Use and Care Manual

36
MT200 LAWN TRACTOR
37
MT200 LAWN TRACTOR
WARNING: Before performing any type of maintenance, disengage all controls and stop the engine. Wait until all
moving parts have come to a complete stop. Disconnect spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent
unintended starting. Always wear safety glasses during operation or while performing any adjustments or repairs.
NOTICE: If you can't solve the problem, take the tractor to an authorized service center for assistance.
9. Troubleshooting
The engine will not start.
The engine starts hard or runs
poorly.
The engine knocks.
Excessive oil consumption.
The engine exhaust is black. The air filter is dirty.
The choke is closed. Open the choke.
Refer to the Changing the Air Filter section.
The fuel mixture is too rich.
Low oil level.
The engine is too hot.
Incorrect grade of oil.
Too much oil in crankcase. Drain excess oil.
Refer to the Changing Engine Oil
section.
Check the engine fins, blower screen,
and air filter.
Incorrect grade of oil. Refer to the Changing Engine Oil
section.
Check and add oil as required.
Clean the air filter.
The brake pedal is not pushed down.
The fuel tank is empty.
The PTO lever is in ON position.
The engine is flooded.
The battery terminals are dirty.
The battery is discharged or dead.
The shifter lever is in reverse gear.
Move the shifter lever to the neutral position.
Loose or broken wiring.
Charge or replace the battery.
Visually check wiring. If wires are frayed or
broken, see an authorized service center.
R
efer to Replacing the Battery and Cleaning
the Battery and Battery Cables section.
Disengage the choke.
Fully push down on the brake pedal.
Move the PTO lever to the OFF position.
If engine is hot, let it cool, and then fill the
fuel tank again.
PROBLEM LOOK FOR REMEDY
Troubleshooting the Tractor
8. Storage
• Store away from furnaces, stoves, water heaters, or
other appliances that have pilot lights or other ignition
sources because they can ignite fuel vapors.
Tractor
Disengage the Power Take-Off (PTO), set the parking brake,
remove the key, and let the machine cool.
If you remove the battery, the battery life will increase.
Make sure that the battery is in a cool, and dry location, and
keep it fully charged. If the battery is left in the unit,
disconnect the negative cable.
Fuel System
Fuel can become stale when kept in a storage container for
more than 30 days. Each time you fill the container with
fuel,add STA-BIL 360°
®
PROTECTION™ to the fuel as
specified by the manufacturer’s instructions. This keeps fuel
fresh and decreases fuel-related problems or contamination
in the fuel system.
It is not necessary to drain fuel from the engine when
STA-BIL 360°
®
PROTECTION™ is added as instructed. Before
storage, turn the engine ON for 2 minutes to move the fuel
and stabilizer through the fuel system.
Before starting the machine after it has been stored:
• Check all fluid levels. Check all maintenance items.
• Do all recommended checks and procedures found in this
manual.
• Fully charge the battery.
• Drive the tractor without a load to make certain all the
tractor systems are functioning properly.
WARNING: Never store the unit with
fuel in an enclosed, non-ventilated structure. Fuel vapors
can travel to an ignition source (such as a furnace,
water heater, etc.) and cause an explosion.
Cleaning the Mower Deck
NOTICE: The mower ONLY comes with a washout port
block-off plate. A washout port and garden hose quick
disconnect are NOT included and must be purchased
separately.
A “Universal Deck Wash Kit” that includes a washout port
and garden hose quick disconnect can be purchased from
The Home Depot. Store SKU #1003930707 or similar.
1. Put the tractor on a smooth level surface.
2. Attach the quick disconnect to the garden hose and then
connect to the washout port on the mower deck.
3. Turn the water ON.
4. Start the engine.
5. Set the Height-of-Cut to the lowest position.
6. Engage the Power Take-Off (PTO) to activate the mower
blades. The rotation of the blades and the water will
clean the bottom of the mower deck. (Fig. 25)
7. Disengage the PTO.
8. Stop the engine.
9. Turn the water OFF.
10. Remove the garden hose and quick disconnect from the
washout port.