MTD 769-11837A, Operator'S Manual

Page: 15 / 40

Product Care
4
15
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 & Re-oil Air Filter’s Foam Pre-cleaner (if Equipped)
P
Replace Air Filter Element
P
Change Engine Oil & Replace Oil Filter (if Equipped)
P
Clean Battery Terminals
P P
Lube Front Axles & Rims
P P
Clean Engine Cooling Fins
P P
Check Spark Plug Condition & Gap
P P
Replace Fuel Filter
P
Important: It is important to consult the specific Engine Operator’s Manual included with this machine for detailed engine maintenance procedures and intervals.
Note: This Operator’s Manual covers several models.
Riding mower features may vary by model. Not all
features in this manual are applicable to all riding
mower models and the riding mower depicted may
differ from yours.
Troubleshooting
Excessive Vibration
1. Cutting blade loose.
• Tighten cutting blade and deck
spindle.
2. Cutting blade damaged, unbalanced or bent.
• Replace the cutting blade.
Uneven Cut
1. Deck not properly leveled.
• Perform side-to-side deck
adjustment.
2. Cutting blade dull or damaged.
• Sharpen or replace cutting blade.
3. Uneven tire pressure.
• Check and correct tire pressure in all
four tires.
Engine fails to start
1. PTO/Blade engaged.
• Place blade engage lever in
disengaged (OFF) position.
2. Blown fuse.
• Replace fuse(s)
3. Parking brake not engaged.
• Engage parking brake.
4. Deck chute or mulch plug not properly
installed.
• Check the installation of the deck
chute or mulch plug.
5. See Engine Operator's Manual.
Mower will not mulch grass.
1. Engine speed too low.
• Place throttle in FAST (rabbit)
position.
2. Wet grass.
• Do not mulch when grass is wet.
3. Excessively high grass.
• Mow once at a high cutting height,
then mow again at desired height or
make a narrower cutting swath.
4. Dull blade.
• Sharpen or replace blade.
Maintenance
WARNING
Before performing any maintenance or repairs, disengage
PTO, move shift lever (if equipped) into neutral position,
set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent
unintended starting.
Engine
Note: On some models, it may be necessary to
remove bagger (if equipped) components to
access the oil fill and/or drain.
Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual for engine
maintenance instructions.
Check engine oil level before each use as instructed
in the Engine Operator’s Manual packed with your
riding mower. Follow the instructions carefully.
Changing Engine Oil
Note: An oil siphon is needed to drain the oil from
the crankcase on the 24" Deck model. See the
Parts/Warranty supplement for information on
purchasing an oil siphon kit (part no. 490-850-
0008). Refer to the Engine Operator's Manual
included with this riding mower for complete
engine maintenance instructions.
For draining oil from the engine’s crankcase, proceed
as follows:
1.
Run the engine for a few minutes to allow
the oil in the crankcase to warm up. Warm
oil will flow more freely and carry away
more of the engine sediment which may
have settled at the bottom of the crankcase.
Use care to avoid burns from hot oil.
2. Locate the oil drain valve on the side of the
engine and the oil fill cap on the topside of
the engine.
3. Unscrew the oil fill cap and remove the
dipstick from the oil fill tube.
4. Snap the small end of oil drain sleeve (a)
onto the space provided around the oil
drain plug (b). See Figure 4-1.
(a)
(b)
Figure 4-1