MTD 700 Series User Manual

I
1. Service the engine with oil and gasoline as de¬
scribed in the engine manual.
2. Depress the clutch-brake pedal and set the park¬
ing brake.
3. Place the blade engagement lever in the
DISENGAGED position. See figure 10.
NOTE
This unit is equipped with a safety
interlock system for your protec¬
tion. The purpose of the safety inter¬
lock system is to prevent the engine
from cranking or starting unless the
clutch-brake pedal is depressed
and the blade engagement lever is
in the disengaged position. In addi¬
tion, the blade engagement lever
must be in the disengaged position
when the unit is put into reverse
or the engine will shut off.
WARNING \
Do not operate the lawn tractor if
the interlock system is malfunction¬
ing because it is a safety device,
designed for protection.
4. Set the throttle control in the FAST position. See
figure 9.
5. Pull choke knob to choke engine.
NOTE
A warm engine may not require
choking.
6. Turn the ignition key to the START position When
the engine is running, let the key return to 1he ON
position. See figure 9.
7. Push choke knob in gradually. Move the ihrottle
control to desired engine speed.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to the left to the OFF pcsition.
Remove the key to prevent accidental starting.
NOTE
A brief break-in period is essential
to ensure maximum engine and
mower life. The break-in consists of
running the engine at haif speed for
a period of time required to use one
tank of gasoiine. It is also recom¬
mended to change crankcase 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 tractor or
engine. For best resuits and to insure more even grass
distribution, do not mow when lawn is excessively wet.
IMPORTANT
If you strike a foreign object, stop
the engine. Remove wire from spark
plug, thoroughly inspect the unit
for any damage, and repair the dam¬
age before restarting and operating
the mower.
OPERATING THE LAWN TRACTOR
1. Set the desired cutting height.
2. Start the engine as instructed in previous column.
3. Move throttle control to % or full throttle to prevent
strain on the engine and to operate the cutting
blades.
4. Place the shift lever in either the FORWARD or
REVERSE position.
A CAUTION
Look to the rear before backing up.
5. Release the parking brake by depressing the
clutch-brake pedal, pressing outward on the speed
control lever and moving to desired position.
Use first speed position when
operating the lawn tractor for the
first time.
6. Release clutch-brake pedal slowly to put unit into
motion.
7. The lawn tractor is brought to a stop by depress¬
ing the ciutch-brake pedal.
A CAUTION
If the unit is not to be used for a
long period, place the gear shift
lever in NEUTRAL, stop the engine,
set the parking brake and remove
the key. DO NOT leave the machine
on an incline.
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.
10

MTD 700 Series Specifications

General

Turning Radius	18 inches
Engine Type	Single-cylinder
Drive Type	Rear-wheel drive
Tire Size (Front)	15x6.00-6
Tire Size (Rear)	20x10.00-8