MTD 11A 543B700 User Manual LAWN MOWER Manuals And Guides 1107394L

User Manual: MTD 11A-543B700 11A-543B700 MTD LAWN MOWER - Manuals and Guides View the owners manual for your MTD LAWN MOWER #11A543B700. Home:Lawn & Garden Parts:MTD Parts:MTD LAWN MOWER Manual

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Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips & Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty

AOA AL

21" Hi=Wheel Mower- Model Series 540

iMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: Thisunit is equippedwithaninternalcombustionengineandshouldnot beusedon or nearany unimprovedforest-covered,brush-

coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemis equippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).

If a sparkarresteris used,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderby the operator.In theStateof Californiathe aboveis requiredbylaw

(Section4442of the CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester

for the muffleris availablethroughyour nearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contactthe servicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,

Ohio44136-0019.

PRINTEDIN U.S.A. MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

FORMNO.769-00447E

3/17/2006

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new lawn mower, it will help you assemble,

prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.

Table of Contents

Customer Support .............................................. 2

Slope Guage ........................................................ 3

Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4

Setup And Adjustment ....................................... 6

Operating Your Lawn Mower .............................. 8

Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10

Troubleshooting ................................................ 12

Safety Labels .................................................... 13

Parts List ........................................................... 14

Warranty ............................................ Back Cover

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREASSEMBLINGYOUR NEW EQUIPMENT,

please locatethe model plate on the equipmentand copy

the informationto the sample model plate providedto the

right. You can locate the model plate bystanding at the

operatingposition and looking down atthe rear of the

deck. This informationwill be necessarywhen using the

manufacturer'sweb site, to obtain assistance from the

Customer Support Department, or when contacting an

authorizedservice dealer.

Model Number

www.mtdproducts,com

Serial Number

MTD LLC

P.O. BOX 361131

CLEVELAND, OH 44136

330 -220 -4683

800-800-731 0J

Customer Support

Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was

purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.

Ifyou havedifficulty assembling this product or haveany questionsregarding the controls, operation, or maintenanceof this

unit, you can seek helpfrom the experts. Choose from the options below:

1. Visit mtdproducts.com. Click on the Service & Support menu option.

MTD Intem_fic_al Award Wi_n i_ IProd_cf_ i _r Compe_y ct L& _ri'_,ocy Polly

Ser,#ice 8,_Suppe_

Product Registration

2. Phone a Customer Support Representative at 1 (800) 800-7310.

3. The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to performance,power-rating,specifica-

tions, warranty and service. Pleaserefer to the engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual, packedseparately with

your unit,for more information.

>:.

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Sight and hold this levelwith a verticaltree...

also

15°

WARNING

This symbolpoints

out importantsafety

instructionswhich, if

notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal

i safetyand/or property

I ofyourselfand others.

Readandfollowall

instructionsinthis

manualbeforeat-

temptingto operate

i this machine. Failure

I to complywiththese

instructionsmay result

i in personalinjury.When

you see this symbol.

i HEED ITS WARNING!

Your Responsibility

Restrictthe use

of this power machine

to personswho read,

_understand

ano followthe warnings

and instructions

inthis manual

and on the machine.

WARNING: Engine Exhaust,some of its constituents, andcertain vehicle compo-

nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto State of Californiato cause cancer and

birth defects or other reproductiveharm.

DANGER: This machinewas built to be operated according to the rulesfor safe operationin this

manual.As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can

result in serious injury.This machine is capable of amputating hands andfeet andthrowing objects.

Failureto observe the followingsafety instructionscould result in serious injury or death.

Children

Tragicaccidentscanoccur ifoperatorisnotalert to presence

of children.Childrenare oftenattractedto mowerand mowing

activity.Theydonot understandthe dangers.Neverassume

thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.

1. Keepchildrenoutof the mowingareaand underwatchful

careof a responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.

2. Bealert andturn moweroffif a childentersthearea.

3. Beforeand whilemovingbackwards,look behindanddown

forsmallchildren.

4. Useextremecare whenapproachingblind corners,

doorways,shrubs,trees,or otherobjectsthat mayobscure

yourvisionof a child whomayrun intothe mower.

5. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycan

sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.

6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operatea power

mower.Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand

understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthis

manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbya parent.

General Operation

1. Readthis operator'smanualcarefullyin its entiretybefore

attemptingto assemblethis machine.Read,understand,

andfollowall instructionsonthe machineandin the

manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith

thecontrols andthe properuseof this machinebefore

operatingit. Keepthis manualin a safeplaceforfuture

and regularreferenceand for orderingreplacementparts.

2. Thismachineis a precisionpieceof powerequipment,

nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all

times.Yourunithas beendesignedto performonejob: to

mowgrass. Do notuseit for any otherpurpose.

