Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty Operator’s Manual Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor — Model Series 790 WARNING READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 Printed In USA Form No.
1 To The Owner Thank You Thank you for purchasing a lawn tractor manufactured by MTD LLC. It was carefully engineered to provide excellent performance when properly operated and maintained. Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment. It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the recommended safety practices at all times.
Important Safe Operation Practices 2 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. When you see this symbol.
12. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries. 13. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads and while not cutting grass. 14. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. This machine is not intended for use on any public roadway. 15. Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 16. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. 17. Never carry passengers. 18.
Children Service 1. Safe Handling of Gasoline: Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. They do not understand the dangers. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. a. Keep children out of the mowing area and in watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator. b. Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area. c.
Periodically check to make sure the blades come to complete stop within approximately (5) five seconds after operating the blade disengagement control. If the blades do not stop within the this time frame, your machine should be serviced professionally by an authorized MTD Service Dealer. Do not modify engine 4. Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected to wear during normal operation. Adjust and service as required. Notice Regarding Emissions 5.
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— ROTATING BLADES Never carry passengers. Never carry children, even with the blades off.
Section 2 — Important Safe Operation Practices d line dotte (repr esent ing a 15° s lope) or a fence post WARNING! Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes. Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. Operate riding mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes. Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely.
3 Assembly & Set-Up Tractor Set-Up NOTE: This Operators Manual covers a range of product specifications for various models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated in this manual may not be applicable to all models. MTD LLC reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.
Attaching The Steering Wheel Attaching The Seat If the steering wheel for your tractor did not come attached, the hardware for attaching it has been packed within the steering wheel, beneath the steering wheel cap. Carefully pry off the steering wheel cap and remove the hardware. If the seat for your tractor was not attached at the factory, follow the applicable instructions below to attach it. 1.
Tire Pressure Setting the Deck Gauge Wheels (if so equipped) WARNING! Maximum tire pressure under any circumstances is 30 psi. Equal tire pressure should be maintained at all times. Never exceed the maximum inflation pressure shown on the sidewall of the tire. Move the tractor on a firm and level surface, preferably pavement, and proceed as follows: 1.
4 Controls and Features Parking Brake Lever Parking Brake Pedal Throttle/Choke Lever Ignition Switch Module Speed Control Lever PTO (Blade Engage) Lever Deck Lift 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 The throttle control lever is located on the right side of the tractor’s dash panel. This lever controls the speed of the engine and when pushed all the way forward, the choke control also. When set in a given position, the throttle will maintain a uniform engine speed. See Fig. 4-2.
WARNING! Never leave a running machine unattended. Always disengage PTO, move speed control lever into neutral position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting. IMPORTANT: Prior to operating the tractor, refer to both Safety Interlock Switches and Starting The Engine in the Operation section of this manual for detailed instructions regarding the Ignition Switch Module and operating the tractor in REVERSE CAUTION MODE.
5 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 speed control in Reverse. Warning! Do not operate the tractor if the interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was designed for your safety and protection.
Once activated (indicator light ON), the tractor can be driven in reverse with the cutting blades (PTO) engaged. 3. Engage the tractor’s parking brake. 5. Always look down and behind before and while backing to make sure no children are around. 4. Activate the choke control. 5. 6. After resuming forward motion, return the key to the NORMAL MOWING position. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position. After the engine starts, release the key.
IMPORTANT: First-time operators should use slower speeds. Become completely familiar with the tractor’s operation and controls before operating the tractor in at higher speed. 4. To stop, move the speed control lever to the “N” neutral position. Important: In an sudden situation, fully depress the brake pedal to bring the tractor to a stop and then immediately move the speed control lever to the “N” neutral position 5.
Mulching (if so equipped) Moving The Tractor Manually Select models come equipped with a mulch kit which incorporates special blades, already standard on the tractor, in a process of recirculating grass clippings repeatedly beneath the cutting deck. The ultra-fine clippings are then forced back into the lawn where they act as a natural fertilizer. Your tractor’s transmission is equipped with a hydrostatic relief valve for occasions when it is necessary to move the tractor manually.
6 Maintenance & Adjustments Maintenance WARNING! Before performing any maintenance or repairs, disengage PTO, move shift lever into neutral position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting. Engine Refer to the Engine Operator/Owner Manual for engine maintenance instructions. Perform the above steps in the opposite order after oil has finished draining. 5.
