MTD 12A 453E700 User Manual LAWN MOWER Manuals And Guides 1108643L

User Manual: MTD 12A-453E700 12A-453E700 MTD LAWN MOWER - Manuals and Guides View the owners manual for your MTD LAWN MOWER #12A453E700. 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" Rotary Mower- Model Series 440 &450

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.770-10134G

1/17/2005

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

Off-Season Storage and Safety Labels .......... 13

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

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREYOU STARTASSEMBLING

YOUR NEW EQUIPMENT,

please locatethe model plate on the equipmentand copy the

information to the sample model plate provided to the right.

Youcan locate the model plate by standing at the operating

position and lookingdown at the rear of the deck. This

informationwill be necessary to use the manufacturer'sweb

site and/or obtain assistancefrom the Customer Support

Department or an authorizedservice dealer.

Model Number

www.mtdproducts.com

Serial Number

MTD LLC

P.O= BOX 361131

CLEVELAND, OH 44136

330-220-4683

800-800-7310

Customer Support

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

purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.

Ifyou have difficulty assemblingthis product or have any

questions regarding the controls, operation or maintenanceof

this unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the

options below:

1. Visit mtdproducts.com for many useful suggestions.

Click on CustomerSupport buttonand you will get the four

options reproducedin this sample to the right. Click on the

appropriate buttonand help is immediatelyavailable.

2. Phonea Customer Support Representative

at 1(800) 800-7310.

3. The engine manufacturer is responsiblefor all engine-

relatedissueswith regardsto performance, power-rating,

specifications,warranty and service. Pleaserefer to the

engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packed

separately with your unit, for more information.

Click here to search our knowledge base.

Search by product, keyword, or phrase.

your inquiries, or update your personal profile.

Need local assistance? Click here to find authorized

service centers in your area.

Need a manual and/or parts list? Download

literature from recent model years.

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RNING

This symbol points

i out important safety

instructionswhich, if

notfollowed, could

endangerthe personal

i safetyand/or property

I of yourself and others.

Readand follow all

instructionsinthis man-

ual before attempting to

operatethis machine.

Failureto complywith

these instructionsmay

i result in personal injury.

i When you see this

_symbol.

HEED ITS WARNING

Your

Responsibility

Restrictthe use

i of this power machine

i to personswho read,

understand

andfollow the warnings

and instructions

inthis manual

andon the machine.

WARNING: Engine Exhaust,some of its constituents, and certain 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'smanual carefully inits 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

be used. Removeall stones,sticks,wire, bones,toys and

otherforeignobjectswhichcouldbetripped overor picked

upandthrownby the blade.Thrownobjectscan cause

seriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpatternto avoid

dischargeof materialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystanders

andthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainsta

wallorobstructionwhich maycausedischargedmaterial

to ricochetbacktoward theoperator.

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 lightweight

(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 notengage theself-propelledmechanismon units so

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.Shutthe engineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto a

completestop beforeremovingthe grasscatcheror unclog-

gingthechute.

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 slipandfallaccidentswhich

can resultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra

caution.If youfeeluneasyon a slope,do notmowit.For your

safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedas part ofthis manualto

measureslopesbeforeoperatingthis uniton a slopedor hilly

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

Do:

1. Mowacrossthe faceof slopes; neverup anddown.

Exerciseextremecaution whenchangingdirectionon

slopes.

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 vehicleoron 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 thefueltank or

container openingat alltimesuntil fuelingis complete.Do

notuse a nozzlelock-opendevice.

7. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars, pipesand othersources

of ignition.

8. Neverfuel machineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswill

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 overspeedthe

engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating

speedof the engine.

11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,as necessary.

12.Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improper

disposalof fluidsand materialscanharmthe environment.

Practices

WARNING

This symbol points

out importantsafety

instructionswhich, 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.

Whenyou see this

symbol.

HEED iTS WARNING

Your

Responsibility

Restrictthe use

of this power machine

to personswho read,

understand

and follow the warnings

and instructions

inthis manual

and on the machine.

NOTE:Standbehind

themowerasifyou

weregoingtooperate

it.Yourrighthandcor-

respondstotheright

sideofthemower;your

lefthandcorresponds

totheleftsideofthe

mower.

NOTE:Yourmower

i isshippedwiththe

handleinthehigher

I heightposition.

NOTE:Eachendof

thelowerhandlemust

beplacedinthesame

i relativeposition.

IMPORTANT

DO NOTcrimp the

I cables when lifting the

handle up.

