MTD 504 - Page 15

PUTTING THE RIDING MOWER IN MOTION
NOTE
Parking brake must be disengaged
before unit is put into motion.
1. A dvance the throttle control from 3/4 to full throt¬
tle to prevent strain on the engine and to operate
the cutting blades.
2 .
Place the shift lever in either the FORWARD or
REVERSE position.
CAUTION
Look to the rear before backing up.
3. Slowly release the clutch-brake pedal.
4. To stop, depress the clutch-brake pedal.
NOTE
When operating the unit initially, there
will be little difference between the
highest two speeds until after the belts
have seated themselves into the pulleys
during the break-in period.
5. The blades can be engaged either while moving
or while standing still. Move the blade engagement
lever forward slowly until the blades are turning.
A t WARNING t
» ♦♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦♦♦
When the blades are engaged, keep
feet and hands away from the discharge
opening, the blades or any part of the
deck.
STOPPING
Engine— Turn the ignition key to the left to the OFF
position.
Rider— Depress the clutch-brake pedal.
Blades— Pull the blade engagement lever all the way
back.
A CAUTION
If the unit is not to be used for a
long period, place the shift lever
in NEUTRAL, stop the engine, set
the parking brake and remove the
key. DO NOT leave the machine on
an incline.
NOTE
Change the engine oil after the first
5 hours of operation.
Be sure that the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire,
or other objects which could damage lawn mower or
engine. For best results and to insure more even grass
distribution, do not mow when lawn is excessively wet.
When stopping the unit to empty a grass bag, etc.,
move the throttle to idle position to avoid “browning”
the grass (caused by air from the engine hitting the
same spot for a period of time). This “browning” is a
temporary condition, which may not appear for 1 to 2
days after mowing.
IMPORTANT
If you strike a foreign object, stop
the engine. Remove wire from spark
plug, thoroughly inspect the mower
for any damage, and repair the dam¬
age before restarting and operating
the mower.
NOTE
If any problems are encountered, refer
to the Trouble Shooting Charts on pages
22 thru 24.
If unit stalls with speed control in high speed, or if unit
will not operate with speed control lever in a low speed
position, proceed as follows.
1. Place shift lever in Neutral.
2. Restart engine.
3. Place speed control lever in high speed position.
4. Release clutch-brake pedal fully.
5. Depress clutch-brake pedal.
6. Place speed control lever in desired position.
7. Place shift lever in either Forward or Reverse, and
follow normal operating procedures.
The following GRASS CATCHERS are available as op¬
tional equipment for the riding mowers shown in this
manual.
Model 015 for 26" Side Discharge Deck
Model 055 for 30" Side Discharge Deck
Model 038 for 30" Rear Discharge Deck
A
The mower should not be operated
without the entire grass catcher or
chute deflector in place.
NOTE
Under normal usage bag material is
subject to wear, and should be
checked periodically. Be sure any
replacement bag complies with the
mower manufacturer’s recommen¬
dations.
For replacement bags, use only fac¬
tory authorized replacement.
15