3. Neverallow childrenunder 14yearsold to operatethis

machine.Children 14yearsold and overshould readand

understandthe instructionsinthis manualandshould

betrainedand supervisedby a parent.Onlyresponsible

individualswho arefamiliar withthese rulesof safe

operationshould beallowedto usethis machine.

4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto

beused. Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toys

andotherforeignobjects, whichcouldbetrippedover or

pickedup andthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjects can

causeseriouspersonalinjury.Planyour mowingpattern

to avoiddischargeof materialtowardroads,sidewalks,

bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial

againsta wall or obstruction,whichmaycausedischarged

materialto ricochetback towardthe operator.

5. Tohelpavoidbladecontact ora thrownobjectinjury,

stay inoperatorzone behindhandlesand keepchildren,

bystanders,helpersand petsat least 75feetfrom mower

whileit is inoperation.Stop machineifanyoneenters

area.

6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera-

tion andwhile performingan adjustmentor repairto protect

youreyes.Thrownobjectswhich ricochetcan causeserious

injuryto the eyes.

7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesand close-fitting

slacksandshirts. Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthe arms and

legs andsteel-toedshoesare recommended.Neveroperate

this machinein barefeet,sandals,slipperyor light-weight

(e.g.canvas)shoes.

8. Do notputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor undercutting

deck.Contactwithblade can amputatehands andfeet.

9. A missingor damageddischargecovercan cause blade

contactor thrownobject injuries.

10.Manyinjuriesoccuras a resultof the mowerbeing pulled

overthefoot duringa fall causedby slippingor tripping.

Do notholdon to the mower ifyou are falling;releasethe

handleimmediately.

11.Neverpullthe mowerback towardyouwhileyou are

walking.If youmust backthe mowerawayfroma wall or

obstructionfirstlook downand behindto avoidtrippingand

thenfollowthese steps:

a. Stepback frommowerto fully extendyourarms.

b. Be sure youare well balancedwithsurefooting.

c. Pullthe mowerback slowly,no morethan halfway

towardyou.

d. Repeatthesestepsas needed.

12.Do notoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof

alcoholordrugs.

13.Do notengagetheself-propelledmechanismon unitsso

equippedwhilestartingengine.

14.The bladecontrolhandleis a safetydevice.Neverattempt

to bypassits operation.Doingso makesthe safetydevice

inoperativeandmayresult in personalinjurythrough

contactwiththe rotatingblade.The bladecontrolhandle

mustoperateeasily in bothdirectionsandautomatically

returnto the disengagedpositionwhenreleased.

15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwet grass. Alwaysbesure of

yourfooting. A slip and fall cancauseseriouspersonal

injury.If youfeel youare losing yourfooting,releasethe

bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyand the bladewillstop

rotatingwithinthreeseconds.

16.Mowonly in daylightor good artificiallight. Walk,neverrun.

17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives, walksor roads.

18.If theequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe

engineand checkimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis

generallya warningof trouble.

19.Shut theengineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto a

completestopbefore removingthe grasscatcheror unclog-

ging thechute.

The cuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefor a fewseconds after

the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceany part ofthe bodyin

the bladearea untilyouare surethe blade hasstopped

rotating.

20. Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrail shield,discharge

cover,grass catcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafety

protectivedevicesin placeand working.Neveroperate

mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failureto do so can

resultin personalinjury.

21. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causea burn.Do

nottouch.

22.Only use partsand accessoriesmadefor this machineby

manufacturer.Failureto do so can result inpersonalinjury.

23. If situationsoccurwhich are notcoveredin this manual,

usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor

assistance.Telephone1-800-800-7310for the nameof your

nearestdealer.

Slope Operation

Slopesare a majorfactor relatedto slipandfallaccidents,which

can resultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra

caution.If youfeeluneasyon a slope,do notmowit.Foryour

safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedas part ofthis manualto

measureslopesbeforeoperatingthis uniton a slopedor hilly

area.If theslopeis greaterthan 15degrees,do not mowit.

Do:

1. Mowacrossthefaceof slopes;neverup anddown.Exercise

extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

2. Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks, hiddenobjects,or bumpswhich

can causeyouto slipor trip. Tallgrass can hideobstacles.

3. Alwaysbe sure of yourfooting.A slip andfall can cause

serious personalinjury.If you feelyou are losingyour

balance,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediately,and

the bladewill stoprotatingwithin 3 seconds.

Do Not:

1. Donot mowneardrop-offs, ditchesorembankments,you

could loseyour footingorbalance.

2. Donot mowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownon

the slopegauge.

3. Donot mowon wetgrass. Unstablefootingcouldcause

slipping.

Service

Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:

1. To avoidpersonalinjury orpropertydamage useextreme

care inhandlinggasoline.Gasolineis extremelyflammable

and thevaporsare explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan

occur whengasolineisspilled onyourselforyour clothes,

which canignite.

2. Wash yourskin andchangeclothesimmediately.

3. Useonly an approvedgasolinecontainer.

4. Neverfill containersinsidea vehicle oron a truckor trailer

bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe

groundawayfromyourvehicle beforefilling.

