Table of Contents
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O
PERATOR'S
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
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 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
ECO No.
M
ANUAL
Transmatic Lawn
Tractors
Model Series
660 thru 679
FORM NO. 770-10115D.fm
(1/2002)
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Table of Contents
Troubleshooting
Related Manuals for MTD 678
Summarization of Contents
Finding Model Number
Locating Model Information
Locate the model plate on the equipment and copy the information for support.
Engine Information
Engine Manufacturer Responsibility
Refer to the engine manufacturer's manual for performance, warranty, and service details.
Customer Support
Contacting Customer Support
Contact Customer Support for assembly, operation, or maintenance questions.
Section 1: Important Safe Operation Practices
General Operation
Read and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual for safe operation.
Slope Operation
Exercise extreme caution on slopes; mow up/down, not across, and avoid sudden movements.
Children Safety
Keep children out of the mowing area and be alert to their presence to prevent accidents.
Towing
Tow only with a hitch designed for towing. Follow weight limits and safety recommendations.
Service Safety
Follow safety guidelines for servicing, including gasoline handling and general maintenance.
Slope Gauge Guide
Using the Slope Gauge
Use this guide to measure slopes before operating on hilly areas; do not exceed 15 degrees.
Section 1: Assembling Your Lawn Tractor
Battery Information
Handle battery acid with care, wear protective clothing, and keep away from ignition sources.
Removing Shipping Brace
Remove and discard the shipping brace before operating the mower.
Mulching Plug Installation
Install mulch kit for recirculating clippings to act as natural fertilizer.
Tire Pressure
Check and adjust tire pressure to recommended levels, not exceeding 30 psi.
Deck Leveling Adjustment
Level the deck by adjusting the lift link for an even cut.
Section 2: Know Your Lawn Tractor
Tractor Controls Overview
Familiarize yourself with key controls like ignition, choke, throttle, and shift lever for operation.
Operating Controls
Understand the function of speed control, clutch-brake pedal, parking brake, and interlocks.
Additional Controls
Learn about light switches and the ammeter for enhanced awareness.
Indicator Lights
Check indicator lights for status when attempting to start the unit.
Cutting Controls
Understand how to use the lift lever, deck lift indicator, and set cutting height.
Section 3: Operating Your Lawn Tractor
Gas and Oil Fill-up
Check oil level and service with gasoline as instructed before operating the tractor.
Starting the Engine
Follow safety interlocks and procedures to start the engine correctly.
Stopping the Engine
Turn the ignition key to OFF and remove it to prevent accidental starting.
Operating the Lawn Tractor
Learn safe operating procedures for moving the tractor and engaging controls.
Operating the Cutting Blades
Engage and disengage cutting blades safely, avoiding abrupt engagement.
Section 4: Making Adjustments
Seat Adjustments
Adjust the manual or quick adjustment seat for operator comfort and proper position.
Carburetor Adjustments
Minor carburetor adjustments may be needed for fuel, temperature, altitude, or load.
Deck Leveling Adjustment
Level the deck by adjusting the lift link for an even cut.
Deck Engagement Adjustment
Adjust deck engagement to ensure it disengages when the lift lever is in the STOP position.
Neutral Adjustment
Adjust the shift lever assembly to ensure the neutral slot is correctly aligned.
Brake Adjustment
Adjust the brake nut to ensure the brake engages properly when the lever is moved.
Speed Control Adjustment
Adjust the speed control lever and link for proper speed range and neutral adjustment.
Wheel Adjustment
Adjust tie rod if tractor turns unevenly or if tie rod components are replaced.
Section 5: Service
Steering Gears Lubrication
Lubricate steering gears with multi-purpose grease every 25 hours or seasonally.
Steering Shaft Lubrication
Lubricate the steering shaft at least once a season with light oil.
Linkage Lubrication
Lubricate clutch, brake, and lift linkage pivots seasonally with SAE 30 engine oil.
Section 6: Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor
Troubleshooting Guide
Identify and correct common engine and mower problems using this guide.
Engine Maintenance
Maintain engine oil and air cleaner as instructed in the separate engine manual.
Oil Drain Sleeve
Use the oil drain sleeve for convenient draining of oil from the crankcase.
Cutting Blades Maintenance
Learn procedures for removing, sharpening, balancing, and installing cutting blades.
Battery Cleaning
Clean the battery with a baking soda solution to remove deposits and prevent corrosion.
Battery Failures
Understand common causes for battery failure to ensure proper maintenance.
Tire Maintenance
Maintain proper tire pressure; avoid excessive pressure when seating beads.
Belt Removal and Replacement
Follow safety precautions for removing and replacing mower belts.
Rear Drive Belt
Instructions for removing and replacing the rear drive belt.
Front Drive Belt
Instructions for removing and replacing the front drive belt.
Section 7: Off-Season Storage
Off-Season Storage Procedure
Prepare the machine for storage by cleaning, lubricating, draining fuel, and charging the battery.
Section 8: Troubleshooting Guide
Troubleshooting Guide
Identify and correct common engine and mower problems using this guide.
Section 9: Optional Equipment
Optional Equipment List
List of available optional equipment for your lawn tractor.
Manufacturer's Limited Warranty
How to Obtain Service
Contact your local authorized service dealer or MTD LLC for warranty service.
Warranty Exclusions
Cases where limited warranty does not apply, including exclusions and limitations.
State Law Relations
Details on how state law relates to the limited warranty and specific legal rights.
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