Starting The Engine; Driving The Tractor - MTD 760 Series Operator's Manual

Starting the Engine
i_i 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 Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions in the
Assembly & Set-up section of this manual.
1. Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.
2. Place the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the disengaged (OFF)
position.
Engage the tractor's parking brake.
Activate the choke control.
3.
4.
5.
Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position. After
the engine starts, release the key. It will return to the ON (or
Normal Mowing) position.
CAUTION: 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.
6. 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.
Stepping the Engine
1.
2.
3.
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 (Blade Engage)
lever in the disengaged (OFF) position.
Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the STOP
position.
Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent
unintended starting.
DrivingTheTractor
WARNING! Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed
and sudden stops.
WARNING! Do not leave the seat of the tractor
without first placing the PTO (Blade Engage) 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.
WARNING! Always look down and behind before
and while backing up to avoid a back-over accident.
1. Depress the brake pedal to release the parking brake and
let the pedal up.
2. Move the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) position.
3. Place the shift lever in either the FORWARD or REVERSE
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.
4. Release the parking brake by depressing the clutch-brake
pedal and positioning the speed control lever in desired
position.
IMPORTANT: First-time operators should use speed positions 1
or 2. Become completely familiar with the tractor's operation and
controls before operating the tractor in higher speed positions.
5. Release clutch-brake pedal slowly to put unit into motion.
6. The lawn tractor is brought to a stop by depressing the
clutch-brake pedal.
NOTE: When operating the unit initially, there will be little
difference between the highest two speeds until after the belts
have seated themselves into the pulleys during the break-in
period.
WARNING! Before leaving the operator's position
for any reason, disengage the blades, place the shift
lever in neutral, engage the parking brake, shut
engine offand remove the key.
IMPORTANT: When stopping the tractor for any reason while
on a grass surface, always:
1. Place the shift lever in neutral,
2. Engage the parking brake,
3. Shut engine off and remove the key. Doing so will minimize
the possibility of having your lawn "browned" by hot
exhaust from your tractor's running engine.
If unit stalls with speed control in high speed, or if unit will
not operate with speed control lever in a low speed position,
proceed as follows:
1. Place shift lever in NEUTRAL.
2. Restart engine.
3. Place speed control lever in highest speed position.
4. Release clutch-brake pedal fully.
5. Depress clutch-brake pedal.
'°1
SECTION S-- OPERATION