8
3
Setting Up
Your Lawn
Tractor
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.
MTD LLC reserves the
right to change product
specifications, designs
and equipment without
notice and without incur-
ring obligation.
WARNING
Use extreme care
when handling
gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive. Never fuel
machine indoors
or while the engine
is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes, and
other sources of
ignition.
Connecting the Battery Cables
CAUTION: When attaching battery
cables, always connect the POSITIVE
(Red) wire to its terminal first, followed
by the NEGATIVE (Black) wire.
For shipping reasons, both battery cables on your
equipment may have been left disconnected from the
terminals at the factory. To connect the battery cables,
proceed as follows:
NOTE: The positive battery terminal is marked Pos. (+).
The negative battery terminal is marked Neg. (–).
1. Remove the plastic cover, if present, from the
positive battery terminal and attach the red cable to
the positive battery terminal (+) with the bolt and hex
nut. See Figure 3-1.
2. Remove the plastic cover, if present, from the
negative battery terminal and attach the black cable
to the negative battery terminal (–) with the bolt and
hex nut. See Figure 3-1.
3. Position the red rubber boot over the positive battery
terminal to help protect it from corrosion.
NOTE: If the battery is put into service after the date
shown on the battery, charge the battery as instructed
in the Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor section of this
manual prior to operating the tractor.
Gas and Oil Fill-up
The gasoline tank is located under the hood and has a
capacity of either two or three gallons. Do not overfill.
WARNING: Use extreme care when
handling gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable and the vapors
are explosive. Never fuel machine
indoors or while the engine is hot or
running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars,
pipes, and other sources of ignition.
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed
in the separate Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed
with your tractor. Read 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.
Shipping Brace Removal
WARNING: Make sure the riding
mower’s engine is off, remove the
ignition key, and set the parking brake
before removing the shipping brace.
• Locate the shipping brace, if present, and accom
-
panying warning tag found on the right side of the
mower, between the discharge chute and the cutting
deck. See Figure 3-2.
Figure 3-2
Figure 3-1
• While holding the discharge chute with your left hand,
remove the shipping brace with your right hand by
grasping it between your thumb and index finger and
rotating it clockwise.
WARNING: The shipping brace, used
for packaging purposes only, must be
removed and discarded before operat-
ing your riding mower.
WARNING: The mowing deck is capable
of throwing objects. Failure to operate
the riding mower without the discharge
cover in the proper operating position
could result in serious personal injury
and/or property damage.