I IMPORTANT

This unit is shipped

i without gasoline or

::oil inthe engine. Fill

up gasolineand oil

as instructed in the

accompanyingengine

manual BEFORE

operatingyour mower.

Step 1

HardwarePack

CarriageBolts (2)

1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetween

upperandlowerhandles.

a. Pullupand backon upperhandleas shownin

Step 1.Makecertainthe lowerhandleis seated

securelyintothe handlemountingbrackets.

b. Tightenhandknobssecuringupperhandleto

lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriagebolt is

seatedproperlyin the handle.

2. Locatehairpinclip inone holeon the weldpinon each

sideof lowerhandle.

a. Removehairpinclipfromthis hole.Usinga pairof

pliers,inserthairpinclip intothe other holeon the

weldpin. Repeaton otherside.

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.Loosenthe wingnut whichsecuresthe

ropeguide.

a. Holdthe bladecontrolagainstupperhandle.

b. Pullstarterropeout of the engine.Releasethe

bladecontrol.

c. Slipstarterropeinto ropeguide.Tightenwingnut.

4. Insertpostoncable tiesintoholes providedon the

lowerhandle.Pullcabletie tightandtrimexcess.

Step 2

Step 3Step 4

5. An adjustingplateandthumbleverat each wheel

positionprovidescuttingheightadjustment.

a. Depresslevertowardswheel.

b. Moveit to anyof the ninepositionsfor desired

cutting height.SeeStep 5.

c. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.

6. Followstepsbelowto assemblethe grasscatcher:

a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside

is at the bottom.

b. Slip plasticchannelof grassbagoverhooksonthe

frame.SeeStep6. All the plasticchannelsexcept

centertop of bagattachfromoutsideof bag.

c. Attachcentertop of bagfrominsideof bag.

7. Followstepsbelowto attachgrasscatcher:

a. Liftreardischargedoor.

b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod. Letgo

of dischargedoorsothat it restson thegrass

catcher.SeeStep7.

To removegrasscatcherorconvertto a mulcher(if

equipped),lift reardischargedooronthe moweras

showninStep8. Liftgrasscatcherupandout of the pivot

rod.Releasereardischargedoorto allow it to closerear

openingof mower.

,_ WARNING: Never operate mower

unlessthe hooks on the grass

catcherare firmly seated in the

slots on the handle bracket as-

semblies, and the rear discharge

door rests firmly against top of

the grass catcher.

Step 5

Step 6 J

Step 7

uStment

CUTTING HEIGHT

Step5

All wheelsmust be

placedin the same

relative positionl

GRASSCATCHER

Step8

Makecertain bag is

turned right side out

before assembling

(warning label Willbe

on the outside)i

WARNING

Never operate mower

unlessthe hooks on

the grasscatcher are

firmly seated in the

slots on the handle

bracket assemblies,

and the rear dis-

charge door rests

firmly against top of

the grasscatcher.

WARNING

The blade control

mechanism 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. Never fuel

the machine indoors

or while the engine

is hot or running.

Extinguish cigarettes,

cigars, pipes and

other sources of

ignition.

Keep hands and feet

away from the chute

area on cutting deck.

Referto warning

label on the unit.

Know Your Lawn Mower

Blade Control

Drive Control

Recoil Starter -_

Grass Bag -_ Oil Fill/Dipstick

Gasoline Fill

tLAdjustment

evers

Figure 1

Now that you have set up your lawn mower for op-

eration, get aquainted with its controls and features.

These are described below and illustrated on this

page. 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

of the mower. Depress and squeeze it against the

upper handle to operate the unit. Release it to stop

engine and blade.

_ WARNING:Thisbladecontrolmecha-

nism is asafetydevice. Neverattempt

to bypass its operations.

Drive Control

The drive control is located on the underside of

the upper handle and is used to engage the drive.

Squeeze it against the upper handle to engage the

drive; release it to slow down or stop mower from

propelling. See Figure 1.

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

One adjustment lever is located on each wheel and

is used to adjust the cutting height. All four levers

have to be at the same relative 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.

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

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

manual for this. See Figure 1 above for location of the

oil fill.

2. Servicethe enginewithgasolineas instructedinthe

enginemanual. SeeFigure1abovefor locationof

gasfill.

_ARNING:Useextremecare when han-

dling gasoline.Gasoline is extremely

flammable and the vapors areexplosive.

Neverfuel the machine indoorsor while

the engine is hot or running. Extinguish

cigarettes, cigars, pipesand other

sources of ignition.

