MTD 12A 559Q795 User Manual LAWN MOWER Manuals And Guides 1108496L
User Manual: MTD 12A-559Q795 12A-559Q795 MTD LAWN MOWER - Manuals and Guides View the owners manual for your MTD LAWN MOWER #12A559Q795. Home:Lawn & Garden Parts:MTD Parts:MTD LAWN MOWER Manual
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Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips & Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
AOA AL
21-inch Self-Propelled Mower- Model 559
iMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunit is equippedwithaninternalcombustionengineandshouldnot beusedon or nearany unimprovedforest-covered,brush-
coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemis equippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).
If a sparkarresteris used,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderby the operator.In theStateof Californiathe aboveis requiredbylaw
(Section4442of the CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester
for the muffleris availablethroughyour nearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contactthe servicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,
Ohio44136-0019.
PRINTEDIN U.S.A MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
FORMNO.769-02308
12/15/05
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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
Slope Gauge ....................................................... 3
Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4
Setup and Adjustment ....................................... 6
Operating Your Lawn Mower .............................. 8
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10
Contents
Troubleshooting ............................................... 12
Off-Season Storage ......................................... 13
Safety Labels .................................................... 13
Parts List ........................................................... 14
Warranty ............................................ Back Cover
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREYOU BEGIN TO ASSEMBLEYOUR NEW EQUIP-
MENT, please locatethe model plate on the equipmentand
copy the informationto the sample model plate providedto
the right. Youcan locatethe model plate by standing at the
operatingposition and looking down atthe rear of the deck.
This information will be necessary to use the manufacturer's
web site, to obtain assistance from the Customer Support
Department, or when contacting an authorizedservice dealer.
Model Number Serial Number
IViTD LLC
P. O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND,OH 44136
330-220-4683
,. www.mtdproducts.com 800-800-731 0.,
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 regardingthe controls, operation,or maintenanceof this
unit, you can seek help from the experts.Choosefrom the options below:
1. Visit www.mtdproducts.com. Click on the Customer
Support menu option.
2. Phonea Customer Support Representativeat
1-800-800-7310.
3. The engine manufacturer is responsiblefor all engine-
relatedissueswith regards to performance,power-rating,
specifications,warranty andservice. Pleasereferto the
engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual, packed
separatelywith your unit,for more information.
2
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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, andcertain vehicle compo-
nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto State of Californiato cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: This machinewas built to be operated according to the rulesfor safe operationin this
manual.As with any type of power equipment,carelessness or error on the part of the operator can
result in serious injury.This machine is capable of amputating hands andfeet andthrowing objects.
Failureto observe the followingsafety instructionscould result in serious injury or death.
Children
Tragicaccidentscanoccur ifoperatorisnotalert to presence
of children.Childrenare oftenattractedto mowerand mowing
activity.Theydonot understandthe dangers.Neverassume
thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.
1. Keepchildrenoutof the mowingareaand underwatchful
careof a responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.
2. Bealert andturn moweroffif a childentersthearea.
3. Beforeand whilemovingbackwards,look behindanddown
forsmallchildren.
4. Useextremecare whenapproachingblind corners,
doorways,shrubs,trees,or otherobjectsthat mayobscure
yourvisionof a child whomayrun intothe mower.
5. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycan
sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.
6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operatea power
mower.Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand
understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthis
manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbya parent.
General Operation
1. Readthis operator'smanualcarefullyin its entiretybefore
attemptingto assemblethis machine.Read,understand,
andfollowall instructionsonthe machineandin the
manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith
thecontrols andthe properuseof this machinebefore
operatingit. Keepthis manualin a safeplaceforfuture
and regularreferenceand for orderingreplacementparts.
2. Thismachineis a precisionpieceof powerequipment,
nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all
times.Yourunithas beendesignedto performonejob: to
mowgrass. Do notuseit for any otherpurpose.
