John Deere 70 Lawn Tractor Operator's Manual

Introduction

This manual provides information for the John Deere 70 Lawn Tractor, manufactured with John Deere's traditional high standards. It highlights quality features designed with the customer in mind. Your local dealer is available for parts and major service.

The safety alert symbol (!) identifies important safety messages. Always be alert to the possibility of personal injury and read the messages carefully.

Right-hand (R.H.) and left-hand (L.H.) are determined by standing at the rear of the tractor and facing the direction of travel.

Important: Locate and record your tractor and engine serial numbers below. The tractor serial number is located just below the dash panel, and the engine serial number is on the left-hand side of the engine shroud.

Tractor Serial No.:

Engine Serial No.:

Date of Purchase:

Specifications

(Specifications and design subject to change without notice.)

Operation

Controls

Familiarize yourself with the location and purpose of the tractor's controls:

• Clutch-Brake Pedal: Disengages engine power and applies braking pressure. It also actuates a safety switch; the pedal must be depressed to start the tractor electrically.
• Parking Brake Knob: Depress the clutch-brake pedal fully, hold it down, lift the parking brake knob, and move it forward to set the brake. To release, hold the pedal down, lift the knob, and move it rearward.
• Shift Lever: Selects transmission gear speed (3 forward, 1 reverse). A diagram indicates gear positions.
• Power Take-Off Clutch Lever (PTO): Controls power to attachments like the mower or snow thrower. Move rearward to disengage, forward to engage. This lever also actuates a safety switch; it must be disengaged to start the engine electrically.
• Equipment Lift Lever and Lift Stop: Controls mounted equipment. Press the thumb release and move the lever forward to lower equipment, pull rearward to raise. Release the thumb to lock the lever. The lift stop ensures equipment returns to the same setting each time it is lowered.
• Ignition Key Switch: Turns on the ignition and starter. Clockwise to 'RUN' for ignition, further to 'START' for the starter. Counterclockwise to 'OFF' shuts off the ignition.
• Throttle-Choke Lever: Controls engine speed. Moving it to the highest position chokes the engine for starting.

Operating the Engine

Engine Break-In

Change engine crankcase oil after the first two hours of operation as instructed on page 8. No special break-in oil is required.

Prestarting Inspection

• Check fuel supply (regular or non-leaded gasoline only).
• Ensure engine oil is at the proper level. Add oil as needed.
• Verify the air filter is free of obstructions and excessive dirt.

Starting the Engine

Electric Starting

1. Disengage PTO clutch (pull PTO lever rearward). Safety feature: Tractor will not start electrically if PTO is engaged.
2. Depress clutch-brake pedal and hold down. Safety feature: Tractor will not start electrically if pedal is not depressed.
3. For a cold engine, raise the throttle-choke lever to the highest position. Lower it immediately after the engine starts. For a warm engine, place the lever in the idle position.
4. Turn the ignition key to the right as far as possible to start the engine.

Manual Starting

Important: Disconnect the rectifier wire at connector 'A' (page 13) if the battery is inoperative or removed to prevent damage to the electrical system.

1. Place the shift lever in the 'NEUTRAL' position.
2. Depress the clutch-brake pedal fully, lift the parking brake knob, and slide it forward to lock the brake.
3. Disengage the PTO clutch (move PTO lever to the rear position).
4. Raise the throttle lever to the choke position as needed for starting.
5. Turn the ignition key to the 'RUN' position.
6. Insert a starter rope knot into the slot in the engine sheave and wrap the rope clockwise around the sheave. Pull the rope to start the engine. (Any rope can be used, or the AM32088 Rope Assembly can be ordered.)
7. Move the throttle lever from the choke position to the operating range.

Important: Follow this procedure for safe manual starting.

Stopping the Engine

Allow the engine to idle for a few minutes to cool down before stopping. Abruptly stopping a hot engine can damage valves.

Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the 'OFF' position and remove the key.

Caution: Always remove the ignition key before leaving the tractor to prevent unauthorized operation.

