Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty Operator’s Manual Rover Raider 1438 & 1842 Lawn Tractor WARNING READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 Printed In USA Form No.
1 To The Owner Thank You Thank you for purchasing a lawn tractor manufactured by MTD LLC. It was carefully engineered to provide excellent performance when properly operated and maintained. Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment. It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the recommended safety practices at all times.
Important Safe Operation Practices 2 WARNING! This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol.
12. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries. 13. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads and while not cutting grass. 14. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. This machine is not intended for use on any public roadway. Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution.
Service Children 1. Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. They do not understand the dangers. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. a. Keep children out of the mowing area and in watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator. b. Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area. c.
Periodically check to make sure the blades come to complete stop within approximately (5) five seconds after operating the blade disengagement control. If the blades do not stop within the this time frame, your machine should be serviced professionally by an authorized MTD Service Dealer. Do not modify engine 4. Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected to wear during normal operation. Adjust and service as required. Notice Regarding Emissions 5.
Safety Symbols This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before attempting to assemble and operate. Symbol Description READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S) Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate DANGER— ROTATING BLADES Never carry passengers. Never carry children, even with the blades off.
Section 2 — Important Safe Operation Practices d line (repr esent s a 15 ° slop e) WARNING! Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes. Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. Operate riding mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes. Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely.
3 Assembly & Set-Up Tractor Set-Up NOTE: This Operators Manual covers a range of product specifications for various models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated in this manual may not be applicable to all models. MTD LLC reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.
Attaching The Steering Wheel Attaching The Seat If the steering wheel for your tractor did not come attached, the hardware for attaching it has been packed within the steering wheel, beneath the steering wheel cap. Carefully pry off the steering wheel cap and remove the hardware. If the seat for your tractor was not attached at the factory, follow the applicable instructions below to attach it. 1.
Setting the Deck Gauge Wheels (if so equipped) Move the tractor on a firm and level surface, preferably pavement, and proceed as follows 1. Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing the deck lift lever in the normally desired mowing height setting (any of the six different cutting height notches on the right fender). 2. Check the gauge wheels for contact or excessive clearance with the surface below.
4 Controls and Features Speed Control & Parking Brake Lever Ammeter (On some models) Clutch/Brake Pedal Choke Knob (On some models) Throttle/Choke Lever Ignition Switch Module Shift Lever PTO (Blade Engage) Lever Deck Lift Lever Figure 4-1 Lawn Tractor controls and features are illustrated in Fig 4-1 and described on the following pages. WARNING! Read and follow all safety rules and instructions in this manual, including the entire Operation section, before attempting to operate this machine.
Throttle Control Lever The throttle control lever is located on the right side of the tractor’s dash panel. This lever controls the speed of the engine and, on some models, when pushed all the way forward, the choke control also. When set in a given position, the throttle will maintain a uniform engine speed. See Fig. 4-2.
To stop the engine, turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the OFF position. See Fig. 4-3B. Ignition Switch Module To start the engine, insert the key into the ignition switch and turn clockwise to the START position. Release the key into the NORMAL MOWING MODE position once the engine has fired. The headlights will be activated in the Normal (and Reverse Caution Modes). To stop the engine, turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the OFF position. See Fig. 4-3C.
5 Operation Models with Reverse Caution Mode • With the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING position, the engine will automatically shut off if the PTO (Blade Engage) lever is moved into the engaged (ON) position with the shift lever in Reverse. WARNING! Do not operate the tractor if the interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was designed for your safety and protection.
4. Once activated (indicator light ON), the tractor can be driven in reverse with the cutting blades (PTO) engaged. 5. Always look down and behind before and while backing to make sure no children are around. 6. After resuming forward motion, return the key to the NORMAL MOWING position. IMPORTANT: The REVERSE CAUTION MODE will remain activated until: a. The key is placed in either the NORMAL MOWING position or STOP position. b.
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) 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. 6. Place speed control lever in desired position. 7. Place shift lever in either FORWARD or REVERSE, and follow normal operating procedures.
