MTD Series 790 Operator'S Manual Download Page 6

6

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 2 — i

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 S

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 o

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 p

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3. 

Periodically check to make sure the blades come to 

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 MTD 

Service Dealer.

4. 

Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected to wear 

during normal operation. Adjust and service as required.

5. 

Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at frequent 

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!” 

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.
When required, models are equipped with low permeation fuel 

lines and fuel tanks for evaporative emission control. California 

models may also include a carbon canister. Please contact 

Customer Support for information regarding the evaporative 

emission control configuration for your model.

Spark Arrestor

WARNING! 

This machine is equipped with an 

internal combustion engine and should not be used 

on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush 

covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s 

exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrestor 

meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).
If a spark arrestor is used, it should be maintained in 

effective working order by the operator. In the State of California 

the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public 

Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws 

apply on federal lands. 

A spark arrestor for the muffler is available through your 

nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service 

department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

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 Series 790

Page 1: ...oting Warranty WARNING READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJUR...

Page 2: ...plicable to all models MTD reserves the right to change product specifications designs and equipment without notice and without incurring obligation If applicable the power testing information used to...

Page 3: ...ects which ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes 9 Wear sturdy rough soled work shoes and close fitting slacks and shirts Loose fitting clothes and jewelry can be caught in movable parts Never...

Page 4: ...mselves and others from serious injury 29 If situations occur which are not covered in this manual use care and good judgment Contact your customer service representative for assistance Slope Operatio...

Page 5: ...not shift to neutral and coast downhill Service Safe Handling of Gasoline 1 To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in handling gasoline Gasoline is extremely flammable and the v...

Page 6: ...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...

Page 7: ...ren and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation DANGER THROWN OBJECTS This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury Remove objects whic...

Page 8: ...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...

Page 9: ...e battery terminal is marked Neg 1 Removetheplasticcover ifpresent fromthepositivebattery terminal and attach the red cable to the positive battery terminal with the bolt and hex nut See Figure 3 1 Fi...

Page 10: ...e seat for your tractor was not attached at the factory refer to the following steps NOTE For shipping reasons seats are either fastened to the tractor seat s pivot bracket with a plastic tie or mount...

Page 11: ...cordance with Figure 3 6 Figure 3 6 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 Refer to the the sep...

Page 12: ...Module 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 includ...

Page 13: ...y into the ON position once engine has fired See Figure 4 2B The engine will run with the headlights off in this position To activate the headlights turn the key one more position to the left The engi...

Page 14: ...wn and into the parking brake position and then release the brake pedal to allow the parking brake to engage To release the parking brake depress the brake pedal and the parking brake lever will autom...

Page 15: ...ediately if someone enters the area The REVERSE CAUTION MODE position of the key switch module allows the tractor to be operated in reverse with the blades PTO engaged IMPORTANT Mowing in reverse is n...

Page 16: ...r 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 or Normal Mowing position IMPORT...

Page 17: ...position 2 Grasp the PTO blade engage lever and pivot it all the way forward into the engaged ON position 3 Keep the throttle lever in the FAST rabbit position for the most efficient use of the cuttin...

Page 18: ...by raising the discharge chute A unhooking the chute strap from the pin on the cutting deck B and removing the mulch plug from under the discharge chute hinge C This will allow the clippings to disch...

Page 19: ...rain port See inset in Figure 6 2 OPENED CLOSED Figure 6 2 4 Remove the oil fill cap dipstick from the oil fill tube Maintenance WARNING Before performing any maintenance or repairs disengage PTO move...

Page 20: ...inals Always keep 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...

Page 21: ...ngs from the deck s underside and prevent the buildup of corrosive chemicals Complete the following steps AFTER EACH MOWING 1 Drive the tractor to a level clear spot on your lawn near enough for your...

Page 22: ...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 MTD Service Dealer to have your brakes properly adj...

Page 23: ...t Points 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...

Page 24: ...ck 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 f...

Page 25: ...from the battery Attach to a unpainted part to assure a good connection CAUTION If the jumper battery is installed on a vehicle i e car truck do NOT start the vehicle s engine when jump starting your...

Page 26: ...Figure 7 6 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 bl...

Page 27: ...he right side of the belt and place the narrow V side of the belt into the PTO pulley 11 While holding the belt and pulley together rotate the pulley to the left Continue holding and rotating the pull...

Page 28: ...ed 5 Drain fuel tank Refill with clean fresh gasoline 6 Replace air cleaner paper element or clean foam precleaner is so equipped Engine overheats 1 Engine oil level low 2 Air flow restricted 1 Fill c...

Page 29: ...the seat Refer to page 2 for more information regarding locating your model and serial numbers DESCRIPTION PART NO Drive Belt Mowing Deck 42 Deck 954 04060C Drive Belt Mowing Deck 46 Deck 954 04245 D...

Page 30: ...inch Deck Mulch Kit OEM 190 607 Deluxe Tractor Sunshade OEM 190 679 Bumper 490 900 0025 Deck Wash Kit OEM 190 032 42 inch Two stage Snow Thrower OEM 19A 218 Rear Wheel Weight Kit OEM 190 658 Tire Chai...

Page 31: ...period of two years The warranty period begins on the date the outdoor equipment is delivered to an ultimate purchaser or first placed into service Subject to certain conditions and exclusions as sta...

Page 32: ...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 elig...

Page 33: ...Notes 11 33...

Page 34: ...34 Section 11 Notes...

Page 35: ...35 Section 11 Notes...

Page 36: ...ese items may carry a separate manufacturer s warranty Refer to applicable manufacturer s warranty for terms and conditions b Log splitter pumps valves and cylinders have a separate one year warranty...

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