Columbia 26J Operator'S Manual Download Page 6

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6. 

Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, 

and use extra caution when servicing them.

7. 

Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the 

equipment is in safe working condition. 

8. 

Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other 

safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

9. 

After striking 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 starting and operating.

10.  Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the 

machine while the engine is running.

11.  Grass catcher components and the discharge cover are 

subject to wear and damage which could expose moving 

parts or allow objects to be thrown. For safety protection, 

frequently check components and replace immediately 

with original equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts only, 

listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the 

original equipment specifications may lead to improper 

performance and compromise safety!”

12.  Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed 

the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe 

operating speed of the engine. 

13.  Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as 

necessary. 

14.  Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, 

etc. to protect the environment.

15.  According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission 

(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 

this product has an 

Average Useful Life

 of seven (7) years, 

or 270 hours of operation. At the end of the 

Average Useful 

Life

 have the machine inspected annually by an authorized 

service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety 

systems are working properly and not worn excessively. 

Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.

Do not modify engine

To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any 

way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway 

engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper 

with factory setting of engine governor.

Notice Regarding Emissions

Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal 

EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment) 

are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and 

may include the following emission control systems: Engine 

Modification (EM), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air 

Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

Spark Arrestor

WARNING! 

This machine is equipped with an 

internal combustion engine and should not be used 

on or near any unimproved forest-covered, 

brushcovered or grass-covered land unless the 

engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark 

arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if 

any).

If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective 

working order by the operator. 
A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest 

engine authorized service dealer.

WARNING!

 

Your Responsibility—Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and 

follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine. 

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Summary of Contents for 26J

Page 1: ...OW 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 LES DISTRIBUTIONS RVI LIMITÉE 2955 JEAN BAPTISTE DESCHAMPS LACHINE QUEBEC H8T 1C5 MTD LLC P O BOX 361131 CLEVELAND OHIO 44136 0019 769 09591A 9 29 14 Lawn Tractor 26J Mini Rider ...

Page 2: ...e most recent product information available at the time of printing Review this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the machine its features and operation Please be aware that this Operator s Manual may cover 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 The manufacturer r...

Page 3: ...movable parts Never operate this machine in bare feet or sandals 10 Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge direction and do not point it at anyone Do not operate the mower without the discharge cover or entire grass catcher in its proper place 11 Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck Contact with the blade s can amputate hands and feet 12 A missing or damag...

Page 4: ... up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it do not mow it For your safety use the slope gauge included as part of this manual to measure slopes before operating this machine on a sloped or hilly area If the slope is greater than 12 degrees as shown on the slope gauge do not operate this machine on that area or serious injury could result Do 1 Mow up and down slopes not across Exercise extreme cautio...

Page 5: ... c When practical remove gas powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground If this is not possible then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable container rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle d Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete Do not use a nozzle lock open device e Exting...

Page 6: ...Agency EPA this product has an Average Useful Life of seven 7 years or 270 hours of operation At the end of the Average Useful Life have the machine inspected annually by an authorized service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety systems are working properly and not worn excessively Failure to do so can result in accidents injuries or death Do not modify engine To avoid serious injury o...

Page 7: ...d behind before and while backing to avoid a back over accident DANGER BYSTANDERS Keep bystanders helpers children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation WARNING THROWN OBJECTS This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury WARNING THROWN OBJECTS This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal inju...

Page 8: ...OTATING BLADES To reduce the risk of injury keep hands and feet away Do not operate unless discharge cover or grass catcher is in its proper place If damaged replace immediately WARNING THIS EQUIPMENT MAY CREATE SPARKS Operation Of This Equipment May Create Sparks That Can Start Fires Around Dry Vegetation A Spark Arrestor May Be Required The Operator Should Contact Local Fire Agencies For Laws Or...

Page 9: ...t gauge up or down until the left corner touches the slope See Figure 1 and Figure 2 5 If there is a gap below the gauge the slope is too steep for safe operation See Figure 2 above 1 5 d a s h e d l i n e Slope Gauge Figure 2 Figure 1 15 Slope 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...

