MTD 11A 54MB055 User Manual LAWN MOWER Manuals And Guides 1107424L

User Manual: MTD 11A-54MB055 11A-54MB055 MTD LAWN MOWER - Manuals and Guides View the owners manual for your MTD LAWN MOWER #11A54MB055. Home:Lawn & Garden Parts:MTD Parts:MTD LAWN MOWER Manual

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

OF AOAL

21=inch Rotary Lawn Mower- Model 54M

iMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: Thisunit is equippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnot beusedon or nearany uniiprovedforest-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.769-02396A

9/29/2006

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

Slope Gauge ........................................................ 3

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

Setup and Adjustment ....................................... 6

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

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

Trouble Shooting .............................................. 12

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

Engine Appendix .............................................. 14

Engine Safe Operation Practices ................. 14

Operating Your Engine .................................. 16

Maintaining Your Engine ............................... 18

Parts List ........................................................... 22

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

MTDLLCreservesthe rightto changeproductspecifications,designs,andequipmentwithoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation.

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREYOU BEGINTO ASSEMBLEYOURNEW

EQUIPMENT,pleaselocatethe modelplateon the

equipmentand copy the informationto the sample

modelplate providedto the right.Youcan locatethe

model plateby standingat the operatingpositionand

lookingdownat the rearof the deck.This information

will be necessaryto usethe manufacturer'sweb

site,to obtainassistancefrom the CustomerSup-

port Department,or whencontactingan authorized

service dealer.

Model Number Serial Number

MTD LLC

P.O= BOX 361131

CLEVELAND, OH 44136

330-220-4683

www.mtdproducts.com 800-800-7310

Customer Support

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

purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.

If you havedifficultyassemblingthis productor haveany questionsregardingthe controls,operation,or

maintenanceof this unit,you can seek helpfrom the experts.Choosefrom the optionsbelow:

= Visit www.mtdproducts.com

• Call a CustomerSupport Representativeat 1-800-800-7310.

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!i!_i!il< Sight and hold this levelwith a verticaltree...

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I__ or a fence post

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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 complywith these

instructionsmay result

i in personalinjury.When

you see this symbol.

i HEED ITS WARNING!

i Your Responsibility

Restrictthe use

of this power machine

to personswho read.

i understand

andfollow the warnings

and instructions

I. =nthis manual

and on the machine.

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

nentscontain or emit chemicals known to State of Californiato cause cancer and

birth defects or other reproductiveharm.

DANGER: This machine was builtto be operated according to the rulesfor safe operation in this

manual.As with any type of powerequipment, carelessnessor error on the part of the operator

can result in serious injury.This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing

objects. Failureto observethe following safety instructions could 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 anyotherpurpose.

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 equipmentis to

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 ricochetbacktowardthe 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 mowerbackslowly,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 disengagedpositionwhen released.

15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwet grass.Alwaysbesure of

yourfooting. A slipand fall can causeseriouspersonal

injury.If youfeelyou are losingyourfooting,releasethe

bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyand the bladewillstop

rotatingwithinthreeseconds.

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

17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives, walksor roads.

18.If the equipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe

engineand checkimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis

generallya warningof trouble.

19.Shutthe engineoff and waituntil the bladecomesto a

completestopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcherorunclog-

gingthe chute.

Thecutting bladecontinuesto rotatefora few secondsafter

the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceany partofthe body in

the bladeareauntil youare surethe bladehasstopped

rotating.

20.Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,discharge

cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleorothersafety

protectivedevicesin placeand working.Neveroperate

mowerwith damagedsafetydevices.Failureto doso can

result in personalinjury.

21.Mufflerand enginebecomehotandcan causea burn.Do

nottouch.

22.Only use partsandaccessoriesmadeforthis machineby

manufacturer.Failureto do so can resultin personalinjury.

23. Ifsituationsoccur whichare notcoveredinthis manual,

usecare and goodjudgment.Contactyour dealerfor

assistance.

Slope Operation

Slopesare a majorfactor relatedto slip andfall accidents,which

canresult insevereinjury.Operationon slopesrequiresextra

caution.If youfeeluneasyona slope,do notmowit. Foryour

safety,use theslopegaugeincludedas part ofthis manualto

measureslopesbeforeoperatingthis uniton a slopedorhilly

area.Ifthe slopeis greaterthan 15degrees,donotmow it.

Do:

1. Mow acrossthe faceof slopes;neverupand down.Exercise

extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

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

which cancauseyouto slipor trip. Tallgrasscan hide

obstacles.

3. Alwaysbe sure of yourfooting.A slipand fallcan cause

serious personalinjury.If youfeel you are losingyour

balance,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediately,and

the bladewill stoprotatingwithin3 seconds.

Do Not:

1. Do notmow neardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments,you

could loseyourfootingor balance.

2. Do notmow slopesgreaterthan 15degreesas shownon

the slopegauge.

3. Do notmow onwet grass. Unstablefootingcouldcause

slipping.

Service

Safe Handling Of Gasoline:

1. Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuse extreme

care in handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable

and thevaporsare explosive.Seriouspersonalinjury can

occur whengasolineisspilled onyourselfor your clothes,

which canignite.Washyourskin andchangeclothes

immediately.

2. Use onlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.

3. Neverfill containersinsidea vehicleor ona truck ortrailer

bed witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe

groundawayfromyourvehicle beforefilling.

4. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truckor trailer

and refueliton theground.If this is not possible,then refuel

suchequipmenton atrailer witha portablecontainer,rather

than froma gasolinedispensernozzle.

5. Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimof the fuel tankor

containeropeningat all timesuntilfueling is complete.Do

not usea nozzlelock-opendevice.

6. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars, pipesand othersources

of ignition.

7. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill

accumulatein thearea.

8. Neverremovegascap oradd fuelwhileengineis hot or

running. Allowengineto cool at least two minutesbefore

refueling.

9. Neveroverfill fueltank. Filltankto nomorethan Y2inch

below bottomof filler neckto providefor fuel expansion.

10.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

11.If gasolineis spilled,wipe itoff theengineand equipment.

Moveunit to anotherarea.Wait 5 minutesbeforestarting

engine.

12.Neverstorethe machineorfuel containernearan open

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

heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergas appliances.

13.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfree of grass, leaves,

orother debrisbuild-up.Clean upoil orfuel spillageand

removeanyfuel soakeddebris.

14.Allowa mowerto cool at least5 minutesbeforestoring.

GeneralService:

1. Neverrun an engineindoorsorin a poorlyventilatedarea.

Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorless

anddeadlygas.

2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe

bladeandall movingparts havestopped.Disconnectthe

sparkplugwire andgroundagainstthe engineto prevent

unintendedstarting.

3. Checkthe bladeandenginemountingbolts atfrequent

intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectblade

fordamage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewith

theoriginalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,

listedin this manual."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe

originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improper

performanceand compromisesafety!"

4. Mowerbladesare sharpandcan cut.Wrapthebladeor

weargloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.

5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip-

mentis insafeworkingcondition.

6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheir proper

operationregularly.

7. Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stopthe engine,discon-

nectthesparkplugwire andgroundagainsttheengine.

Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerfor any damage.Repairthe

damagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower.

8. Neverattemptto makea wheel or cuttingheightadjust-

mentwhilethe engineisrunning.

9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail

shield aresubjectto wear anddamagewhichcould

exposemovingparts or allowobjectsto be thrown.For

safetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsand re-

placeimmediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's

(O.E.M.)partsonly, listedin this manual."Use of parts

whichdo notmeetthe originalequipmentspecifications

mayleadto improperperformanceand compromise

safety!"