5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truck ortrailer

and refuelit onthe ground.If this is notpossible,then refuel

suchequipmentona trailerwitha portablecontainer,rather

than froma gasoline dispensernozzle.

6. Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimof thefuel tank or

container openingat alltimesuntil fuelingis complete.Do

notuse a nozzlelock-opendevice.

7. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars, pipesand othersources

of ignition.

8. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill

accumulatein thearea.

9. Neverremovegascap oradd fuel whileengineis hot or

running. Allowengineto cool at least two minutesbefore

refueling.

10.Neveroverfill fuel tank. Filltankto nomorethan Y2inch

below bottomof filler neckto providefor fuel expansion.

11.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

12.If gasolineis spilled,wipe itoff theengineand equipment.

Moveunit to anotherarea.Wait 5 minutesbeforestarting

engine.

13.Neverstorethe machineorfuel containernearan open

flame,sparkor pilot light as on a water heater,space

heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergas appliances.

14.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfree of grass, leaves,

orother debrisbuild-up.Clean upoil orfuelspillageand

removeanyfuel soakeddebris.

15.Allowa mowerto cool at least5 minutesbeforestoring.

GeneralService:

1. Neverrun an engineindoorsorin a poorlyventilatedarea.

Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessand

deadlygas.

2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe

bladeandall movingparts havestopped.Disconnectthe

sparkplugwire andgroundagainstthe engineto prevent

unintendedstarting.

3. Checkthe bladeandenginemountingbolts atfrequent

intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefor

damage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewiththe

originalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listed

inthis manual."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe original

equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformance

andcompromisesafety!"

4. Mowerbladesare sharpandcan cut.Wrapthebladeor wear

gloves,anduse extracautionwhenservicingthem.

5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip-

mentis insafeworkingcondition.

6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheir properopera-

tionregularly.

7. Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stopthe engine,discon-

nectthesparkplugwire andgroundagainsttheengine.

Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerfor anydamage.Repairthe

damagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower.

8. Neverattemptto makea wheelor cuttingheightadjustment

whiletheengineis running.

9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail

shield aresubjectto wear anddamagewhichcould expose

movingparts or allowobjectsto bethrown.Forsafety

protection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplaceim-

mediatelywithoriginal equipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)

parts only,listed inthis manual."Useof parts which do

notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto

improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"

10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe

engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating

speedof the engine.

11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,as necessary.

12.Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improper

disposalof fluidsand materialscanharmthe environment.

Operation

WARNING

This symbol points

out importantsafety

instructions, which if

not followed,could

endangerthe personal

safety and/or property

of yourselfand others.

Readand followall

instructions inthis man-

ual before attempting to

operate this machine.

Failureto comply with

these instructionsmay

result in personal injury.

When you see this

symbol.

HEED IT'S WARNING!

YourResponsibility

Restrictthe use

of this power machine

to personswho read.

understand

and followthe warnings

and instructions

in this manua

and on the machine.

Standbehindthe

mowerasifyouwere

goingtooperateit.

Yourrighthandcor-

respondstotheright

sideofthemower;your

lefthandcorresponds

totheleftsideofthe

mower.

I Make sure to route

i cable outside the lower

handle. Do not crimp

cable while lifting the

handle up.

IMPORTANT

i This unit is shipped

without gasoline or

oil in the engine. Fill

up gasoline and oil

as instructed inthe

accompanyingengine

i manual BEFORE

operatingyour mower.

Figure3-1: Unfoldhandle,tightenhardwareandattachwheel.

Hardware Pack

Wing Nuts (2) Carriage Bolts (2)

Figure3-2:Securelowerhandleto mountingbrackets.

1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetween

upperandlowerhandles.

a. Pullupand backon upperhandleas shownin

Figure3-1.Makecertainthe lowerhandleis seated

securelyintothe handlemountingbrackets.Donot

crimpcablewhile liftingthe handleup.

b. Tightenstarknobsto secureupperhandleto

lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriagebolt is

seatedproperlyin the handle.

c. Placea blockunderthemowerdeckto raisethe

unitoffof thegroundandremovethe flangelock

nutfromthe axle.Installrearwheelandreplaceand

tightentheflangelocknut.Repeatonthe otherside.

2. Locatethe hairpinclipon the weldpinon eachsideof

lowerhandle.

a. Removehairpinclipfromthis hole.Usinga pair

of pliers,inserthairpinclip intothe holeon pin

closestto the bracket,Figure3-2. Repeaton other

side.

b. Inserta carriagebolt fromthe hardwarepackinto

the upperholeonthe handlemountingbracket.

Securewithone plasticwing nut,also included

inthe hardwarepack.Repeatonother sidewith

remainingitemsfromhardwarepack.

