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6

s

ection

 2 — i

mportant

 s

afe

 o

peration

 p

ractices

Periodically check to make sure the blades come to 

3. 

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 Service 

Dealer.
Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected to wear 

4. 

during normal operation. Adjust and service as required.
Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at frequent 

5. 

intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade(s) 

for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked).   Replace 

the blade(s) with the original equipment manufacturer’s 

(O.E.M.) blade(s) only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts 

which do not meet the original equipment specifications 

may lead to improper performance and compromise 

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

6. 

and use extra caution when servicing them.
Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the 

7. 

equipment is in safe working condition. 
Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other 

8. 

safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect 

9. 

the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine. 

Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair 

the damage before starting and operating.
Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the 

10. 

machine while the engine is running.
Grass catcher components and the discharge cover are 

11. 

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!”
Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed 

12. 

the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe 

operating speed of the engine. 
Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as 

13. 

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

14. 

etc. to protect the environment.
According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission 

15. 

(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 79G Series

Page 1: ... SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY Model Series 79G Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor LES DISTRIBUTIONS RVI LIMITÉE 2955 JEAN BAPTISTE DESCHAMPS LACHINE QUEBEC H8T 1C5 MTD LLC P O BOX 361131 CLEVELAND OHIO 44136 0019 769 05794 1 8 10 ...

Page 2: ...t 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 reserves the ...

Page 3: ... instructions may result in personal injury When you see this symbol HEED ITS WARNING DANGER This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in this manual As with any type of power equipment carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects Failure to observe the ...

Page 4: ...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 15 degrees as shown on the slope gauge do not operate this machine on that area or serious injury could result Do Mow up and down slopes not across Exercise extreme 1 caution when changing direction on ...

Page 5: ...e is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite Wash your skin and change clothes immediately Use only an approved gasoline container a Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck b or trailer bed with a plastic liner Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle be...

Page 6: ...Do not change the engine governor settings or over speed 12 the engine The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels as 13 necessary Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas oil 14 etc to protect the environment According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission 15 CPSC and the U S Environmental Protection Agenc...

Page 7: ...he cutting deck Contact with the blade s can amputate hands and feet 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 injury BYSTANDERS Keep bystanders helpers children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation...

Page 8: ...t s a 1 5 s l o p e 15 Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely WARNING Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees a rise of approximately 2 1 2 feet every 10 feet A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury Operate riding mowers up and down slopes never across the face of slopes ...

Page 9: ...o the negative battery terminal with the bolt and hex nut See Fig 1 1 Position the red rubber boot over the positive battery 3 terminal to help protect it from 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 Shipping Brace Removal WARNING M...

Page 10: ...r knob screw if applicable at this 7 time To adjust the position of the seat loosen the hex screw or 8 knob screw if applicable on the bottom of the seat Slide the seat forward or backward as desired Retighten the hex screw or knob screw if applicable See Fig 3 5 Knob Screw Adjust Hex Screw Adjust Attaching The Steering Wheel If the steering wheel for your tractor did not come attached the hardwar...

Page 11: ...ked with your tractor Read the instructions carefully IMPORTANT Your tractor is shipped with motor oil in the engine However you MUST check the oil level before operating Be careful not to overfill Setting the Deck Gauge Wheels ifsoequipped Move the tractor on a firm and level surface preferably pavement and proceed as follows Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing 1 the deck li...

Page 12: ...ols and Features 4 12 Lawn Tractor controls and features are illustrated in Fig 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 13: ...or will have one of the following ignition switches Use Fig 4 3 to identify which switch your machine utilizes and follow these instructions for proper operation 3 Position Ignition Switch The ignition switch is activated to start the engine Insert key into the ignition switch and turn clockwise to the START position Release the key into the ON position once engine has fired See Fig 4 3A The engin...

Page 14: ...t the parking brake fully depress the brake pedal Move the parking brake lever into the ON position Release the brake pedal to allow the parking brake to engage To release the parking brake depress the brake pedal and move the parking brake lever out of the ON position and into the OFF position NOTE The parking brake must be set if the operator leaves the seat with the engine running or the engine...

Page 15: ...ged ON position with the speed control 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 Modelsequippedwithignitionswitchmodule 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 t...

Page 16: ...he ignition key clockwise to the START position After 5 the engine starts release the key It will return to the ON or Normal Mowing 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 After the engine starts deactivate the choke control and 6 place the throttle control in the FAST position NO...

Page 17: ... for the 3 most efficient use of the cutting deck or other separately available attachments IMPORTANT Models with Reverse Caution Mode The engine will automatically shut off if the PTO is engaged with the speed control lever in position for reverse travel with the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING position Models without Reverse Caution Mode The PTO blade engage lever must be in the disengaged OFF...

Page 18: ...ydrostatic bypass rod outward then down and to 2 the left to lock it in place NOTE The transmission will NOT engage when the hydrostatic bypass rod is pulled out Return the rod to its normal position prior to operating the tractor IMPORTANT Never attempt to move the tractor manually without first engaging the hydrostatic relief valve Doing so will result in serious damage to the tractor s transmis...

Page 19: ... drain valve then pull b outward to begin draining oil After the oil has finished draining push the end of the oil drain valve back in until the tabs click into place Re cap the end of the oil drain valve to keep debris from entering the drain port Maintenance WARNING Before performing any maintenance or repairs disengage PTO move shift lever into neutral position set parking brake stop engine and...