3. Neverallow childrenunder 14yearsold to operatethis
machine.Children 14yearsold and overshould readand
understandthe instructionsinthis manualandshould
betrainedand supervisedby a parent.Onlyresponsible
individualswho arefamiliar withthese rulesof safe
operationshould beallowedto usethis machine.
4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto
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,helpers,and petsat least75feet frommower
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 extend yourarms.
b. Be sure youare wellbalancedwithsurefooting.
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.
4
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The cuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefor a fewseconds after
the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceany part of the bodyin
the bladearea untilyouare surethe blade hasstopped
rotating.
20. Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,discharge
cover,grass catcher,bladecontrolhandle,or 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 of this 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,where
you couldloseyour footingor balance.
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,clothesdryer,orothergas 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.
5
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.
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Standbehindthe mower
as if you weregoingto
operateit.Your right hand
correspondsto the right
sideofthe mower;your
left hand correspondsto
the leftsideof the mower.
DONOTcrimpthe cables
whenliftingthe handleup.
iThe indentationinyour
mowing deck is inten-
tional and not adefect. It
allows the manufacturer
differentconfigurations
thanthe oneyoucurrently
have.
iMPORTANT
i This unit is shipped
Iwithoutgasolineor oil in
i the engine.Fillup gasoline
iandoil as instructedin
i the accompanying engine
i manual BEFOREoperating
iyourmower.
Handle Mounting Br
Figure3-1:Lifthandleandtightenhardware.
f
HardwarePack
WingNuts(2) CarriageBolts(2)
Figure3-2:Securehandletohandlemountingbrackets.
1. Followthe stepsbelowto removethe unitfromthe
carton:
a. Opencartonandremoveloosepartsincludedwith
unit.Do notcrimpcableswhile removingloose
partsorthe entireunit fromthe carton.
b. Cutcornersandlay cartondownflat. Remove
packingmaterial.Rollor slideunit outof carton.
Checkcartonthoroughlyfor looseparts.
NOTE:Theindentationinyour mowing deck is
intentionaland not a defect.
2. Followthe stepsbelowto positionthe handle.
a. Pullupand backon upperhandleas shownin
Figure3-1.Makecertainthe lowerhandleis seated
securelyintothe handlemountingbrackets.
b. Tightenstarknobssecuringupperhandleto
lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriagebolt is
seatedproperlyin the handle.
3. Locatethe hairpinclipon the weldpinon eachsideof
lowerhandle.
a. Removehairpinclipfromthis hole.Usinga pair
of pliers,inserthairpinclip intothe holeon pin
closestto the bracket,Figure3-2. Repeaton other
side.
.
b. Inserta carriagebolt fromthe hardwarepackinto
the upperholeonthe handlemountingbracket.
Securewithone plasticwing nut,also included
inthe hardwarepack.Repeatonother sidewith
remainingitemsfromhardwarepack.
The ropeguideis attachedto the right sideof the
upperhandle.Loosenthe wingnut whichsecuresthe
ropeguide,Figure3-3.
a. Holdthe bladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
b. Pullstarterropeout of the engine.Releasethe
bladecontrol.
.
f
c. Slipstarterropeinto ropeguide.
d. Tightenwingnut.
Securecablesto the lowerhandlewiththe cableties
alreadyonthe lowerhandle Figure3-4. Insertpegon
cabletie into the holeon the lowerhandle.Pullcable
tiestightandcutoff excess.
Figure3-3:Pullrecoilstarterthroughropeguideandtighten. Figure3-4:Usecabletiestosecurecablestolowerhandle.
6
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Followthe stepsbelow,if needed,to assemblethe
grasscatcher,Figure3-5.
a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside
is at the bottom.
b. Slip plasticchanneloverhooksonthe frame.
All the plasticchannelsexceptcentertop of bag
attachfromoutsideof bag.
c. Attachcentertop of bagfrominsideof bag.
.
Figure3-5:Assemblethe grasscatcher(if needed).