The ropeguideis attachedto the right sideof the

upperhandle,Figure3-3. Loosenthe wing nutwhich

securesthe ropeguide.

a. Holdbladecontrolhandleagainstupperhandle.

b. Pullstarterropeout of the engine.Releaseblade

controlhandle.

c. Slipstarterropeinto ropeguide.

d. Tightenwingnut.

Insertpostoncable tiesintoholes providedon the

lowerhandle.Pullcabletiestightandtrimexcess,

Figure3-4.

Figure3-3:Pullrecoilstarterthroughropeguide andtighten.

Figure3-4:Securecablesto handleusingcableties.

5. 7. Yourmoweris shippedas a mulcher.Toconvertto

Followstepsbelowto assemblethe grasscatcher.

Makecertainbagis turned rightsideout before

assembling(warninglabelwill be onthe outside)

a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside

is at the bottom.

b. Slip plasticchannelof grassbagoverhooksonthe

frame,Figure3-5.All the plasticchannelsexcept

centertop of bagattachfromoutsideof bag.

c. Attachcentertop of bagfrominsideof bag.

'_ .y

Figure3-5:Assemblethegrasscatcher.

6. Followthe stepsbelowto attachthe grasscatcher:

a. Liftreardischargedoor,Figure3-6.

b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod. Letgo

of dischargedoorsothat it restson thegrass

catcher.

_ WARNING:Neveroperate mower unless the

hookson the grasscatcherare firmly seated

on the pivotrod and the reardischargedoor rests

firmly against top of the grasscatcher.

j'i

Figure3-6:Attachthegrasscatcher.

sidedischarge,makesuregrasscatcherisoff of the

unitand reardischargedoorisclosed.

a. Onthe sideof the mower,lift the mulchingplug,

Figure3-7.

b. Slidetwohooksof side dischargechuteunder

hingepinonmulchingplugassembly.Lowerthe

mulchingplug. Do not removesidemulchingplug

at anytime,evenwhenyou arenot mulching.

Figure3-7:Liftmulchplugandinstallsidedischargechute.

Adjustments

Anadjustingplateandthumbleverat eachwheel

providescuttingheightadjustment.

1. Depresslevertowardswheel.

2. Moveitto any oneof the positionsfor desiredcutting

height,Figure3-8. Makesurethateachwheelis

positionedat the sameheight.

3. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.

Figure3-8:Useleversto adjustcuttingheight.

Adjustment

When adjustingthe

cutting height, all wheels

must be positioned at

the same heighL

WARNING

Neveroperate mower

w thootthem,,o, og

plug, the grasscatcher,

or the discharge chute

properly installed'

Mower

WARNING

The blade control is a

safety device. Never

attempt to bypass its

operations.

iUse extreme care when

; handling gasoline.

Gasoline is extremely

flammable and the

vapors are explosive.

Neverfuel the machine

iindoors or while the

; engine is hot or running.

; Exhngwsh c_garettes,

cigars, pipes, and other

sources of ignition.

Keep hands and feet

away from the cutting

deck. Referto warning

label on the unit.

Know Your Lawn Mower

f BladeControl

Recoil Starter=====_,

GrassCatcher_

MulchPlug --

Side Discharge Chute _,.__

Figure4-1:The majorparts onthelawnmower.

Now that you have set up your lawn mower for

operation, read this section to become acquainted

with its controls and features. This knowledge will

allow you to use your new equipment to its fullest

potential.

Blade Control

The blade control is attached to the upper handle.

Depress and squeeze it against the upper handle

to operate the unit. Release it to stop engine and

blade.

_1_11=WARNING:This bladecontrolis asafety

device.Donot bypass its operations.

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

One adjustment lever is located on each wheel and

is used to adjust the cutting height. All four wheels

must be at the same position to ensure a uniform

cut.

Recoil Starter

The recoil starter is attached to the right upper

handle. Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil

starter rope to start the unit.

Mulch Plug

The mulch plug is used for mulching purposes.

Instead of collecting the grass clippings in a grass

catcher or using the side discharge chute, some

mower models have the option of recirculating the

clippings back to the lawn. This is called mulching.

Grass Catcher

The grass catcher, located at the rear of the mower,

is used to bag the grass clippings for disposal at an-

other site. Once the bag is full, it has to be removed

from the mower and emptied before any further

mowing.

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

1. Check oil level and add oil if necessary. Follow engine

owner's manual for this.

2. Servicethe enginewithgasolineas instructedinthe

engineowner'smanual.

_b ARNING:Useextremecarewhenhandling

gasoline.Gasolineis extremelyflammable

and the vapors are explosive. Neverfuel the machine

indoorsor while the engineis hotor running.Extin-

guish cigarettes,cigars,pipes,and other sourcesof

ignition.

_ARNING:Theoperationof any lawn

mowercan result inforeign objects being

thrownintothe eyeswhichcan damage

youreyesseverely.Alwayswear safetyglasses

whileoperatingthe moweror while performingany

adjustmentsor repairson it.

