Operating Your Lawn Tractor; Before Starting Engine - MTD 660 Operator's Manual

Before the unit can be shifted into reverse or if the
operator leaves the seat, the lift lever must be in the
BLADES STOP position.
Indicator Lights
(If Equipped)
If your unit is equipped with indicator lights, two or three
indicator lights are located in the dash panel. If a light
illuminates when attempting to start the unit, proceed
as follows.
CLUTCH—Depress the clutch pedal.
PTO—Place lift lever in the BLADES STOP position.
OIL (Vanguard Twin and Intek twin Engines Only)—
Check the crankcase oil level, and add oil as required.
Cutting Controls
Lift Lever
The lift lever is used to raise and lower the cutting deck
and to engage and disengage the blades. Pulling it all
the way back and locking it disengages the blades.
NOTE:
The lift lever must be in the BLADES STOP
position when starting the engine, when shifting into
reverse and if the operator leaves the seat. See Figure
11.
SECTION 3: OPERATING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
• Go up and down slopes, not across. avoid sudden
turns.
• Do not operate the unit where it could slip or tip.
• If machine stops going uphill, stop blade(s) and
back downhill slowly.
• Do not mow when children or others are around.
• Never carry children.
• Look down and behind before and while backing.
• Keep safety devices (guards, shields, and
switches) in place and working.
• Remove objects that could be thrown by the
blade(s).
• Know location and function of all controls.
• Be sure blade(s) and engine are stopped before
placing hands or feet near blade(s).
• before leaving operator's position, disengage
blade(s), place the shift lever in neutral, engage
brake lock, shut engine off and remove key.
• READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Deck Lift Indicator (If Equipped)
If so equipped, the deck lift indicator marks the position
being used for the lift lever. Select the lift lever position
desired, press the indicator lever outward, move it to
the position immediately below the lift lever and release
the indicator lever. See Figure 11.
Setting The Cutting Height
• Select the position for the lift lever which gives the
desired cutting height. Move the deck lift indicator
(if so equipped) so that the lift lever can be returned
to the same position after it is raised.
• Move the deck wheels to the hole location so the
wheels are 1/4 inch above the ground. Place all
four wheels in the same relative position.
Gas And Oil Fill-up
Check the oil level and add if necessary. Service
the engine with gasoline as instructed in the
separate engine manual packed with your tractor.
Read instructions carefully.
Your tractor is shipped with oil; however
IMPORTANT:
you must check the oil level before operating. Be
careful not to overfill.
WARNING:
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Never fuel machine indoors or while the
engine is
cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources
of ignition

Before Starting Engine

WARNING:
all instructions and warnings on the machine
and in this manual before operating.
13
Lift Lever
Deck Lift
Indicator
Figure 11
Use extreme care when
hot or running. Extinguish
Read, understand, and follow