10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe

engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating

speedof the engine.

11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,as necessary.

12.Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improper

disposalof fluidsand materialscan harmtheenvironment.

Practices

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!

Your Responsibility

Restrictthe use

of this power machine

to personswho read.

understand

and followthe warnings

and instructions

in this manua

and on the machine.

NOTE:ThisOperator's

Manualcoversseveral

models.LawnMower

featuresvaryby

model.Notallfeatures

discussed(orengines

pictured)inthis manual

are applicableto all

Lawn Mower models.

NOTE: Stand behind

the mower as ifyou

were goingto operate

it. Your right hand cor-

responds to the right

side of the mower;your

left hand corresponds

to the left side of the

i mower.

NOTE: Make sure to

route cable outside the

I lower handle. Do not

i crimp cable while lifting

i the handle up.

IMPORTANT

This unit is shipped

I without gasoline or

oil in the engine.Fill

Lp gasoline and oil

as instructed inthe

accompanyingengine

manual BEFORE

operatingyour mower.

i _ 1. Removeanypackingmaterial.Thefirst stepin

,._ ..J

Figure3-1:Attachwheels.

Figure3-2: Unfoldhandleandtightenhardware.

assemblyis to attachthe rearwheels.

a. Placerearof the mowerdeckon raisedblocks.

b. Removelocknutandwasher(if equipped)from

pivotarm assembly,Figure3-1.(On selectmodels,

thesemaybe includedseparatelyin a plasticbag).

c. Slidewasher(if equipped)followedbythe wheel

(bothwithhollowside in)ontopivotarm.See

Figure3-1.

d. Securewithlock nut removedearlier.

e. Assemblethe other sideinthe samemanner.

Removeblocksand lowerdeckwhencomplete.

2. Followthe stepsbelowto setupthe handle.

a. Pullupand backon upperhandleas shownin

Figure3-2. Makecertainthe lowerhandleis

seatedsecurelyintothe handlemountingbrackets.

Do notcrimpcablewhileliftingthe handleup.

b. Tightenstarknobsto secureupperhandleto

lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriagebolt is

seatedproperlyin the handle.

3. Locatethe hairpinclipon the weldpinon eachsideof

lowerhandle.

HardwarePack

Wing Nuts(2)

Figure3-3:Securelowerhandleto mountingbrackets.

Removehairpinclipfromthis hole.Usinga pair

of pliers,inserthairpinclip into the holeon pin

closestto the bracket.SeeFigure3-3. Repeaton

otherside.

b. Inserta carriagebolt fromthe hardwarepackinto

the upperholeonthe handlemountingbracket.

Securewithone plasticwing nut,also includedin

the hardwarepack. Repeaton otherside.

4. The ropeguideis attachedto the right sideof the

upperhandle.SeeFigure3-4. Loosenthe wing nut

whichsecuresthe ropeguide.

a. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandle.

b. Pullstarterropeout of the engine.Releaseblade

control.

Figure 3-4: Pull recoil starter through rope guide and tighten.

c. Slip starterropeinto ropeguide.

d. Tightenwing nut.

5. To securecablesto the handle,insertpostsoncable

ties intoholesprovidedon the lowerhandle.Pullcable

ties tightandtrimexcess.

6. 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.

7. Followthe stepsbelowto attachthe grasscatcher:

a. Liftreardischargedoor.SeeFigure3-6.

b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod. Letgo

of dischargedoorsothat it restson thegrass

catcher.

_l_j_ll WARNING:Neveroperate mower unless the

hookson the grasscatcherare firmly seated

on the pivotrod and the rear discharge door rests

firmly against top of the grass catcher.

8. Yourmoweris shippedas a mulcher.Toconvertto

side discharge,makesuregrasscatcheris off of the

unit andreardischargedoorisclosed.

a. On the sideof the mower liftthe mulchingplug

See Figure3-7below.

b. Slidetwohooksof sidedischargechuteunder

hingepinon mulchingplugassembly.Lowerthe

mulchingplug.Do not removeside mulchingplug

at any time,evenwhenyouare notmulching.

Figure3-5:Assemblethe grasscatcher.

Figure3-6:Attachthegrasscatcher.

Figure3-7:Liftmulchplugandinstallsidedischargechute.

Adjustments

An adjustingplateandthumbleverat each wheel

providescuttingheightadjustment.

1. Depresslevertowardswheel.

2. Moveitto anyone of the positionsfordesiredcutting

height.SeeFigure3-8. Makesurethateach wheelis

positionedat the sameheight.

3. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck. Figure3-8:Useleversto adjustcuttingheight.

WARNING

Never operate mower

w thoutthemu ch ng

plug, the grass catcher,

or the discharge chute

properly installed,

NOTE:When adjusting

the cutting height,

al wheels must be

positioned at the same

height.

You r LaWn

Mower

WARNING

This blade control

mechanism is asafety

device. Do not bypass

itsoperations,

Use extreme care

when handling

gasoline. Gasoline is

extremely flammable

and the vapors are

explosive. Never fuel

the machine indoors

or while the engine

is hot or running.

Extinguish cigarettes,

cigars, pipes, and

other sources of

ignition.

Know Your Lawn Mower

Y_ Blade Control

ChokeKnob

Recoil Starter

MulchingPlug

Figure4-1:The majorcomponentsonthe mower.

Fill Cutting Height

AdjustmentLevers

(one at eachwheel)

Nowthatyouhavesetupyour lawnmowerforoperation,

it'simportantto becomefamiliarwithitscontrols.

Blade Control

The bladecontrolisattachedto the upperhandle.

Depressandsqueezeit againstthe upperhandleto

operatethe unit.Releaseit to stopengineandblade.

_lL ARNING:Thisblade controlis asafety

device. Donot bypass its operations.

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

Oneadjustmentleveris locatedat eachwheelandis

usedto adjustthe cuttingheight.All fourwheelsmust be

positionedat the sameheightto ensurea uniformcut.

Recoil Starter

The recoilstarteris attachedto the rightupperhandle.

Standbehindthe unitand pullthe recoilstarterto start

the unit.

Choke Knob

Pullthe chokeknobto activatethechokeonthe engine.

Useof the chokemaynotbe necessaryifthe engineis

warmor theair temperatureishigh.

Mulching Plug

Themulchingplugis usedfor mulchingpurpose.Instead

of collectingthe grassclippingsinthe grasscatcher,your

mowerhasthe optionof recirculatingthe clippingsback

to the lawn.Makesurethatthe reardischargedooris

closedandthe grasscatcheris removedfromunit while

mulching.

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

Referto the enginesection inthis manual for engine

information.

1. Addoil providedbeforestartingunitfor the firsttime

out of the box.

2. Servicethe enginewithgasolineas instructedinthe

enginesectionof thismanual.

,_ WARNING:Useextremecarewhen handling

gasoline. Gasoline is extremelyflammable

and the vapors are explosive.Neverfuel the machine

indoorsor while the engine is hot or running. Extin-

guish cigarettes, cigars, pipesand other sources of

ignition.

_ WARNING:Theoperationof any lawn

mowercan result inforeign objectsbeing

thrownintothe eyes,whichcan damageyoureyes

severely.Nways wear safetyglasseswhileoperating

the mower,or whileperformingany adjustmentsor

repairson it.

Starting Engine

,_ WARNING:Be sureno one otherthan theoperatoris standingnear the lawnmower

whilestartingengineor operatingmower.

Neverrun engine indoorsor inenclosed, poorly

ventilatedareas.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon

monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.Keephands,

feet, hairand looseclothing awayfrom any moving

partson engineand lawnmower.

