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Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty ’ operator s manual Model Series 77K Lawn Tractor WARNING READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.
To The Owner Thank You Thank you for purchasing your new equipment. It was carefully The manufacturer reserves the right to change product engineered to provide excellent performance when properly specifications, designs and equipment without notice and operated and maintained. without incurring obligation.
Important Safe Operation Practices WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury.
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Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. Never carry passengers. Mow up and down slopes, not across. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. Disengage blade(s) before shifting into reverse. Back up slowly. Always look down and behind before and while Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden backing to avoid a back-over accident.
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Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the When practical, remove gas-powered equipment area. from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on Before and while backing, look behind and down for a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a small children.
Do not modify engine Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them. To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the way.
Safety Symbols This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before attempting to assemble and operate. Symbol Description READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S) Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate DANGER—...
Assembly & Set-Up Assembly & Set-Up Tractor Set-Up NOTE: If the battery is put into service after the date shown on top/side of battery, charge the battery as instructed in the NOTE: This Operators Manual covers a range of product Maintenance section your Operator’s Manual prior to operating specifications for various models.
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Attaching The Steering Wheel Attaching The Seat If the steering wheel for your tractor did not come attached, the If the seat for your tractor was not attached at the factory, follow hardware for attaching it has been packed within the steering the applicable instructions below to attach it.
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Mulch Plug (optional) Setting the Deck Gauge Wheels (if so equipped) Note: See the Attachments & Accessories section if you would Move the tractor on a firm and level surface, preferably like information regarding adding a mulching system for your pavement, and proceed as follows model of tractor.
Controls and Features Throttle/Choke Lever Speed Control & Parking Brake Lever Ignition Switch Module Clutch/Brake Pedal Ammeter (On some models) Shift Lever Deck Lift Lever PTO (Blade Engage) Lever Figure 4-1 Lawn Tractor controls and features are illustrated in Fig 4-1 and described on the following pages. WARNING! Read and follow all safety rules and instructions in this manual, including the entire Operation section, before attempting to operate this machine.
Throttle Control Lever On/Lights The throttle control lever is located on the left side of the Start tractor’s dash panel. This lever controls the speed of the engine and, on some models, when pushed all the way forward, the choke control also. When set in a given position, the throttle will maintain a uniform engine speed.
To stop the engine, turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the OFF position. See Fig. 4-3B. Ignition Switch Module To start the engine, insert the key into the ignition switch and turn clockwise to the START position. Release the key into the NORMAL MOWING MODE position once the engine has fired.
Operation Operation Models with Reverse Caution Mode • With the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING position, the engine will automatically shut off if the PTO (Blade Engage) lever is moved into the engaged (ON) position with the shift lever in Reverse. WARNING! Do not operate the tractor if the interlock system is malfunctioning.
Starting the Engine Once activated (indicator light ON), the tractor can be driven in reverse with the cutting blades (PTO) engaged. WARNING! Do not operate the tractor if the Always look down and behind before and while backing to interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was make sure no children are around.
Driving The Tractor Place speed control lever in desired position. Place shift lever in either FORWARD or REVERSE, and follow WARNING! Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed normal operating procedures. and sudden stops. Driving On Slopes WARNING! Do not leave the seat of the tractor without first placing the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE in the Important Safe Operation the disengaged (OFF) position, depressing the brake...
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Mowing NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the discharge chute to operate the mower with the mulch kit installed. WARNING! To help avoid blade contact or a WARNING! Never operate the mower without the thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, discharge chute properly attached.
Maintenance & Adjustments Maintenance Spark Plug The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset once a WARNING! Before performing any maintenance or season. Spark plug replacement is recommended at the start repairs, disengage PTO, move shift lever into neutral of each mowing season.
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Battery Failures Deck Wash System™ Some common causes for battery failure are: If your tractor’s deck is equipped with a water port on its surface as part of its Deck Wash System™, follow these instructions to • Incorrect initial activation utilize this feature.
IMPORTANT: Side to Side After cleaning your deck with the Deck Wash System™ , return to the operator’s position and engage the PTO. If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly, a side to side Keep the cutting deck running for a minimum of two minutes, adjustment can be performed.
Maintenance Schedule Before Every Every Every Every Prior Each use 10 Hours 25 Hours 50 Hours 100 Hours to Storing Clean Hood/Dash Louvers Check Engine Oil Level Check Air Filter for Dirty, Loose or Damaged Parts Clean and Re-oil Air Filter’s Foam Pre-cleaner Replace Air Filter Element Change Engine Oil and Replace Oil Filter Clean Battery Terminals...
Service Service Cutting Deck Removal On 38” Decks: Looking at the cutting deck from the left side of the tractor, locate the bow tie pin that secures the NOTE: Models equipped with a 38-inch deck have one deck idler deck support rod on the rear left side of the deck. See Fig. pulley.
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On 46” Decks: Looking at the cutting deck from the left Carefully remove the PTO cable from the rear of the side of the tractor, locate the deck support pin on the rear cutting deck by removing the hair pin clip which secures it. left side of the deck.
Cutting Blades Jump Starting WARNING! WARNING! Never jump start a damaged or frozen Shut the engine off and remove battery. Be certain the vehicles do not touch, and ignition key before removing the cutting blade(s) for ignitions are off. Do not allow cable clamps to touch. sharpening or replacement.
Route the new belt as shown in Fig. 7-10. Remount the belt guards removed earlier. For 42” & 46” Decks To change or replace the deck belt on your tractor, proceed as follows: Remove the deck as instructed earlier in this section. Remove the belt covers by removing the hex screws that fasten them to the deck.
Troubleshooting Problem Cause Remedy Engine fails to start 1. PTO/Blade engaged. 1. Place knob (or lever) in disengaged (OFF) position. 2. Spark plug wire disconnected. 2. Connect wire to spark plug. 3. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel. 3. Fill tank with clean, fresh (less than 30 days old) gas.
Attachments & Accessories The following attachments and accessories are compatible with your lawn tractor. See your authorized dealer or the retailer from which you purchased your tractor for information regarding price and availability. CAUTION: Your lawn tractor is NOT designed for use with any type of ground-engaging attachments (e.g. tiller or moldboard plow).
For equipment purchased in Canada only. THREE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD Products Limited with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in Canada and/or its territories and possessions (either entity respectively, “MTD”). MTD warrants this product (excluding its normal wear parts as described below) against defects in material and workmanship for a period of three (3) years commencing on the date of original purchase and will, at its option, repair or replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective in materials or workmanship.
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THREE YEARS- 120 Hrs. LIMITED WARRANTY For three (3) years-120 hrs. whichever come first, from the date of original purchase of COLUMBIA products, COLUMBIA will either repair or replace, at its option, free of charge, F.O.B. factory or authorized service firm, any part found to be defective in material and workmanship.
FEDERAL and/or CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS MTD Consumer Group Inc, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and, for those products certified for sale in the state of California, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) are pleased to explain the emission (evaporative and/or exhaust) control system (ECS) warranty on your outdoor 2006 and later small off-road spark-ignited engine and equipment (outdoor equipment engine) In California, new outdoor equipment engines must be designed, built and equipped to meet the State’s stringent anti-smog standards (in other states, 1997 and later model year equipment must be designed, built, and equipped to meet the U.S.
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6. The outdoor equipment engine owner will not be charged for diagnostic labor that is directly associated with diagnosis of a defec- tive, emission-related warranted part, provided that such diagnostic work is performed at a warranty station. 7. MTD Consumer Group Inc is liable for damages to other engine or equipment components proximately caused by a failure under warranty of any warranted part.
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