Page 10: ...der bolt and lock nut from the steering shaft on the tractor and retain for later steps 3 With the steering wheel assembly upright and positioned over the lower steering shaft on the tractor align the steering wheel so that with the tractor wheels straight the large opening on the steering wheel is facing forward 4 Lower the steering wheel assembly onto the lower steering shaft and secure with the...

Page 11: ...ble instructions below to attach it 1 Remove the shoulder bolts and lock nuts from the seat mounting bracket included in your hardware pack See Figure 3 4 2 Using a 1 4 inch drive ratchet with a 3 8 socket remove the two self tapping bolts factory installed on the tractor See Figure 3 5 3 Position the seat mounting bracket assembly in place over the holes as shown in Figure 3 6 Secure mounting bra...

Page 12: ...uds on the deck surface will fit through the holes on the upper portion of the deck chute The small tab on the deck lip area will fit through the square cutout on the lower portion of the deck chute See Figure 3 8 Note Make certain that the upper rear portion of deck chute is depressing the safety switch located on the deck surface The engine will not start without the deck chute properly in place...

Page 13: ...om corrosion NOTE If the battery is put into service after the date shown on top side of battery charge the battery as instructed in the Maintenance section your Operator s Manual prior to operating the tractor Tire Pressure WARNING Maximum tire pressure under any circumstances is 30 psi Equal tire pressure should be maintained at all times Never exceed the maximum inflation pressure shown on the ...

Page 14: ...Cap Fuel Fill Cap Fuel Level Indicator 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 Failure to comply with all safety rules and instructions may result in personal injury ...

Page 15: ...eave a running machine unattended Always disengage PTO move shift lever into neutral position set parking brake stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting IMPORTANT Prior to operating the tractor refer to both Safety Interlock Switches and Starting The Engine in the Operation section of this manual for detailed instructions regarding the Ignition Switch Module and operating the trac...

Page 16: ... seat with the engine running or the engine will automatically shut off Fuel Lever Indicator The Fuel Lever Indicator is located below the seat on the left hand side from the operator s position in the controls panel Use this window to identify the tractor s fuel needs See Figure 4 5 Figure 4 5 Deck Lift Lever Found on your tractor s right fender the deck lift lever is used to change the height of...

Page 17: ...gaged 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 position for reverse travel The engine will automatically shut off if the mulch plug deck chute or bagger chute is removed regardless of whether the...

Page 18: ...o not leave the seat of the tractor without first placing the PTO Blade Engage 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 WARNING Always look down and behind before and while backing up to avoid a back over accident 1 Move the throttle lever into the FAST rabbit p...

Page 19: ...n either the NORMAL MOWING position or STOP position b The operator engages the parking brake by fully depressing the brake pedal and holding it down while moving the parking brake lever into the PARK BRAKE position Driving On Slopes Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE in the Important Safe Operation Practices section in the front of this manual to help determine slopes where you may operate the tractor safe...

Page 20: ...our mowing pattern to avoid discharge of materials toward roads sidewalks bystanders and the like Also avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction which may cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator Do not mow at high ground speed especially if a mulch kit or grass collector is installed For best results it is recommended that the first two laps be cut with the di...

Page 21: ...er to aid in fully draining all of the oil form the engine 5 Remove drain plug and drain oil into a suitable container with a capacity of no less than 64 oz 6 Reinstall the oil drain plug securely Be careful not to overtighten 7 Refill the engine with new motor oil as instructed in the Engine Owner s Manual packed with your unit IMPORTANT Refer to the Engine Owner s Manual packed with your unit fo...

Page 22: ...ed starting If the tractor does not come to a complete stop when the brake pedal is completely depressed or if the tractor s rear wheels can roll with the parking brake applied the brake is in need of adjustment See an authorized Troy bilt Service Dealer to have your brakes properly adjusted Rear Wheels The rear wheels should be removed from the axles once a season Lubricate the axles and the rims...

Page 23: ...k during warm weather deteriorates and will cause serious starting problems To prevent gum deposits from forming inside the engine s carburetor and causing possible malfunction of the engine the fuel system must be either completely emptied or the gasoline must be treated with a stabilizer to prevent deterioration 1 If using a fuel stabilizer Read the product manufacturer s instructions and recomm...