Operating the Tractor

Release the parking brake by holding the clutch-brake pedal down, lifting the parking brake knob, and moving it rearward.

Engine Warm-Up

Always allow the engine to warm up before applying a load.

Selecting Travel Speed

Travel speed is controlled by the transmission gear selection and throttle position. Maximum speeds are:

• 1st Gear: 1.9 mph
• 2nd Gear: 3.3 mph
• 3rd Gear: 5.0 mph
• Reverse: 2.6 mph

Operate mowers and snow throwers at full throttle. Select a transmission gear that provides a safe travel speed with these attachments at full throttle.

Shifting Gears

To shift gears, partially depress the clutch-brake pedal and move the shift lever to the desired position. The tractor must be completely stopped before shifting. Use firm, steady force to engage gears smoothly. Avoid grinding gears.

Stopping the Tractor

1. Depress the clutch-brake pedal and shift the transmission to neutral.
2. Hold the clutch-brake pedal down, lift the parking brake knob, and move it forward to set the brake.
3. Disengage the power take-off clutch and lower attachments to the ground.
4. Idle the engine and turn the ignition key to the 'OFF' position.

Caution: Always remove the ignition key before leaving the tractor.

Raising and Lowering Mounted Equipment

Press the thumb release and pull the lever rearward to raise equipment; push forward to lower. Release the thumb to lock the lever. Numbers on the lever quadrant correspond to mower gauge wheel positions for adjusting cutting height. Ensure the gauge wheel position matches the number on the quadrant to properly support the mower and prevent scalping.

To lock attachments in a specific position, pull the lever all the way back and move the stop into the detent behind the quadrant. To lock attachments in transport position, pull the lever all the way back and move the stop to the lowest notch.

Engaging Power Take-Off Clutch

Move the PTO clutch lever forward to engage the clutch and rearward to disengage. Engage the PTO clutch slowly to avoid sudden load on the drive mechanism.

Adjusting Position of Seat

The tractor seat can be adjusted forward or rearward by loosening the four cap screws on the spring mount. Additional adjustment to the rear is possible by moving the screws to the rear set of holes.

Safety Suggestions

Improper use of the tractor and its equipment can lead to injury. To minimize risk:

• Know your controls. Read this manual and attachment manuals. Learn how to stop the tractor, engine, and attachments quickly in an emergency.
• When starting manually, ensure the gear shift lever is in neutral and the parking brake is set.
• Start the engine carefully, keeping feet and hands away from the blades.
• Wear snug, belted clothing. Avoid loose clothing that could catch in moving parts.
• Keep children and pets at a safe distance.
• Never allow passengers on the tractor.
• Do not allow children to operate the machine, or adults without proper instruction.
• Never refuel with the engine running or while smoking. Use an approved container. Prevent gasoline spills on hot mufflers. Wipe up spills and replace the gas cap securely. Avoid contact between the gas can/nozzle and the battery terminals.
• Always keep the positive battery post covered with a rubber boot.
• Be careful on hillsides and turns. Operate at speeds that prevent tipping. Avoid sudden starts or stops on slopes. Drive slowly over rough ground.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially when backing up.
• Use care when attaching drawn equipment. Back the tractor past the clevis and move slowly forward to make the connection.
• Do not over-speed the engine or alter governor settings.
• Stop the tractor after striking a solid object. Inspect for damage and make repairs before restarting.
• Never operate the tractor engine in a closed building due to carbon monoxide fumes.
• Before dismounting, stop the engine, shift to neutral, and set the parking brake. Always shut off the engine and remove the ignition key before leaving the tractor.
• Allow the exhaust muffler to cool before touching it after operation.
• Prevent accidental starting: turn off the key switch and disconnect the spark plug cable when working on the electrical system or making adjustments to the engine or moving parts.
• Maintain the tractor properly. Regularly check fasteners, guards, and parts. Built-in safety features are effective only when maintained.