7. Followstepsbelowto installthe grasscatcher,
Figure3-6.
a. Lift reardischargedoor.
b. Placegrasscatcheronthe pivotrod. Letgo
of dischargedoorso thatit restsonthe grass
catcher.
,_ WARNING:Neveroperate mowerunless
the hookson the grasscatcher are firmly
seatedon the pivotrod and the rear discharge door
restsfirmly against top of the grass catcher.
f
Figure3-6:Liftdischargedoorandplacegrasscatcheronrod.
Adjustments
Cutting Height "
An adjustingplateandleverat eachwheelprovides
cutting heightadjustment.
1. Depresslevertowardswheel.
2. Moveitto anyone of the positionsfordesiredcutting
height,Figure3-7.Makesurethateachwheelis
positionedat the sameheight.
3. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.
For roughor uneven lawns, movethe height
adjustment lever to a higher position.This will help
preventscalping of the grass.
\
Figure3-7:Usethe leverateachwheelto adjustthe cutting
height.
CUTTINGHEIGHT
roughoruneven
!awns,move the height
adjustment lever to a
higher Position. This will
helppreventscalping of
the grass.
ii i _iI_ ii
Neveroperatemower
unless the hookson the
grass catcherare firmly
seated on pivotrod and
thereard schargedoor
rests firmly against top of
the grasscatcher.
7
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WARNING
Thebladecontrolis a
safetydevice.Never
attemptto bypassits
operations.
iUse extremecarewhen
i handling gasoline.
Gasolineis extremely
flammable andthe vapors
are explosive.Neverfuel
the machine indoorsor
whilethe engineis hot
or running.Extinguish
icigarettes,cigars,pipes
; andothersourcesof
ignition.
Keephands andfeet
awayfrom the cutting
deck. Referto warning
label on the unit.
Know Your Lawn Mower
(f -q_=====BladeControl
DriveControl====-_
Recoil Starter
Height AdjustmentLevers
(foreachwheel)
Figure4-1:Themaincomponentsonthemower. J
Now that you have setup your lawn mower, it's important to become acquainted with its controls and
features.
Blade Control
The blade control is attached to the upper handle of
the mower. Depress and squeeze it against the up-
per handle to activate the blade. Release it to stop
engine and blade.
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.
,_ WARNING:Thisblade controlmechanism is
asafetydevice. Neverattempt to bypass its
operations.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
One adjustment lever is located at each wheel and
is used to adjust the cutting height.All four wheels
must be at the same position to ensure a uniform
cut.
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter is attached to the right upper
handle. Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil
starter ropeto start the unit.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
Referto enginemanualfor location of gas and oil fill.
1. Checkoillevelandaddoil if necessary.Followengine
manualfor this.
2. Servicethe enginewithgasolineas instructedinthe
enginemanual.
,_1 WARNING:Useextremecarewhen handling
gasoline.Gasoline is extremelyflammable
and the vapors are explosive. Neverfuel the machine
indoorsor while the engineis hotor running.Extin-
guish cigarettes, cigars, pipesandother sources of
ignition.
8
![](asset-9.png)
w
_ARNING:Theoperationof any lawnmower
can result in foreign objectsbeingthrown
intothe eyes,whichcan damageyoureyesseverely.
Alwayswear safetyglasseswhileoperatingthe
mower,or while performingany adjustmentsor
repairson it.
Starting the Mower
Starting the Engine
_lh ARNING:Besureno one otherthan the
operatoris standingnearthe lawnmower
whilestartingengineor operatingmower.Never
run engineindoorsor in enclosed,poorly ventilated
areas.Engine exhaustcontainscarbon monoxide, an
odorlessand deadly gas. Keephands,feet, hair,and
looseclothing awayfrom any movingpartson engine
and lawnmower.
Referto the enginemanualfor helpwithenginecontrols.
1. Placethe fuel valveleverfoundonthe left sideof the
engineintothe ON (OPEN)position,Figure4-2.