6. Push in on the oil drain valve and rotate counter-clockwise to drain the oil. Refer back to Figure 6-2. 7. After the oil has finished draining, rotate the valve clockwise to close. Re-cap the end of the oil drain valve to keep debris from entering the drain port. 8. Replace the oil filter (if equipped) as instructed in the separate engine Owner’s Manual. 9. Refill the engine with new oil. Refer to the engine Owner’s Manual for information regarding the proper volume and weight of engine oil.
Battery Failures 1. Some common causes for battery failure are: • Incorrect initial activation • Overcharging • Freezing • Undercharging • Corroded connections These failures are NOT covered by your tractor’s warranty. Cleaning the Engine And Deck Drive the tractor to a level, clear spot on your lawn, near enough for your garden hose to reach. Caution: Make certain the tractor’s discharge chute is directed AWAY from your house, garage, parked cars, etc. 2.
Adjustments WARNING! Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running, except where specified in the operator’s manual. 2. Measure the distance from the outside of the left blade tip to the ground and the distance from the outside of the right blade tip to the ground. Both measurements taken should be equal. If they’re not, proceed to the next step. 3. Loosen, but do NOT remove, the hex cap screw on the left deck hanger bracket. See Fig. 6-6.
Maintenance Schedule Before Each use Clean Hood/Dash Louvers Check Engine Oil Level Check Air Filter for Dirty, Loose or Damaged Parts P P Every 10 Hours Every 25 Hours Every 50 Hours P P P P Replace Air Filter Element P Change Engine Oil and Replace Oil Filter P P P Lube Front Axles and Rims Clean Engine Cooling Fins Lube Pedal Pivot Points Prior to Storing P Clean and Re-oil Air Filter’s Foam Pre-cleaner Clean Battery Terminals Every 100 Hours P P P Check Spark Plug Condition & Gap Repl
7 Service Cutting Deck Removal 42” Deck NOTE: Models equipped with a 38-inch deck have one deck idler pulley. Models equipped with a 42- and 46-inch deck have two deck idler pulleys. To remove the cutting deck, proceed as follows: 1. Place the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the disengaged (OFF) position and engage the parking brake. 2. Lower the deck by moving the deck lift lever into the bottom notch on the right fender. 3.
9. Carefully remove the PTO cable from the rear of the cutting deck by removing the hair pin clip which secures it. Remove the spring from the deck idler bracket. See Fig. 7-4 on the next page. Jump Starting WARNING! Never jump start a damaged or frozen battery. Be certain the vehicles do not touch, and ignitions are off. Do not allow cable clamps to touch. 1. Connect positive (+) cable to positive post (+) of your tractor’s discharged battery. 2.
Cutting Blades WARNING! Shut the engine off and remove ignition key before removing the cutting blade(s) for sharpening or replacement. Protect your hands by using heavy gloves when grasping the blade. WARNING! Periodically inspect the blade and/or spindle for cracks or damage, especially after you’ve struck a foreign object. Do not operate the machine until damaged components are replaced. To remove the blades, proceed as follows. 1.
11. While holding the belt and pulley together, rotate the pulley to the left. Continue holding and rotating the pulley and belt until the belt is fully rolled into the PTO pulley. Changing the Transmission Drive Belt NOTE: Several components must be removed and special tools (i.e. air/impact wrench) in order to change the tractor’s drive belt.
8 Troubleshooting Problem Engine fails to start Cause Remedy 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. 4. Choke not activated. 4. Place the throttle control in CHOKE position. 5. Faulty spark plug. 5. Clean, adjust gap or replace plug. 6. Blocked fuel line. 6. Clean fuel line and replace fuel filter.
9 Replacement Parts DESCRIPTION PART NO.
10 Attachments & Accessories The following attachments and accessories are compatible for Model Series 700 Hydrostatic Lawn Tractors. See the retailer from which you purchased your tractor, an authorized MTD Service Dealer or phone (800) 800-7310 for information regarding price and availability. CAUTION: Model Series 700 Hydrostatic Lawn Tractors are NOT designed for use with any type of ground-engaging attachments (e.g. tiller or plow). Use of this type of equipment WILL void the tractor’s warranty.
Notes 11 31
Section 11— Notes
Section 11 — Notes 33
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, n
WARRANTED PARTS: The repair or replacement of any warranted part otherwise eligible for warranty coverage may be excluded from such warranty coverage if MTD Consumer Group Inc demonstrates that the outdoor equipment engine has been abused, neglected, or improperly maintained, and that such abuse, neglect, or improper maintenance was the direct cause of the need for repair or replacement of the part.
MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD LLC with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States and/or its territories and possessions, and by MTD Products Limited with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in Canada and/ or its territories and possessions (either entity respectively, “MTD”).
