Safety • Assembly • Operation • Adjustment • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Warranty OPERATOR’S MANUAL Transmatic Lawn Tractor — Models 760-779 IMPORTANT READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brushcovered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).
This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new lawn tractor. It will help you assemble, prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says. Table of Contents Slope Gauge ....................................................... 3 Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4 Setting Up Your Lawn Tractor ............................ 8 Operating Your Lawn Tractor ........................... 12 Adjusting Your Lawn Tractor .......................
Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely. Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes. 1 Slope Gauge ������������������������������������������������� ��� ��������������� ���������������������������� �� �� � � � � � ����� �� � � � � � ������ � � � � ���� � �� � � � � � ���� 3 WARNING 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.
2 Safe Operation Practices 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.
General Operation: 14. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. This machine is not intended for use on 1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the any public roadway. machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to 15. Do not operate the machine while under the influassemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe ence of alcohol or drugs. place for future and regular reference and for ordering 16. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. replacement parts. 2.
2 Safe Operation Practices 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.
Service 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the machine while the engine is running. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated 11. Grass catcher components and the discharge area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an cover are subject to wear and damage which could odorless, and deadly gas. expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.
3 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. ����������� Setting Up Your Lawn Tractor Attaching the Battery Cables NOTE: Some models are shipped with the battery cables already connected.
3 Shipping Brace Removal WARNING: Make sure the riding mower’s engine is off, remove the ignition key, and set the parking brake before removing the shipping brace. Setting Up Your Lawn Tractor • Locate the shipping brace, if present, and accompanying warning tag found on the right side of the mower, between the discharge chute and the cutting deck. See Figure 2.
3 Attaching The Seat Seat styles vary by tractor model and there are three different styles available: • Standard Adjustment • Quick Adjustment & Setting Up Your Lawn Tractor • Knob Adjustment If the seat for your tractor did not come attached, refer to Figure 4, Figure 5, and Figure 6 to identify your tractor’s seat style and follow the applicable instructions below to attach it.
3 Identifying the Mulch Plug (if so equipped) On tractor models so equipped, a mulch plug can either be found within the cutting deck’s discharge opening or packed separately with your unit. Setting Up Your Lawn Tractor NOTE: Refer to Mulching on page 19 for more detailed information. If you’d prefer to operate the cutting deck without mulching, simply remove the mulch plug by unthreading the plastic wing nut which fastens it to the cutting deck.
4 Know Your Lawn Tractor � Operating Your Lawn Tractor � � � NOTE: Any reference in this manual to the RIGHT or LEFT side of the tractor is observed from operator’s position.
4 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 Figure 9.
4 Operating Your Lawn Tractor Speed Control Lever � The speed control lever, located on the left side of the tractor’s dash console, allows you to regulate the ground speed of the lawn tractor. To use, depress the clutch-brake pedal and move the lever out of the parking brake notch and forward to increase the tractor’s ground speed. When a desired speed has been reached, release the lever into an appropriate notch to maintain that speed.
Models without Reverse Caution Mode • 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. ������� ����������� ��������� ����� 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.
4 Operating Your Lawn Tractor 1. Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing the deck lift lever in any of the six different cutting height notches on the right side of the fender. 2. Adjust the deck wheels, if equipped, so that they are between ¼-inch and ½-inch above the ground when the tractor is on a smooth, flat surface such as a driveway. WARNING: Keep hands and feet away from the discharge opening of the cutting deck.
Driving The Tractor WARNING: Avoid sudden starts, ex-cessive 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.
4 Operating Your Lawn Tractor 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 approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). The tractor could overturn and cause serious injury. Using the Deck Lift Lever To raise the cutting deck, move the deck lift lever to the left, then place it in the notch best suited for your application.
4 • Do NOT attempt to mow heavy brush and weeds and extremely tall grass. Your tractor is designed to mow lawns, NOT clear brush. • Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades when worn. Refer to Cutting Blades on page 25 of this manual for proper blade sharpening instructions.
5 1. With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface, place the deck lift lever in the top notch (highest position) and rotate the blade nearest the discharge chute so that it is parallel with the tractor. 2. Measure the distance from the front of the blade tip to the ground and the rear of the blade tip to the ground. The first measurement taken should be between 1/4” and 3/8” less than the second measurement.
