MTD 616 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
15
4
Operating
Your Lawn
Tractor
Deck Lift Lever
Found on your tractor’s right fender, the deck lift lever is
used to change the height of the cutting deck. To use,
move the lever to the left, then place in the notch best
suited for your application.
Parking Brake Button
To set the parking brake, fully
depress the brake pedal and
push the parking brake button in.
Hold the button in while taking
your foot off the brake pedal. Both
the parking button and the brake
pedal will then stay depressed.
To release the parking brake,
depress the brake pedal slightly. The parking brake
button will then return to its original position.
NOTE: The parking brake must be set if the operator
leaves the seat with the engine running or the engine will
automatically shut off.
IMPORTANT: Always set the parking brake when leaving
the tractor unattended.
Cruise Control Button
The cruise control button is
located on the tractor dash
panel to the left of the ignition
switch. Push the cruise control
button while traveling forward at a
desired speed. While holding the
button in, release pressure from
the drive pedal. This will engage
the cruise control and allow the
tractor to remain at that speed
without applying pressure to the drive pedal. Depress
the brake pedal or the drive pedal to deactivate cruise
control. Refer to Setting the Cruise Control later in this
section the manual for detailed instructions regarding the
cruise control feature.
NOTE: Cruise control can NOT be engaged at the
tractor’s fastest ground speed. If the operator should
attempt to do so, the tractor will automatically decelerate
to the fastest optimal mowing ground speed.
Cargo Net (optional)
Conveniently located on the tractor’s dash panel, the
cargo net can be used to store personal items while
operating the tractor.
Safety Interlock Switches
This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system
for the protection of the operator. If the interlock system
should ever malfunction, do not operate the tractor.
Contact an authorized service dealer.
The safety interlock system prevents the engine
from cranking or starting unless the parking brake
is engaged, and the PTO (Blade Engage) knob (or
lever) is in the disengaged (OFF) position.
The engine will automatically shut off if the operator
leaves the seat before engaging the parking brake.
Models with Manual PTO (Blade Engage)
The engine will automatically shut off if the operator
leaves the tractor’s seat with the PTO (Blade Engage)
lever in the engaged (ON) position, regardless of
whether the parking brake is engaged.
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 shift lever in Reverse.
Models with Electric PTO (Blade Engage)
The electric PTO (Blade Engage) clutch will automati-
cally shut off if the operator leaves the tractor’s seat
with the PTO (Blade Engage) knob in the engaged
(ON) position, regardless of whether the parking
brake is engaged.
With the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING
position, the electric PTO (Blade Engage) clutch will
automatically shut off if the PTO (Blade Engage) knob
is moved into the engaged (ON) position with the shift
lever in Reverse.
WARNING: Do not operate the
tractor if the interlock system
is malfunctioning. This system
was designed for your safety and
protection.
Reverse Caution Mode
WARNING: Use extreme caution
while operating the tractor in
the REVERSE CAUTION MODE.
Always look down and behind
before and while backing. Do not
operate the tractor when children
or others are around. Stop the
tractor immediately if someone
enters the area.
The REVERSE CAUTION MODE position
of the key switch module allows the tractor to be operated
in reverse with the blades (PTO) engaged.
IMPORTANT: Mowing in reverse is not recommended.
To use the REVERSE CAUTION MODE:
IMPORTANT: The operator MUST be seated in the
tractor seat.
1. Start the engine as previously instructed on page 17
in this Operator’s Manual.
WARNING
Do not operate
the tractor if the
interlock system is
malfunctioning. This
system was designed
for your safety and
protection.
Use extreme caution
while operating
the tractor in the
REVERSE CAUTION
MODE. Always look
down and behind
before and while
backing. Do not
operate the tractor
when children or
others are around.
Stop the tractor im-
mediately if someone
enters the area.