MTD 18HP service manual Maintenance Service, Parking the Mower, Removing the Mower Deck

d.Turn the electric blade clutch switch “Off”.

e.Push the throttle control to a position a third of the way between slow and fast.

f.Insert the key in the ignition and start switch and turn the switch to “On”.

g.Gasoline Engine: If the engine is cold, push the choke to the on position.

h.Turn the ignition key in a clockwise direc- tion to the “Start” position until the engine starts.

Note: Do not hold the key in the “Start” position for more than 10 seconds or you may damage the starter. If the engine does not start in this time, wait about 30 seconds and try again.

i.Gasoline Engine: Once the engine starts, push the choke on halfway and as the engine warms, push the choke off all the way.

4.Operating the Mower: Operating a zero-turn- ing-radius mower is not like operating a trac- tor-type riding mower. The zero-turning-radius mower is much more maneuverable and much less fatiguing to operate. However, get- ting used to the fingertip control of the zero- turning-radius mower takes some practice. We strongly recommend that you locate a “test area” where you can operate the mower for about 30 minutes without being disturbed.

a.Get into the operator’s seat.

b.Start the engine.

c.Use the transport lever to raise the mowing deck to the transport position. Make sure the blade clutch switch is off.

d.After the engine has warmed, adjust the throttle to the fast position.

e.Release the parking brake.

f.Fold in the steering levers to the operating position.

WARNING:

When operating this mower forward, do not allow the steering levers to return to the neu- tral position on their own. Always maintain a firm grip on the steering levers, operate them smoothly and avoid any sudden movements of the levers when starting or stopping.

g.To go forward, move both steering levers slightly forward and the mower will slowly move forward. The farther you move the levers forward the faster the mower will go forward.

h.To back up, move both steering levers slightly backward and the mower will slowly

move backward. The farther you move the levers backward the faster the mower will go backward.

i.To turn, pull the lever back on the side to which you want to turn. The farther back you pull the lever, the faster and more sharply you will turn. Initially, you will have to be careful to avoid turning to fast and too far.

j.After you have mastered operating the mower, use the transport lever to lower the mowing deck to the cutting position and pull on the electric blade clutch switch to start the blades rotating.

k.Practice mowing in straight passes. When you feel confident, slowly practice mowing around obstacles such as trees.

5.Parking the Mower:

a.Push off the electric blade clutch switch.

b.Use the Deck Lift Handle to raise the mow- ing deck to the transport position.

c.Drive the mower to the cleanup or storage area.

d.Move the throttle to slow.

e.Place the steering levers in the neutral position.

f.Set the parking brake.

g.Turn off the ignition switch and take the key from the switch.

h.Close the fuel shutoff valves.

MAINTENANCE AND

SERVICE

WARNING:

Disconnect the spark plug wires or remove the key from the ignition to prevent the engine from accidentally starting before performing any maintenance on this mower.

A. Mower Deck

1.Removing the Mower Deck:

a.Apply the parking brake. Remove ignition key and both spark plug caps.

b.Lower the cutter deck to the ground. Cap- ture the lift handle by placing the height of cut clevis pin above the lift handle.

c.Remove tension of the PTO belt by moving the belt tensioning rod.

Note: There is a certain amount of spring tension due to the weight of the deck. When removing the lift linkage from the deck the ten- sion of the springs will go from the deck to the lift handle. Not capturing the lift handle while

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