Page 20: ...eep the rubber boot positioned over the positive terminal to prevent shorting IMPORTANT If removing the battery for any reason disconnect the NEGATIVE Black wire from it s terminal first followed by the POSITIVE Red wire When re installing the battery always connect the POSITIVE Red wire its terminal first followed by the NEGATIVE Black wire Be certain that the wires are connected to the correct t...

Page 21: ...eturn to the operator s position and engage the PTO Keep the cutting deck running for a minimum of two minutes allowing the underside of the cutting deck to thoroughly dry Adjustments WARNING Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running except where specified in the operator s manual Leveling the Deck NOTE Check the tractor s tire pressure before performing any deck leveling a...

Page 22: ...ly behind the hex cap screw just loosened clockwise up or counterclockwise down The deck is properly balanced when both blade tip measurements taken earlier are equal Retighten the hex cap screw on the left deck hanger 5 bracket when proper adjustment is achieved Seat Adjustment Refer to the Set Up and Assembly section of this manual for seat adjustment instructions Parking Brake Adjustment WARNIN...

Page 23: ...ts P P Check Spark Plug Condition Gap P P Replace Fuel Filter P 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 The manufacturer reserves the right to change product specifications designs and equipment without notice and without incurring obligation I...

Page 24: ...eck have two deck idler pulleys To remove the cutting deck proceed as follows Place the PTO 1 Blade Engage lever in the disengaged OFF position and engage the parking brake Lower the deck by moving the deck lift lever into the 2 bottom notch on the right fender Removing the self tapping screw A that secures the belt 3 keeper rod from around the tractor s engine pulley then remove the belt keeper r...

Page 25: ...nd reproductive harm Wash hands after handling caution If removing the battery disconnect the NEGATIVE Black wire from it s terminal first followed by the POSITIVE Red wire When re installing the battery always connect the POSITIVE Red wire its terminal first followed by the NEGATIVE Black wire On 42 46 Decks Looking at the cutting deck from the 7 left side of the tractor locate the deck support p...

Page 26: ...s Fuse One 20 AMP fuse is installed in your tractor s wiring harness to protect the tractor s electrical system from damage caused by excessive amperage If the electrical system 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...

Page 27: ...pulley Route the new belt as shown in and Fig 7 9 6 Remount the belt guards removed earlier 7 For 42 46 Decks To change or replace the deck belt on your tractor proceed as follows Remove the deck as instructed earlier in this section 1 Remove the belt covers by removing the hex washer 2 screws that fasten them to the deck See Fig 7 8 It may also be necessary to loosen the hex nut on the left 3 idl...

Page 28: ...28 Section 7 Service 28 Section 7 Service Figure 7 9 Deck Idler Pulley Engine Pulley Idler Bracket 38 Inch Deck Figure 7 10 42 46 Inch Deck ...

Page 29: ...d 4 Drain fuel tank Refill with clean fresh 5 gasoline Replace air cleaner paper element or clean 6 foam precleaner is so equipped Engine overheats Engine oil level low 1 Air flow restricted 2 Fill crankcase with proper amount and 1 weight of oil Clean grass clippings and debris from around 2 the engine s cooling fins and blower housing Engine hesitates at high RPM Spark plug gap too close 1 Remov...

Page 30: ...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 OEM 190 116 38 inch Deck Mulch Kit 19A30006OEM 42 inch Deck Mulch Kit 19A30005OEM 46 inch Deck Mulch Kit OEM 190 607 Deluxe Tractor Sunshade OEM 190 679 Bumper OEM 190 183 Deck Wheel Kit 38 OEM 190 180 Double Bagger Kit 38 19A3...

Page 31: ... serial numbers DESCRIPTION PART NO Drive Belt Mowing Deck 38 Deck 754 04062 Drive Belt Mowing Deck 42 Deck 754 04060B Drive Belt Mowing Deck 46 Deck 754 04219 Deck Blade 38 Deck 742 0610A Deck Blade 42 Deck 742 04308 Deck Blade 46 Deck 742 04290 Deck Spindle 38 Deck 618 04474A Deck Spindle 42 Deck 618 04822A Deck Spindle 46 Deck 618 04865A Battery 725 1707D Tire Front 13 x 5 x 6 Round Shoulder 73...

Page 32: ...p Inc s application for certification The warranty period begins on the date the lawn mower is delivered to an ultimate purchaser or first placed into service The warranty period is two years Subject to certain conditions and exclusions as stated below the warranty on emission related parts is as follows 1 Any warranted part that is not scheduled for replacement as required maintenance in the writ...

Page 33: ...ring System Cold start enrichment system soft choke Carburetor and internal parts Fuel pump Fuel tank 2 Air Induction System Air cleaner Intake manifold 3 Ignition System Spark plug s Magneto ignition system 4 Exhaust System Catalytic converter SAI Reed valve 5 Miscellaneous Items Used in Above System Vacuum temperature position time sensitive valves and switches Connectors and assemblies 6 Evapor...

Page 34: ...stments clutch adjustments deck adjustments and normal deterioration of the exterior finish due to use or exposure d Service completed by someone other than an authorized service dealer e MTD does not extend any warranty for products sold or exported outside of Canada including possessions and territories f Replacement parts that are not genuine MTD parts g Transportation charges and service calls...

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: ...Notes 36 ...

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