1. Pullout thechokeknoblocatedonthe left sideof the

upperhandle.SeeFigure4-2.

Note: Useof the choke may not be necessary if the

engine is warm orthe airtemperatureis high.

2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezeandholdthe

bladecontrolagainstupperhandle.

3. Pullthe recoilstarterlightlyuntil resistanceis felt,

thenpull rapidlyto overcomecompression,prevent

kickback,and startthe engine.Repeatif necessary.

SeeFigure4-2.

Important: Donot allow the recoil starterto snap

back against the ropeguide.

4. Whenenginewarmsup,pushinthechokeknob.

Stopping Engine

1. Releasebladecontrolto stopthe engineandthe

blade.

2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand

groundagainstthe engine.

,_ WARNING:Waitfor the blade to stop

completelybefore performingany workon

the moweror to removethe grass catcher.

Using Your Lawn Mower

Besurethe lawn isclearof stones,sticks,wire,orother

objectswhichcoulddamagethe lawnmoweror the

engine.Suchobjectscouldbe accidentlythrownby the

mowerinany directionand causeseriouspersonalinjury

to the operatorandothers.

_ WARNING:If youstrikea foreign object,stopthe engine.Removesparkplugboot

from the sparkplug,thoroughly inspect

the mowerfor any damage,and repairthe damage

before restartingand operating the mower. Exten-

sivevibration of the mower during operation isan

indicationof damage.The unit shouldbe promptly

inspectedand repaired.

Figure4-2:Startingthe mower.

Oncethe engineis running,squeezeandholdblade

controlagainstupperhandleto engagethe blade.For

bestresults,do notcutwet grassandnevercutoff

morethan one-thirdof thetotal lengthof thegrass.

Using as a Mulcher

Formulchinggrass,removethe grasscatcher(or side

chutedeflector)fromthe mowerandlowerthe mulching

baffle.

Using the Grass Catcher

Youcan use thegrasscatcherto collectclippingswhile

you areoperatingthe mower.

1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsinsetup

section.Grassclippingswill automaticallycollectin

bagas you runmower.Operatemowertill grassbag

isfull.

2. Stopenginecompletelyby releasingthe bladecontrol.

Makesurethatthe unithas cometo a completestop.

3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagupandaway

fromthe mowerto removethe bag. Disposeof the

grassclippingsand reinstallthe bagwhencomplete

Operating Tips

•Newgrass,thickgrass,orwet grassmayrequirea

narrowercut.

Foreffectivemulching,donot cutwetgrass.

Adjustgroundspeedaccordingto conditionof lawn.

Ifthe grasshasbeenallowedto growinexcessof

four inches,mulchingis not recommended.Mow

usingthe side dischargeto reducethegrassheightto

3-1/4inchesor lessbeforemulching.

WARNING

The operation of any

lawn mower can re-

sult in foreign objects

being thrown into

the eyes, which can

damage your eyes

severely.Always wear

safety glasseswhile

operating the mower,

or while performing

any adjustments or

repairs on it.

Be sure no one other

than the operator is

standing near the

lawn mower while

starting engine or op-

erating mower. Never

run engine indoorsor

in enclosed, poorly

ventilated areas. En-

gineexhaust contains

carbon monoxide, an

ododess and deadly

gas. Keep hands,

feet, hair and loose

clothing away from

any moving parts

on engine and lawn

mower.

Your LaWn

MoWer

IMPORTANT: Do not

use a pressurewasher

or garden hoseto

clean your uniL These

may cause damage to

electric components

spindleslpulleys; bear:

ings orthe engine The

Useof water Willresult

in Shortenedlifeand

reduceSerViceabilityl

Lubrication

1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolat least

oncea seasonwithlightoil. The bladecontrolmust

operatefreelyinboth directions.SeeFigure5-1.

2. Lubricatethe wheelsat leastoncea seasonwith

lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedfor any

reason,lubricatesurfaceof the pivotarm andinner

surfaceof thewheelwithlight oil. SeeFigure5-1.

3. Lubricatethe torsionspringandpivotpointonthe rear

dischargedoorandside mulchplugperiodicallywith

lightoil to preventrust.SeeFigure5-1.

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 it restsonthe housing.Keepthe

sidewiththe air cleanerfacingup. Hold mowerfirmly.

Figure5-2:Removerearflap.

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.

_ARNING:Nevertip the mower more than go°

inany direction and do not leavethe mower

tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain intothe

upper partof the engine causing a starting problem.

3. Scrapeand cleanthe undersideof the deckwitha

suitabletool.Do notspraywithwater.

4. Putthe mowerbackonits wheelsonthe ground.If

youhad putplasticunderthe gas capearlier,make

sureto removeit now.

Engine Care

NOTE:Referto the engineoperationandmaintenance

sectionsinthis manualfor detailedinstructions.

Maintainoil level.

Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal

conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely

dustyconditions.

Cleansparkplugand resetthegaponce a season.

Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe

coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleanto permit

properaircirculation.Removeall grass,dirt, and

combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.

Replacing Rear Flap

1. Toremoverearflap,lift reardoor,and pressflap inon

eithersideto removefromhole.SeeFigure5-2.

2. Removeflapfromoppositeholeand replacewithnew

flap inthe oppositeorderandmannerof removal.

,_ WARNING:Alwaysstop engine,disconnect

sparkplug, and groundagainst engine

before performing any type of maintenance on your

machine.

_, ARNING:Whenremovingthe cuttingblade

for sharpening or replacement, protectyour

hands with a pairof heavy gloves or use a heavyrag

to 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.See Figure5-3.

3. Removebladeandadapterfromthe crankshaft.See

Figure5-3.

4. Removebladefromthe adapterfor testingbalance.

Balancethe bladeona roundshaftscrewdriverto

check.Removemetalfromthe heavysideuntil it

balancesevenly.

Whensharpeningthe blade,followthe originalangle

of grind. Grindeachcuttingedgeequallyto keepthe

bladebalanced.

_ARNING:Anunbalanced bladewill cause

excessive vibration whenrotating at high

speeds. It may cause damageto mowerand could

break causing personalinjury.

5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandthe innersurface

of the bladeadapterwithlightoil. Slidethe blade

adapteronto the enginecrankshaft.Placethe blade

on theadaptersuchthatthe sideof the blademarked

"Bottom"(orwithpart number)facesthe groundwhen

the mowerisin the operatingposition.Makesurethat

the bladeis alignedandseatedonthe bladeadapter

flanges.

6. Placebladebellsupportonthe blade.Alignnotches

on the bladebell supportwith smallholesinblade.

7. Replacehex boltandtightenhex boltto torque:450

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

Toensuresafeoperationof yourmower,periodically

checkthe bladeboltfor correcttorque.

Blade Bell Support /_,_,_, Bolt

Figure5-3:Removethebolt,support,andadaptertoaccess

theblade.

Off-Season Storage

Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakento prepareyour

lawnmowerfor storage.

• Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyas described

inthe lubricationinstructions.

• Do not usea pressurewasherorgardenhoseto

cleanyourunit.

Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto

preventrusting.

Storemowerina dry,cleanarea. Donot storenext

to corrosivematerials,suchas fertilizer.

Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipmentin a poorly

ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetaken

to rust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoil or silicone,

coattheequipment,especiallycablesandall moving

partsof yourlawnmowerbeforestorage.

Maintaining

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-

ingat high speeds. It

may cause damage

to mower and could

break causing per-

sonal injury.

"Frouble

For repairs beyond

thembo

merits listed here,

contact an authorized

service dealer.

Problem Cause Remedy

Engineruns erratic 1. Connectandtightensparkplug

boot.

