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4

Operating 

Your Lawn 

Tractor

WARNING

If you strike 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 restarting and 
operating.

NOTE: Refer to the TRACTOR SET-UP on page 8 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) knob (or 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 posi-
tion 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 operat-
ing the tractor. Doing so will result in a “rich” fuel mixture 
and cause the engine to run poorly. 

Stopping the Engine

WARNING: If you strike a foreign 
object, stop the engine, discon-

nect the spark plug wire(s) 
and ground against the engine. 
Thoroughly inspect the machine 
for any damage. Repair the 
damage before restarting and 
operating.

1.  If the blades are engaged, place the PTO (Blade 

Engage) knob (or lever) in the disengaged (OFF) 
position.

2.  Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the STOP 

position. 

3.  Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent 

unintended starting.

Driving The Tractor

WARNING: Avoid sudden starts, 
excessive speed and sudden 

stops.

WARNING: Do not leave the seat 

of the tractor without first placing 
the PTO (Blade Engage) knob (or 
lever) in the disengaged (OFF) 
position, depressing the brake 

pedal and engaging the parking 
brake. If leaving the tractor 
unattended, also turn the ignition 
key off and remove the key.

1.  Depress the brake pedal to release the parking brake 

and let the pedal up. 

2.  Move the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) position.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT use the drive pedal to change the 
direction of travel when the tractor is in motion. Always 
bring the tractor to a complete stop before pivoting the 
drive pedal from forward to reverse or vice versa.
3.  To travel FORWARD, slowly depress the upper por-

tion of the drive pedal forward until the desired speed 
is achieved. See Figure 4-6.

4.  To travel in REVERSE, check that the area behind 

is clear then slowly depress the lower portion of the 
drive pedal with the ball of your foot (NOT your heel) 
until the desired speed is achieved. See Figure 4-6.

Driving On Slopes

Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 3 to help determine 
slopes where you may operate the tractor safely.

WARNING: Do not mow on 

inclines with a slope in excess 
of 15 degrees (a rise of approxi-
mately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). 

The tractor could overturn and 
cause serious injury.

•  Mow up and down slopes, NEVER across.
•  Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on 

slopes.

•  Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden 

objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. 
Tall grass can hide obstacles.

•  Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must be 

made, turn down the slope. Turning up a slope greatly 
increases the chance of a roll over.

•  Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. If it is 

necessary to stop while driving up a slope, start up 
smoothly and carefully to reduce the possibility of 
flipping the tractor over backward.

Do not leave the seat 
of the tractor without 
first placing the 
PTO (Blade Engage) 
knob (or lever) in the 
disengaged (OFF) 
position, depressing 
the brake pedal and 
engaging the parking 
brake. If leaving the 
tractor unattended, 
also turn the ignition 
key off and remove 
the key.

Avoid sudden starts, 
excessive speed and 
sudden stops.

Figure 4-6

Reverse Forward

Brake Pedal

Drive Pedal

Summary of Contents for 616

Page 1: ...INTED IN U S A P O Box 1386 KITCHENER ONT N2G 4J1 IMPORTANT READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATING EQUIPMENT Safety Set Up Operation Adjustments Maintenance Troubleshooting Warranty OPERATOR S MANUAL 769 02796 1 9 07 ...

Page 2: ...sembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls operation or maintenance of this unit you can seek help from the experts Choose from the options below 1 Visit www mtdcanada ca for many useful suggestions click on Customer Support button 2 Call a Customer Support Representative at 1 800 668 1238 3 The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine related issues with regards t...

Page 3: ... and you could slip resulting in serious injury Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes never across the face of slopes Operate WALK BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes never up and down slopes Sight and hold this level with a vertical tree or a corner of a building or a fence post F o l d a l o n g d o t t e d l i n e r e p r e s e n t s a 1 5 s l o p e 15 Use this page as a guide to determi...

Page 4: ...iler with a portable container rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle d Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete Do not use a nozzle lock open device e Extinguish all cigarettes cigars pipes and other sources of ignition f Never fuel machine indoors g Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or runnin...

Page 5: ... shifting into reverse Back up slowly Always look down and behind before and while backing to avoid a back over accident 19 Slow down before turning Operate the machine smoothly Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed 20 Disengage blade s set parking brake stop engine and wait until the blade s come to a complete stop before removing grass catcher emptying grass unclogging chute removing any g...

