MTD 144-810-000 - Operation

GASOLINE TANK
The gasoline tank is located under the tractor
seat. Tip the seat forward to fill the tank. Refer to
figure 4.
GEAR SHIFT LEVER
The transaxle has four forward gears, neutral and
reverse. Do not shift through the gears on the
transaxle as you would in an automobile. Pre¬
select the gear appropriate for the job you are do¬
ing. See figure 8.
You must depress the clutch-brake pedal and
come to a complete stop before shifting gears.
CLUTCH-BRAKE PEDAL
The clutch-brake pedal is located on the right side
of the tractor. See figure 8. Depressing the clutch-
brake pedal part way disengages the clutch.
Pressing the pedal all the way down disengages
the clutch and engages the disc brake.
The clutch-brake pedal must be
depressed to start the engine.
PARKING BRAKE
To set the parking brake, depress the clutch-brake
pedal and pull up the parking brake knob. It will
stay in the raised position. To release the parking
brake, depress and release the clutch-brake pedal.
See figure 8.
Incline
INCLINE ASSISTANCE BRAKE LEVER
When stopping on a hill, hold the incline
assistance brake lever back while you release the
clutch-brake pedal until the tractor begins to
move, then release the lever. This lever permits
smoother starts and clutch engagement by
holding the tractor during the brake release/clutch
engagement operation. See figure 8.
LIFT LEVER
The five position lift lever is used to change the
operating position of the attachments. To operate,
pull the lever towards you. To release, move the
lever to the right and then forward. See figure 8.
POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO) LEVER
The PTO lever is located on the right side of the
dashboard. To engage the PTO, lift the lever slow¬
ly and lock it into the notch. See figure 7.
The PTO lever must be in the
disengaged position (down) when
starting the engine and when shift¬
ing into reverse.
OPERATION
A
CAUTION
Keep all shields in place.
Before leaving operator’s position:
a. Shift transmission to neutral
b. Set parking brake
c. Disengage attachment clutch
d. Shut off engine
e. Remove ignition key
Wait for all movement to stop before
servicing machine.
Keep people and pets a safe distance
away from machine.
Look to the rear before backing up.
PREPARATION
NOTE
When packaged for shipment, the
machine contains no oil or gasoline.
Before starting the engine, oil must
be added to the engine crankcase
and gasoline to the tank. DO NOT
mix oil with gasoline.
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