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
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Operator’s Manual Lawn Tractor Model R608P 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).
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...
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 this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury.
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27. Use only accessories and attachments approved for this Do not tow heavy pull behind attachments (e.g. loaded machine by the machine manufacturer. Read, dump cart, lawn roller, etc.) on slopes greater than 5 understand and follow all instructions provided with the degrees.
Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck serviced professionally by your Troy-Bilt dealer. or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected to containers on the ground away from your vehicle wear during normal operation.
SECTION 3: TRACTOR SET-UP Attaching the Battery Cables The positive battery terminal is marked Pos. IMPORTANT: (+). The negative battery terminal is marked Neg. (–). 1. The positive cable (heavy red wire) is secured to the Rubber positive battery terminal (+) with a hex bolt and hex Hold-Down Boot Strap...
SECTION 4: OPERATION Know the Controls Read this owner’s manual and safety rules before operating your lawn mower. Compare figure below with your lawn tractor to learn about the location and purpose of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
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Throttle Control Lever Choke The throttle control lever controls the speed of the engine. When set in a given position, the throttle will maintain a uniform engine speed. Fast Choke Control Moving the throttle lever all the way forward activates the engine’s choke control.
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Headlights • To turn on the headlights, rotate the same ignition key from ON position to ON/LIGHTS position of the ignition switch. • To turn off the headlights, rotate the ignition key from ON/LIGHTS position to either ON position (to leave the engine running) or OFF position (to shut the engine off).
NOTE: Cruise control cannot be engaged at the tractor’s fastest ground speed. If the operator should attempt to do so, the tractor will automatically decelerate to the fastest optimal mowing ground speed. • To disengage cruise control, lightly depress either the brake pedal or the drive pedal. •...
Stopping the Engine If you strike a foreign object, stop the WARNING: engine, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the machine for any IMPORTANT damage. Repair damage before restarting. 1. If the blades are engaged, disengage the PTO. 2.
Mulching Some models are equipped with a mulch kit with special blades to recirculate the grass clippings into the lawn where they act as a natural fertilizer. Observe the following points for best results when mulching. • Never attempt to mulch if the lawn is damp. Wet grass tends to stick to the underside of the cutting deck preventing proper mulching of the clippings.
Leveling the Deck Lock Nut NOTE: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before performing any deck leveling adjustments. Refer to Tires Deck later in this section for details on tire pressure. Stabilizer Bracket Front To Rear Deck The front of the cutting deck is supported by a stabilizer bar that can adjusted to level the deck from front to rear.
SECTION 6: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR WARNING: Before performing any maintenance or repairs, disengage PTO, move shift lever into neutral position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting. Engine Refer to the engine manual for engine maintenance instructions. •...
Deck Wash System™ • Use the Deck Wash System™ to rinse grass clippings from the deck’s underside and prevent the buildup of corrosive chemicals. Complete the following steps after each mowing: Make certain the tractor’s discharge chute is IMPORTANT: directed away from your house, garage, parked cars, etc. 1.
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Charging • If the tractor has not been used for an extended period of time, use a voltmeter or load tester to measure the charge. The voltmeter should read 12.6 V or higher for adequate charge. Otherwise, charge the battery with an automotive-type 12-volt charger for a minimum of one hour at six amps.
Cutting Deck Removal The cutting deck will have to be removed from the tractor Support Pin for a variety of service tasks. To remove the cutting deck, proceed as follows: 1. Place the PTO lever in the disengaged (OFF) position and engage the parking brake.
Each cutting blade edge has to be ground equally to maintain proper blade balance. A poorly balanced IMPORTANT: blade will cause excessive vibration, may damage the tractor and/or result in personal injury. 4. Test the blade by balancing it on a round shaft screwdriver. Grind metal from heavy side until it balances evenly. 5.
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Lower Drive Belt Note the routing of the lower drive belt IMPORTANT: around both the pulleys and the belt keepers before performing the following steps. 1. Locate the variable-speed pulley through the IMPORTANT battery tray opening. See Figure 11. 2. Remove the variable-speed pulley by loosening the hex bolt that secures it to the transmission.
Changing Deck Belt(s) WARNING: Shut tractor engine off, remove ignition key, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine before proceeding with job. The V-belts on your tractor are specially designed to engage and disengage safely. A substitute (non- IMPORTANT: OEM) V-belt can be dangerous by not disengaging completely.
• It is not necessary to remove the battery from the tractor for storage. However, clean the top of the battery and make sure it has full charge. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery before storing the tractor. NOTE: Recharge the battery before returning it to service after storage. Even if the tractor starts, the engine charging system may not bring the battery upto a full charge, unless it is recharged.
SECTION 8: PARTS LIST FOR MODEL 608P Ref. No. Part No. Description 710-0227 Screw #8-18 x 0.5 710-0599 Self-tapping Screw 1/4-20 x 0.5 710-0726 Screw 5/16-12 x 0.75 710-1237 Screw #10-32 x 0.625 710-1314A Socket Hd. Screw 5/16-18 x 0.75 710-1315 Self-tapping Screw 3/8-16 x 1.25 712-0271...
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Model 608P Ref. Part Ref. Part Description Description 683-0195 Bracket Assembly 736-0142 Flat Washer, 9/32 x 1/2 x 1/16 710-0599 Self-tapping Screw, 1/4-20 x .5 747-1196 Brake/Cruise Pivot Rod 710-0751 Hex Cap Screw, 1/4-20 x .62 783-04285 Dash Support Plate RH 710-0924 Phillips Pan Screw, 1/4-20 x .75 783-04323...
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Model R608P Ref. Part Ref. Part Description Description 719-0525C Pivot Bar: Axle 683-04003 LH Axle Assembly, .750 Diameter 710-0604A Self-tapping Screw, 16-18 x .625 683-04004 RH Axle Assembly, .750 Diameter 783-0726B RH Pivot Support Bracket 719-0525C Steel Pivot Bar 783-0727A...
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Model R608P IMPORTANT: For a proper working machine, use Factory Approved Parts. V-belts are designed to engage and disengage safely. A substitute (non OEM) V-belt can be dangerous by not disengaging completely.
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Model R608P Ref. Part Ref. Part Description Description 17840 Mounting Bracket 710-1611B Self-tapping Screw 5/16-18 x 0.75 618-04133A Transmission Assembly 711-04159 618-04147 Variable Spd. Pulley Assembly 712-0130 Hex Lock Nut 3/8-16 647-04020 Shift Lever Assembly 712-3004A Flange Lock Nut 710-0607 Self-tapping Screw 5/16-18 x 0.5...
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Model R608P Ref. Part Description 732-0614 Ring, Wire 716-0231 Ring, E Type, .750 736-0336 Flat Washer, 5/8 x 1.0 x .030* 736-0337 Flat Washer, 5/8 x 1.0 x .040* 736-0349 Flat Washer, 5/8 x 1.0 x .020* 736-0335 Washer, Thrust .635 x 1.26 x .06 710-1325 Self-tapping Screw, 1/4-20 x 1.625...
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Model R608P Ref. Part No. Description Ref. Part No. Description 16606 Retainer Bracket 732-0459 Extension Spring 618-04125 Spindle Assembly 631-04070 Chute Assembly, Side Discharge 683-0254 Hanger Bracket Assembly LH 734-04039 Deck Wheel 683-04098 Idler Assembly 734-0973 Deck Wheel 683-04120 Deck Assembly w/o Nozzle...
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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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