2. Movethechokeleverall the waybackwardintothe
chokeposition.
3. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethe bladecontrol
againstupperhandle,Figure4-2.The chokewill now
beginto slowlyreturnto the off chokepositionafter
activatingthe bladecontrol.Therefore,quicklymove
onto stepfour below.
4. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasp recoil
starterhandleand pull ropeout witha rapid,continu-
ous,full arm stroke,Figure4-2. Keepinga firmgripon
the starterhandlelet the roperewindslowly.Repeat
until enginecranks.Letthe roperewindeachtime
slowly.
Stopping the Engine
1. Releasebladecontrolto stoptheengineand blade.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainstthe engine.
,_ WARNING:Wait for the blade to stopcom-
pletely before performingany maintenance
on the moweror to removethe grass catcher.
Using Your Lawn Mower
_ARNING:Neveroperate yourmower
withouteitherthe reardoor or the entire
grass catcherassembly firmly secured.
Besurelawnis clearof stones,sticks,wire,or other
objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine.
Such objectscouldbe accidentlythrownby the mower
in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjuryto the
operatorandothers.
Figure4-2:Stepsinvolvedinstartingthemower.
,_IL WARNING:if youstrikea foreign object,
stopthe engine.Removewirefrom the
spark plug,thoroughly inspectmowerfor any
damage,and repairdamage before restarting and
operating. Extensivevibration of mower during
operation is an indicationof damage.The unit
should be promptlyinspectedand repaired.
1. Oncethe engineis running,squeezethedrive
controlagainstthe upperhandleto propelmower.
Forbest results,do notcut wetgrassand never
cutoff morethanone-thirdof the totallengthof the
grass.
Using as iVlulcher
Formulchinggrass,removethe grasscatcherfromthe
mower.The reardischargedoorshouldclose.
• Foreffectivemulching,do notcut wetgrass.
• Newor thick grassmayrequirea narrowercut.
Adjustgroundspeedaccordingto conditionof lawn.
• If thegrasshas beenallowedto growinexcessof
fourinches,mulchingis not recommended.
Using Grass Catcher
Youcan usethe grasscatcherto collectclippingswhile
youareoperatingthe mower.
.AttachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsinSetup
section.Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectin
bagas you runmower.Operatemowertill grassbag
is full.
2. Stopenginecompletelyby releasingthe blade
controlhandle.Makesurethatthe unit hascometo
a completestop.
3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagup andaway
fromthe mowerto disposeof the grassclippings.
WARNING
Theoperation of any
lawn mower canresult
in foreign objectsbeing
thrown intothe eyes,
whichcandamage your
eyes severely.Always
wear safety glasses while
operating the mower,
or whileperformingany
adjustments orrepairs
on it.
Besureno one otherthan
the operator is standing
near the lawn mower
while starting engine or
operating mower.Never
run engine indoorsor
in enclosed, poorly
entilated areas. Engine
xhaust containscarbon
monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas. Keep
hands,feet, hair and
loose clothingawayfrom
any moving partson
engine and lawn mower.
9
![](asset-a.png)
Maintaining
Mower
Do not use apressure
washeror garden hose
toc ea"youruo t.These
may causedamage to
electriccomponents,
spindles, pulleys,bear,
ingslor the engine,The
useof waterwill resultin
Figure5-1:Areasto Lubricateonmower.
Figure5-2:Cut rodto 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.
,_ WARNING:Alwaysstop engine,disconnect
spark plug,and ground against engine
before performingany type of maintenance on your
machine.
Lubrication
1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladeanddrivecontrol
handlesat leastoncea seasonwithlight oil, Figure
5-1.
2. Lubricatethe wheelsat leastoncea seasonwith
lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedfor any
reason,lubricatesurfaceof the pivotarm andinner
surfaceof thewheelwithlight oil.
3. Lubricatethe torsionspringandpivotpointonthe rear
dischargedoorperiodicallywithlightoil to prevent
rust.