Starting Engine

,4_i_ WARNING:Be surenoone otherthan the

operatoris standingnearthe lawnmower

whilestartingengineor operatingmower.

Neverrunengineindoorsorin enclosed,poorly

ventilatedareas.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon

monoxide, an odorlessand deadly gas. Keephands,

feet, hairand looseclothingawayfromany moving

partsonengineand lawnmower.

NOTE: Referto the enginemanual for help with

enginerelatedoperations.

1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwoseconds

betweeneachpush.SeeFigure4-2. In temperature

around550F or below,primefive times.Do not prime

to restarta warmengine.

2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethe bladecontrol

againstupperhandle.SeeFigure4-2.

3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasp recoil

starterhandleand pullropeout witha rapid,continu-

ous,full arm stroke.SeeFigure4-2. Keepinga firm

grip onthe starterhandle,let the roperewindslowly.

Repeatuntil enginecranks.Letthe roperewindeach

timeslowly.

Stopping Engine

1. Releasebladecontrolto stoptheengineand blade.

2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand

groundagainstthe engine.

_ARNING:Wait for the blade to stop

completely before performingany work

on the mower or to removethe grass

catcher.

UsingYour Lawn Mower

,__ WARNING:Neveroperate your mower

without eitherthe reardoor or the entire

__ grasscatcher assembly firmly secured.

Besurelawnis clearof stones,sticks,wire,or other

objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine.

Such objectscouldbe accidentlythrownby the mower

in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjuryto the

operatorandothers.

Figure4-2:Startingthe mower.

_ARNING:if you strikea foreign object,

stop the engine.Removewirefrom the

sparkplug,thoroughly inspectmower

for any damage,and repair damage before restart-

ingand operating. Extensive vibration of mower

during operation is an indicationof damage.The

unit should be promptlyinspectedand repaired.

1. Oncethe engineis running,squeezethe blade

controlagainstthe upperhandleto engagethe

blade.

• Forbest results,do notcut wetgrassand never

cutoff morethanone-thirdof the totallengthof the

grass.

Using as Mulcher

Formulchinggrass,removethe grasscatcheror side

dischargechutefromthe mower.The reardischarge

doorshouldbeclosed.

Foreffectivemulching,do notcut wetgrass.New

orthick grassmayrequirea narrowercut. Adjust

groundspeedaccordingto conditionof lawn.

• If thegrasshas beenallowedto growinexcessof

fourinches,mulchingis not recommended.Usethe

grasscatcherto bagclippingsinstead.

Using Grass Catcher

Youcan usethe grasscatcherto collectclippingswhile

youareoperatingthe mower.

.AttachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsinSetup

section.Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectin

bagas you runmower.Operatemowertill grassbag

is full.

2. Stopenginecompletelyby releasingthe blade

control.Makesurethatthe unithas cometo a

completestop.

3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagup andaway

fromthe mowerto removethe bag.Disposeof the

grassclippingsand reinstallthe bagwhencomplete.

You r LaWn

Mow

WARNING

The operation of any

lawn mower can result

inforeign objects being

thrown into the eyes,

which can damage your

eyes severely. Always

wear safety glasses

while operating the

mower or while perform-

ing any adjustments or

repairs on it.

Be sure no one other

than the operator is

standing near the

lawn mower while

starting engine or

operating mower. Never

run engine indoors or

in enclosed, poorly

ventilated areas. Engine

exhaust contains carbon

monoxide, an odorless

and deadly gas. Keep

hands, feet, hair and

loose clothing away

from any moving parts

on engine and lawn

mower....

A vays

disconnectspark

plugl and ground

againsten- nebefore

performingany type

ofmaintenanceon

your macNnel

I iii i _ i

Do not usea pressure

WaSheror garden

hose to clean your

uniLThese may cause

damage to electriC

componentS;s indlesl

pulleys; bearings,or

the engine:The use

of water will resut in

shortened lifeand

reduceserviceability:

Lubricate these

qpoints before

reassembly.

Figure5-1:Areasto lubricateonmower.

Deck Care

Cleanundersideof the mowerdeckaftereachuse to

preventbuild-upof grassclippingsorotherdebris.Follow

stepsbelowfor thisjob.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn

mowerorplacea pieceof plasticunderthegas cap.

2. Tip mowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe

sidewiththe aircleanerfacingup. Hold mowerfirmly.

,_ WARNING:Nevertip the mower more

than 90°in any direction anddo not

leavethe mower tipped for any length of

time. Oil can drain intothe upper partof the engine

causing a starting problem.

3. Scrapeandclean the undersideof the deckwitha

suitabletool.Do notspraywithwater.

4. Putthe mowerbackonitswheelsonthe ground.If

youhadput plasticunderthe gas capearlier,make

sureto removeitnow.

General Recommendations

• Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhen performing

anymaintenance.

• Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnot cover

itemsthathavebeensubjectedto operatorabuse

ornegligence.To receivefull valuefromwarranty,

operatormustmaintainthelawn moweras

instructedhere.

