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Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty ’ operator s manual Model Series 79K Hydrostatic 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.
To The Owner Thank You Thank you for purchasing your new equipment. It was carefully The manufacturer reserves the right to change product engineered to provide excellent performance when properly specifications, designs and equipment without notice and operated and maintained. without incurring obligation.
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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Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. Never carry passengers. Mow up and down slopes, not across. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. Disengage blade(s) before shifting into reverse. Back up slowly. Always look down and behind before and while Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden backing to avoid a back-over accident.
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Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the When practical, remove gas-powered equipment area. from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on Before and while backing, look behind and down for a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a small children.
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Do not modify engine Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them. To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the way.
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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 Description READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S) Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate DANGER—...
Assembly & Set-Up Assembly & Set-Up Tractor Set-Up NOTE: If the battery is put into service after the date shown on top/side of battery, charge the battery as instructed in the NOTE: This Operators Manual covers a range of product Maintenance section your Operator’s Manual prior to operating specifications for various models.
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Attaching The Steering Wheel Attaching The Seat If the steering wheel for your tractor did not come attached, the If the seat for your tractor was not attached at the factory, follow hardware for attaching it has been packed within the steering the applicable instructions below to attach it.
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Mulch Plug (optional) Setting the Deck Gauge Wheels (if so equipped) Note: See the Attachments & Accessories section if you would Move the tractor on a firm and level surface, preferably like information regarding adding a mulching system for your pavement, and proceed as follows model of tractor.
Controls and Features Parking Brake Lever Throttle/Choke Lever Parking Brake Pedal Ignition Switch Module Speed Control Lever Deck Lift Lever PTO (Blade Engage) 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.
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Throttle Control Lever On/Lights The throttle control lever is located on the right side of the Start tractor’s dash panel. This lever controls the speed of the engine and when pushed all the way forward, the choke control also. When set in a given position, the throttle will maintain a uniform engine speed.
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WARNING! Never leave a running machine unattended. Always disengage PTO, move speed control lever into neutral position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting. IMPORTANT: Prior to operating the tractor, refer to both Safety Interlock Switches and Starting The Engine in the Operation section of this manual for detailed instructions regarding the Ignition Switch Module and operating the tractor in REVERSE CAUTION MODE.
Operation Operation WARNING! Do not operate the tractor if the interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was designed for your safety and protection. Reverse Caution Mode (Models equipped with ignition switch module) WARNING! Use extreme caution while operating the tractor in the REVERSE CAUTION MODE. Always look down and behind before and while backing.
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Once activated (indicator light ON), the tractor can be Engage the tractor’s parking brake. driven in reverse with the cutting blades (PTO) engaged. Activate the choke control. Always look down and behind before and while backing to Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position. After make sure no children are around.
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IMPORTANT: IMPORTANT: First-time operators should use slower speeds. Models with Reverse Caution Mode: Become completely familiar with the tractor’s operation and The engine will automatically shut off if the PTO is engaged with controls before operating the tractor in at higher speed. the speed control lever in position for reverse travel with the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING position.
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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 forces the fluid in the transmission to bypass its normal route, allowing 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.
Maintenance & Adjustments Maintenance NOTE: The oil filter should be changed at every oil change interval. To complete an oil change, proceed as follows: WARNING! Before performing any maintenance or Run the engine for a few minutes to allow the oil in the repairs, disengage PTO, move shift lever into neutral crankcase to warm up.
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Cleaning Battery Replace the oil filter as instructed in the Kohler Owner’s Manual. Clean the battery by removing it from the tractor and washing Refill the engine with new oil. Refer to the Engine with a baking soda and water solution. If necessary, scrape the Operator/Owner Manual packed with your unit for battery terminals with a wire brush to remove deposits.
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Deck Wash System™ IMPORTANT: After cleaning your deck with the Deck Wash System™ , return to the operator’s position and engage the PTO. If your tractor’s deck is equipped with a water port on its surface Keep the cutting deck running for a minimum of two minutes, as part of its Deck Wash System™, follow these instructions to allowing the underside of the cutting deck to thoroughly dry.