WARNING:The operationof any lawn

mowercan result inforeignobjects

being thrownintothe eyes,whichcan

damageyoureyesseverely.Always

wear safetyglasseswhileoperating

the mower,or while performing any

adjustmentsor repairson it.

Starting Engine

WARNING:Besureno one otherthan

the operatoris standingnearthe lawn

mowerwhilestartingengine or operat-

ingmower. Neverrun engine indoors

or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas.

Engine exhaust contains carbon monox-

ide,an odorless and deadly gas. Keep

hands,feet, hair and loose clothing

awayfrom any moving partson engine

and lawnmower.

1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwoseconds

betweeneachpush.SeeFigure2. Intemperature

around550F or below,primefive times.Do not prime

to restarta warmengine.

2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethe bladecontrol

againstupperhandle.SeeFigure2.

3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasp recoil

starterhandleand pullropeout witha rapid,continu-

ous,full arm stroke.SeeFigure2. Keepinga firm

grip onthe starterhandle,let the roperewindslowly.

Repeatuntil enginecranks.Letthe roperewindeach

timeslowly.

Stopping Engine

1. Releasebladecontrolto stoptheengineand blade.

2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand

groundagainstthe engine.

__lk ARNING:Waitfor the blade to stop

completelybefore doing any work

on the mower or to removethe grass

catcher.

UsingYour Lawn Mower

,__lh WARNING:Neveroperate your mower

without eitherthe rear door or the entire

grass catcher assembly firmly secured.

Besurelawnis clearof stones,sticks,wire,or other

objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine.

Such objectscouldbe accidentlythrownby the mower

in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjuryto the

operatorandothers.

Figure 2

_klL ARNING:if you strikeaforeign

object,stopthe engine.Remove

wire from the spark plug,thoroughly

inspectmowerfor any damage,and

repairdamage before restarting and

operating. Extensive vibration of

mower during operation is an indica-

tion of damage.The unit should be

promptlyinspectedand repaired.

1. Oncethe engineis running,squeezethedrive

controlagainstthe upperhandleto propelmower.

2. Forbest results,do notcut wetgrass.

3. Fora healthierlawn,nevercut offmorethan one-

thirdof the totallengthof the grass.

Using as Mulcher (if Equipped)

Formulchinggrass,removethe grasscatcherfromthe

mower.Thereardischargedoorshouldbeclosed.

1. Foreffectivemulching,do notcut wetgrass.

2. Newor thick grassmayrequirea narrowercut.

Adjustgroundspeedaccordingto conditionof lawn.

3. if thegrasshas beenallowedto growinexcessof

4inches,mulchingisnot recommended.Usethe

grasscatcherto bagclippingsinstead.

Using Grass Catcher

Youcan usethe grasscatcherto collectclippingswhile

youareoperatingthe mower.

1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionson page

7.Grassclippingswill automaticallycollectinbagas

you runmower.Operatemowertill grassbagis full.

2. Stopenginecompletelyby releasingthe blade

controlhandle.Makesurethatthe unit hascometo

a completestop.

3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagup andaway

fromthe mowerto disposeof the grassclippings.

Mower

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 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 operating

mower. Never run

engine indoorsor

n enclosed, poorly

ventilated areas. En-

gineexhaust contains

carbon monoxide, an

odorless and deadly

gas. Keep hands, feet,

hair and loose clothing

away from any moving

partson engine and

lawn mower.

Maintaining

WARNING

A vaysstope,g ne;

disconnect spark

pluglandground

againstenginebefore

cleaning,lubricating

ordoinganyk ndof

maintenanceonV0ur

machine!

We do notrecommend

the used pressure

washers or garden

hoseto clean your

uniL These maycause

damage to electric

componentsspindles

pu eys;bear ngs, or

the engine. The use

of water will result in

shortened lifeand

i reduceserViceabilityl

\ Lubricate these

\\ points before

.....

Figure 3

Figure 4

Lubrication

1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolhandleat

leastoncea seasonwith lightoil. The bladecontrol

mustoperatefreelyinboth directions.SeeFigure3.

2. Lubricatethe wheelsat leastoncea seasonwith

lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedfor any

reason,lubricatesurfaceof the pivotarm andinner

surfaceof thewheelwithlight oil. SeeFigure3.

3. Lubricatethe torsionspringandpivotpointonthe rear

dischargedoorperiodicallywithlightoil to prevent

rust.See Figure3.

