MTD 769-11837A, Operator'S Manual

16

S

ection

 4 — P

roduct

 c

are

5. 

Remove the oil drain plug and drain the oil 

into a suitable container with a capacity of 

no less than 64 oz.

6. 

Tip the riding mower slightly in the 

direction of the suitable container to aid in 

fully draining all of the oil from the engine.

 WARNING

Before tipping engine or equipment to drain oil, drain fuel 
from tank by running engine until fuel tank is empty.

7. 

Replace the oil drain plug and tighten. Be 

careful not to overtighten the oil drain plug.

8. 

Refill the engine with new oil as instructed 

in the Engine Operator’s Manual packed 

with your riding mower.
Note: Refer to the Engine Operator’s 

Manual packed with your riding mower for 

information regarding the quantity and 

proper viscosity of motor oil.

Lubrication

 WARNING

Before lubricating, repairing, or inspecting, always disengage 
PTO, move shift lever into neutral position, set parking brake, 
stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.

Engine

Lubricate the engine with motor oil as instructed 

in the Engine Operator’s Manual packed with your 

riding mower.

Pivot Points & Linkage

Lubricate all the pivot points on the drive system, 

parking brake and lift linkage at least once a 

season with light oil.

Rear Wheels

The rear wheels should be removed from the axles 

once a season. Lubricate the axles and the rims well 

with an all-purpose grease before re-installing them.

Front Axles

Each end of the riding mower’s front pivot bar may be 

equipped with a grease fitting. Lubricate with a grease 

gun after every 25 hours of riding mower operation.

Steering Rack & Pinion

Once per season, or every 25 hours of operation, 

it will be necessary to lubricate the steering rack 

and pinion gear (a) located under the front of the 

riding mower. Using standard automotive grease, 

apply grease to the front side and rear side of the 

steering rack and pinion gear (a), as indicated in 

Figure 4-2.

(a)

Figure 4-2

Cleaning the Tractor

If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for 

at least half an hour before cleaning. Periodically 

remove dirt build-up from engine. Clean cooling fins 

every 25 hours. Clean with a brush or compressed air.
Important: Do not spray engine with water to clean 

because water could contaminate fuel. Using a 

garden hose or pressure washing equipment can also 

force water into the air cleaner or muffler opening. 

Water in the air cleaner will soak the paper element, 

and water that passes through the element or 

muffler can enter the cylinder, causing damage.
Any fuel or oil spilled on the machine should 

be wiped off promptly. Do NOT allow debris to 

accumulate around the cooling fins of the engine 

or on any other part of the machine.
Important: The use of a pressure washer to clean 

your riding mower is NOT recommended. It may 

cause damage to electrical components, spindles, 

pulleys, bearings or the engine.

 WARNING

Accumulation of debris around muffler could cause a fire. 
Inspect and clean before every use.

Muffler

 WARNING

Temperature of muffler and nearby engine areas may exceed 
150˚F (65˚C). Avoid contact with these areas.

Inspect muffler periodically, and replace if necessary. 

Replacement parts for the muffler must be the same 

and installed in the same position as the original parts.

Battery

Clean the battery by removing it from the riding 

mower 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.
The battery is sealed and is maintenance-free. Acid 

levels cannot be checked.
• 

Always keep the battery cables and terminals 

clean and free of corrosive build-up.

• 

After cleaning the battery and terminals, 

apply a light coat of petroleum jelly or grease 

to both terminals.

• 

Always keep the rubber boot positioned over 

the positive terminal to prevent shorting.

Important: If removing the battery for any 

reason, disconnect the NEGATIVE (Black) 

wire from it’s terminal first, followed by 

the POSITIVE (Red) wire. When re-installing 

the battery, always connect the POSITIVE 

(Red) wire its terminal first, followed by 

the NEGATIVE (Black) wire. Be certain that 

the wires are connected to the correct 

terminals; reversing them could change 

the polarity and result in damage to your 

engine’s alternating system.

Deck Wash System (If equipped)

Your riding mower’s deck is equipped with a water 

port on its surface as part of its deck wash system.
Use the deck wash system to rinse grass clippings 

from the deck’s underside and prevent the buildup 

of corrosive chemicals. Complete the following 

steps AFTER EACH MOWING:

1. 

Drive the riding mower to a level, clear spot 

on your lawn, near enough for your garden 

hose to reach.

 CAUTION

Make certain the riding mower’s discharge chute is directed 
AWAY from your house, garage, parked cars, etc.

2. 

Disengage the PTO (Blade Engage), set the 

parking brake and stop the engine.

3. 

Thread the hose coupler (a) (packaged with 

the Operator’s Manual) onto the end of your 

garden hose (b). See Figure 4-3.

(c)

(a)

(b)

Figure 4-3

4. 

Attach the hose coupler (a) to the water port (b) 

on your deck’s surface. See Figure 4-3.

5. 

Turn the water ON.

6. 

While sitting in the operator’s position on 

the riding mower, start the engine and 

place the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) 

position.

7. 

Move the riding mower’s PTO into the ON 

position.

8. 

Remain in the operator’s position with the 

cutting deck engaged for a minimum of 

two minutes, allowing the underside of the 

cutting deck to thoroughly rinse.

9. 

Move the riding mower’s PTO into the OFF 

position.

10. 

Turn the ignition key to the STOP position to 

turn the riding mower’s engine OFF.

11. 

Turn the water OFF and detach the hose 

coupler (a) from the water port (c) on your 

deck’s surface. See Figure 4-3.

12. 

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.

Seat

Refer to the Set-Up & Assembly section of this 

manual for seat adjustment instructions.