Operation - MTD 660 Series Owner's Manual

C. SETTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT
1. Select the position for the lift lever whi _h gives
the desired cutting height. Move the decl: lift indi-
cator (if so equipped) so that the lift lever can be
returned to the same position after it is rased.
2. Move the deck wheels (if so equipped) to the hole
location so the wheels are 1/4 to 1/2 inch above
the ground.
WARNING
OPERATION
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES,NOTACROSS.• AVOID SUDDE N TURNS.
DO NOTOPERATETHE UNIT WHERE IT COULDSLIP OR TIF
IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BLADE(S) _iND BACK
DOWNHILL SLOWLY.
DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDRENOR OTHERSAREAROUND
NEVERCARRYCHILDREN.
LOOKDOWN AND BEHINDBEFOREAND WHILE BACKING.
KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND SWFICHES) IN
PLACEAND WORKING.
REMOVEOBJECTSTHAT COULDBETHROWNBY THE BLAD _(S).
KNOW LOCATIONAND FUNCTIONOFALL CONTROLS.
BE SURE BLADE(S) AND ENGINE ARE STOPPED BEFOREPLACING
HANDSOR FEETNEARBLADE(S).
BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR'S POSITION, DISENGAGE 3LADE(S),
PLACE THE SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTRAL, ENGAGEBRAKE L(tCK, SHUT
ENGINEOFFAND REMOVEKEY.
READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL
GAS AND OIL FILL-UP
NOTE: To open the hood, simply lift up on b_th sides
of the hood.
Check oil level and add if necessary. Ser Jiee the
engine with gasoline as instructed in the., eparate
engine manual packed with your tractor. Read
instructions carefully.
IMPORTANT: Your tractor is shipped with ,)il; how-
ever, you must check the oil level before ol)erating.
Be careful not to overfill.
WARNING: Do not operate the lawn trac-
tor if the interlock system is malfunction-
ing because it is a safety device,
designed for protection.
3. Set the throttle control in the FAST position. See
figure 9.
4. Pull out choke knob to choke engine (a warm
engine may not require choking).
5. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
When the engine is running, let the key return to
the ON position. See figure 9.
6. Push choke knob in gradually. Move the throttle
control to desired engine speed.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to the left to the OFF position.
Rerhove the key to prevent accidental starting.
IMPORTANT: If you strike a foreign object, stop the
engine. Remove wire from spark plug, thoroughly
inspect the unit for any damage, and repair the dam-
age before restarting and operating the mower.
NOTE: If any problems are encountered, refer to the
Trouble Shooting Guide on page 17.
OPERATINGTHE LAWN TRACTOR
1. Set the desired cutting height.
2. Start the engine as instructed previously.
3. Move throttle control to 3/4 or full throttle to pre-
vent strain on the engine and to operate the cut-
ting blades.
4. Place the shift lever in either the FORWARD or
REVERSE position.
WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors,
with engine running or while emjgine is
hot.
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Depress the clutch-brake pedal and set lhe park-
ing brake.
2. Place the lift lever in the DISENGAGED position.
See figure 11.
IMPORTANT: This unit is equipped with _Lsafety
interlock system for your protection. The pLrpose of
the safety interlock system is to prevent the: engine
from cranking or starting unless the clutch-brake
pedal is depressed and the lift lever is in tt'e disen-
gaged position. In addition, the lift lever must _e in the
disengaged position when the unit is put into reverse
or the engine will shut off. If the operator le _ves the
seat with the lift lever engaged and/or withoL t setting
the parking brake, the engine will shut off.
WARNING: Look to the rear before back- ing up.
5. Release the parking brake by depressing the
clutch-brake pedal, pressing outward on the
speed control lever and moving to desired posi-
tion. Use first speed position when operating the
lawn tractor for the first time.
6. Release clutch-brake pedal slowly to put unit into
motion.
7. The lawn tractor is brought to a stop by depress-
ing 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 pul-
leys during the break-in period.