2. Cleanfuel line; fill tankwithclean,

freshgasoline.

3. Clearvent.

4. Drainfueltank. Refillwith

freshfuel.

5. Referto enginemaintenance

section.

6. UnitrunningwithCHOKEapplied. 6. PushCHOKEknobin.

Engne overheats 1 Engneo eve Ow 1 F crankcasew th propero

I ....

- 2. Airflow restricted• 2. Removeblowerhousing

, and clean•

Occasionalskips

(hesitates)at

high speed

1. Sparkplugbootloose.

2. Blockedfuel lineor stalefuel.

3. Ventingas cap plugged.

4. Wateror dirt in fuel system.

5. Dirtyair cleaner.

1. Sparkpluggaptoo close. 1. Adjustgapto .030".

1. Tightenbladeandadapter.

Balanceblade.

2. Seeanauthorizedservicedealer.

1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced.

2. Bentcuttingblade.

Excessive

Vibration

Mower wi Inot I 1. Wetgrass 1. Do notmowwhen grassis wet;

mulhc grass wat unt aterto cut.

2. Excessivelyhighgrass. 2. Mowonce ata highcutting height

then mowagainat desiredheight

or makea narrowercuttingpath.

I3 Du bade

••3. Sharpenor replaceblade.

Unevencut 1. Dullblade. 1. Sharpenor replaceblade.

WARNIN

DO NOT removesafety

(or any)labels from

mower for any reason.

ii i _iI_ ii

NOTE: Safety labels

vary by model. Not all

labels shown on this

page are applicable

to all Lawn Mower

models.

WARNING

Gasolineand itsvapors

are extremelyflam-

mableand explosive.

Fireor explosioncan

causesevereburns

or death.If gasolineis

spilledon yourselfor

your clothes,wash your

I skinand changeclothes

i immediately.

i Starting enginecreates

sparking.Sparking can

ignite nearbyflamma-

b e gases. Explosion

and fire could result.

Unintentionalsparking

can result in fire or

electric shock. Unin-

tentional start-up can

, result in entanglement,

traumatic amputation,

i or laceration.

WARNING: Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive. Fire or

explosion can cause severe burns or death. Ifgasoline is spilled on yourself or your

clothes, wash your skin and change clothes immediately.

Gasoline and its vaporsare

extremely flammable and

explosive. Fire or explosioncan

cause severe burns or death, if

gasoline is spilled on yourself

or yourclothes, wash your skin

and change clothes immediately.

Whenaddingfuel,turnengineOFFandlet engine

coolat least2 minutesbeforeremovinggas cap.

Fill fueltankoutdoorsor inwellventilatedarea.

Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.

Neverfill containersinsideavehicleor ona truck or

trailerbedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontain-

ers onthe groundawayfromyourvehiclebefore

filling.

• If possible,removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe

truckor trailerandrefuelit on theground.Ifthis is

not possible,then refuelsuchequipmentona trailer

witha portablecontainer,ratherthan froma gasoline

dispensernozzle.

• Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimof thefuel

tankorcontaineropeningat alltimesuntilfueling is

complete.Do notuse a nozzlelock-opendevice.

• Do notoverfillfuel tank. Filltankto approximately

2 cmbelowlowestportionof neckto allowfor fuel

expansion.

• Keepgasolineawayfromsparks,openflames,pilot

lights,heat,andother ignitionsources.

• Neverfuelequipmentindoorsbecauseflammable

vaporswill accumulatein the area.

• Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipes,andother

sourcesof ignition.

• Checkfuelline,tank, cap,andfittingsfrequentlyfor

cracksor leaks.Replaceif necessary.

• Whenstartingengine,makesuresparkplug,muffler,

fuelcap andaircleanerarein place.

• Do notcrankenginewithsparkplugremoved.

• If fuelspills,wait untilit evaporatesbeforestarting

engine.

• Whenoperatingequipment,donot tip engineor

equipmentat anglewhichcausesgasolineto spill.

• Do notchokecarburetorto stopengine.

• Whentransportingequipment,transportwithfuel tank

EMPTY.

Whenstoringgasolineorequipmentwithfuel in tank,

storeawayfromfurnaces,stoves,waterheatersor

otherappliancesthathavepilot lightorother ignition

sourcebecausetheycan ignitegasolinevapors.

,_ Starting engine creates spark-

ing. Sparking can ignite nearby

__ flammable gases. Explosion and

fire could result.

If thereisa naturalor LPgas leakageinarea,donot

startengine.

• Do not usepressurizedstartingfluidsbecausevapors

areflammable.

_ ngines give off carbon mon-

oxide, an odorless, colorless,

poisonous gas. Breathing carbon

monoxide can cause nausea,

fainting, or death.

Startandrunengineoutdoors.

• Do not startor runengineinenclosedarea,evenif

doorsor windowsare open.

_ nintentional sparking can result

infire or electric shock. Unin-

tentional start-up can result in

entanglement, traumatic amputa-

tion, or laceration.

Beforepeformingadjustmentsor repairs,disconnect

sparkplugwireand keepitawayfromsparkplug.

• Whentestingfor spark,use approvedsparkplug

tester.

Do notcheckfor sparkwithsparkplug removed.

Runningengine produces heat.

Engine parts, especially muffler,

become extremely hot. Severe

thermal burns can occur on

contact. Combustibledebris,

such as leaves, grass, brush, etc.,

can catch fire.

*Allow muffler,enginecylinder,andfinsto cool before

touching.

.Keepchildrenawayfromhot or runningengines.They

can sufferburnsfroma hot muffler.

Removeaccumulatedcombustiblesfrommufflerand

cylinderarea.

_ Rotating engine parts can

contactor entangle hands, feet,

hair, clothing,or accessories.

Traumaticamputation or severe

laceration can result.

*Operateequipmentwithguardsin place.

*Keephandsandfeetawayfromrotatingparts.

SafetyAlert

• Tie uplonghairand removejewelry.

•Do notwear loose-fittingclothing,danglingdraw-

stringsor itemsthatcouldbecomecaught.

,__ Rapid retraction of starter cord

(kickback) will pull hand and

arm toward engine faster than

you can let go. Brokenbones,

fractures, bruisesor sprains

could result.

• Whenstartingengine,pullcordslowlyuntil resis-

tanceisfelt,then pullrapidly.

•Removeall externalequipment/engineloadsbefore

startingengine.

•Directcoupledequipmentcomponentssuchas, but

not limitedto blades,impellers,pulleys,sprockets,

etc.,mustbesecurelyattached.

Safety Label Location

Thislabelwarnsyouof potentialhazardsthat can

causeseriousinjury.Readit carefully.SeeFigure1for

explanationof symbols.

If the labelcomesoffor becomeshardto read,contact

the dealerfor replacement.

International Symbols and Meanings

Hot Surface Toxic Fumes GasolineIs

Flammable

ReadOwner's UnleadedFuel Start Run

Manual

Figure 1

WARNING

Running engine

produces heat. Engine

parts, especially muf-

fler, become extremely

hot. Severethermal

burns can occur on

contact. Combustible

debris, such as leaves,

grass, brush, etc., can

catch fire.

Rotating engine parts

can contact or entangle

hands, feet. hair.cloth-

ing, or accessories.

Traumaticamputation

or severe laceration

can result.

Rapid retractionof

starter cord (kickback)

will pull hand and

arm toward engine

faster than you can

let go. Broken bones.

fractures, bruises or

sprains could result.

Know Your Engine

f"- Fuel Cap -'_

IMPORTANT:This

engine is shipped

without gasoline or oil

inthe engine. Running

the enginewith insuf-

ficient oil can cause

serious engine damage

andvoid the engine

warranty.

iMPORTANT: Using

nondetergentoil or 2-

stroke engine oil could

shorten the engine's

service life.