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Side to Side Hex Cap Screw If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly, a side to side adjustment can be performed. Adjust if necessary as follows: With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface, place the deck lift lever in the top notch (highest position) and rotate both blades so that they are perpendicular with the tractor.
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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 Pre-cleaner Replace Air Filter Element Change Engine Oil and Replace Oil Filter Clean Battery Terminals...
Service Cutting Deck Removal On 38” Decks: Looking at the cutting deck from the left side of the tractor, locate the bow tie pin that secures the NOTE: Models equipped with a 38-inch deck have one deck idler deck support rod on the rear left side of the deck. See Fig. pulley.
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Tires On all decks: Move the deck lift lever into the top notch on the right fender to raise the deck lift arms up and out of WARNING! the way. Never exceed the maximum inflation pressure shown on the sidewall of tire. On 38”...
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Charging WARNING! Batteries give off an explosive gas while charging. Charge the battery in a well ventilated area and keep away from an open flame or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances. CAUTION: When charging your tractor’s battery, use only a charger designed for 12V lead-acid...
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Test the blade’s balance using a blade balancer. Grind metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly. NOTE: When replacing the blade, be sure to install the blade with the side of the blade marked ‘‘Bottom’’ (or with a part number stamped in it) facing the ground when the mower is in the operating position.
Troubleshooting Problem Cause Remedy Engine fails to start 1. PTO/Blade engaged. 1. Place knob (or lever) in disengaged (OFF) position. 2. Spark plug wire disconnected. 2. Connect wire to spark plug. 3. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel. 3. Fill tank with clean, fresh (less than 30 days old) gas.
Attachments & Accessories The following attachments and accessories are compatible with your lawn tractor. See your authorized dealer or the retailer from which you purchased your tractor for information regarding price and availability. CAUTION: Your lawn tractor is NOT designed for use with any type of ground-engaging attachments (e.g. tiller or moldboard plow).
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Replacement Parts Component Part Number and Description 954-04060C Drive Belt (Mowing Deck) 42” Deck 954-04219 Drive Belt (Mowing Deck) 46” Deck 918-06991 Deck Spindle 42” Deck 918-06989 Deck Spindle 46” Deck 942-04308 Blade (42” Deck) 942-04290 Blade (46” Deck) 925-1707D Battery 951-12179B Fuel Tank Cap...
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FEDERAL and/or CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS MTD Consumer Group Inc, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and, for those products certified for sale in the state of California, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) are pleased to explain the emission (evaporative and/or exhaust) control system (ECS) warranty on your outdoor 2006 and later small off-road spark-ignited engine and equipment (outdoor equipment engine) In California, new outdoor equipment engines must be designed, built and equipped to meet the State’s stringent anti-smog standards (in other states, 1997 and later model year equipment must be designed, built, and equipped to meet the U.S.
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6. The outdoor equipment engine owner will not be charged for diagnostic labor that is directly associated with diagnosis of a defec- tive, emission-related warranted part, provided that such diagnostic work is performed at a warranty station. 7. MTD Consumer Group Inc is liable for damages to other engine or equipment components proximately caused by a failure under warranty of any warranted part.
For equipment purchased in Canada only. THREE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD Products Limited with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in Canada and/or its territories and possessions (either entity respectively, “MTD”). MTD warrants this product (excluding its normal wear parts as described below) against defects in material and workmanship for a period of three (3) years commencing on the date of original purchase and will, at its option, repair or replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective in materials or workmanship.
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THREE YEARS- 120 Hrs. LIMITED WARRANTY For three (3) years-120 hrs. whichever come first, from the date of original purchase of COLUMBIA products, COLUMBIA will either repair or replace, at its option, free of charge, F.O.B. factory or authorized service firm, any part found to be defective in material and workmanship.
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