4. Thetransmissionis pre-lubricatedandsealedat the

factoryanddoes not requirelubrication.

5. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualfor lubrica-

tion scheduleandinstructionfor enginelubrication.

Deck Care

1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn

mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthe gas cap.

2. Tip mowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe

sidewiththe aircleanerfacingup. Hold mowerfirmly.

_ARNING:Nevertip the mowermore

than 90 degrees in any directions and

do not leavethe mower tipped for any

length of time. Oil can drain intothe

upper part of the enginecausing a

starting problem.

General Recommendations

1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhen performing

anymaintenance.

2. Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnot cover

itemsthathavebeensubjectedto operatorabuse

ornegligence.To receivefull valuefromwarranty,

operatormustmaintainthelawn moweras

instructedhere.

3. Changingof engine-governedspeedwill void

enginewarranty.

4. Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce

eachseason.

aretight.

Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese

WARNING:Alwaysstop engine,

disconnect spark plug, and ground

against engine before cleaning,

lubricatingor doing any kind of

maintenance on your machine.

3. Scrapeandclean the undersideof the deckwitha

suitabletool.Do notspraywithwater.

4. Putthe mowerbackonits wheelsonthe ground.If

youhadput plasticunderthe gas capearlier,make

sureto removeit now.

Engine Care

1. Maintainoil levelas instructedin enginemanual.

2. Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal

conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely

dustyconditions.Referto enginemanual.

3. Cleansparkplugand resetthegaponce a season.

Checkenginemanualfor correctplugtype andgap

specifications.

4. Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe

coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleanto permit

properaircirculation.Removeall grass,dirt and

combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.

Replacing Rear Flap

1. Toremoverearflap,cutoff the flatendof the wire rod

whichsecuresit to the deck.SeeFigure4.

2. Attachthe newflapand newrodto deck, bendingthe

endsof the new rodoverto secureto deck.

Blade Care

__IL ARNING:Whenremovingcutting

bladefor sharpeningor replacement,

protectyourhandswithapairof heavy

gloves or use a heavy ragto hold blade.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn

moweron itsside makingsurethatthe airfilterand

the carburetorareup.

2. Removebolt,bladebellsupport,blade,andblade

adapterfromthe enginecrankshaft.SeeFigure5.

3. The bladecan be sharpenedwitha fileor on a grind-

ing wheel.Do notattemptto sharpenthe bladewhile

it is stillon the mower.Whensharpeningblade,follow

originalangleof grind.Grindcuttingedgesequallyto

keep bladebalanced.

4. Removebladefromthe adapterfor testingbalance.

Balancethe bladeona roundshaftscrewdriverto

check.Removemetalfromthe heavysideuntil it

balancesevenly.

_ WARNING:Anunbalanced bladewill

causeexcessive vibration when rotating

at high speeds, it may causedamage

to mower,and could break causing

personalinjury.

Figure 5

5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandthe innersurface

of the bladeadapterwithlightoil. Slidethe blade

adapteronto the enginecrankshaft.Placethe blade

on theadaptersuchthatthe sideof the blademarked

"Bottom"(orwithpart number)facesthe groundwhen

the moweris in the operatingposition.Makesurethat

bladeis alignedandseatedon bladeadapterflanges.

6. Placebladebellsupportonthe blade.Alignnotches

on the bladebell supportwith smallholesin blade.

Replacehex boltandtightenhex boltto torque:450

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

Toensuresafeoperationof yourmower,periodically

checkthe bladeboltfor correcttorque.

Belt Care

1. Removetwoshoulderscrewssecuringfrontdrive

coverto mowerdeck.SeeFigure6. Pressinwardon

sidesof frontdrivecoverand releasetabsthat secure

it to the heightadjusterbrackets.Removedrivecover

frommower.

.Loosenscrewholdingbelttensionspringto trans-

mission.SeeFigure6 inset.Donot removescrew

completely.As youloosenit, tensiononthe belt will be

released.

.Pushtransmissionup a littleandslidebelt offthe

transmissionpulley.Lift mowerto accessbeltfrom

undersideof mower.Slidebeltoff of enginepulleyand

aroundthe blade.SeeFigure7.

Figure 6

Figure 7

4. Replacewith newbelt,workingaroundblade.Make

surebelt is firmlyseatedonenginepulleywhile

pullingfromthe othersideand slidingit aroundthe

transmissionpulley.Tightenscrewloosenedearlier

to securebelt tensionspringto the transmission.

Reassemblefrontdrivecover.

