MTD series 780 Operator's Manual page 16

Stoppingthe 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.
Driving TheTractor
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.
CAUTION: 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.
IMPORTANT: First-time operators should become
completely familiar with the tractor's operation and controls
before operating the tractor in higher speed positions.
4. Gradually begin to apply pressure to the drive pedal. The
further down the pedal is pushed, the faster the tractor will
travel in the desired direction based on the position of the
shift lever.
S. The lawn tractor is brought to a stop by releasing the drive
pedal and then depressing the brake pedal.
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 off and 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.
Driving OnSlopes
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE in the Important Safe Operation
Practices section in the front of this manual to help determine
slopes where you may operate the tractor safely.
WARNING!
Do not mow on inclines with a slope in
excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately2-1/2 feet
every 10 feet). The tractor could overturn and cause
serious injury.
Mow up and down slopes, NEVER across.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
Avoid turns when driving on a slope. Ifa turn must be
made, turn down the slope. Turning up a slope greatly
increases the chance of a roll over.
Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. If it is necessary
to stop while driving up a slope, start up smoothly and
carefully to reduce the possibility of flipping the tractor
over backward.
Engagingthe Blades
Engaging the PTO (Blade Engage) transfers power to the cutting
deck. To engage the blades, proceed as follows:
1. Move the throttle control lever to the FAST (rabbit)
position.
2. Grasp the PTO (Blade Engage) lever and pivot it all the way
forward into the engaged (ON) position.
3. Keep the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position for the
most efficient use of the cutting deck.
IMPORTANT: The PTO (Blade Engage) lever must be in the
disengaged (OFF) position when starting the engine, when
traveling in reverse, and if the operator leaves the seat. Refer to
Safety Interlock Switches in the Operation section of this manual.
'°1
SECTION S-- OPERATION