tips of the blade to the ground. If the two distances are unequal , level • Place the deck in the highest position. the deck side to side. •...

  • Page 16: Section 7: Servicing Your Riding Mower

    SECTION 7: SERVICING YOUR RIDING MOWER Fuse Replacement Imaginary The fuse is located next to the spark plug under the rear Line Belt Belt frame. Fuses seldom fail without a reason. If the fuse Keeper “A” Keeper blows, the source problem must be corrected or the Deck Belt new fuse will blow again.
  • Page 17 Variable Speed Pulley WARNING: Do not short battery terminals Spring by making a connection between either two Loaded Spring battery posts or between the positive terminal, Idler Loaded marked + on the battery, and the riding mower Idler frame. Before installing battery, remove metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings etc.

  • Page 18: Section 8: Maintenance

    Do not jump-start directly at the battery. one hour with a battery charger (output 6 amps) before IMPORTANT: Do not allow positive and negative cable clamps to using your riding mower. Read safe operating touch each other. Do not jump-start a damaged or instructions on battery charger before starting this job.
  • Page 19 Lubrication • Blade Mounting Torque: 70/90 foot-pounds maximum. See Figure 18 for an illustration of the lube points NOTE: To ensure safe operation, all nuts and bolts described below. must be checked periodically for correct tightness. Lube Deck Spindle Lube Blade Flange Nut Lube...

  • Page 20: Section 9: Off-Season Storage

    SECTION 9: OFF-SEASON STORAGE Battery If the machine is to be inoperative for a period longer than 30 days, prepare for storage as follows. • Charge battery fully. The battery loses some of its charge each day when the unit is not used. Riding Mower NEVER store battery without a full charge.
  • Page 21 Trouble Possible Cause Remedial Action Belt shreds Belt guides or guards incorrectly adjusted Adjust belt guides and guards so that these are approximately 1/16 to 1/8 inch from belt when engaged. Pulleys not aligned Realign pulleys to be within approximately 1/16 inch of each other.

  • Page 22: Section 11: Parts List For Model 344

    SECTION 11: PARTS LIST FOR MODEL 344...
  • Page 23 Model 344 Ref. No. Part No. Description Ref. No. Part No. Description 17962 Switch Plate 735-0265A Floor Pad: LH 650-0007 Steering Tube Assembly 735-0266A Floor Pad: RH 683-0033A Steering Support Bracket 736-0105 Bell Washer 683-0178A Front Axle Assembly: RH 736-0119...
  • Page 24 Model 344...
  • Page 25 Model 344 Ref. No. Part No. Description Ref. No. Part No. Description 683-0155A Brake Pedal Assembly 736-0187 Flat Washer 683-0161 Shift Cam Assembly 736-0262 Flat Washer 683-0275A Deck Pedal Assembly 736-0272 Flat Washer .510 X 1.00 X .060 683-0310A Variable Pedal Assembly...
  • Page 26 Model 344 13 23 Key No. Part No. Description Key No. Part No. Description 683-0152 Pivot Link Assembly 732-0837 Torsion Spring 683-0194A Lift Arm Assembly 783-0438 Deck Bracket RH: Rear 710-0376 Hex Screw 5/16-18 X 1.00 Gr.5 736-0140 Flat Washer 710-3230 Hex Bolt 1/2-13 X 2.75 Gr.5 Spec.
  • Page 27 Model 344 Reference only Ref. No. Part No. Description Ref. No. Part No. Description 683-0142 Pivot Bar Assembly 735-0199A Rubber Bumper 683-0160 Bracket Assembly: Hood Pivot 735-0271 Bumper 683-0163A Steering Support Bracket 736-0101 Flat Washer 683-0264A Channel Assembly: Front Frame...
  • Page 28 Model 344 IMPORTANT: proper working machine, use Factory Approved Parts. V-BELTS are specially designed to engage and disengage safely. A substitute (non OEM) V-Belt dangerous disengaging completely. Ref. No. Part No. Description Ref. No. Part No. Description 683-0147A Idler Bracket Assembly...
  • Page 29 Model 344...
  • Page 30 Model 344 Ref No. Part No. Description Ref No. Part No. Description 731-0511 Trim Strip 683-0190B Rail Support: Frame Assembly RH 683-0191B Rail Support: Frame Assembly LH 736-0119 Lock Washer 5/16 683-04018 Frame Assembly 736-0222 External Lock Washer 710-0157 Hex Bolt 5/16-24 x 0.75”...
  • Page 31 Model 344 Ref. No. Part No. Description Ref. No. Part No. Description 710-0599 TT Screw 1/4-20 x 0.5 783-0447 Hood Bracket 710-1315 TT Screw 3/8-16 x 1.25 783-0448 Hood Bracket: Reinforcement 710-1017 Torx AB Screw 1/4-14 x 0.625 783-0449A Hinge Bracket: Rear...
  • Page 32 Model 344 Ref. No. Part No. Description 618-0232 Differential Assembly: Single Speed 618-0248 Drive Shaft assembly: LH Brake 618-0072B Upper Housing Assembly 611-0114 Detent Shaft Assembly 661-0006 Brake Yoke Assembly: LH 710-1206 Hex Washer Hd. TT Screw 1/4-20 x 2.37 710-1325 Hex Washer Hd.
  • Page 33 Model 344 Ref. No. Part No. Description 618-0250 Spindle Assembly 683-0150E Deck Assembly 683-0159 Brake Bracket Assembly 683-0173 Deck Belt Cover 710-0134 Carriage Screw 1/4-20 x .62” 710-0191 Hex Bolt 3/8-24 x 1.25” 710-0347 Hex Screw 3/8-16 x 1.75 “...
  • Page 34 Model 344 Ref. No. Part No. Description 631-0084 Grass Bag Assembly 710-0286 Pan Hd. Machine Screw 1/4-20 x 0.5 710-0564 Hex Screw 1/4-20 x 2.75 710-0825 Hex Screw 1/4-20 x 3.75 712-0298 Jam Nut 712-0397 Wing Nut 726-0271 Push Nut...
  • Page 35 Model 344 Ref. No. Part No. Description Ref. No. Part No. Description 629-04055 Harness Assembly w/o relays 725-1426 Solenoid 12 volt, 100 amp. 710-0134 Carriage Screw 1/4-20 x 0.62” 725-1643 Spring Switch 710-3021 D Screw 5/16-18 x 0.625” 725-1657A Switch: Interlock...
  • Page 36 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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