Page 6: ... and gradually downhill if possible 2 Do not mow near drop offs ditches or embankments The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff ditch or if an edge caves in 3 Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground 4 Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes 5 Do not mow on wet grass Reduced traction could cause sliding 6 Do not shift to neutral and...

Page 7: ...r 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 a...

Page 8: ... the black plastic cover if present from the negative battery terminal and attach the negative cable heavy black wire to the negative battery terminal with the bolt and nut Make certain the retaining rod is in position over the battery securing it in place See Figure 3 1 NOTE If the battery is put into service after the date shown on the battery charge the battery as instructed in the Maintaining ...

Page 9: ... 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 dis carded before operating your riding mower WARNING The mowing deck is capable of throwing objects Fail ure to operate the riding mower without the discharge cover in the proper operating position could result in serious personal injury and or...

Page 10: ...nstructions below Standard Adjustment Seat 1 Position the shoulder screws found on the base of the seat inside the slot openings in the seat pivot bracket Figure 3 4 2 Slide the seat slightly rearward in the seat pivot bracket lining up the rear slots in the pivot bracket with the remaining two holes in the seat s base 3 Select desired position for the seat and secure with the two hex screws remov...

Page 11: ... to the cutting deck This will allow the clippings to discharge out of the discharge opening during operation See Figure 3 7 Tire Pressure WARNING Maximum tire pres sure under any circumstances is 30 psi Equal tire pressure should be maintained at all times The tires on your unit may be over inflated for shipping purposes Reduce the tire pressure before operating the tractor Recommended operating ...

Page 12: ...manual to the RIGHT or LEFT side of the tractor is observed from operator s position If so equipped NOTE Any reference in this manual to the RIGHT or LEFT side of the tractor is observed from operator s position NOTE This Opera tors 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 al...

Page 13: ...witch Module WARNING Never leave a running machine unattended Always disengage PTO move shift lever into neutral position set parking brake stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended start ing To start the engine insert the key into the ignition switch and turn clockwise to the START position Release the key into the NORMAL MOWING MODE position once the engine has fired To stop the engine tu...

Page 14: ...lock the seat in place Refer to the Adjusting Your Lawn Tractor section of this manual for more detailed instructions on all seat adjustments Systems Indicator Monitor If Equipped LCD Located in the center of the tractor s console the systems indicator monitor records and displays on its LCD hours of tractor operation whenever the ignition key is rotated out of the STOP position The Indicator Moni...

Page 15: ...g or starting unless the parking brake is engaged and the PTO Blade Engage knob or lever is in the disengaged OFF position The engine will automatically shut off if the operator leaves the seat before engaging the parking brake Models with Manual PTO Blade Engage The engine will automatically shut off if the operator leaves the tractor s seat with the PTO Blade Engage lever in the engaged ON posit...

Page 16: ...VERSE 0USH UTTON 2EVERSE AUTION ODE 0OSITION NDICATOR IGHT Figure 4 5 WARNING AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES NOT ACROSS AVOID SUDDEN TURNS DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SLIP OR TIP IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL STOP BLADE S AND BACK DOWNHILL SLOWLY DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND NEVER CARRY CHILDREN EVEN WITH BLADES OFF LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND W...

Page 17: ...e parking brake If leaving the tractor unattended also turn the ignition key off and remove the key 1 Depress the brake pedal to release the parking brake and let the pedal up 2 Move the throttle lever into the FAST rabbit position IMPORTANT Do NOT use the drive pedal to change the direction of travel when the tractor is in motion Always bring the tractor to a complete stop before pivoting the dri...

Page 18: ...ically shut off if the PTO is engaged with the shift lever in position for reverse travel with the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING position Refer to Safety Interlock Switches earlier in this section Using the Deck Lift Lever To raise the cutting deck move the deck lift lever to the left then place it in the notch best suited for your applica tion Refer to Setting The Cutting Height earlier in th...

Page 19: ...o mow lawns NOT clear brush Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades when worn Refer to Cutting Blades in the Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor section of this manual for proper blade sharpening instructions Mulching If Equipped Select models come equipped with a mulch kit which incorporates special blades already standard on the tractor in a process of recirculating grass clippings repeatedly ben...

