MTD 18HP Zero Turn Break-In And Operating Procedures, Orientation, Initial Operation

clockwise a few turns. Adjust both front and rear Deck links as necessary. Retighten nuts.

f.Raise the mowing deck to the transport position using the transport lever.

g.Use the transport lever to lower the mow- ing deck to the cutting position and repeat step “b.” above to make sure that the desired cutting height has been attained. If the dimensions are not correct, repeat steps “c.” through “f.” above.

5.Lubricate all fittings listed in the mainte- nance section.

D.Zero Turn Break-In And Operating Procedures

DANGER:

Reread the “When Mowing” Safety Precautions.

The following procedures are suggested for opera- tors of ride-on machines which have zero turn capabilities.

1.Orientation:

a.Read the entire Operator’s Manual.

b.Sit on the machine, adjust the seat before- and-after, then adjust the speed/directional (lap bar) controls (they can be adjusted up- and-down — 9/16" wrench required).

Optional lapbar can also be adjusted fore and aft.

c.Become familiar with all of the machine controls, instrumentation, safety and instruction signs, and safety devices.

d.Move (or have moved) the machine to a safe, level area with no obstructions includ- ing objects, pedestrians, and animals.

2.Initial Operation:

a.Use protective equipment for eyes, hands, hearing, feet, legs, head and other areas of the body if needed — safety eye glasses, gloves, earplugs, boots, hats, etc.

WARNING:

Hearing Protection is required for all operator exposure exceeding two (2) hours.

b.Ensure that the area is free of animals and bystanders, especially children!

c.Survey the area where the equipment is to be used to make sure it is free of debris, sticks, stones, wires, bones, and other for- eign objects which could cause injury to

bystanders, damage to the machine, or damage to nearby facilities.

d.Inspect the machine to make sure:

1.All guards, shields (including mower chute deflector) are in their proper place, are secure, and are functional.

2.That there are no spilled or leaking fuel or oil sources, nor loose fuel or hydraulic tank caps, hoses or fittings.

3.That there are no loose or missing hard- ware nor any missing items.

4.That no non-approved devices are installed.

5.That all safety signs and decals are properly installed and legible.

e.This is a one person machine, operator only! Riders are not permitted under any circumstance!

f.To start the engine on the machine:

1.Make sure the park brake is set to the “ON” position, both lap bars are in the neutral/start (opened-out) position, and the Power Take Off (PTO also referred to as blade control switch) is in the “off” (down) position.

2.Move the choke control forward and the engine speed control (throttle) forward (half way).

3.Insert the ignition key, turn the switch toward the spring-loaded “Start” position, maintain the Start position until the engine begins to run, then release the switch (it will return to the “Run” posi- tion).

4.Retard the choke slowly by moving it rearward. If the engine is “cold”, the choke may need to be partially applied for a few minutes. Be sure to totally retard the choke after the engine has “warmed up”.

g.Check safety devices:

1.With the park brake engaged, move one of the lap bars (speed/directional control) from the neutral/start position to the neu- tral position (out of the slot, toward the center of the machine) — the engine should stop running. Move the lap bars back to the neutral/start position and the engine should run.

2.Repeat this procedure with the opposite side lap bars.

3.With the park brake engaged and the lap bars in the neutral/start position, advance the engine speed control com- pletely forward (Hi-idle), engage the PTO control switch (pull upward), then lift off the seat — the engine should stop run-

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