MTD 791, Operator'S Manual

12

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 most 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 8. 

Figure 8

IMPORTANT:

 When operating the tractor with the cutting 

deck engaged, be certain that the throttle lever is 

always

 in the FAST (rabbit) position.

Choke Control

On most models, moving the 
throttle lever all the way forward 
activates the engine’s choke 
control. On other models, the 
choke control can be found on 
the left side of the dash panel and 
is activated by pulling the knob 
outward. Activating the choke control closes the choke 
plate on the carburetor and aids in starting the engine. 
Refer to 

Starting The Engine

 on page 15 of this manual for 

detailed starting instructions.

Brake Pedal

The brake pedal is located on the left side of the lawn 
tractor, along the running board. Depress the brake 
pedal part way down to slow the tractor’s ground speed. 
Depress the pedal all the way down to engage the disc 
brake and bring the tractor to a complete stop.

NOTE: 

The brake pedal must be depressed to start

the engine. Refer to 

Safety Interlock Switches

 on page 14.

Parking Brake Lever

To set the parking brake, fully 
depress the brake pedal. Move the 
parking brake lever all the way down 
and into the ON position. Release the 
brake pedal to allow the parking 
brake to engage.

To release the parking brake, 
depress the brake pedal and move 
the parking brake lever into the OFF 
position. Release the brake pedal.

NOTE: 

The parking brake must be

set if the operator leaves the seat with
the engine running or the engine will
automatically shut off.

Deck Lift Lever

Found on your tractor’s right fender, 
the deck lift lever is used to change 
the height of the cutting deck. To use, 
move the lever to the left, then place 
in the notch best suited for your 
application.

PTO (Blade Engage) Lever

Found on the tractor’s right fender, 
the PTO (blade engage) lever is used 
to engage power to the cutting deck 
or other (separately available) 
attachments. To operate, move the 
lever all the way forward. Moving the 
lever all the way rearward into the 
PTO OFF position disengages power 
to the cutting deck/ attachment. 

NOTE: 

The PTO (blade engage)

lever 

must

 be in the disengaged

(PTO OFF) position when starting the
engine.

FAST

SLOW

CHOKE

FAST

SLOW

PARK

BRAKE

P

ON

OFF

1

2

3

4

5

PTO / BLADE ENGAGE

PTO OFF

PTO ON