Operator`s manual

8
3
Setting Up
Your Lawn
Tractor
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 incur-
ring obligation.
WARNING
Use extreme care
when handling
gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive. Never fuel
machine indoors
or while the engine
is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes, and
other sources of
ignition.
Gas and Oil Fill-up
The gasoline tank is located under the hood and has a
capacity of 1-1/2 gallons. Do not overfill.
WARNING: Use extreme care when
handling gasoline. Gasoline is ex-
tremely flammable and the vapors are
explosive. Never fuel machine indoors
or while the engine is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and
other sources of ignition.
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in
the separate Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed with
your tractor. Read instructions carefully.
IMPORTANT: Your tractor is shipped with motor oil in the
engine. However, you MUST check the oil level before
operating. Be careful not to overfill.
Shipping Brace Removal
WARNING: Make sure the riding
mower’s engine is off, remove the
ignition key, and set the parking brake
before removing the shipping brace.
• Locatetheshippingbrace,ifpresent,andaccompany-
ing warning tag found on the right side of the mower,
between the discharge chute and the cutting deck.
See Figure 3-2.
• Whileholdingthedischargechutewithyourlefthand,
remove the shipping brace with your right hand by
grasping it between your thumb and index finger and
rotating it clockwise.
WARNING: The shipping brace, used
for packaging purposes only, must be
removed and discarded before operat-
ing your riding mower.
WARNING: The mowing deck is capable
of throwing objects. Failure to operate
the riding mower without the discharge
cover in the proper operating position
could result in serious personal injury
and/or property damage.
Attaching The Steering Wheel
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.
NOTE: There are two different syles of steeering wheel
caps. Styles vary by model.
1. With the wheels of the tractor pointing straight
forward, place the steering wheel over the steering
shaft.
2. Place the washer (with the cupped side down) over
the steering shaft and secure with the hex bolt. See
Figure 3-3.
Figure 3-1
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.
Connecting the Battery Cables
CAUTION: When attaching battery
cables, always connect the POSITIVE
(Red) wire to its terminal first, followed
by the NEGATIVE (Black) wire.
For shipping reasons, both battery cables on your
equipment may have been left disconnected from the
terminals at the factory. To connect the battery cables,
proceed as follows:
NOTE: The positive battery terminal is marked Pos. (+).
The negative battery terminal is marked Neg. (–).
• Removetheplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthe
positive battery terminal and attach the red cable to
the positive battery terminal (+) with the bolt and hex
nut. See Fig. 3-1.
• Removetheplasticcover,ifpresent,fromthe
negative battery terminal and attach the black cable
to the negative battery terminal (–) with the bolt and
hex nut. See Fig. 3-1.
• Positiontheredrubberbootoverthepositivebattery
terminal to help protect it from corrosion.
NOTE: If the battery is put into service after the date
shown on top of battery, charge the battery as instructed
in the Maintenance section of this manual prior to
operating the tractor.