MTD 760, 779 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
16
4
Operating
Your Lawn
Tractor
Do not operate the
tractor if the interlock
system is malfunction-
ing. This system was
designed for your
safety and protection.
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 operat
-
ing.
Setting the Cutting Height
1. Select the height position of the cutting deck by
placing the deck lift lever in any of the six different
cutting height notches on the right side of the fender.
2. Adjust the deck wheels, if equipped, so that they are
between ¼-inch and ½-inch above the ground when
the tractor is on a smooth, flat surface such as a
driveway.
WARNING: Keep hands and feet
away from the discharge open-
ing of the cutting deck.
NOTE: On models so equipped, the deck wheels are an
anti-scalp feature of the deck and are not designed to
support the weight of the cutting deck.
Refer to Leveling the Deck on page 20 of this manual
for more detailed instructions regarding various deck
adjustments.
Starting the Engine
WARNING: Do not operate the
tractor if the interlock system is
malfunctioning. This system was
designed for your safety and
protection.
NOTE: Refer to the TRACTOR SET-UP on page 8 of
this manual for Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions.
1. Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.
2. Place the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the disen-
gaged (OFF) position.
3. Engage the tractor’s parking brake.
4. Activate the choke control.
5. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START posi
-
tion. After the engine starts, release the key. It will
return to the ON position.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT hold the key in the START
position for longer than ten seconds at a time. Doing so
may cause damage to your engine’s electric starter.
6. After the engine starts, deactivate the choke control
and place the throttle control in the FAST position.
NOTE: Do NOT leave the choke control on while operat
-
ing the tractor. Doing so will result in a “rich” fuel mixture
and cause the engine to run poorly.
WARNING
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS.
AVOID SUDDEN TURNS.
DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SLIP OR TIP.
IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BLADE(S) AND
BACK DOWNHILL SLOWLY.
DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND.
NEVER CARRY CHILDREN, EVEN WITH BLADES OFF.
LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE BACKING.
KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND SWITCHES)
IN PLACE AND WORKING.
REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE THROWN BY THE
BLADE(S).
KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL CONTROLS.
BE SURE BLADE(S) AND ENGINE ARE STOPPED BEFORE
PLACING HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADE(S).
BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR’S POSITION, DISENGAGE
BLADE(S), PLACE THE SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTRAL, ENGAGE
BRAKE LOCK, SHUT ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KEY.
READ OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Stopping the Engine
WARNING: If you strike a foreign
object, stop the engine, discon-
nect the spark plug wire(s) and
ground against the engine. Thor-
oughly 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.
WARNING
Keep hands and feet
away from the dis-
charge opening of the
cutting deck.