MTD 138-320-000 Owner's Manual page 8

I
Battery Red
FIGURE 5.
NOTE
This engine is equipped with an
alternator. The current for the bat¬
tery charger alternator is unregu¬
lated. During normal operation, it is
only necessary to charge the battery:
1. When it is activated for the first
time.
2. Before winter storage.
3. Before using the lawn tractor
after winter storage.
INSTALLING THE BATTERY (Hardware A)
—1. Raise the seat bracket (on top of the fenders). Push
any electrical wires out of the way so they are not
disconnected when installing the battery box.
Place the plastic battery box into the opening
beneath the seat bracket. The hinge on the bat¬
tery box goes toward the left side of the unit. Snap
the battery box in place so the retaining edges on
the box are beneath the fender. Make certain the
battery cables are routed up along each side of the
box. See figure 3.
2. Place the battery inside the battery box so that the
positive terminal is toward the right side of the unit.
See figure 3. Route the battery drain tube down
beside the battery box.
3. Slide the hex nut (provided with battery hardware)
into the positive ( + ) terminal. Place the positive
(heavy red wire) cable on the positive terminal.
Secure with bolt provided. See figure 3. Slide the
rubber boot over the positive terminal.
4. Slide the hex nut (provided with battery hardware)
into the negative (-) terminal. Place the negative
(heavy black wire) cable on the negative terminal.
Secure with bolt provided.
-5. Route the drain tube through the opening between
the transaxle reinforcement bracket and the frame
on the left rear of the unit. Secure the drain tube
to the transaxle reinforcement bracket, using the
cable tie as shown in figure 4. Be certain drain tube
is routed away from the wheel rim. Trim excess end
of cable tie.
6. Close the top of the battery box.
INSTALLING THE STEERING MECHANISM
(Hardware B)
1. Open the hood of the lawn tractor by lifting up on
both sides of the hood. Position the front wheels
of the tractor so they are pointing straight forward.
2. Insert the hex bearing into the hole in the frame
-shown in figure 5.
3. Insert the end of the steering shaft which has the
pinion gear attached through the hole in the dash
panel. Place 5/8" I.D. flat washer on the end of the
steering shaft, and insert shaft through hex bear¬
ing. Make certain the pinion gear is fully seated
against the flat washer and hex bearing.