•Changingof engine-governedspeedwill void

enginewarranty.

• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce

eachseason.

• Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese

aretight.

_kl= ARNING:Alwaysstop engine,discon-

nect spark plug, and groundagainst

engine before performingany type of

maintenance on your machine.

Lubrication

1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolat least

oncea seasonwithlightoil. The bladecontrolmust

operatefreelyinboth directions,Figure5-1.

2. Lubricatethe wheelsat leastoncea seasonwith

lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedfor any

reason,lubricatesurfaceof the pivotarm andinner

surfaceof thewheelwithlight oil, Figure5-1.

3. Lubricatethe torsionspringandpivotpointonthe

reardischargedoorandside mulchplugperiodically

withlightoil to preventrust,Figure5-1.

4. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualfor lubrica-

tion scheduleandinstructionfor enginelubrication.

Engine Care

A listof keyenginemaintenancejobs requiredfor good

performanceby the moweris given below.Followthe

accompanyingenginemanualfor adetailedlistand

instructions.

• Maintainoil levelas instructedin enginemanual.

• Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal

conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely

dustyconditions.Poorengineperformanceand

floodingusuallyindicatesthatthe aircleanershould

beserviced.Toservicethe aircleaner,referto the

enginemanual.

• Cleansparkplugand resetthegaponce a season.

Sparkplugreplacementis recommendedat the start

of eachmowingseason.Checkenginemanualfor

correctplugtypeand gapspecifications.

• Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe

coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleanto permit

properaircirculation.Removeall grass,dirt, and

combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.

Blade Care

_ARNING:Whenremovingthe cutting

bladefor sharpeningor replacement,

protectyourhandswith a pairof heavy

gloves or use a heavy ragto hold the

blade.

Periodicallyinspectthe bladeadapterfor cracks,

especiallyif youstrikea foreignobject. Replacewhen

necessary.Followthe stepsbelowfor bladeservice.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn

moweron itsside makingsurethatthe airfilterand

the carburetorarefacingup.

2. Removethe boltandthe bladebellsupportwhich

holdthe bladeand the bladeadapterto the engine

crankshaft,Figure5-2.

3. Removebladeandadapterfromthe crankshaft,

Figure5-2.

4. The bladecan be sharpenedwitha fileor on a grind-

ingwheel.Do notattemptto sharpenthe bladewhileit

is stillonthe mower.

Blade Bell Support /_,_ Bolt .........................

Figure5-2:Removethebolt,support,andadaptertoaccess

theblade.

Whensharpeningthe blade,followthe originalangle

of grind. Grindeachcuttingedgeequallyto keepthe

bladebalanced.

5. Totest for balance,removebladeand balanceon

a roundshaftscrewdriver.Removemetalfromthe

heavysideuntil itbalancesevenly.

_ARNING:Anunbalanced bladewill

causeexcessive vibration when rotating

at high speeds. It maycausedamage to

mower and could break causing personal

injury.

6. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandthe innersurface

of the bladeadapterwithlightoil. Slidethe blade

adapteronto the enginecrankshaft.

7. Placethe bladeon the adaptersuchthatthe side

of the blademarked"Bottom"(orwithpart number)

facesthe groundwhenthe mowerisintheoperating

position.Makesurethatthe bladeisalignedand

seatedon the bladeadapterflanges.

8. Placebladebellsupportonthe blade.Alignnotches

on the bladebell supportwith smallholesinblade.

9. Replacehex boltandtightenhex boltto torque:450

in.Ibs. rain.,600 in.Ibs.max.

Toensuresafeoperationof yourmower,periodically

checkthe bladeboltfor correcttorque.

Replacing Rear Flap

1. To removerearflap,cutoff theflat endof the wirerod

whichsecuresitto thedeck, Figure5-3.

2. Attachthe newflap andnew rodto deck,bendingthe

ends of the newrodoverto secureto deck.

Figure5-3:Cut wireto removerearflap.

Off-Season Storage

Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakento prepareyour

lawnmowerfor storage.

• Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyas described

inthe lubricationinstructions.

• Do not usea pressurewasherorgardenhoseto

cleanyourunit.

Referto enginemanualforcorrectengine

storageinstructions.

Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto

preventrusting.

Storemowerina dry,cleanarea. Donot storenext

to corrosivematerials,suchas fertilizer.

Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipmentina poorly

ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetaken

to rust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoil or silicone,

coattheequipment,especiallycablesandall moving

partsof yourlawnmowerbeforestorage.

Your LaWn

MoWer

WARNING

When removing

the cutting blade

for sharpening or

replacement, protect

your handswith apair

of heavy glovesor use

a heavy rag to hold

the blade.

An unbalanced blade

will cause excessive

vibration when rotat=

ing at high speeds, it

may cause damage

to mower and could

break causing per-

sonal injury.

