MTD i1046, i1050 warranty Installing Mulching Plug on 46 Decks only

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Operation

WARNING

The mowing deck is capable of throwing objects. Never operate the mower deck with- out the chute deflector in the down position Failure to do so could result in serious personal injury and/or property damage.

Under heavier conditions it may be necessary to go back over the cut area a second time to get a clean cut.

Do not attempt to mow heavy brush and weeds and extremely tall grass. Your tractor is designed to mow lawns, not clear brush.

Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades when worn. Refer to Cutting Blades on page 25 of this manual for proper blade sharpening instructions.

IMPORTANT: When stopping the tractor for any reason while on a grass surface, always

*Place the shift lever in neutral,

• Engage the parking brake,

• Shut engine off and remove the key.

Doing so will minimize the possibility of having your lawn ‘‘browned’’ by hot exhaust from your tractor’s running engine.

Mulching

The i1000 series tractor decks are equipped with a mulching kit. The mulch kit which incorporates special blades, already on your tractor, in a process of recirculating grass clippings repeatedly beneath the cutting deck. The ultra-fine clippings are then forced back into the lawn where they act as a natural fertilizer.

Observe the following points for best results when mulching:

Never attempt to mulch if the lawn is damp. Wet grass tends to stick to the underside of the cutting deck preventing proper mulching of the clippings.

Do not attempt to mulch more than 1/3 the total height of the grass or approximately 1-1/2 inches. Doing so will cause the clippings to clump up beneath the deck and not be mulched effectively.

Maintain a slow ground speed to allow the grass clippings more time to effectively be mulched.

Always position throttle control lever in the FAST (rabbit) position and allow it to remain there while mowing. Failing to keep the engine at full throttle places strain on the tractor’s engine and does not allow the blades to properly mulch grass.

NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the chute deflector to operate the mower with the mulch plug installed.

The mulch plug installed at the factory was removed earlier in the “Setting up your Lawn Tractor” section. To reinstall the mulching plug, proceed as follows:

Installing Mulching Plug on 46" Decks ONLY

Raise and hold the chute deflector in up position.

Locate the 1/4 inch hole in the top of the mulching plug. With the hole facing upward insert the mulching plug fully into the discharge opening of the deck.

Align the mulching plug hole with the hole in the top of the deck discharge. Insert the carriage bolt through the top of the deck and the mulching plug and secure with the wing nut. Refer to Figure 2 on page 9

Installing Mulching Plug on 50” Decks ONLY

Pivot the chute deflector up to access the deck discharge opening.

Locate two notches in the chute deflector hinge bracket above the deck discharge opening.

Insert the mulch plug into the deck discharge opening. Make sure the two tabs on the top of the plug are in the notches of the hinge bracket. Lightly tap on the plug with your hand to assure that the tabs fit snugly into the notches.

While holding the mulching plug in position, fully lower the chute deflector.

WARNING: The mowing deck is capable of throwing objects. Never operate the mower deck without the chute deflector in its down position, even with the mulching plug installed. Failure to do so could result in serious personal injury and/or property damage.

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Contents OPERATOR’S Manual Table of Contents Slope Gauge —Safe Operation Practices Your ResponsibilityChildren OperationGeneral Operation Do Not Never allow children or others in or on towed equip- mentService Attaching the Battery Cables Opening the Tractor HoodGas and Oil Fill-up Mulching Plug and Shipping Brace RemovalThrowing objects. Never operate Tire PressureIts down position, even with Know the Controls Control Switch Key Switch Module12V Power Outlet Throttle Control Lever PTO Blade EngageSystems Indicator Monitor/Hour Meter Seat Adjustment LeverDeck Lift Lever Cup HolderSafety Interlock System Reverse Caution ModeCargo Net Hydro Transmission Bypass RodsStarting the Engine Stopping the EngineDriving The Tractor If the blades are engaged, disengage the PTOSteering the Tractor Driving On SlopesMoving the Tractor Manually MowingInstalling Mulching Plug on 46 Decks only Installing Mulching Plug on 50 Decks onlyMulching Raise and hold the chute deflector in up positionMaking Making AdjustmentsLeveling the Deck Front To Rear Leveling Deck Gauge Wheel AdjustmentSee Figure Deck Rear Roller Adjustment Deck onlyMaintaining Your Lawn Tractor Changing Engine Oil & FilterChecking Engine Oil Level OperatingAir Cleaner Servicing the PrecleanerSpark Plugs Servicing Paper ElementSteering Maintenance Engine CoolingCarburetor Fuel LineLubrication Cleaning the Tractor and DeckDeck Wash System Tires BatteryCutting Deck Removal Spindle Assembly Cutting BladesBlades may be removed as follows Hex Flange NutReinstalling the Cutting Deck Hydrostatic TransmissionChanging the Deck Belt FusesMower Deck Maintaining Your Tractor Off-Season Storage Attachments & AccessoriesDrain fuel only into an approved container Safety Labels Trouble Shooting Clean gears Steering effort Lack of LubricationArms Debris in steering gearsDescription Model To order replacementOr visit MANUFACTURER’S Warranty Coverage General Emissions Warranty Coverage U.S.A

i1046, i1050 specifications

The MTD i1046 and i1050 are notable additions to the MTD lineup, designed specifically for efficiency and ease of use in various landscaping tasks. These versatile machines are engineered to handle a range of applications, making them ideal for both residential and commercial users.

The MTD i1046 is equipped with a robust 18 HP engine, providing ample power for tackling tough mowing jobs. Its 46-inch cutting deck is designed for enhanced maneuverability, allowing users to navigate tight spots and corners with ease. The deck also features a mulching capability, which helps to naturally fertilize lawns while reducing the need for bagging clippings. Additionally, the i1046 boasts an automatic transmission that adjusts speed seamlessly, providing an intuitive driving experience for operators of all skill levels.

On the other hand, the MTD i1050 takes things a step further with a more powerful 22 HP engine. Its expansive 50-inch cutting deck allows for greater acreage coverage, making it an excellent choice for larger lawns. The i1050 also incorporates a high-back seat, enhancing comfort during extended mowing sessions. This model is designed with a heavy-duty frame and durable chassis, ensuring long-lasting performance even in challenging conditions.

Both models feature advanced technologies that enhance their usability. The Easy Select Deck Height Adjustment system allows users to customize cutting heights with simple adjustments, ensuring optimal grass length for diverse lawn types. The ergonomic steering wheel design provides an improved grip and reduces operator fatigue, enhancing overall comfort during operation.

In terms of safety, MTD has integrated a range of features across both models. The Rollover Protection Structure (ROPS) keeps operators safe in the event of uneven terrain, while the automatic blade stop ensures that the blades cease operation whenever the rider leaves the seat, preventing accidental injuries.

Furthermore, the i1046 and i1050 are designed with easy maintenance in mind. The accessible engine compartment allows straightforward engine checks, and the deck design enables hassle-free cleaning, which is essential for maintaining optimal performance.

In summary, the MTD i1046 and i1050 deliver a powerful and efficient solution for landscaping needs. With their strong engines, user-friendly features, and safety technologies, these models are poised to satisfy both professional landscapers and homeowners alike. Their sturdy design ensures reliability and performance, making them valuable assets for keeping lawns looking pristine.