MTD 609 Operator's Manual page 10

Throttle Control Lever
The throttle control lever is located on the right side of
the tractor's dash panel. This lever controls the speed
of the engine and, on some models, when pushed all
the way forward, the choke control also. When set in a
given position, the throttle will maintain a uniform
engine speed. See Figure 3.
Choke
Position _"
Fast
t_
Position
Slow
Position
Fast
Position
Slow
Position
Figure 3
IMPORTANT: When operating the tractor with the cutting
deck engaged, be certain that the throttle lever is
always in the FAST (rabbit) position.
Choke Control
On some models, moving the
throttle lever all the way forward
activates the engine's choke
control. On all other models, the
choke controJ can be found on
the left side of the dash panel and
is activated by pulling the knob
outward. Activating the choke
control closes the choke plate on
the carburetor and aids in starting
the engine. Refer to StartingThe Engineon page 13 of this
manual for detailed starting instructions.
BrakePedal
The brake pedal is Jocated on the
right front side of the tractor
above the drive pedal along the
running board. The brake pedal
can be used for sudden stops or
setting the parking brake.
NOTE:
The brake pedal must
be fully depressed to activate the
safety interlock switch when
starting the tractor.
Ignition Switch
A
WARNING:
Never leave a running
machine unattended. Always disengage PTO,
move shift lever into neutral position, set
parking brake, stop engine and remove key to
prevent unintended starting.
To start the engine, insert the key into the ignition
switch and turn clockwise to the START position.
Release the key into the ON position once engine has
fired. See Figure 4.
OnlLighta
Off
On
Start
Figure 4
Refer to StartingTheEngineon page 13 of this manual for
detailed starting instructions
The ignition switch is also used to operate the tractor's
headlights. Refer to Operating TheHeadlights on page 15
of this manual for detailed instructions.
DrivePedal
The drive pedal is located below
the brake pedal on the right front
side of the tractor along the
running board. Depress the drive
pedal with your dght foot when
the tractor shift lever is in either
FORWARD or REVERSE to
cause the tractor to move.
Ground speed is also controlled
with the drive pedal The further
down the pedal is depressed, the faster the tractor will
travel. The pedal will return to its original position when
it's not depressed.
IMPORTANT: Always set the parking brake when
leaving the tractor unattended.
10