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Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty ’ peratOr anual Hydrostatic Garden Tractor — 54” Cut 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.
Choose from the options below: ◊ Visit us on the web at www.mtdproducts.com ◊ Call a Customer Support Representative at (800) 800-7310 or (330) 220-4683 ◊ Write us at MTD LLC • P.O. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019...
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.
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Slope Operation A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries. Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or accidents which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes roads and while not cutting grass.
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Service 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 Safe Handling of Gasoline: Service Dealer. To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected to wear care in handling gasoline.
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Notice Regarding Emissions Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade(s) Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked). Replace EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment) the blade(s) with the original equipment manufacturer’s are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and (O.E.M.) blade(s) only, listed in this manual.
Assembly & Set-Up Contents of Crate • One Garden Tractor • One Oil Drain Tube • One Deck Wash Hose Coupler • One Garden Tractor Operator’s • One B&S Engine Operator’s Manual • One Product Registration Card Manual Tractor Set-Up Shipping Brace Removal WARNING! Make sure the garden tractor’s engine...
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Attaching the Battery Cables Attaching The Steering Wheel NOTE: If these cables are already attached, ignore these steps If the steering wheel for your tractor did not come attached, the and proceed to Checking Tire Pressure. hardware for attaching it has been packed within the steering wheel, beneath the steering wheel cap.
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Figure 3-5 Figure 3-6 WARNING! Remove the clevis pins and hairpin clips from the Before operating the tractor, make sure deck roller brackets on the left and right sides of the the seat is engaged in the seat-stop. Engage the cutting deck.
Controls and Features Throttle Control Ignition Switch Module PTO (Blade Engage) Knob Brake Pedal Systems Indicator Monitor Drive Pedal Choke Control Parking Brake Cruise Control Lever Lever Seat Adjustment Lever Deck Lift Lever Cup Holder 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.
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Throttle Control Lever Ignition Switch Module Fast Fast The throttle control lever is located on the left side of the tractor’s dash panel. This lever controls the speed of the engine. When set in a given position, the throttle will maintain a uniform engine speed.
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Systems Indicator Monitor / Hour Meter Brake If the Brake light illuminates when attempting to start the tractor’s engine, depress the brake pedal. PTO (Blade Engage) If the PTO light illuminates when attempting to start the tractor’s engine, move PTO lever into the disengaged (OFF) position. It is normal for the Oil light to illuminate while the engine is cranking during start-up, but if it illuminate’s during operation, 42.
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Parking Brake Lever Cruise Control Lever Located in the center of the tractor’s dash panel below the The cruise control lever is located in the center of the tractor’s steering wheel, the parking brake lever is used to engage the dash panel.
Operation Starting the Engine WARNING! Do not operate the tractor if the TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was designed for your safety and protection. • GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS. • AVOID SUDDEN TURNS. NOTE: Refer to the Set-Up and Assembly section of this manual •...
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Reverse Caution Mode Driving The Tractor The REVERSE CAUTION MODE position of the key switch module WARNING! Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed allows the tractor to be operated in reverse with the blades (PTO) and sudden stops. engaged. NOTE: Mowing in reverse is not recommended. Lightly press the brake pedal to release the parking brake.
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Driving On Slopes Setting The Cruise Control Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 7 to help determine slopes WARNING! Never engage the cruise control lever where you may operate the tractor safely. while traveling in reverse. WARNING! Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet).
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Engaging the PTO Mowing Engaging the PTO transfers power to the cutting deck or other WARNING! To help avoid blade contact or a (separately available) attachments. To engage the PTO: thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine Move the throttle control lever to the FAST (rabbit) while it is in operation.
Maintenance & Adjustments Maintenance Remove the oil fill cap/ dipstick from the oil fill tube. Push the oil drain hose (packed with this manual) onto the WARNING! Before performing any maintenance or oil drain port. Route the opposite end of the hose into an repairs, disengage PTO, set parking brake, stop appropriate oil collection container with at least a 2.5 quart engine and remove key to prevent unintended...
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Cleaning the Tractor Remain in the operator’s position with the cutting deck engaged for a minimum of two minutes, allowing the Any fuel or oil spilled on the machine should be wiped off underside of the cutting deck to thoroughly rinse. promptly.
