Unpacking; Assembling Your Garden Tractor - MTD 14BI845H129 Operator's Manual

SECTION 4: ASSEMBLING YOUR GARDEN TRACTOR
Unpacking
• Remove all screws and staples from top of crate
using a 1/4" hex head socket or a screw driver.
• To remove ends, grasp top board on the end, and
pull towards you in a downward motion. (A hammer
may help). Set panel aside to avoid tire punctures.
• Repeat procedure for each side of the crate.
• Remove and discard plastic bag which covers unit.
• Loose parts (operator's manual, steering wheel,
battery fluid, chute deflector, etc.)are on the seat or
in a box and wrapped in plastic. Carefully cut and
remove the plastic wrap. Remove loose parts from
the seat and save.
• Remove deck from beneath the tractor. Make sure
that parking brake is released and unit is in neutral.
NOTE: See the controls section of this manual for
location of the parking brake release and the shift lever.
• Push unit off the skid.
• Lay out the contents of the hardware pack on the
illustration on page 7 for identification.
IMPORTANT: After assembly, service engine with
gasoline, and check oil level as instructed in the engine
manual packed seperately with your unit.
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the unit is
observed from the driver's seat, facing forward.
ToolsRequired
1. 1/4" socket wrench or flat blade screwdriver
2. 1/2" wrench or socket wrench for models with
square steering wheel cap
3. 9/16" wrench or socket wrench
4. Two 7/16" wrenches or socket wrenches
SettinguptheBattery
_ ARNING: Always shield eyes, protect skin and clothing when working near batteries.
Handle battery acid with great care as contact
with it can burn and blister the skin. Follow the
steps below to ensure safe handling.
a. Wear protective clothing (goggles, rubber
gloves and apron) to work with battery.
b. Should battery acid accidentally splatter into
the eyes or onto the face, rinse the affected
area immediately with clean cold water. A list
of antidotes are given below. If there is any
further discomfort, seek medical attention.
Antidote: EXTERNAL--Flush with water.
INTERNAL--Drink large quantities of water
or milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten eggs
or vegetable oil. If discomfort persists,call physi-
cian immediately.
EYES: Flush with cool water for at least 15 min-
utes, then get prompt medical attention.
c. If acid spills on clothing, first dilute it with
clean water, then neutralize with a solution of
ammonia/water or baking soda/water.
d. Since battery acid is corrosive, do not pour it
into any sink or drain. Before discarding
empty electrolyte containers, rinse them with
a neutralizing solution.
e. NEVER connect or disconnect charger clips
to battery while the charger is turned on as it
can cause sparks.
f. Keep all lighted materials (cigarettes,
matches, lighters) away from the battery as
the hydrogen gas generated during charging
can be combustible.
g. As a further precaution, only charge the
battery in a well-ventilated area.
_ WARNING: Keep battery away from children. Do not activate battery (fill with battery
acid) until battery is actually placed in service.
Be certain to read previous battery warnings
before activating the battery.
Identifying Battery Type
• Compare the battery in your lawn tractor (located
under the seat) with Figure 1 . Type "A" batteries
are activated and are ready to use. Type "B"
batteries must be filled with battery fluid (acid) and
charged before they are put into service. Follow
pertinent instructions.
Type A Type B Type B
Figure 1
Charging the Battery
Type A Battery
NOTE: If the battery on your tractor is of the A type, it is
already activated and is ready to use. Skip the following
section of assembly and proceed to Attaching Steering
Wheel. You will, however, need to install the battery on
the tractor later on in the assembly.