Page 20: ...x nuts See Fig 5 1 4 Tighten the inner hex nuts front against the front hanger bracket to raise the front of the deck loosen the hex nuts to lower the front of the deck NOTE Models with a 42 inch deck have only ONE jam nut washer and lock nut 5 Retighten the two lock nuts against the inner hex nuts when proper adjustment is achieved Side to Side If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly a ...

Page 21: ... bottom of the seat Slide the seat forward or backward as desired Retighten the two screws Refer to the Set Up section 5 WARNING Adjusting Your Lawn Tractor Before operating this machine make sure the seat is engaged in the seat stop stand behind the machine and pull back on seat until fully engaged into stop Figure 5 3 NOTE Threading the ball joints too far onto the drag links will cause the fron...

Page 22: ...ed with your unit Perform the above steps in the opposite order after oil has finished draining 6 Refill the engine with new motor oil as instructed in the Engine Operator Owner Manual packed with your unit IMPORTANT Refer to the Engine Operator Owner Manual packed with your unit for information regarding the quantity and proper weight of motor oil Air Cleaner Service the pre cleaner if so equippe...

Page 23: ...ith the cutting deck engaged for a minimum of two minutes allowing the underside of the cutting deck to thoroughly rinse 10 Move the tractor s PTO Blade Engage into the OFF position 11 Turn the ignition key to the STOP position to turn the tractor s engine off and engage the parking brake 12 Turn the water off and detach the hose coupler from the water port on your decks surface 13 Repeat steps 4 ...

Page 24: ...the NEGATIVE Black wire from it s terminal first followed by the POSITIVE Red wire When reinstalling the battery always connect the POSITIVE Red wire to its terminal first followed by the NEGATIVE Black wire Be certain that the wires are connected to the correct terminals reversing them could change the polarity and result in damage to your engine s alternating system Charging If the tractor has n...

Page 25: ...that secures the blade to the spindle assembly See Figure 6 5 4 To properly sharpen the cutting blades remove equal amounts of metal from both ends of the blades along the cutting edges parallel to the trailing edge at a 25 to 30 angle IMPORTANT If the cutting edge of the blade has already been sharpened to within 1 5 8 from the edge or if any metal separation is present replace the blades with ne...

Page 26: ...on key discon nect the spark plug wire s and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting before remov ing the belt s Avoid the possibility of a pinching injury Do not place your fingers on the idler spring or between the belt and a pulley while removing the belt Figure 6 7 5 Remove the deck belt from around all pulleys including the deck idler pulleys and the electric PTO clutch units...

Page 27: ...gure 6 9 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 speci fications designs and equipment without notice and without incurring obligation ...

Page 28: ...uel container indoors where there is an open flame spark or pilot light such as on water heater furnace clothes dryer or other gas appliance Attachments Accessories The following attachments and accessories are compatible with 600 series Lawn Tractors See the retailer from which you purchased your tractor an authorized Service Dealer for information regarding price and availability NOTE This tract...

Page 29: ... follow all instructions in this manual before at tempting to operate this machine Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury When you see this symbol HEED ITS 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 R R S30296 MAX 20 S30 44 ...

Page 30: ... cartridge element or clean pre cleaner if so equipped 1 Unit running with CHOKE applied 2 Spark plug wire s loose 3 Blocked fuel line or stale fuel 4 Vent in gas cap plugged 5 Water or dirt in fuel system 6 Dirty air cleaner Engine overheats 1 Fill crankcase with proper oil 2 Clean grass clippings and debris from around the engine s cooling fins and blower housing 1 Engine oil level low 2 Air flo...

Page 31: ...ines the battery will not hold a charge MTD PRODUCTS LIMITED will replace the battery at no charge to the original purchaser Additional Limited Thirty Day Warranty on Battery if equipped After ninety 90 days but within one hundred twenty 120 days from the date of purchase MTD PRODUCTS LIMITED will replace the defective battery for the original purchaser for a cost of one half of the current retail...

Page 32: ...e Kohler Twin Cylinder 746 1086 Discharge Chute Assembly 931 1032B NOTE Download a complete Parts Manual free of charge at www mtdcanada ca or phone 800 668 1238 to purchase a Parts Manual Be sure to have your model number and serial number ready These can be found on the model plate located under the seat Refer to page 2 for more information regarding locating your model and serial numbers Replac...

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