Fuels and Lubricants

Fuels

Filling Fuel Tank: Wipe dust and dirt from around the filler cap before removing it. Keep dirt out of the tank while filling.

Use fresh, regular grade or non-leaded gasoline with an octane rating of 90 or higher. Do not use premium, ethyl, or white gasoline, or special fuel additives. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Ensure fuel containers are clean. Prevent gasoline spills on hot mufflers.

Caution: Handle fuel with care. Never refuel a hot or running engine. Do not smoke while filling. Avoid contact between the gas can/nozzle and battery terminals. Ensure the positive battery post is covered with a rubber boot.

Lubricants

Engine Crankcase

John Deere Torq-Gard engine oil is recommended. If using other oil, it must meet specifications MIL-L-2104B or API Service CC/SD. Use oil viscosity based on the highest expected ambient temperature:

• Above 32°F: SAE 30
• Below 32°F: SAE 5W-20 (may increase oil consumption)

The crankcase capacity is 1-1/2 U.S. pints.

Transmission

Use AM30200 Transmission Lubricant. The transmission capacity is 3 U.S. pints. John Deere SAE 90 Gear Lubricant or an equivalent SCL multipurpose gear oil can also be used.

Grease Fittings

Lubricate grease fittings with John Deere Multi-Purpose Lubricant or an equivalent multipurpose grease using a hand grease gun or the AM31300 John Deere Pisto-Luber.

Lubrication and Periodic Service

Daily or Every 5 Hours of Operation

• Check Engine Crankcase Oil Level: Ensure oil is at the 'F' mark on the dipstick. Check more often if using SAE 5W-20 oil.

Every 25 Hours of Operation (Weekly)

• Change Engine Crankcase Oil: Drain oil when hot. Refill to the 'F' mark with proper viscosity oil. Change daily in extremely dusty conditions.
• Clean Air Filter: Tap out dust from the dry-type filter. Do not use liquid cleaners. Replace if damaged. Replace with AM30900 when discolored and clogged. Never run the engine without the filter.
• Check Battery: Keep terminals clean and free of corrosion. Coat terminals with petroleum jelly. Ensure electrolyte level is at the top of the filler tube's split ledge; add distilled water if needed. Run the engine for at least an hour after adding water in freezing weather. Caution: Battery electrolyte is poisonous.
• Lubricate Front Wheels, Steering, and Clutch: Lubricate indicated grease fittings weekly, or daily under dusty conditions for front wheel bearings.
• Check Tire Pressure: Front tires: 12 psi (rotary mower), 20 psi (snow thrower/front blade). Rear tires: 6 psi.

Each Spring and Fall Season

• Perform all 25-hour service checks.
• Clean Engine Cooling Fins and Shrouds: Remove hood and gas tank assembly to access and clean cooling fins and intake screen. Do not run the engine with shrouds removed.
• Check Spark Plug Gap: Ensure gap is 0.030 inch. Adjust by bending the outer electrode. Replace plug if electrodes are worn or pitted. Tighten to 15-20 ft-lbs.
• Clean Fuel Strainer: Shut off fuel, drain the line and bowl. Remove and wash the fuel shut-off valve and strainer assembly in gasoline or solvent. Reassemble and reconnect the hose.
• Check Transmission Oil Level: Ensure oil level is correct by checking the filler hole. Add lubricant as needed.
• Repack Clutch Bearings: Clean old grease from bearings, dry, and repack with John Deere High-Temperature Grease (AT30408).
• Lubricate Steering Column: Lubricate the fitting on the steering column; do not overlubricate.

Every 200 Hours or Two Years

• Change Transmission Oil: Drain all oil, replace the plug, and add six 8-ounce cans of AM30200 Transmission Lubricant or equivalent.

Dealer Services

For services not covered in this manual, or for transmission service, consult your John Deere dealer. Special tools are required for transmission dismantling.