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Adjustments Pivot Points & Linkage Lubricate all the pivot points on the drive system, parking brake WARNING! Shut the engine off, remove the and lift linkage at least once a season with light oil. ignition key and engage the parking brake before Deck Wheels making adjustments.
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Leveling the Deck (Side to Side) Steering Adjustment If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly, a side to side If the tractor turns tighter in one direction than the other, or if adjustment can be performed. Adjust if necessary as follows: the ball joints are being replaced due to damage or wear, the steering drag links may need to be adjusted.
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Maintenance Schedule Before Every Every Every Every Prior Each use 10 Hours 25 Hours 50 Hours 100 Hours to Storing Clean Hood/Dash Louvers Check engine Oil Level Check Air Filter for Dirty, Loose or Damaged Parts Clean and Re-oil Air Filter’s Foam Precleaner Replace Air Filter Element Change engine Oil and Replace Oil Filter Clean Battery Terminals...
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Maintenance Log Please keep a record of the maintenance performed on your tractor. Date Hour Meter Maintenance Performed By 6 — M & a ectiOn aintenance djustMents...
Service Cutting Deck Removal Gently slide the cutting deck toward the front of the tractor, carefully guiding the hooks on the deck off of the To remove the cutting deck, proceed as follows: deck stabilizer rod. See Fig. 7-2. Place the PTO/Blade Engage knob in the disengaged (OFF) position and engage the parking brake.
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Cutting Blades To properly sharpen the cutting blades, remove equal amounts of metal from both ends of the blades along the WARNING! Shut the engine off and remove cutting edges, parallel to the trailing edge, at a 25°- to 30° angle.
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Battery Fuse CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING WARNING! Before servicing, repairing, or Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories inspecting, always disengage PTO, set parking contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent to the State of California to cause cancer and unintended starting.
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Changing the Deck Belt Note: If there is too much tension on the belt for it to be easily removed from the electric PTO clutch, carefully WARNING! Shut the engine off and remove insert a 3⁄8-inch drive ratchet wrench (set to loosen) into the square hole found in the left-hand deck idler bracket and ignition key before removing the cutting blade(s) for sharpening or replacement.
Troubleshooting Problem Cause Remedy Engine fails to start PTO/Blade Engage knob engaged. Place knob in disengaged (OFF) position. Parking brake not engaged. Engage parking brake. Spark plug wire(s) disconnected. Connect wire(s) to spark plug(s). Throttle control lever not in correct starting Place throttle lever to FAST position.
Replacement Parts Component Part Number and Description 759-3336 Spark Plug (Champion RC12YC) BS-499486s B&S Air Filter Element and Precleaner BS492932s B&S Oil Filter BS-691035 B&S Fuel Filter 954-0642 Drive Belt (Mowing Deck) 942-0677B 2-in-1 Deck Blade 918-0671B Deck Spindle Phone (800) 800-7310 to order replacement parts or a complete Parts Manual (have your full model number and serial number ready). Parts Manual downloads are also available free of charge at www.mtdproducts.com.
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Component Part Number and Description 734-04155 Deck Wheel (Front) 925-1707D Battery 951-3111 Fuel Tank Cap 746-1085A Choke Control/Cable 746-04417 Throttle Control/Cable 925-1745 Ignition Key 631-04070A Discharge Chute Assembly Phone (800) 800-7310 to order replacement parts or a complete Parts Manual (have your full model number and serial number ready). Parts Manual downloads are also available free of charge at www.mtdproducts.com.
Attachments & Accessories The following attachments and accessories are compatible for this garden tractor. See your local dealer or the retailer from which you purchased your tractor for information regarding price and availability. Model Number Description 190-032 Snow Thrower, 42” 190-285 Triple Bagger, 54”...
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MTD Consumer Group Inc cannot deny warranty solely for the lack of receipts. As the lawn mower owner, you should however be aware that MTD Consumer Group Inc may deny you warranty coverage if your lawn mower or a part has failed due to abuse, neglect, or improper maintenance or unapproved modifications.
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MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD LLC with c. Routine maintenance items such as lubricants, filters, blade respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States sharpening, tune-ups, brake adjustments, clutch adjustments,...