MTD 820 Series - Operation

LIFT LEVER
The five position lift lever is used to change the oper-
\ ating position of the attachments. To operate, pull the
lever towards you. To release, move the lever to the
right and then forward. See figure 11.
POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO) LEVER
The PTO lever is located on the right side of the dash¬
board. The PTO lever is used to engage and disen¬
gage the power to the attachments. To engage the
PTO, lift the lever slowly and lock it into the notch.
See figure 11.
NOTE: The PTO lever must be in the disengaged
position (down) when starting the engine when shift¬
ing into reverse and if the operator leaves the seat.
OPERATION
A 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.
• LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE BACKING.
• KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND SWITCHES) IN
PLACE AND WORKING.
• REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE THROWN BY THE BLADE(S).
• KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL CONTROLS.
• BE SURE BLADE(S) AND ENGINE ARE STOPPED BEFORE PLACING
HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADE(S).
• BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR’S POSITION, DISENGAGE BLADE(S),
PLACE THE SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTRAL, ENGAGE BRAKE LOCK, SHUT
ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KEY.
READ OPERATOR’S MANUAL
GAS AND OIL FILL-UP
Check oil level and add if necessary. Service the
engine with gasoline as instructed in the separate
engine manual packed with your tractor. Read
instructions carefully.
IMPORTANT: Your tractor is shipped with oil; howev¬
er, you must check the oil level before operating. Be
careful not to overfill.
The gasoline tank is located under the seat. The filler
neck is behind the seat. Do not overfill.
A WARNING: Do not operate the tractor if
the interlock system is malfunctioning
because it is a safety device, designed
for protection.
1. P lace the PTO lever in the disengaged (down)
position.
2. D epress the clutch-brake pedal and set the park¬
ing brake.
3. P lace the shift lever in the NEUTRAL position.
4. S et the throttle control in the FAST position.
5. P ull out the choke control (a warm engine may
not require choking).
6. T urn the ignition key to the right to the START
position. After the engine starts, release the key.
It will return to the ON position.
7. S lowly push in the choke as the engine warms up.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to the left to the OFF position.
Remove the key to prevent accidental starting.
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.
NOTE: If any problems are encountered, refer to the
Trouble Shooting Guide on page 18.
A WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors,
with engine running or while engine is
hot.
STARTING THE ENGINE
IMPORTANT: This unit is equipped with a safety
interlock system for your protection. The purpose of
the safety interlock system is to prevent the engine
from cranking or starting unless the clutch-brake pedal
is depressed and the PTO lever is in the disengaged
position. In addition, the PTO lever must be in the dis-
\ engaged position when the unit is put into reverse or
the engine will shut off. If the operator leaves the seat
with the PTO lever engaged and/or without setting the
parking brake, the engine will shut off.
OPERATING THE TRACTOR
1. Start the engine as instructed previously.
2. Move throttle control to 3/4 or full throttle to pre¬
vent strain on the engine and to operate attach¬
ments.
3. Place the shift lever in one of the two forward
positions (LOW or HIGH), or in REVERSE. Place
the speed control lever in desired position. Use
first speed position when operating the tractor for
the first time.
A WARNING: Look to the rear before back¬
ing up.
11