MTD WHITE GT-185 - Operation; General Operation Warnings; Operating the Tractor; Deck Wheels or Roller Adjustment

C. DECK WHEELS OR ROLLER
After setting the cutting height, move deck wheels or
roller to the hole location so they are 1/4 to 1/2 inch
above the ground.
NOTE: When using the optional snow thrower attach¬
ment, the deck height adjustment indicator should be
turned all the way to low position so the snow thrower
will reach the ground. Or if blowing snow off gravel,
turn the deck height adjustment indicator to a slightly
higher position to avoid scraping the gravel.
OPERATION
WARNING
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
• 60 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; however,
you must check the oil level before operating. Be care¬
ful not to overfill.
The gasoline tank is located under the seat. The filler
neck is behind the seat. Do not overfill.
A WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors,
with engine running or while engine is
hot.
OPERATING THE TRACTOR
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 switch is in the OFF posi¬
tion. In addition, the PTO switch must be in the OFF
position when the unit is put into reverse or the engine
will shut off. If the operator leaves the seat with the
PTO ON and/or without setting the parking brake, the
engine will shut off.
WARNING: Do not operate the tractor if
the interlock system is malfunctioning
because it is a safety device, designed for
protection.
1. Place the PTO switch in the OFF position.
2. Depress the clutch-brake pedal and set the park¬
ing brake.
3. Place the hydrostatic control lever in the
NEUTRAL (N) position.
4. Set the throttle control in the FAST position.
5. Pull out the choke control. {A warm engine
requires less choking.)
6. Turn 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. Slowly push in the choke as the engine warms up.
8. Depress the clutch-brake pedal so the parking
brake is released and then release the clutch-
brake pedal.
9. Move the hydrostatic control lever forward. The
farther forward you move the hydrostatic control
lever, the faster you will travel.
10. To stop the tractor, pull the hydrostatic control
lever into NEUTRAL (N) or depress the clutch-
brake pedal.
11. To shut off the engine, turn the ignition key to the
left to the OFF position. Remove the key to pre¬
vent accidental starting while equipment is unat¬
tended.
Be sure that the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or
other objects which could damage lawn tractor or
engine. For best results and to insure more even grass
distribution, do not mow when lawn is excessively wet.
WARNING: Before leaving the operator's
position for any reason, disengage the
blades, place the shift lever in neutral,
engage the parking brake, shut engine off
and remove the key.
When stopping the unit to empty a grass bag, etc.,
follow the instructions above. This procedure will also
eliminate “browning” the grass, which is caused by hot
exhaust gases from a running engine.
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
damage before restarting and operating the mower.
NOTE: If any problems are encountered, refer to the
Trouble Shooting Guide.
GRASS COLLECTOR Model 190-083 is available as
optional equipment for the lawn tractors with 46" decks
shown in this manual.
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