Operation - MTD 134-618-000 Owner's Manual

OPERATION
A
/|\CAUTION ^
Keep all shields in place.
r
Before leaving operator's position: ^
a. Shift transmission to neutral r
b. Set parking brake ^
c. Disengage attachment clutch ^
d. Shutoff engine ^
e. Remove ignition key ^
Wait for all movement to stop before ^
servicing machine.
r
Keep people and pets a safe distance ^
away from machine. r
Look to the rear before backing up.
^ WARNING ^
TIRE PRESSURE
For shipping purposes, the tires on your unit may
be over-inflated. Tire pressure should be reduced
before unit is put into operation. Recommended
operating tire pressure shouid be 10 p.s.i.
Check sidewall of tire for manufacturer's max¬
imum tire pressure. If this information does not
appear on your tire, maximum tire pressure under
any circumstances is 30 p.s.i. Equal tire pressure
should be maintained on all tires.
STARTiNG THE ENGINE
Ull^ NOTE
To open the hood, simply lift
up on both sides of the hood on
models 618, 638 and 698.
1. Service the engine with oil and gasoline as
described in the engine manual.
2. Depress the clutch-brake pedal and set the
parking brake. See figure 15.
3. Place the lift and disengagement lever in the
DISENGAGED position. See figure 15.
NOTE
This unit is equipped with a safety
interlock system for your protec¬
tion. The purpose of the safety inter¬
lock system is to prevent the engine
from cranking or starting unless the
clutch-brake pedal is depressed
and the lift and disengagement
lever is in the disengaged position.
In addition, the lift and disen¬
gagement lever must be in the dis¬
engaged position when the unit is
put into reverse or the engine will
shut off.
Do not operate the lawn tractor if
the interlock system is malfunction¬
ing because it is a safety device,
designed for protection.
4. Set the throttle control in the CHOKE posi¬
tion. See figure 14.
5. Turn the ignition key to the "START" position.
When the engine is running, let the key return
to the "ON" position. See figure 14.
6. Move the throttle control to desired engine
speed.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to the left to the "OFF" posi¬
tion. Remove the key to prevent accidental start¬
ing.
■^^NOTE
A brief break-in period is essential
to ensure maximum engine and
mower life. The break-in consists of
running the engine at half speed for
a period of time required to use one
tank of gasoline. It is also recom¬
mended to change crankcase oil
after the first 5 hours of operation.
■^IMPORTANT
If you strike a foreign object, stop
the engine. Remove wire from spark
plug, thoroughly inspect the unit
for any damage, and repair the dam¬
age before restarting and operating
the mower.
OPERATING THE MOWER
1. Set the desired cutting height.
2. Start the engine as instructed in previous col¬
umn.
3. Move throttle control to desired engine speed.
4. Depress the clutch-brake pedal and shift into
first gear or reverse.
5. Release clutch-brake pedal slowly to put unit
into motion.
6. Depress the clutch-brake pedal when shifting
gears.
NOTE
Do not force the gear shift lever!
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