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4

6

Maintaining 

Your Lawn 

Tractor

NOTE: On models with a 46-inch deck, it may be 
necessary to remove the belt keepers from around the 
engine pulley, on order to remove the PTO belt.
5.  Looking at the cutting deck from the left side of the 

tractor, locate the deck support pin on the rear left 
side of the deck. See Figure 6-4.

6.  Pull the deck support pin outward to release the deck 

from the deck lift arm.

7.  Rotate the pin slightly toward the rear of the tractor 

and release the pin into the hole provided.

8.  Repeat the above steps on the tractor’s right side.
9.  Move the deck lift lever into the top notch on the right 

fender to raise deck lift arms up and out of the way.

NOTE: Models with a 46-inch deck are equipped with a 
short cable which controls the deck spindle brake. It is 
necessary to unhook this cable in order to fully remove 
the cutting deck from the tractor. Be certain to reattach 
the cable when re-mounting the cutting deck.
10. Gently slide the cutting deck toward the front of the 

tractor allowing the hooks on the deck to release 
themselves from the deck stabilizer rod.

11. Gently slide the cutting deck (from the right side) out 

from underneath the tractor.

Tires

WARNING: Never exceed the 

maximum inflation pressure 
shown on the sidewall of tire.

The recommended operating tire pressure is:
•  Approximately 10 psi for the rear tires 
•  Approximately 14 psi for the front tires

IMPORTANT: Refer to the tire sidewall for exact tire 
manufacturer’s recommended or maximum psi. Do not 
overinflate. Uneven tire pressure could cause the cutting 
deck to mow unevenly.

Battery

The battery is sealed and is maintenance-free. Acid 
levels cannot be checked.
•  Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean 

and free of corrosive build-up.

•  After cleaning the battery and terminals, apply a light 

coat of petroleum jelly or grease to both terminals.

•  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, 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 not been put into use for an extended 
period of time, charge the battery with an automotive-type 
12-volt charger for a minimum of 

one hour at six amps.

WARNING: Batteries give off an 

explosive gas while charging. 
Charge battery in a well ventilated 
area and keep away from an open 
flame or pilot light as on a water 
heater, space heater, furnace, 
clothes dryer or other gas appli-

ances.

Jump Starting

WARNING: When removing or 

installing the battery, follow 
these instructions to prevent the 
screwdriver from shorting against 
the frame.

IMPORTANT: Never jump your tractor’s dead battery with 
the battery of a running vehicle.
1.  Connect end of one jumper cable to the positive 

terminal of the good battery, then the other end to the 
positive terminal of the dead battery.

2.  Connect the other jumper cable to the negative 

terminal of the good battery, then to the 

frame of the 

unit with the dead battery.

WARNING: Failure to use this 
procedure could cause sparking, 
and the gas in either battery could 
explode.

Cleaning

Clean the battery by removing it from the tractor and 
washing with a baking soda and water solution. If neces-
sary, scrape the battery terminals with a wire brush to 
remove deposits. Coat terminals and exposed wiring with 
grease or petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion.

Battery Failures

Some common causes for battery failure are: 
• incorrect initial activation  • undercharging
• overcharging 

 

• corroded connections

• freezing
These failures are NOT covered by your tractor’s 
warranty.

WARNING

Never exceed the 
maximum inflation 
pressure shown on 
the sidewall of the tire.

Batteries give off an 
explosive gas while 
charging. Charge 
battery in a well ven-
tilated area and keep 
away from an open 
flame or pilot light 
as on a water heater, 
space heater, furnace, 
clothes dryer or other 
gas appliances.

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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