Be sure to check the

engine on a level

surface withthe engine

stopped.

Starter

Gri

Air Cleaner

Oil Fiii Cap

Oil Drain-----_

Muffler Spark Plug!%5Eng!neSh°wn t

Figure9-1:Themajorcomponentsoftheengine.Theshroudonyourenginemaydiffer.

Readthissectionbeforestartingyourlawnmowerengine.Comparethe illustrationsin Figure9-1withyour lawn

mowerengineto familiarizeyourselfwiththe locationof variouscontrolsandadjustments.

Pre-Operation Check

Oil Recommendations

IMPORTANT:Thisengineis shippedwithoutgasolineor

oil inthe engine.Runningthe enginewithinsufficientoil

cancauseseriousenginedamageandvoidthe engine

warranty.

•Beforestartingengine,fill withoil. Donot over-fill.Oil

capacityis about20oz.

Usea 4-stroke,oran equivalenthighdetergent,

premiumqualitymotoroilcertifiedto meetorexceed

U.S.automobilemanufacturer'srequirementsfor service

classificationSG, SE Motoroils classifiedSG,SF will

showthis designationon thecontainer.

SAE10W-30is recommendedfor general,alltem-

peratureuse.If singleviscosityoil is used,selectthe

appropriateviscosityfor theaveragetemperaturein your

areafromthe chartto the right.

20w40,

15w40,

__ 20w

m__ 20

mmlmml lil_l m3o

!0w50 _____ v

0 _ mmmm mJlml _ _ _ v

I P"

10W30 _____1

(°C)-30 ° -20° -10° 0° 10° 200 300 400

("F)-20 ° 0° 200 400 600 800 1000

Ambient Temperature

1. SingleViscosity

2. MultiViscosity

iMPORTANT:Usingnondetergent oil or 2-stroke

engineoil could shortenthe engine'sservicelife.

Check Oil Level

IMPORTANT:Besureto checkthe engineona level

surfacewiththe enginestopped.

Removethe oil fillercap andwipethe dipstickclean.

SeeFigure9-2.

Insertthe dipstickintothe oil fillerneck, butdo not

screwit in.

if the levelislow,slowlyaddoil to the upperlimiton

thedipstick.

Tightendipstickfirmlybeforestartingengine.

IMPORTANT:Donotoverfill.Overfillingwithoil may

causesmoking,hardstarting,sparkplugfouling,oroil

saturationof aircleaner.

Fuel Recommendations

Useautomotivegasoline(Unleadedor Iowleadedto

minimizecombustionchamberdeposits).Neverusean

oil/gasolinemixtureor dirtygasoline.Avoidgettingdirt,

dust,or waterinthe fuel tank.

_ARNING:Gasolineis extremelyflam-

mable and is explosiveunder certain

conditions.

Refuel inawell-ventilatedarea with the engine

stopped.Donot smoke or allow flames or sparks

inthe areawhere the engineis refueledor where

gasoline is stored.

Donot overfill the fuel tank (there should be no fuel

inthe filler neck). After refueling, makesurethe tank

cap isclosed properly and securely.

Be careful notto spillfuel when refueling. Spilled

fuel or fuel vapor mayignite,if any fuel is spilled,

makesurethe areais dry before startingthe engine.

Avoid repeatedor prolongedcontact with skinor

breathing of vapor.

Check Fuel Level

1. Cleanaroundfuelfill beforeremovingcap to fuel.

2. Filltankto approximatelyoneinchbelowlowest

portionof neckto allowfor fuelexpansion.Becareful

notto overfill.

IMPORTANT:Beforerefueling,allowengineto cool two

minutes.

Starting The Engine

_ARNING:Alwayskeep hands and

feet clearof equipmentmovingparts.

Donot use a pressurizedstartingfluid.

Vaporsare flammable.

1. Pullout thechokeknoblocatedonthe left sideof the

upperhandle.SeeFigure9-3.

Figure9-2:Checkingtheoil level.

Figure9-3:Startingthe mower.(Yourmowermaydifferfrom

thatshown)

NOTE:Useof the chokemaynot benecessaryifthe

engineiswarmor the airtemperatureishigh.

2. Standingbehindthe mower,depressthe bladecontrol

andholditagainstthe upperhandle.

3. Pullthe startergrip lightlyuntil resistanceisfelt,

thenpull rapidlyto overcomecompression,prevent

kickbackandstartengine.Repeatif necessary.

IMPORTANT:Do notallowthe startergripto snap

backagainstthe ropeguide.Returnit gentlyto prevent

damageto the starter.

4. Whenenginewarmsup, pushinthe chokeknob.

Stopping The Engine

1. Releasethe bladecontrol.

WARNING

Always keep hands

and feet clear of equip'

ment moving parts:Do

not use a pressurized

starting fluid, Vapors

IMPORTANT: Donot

allowthe starter gripto

snap baCkagainstthe

enginel Returnit gently

to reventdamage to

the starter:

WARNING

Shut off the engine

beforeperforming

type ofmaintenance,

ro.roveo ,oo!doo o!

start-upidisconnect

t,e parkp boot:

Beforetipping engine

drain oil, drain fuel

from tank by running

engine until fuel tank

is empty;

iMPORTANT:Be sure

to check engineon a

level surfaceW th the

engine stopped Drain i

the oil while the engine

is still warm to assure

rapid and complete

draining:

WARNING:Shut off the engine before

performingany maintenance.To

preventaccidental start-up, disconnect

the spark plugboot.

IMPORTANT:Ifenginemustbe tippedto transport

equipmentorto inspector removegrass,keepspark

plugsideof engineup.Transportingor tippingengine

sparkplugdownmaycausesmoking,hardstarting,

sparkplugfouling,or oil saturationof aircleaner.

Maintenance Schedule

Periodicinspectionandadjustmentof theengineis

essentialif highlevelperformanceis to bemaintained.

Regularmaintenancewillalso ensurea longservicelife.

The requiredserviceintervalsandthe kindof mainte-

nanceto be performedare describedin thetable below.

Followthe hourlyor calendarintervals,whicheveroccur

first.Morefrequentserviceis requiredwhenoperatingin

adverseconditions.

Tasks

ChangeEngine

Oil

Service Air

Cleaner

First5 hours

Service Spark

Plug

CleanFinger ........

Guard

Eachuseor

every5 hours

CleanAround

Muffler

Everyseason

or 25hours Everyseason

or50 hours

Everyseason

or 100hours

Service Dates

1-Servicemorefrequentlywhenusedindustyareas.

ff Ifoperatingunderheavyloador highambienttemperature.

Oil Fill Cap

Drain

Figure10-1:Changingtheoil.

Oil Service

•Checkoil level regularly.

Besure correctoil levelis maintained.Checkevery

fivehoursordaily beforestartingengine.Seeoil

checkingprocedureinthe Operationsection.

Oil Change

IMPORTANT:Be sureto checkengineona level surface

withthe enginestopped.Drainthe oilwhilethe engineis

stillwarmto assurerapidandcompletedraining.

Removeoilfill cap anddrainoilby eitherremoving

drainplugor turningmoweron itsside (aircleanerside

up)andallowingoil to drainintoa suitablecontainer.

SeeFigure10-1.

WARNING:Before tipping engineor

equipmentto drain oil, drain fuel from

tank by runningengine until fuel tank is

empty.

2. Reinstallthe drainplug(if removed),andtightenit

securely.

