Official MTD front-engine lawn tractor parts

Replacing the ignition switch in your MTD front-engine lawn tractor

• Park the tractor on a level surface and set the parking brake. Turn the ignition switch off and remove the key.
• Wear work gloves to protect your hands. Lift the seat. Remove the bolt connecting the negative cable to the battery and tuck the cable away from the battery so it doesn't touch the battery post.
• Lift the hood to access the back of the ignition switch. Release the locking tabs and push the switch out though the front of the dash. Disconnect the wire harness attached to the back of the ignition switch; if it's difficult to unplug, wiggle the plug as you pull on it. Remove the ignition switch.
• Connect the wire harness to the back of the ignition switch. Push the new ignition switch into the dash and engage the locking tabs. Lower the hood.
• Reconnect the negative cable to the negative battery terminal. Lower the seat.

Troubleshooting your MTD front-engine lawn tractor when it won't cut grass

If the riding lawn mower runs but the blades won't cut the grass, the problem could be with the blade belt. Examine and replace the belt if you find it worn or broken. If the belt is okay, check the blade belt idler pulley, blade clutch cable and clutch lever assembly on tractors with manual blade actuators. On riding mowers that use a PTO switch to activate the blades, check the PTO switch and the electric clutch. Failed mandrel pulleys can also prevent the blades from spinning properly.

You'll need to replace the mandrel pulleys if they're worn or damaged