4. Thetransmissionis pre-lubricatedandsealedat the
factoryanddoes not requirelubrication.
5. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualfor lubrica-
tion scheduleandinstructionfor enginelubrication.
Deck Care
Theundersideof the mowerdeckshouldbecleaned
aftereachuseto preventany build-upof grassclippings,
leaves,dirt,or otherdebris.Ifthisdebrisis allowedto
accumulateit will resultin rustandcorrosion.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn
mowerorplacea pieceof plasticunderthegas cap.
2. Tip mowersothat it restsonthe housing.Keepthe
sidewiththe aircleanerfacingup. Hold mowerfirmly.
_ARNING:Nevertip the mowermore than
90° in any directions and do not leavethe
mower tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain
intothe upper partof the engine causing a starting
problem.
3. Scrapeandclean the undersideof the deckwitha
suitabletool.Do notspraywithwater.
4. Putthe mowerbackonits wheelsonthe ground.If
youhadput plasticunderthe gas capearlier,make
sureto removeit now.
Engine Care
Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualfor detailedlist
andinstructions.
• Maintainoil levelas instructedin enginemanual.
• Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal
conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely
dustyconditions.Referto enginemanual.
•Cleansparkplugand resetthegaponce a season.
Checkenginemanualfor correctplugtype andgap
specifications.
• 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,Figure5-2.
2. Attachthe newflapand newrodto deck, bendingthe
endsof the new rodoverto secureto deck.
10
![](asset-b.png)
Blade Care
_ARNING:Whenremovingcuttingblade,
protectyourhandswith a pairof heavygloves
or use a heavyragto hold blade.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn
moweron itsside makingsurethatthe airfilterand
the carburetorareup.
2. Removebolt,bladebellsupport,blade,andblade
adapterfromthe enginecrankshaft,Figure5-3.When
removingthese items,the spacer,pulleys,and
washers will comeloose. Besureto make note of
the orientation of these itemsfor reassembly.
3. The bladecan be sharpenedwitha fileor on a
grindingwheel.Followthe originalangleof grind.
Donot attemptto sharpenthe bladewhile it is still
on the mower.Balancethe bladeona roundshaft
screwdriver.Grindcuttingedgesequally.Remove
metalfromthe heavysideuntil it balancesevenly.
_ARNING:An unbalanced blade will cause
excessivevibrationwhen rotating at high
speeds.It may causedamageto mowerand could
break causingpersonalinjury.
4. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandthe innersurface
of the bladeadapterwithlightoil. Reinsertthe spacer,
pulleys,and washers.Slidethe bladeadapteronto
the enginecrankshaft.Placethe bladeon the adapter
suchthatthe sideof the blademarked"Bottom"(or
withpart number)facesthe groundwhenthe mower
is inthe operatingposition.Makesurethatbladeis
alignedand seatedon bladeadapterflanges.
5. Placebladebellsupportonthe blade.Alignnotches
on the bladebell supportwith smallholesin blade.
Replacehex boltandtightenhex boltto torque:450
in. Ibs. min.,600 in. Ibs.
Toensuresafeoperationof yourmower,periodically
checkthe bladeboltfor correcttorque.
Belt Care
1. Removetwoshoulderscrewssecuringfrontdrive
coverto mowerdeck,Figure5-4. Pressinwardon
sidesof frontdrivecoverand releasetabsthat secure
it to the heightadjusterbrackets.Removedrivecover.
2. Loosenscrewholdingbelttensionspringto transmis-
sion, Figure5-4. Do notremovescrewcompletely.As
you loosenit,tensionon the beltwill be released.
3. Pushtransmissionup a littleandslidebelt offthe
transmissionpulley.Lift mowerto accessbeltfrom
undersideof mower.Slidebeltoff of enginepulleyand
aroundthe blade,Figure5-5.