3. Refillwiththe recommendedoil (see Operation

section)andcheckthe oil level.See Figure10-1.

4. Reinstallthe oilfill cap securely.

IMPORTANT:Usedmotoroilmaycauseskincancer

if repeatedlyleft incontactwiththe skinfor prolonged

periods.Althoughthisis unlikelyunlessyou handleused

oilon a dailybasis,it is stilladvisableto thoroughlywash

yourhandswithsoapandwateras soon as possible

afterhandlingusedoil.

NOTE:Pleasedisposeof usedmotoroil in a mannerthat

is compatiblewiththe environment.We suggestyoutake

it in a sealedcontainerto yourlocal servicestationfor

reclamation.Donot throwit inthe trashor pourit on the

ground.

PaperElement

Air Cleaner Service

Adirty aircleanerwill restrictair flowto the carburetor.

Topreventcarburetormalfunction,servicethe aircleaner

regularly.Servicemorefrequentlywhenoperatingthe

enginein extremelydustyareas.

__k ARNING:Neveruse gasolineorlow

flash pointsolventsfor cleaningthe

air cleaner element.A fire or explosion

couldresult.

IMPORTANT:Neverrunthe enginewithouttheair

cleaner.Rapidenginewearwill result.

1. Removethe wing boltandthe aircleanercover.

Removethe elementsandseparatethem. SeeFigure

10-2.Carefullycheck bothelementsfor holesortears

andreplaceif damaged.

2. Foamelement: Washtheelementin a solutionof

householddetergentandwarmwater,then rinse

thoroughly,or washin nonflammableorhighflash

pointsolvent.Allowtheelementto dry thoroughly.

Soakthe elementin cleanengineoil andsqueezeout

theexcessoil. The enginewill smokeduringinitial

start-upif too muchoil is left inthe foam.

3. Paperelement: Taptheelementlightlyseveraltimes

ona hardsurfaceto removeexcessdirt,or blow

compressedair throughthe filterfromthe insideout.

Nevertry to brushthedirt off; brushingwillforce

dirt intothe fibers.Replacethe paperelementif it is

excessivelydirty.

Foam Element

Figure10-2:Servicingtheaircleaner.

Spark Plug

Figure10-3:Thesparkplugandboot.

Spark Plug Service

__i= ARNING:DONOTcheck for spark

with spark plugremoved. DONOTcrank

enginewith spark plugremoved.

Toensureproperengineoperation,thesparkplugmust

beproperlygappedandfree of deposits.

1. Removethe sparkplugbootandusea sparkplug

wrenchto removethe plug.See Figure10-3.

,_ WARNING:if the engine has been

running, the muffler will be very hot. Be

carefulnot to touch the muffler.

2. Visuallyinspectthe sparkplug.Discardthe sparkplug

if thereis apparentwear,or if the insulatoriscracked

orchipped.Cleanthe sparkplugwitha wirebrushif it

is to be reused.

WARNING

Never use gasoline

or lowflash point sol-

vents for cleaning the

air cleaner element.

Afire or explosion

could result.

DO NOT check for

spark with spark plug

removed. DO NOT

crank engine with

spark plug removed.

if the engine has

been running, the

muffler will be very

hot. Be careful not to

touch the muffler.

Maintaining

WARNING

Accumulation of

debris around muffler

cause afire:

Inspect and clean

b fo ooveryo

IMPORTANT:DOnot

spray engine Withwater

to clean becausewater

could contaminatefuel

Using agarden hose

or pressureWashing

equipment Cana so

force water into the

air cleaner ormuffler

opening:Water in the

air cleane! will soak

the paper e!emen

and water that Passes

through the element

or muffler canenter

the cylinder;causing:

damage: i

Electrode

--,,- *-- 0.030 in.

Figure10-4:Measurethepluggapwithafeelergauge.

3. Measurethe pluggapwitha feelergauge.Correct

as necessaryby bendingsideelectrode.SeeFigure

10-4.Thegap shouldbe setto 0.030in.

4. Checkthat the sparkplugwasheris ingoodcondi-

tionandthreadthe sparkpluginby handto prevent

cross-threading.

5. Afterthe sparkplugis seated,tightenwitha spark

plugwrenchto compressthe washer.

NOTE:Wheninstallinga newsparkplug,tighten1/2

turnafterthe sparkplugseatsto compressthewasher.

Whenreinstallinga usedsparkplug,tighten1/8-1/4turn

afterthe sparkplugseatsto compressthe washer.

IMPORTANT:The sparkplugmustbe securelytight-

ened.Animproperlytightenedsparkplugcan become

veryhotand maydamagethe engine.

Clean Engine

If theenginehasbeenrunning,allowit to coolfor at

leasthalfan hourbeforecleaning.Periodicallyremove

grassanddirt build-upfromengine.Cleanfingerguard

andaroundmuffler.Cleanwitha brushor compressed

air.

Storage

Enginesstoredover30 daysneedto bedrainedof fuel

to preventdeteriorationandgumfromforminginfuel

systemor onessentialcarburetorparts. Ifthe gasolinein

yourenginedeterioratesduringstorage,you mayneedto

havethe carburetor,andotherfuel systemcomponents,

servicedor replaced.

1. Removeallfuel fromtankby runningengineuntil it

stopsfromlackof fuel.

2. Changeoil. SeeOilChangesection.

3. Removesparkplugandpourabout1/2 anounceof

engineoil intocylinder.Replacesparkplugandcrank

slowlyto distributeoil.

4. Cleangrassanddebrisfromaroundengine,under

fingerguard,and under,aroundandbehindmuffler.

Touchupanydamagedpaint,andcoatother areas

thatmayrustwitha lightfilmof oil.

5. Storeina clean,dry andwellventilatedareaawayfrom

anyappliancethatoperateswithaflameor pilotlight,

suchas afurnace,waterheater,or clothesdryer.Also

avoidanyareawitha sparkproducingelectricmotor,

orwherepowertoolsare operated.

6. If possible,alsoavoidstorageareaswithhighhumidity,

becausethat promotesrustandcorrosion.

7. Keepthe enginelevelin storage.Tiltingcan causefuel

oroil leakage.

Removing From Storage

1. Checkyourengineas describedin the Pre-Operation

Checksectionof this manual.

2. If the fuelwasdrainedduringstoragepreparation,fill

the tankwithfreshgasoline.Ifyou keepa container

of gasolinefor refueling,makecertainit containsonly

freshfuel.Gasolineoxidizesanddeterioratesover

time,causinghardstarting.

3. If the cylinderwascoatedwithoil duringstorage

preparation,the enginewill smokebrieflyat startup.

Thisis normal.

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.

__lk ARNING:Accumulationof debris

around muffler could causea fire.

Inspect and clean before every use.