_iiii _ ii _ _ i _ _i _ i

i i i ¸ ! !

i_ i_ _i!: _ i ii _ii__ii_I iiiii_

Problem Cause Remedy

Engine fails to Start i ade controldisengagedl b!adecontro!,

21 spark plugWire disconnected• connect wire to spark p!ug•

31 Fueltankempty OrStalefuel• Ell!tankWith clean,!resh gasoline•

4. Enginenot prreed. 4. Primeengineas instructedin 'fOperat,

ingyour LawnMowei!I,

5: Faultyspark pug 5, Clean,adjustgap, or replace.

6. BloCkedfuel linel 6, cieanfueliinel

7: Engineflooded. 7: Wait afew minutesto restart,but do

I netprime:

Enginerunserratic 1. Sparkplugwire loose.

2. Blockedfuel lineor stalefuel.

3. Ventingas cap plugged.

4. Wateror dirt infuel system.

5. Dirtyair cleaner.

6. Carburetorout of adjustment.

1. Connectandtightensparkplugwire.

2. Cleanfuel line; fill tank withclean,

freshgasoline.

3. Clearvent.

4. Drainfueltank. Refillwithfresh fuel.

5. Referto enginemanual.

6. Referto enginemanual.

Engine overheats 1 Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil.

2....A r fow restr cted I2 Removebower housngand cean

3. Carburetornotadjustedpropery. 3• Referto engne manua.

Occasional skips 1. Sparkpluggap tooclose. 1. Adjust gapto .030-inch.

(hesitates) at high speed 2. Carburetoridlemixtureadjustment 2. Referto enginemanual.

improperlyset.

Idles poorly 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gaptoo wide. 1. Resetgapto .030-inchor replace

spark pug.

2 Carburetorimproperlyadjusted 2. Referto enginemanual•

. 3. Dirtyair cleaner• 3. Referto enginemanual•

Excessive Vibration 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tighten bladeandadapter.Balance

blade.

2. Bentcutting blade. 2. See anauthorizedservicedealer.

Mower will not mulch grass 1 Wetgrass• 1. Donot mowwhengrass iswet wait

until laterto cut.

2. Excessivelyhighgrass. 2. Mowonce at a highcutting height,

then mowagainat desirecJheight or

I makea narrowerCuttingpath.

, 3• Du bade. , 3• Sharpenor replaceblade•

Uneven cut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsin same

heightposition.

2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

WARNING

DO NOT remove safety

(or any)labels from

mower for any reason:

ii i _iI_ ii

747-1161A BladeControl 732-0404 FrontSpringLever

2 749-1092A UpperHandle 30 720-0426 HeightAdjustKnob

3 746-1130 Cntrl.Cable,40" Model546&549 31 710-0599 TTScrew,1/4-20x .500

746-1137 CntrlCable,53"Model543 32 736-0270 BellWasher

4 726-0240 CableTie 33 710-0654A TTScrew,3/8-16x 1.0

5 664-04080 GrassBagAssembly 34 710-0216 HexScrew,3/8-16x .75

6 747-04080 GrassBagFrame 35 710-1652 TTScrew,1/4-20x .625

7 732-0700 TrailshieldWire 36 720-0312 FoamGrip

8 731-04998 Trailshield 37 734-04082 RearWheel,12x 1.8Gray Bar

9 747-0996 PivotRod 38 710-1205 EyeBolt

10 731-04134A Rear DischargeDoor 39 732-0866 RearHi-WheelSpringLever

11 687-02057 Rear HandleBracketAssy.-LH 40 687-02039A RearPivotArmAssy- RH

687-02056 Rear HandleBracketAssy.- RH 687-02040A RearPivotArmAssy- LH

12 787-01279 Deck21-inch 41 714-0104 HairpinClip

13 687-02075A FrontHeightAdj. Assy-LH 42 687-02192 HandleBracketAssy- RH

687-02074A FrontHeightAdj. Assy-RH 687-02191 HandleBracketAssy- LH

14 782-5002B FrontBaffle 43 710-0703 CarriageBolt ,1/4-20x .75

15 748-0377C BladeAdapter 44 731-04150C RearBaffle

748-04082 BladeAdapterw/Star t 45 710-04371 ScrewHL, 1/4-15x 1.00

16 742-0741 21-inchMulchingBlade 46 732-04090A TorsionSpring- RH

17 736-0524B Bell BladeSupport

18 710-1257 HexScrew,3/8-24x 2.5 47

19 731-04177 SideDischargeChute 48

20 17032A DeflectorChuteAdaptor 49

21 732-1014 TorsionSpring 50

22 747-0710 HingePin 51

23 687-02055 HingedMulchPlugAssembly 52

24 712-04065 FlangeLockNut3/8-16

25 787-01290 HeightAdjustmentPlate

26 687-02077A FrontPivotArmAssembly- RH

687-02076A FrontPivotArmAssembly- LH

27 734-1987 FrontWheel,8 x 1.8GrayBar

734-1988 FrontWheel,7 x 1.8GrayBart

28 738-0507B ShoulderScrew,.5Dx.434

732-04089A TorsionSpring- LH

750-04162 Spacer

712-0397 WingNut

749-0928A

710-1174

720-04072

720-0279

751B281440

710-1256

751A1432613

7510042823

LowerHandle

CarriageBolt,5/16-18x 2

Star Knob

HandleKnob

EngineShroudModel549R t

Screw#8-18 x 1.250549Rt

EngineShroudModel543Bt

ScrewModel543Bt

751B790880 EngineShroudModel546Bt

751B095050 ScrewModel546Bt

t NotShown

Parts List

To order replacement

parts, call

1o330'220'4683,

1'800.800-7310

orvisit

www,rntdproducts.com

ii i _iI_ ii

MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR

The limitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenby MTDLLCwithrespect

to newmerchandisepurchasedandusedin the UnitedStates,its

possessionsandterritories.

"MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsinmaterialandworkman-

shipfor a periodof two (2) yearscommencingonthe date of original

purchaseandwill,at itsoption,repairor replace,freeof charge,any

part foundto bedefectiveinmaterialsorworkmanship.Thislimitedwar-

rantyshallonlyapply if thisproducthasbeenoperatedand maintained

inaccordancewiththe Operator'sManualfurnishedwiththe product,

andhas notbeensubjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,

accident,impropermaintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft,fire,water,

ordamagebecauseof otherperilor naturaldisaster.Damageresulting

fromthe installationor useof any part,accessoryor attachmentnot

approvedby MTDfor use withthe product(s)coveredbythis manual

willvoid yourwarrantyas to any resultingdamage.

Normalwearpartsarewarrantedto befree fromdefectsinmaterialand

workmanshipfor a periodof thirty (30)daysfromthe dateof purchase.

Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuchas: batter-

ies,belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,

snowthrowerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.

NOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE: Warranty service is available,WITH

PROOFOF PURCHASE, through your local authorized service

dealer. To locate the dealer in your area, check your Yellow Pages,

or contact MTD LLC at RO. Box 361131,Cleveland, Ohio 44136-

0019, or call 1-800-800-7310or 1-330-220-4683 or log on to our

Web site at www.mtdproducts.com.

Thislimitedwarrantydoesnotprovidecoverageinthe followingcases:

a. Theengineor componentpartsthereof.Theseitemsmaycarrya

separatemanufacturer'swarranty.Referto applicablemanufacturer's

warrantyfor termsandconditions.

b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershavea separateoneyear

warranty.

c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchas lubricants,filters,blade

sharpening,tune-ups,brakeadjustments,clutchadjustments,deck

adjustments,andnormaldeteriorationof the exteriorfinishdueto

useor exposure.

d. Servicecompletedby someoneotherthananauthorizedservice

dealer.

e. MTDdoesnot extendanywarrantyfor productssoldor exported

outsideof the UnitedStates,its possessionsandterritories,except

thosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorizedchannelsof exportdistribution.

f. ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts.

g. Transportationchargesandservicecalls.

No impliedwarranty,includingany impliedwarrantyof mer-

chantabilityof fitness for a particular purpose,applies after the

applicable periodof express written warranty above as to the

partsas identified.No otherexpresswarranty, whetherwritten or

oral, except as mentioned above,givenby any personor entity,

includingadealeror retailer, withrespect to any product,shall

bindMTD.Duringthe periodof the warranty,the exclusiveremedy

is repairor replacementof the productas setforth above.

Theprovisionsas set forth inthis warrantyprovidethe soleand

exclusiveremedy arising from the sale.MTDshallnot be liable

for incidentalor consequentiallossor damage including,without

limitation, expensesincurredfor substituteor replacementlawn

careservicesor for rentalexpensesto temporarily replacea

warranted product.

Somestatesdo notallowthe exclusionor limitationof incidentalor

consequentialdamages,or limitationsonhowlongan impliedwarranty

lasts,sothe aboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynot applyto you.

Innoeventshallrecoveryof any kindbegreaterthanthe amountof the

purchasepriceof the productsold.Alterationof safetyfeatures of

the product shallvoid this warranty. Youassumethe riskand liability

for loss,damage,or injuryto you andyourpropertyand/orto othersand

theirpropertyarisingout of the misuseor inabilityto usethe product.

Thislimitedwarrantyshallnot extendto anyoneotherthan theoriginal

purchaserorto the personfor whomitwas purchasedas a gift.

HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHIS WARRANTY:This limited

warrantygivesyou specificlegalrights,and youmayalsohaveother

rightswhichvaryfromstateto state.

IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofof Purchaseto obtain

warrantycoverage.

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136=0019; Phone: 1=800=800=7310, 1=330=220=4683

MTD 11A 543B700 User Manual LAWN MOWER Manuals And Guides 1107394L

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