4. Replacewithnewbelt,workingaroundblade.Make
sure belt isfirmly seatedon enginepulleywhilepulling
fromthe othersideand slidingit aroundthetransmis-
sion pulley.Tightenscrewloosenedearlierto secure
belt tensionspringto the transmission.Reassemble
frontdrivecover.
Figure5-3:Removebladeandhardware.
f
Figure5-4:Removecovertoaccessthetransmissionandbelt.
Figure5-5:Removebeltfromaroundblade.
11
WARNING
When removingthe cut-
ting bladefor sharpening
or replacementor when
slidingthe belt around it,
protectyour handswith
a pair of heavy gloves or
use a heavyrag to hold
the blade,
An unbalanced blade
will causeexcessive
vibrationwhen rotating
at high speeds,it may
causedamageto mower
and couldbreak causing
personalinjury.
![](asset-c.png)
For repairs beyond
the minor adjustments
listed here, contact
an authorized service
!iiii iLi i iiiii I
i_i i i ii i i i
Problem Cause Remedy
Engine fails to start I ii Biadecontroldisengaged. Engage bladecontro!.
spark plugWiredisconnected: i 21 c0nnect wireto sPa[kpiugl
Engineruns erratic 1. Sparkplugwire loose.
2. Blockedfuel lineor stalefuel.
3. Ventingas cap plugged.
4. Wateror dirt infuel system.
5. Dirtyair cleaner.
6. Carburetorout of adjustment.
1. Connectandtightensparkplugwire.
2. Cleanfuel line; fill tank withclean,
freshgasoline.
3. Clearvent.
4. Drainfueltank. Refillwithfresh fuel.
5. Referto enginemanual.
6. Referto enginemanual.
Engine overheats 1. Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil
I 2. Air flow restricted. 2. Removeblowerhousing
I and clean.
I 3. Carburetornotadjustedpropery. 3. Referto engne manua.
I I
Occasionalskips 1. Sparkpluggap tooclose. 1. Adjust gapto .030".
(hesitates)at 2. Carburetoridlemixtureadjustment 2. Referto enginemanual.
high speed improperlyset.
Idles noorlv 1 Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gap I 1. Resetgapto .030"or replace
r i I too wide. spark plug.
I 2. Carburetorimproperlyadjusted. 2 Referto enginemanual.
3. Drtyarceaner, .3. Refertoengnemanua.
Excessive 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tighten bladeandadapter.Balance
Vibration blade.
2. Bentcutting blade. 2. See anauthorizedservicedealer.
Mower will not I 1. Wetgrass. 1. Donot mowwhengrass is wet; wait
mu ch _rass 'f i , until laterto cut,
E uy _d,t I 2. Excessivelyhighgrass. I 2. Mowonce atahigh cutting height
q PP )Ithen mowagainat desiredheight or
I I makea narrowercutting path,
I 3. Dub ado. 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.
Unevencut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsin same
heightposition.
2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.
Mower will not I 1. Beltnotinstalledproperly. I 1. Check belt for properpuley installation
seIfpropeI ' and movement.
I 2. Debrsclogg ng driveoperation. 2, Stop engine,disconnectsparkplug
I wire and cleanoutdebris.
.3. Damagedorworn belt. .3. Inspectand replacebelt.
12
![](asset-d.png)
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
13
_i _i i _iii i__ i iii ii_
DO NOT remove safety
(or any) labels from
mower for any reason.