NOTES

Model 54M

Wheel Treads

Bar K2Bar Zag

Re,.]po,tNo.ooso,iptioo Re,.lpo,tNo.[ooso,iptioo :

2 731-048591- BaiIOover 28 738-0507B ShoulderScrew,.5Dx.434

3 712-04064 FlangeLockNut 1/2-20 29 732-0404 FrontSpringLever I m _

4 726-0240 CableTie 30 720-0426 HeightAdjustKnob

5 664-04027 GrassBagAssembly

6 747-04080 GrassBagFrame

7 731-05401 EngineShroud

8 731-05642 Trailshield

9 747-04588 PivotRod

31 710-0599 TT Screw,1/4-20x.500

32 736-0270 BellWasher

33 710-0654A TT Screw,3/8-16x 1.0

34 710-0216 HexScrew,3/8-16x.75

35 710-1652 TT Screw,1/4-20x.625

RearDischargeDoor

RearHandleBrkt.Assy.-LH

RearHandleBrkt.Assy.- RH

Deck21-inch

Frt. Hgt.Adj.Assy-LH(7"Wheel)

Frt. Hgt.Adj.Assy-LH(8" Wheel)

10 631-04225

11 687-02280

687-02279*

12 787-01279

13 687-02099A

687-02075A

687-02100A* Frt. Hgt.Adj.Assy-RH(7" Wheel)

687-02074A* Frt. Hgt.Adj.Assy-RH(8" Wheel)

14 782-5002B FrontBaffle

15 738-0377C BladeAdapter

16 742-0741 21-inchMulchingBlade

17 736-0524B BellBladeSupport

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

19 731-1950A1 DeckCover

20 17032A ChuteDeflectorAdapter

21 _732-1014 LTorsionSpring

22 747-0710 HingePin

23 687-02055 HingedMulchPlugAssembly

24 712-04065 FlangeLockNut3/8-16

FoamGrip

RearWheel,12x 1.8,K2Bar

RearWheel,12x 1.8,Bar

SpringWasher

RearHi-WheelSpringLever

RearPivotArmAssy- RH

RearPivotArmAssy- LH

HairpinClip

36 720-0312

37 734-04216

734-04082

38 736-01821-

39 732-0866

40 687-02039A

687-02040A*

41 714-0104

42 731-04177 SideDischargeChute

43 710-0703 CarriageBolt,I/4-20 x.75

44 731-04150C RearBaffle

45 710-1241 ScrewHL,1/4-15x 1.00

46 732-04090A TorsionSpring- RH

47 731-0981A1- HubCap,RadialSpoke

48 712-0397 Wing Nut

49 749-0928A LowerHandle

50 710-1174 CarriageBolt,5/16-18x 2

51 720-04072 Star Knob

52 720-0279 HandleKnob

787-01290

687-02076A

687-02077A

687-02077A*

687-02076A*

HeightAdjustmentPlate

FrtPivotArm Ass'y-RH(7"Wheel)

FrtPivotArm Ass'y-RH(8"Wheel)

FrtPivotArm Ass'y-LH(7" Wheel)

FrtPivotArm Ass'y-LH(8" Wheel)

53 710-1205

54 749-1092A

55 710-0606

56 746-04239A

57 746-04299

EyeBolt

UpperHandle

HexScrew,1/4-20x 1.50

Cable,Choke38-inch

Cable,ERS48-inch

27 734-04211 FrontWheel,7x 1.8,K2 Bar 58 710-04577 MachineScrewM4-.7x10.O0

1 If Equipped

* NotPictured

Parts List

Toorderrep!acement

parts;call1:8oo-8oo-731o

or visitus on the web at

Wwwlrntdproducts:com

ii i _iI_ ii

Engine 1P65

21-

--7

Ref. Part No. Description

1. 951-10337 FuelTank

2. 951-10336 FlywheelShroud

3. 951-10335 RubberFuelTankMountingWasher

4. 951-10334 Oil FillerTubeAssembly

5. 951-10333 DipstickAssembly

6. 951-10406 CylinderHeadComplete

7. 951-10407 Short BlockAssembly

8. 951-10320 Stop SwitchandBrakeAssembly

9. 951-10319 RecoilSpringandPulleyAssembly

10. 951-10314 PushRod Kit

11. 951-10313 ValveKit

12. 951-10370 Oil DrainPlugandWasherAssembly

13. 951-10367 IgnitionCoil

14. 951-10309 CarburetorAssembly

15. 951-10307 FlywheelKey

16. 951-10405 Air CleanerHousingAssemblyComplete

17. 951-10304 MufflerStudAssembly

18. 951-10363 FuelLineKit-Inc. hoses,clamps& filter

19. 951-10358 FuelFilter

20. 951-10300 FuelCap Assembly

21. 951-10299 RecoilStarterAssembly

22. 951-10298 Air CleanerKit

23. 951-10297 Air CleanerThumbScrew

24. 951-10404 MufflerGuard

25. 951-10403 Muffler

26. 951-10402 MufflerGasket/HeatShield

27. 951-10293 GovernorReturnSpring

28. 951-10292 Spark Plug

- 952Z1P65FU Engine- Complete

- 951-10325 CarburetorKit- Major

- 951-10322 CarburetorKit- Minor

- 951-10409 GasketKit- Complete

- 951-10410 GasketKit- External

- 951-10351 SparkArrestor

NOTE:Illustratedpartswithoutanumericcall-outarenotservicablecomponents.

MTD LLC (MTD), The United States Environment Protection Agency (U. S. EPA)

Emission Control System Warranty Statement

(Owner's Defect Warranty Rights and Obligations)

The U.S. EPAandMTDarepleasedto explaintheemissionscontrolsystemwarrantyonyour modelyear2005and latersmalloff-roadengine.

Newsmalloff-roadenginesmust bedesigned,built andequippedto meetthe stringentanti-smogstandards.MTDmustwarrantytheemission

controlsystemonyour enginefor the periodof timelistedbelow,providedthere hasbeennoabuse,neglector impropermaintenanceof your small

off-roadengine.

Youremissioncontrolsystemmayincludepartssuchas the carburetor,aircleaner,ignitionsystem,exhaustsystem,andotherassociatedemis-

sion-relatedcomponents.

Wherea warrantableconditionexists,MTDwill repairyour smalloff-roadengineat nocost to yourincludingdiagnosis,partsandlabor.

MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY COVERAGE:

Thisemissionscontrolsystemiswarrantedfor twoyears.If anyemission-relatedpartonyour engineisdefective,the partwill be repairedor

replacedby MTD.

OWNER'S WARRANTY RESPONSIBILITIES:

As the smalloff-roadengineowner,youare responsiblefor the performanceof the requiredmaintenancelistedinyourOwner'sManual.MTD

recommendsthatyou retainall your receiptscoveringmaintenancesonyoursmalloff-roadengine,but MTDcan notdenywarrantysolelyfor the

lackof receiptsor for yourfailureto ensurethe performanceto all scheduledmaintenance.

As the smalloff-roadengineowner,youshouldhoweverbeawarethatMTDmaydenyyour warrantycoverageifyoursmalloff-roadengineor part

hasfaileddue to abuse,neglect,impropermaintenanceor unapprovedmodifications.

Youare responsiblefor presentingyoursmalloff-roadengineto an AuthorizedMTDServiceDealeras soonas a problemexists.The warranted

repairsshouldbe completedina reasonableamountof time,notto exceed30 days.

If youhaveanyquestionsregardingyour warrantyrightsand responsibilities,you shouldcontacta MTDServiceRepresentativeat 1-800-800-7310

andaddressisMTDLLC,EO. Box361131,ClevelandOH,44136-0019.

DEFECTS WARRANTY REQUIREMENTS FOR 1995 AND LATER SMALL OFF=ROAD ENGINES:

Thissectionappliesto 1995and latersmalloff-roadengines.Thewarrantyperiodbeginson the datetheengineorequipmentisdeliveredto an

ultimatepurchaser.

(a) GeneralEmissionsWarrantyCoveracj#_

MTDmustwarrantto the ultimatepurchaserandeachsubsequentpurchaserthatthe engineis:

(1)Designed,built,andequippedso as to conformwithallapplicableregulationsadoptedbythe Air ResourcesBoardpursuantto itsauthorityin

Chapters1and2,Part5, Division26 of the HealthandSafetyCode;and

(2) Freefromdefectsinmaterialsandworkmanshipthatcausethe failureof a warrantedpartto be identicalinall materialrespectsto the part as

describedinthe enginemanufacturer'sapplicationfor certificationfor a periodof twoyears.

