MTD 608 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
12
NOTE: Do NOT leave the choke control out while
operating the tractor. Doing so will result in a "rich"
fuel mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Place the PTO lever in the disengaged (OFF)
position
Move the throttle control into the SLOW
(turtle) position and allow the engine to "idle
down" for ten seconds. Failure to do so may
result in an engine afterfire.
Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the
OFF position.
Remove the key from the ignition switch to
prevent accidental starting.
IMPORTANT: If you think you’ve struck a foreign
object, stop the engine immediately. Remove the
wire(s) from the spark plug(s), thoroughly inspect the
unit for any damage, and repair the damage before
restarting and operating the tractor.
DRIVING THE TRACTOR
WARNING: Avoid sudden starts,
excessive speed and sudden stops.
WARNING: Do not leave the seat of the
tractor without first placing the PTO 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.
Depress the brake pedal to release the
parking brake and let the pedal up. Move the
throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) position.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT use the shift lever to
change the direction of travel when the tractor is in
motion. Always use the brake pedal to bring the
tractor to a complete stop before shifting.
To move forward, place the shift lever in the
FORWARD position, then slowly depress the
drive pedal until the desired speed is
achieved.
To move in reverse, place the shift lever in the
REVERSE position, check that the area
behind is clear then slowly depress the drive
pedal.
DRIVING ON SLOPES
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 6 to help
determine slopes where you may not operate safely.
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.
Operate the tractor up and down slopes, never
across slopes. Do not drive so that the tractor may
tip over sideways.
Before operating the tractor on any slope, walk the
slope to look for possible hazards such as rocks.
mounds, ruts, stumps or other surface irregularities
which could cause the tractor to be upset.
Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must
be made, turn down the slope. Turning up a slope
greatly increases the chance of a roll over.
Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. 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.
OPERATING THE HEADLIGHTS
To turn the tractors headlights on:
Start the engine following the instructions
earlier in this section.
Turn the key one notch counterclockwise into
the On/Lights position of the ignition switch.
Refer to Figure 4.
To turn the tractors headlights off:
Turn the key either into the On position (to
leave the engine running) or the Off position
(to shut the engine off). Refer to Figure 4.
IMPORTANT: Never move the key into the Start
position while the engine is running. Doing so may
cause damage to your engine’s starter.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Place the PTO lever in the disengaged (OFF)
position.
Move the throttle control into the SLOW
position and allow the engine to "idle down"
for ten seconds, then turn the ignition key
counterclockwise to the OFF position.
Remove the key from the ignition switch to
prevent accidental starting.
IMPORTANT: If you think you’ve struck a foreign
object, stop the engine immediately. Remove the
wire(s) from the spark plug(s), thoroughly inspect the
unit for any damage, and repair the damage before
restarting and operating the mower.