Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty Operator’s Manual Model Series 780 Lawn Tractor 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. It was carefully engineered to provide excellent performance when properly operated and maintained. If applicable, the power testing information used to establish the power rating of the engine equipped on this machine can be found at www.opei.org or the engine manufacturer’s web site. Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.
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 Figure 1 line Figure 2 (TOO STEEP) 15° Slope WARNING! Slopes are a major factor related to tip-over and roll-over accidents which can result in severe injury or death. Do not operate machine on slopes in excess of 15 degrees. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it. Always mow up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes. To check the slope, proceed as follows: 1.
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 reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.
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. 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 wheel and secure with the hex bolt. See Fig. 3-3. 3.
Gas and Oil Fill-up Setting the Deck Gauge Wheels (If Equipped) The gasoline tank is located under the hood. Do not overfill. Move the tractor on a firm and level surface, preferably pavement, and proceed as follows 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. IMPORTANT: Do not overfill the tank.
4 Controls & Features Ignition Switch Throttle/Choke Lever Brake Pedal Parking Brake Lever Drive Pedal Shift Lever Deck Lift Lever Cup Holder PTO (Blade Engage) Lever NOTE: Steering wheel not shown for clarity Figure 4-1 Lawn Tractor controls and features are illustrated in Figure 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 / Choke Control Shift Lever The throttle control lever is located on the left side of the tractor’s dash panel. This lever controls the speed of the engine, as well as the choke when it is pushed all the way forward. When set in a given position, the throttle will maintain a uniform engine speed. The shift lever is located on the left side of the fender and has three positions, FORWARD, NEUTRAL and REVERSE. The tractor must not be in motion when the moving shift lever. See Figure 4-3.
Drive Pedal Deck Lift Lever The drive pedal is located on the right side of the tractor, along the running board. Depress the drive pedal forward and the tractor will move in the direction that the shift lever is engaged in. To cause the tractor to travel forward, while at a complete stop, move the shift lever into the Forward position. Gradually step on the drive pedal and the tractor will begin to move forward.
5 Operation Engaging the Parking Brake To engage the parking brake: 1. Fully depress the brake pedal and hold it down with your foot. 2. Move the parking brake lever down into the parking brake position. 3. Release the brake pedal to allow the parking brake to engage. To release the parking brake: 1. Depress the brake pedal and the parking brake lever will automatically move out of the parking brake position. Setting the Cutting Height 1.
Stopping the Engine WARNING! If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the damage before restarting and operating. 1. If the blades are engaged, place the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the disengaged (OFF) position. 2. Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the STOP position. 3. Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent unintended starting.
Using the Deck Lift Lever Headlights 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. • The Headlights are ON whenever the tractor’s engine is running. • The lamps turn OFF when the ignition key is moved to the STOP position.
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. Check engine oil level before each use as instructed in the Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed with your unit. Follow the instructions carefully.
Deck Wash System™ Charging A hex bolt and washer can be found on your tractor’s deck surface. See Figure 6-2. IMPORTANT: When charging your tractor’s battery, use only a charger designed for 12V lead-acid batteries. Read your battery charger’s Owner’s Manual prior to charging your tractor’s battery. Always follow its instructions and heed its warnings.
Adjustments Side to Side WARNING: Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running, except where specified in the operator’s manual. If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly, a side to side adjustment can be performed. Adjust if necessary as follows: 1. With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface, place the deck lift lever in the second from the top notch (second highest position) and rotate both blades so that they are perpendicular with the tractor. 2.
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 Check Spark Plug Condition & Gap Replace Fuel Filter Prior to Storing P Clean and Re-oil Air Filter’s Foam Precleaner Clean Battery Terminals Every 100
7 Service Cutting Deck Removal 42” Deck 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. Remove the belt-keeper rod, from around the tractor’s engine pulley, by removing the self-tapping screw (A) that secures it. See Figure 7-1.
9. Carefully remove the PTO cable from the rear of the cutting deck by removing the bow-tie clip which secures it. Remove the spring from the deck idler bracket. See Figure 7-4. 1. Connect positive (+) cable to positive post (+) of your tractor’s discharged battery. 2. Connect the other end of the cable to the (positive +) post of the jumper battery. 3. Connect the second cable (negative –) to the other post of the jumper battery. 4.
The blades may be removed as follows. 1. 2. 3. Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Cutting Deck Removal earlier in this section) then gently flip the deck over to expose its underside. Place a block of wood between the center deck housing baffle and the cutting blade to act as a stabilizer. See Figure 7-5. Remove the hex flange nut that secures the blade to the spindle assembly. See Figure 7-5.
4. Carefully remove the deck belt from around the two spindle pulleys and the two deck idler pulleys. See Figure 7-7. 10. Pull the right side of the belt, and place the narrow V side of the belt into the PTO pulley. 5. To place the new belt, begin by routing the belt around the two outer spindle pulleys as shown in Figure 7-7. 11. While holding the belt and pulley together, rotate the pulley to the left.
8 Troubleshooting Problem Engine fails to start Remedy 1. Place PTO lever the 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, (less than 30 days old) gas. 4. Choke not activated. 4. Place the throttle/choke 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. 7. Engine flooded. 7.
9 Replacement Parts Component Part Number and Description 954-04060B 954-04219B Drive Belt (Mowing Deck) 42” Deck Drive Belt (Mowing Deck) 46” Deck 918-04822A 918-04865A Deck Spindle 42” Deck Deck Spindle 46” Deck 942-04308 942-04308-X 942-04290 942-04361 Blade (42” Deck) Extreme Blade (42” Deck) Blade (46” Deck) Extreme Blade (46” Deck) 925-1707D Battery 951-12179A Fuel Tank Cap 625-05002 Key Asm-Black Key W/Keychain 734-1731 Tire (Front) 15 x 6 x 6 Square Shoulder 734-1730 Tire (Rear) 20
10 Attachments & Accessories The following attachments and accessories are compatible for these models of 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: These models of 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 29
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
10. Add-on or modified parts that are not exempted by the Air Resources Board may not be used. The use of any non-exempted add-on or modified parts by the ultimate purchaser will be grounds for disallowing a warranty claims. MTD Consumer Group Inc will not be liable to warrant failures of warranted parts caused by the use of a non-exempted add-on or modified 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”). b. Log splitter pumps, valves, and cylinders have a separate one- year warranty. c.