.(b)The warrantyonemissions-relatedpartswill be interpretedas follows:

(1)Anywarrantedpart thatisnot scheduledfor replacementas requiredmaintenanceinthe writteninstructionsrequiredby Subsection(c)

mustbewarrantedfor the warrantyperioddefinedinSubsection(a)(2). If anysuchpartfailsduringthe periodof warrantycoverage,it mustbe

repairedor replacedby MTDaccordingto Subsection(4)below.Any suchpartrepairedor replacedunderthewarrantymustbewarrantedfor

the remainingwarrantyperiod.

(2)Any warrantedpartthat isscheduledonlyfor regularinspectioninthe writteninstructionsrequiredby Subsection(c) mustbewarrantedfor

thewarrantyperioddefinedinSubsection(a)(2).A statementinsuchwritteninstructionsto the effectof "repairor replaceas necessary"will

not reducethe periodof warrantycoverage.Anysuchpart repairedor replacedunderwarrantymustbe warrantedforthe remainingwarranty

period.

(3) Anywarrantedpartthat whichis scheduledfor replacementas requiredmaintenanceinthe writteninstructionsrequiredby Subsection(c)

mustbewarrantedfor the periodof timepriorto the first scheduledreplacementpointfor thatpart.Ifthe partfailspriorto the first scheduled

replacement,the part mustbe repairedor replacedby MTDaccordingto Subsection(4) below.Any suchpart repairedor replacedunder

warrantymustbewarrantedfor the remainderof the periodpriorto thefirst scheduledreplacementpointfor the part.

(4) Repairor replacementof any warrantedpart underthe warrantyprovisionsof thisarticlemustbe performedat nochargeto the ownerat a

warrantystation.

(5) Notwithstandingthe provisionsof Subsection(4)above,warrantyservicesor repairsmustbeprovidedat all MTDdistributioncentersthat

arefranchisedto servicethe subjectengines.

(6) Theownermustnot bechargedfordiagnosticlaborthatleadsto the determinationthata warrantedpart isinfact defective,providedthat

suchdiagnosticworkisperformedat a warrantystation.

EPA-1

(7)The enginemanufactureris liablefordamagesto otherenginecomponentsproximatelycausedbya failureunderwarrantyof anywarranted

part.

(8) Throughoutthe engine'swarrantyperioddefinedinSubsection(a)(2), MTDwill maintaina supplyof warrantedpartssufficientto meetthe

expecteddemandfor suchparts.

(9) Any replacementpart maybe usedin the performanceof any warrantymaintenanceor repairsandmustbe providedwithoutchargetothe

owner.Such usewill not reducethe warrantyobligationsof MTD.

(10)Add-onormodifiedpartsthatarenot exemptedby theAir ResourcesBoardmaynot beused.The useof anynon-exemptedadd-onor

modifiedpartsshall begroundsfor disallowinga warrantyclaimmade inaccordancewiththisarticle.The enginemanufacturershall notbe

liableunderthisarticleto warrantfailuresof warrantedpartscausedby the useof non-exemptedadd-onor modifiedpart.

(c) MTDwill includea copyof the followingemissionwarrantypartslistwitheach newengine,usingthoseportionsof the listapplicableto the

e__&gine.

(1)FuelMeteringSystem

• Coldstart enrichmentsystem(soft choke)

• Carburetorandinternalparts

• Fuel Pump

(2)Air InductionSystem

• Aircleaner

• Intakemanifold

(3) IgnitionSystem

• Sparkplug(s)

• MagnetoIgnitionSystem

(4)ExhaustSystem

(5) MiscellaneousItemsUsedinAboveSystem

• Vacuum,temperature,position,timesensitivevalvesandswitches

• Connectorsandassemblies

EPA-1

MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR

The limitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenby MTDLLCwithrespectto

newmerchandisepurchasedandusedin the UnitedStates,itsposses-

sionsandterritories.

"MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsin materialandworkmanship

for a periodof two(2) yearscommencingonthe dateof originalpurchase

andwill,at its option,repairor replace,free of charge,anypart foundto

bedefectiveinmaterialsor workmanship.Thislimitedwarrantyshallonly

applyif this producthas beenoperatedandmaintainedinaccordance

withthe Operator'sManualfurnishedwiththe product,andhas not been

subjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,accident,improper

maintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft,fire,water,ordamagebecause

of otherperilor naturaldisaster.Damageresultingfromthe installationor

useof any part,accessoryorattachmentnotapprovedby MTDfor use

withthe product(s)coveredbythis manualwill voidyourwarrantyas to

any resultingdamage.

Normalwearpartsarewarrantedto befree fromdefectsinmaterialand

workmanshipfor a periodof thirty (30)daysfromthe dateof purchase.

Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuchas belts,

blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,wheels,engineoil, air filters,and

sparkplugs.

NOWTO OBTAINSERVICE:Warrantyserviceis available,WITH

PROOFOF PURCHASE,throughyour localauthorizedservicedealer.To

locatethe dealerin yourarea,checkyourYellowPages,orcontactMTD

LLCat RO.Box 361131,Cleveland,Ohio44136-0019,or call 1-800-800-

7310or logon to ourWebsiteat www.mtdproducts.com.

Thislimitedwarrantydoesnot providecoverageinthe followingcases:

a. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershavea separateone

yearwarranty.

b. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchas lubricants,filters,blade

sharpening,tune-ups,brakeadjustments,clutch adjustments,

deckadjustments,andnormaldeteriorationof the exteriorfinish

dueto use orexposure.

c. Servicecompletedby someoneotherthananauthorizedservice

dealer.

MTDdoes notextendany warrantyfor productssoldor

exportedoutsideof the UnitedStates,its possessionsand

territories,exceptthosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorized

channelsof exportdistribution.

Replacementpartsthatarenot genuineMTDparts.

Transportationchargesand servicecalls.

No impliedwarranty, includingany impliedwarranty of merchant-

ability of fitness for a particularpurpose,applies after the applicable

periodof express written warranty above as to the partsas identi-

fied. No other express warranty, whether written or oral, except as

mentionedabove,given by any personor entity,includingadealer

or retailer,with respect to any product,shallbindMTD.Duringthe

periodof the warranty, the exclusive remedyis repairor replacement

of the productas setforth above.

Theprovisionsas setforth inthis warrantyprovidethe soleand

exclusiveremedyarising from the sale.MTDshallnot be liable

for incidentalor consequentialloss or damage including,without

limitation, expensesincurredfor substituteor replacement lawncare

servicesor for rentalexpenses to temporarily replacea warranted

product.

Somestatesdo not allowtheexclusionor limitationof incidentalor

consequentialdamages,or limitationson howlonganimpliedwarranty

lasts,so the aboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplyto you.

In noeventshall recoveryof any kind begreaterthan theamountof the

purchasepriceof the productsold.Alterationof safety features of the

productshall void this warranty. Youassumethe risk andliabilityfor

loss, damage,or injuryto youandyour propertyand/orto othersandtheir

propertyarisingout of the misuseor inabilityto use theproduct.

Thislimitedwarrantyshall notextendto anyoneotherthanthe original

purchaseror to the personfor whomitwaspurchasedas a gift.

HOWSTATELAWRELATESTO THiSWARRANTY: Thislimitedwar-

rantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyou mayalso haveother rights

whichvaryfromstateto state.

IMPORTANT: OwnermustpresentOriginalProofof Purchaseto obtain

warrantycoverage.

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136=0019; Phone: 1=800=800=7310

MTD 11A 54MB055 User Manual LAWN MOWER Manuals And Guides 1107424L

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