5 brake is in need of adjustment. The brake disc can be found on the right side of the transmission in the rear of the tractor. Adjust if necessary as follows: 1. Looking at the transmission from the right side of the tractor, locate the compression spring and brake disc. See Figure 16. Adjusting Your Lawn Tractor 2. Loosen, but do NOT remove, the hex nut found on the right side of the brake assembly. See Figure 16. 3. Using a feeler gauge, set the gap between the brake disc and the brake puck at .011”.
6 Perform the above steps in the opposite order after oil has finished draining. 5. Refill the engine with new motor oil as instructed in the Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed with your unit. IMPORTANT: Refer to the Engine Operator/Owner Manual packed with your unit for information regarding the quantity and proper weight of motor oil.
6 Deck Wash System™ A hex plug can be found on your tractor’s deck surface. See Figure 21. This plug can be replaced with a water port to be used as part of a separately-available deck wash system. Use the Deck Wash System™ to rinse grass clippings from the deck’s underside and prevent the buildup of corrosive chemicals. Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor NOTE: Refer to page 28 for information regarding this and other separately-available attachments & accessories for your tractor.
6 Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor Tires Jump Starting WARNING: Never exceed the maximum inflation pressure shown on the sidewall of tire. The recommended operating tire pressure is: • Approximately 10 psi for the rear tires • Approximately 14 psi for the front tires IMPORTANT: Never jump your tractor’s dead battery with the battery of a running vehicle. IMPORTANT: Refer to the tire sidewall for exact tire manufacturer’s recommended or maximum psi. Do not overinflate.
6 Cutting Blades WARNING: Be sure to shut the engine off, remove ignition key, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting before removing the cutting blade(s) for sharpening or replacement. Protect your hands by using heavy gloves or a rag to grasp the cutting blade. Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor WARNING: Periodically inspect the blade spindles for cracks or damage, especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace immediately if damaged.
6 ���������������� To change or replace the deck belt and PTO belt on your tractor, proceed as follows: 1. Lower the deck by moving the deck lift lever into the bottom notch on the right fender. 2. Remove the belt guards by removing the self-tapping screws that fasten them to the deck. Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor 3. Remove the belt keeper rod from around the engine pulley. 4.
������������ ������������� ������������� 6 Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor ������������������ Figure 26 ������������ ������������� ������������� ������������������ Figure 27 27
7 Clean and lubricate the tractor as instructed in Section 6: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR on page 19 of this manual before storing for an extended period. Follow the instructions in the Service, Storage & Specifications section of the Engine Operator/Owner Manual for proper engine care prior to storing your tractor. WARNING: Drain fuel only into an approved container outdoors, away from an open flame. Allow engine to cool.
8 ������ �������� ����������������������������������������� �������������������������������������� ������������������������������ ����������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������� ��������������������� ����������������������� ������������������������������������������ ���������� ������������������������������������������� �������� ���������������������������������������� ������������ ���������������������������������������� ��������
9 Problem Engine fails to start Cause 1. Place PTO knob (or lever) in disengaged (OFF) position. 1. PTO engaged. 2. Spark plug wire(s) disconnected. 3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel. Trouble Shooting Remedy 4. Choke not activated. 2. Connect wire(s) to spark plug(s). 3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline. 4. Pull out the CHOKE control (if so equipped) or place the throttle control in CHOKE position. 5. Faulty spark plug. 5. Clean, adjust gap, or replace. 6. Blocked fuel line. 6.
Problem Engine overheats Engine hesitates at high RPM Idles poorly Excessive Vibration Mower will not mulch grass (If Equipped) Cause 1. Engine oil level low. 1. Fill crankcase with proper oil. 2. Air flow restricted. 2. Clean grass clippings and debris from around the engine’s cooling fins and blower housing. 1. Spark plug(s) gap too close. 1. Remove spark plug(s) and reset the gap. 1. Spark plug(s) fouled, faulty or gap too wide. 1. Replace spark plug(s). Set plug(s) gap. 2. Dirty air cleaner.
NOTES: Use this page to make notes and write down important information.
NOTES: Use this page to make notes and write down important information.
NOTES: Use this page to make notes and write down important information.
CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS The California Air Resources Board and MTD Consumer Group Inc are pleased to explain the evaporative emission control system warranty on your 2006 lawn mower. In California, new lawn mower must be designed, built and equipped to meet the State’s stringent anti-smog standards.
MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD LLC with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States, its possessions and territories. “MTD” warrants this product against defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years commencing on the date of original purchase and will, at its option, repair or replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective in materials or workmanship.