_ _ i i i iii _ _ ii _i ii ii

Maintaining

You r LaWn

MOwer

WARNING

When removing

the cutting blade

for sharpening or

replacement or

when sliding the belt

around it, protect

your hands with a

pair of heavy gloves

or 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.

Shooting

For repairs beyond

thembor

ments listed here,

contact an authorized

service dealer.

i_i i_ii!_iiii_i iii_i_iii!iiii !iii! i_i!

i_i i i ii i i i

_ - _ -]

Problem Cause Remedy

Enginefails to start 1. Bladecontrolhandledisengaged• 1. Engagebladecontrolhandle•

2. Sparkplugwire disconnected, 2. Connectwireto sparkplug•

3. Fueltankemptyorstalefuel• 3. Fil tankw th clean,freshgasoline•

4. Engne not primed• 4. Primeengineas instructedin

"OperatngYourLawnMower"•

5. Faultysparkplug. 5. C ean adjustgap or repace.

6. Bockedfuel line, 6. Cleanfuel ine.

..... 7 Wat afew m nutesto restart but

/ t-ngne Tooaea. 1 do notprime.

Engineruns erratic 1. Sparkplugwireloose. 1. Connectandtightenspark

plugwire.

2. Blockedfuellineor stalefuel. 2. Cleanfuel line;fill tankwithclean,

freshgasoline.

3. Ventingas cap plugged. 3. Clearvent.

4. Waterordirt infuel system. 4. Drainfuel tank. Refillwith

freshfuel.

5. Dirty aircleaner. 5. Referto enginemanual.

6. Carburetorout of adjustment. 6. Referto enginemanual.

Engine overheats 1. Engineo level low 1. Fillcrankcasewth properoil.

2. Airflow restrcted. 2. Removeblowerhousing

I I andclean.

• 3. Carburetornotadjustedproperly. 3. Referto enginemanual.

Occasionalskips 1. Sparkpluggaptooclose. 1. Adjustgap to .030".

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

high speed improperlyset.

des poor y 1. Sparkplugfouled faultyorgap 1. Resetgapto .030' or replace

toowide sparkplug.

I 2 Carburetormproperyadjusted I 2 Referto eng ne manua

'3. Dirty aircleaner. •3. Referto enginemanual.

Excessive 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.

Vibration Balanceblade.

2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. Seean authorizedservicedealer.

I 1. Wetgrass. I 1. Do not mowwhengrassis wet

Mower will not

mulch grass (If wait untillaterto cut.

Equpped) 2. Excessivelyhghgrass. 2. thenM°Wmow°nCeagainata hatghdesiredCuttngheightheght,

or makea narrowercuttingpath.

I 3 Dull blade I

•"3. Sharpenor replaceblade.

Unevencut 1. Wheelsnot positionedcorrectly. 1. Placeall fourwheelsinsame

heightposition.

2. Dull blade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

Mower wi not 1. Belt notinstalledpropery. 1. Checkbelt for properpulleyinstal-

f r aton and movement

se pope I I . . "

2 Stop engine disconnectsparkpluc

2. Debriscloggingdrive operation. • . .

3, Damagedorworn belt. I _ ,wireanacleanou, a,eDrl.S.

:_. inspectanareplaceDe I.

Off-Season Storage

The followingstepsshouldbetakento prepareyour lawn

mowerfor storage.

1. Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyas describedin

the lubricationinstructions.

2. We donot recommendthe useof a pressurewasher

or gardenhoseto cleanyour unit.

3. Referto enginemanualfor correctengine

storageinstructions.

4. Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto

preventrusting.

5. 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.

Safety Labels Found On Your Lawn Mower

_i _i i _iii i__ i iii ii_

DO NOT remove safety

(or any) labels from

mower for any reason.

fJ _

1 747-1161A BladeControl 746-1132 ControlCable- 40.75"

2 749-1092A UpperHandle 746-1114 ControlCable- 50.56"

3 747-04080 GrassCatcherFrame 35 756-04017 input Pulley

4 749-0928A LowerHandle 36 731-04998 Trailshield

5 720-0279 WingNut 37 732-0700 TrailshieldWire

6 710-1205 RopeGuide

7 710-1174 CarriageBolt ,5/16-18x 2

8 664-04007 GrassBagAssembly

9 720-0284 HandKnob

10 736-0451 SaddleWasher

11 726-0240 CableTie

12 710-0703 CarriageBolt,I/4-20

13 731-04134A RearDischargeDoor

14 750-04162 Spacer

15 732-04089A TorsionSpring- LH

16 732-04090A TorsionSpring- RH

17:1: RearWheel

18 731-04150 RearBaffle

19 720-0249t Hubcap,ZagTread(NotShown)