Mowing WARNING! To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. The following information will be helpful when using the cutting deck with your tractor: WARNING! Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of materials toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like.
6 Maintenance & Adjustments Maintenance WARNING! Before performing any maintenance or repairs, disengage PTO, move shift lever into neutral position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting. NOTE: Refer to the Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed with your unit for information regarding the quantity and proper viscosity of motor oil.
Cleaning Battery Deck Wash System™ Clean the battery by removing it from the tractor and washing with a baking soda and water solution. If necessary, scrape the battery terminals with a wire brush to remove deposits. Coat terminals and exposed wiring with grease or petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion. If your tractor’s deck is equipped with a water port on its surface as part of its Deck Wash System™, follow these instructions to utilize this feature.
IMPORTANT: After cleaning your deck with the Deck Wash System™ , return to the operator’s position and engage the PTO. Keep the cutting deck running for a minimum of two minutes, allowing the underside of the cutting deck to thoroughly dry. Adjustments WARNING! Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running, except where specified in the operator’s manual. Side to Side If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly, a side to side adjustment can be performed.
Maintenance Schedule Before Each use Clean Hood/Dash Louvers Check Engine Oil Level Check Air Filter for Dirty, Loose or Damaged Parts P P Every 10 Hours Every 25 Hours Every 50 Hours P P P P Replace Air Filter Element P Change Engine Oil and Replace Oil Filter P P P Lube Front Axles and Rims Clean Engine Cooling Fins Lube Pedal Pivot Points Prior to Storing P Clean and Re-oil Air Filter’s Foam Pre-cleaner Clean Battery Terminals Every 100 Hours P Check Spark Plug Condition & Gap Replace
7 Service Cutting Deck Removal 5. NOTE: Models equipped with a 38-inch deck have one deck idler pulley. Models equipped with a 42- and 46-inch deck have two deck idler pulleys. To remove the cutting deck, proceed as follows: 1. Place the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the disengaged (OFF) position and engage the parking brake. 2. Lower the deck by moving the deck lift lever into the bottom notch on the right fender. 3.
7. On 46” Decks: Looking at the cutting deck from the left side of the tractor, locate the deck support pin on the rear left side of the deck. Pull the deck support pin outward to release the deck from the deck lift arm. See Fig. 7-3. 9. Carefully remove the PTO cable from the rear of the cutting deck by removing the hair pin clip which secures it. Remove the spring from the deck idler bracket. See Fig.
Jump Starting Cutting Blades 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. 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. Connect positive (+) cable to positive post (+) of your tractor’s discharged battery. 2.
5. Route the new belt as shown in Fig. 7-9. 6. Remount the belt guards removed earlier. For 42” & 46” Decks To change or replace the deck belt on your tractor, proceed as follows: 1. Remove the deck as instructed earlier in this section. 2. Remove the belt covers by removing the hex screws that fasten them to the deck. See Fig. 7-8.
38-Inch Deck Engine Pulley Idler Bracket Deck Idler Pulley Figure 7-9 42 & 46-Inch Deck Figure 7-10 Section 7 — Service 27
8 Troubleshooting Problem Engine fails to start Remedy 1. Place knob (or lever) in disengaged (OFF) position. 2. Spark plug wire disconnected. 2. Connect wire to spark plug. 3. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel. 3. Fill tank with clean, fresh (less than 30 days old) gas. 4. Choke not activated. 4. Place the throttle control in CHOKE position. 5. Faulty spark plug. 5. Clean, adjust gap or replace plug. 6. Blocked fuel line. 6. Clean fuel line and replace fuel filter. 7. Engine flooded. 7.
9 Replacement Parts DESCRIPTION PART NO.
10 Attachments & Accessories The following attachments and accessories are compatible for Model Series 700 Lawn Tractors. See the retailer from which you purchased your tractor, an authorized MTD Service Dealer or phone (800) 800-7310 for information regarding price and availability. CAUTION: Model Series 700 Lawn Tractors are NOT designed for use with any type of ground-engaging attachments (e.g. tiller or plow). Use of this type of equipment WILL void the tractor’s warranty.
Notes 11 31
Section 11— Notes