Troubleshooting

Electric Starter Inoperative or Will Not Turn Engine

• Ensure clutch-brake pedal is fully depressed.
• Ensure PTO clutch lever is disengaged.
• If solenoid clicks but engine doesn't start, check for a discharged battery or loose electrical connections.
• If the engine still won't start, check electrical connections and safety start switches (clutch-brake and PTO).

Hard Starting

• Faulty Ignition: Check spark plug gap, condition, breaker points, and magneto.
• Faulty Carburetion: Check fuel line and strainer for clogging, clean or adjust carburetor, or check for a flooded engine or partially closed choke.

Engine Missing Under Load

• Check spark plug gap, fuel mixture (adjust high speed screw), spark plug condition, or breaker points. Consult a serviceman for ignition, magneto, and carburetor adjustments.

Backfiring

• Check carburetor for lean fuel mixture or sticky intake valve/improper ignition.

Knocking

• Use quality gasoline. Check for engine overheating, low oil level, lean fuel mixture, or loose connecting rod/improper timing/carbon buildup.

Loss of Engine Power

• Overheating: Clean cooling fins, use correct gasoline, check fuel mixture, oil level, and breaker points. Reduce load.
• Dirty Air Filter: Clean the air filter.
• Choke Partly Closed: Have throttle-choke control cable adjusted.

Engine Operating Erratic

• Check carburetor setting, fuel line, water in fuel, choke control, spark plug wire, air leaks, clogged carburetor jet, loose throttle cable, or plugged fuel tank vent.

Engine Will Not Idle

• Check carburetor adjustments, cleanliness, spark plug gap, or air leaks. Consult a serviceman for leaky valves or faulty condenser.

Transmission Will Not Stay in Gear

• Shift gears firmly. Consult a serviceman to replace worn gears.

Brakes Not Effective

• Have brake linkage adjusted or brake band replaced if worn.

Improper Steering or Excessive Front Tire Wear

• Have the steering gear checked and adjusted by a dealer.

Battery Will Not Charge

• Check for a blown fuse on the rectifier panel (replace fuse, ensure correct polarity).
• Check for a burned-out rectifier (consult dealer). Disconnect rectifier circuit when starting without a battery.
• Check for loose electrical connections.
• Replace a battery with a dead cell and have rectifiers checked.

Storage

For extended storage:

• Drain the gas tank and line. Drain the carburetor bowl. Clean and reinstall the fuel shut-off valve and strainer.
• Wipe all oil, grease, and dirt from the tractor. Paint to prevent rust.
• Remove the spark plug, pour approximately one tablespoon of SAE 30 oil into the cylinder, turn the engine manually two revolutions, and replace the spark plug.
• Drain and refill the engine crankcase with the proper viscosity motor oil.
• Park the tractor on a level surface and block it to take weight off the tires. Clean belts with a dry cloth.
• Remove the battery and store it where it will not freeze. Disconnect the rectifier circuit at connector 'A' to prevent rectifier damage if the tractor is started manually while the battery is removed.

Removing Tractor from Storage

• Refill the gas tank.
• Clean and regap the spark plug.
• Reinstall the battery and check the electrolyte level. Connect the wire to the rectifier panel.
• Check the transmission oil level and tire inflation.

Service Manual Available

A detailed, 174-page service manual (SM-2092B) is available for owners who wish to perform more extensive service. It covers general information, engine, fuel system, electrical system, power train, and miscellaneous components, including the 34 Rotary Mower. Order from John Deere Service Publications, Moline, Illinois 61265. The price is $6.10.

Dependable John Deere Parts and Service

Your John Deere Consumer Products dealer offers dependable parts and service. Genuine John Deere Parts are stocked to keep your equipment running, and their trained servicemen can keep your equipment running smoothly. You can trust your dealer to meet your needs, providing satisfaction expected from John Deere.

Safety Reminder

Nobody can practice safety for you. Put safety into each workday by reading the operator's manual thoroughly, knowing how to operate each machine properly and safely, taking specified precautions, and thinking before acting. Wear your "shoes" (safety awareness) every day and outfit yourself with a safety program now.