731-0981At Hubcap,BarTread(NotShown)

20 787-01277 Deck- 21"

21 731-2626 BailCover

22 782-5002B FrontBaffle

23 748-04015A BladeAdapterw/Pulley

38 712-0397 WingNut, 1/4-20

39 747-04035 RearDoorPivotRod

40 732-04175 SpringLever

41 687-02071 PivotArm Assembly-RH

687-02070 PivotArm Assembly-LH

42 710-1652 ABScrew

43 712-0431 FlangeLockNut,3/8-16

44 714-0104 HairpinClip

45 710-0654A TT SemsScrew,3/8-16x 1.00

46 682-0511A Ht. Adj.Assy.Front- LH

682-0512A Ht. Adj.Assy.Front- RH

47 687-02069 RearHandleBracketAssy.-LH

687-02068 RearHandleBracketAssy.-RH

48 747-1214 DriveControl

49 710-1650 ShoulderScrew

50 746-04112A DriveCable

51 754-0637A V-Belt

52 618-0657 TransmissionAssembly

53 731-05132A FrontDriveCover

21"StandardBlade

21"MulchingBlade

HexBolt, 3/8-24x 2.5

PivotPlateAssembly

BladeBellSupport

24 742-0641

742-0741t

25 710-1257

26 687-02044

27 736-0524B

28 782-0512B HeightAdjustmentPlate- RH

782-0511A HeightAdjustmentPlate- LH

29 720-0426 AdjustmentLeverKnob

30 732-0706 FrontLever-RH

732-0707 FrontLever- LH

31 738-04136 ShoulderScrew

32 _ FrontWheel

33 710-04371 Screw,1/4-15x 1.250

FrontDriveCoverw/SirPropLabel

BeltTensionSpring

BearingAssembly

WaveWasher

HexScrew

731-05013

54 732-1043

55 682-0015

56 736-0447

57 710-0216

58 715-0221 DowelPin

59 717-1762 Gear,14T- RH

717-1761 Gear,14T- LH

60 716-0865 SnapRing

61 782-7551A WheelDustCap

62 716-0102 SnapRing

63 736-0474 Washer,1.5"OD

64 750-1166 SleeveSpacer- LH

34 746-1113 ControlCable-37.75"

746-0550 ControlCable- 39"

t Ifequipped

:1:Referto

WheelChart

SleeveSpacer- RH

Roll Pin

65 750-04178

66 715-04011

Wheel Chart

Part No.

734-1987,8 x 1.8

634-0190,8 x 1.8

734-2004A,8x 2.125

734-2042,8x 2.125

Type Tread

Rearw/o bearing Bar

Frontw/o bearing Bar

Rearw/ball bearing Zag

Frontw/o bearing Zag

MPORTANT

For a operWerking

machine;use Factory

Approved Parts:

V-BELTS are Specially

designed to engage

and disengage safelyl

A substitute (nOnOEM)

ViBelt can be dangeri

ousby not disengaging

€omp etelyl

To order replacement

parts, contact 1-800-

800-7310 or visit www.

mtdproducts.com.

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: batteries,

belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,snow

throwerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.

HOW 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 1-330-220-4683or log on to our Web site at

www.mtdproducts.com.

Thislimitedwarrantydoesnot providecoverageinthe 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 use

orexposure.

d. Servicecompletedby someoneotherthananauthorizedservice

dealer.

e. MTDdoes notextendany warrantyfor productssoldor exported

outsideof the UnitedStates,itspossessionsandterritories,except

thosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorizedchannelsof exportdistribution.

f. Replacementpartsthatarenot genuineMTDparts.

g. 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,givenby any personor entity,includingadealer

or retailer,with respect to any product,shallbind MTD.Duringthe

periodof the warranty, the exclusive remedyis repairor replacement

of the productas set forth above.

The provisionsas set forth inthis warranty providethe sole and

exclusive remedyarising from the sale. MTDshall not be liable

for incidentalor consequential loss or damage including,without

limitation, expenses incurredfor substitute or replacementlawn care

services or 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 safetyfeatures of the

productshall void this warranty. Youassumethe riskandliabilityfor

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, 1-330-220-4683

MTD 12A 453E700 User Manual LAWN MOWER Manuals And Guides 1108643L

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