MTD series 780, Operator'S Manual

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Operation
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15
Safety Interlock Switches
This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system for the
protection of the operator. If the interlock system should ever
malfunction, do not operate the tractor. Contact an authorized
Troybilt service dealer.
• The safety interlock system prevents the engine from
cranking or starting unless the parking brake is engaged,
and the PTO (Blade Engage) lever is in the disengaged (OFF)
position.
• The engine will automatically shut off if the operator leaves
the seat before engaging the parking brake.
• The engine will automatically shut off if the operator leaves
the tractor’s seat with the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the
engaged (ON) position, regardless of whether the parking
brake is engaged.
• The engine will automatically shut off if the PTO (Blade
Engage) lever is moved into the engaged (ON) position with
the shift lever in Reverse.
WARNING!
Do not operate the tractor if the
interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was
designed for your safety and protection.
Engaging the Parking Brake
To engage the parking brake:
1. Fully depress the brake pedal and hold it down with your
foot.
2. Move the parking brake lever down into the parking brake
position.
3. Release the brake pedal to allow the parking brake to
engage.
To release the parking brake:
1. Depress the clutch-brake pedal and move the speed
control lever out of the parking brake position and into a
desired speed.
Setting the Cutting Height
1. Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing
the deck lift lever in any of the different cutting height
notches on the right side of the fender.
WARNING!
Keep hands and feet away from the
discharge opening of the cutting deck.
Refer to Leveling the Deck in the Maintenance & Adjustments
section 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 Assembly & Set-Up section 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 disengaged (OFF)
position.
3. Engage the tractor’s parking brake.
4. Activate the choke control.
5. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position. 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 operating the
tractor. Doing so will result in a “rich” fuel mixture and cause the
engine to run poorly.