Page 24: ...it 3 Store mower in a dry clean area Do not store next to corrosive materials such as fertilizer Maintenance Schedule Before Each use Every 10 Hours Every 25 Hours Every 50 Hours Every 100 Hours Prior to Storing Check Engine Oil Level P P Check Air Filter for Dirty Loose or Damaged Parts P Clean and Re oil Air Filter s Foam Pre cleaner ifEquipped P Replace Air Filter Element P Change Engine Oil an...

Page 25: ...ve the spring from the deck idler bracket See Figure 7 4 Figure 7 4 9 Gently slide the cutting deck from the left side out from underneath the tractor Cutting Deck Removal 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 fende...

Page 26: ...en belt cover 8 Feed the deck belt through the belt keeper rod and work it around and onto the PTO drive pulley as shown in Figure 7 2 Belt Keeper Hex bolt Figure 7 6 Battery CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING Battery posts terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm Wash hands after handling CAUT...

Page 27: ...em does not function or your tractor s engine will not crank first check to be certain that the fuse has not blown It can be found at the rear of the unit underneath the fender located by the battery WARNING Always use a fuse with the same amperage capacity for replacement Cutting Blade WARNING Shut the engine off and remove ignition key before removing the cutting blade s for sharpening or replac...

Page 28: ... injury Figure 7 8 5 Test the blade s balance using a blade balancer Grind metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly NOTE When replacing the blade be sure to install the blade with the side of the blade marked Bottom or with a part number stamped in it facing the ground when the mower is in the operating position CAUTION Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade spindle hex flange nut to b...

Page 29: ... 5 x 6 634 0591 Rear Wheel Ass y Complete 16 x 6 5 x 8 734 04641 Tire Rear 16 x 6 5 x 8 746 04829A Throttle Control Cable 731 10267 Discharge Chute Assembly NOTE A complete parts manual is available refer to customer support on page 2 Be sure to have your model number and serial number ready These can be found on the model plate located under the seat Refer to page 2 for more information regarding...

Page 30: ...p if damaged 5 Drain fuel tank Refill with clean fresh gasoline 6 Replace air cleaner paper element or clean foam precleaner Engine overheats 1 Engine oil level low 2 Air flow restricted 1 Fill crankcase with proper amount and weight of oil 2 Clean grass clippings and debris from around the engine s cooling fins and blower housing Engine hesitates at high RPM 1 Spark plug gap too close 1 Remove sp...

Page 31: ...ur tractor for information regarding price and availability CAUTION The Mini Rider 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 Model Number Description 19A30014OEM Twin Bagger Kit 19A30013OEM Deck Mulch Kit Attachments Accessories 10 31 ...

Page 32: ...RAL EMISSIONS WARRANTY COVERAGE MTD Consumer Group Inc warrants to the ultimate purchaser and each subsequent purchaser that the outdoor equipment is 1 designed built and equipped so as to conform with all applicable regulations and 2 free from defects in materials and workmanship that cause the failure of a warranted part for a period of two years The warranty period begins on the date the outdoo...

Page 33: ...emonstrates that the outdoor equipment has been abused neglected or improperly maintained and that such abuse neglect or improper maintenance was the direct cause of the need for repair or replacement of the part That notwithstanding any adjustment of a component that has a factory installed and properly operating adjustment limiting device is still eligible for warranty coverage Further the cover...

Page 34: ...rranty does not provide coverage in the following cases a The engine or component parts thereof These items may carry a separate manufacturer s warranty Refer to applicable manufacturer s warranty for terms and conditions The Powermore engine is not excluded under this agreement b Log splitter pumps valves and cylinders have a separate one year warranty c Routine maintenance items such as lubrican...

Page 35: ...E RESPECTIVE MANUFACTURERS SERVICE DEALERS Belts light bulbs clutch parts friction wheels grass bags tires seats rider deck wheels and cutting blades are covered by a 60 day limited warranty Batteries are warranted against defect for 90 days at 100 of their value and 50 of their value for the period between the 91st day and the 120th day Fuses shear bolts and blade adapters are considered consumab...

Page 36: ...36 Notes ...

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