MTD 616 Stopping the Engine, Driving The Tractor, Driving On Slopes, Drive Pedal, Reverse Forward

NOTE: Refer to the TRACTOR SET-UPon page 8 of this manual for Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions.

1.Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.

2.Place the PTO (Blade Engage) knob (or lever) in the disengaged (OFF) position.

3.Engage the tractor’s parking brake.

4.Activate the choke control.

5.Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position. After the engine starts, release the key. It will return to the ON position.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT hold the key in the START posi- tion for longer than ten seconds at a time. Doing so may cause damage to your engine’s electric starter.

6.After the engine starts, deactivate the choke control and place the throttle control in the FAST position.

NOTE: Do NOT leave the choke control on while operat- ing the tractor. Doing so will result in a “rich” fuel mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.

Stopping the Engine

WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine, discon- nect the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the damage before restarting and operating.

1.If the blades are engaged, place the PTO (Blade Engage) knob (or lever) in the disengaged (OFF) position.

2.Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the STOP position.

3.Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent unintended starting.

Driving The Tractor

WARNING: Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden stops.

WARNING: Do not leave the seat of the tractor without first placing the PTO (Blade Engage) knob (or lever) in the disengaged (OFF) position, depressing the brake pedal and engaging the parking brake. If leaving the tractor unattended, also turn the ignition key off and remove the key.

Drive Pedal Brake Pedal

Reverse Forward

Figure 4-6

1.Depress the brake pedal to release the parking brake and let the pedal up.

2.Move the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) position.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT use the drive pedal to change the direction of travel when the tractor is in motion. Always bring the tractor to a complete stop before pivoting the drive pedal from forward to reverse or vice versa.

3.To travel FORWARD, slowly depress the upper por- tion of the drive pedal forward until the desired speed is achieved. See Figure 4-6.

4.To travel in REVERSE, check that the area behind is clear then slowly depress the lower portion of the drive pedal with the ball of your foot (NOT your heel) until the desired speed is achieved. See Figure 4-6.

Driving On Slopes

Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 3 to help determine slopes where you may operate the tractor safely.

WARNING: Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approxi- mately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). The tractor could overturn and cause serious injury.

•Mow up and down slopes, NEVER across.

•Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

•Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

•Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must be made, turn down the slope. Turning up a slope greatly increases the chance of a roll over.

•Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. If it is necessary to stop while driving up a slope, start up smoothly and carefully to reduce the possibility of flipping the tractor over backward.

4

Operating

Your Lawn

Tractor

WARNING

If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the damage before restarting and operating.

Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden stops.

Do not leave the seat of the tractor without first placing the PTO (Blade Engage) knob (or lever) in the disengaged (OFF) position, depressing the brake pedal and engaging the parking brake. If leaving the tractor unattended, also turn the ignition key off and remove the key.

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