User manual MTD 760-779

[. . . ] Safety · Assembly · Operation · Adjustment · Maintenance · Troubleshooting · Warranty OPERATOR'S MANUAL Transmatic Lawn Tractor -- Models 760-779 IMPORTANT READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brushcovered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator. In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service department, P. O. [. . . ] Become completely familiar with the tractor's operation and controls before operating the tractor in higher speed positions. 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. 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. Doing so will minimize the possibility of having your lawn ``browned'' by hot exhaust from your tractor's 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: 1. Place shift lever in either FORWARD or REVERSE, and follow normal operating procedures. 4 Operating Your Lawn Tractor WARNING Avoid sudden starts, ex-cessive speed and sudden stops. 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. Always look down and behind before and while backing up to avoid a back-over accident. 17 4 Operating Your Lawn Tractor WARNING Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). The tractor could overturn and cause serious injury. Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 3 to help determine slopes where you may operate the tractor safely. Driving On Slopes WARNING: Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). The tractor could overturn and cause serious injury. · Mow up and down slopes, NEVER across. · Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. 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. To raise the cutting deck, move the deck lift lever to the left, then place it in the notch best suited for your application. Refer to Setting The Cutting Height earlier in this section. Using the Deck Lift Lever Mowing WARNING: To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. The following information will be helpful when using the cutting deck with your tractor: Engaging the Blades Engaging the PTO (Blade Engage) transfers power to the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments. Grasp the PTO (Blade Engage) lever and pivot it all the way forward into the engaged (ON) position. Keep the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position for the most efficient use of the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments IMPORTANT: Models with Reverse Caution Mode: The engine will automatically shut off if the PTO is engaged with the shift lever in position for reverse travel with the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING position. Models without Reverse Caution Mode: 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 on page 14. WARNING: Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of materials toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction which may cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator. · Do not mow at high ground speed, especially if a mulch kit or grass collector is installed. · For best results it is recommended that the first two laps be cut with the discharge thrown towards the center. After the first two laps, reverse the direction to throw the discharge to the outside for the balance of cutting. · Mowing should always be done with the engine at full throttle. [. . . ] Normal wear parts are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of purchase. Normal wear parts include, but are not limited to items such as: batteries, belts, blades, blade adapters, grass bags, rider deck wheels, seats, snow thrower skid shoes, shave plates, auger spiral rubber and tires. HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE: Warranty service is available, WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE, through your local authorized service dealer. To locate the dealer in your area, check your Yellow Pages, or contact MTD LLC at P. O. [. . . ]