Jump Starting

WARNING! Never jump start a damaged or frozen battery. Be certain the vehicles do not touch, and ignitions are off. Do not allow cable clamps to touch.

1.Connect positive (+) cable to positive post (+) of your tractor’s discharged battery.

2.Connect the other end of the cable to the (positive +) post of the jumper battery.

3.Connect the second cable (negative ) to the other post of the jumper battery.

4.Make the final connection on the engine block of the tractor, away from the battery. Attach to a unpainted part to assure a good connection.

caution: If the jumper battery is installed on a vehicle (i.e. car, truck), do NOT start the vehicle’s engine when jump starting your tractor.

5.Start the tractor (as instructed in the Operation section of this manual).

6.Set the tractor’s parking brake before removing the jumper cables, in reverse order of connection.

Charging

WARNING! Batteries give off an explosive gas while charging. Charge the battery in a well ventilated area and keep away from an open flame or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances.

caution: When charging your tractor’s battery, use only a charger designed for 12V lead-acid batteries. Read your battery charger’s Owner’s Manual prior to charging your tractor’s battery. Always follow its instructions and heed its warnings.

If your tractor has not been put into use for an extended period of time, charge the battery as follows:

1.Set your battery charger to deliver a max of 10 amperes.

If your battery charger is automatic, charge the battery until the charger indicates that charging is complete. If the charger is not automatic, charge for no fewer than eight hours.

Fuse

One 20 AMP fuse is installed in your tractor’s wiring harness to protect the tractor’s electrical system from damage caused by excessive amperage.

If the electrical system does not function, or your tractor’s engine will not crank, first check to be certain that the fuse has not blown. It can be found at the rear of the unit, underneath the fender located by the battery.

WARNING! Always use a fuse with the same amperage capacity for replacement.

Cutting Blades

WARNING! Shut the engine off and remove ignition key before removing the cutting blade(s) for sharpening or replacement. Protect your hands by using heavy gloves when grasping the blade.

WARNING! Periodically inspect the blade and/or spindle for cracks or damage, especially after you’ve struck a foreign object. Do not operate the machine until damaged components are replaced.

To remove the blades, proceed as follows.

1.Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Cutting Deck Removal earlier in this section) then gently flip the deck over to expose its underside.

2.Place a block of wood between the center deck housing baffle and the cutting blade to act as a stabilizer.

See Fig. 7-6.

3.Remove the hex flange nut that secures the blade to the spindle assembly. See Fig. 7-6.

Figure 7-6

4.To properly sharpen the cutting blades, remove equal amounts of metal from both ends of the blades along the cutting edges, parallel to the trailing edge, at a 25°- to 30° angle. Always grind each cutting blade edge equally to maintain proper blade balance. See Fig. 7-7.

caution: If the cutting edge of the blade has previously been sharpened, or if any metal separation is present, replace the blades with new ones.

warning! A poorly balanced blade will cause excessive vibration, may cause damage to the tractor and/or result in personal injury.

5.Test the blade’s balance using a blade balancer. Grind metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly.

Section 7 — Service

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MTD 1842, 1438 warranty Charging, Fuse, Cutting Blades, Jump Starting

1842, 1438 specifications

MTD 1438 and MTD 1842 are part of the MTD product line, which is known for, providing reliable and efficient solutions in the agricultural and gardening sectors. These models stand out due to their performance features, technology integrations, and user-friendly characteristics, making them suitable for both professionals and enthusiasts.

The MTD 1438 is a compact, versatile lawn tractor designed for small to medium-sized lawns. It is powered by a robust 14.5 HP engine that delivers reliable performance. One of its main features is the 38-inch cutting deck, which allows for a clean and efficient cut. The deck height can be easily adjusted to achieve the desired grass length, catering to various mowing conditions. The tractor also features a durable steel frame, which enhances stability and extends the lifespan of the machine.

In terms of technology, the MTD 1438 is equipped with an automatic transmission that simplifies operation, allowing users to focus on mowing rather than shifting gears. The user-friendly dashboard provides essential information at a glance, ensuring that users can monitor their machine’s performance without any hassle.

On the other hand, the MTD 1842 offers additional power and capabilities, making it suitable for larger lawns or more rugged landscapes. With a 18 HP engine, this model features a wider 42-inch cutting deck, allowing for increased efficiency by covering more ground in less time. It also maintains an adjustable cutting height, giving users flexibility in managing grass lengths across different terrains.

One of the standout characteristics of the MTD 1842 is its hydrostatic transmission. This technology offers seamless speed control, enabling smoother acceleration and easier navigation around obstacles. The tractor also features a comfortable seat and an ergonomic steering wheel, enhancing the overall user experience during longer mowing sessions.

Both models prioritize durability and ease of maintenance. They come with easy-access maintenance points, making it simple for users to keep their machines in top condition. Additionally, the design of both tractors allows for simple attachment of various accessories, such as baggers or mulching kits, increasing their versatility.

In summary, MTD 1438 and MTD 1842 are excellent choices for those seeking robust, efficient lawn care solutions. With their powerful engines, user-friendly technologies, and durable designs, these models offer reliability and performance that can meet a variety of landscaping needs. Whether tackling small yards or larger properties, these tractors provide the tools necessary for achieving a pristine lawn.