Starting The Engine; Stopping The Engine - MTD 660 Operator's Manual

Starting The Engine

This unit is equipped with a safety
IMPORTANT:
interlock system for your protection. The purpose 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 the BLADES STOP
position. In addition, the lift lever must be in the
BLADES STOP position when the unit is put into
reverse or the engine will shut off. If the operator leaves
the seat with the lift lever engaged and/or without
setting the parking brake, the engine will shut off.
WARNING:
the interlock
because it is a safety device, designed for
protection.
• Place the lift lever in the BLADES STOP position.
• Depress the clutch-brake pedal and set the parking
brake.
• Set the throttle control in the FAST position.
• Pull out the choke control (a warm engine may not
require choking).
• Turn the ignition key to the right to the START
position. After the engine starts, release the key. It
will return to the ON position.
NOTE:
Protect the starter life by using short starting
cycles of several seconds. Cranking more than 15
seconds per minute can damage the starter motor.
• 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.
Remove the key to prevent accidental starting.
WARNING:
stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug
wire(s) and ground against the engine.
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any
damage. Repair
restarting and operating.
NOTE:
If any problems are encountered, refer to the
Trouble Shooting Guide.
Operating The Lawn Tractor
WARNING:
before and while backing up to avoid a back-
over accident.
WARNING:
position. Always disengage PTO, shift into
neutral, set parking brake, stop engine and
remove key to prevent unintended starting.
Do not operate the tractor if
system is malfunctioning
If you strike a foreign object,
the damage before
Always look down and behind
Before leaving the operator's
• Move throttle control to full throttle to prevent strain
on the engine and to operate the cutting blades.
• Place the shift lever in either the FORWARD or
REVERSE position.
• Release the parking brake by depressing the
clutch-brake pedal, pressing outward on the speed
control lever and moving to desired position. Use
first speed position when operating the lawn tractor
for the first time.
• Release clutch-brake pedal slowly to put unit into
motion.
• The lawn tractor is brought to a stop by depressing
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 pulleys
during the break-in period.
Be sure that the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or
other objects which could damage lawn mower or
engine. For best results and to insure more even grass
distribution, do not mow when lawn is excessively wet.
WARNING:
position for any reason, disengage the
blades, place the shift lever in neutral,
engage the parking brake, shut engine off
and remove the key.
When stopping the unit to empty a grass bag, etc.,
follow the instructions above. This procedure will also
eliminate ''browning'' the grass, which is caused by hot
exhaust gases from a running engine.
If unit stalls with speed control in high speed, or if unit
will not operate with speed control lever in a low speed
position, proceed as follows.
• Place shift lever in NEUTRAL.
• Restart engine.
• Place speed control lever in high speed position.
• Release clutch-brake pedal fully.
• Depress clutch-brake pedal.
• Place speed control lever in desired position.
• Place shift lever in either FORWARD or REVERSE,
and follow normal operating procedures.
Operating The Cutting Blades
The cutting blades may be engaged while the lawn
tractor is moving or standing still. DO NOT engage the
cutting blades abruptly as the sudden belt tension on
the pulley may cause the engine to stall.
WARNING:
from the discharge opening, the blades or
any part of the deck. When the unit is used
for anything other than mowing operations,
the blade drive should be disengaged.
Move the lift lever into the BLADES STOP position to
raise the deck and disengage the blades.
14
Before leaving the operator's
Keep feet and hands away