MTD 609 Operator's Manual page 13

WARNING
AVOIDSERIOUS INJURYORDEATH
• GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS.
• AVOID SUDDEN TURNS
• DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SLIP OR TIP,
• IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BL_,DE(S) AND SACK
DOWNHILL SLOWLY.
• DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND,
• NEVER CARRY CHILDREN, EVEN WrTH BLADES OFF,
• LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE BACKING,
• KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND SWITCHES) IN
PLACE AND WORKING
• REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE THROWN BY THE BLADE(S),
• KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL CONTROLS
• BE SURE BLADE(S) AND ENGINE ARE STOPPED BEFORE PLAC-
ING HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADE(S)
• BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR'S POSITION, DISENGAGE
BLADE(S), PLACE THE SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTRAL, ENGAGE
BRAKE LOCK. SHUT ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KEY
READ OPERATOR'S M ANUAL
& WARNING:
Do not operate the tractor if the
interlock system is malfunctioning. This
system was designed for your safety and
protection.
Setting the CuttingHeight
SeJect the height position of the cutting deck by placing
the deck lift lever in any of the six different cutting height
notches on the right side of the fender. Then adjust the
deck wheels so that they are between 1/4-inchand ½-
inch above the ground when the tractor is on a smooth,
flat surface such as a driveway.
,_ WARNING: Keep hands and feet away
from the discharge opening of the cutting
deck.
NOTE:
The deck wheels are an anti-scalp feature of
the deck and are not designed to support the weight of
the cutting deck.
Refer to Levelingthe Deckon page 16 of this manual for
more detailed instructions regarding various deck
adjustments,
Startingthe Engine
A
WARNING:
Do not operate the tractor if the
interlock system is malfunctioning. This
system was designed for your safety and
protection.
NOTE:
Refer to the TRACTOR SET-UPon page 8 of this
manual for Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions.
Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.
Place the PTO knob (or lever) in the disengaged
(OFF) position.
Engage the tractor's parking brake.
Activate the choke control.
Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START
position. After the engine starts, release the key. It
will return to the ON position.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT hold the key in the START
position for longer than ten seconds at a time. Doing so
may cause damage to your engine's electric starter.
After the engine starts, deactivate the choke control
and place the throttle control in the FAST position.
NOTE:
Do NOT leave the choke control on while
operating the tractor. Doing so will result in a "rich" fuel
mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.
Stopping the Engine
A
WARNING:
If you strike a foreign object,
stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug
wire(s) and ground against the engine.
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any
damage. Repair the damage before restarting
and operating
If the blades are engaged, place the PTO knob (or
lever) in the disengaged (OFF) position.
Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the OFF
position.
Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent
unintended starting.
DrivingTheTractor
,_ WARNING:
Avoid sudden starts, ex-
cessive speed and sudden stops.
WARNING:
Do not leave the seat of the
tractor without first placing the PTO knob (or
lever) in the disengaged (OFF) position,
depressing the brake pedal and engaging the
parking brake. If leaving the tractor
unattended, also turn the ignition key off and
remove the key.
Depress the brake pedal to release the parking
brake and let the pedal up.
Move the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit)
position.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT use the shift lever to change the
direction of travel when the tractor is in motion. Always
use the brake pedal to bring the tractor to a complete
stop before shifting.
To move forward, place the shift lever in the
FORWARD position, then slowly depress the drive
pedal until the desired speed is achieved.
To move in reverse, place the shift lever in the
REVERSE position, check that the area behind is
clear then slowly depress the drive pedal.
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