![](asset-e.png)
%
14
![](asset-f.png)
1 731-2626 BailCover
2 747-1161A BladeControl
3 746-1113 ControlCable37.75-inch
4 726-0240 CableTie
5 664-04007A GrassBagAssembly
6 747-04080 GrassBagFrame
7 732-0700 TrailshieldWire
8 731-04998 Trailshield
9 731-04134A Rear Door
10 687-02057 HeightAdj. BracketAssy- LH
687-02056 HeightAdj. BracketAssy- RH
11 787-01248 21-inchDeck
12 732-1043 CompressionSpring
13 687-02193 FrontHeightAdj.Assy- LH
687-02194 FrontHeightAdj.Assy- RH
14 750-04595 SleeveSpacer.52IDx 1.5long
15 715-0221 DowelPin
16 618-04376 Transmission
17 710-1650 ShoulderScrew
18 731-05013A DeckCover
19 782-5002B FrontBaffle
20 750-04438A SleeveSpacer
21 754-04101 V-TypeBelt
22 736-04173 SpringWasher1.005x 1.825x .048
23 748-04082 BladeAdapterwith Star
24 742-0741 21-inchMulchingBlade
25 736-0524B Bell BladeSpacer
26 710-1257 Screw3/8-24 x 2.5
27 736-0250 FiatWasher1x 1.75x .107
28 756-04160 KeyHalf Pulley
29 756-04161 UpperHalf Pulley
30 750-04594 SleeveSpacer
31 682-0015 FrontBearingAssembly
32 787-01298 AdjustmentPlateRH
787-01299 AdjustmentPlateLH
33 687-02044 PivotPlateAssembly
34 732-0706 SpringLeverRH
732-0707 SpringLeverLH
35 736-0474 FiatWasher1.01x 1.5x .035
36 716-0102 SnapRing
37 782-7551A WheelCover
38 717-1762 SpurGear 14TRH
717-1761 SpurGear 14TLH
39 710-04531 Screw1/4-20x.39
40 734-04093 FrontWheel8 x 2.125GearZag BIk
41 731-0981A Hubcap
42 710-0216 Screw3/8-16x .75
43 720-0426 Knob
44 736-0447 WaveWasher1.5x 1x .029
45 710-1008 ScrewTT3/8-16x 1.875
46 712-04065 FlangeLockNut3/8-16
47 782-5004B RearRH Baffle
48 710-1652 ScrewTT 1/4-20x .625
49 720-0312 FoamGrip
50 738-0507B ShoulderScrew
51 734-04093 RearWheel 12x 2.125IdleZag Gry
52 732-0866 SpringLever
53 687-02039A PivotArmAssemblyRH
687-02040A PivotArmAssemblyLH
54 L710-0599 ScrewTT 1/4-20x .5
55 714-0104 HairpinClip
56 687-02192 HandleBracketAssemblyRH
687-02191 HandleBracketAssemblyLH
57 710-0703 Screw1/4-20x .75
58 631-0075B EngineSpacer
59 732-04090A TorsionSpringRH
732-04089A TorsionSpringLH
60 750-04162 Spacer
61 747-0996 PivotRod
62 782-5003A RearBaffle LH
63 710-1017 ScrewAB 1/4-14x .625
64 712-0397 WingNut
65 749-0928A LowerHandle
66 710-1174 CarriageBolt5/16-18x 2
67 720-04072 StarKnob
68 720-0279 HandleKnob
69 710-1205 EyeBolt
70 749-1092A UpperHandle
71 747-1214 DriveControl
72 746-04203 ControlCable51-inch
parts; call
1,800,800,7310
or visit us on
the web at
www,mtdproducts:com
iMPORTANT
For a properworking
machine, use Factory
ApprovedParts. V-BELTS
are specially designed to
engageand disengage
safely.A substitute
(non OEM)V-Belt can
bedangerous by not
disengaging completely.
15
![](asset-10.png)
MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR
The limitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenby MTDLLCwithrespect
to newmerchandisepurchasedandusedin the UnitedStates,its
possessionsandterritories.
"MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsinmaterialandworkman-
shipfor a periodof two (2) yearscommencingonthe date of original
purchaseandwill,at itsoption,repairor replace,freeof charge,any
part foundto bedefectiveinmaterialsorworkmanship.Thislimitedwar-
rantyshallonlyapply if thisproducthasbeenoperatedand maintained
inaccordancewiththe Operator'sManualfurnishedwiththe product,
andhas notbeensubjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,
accident,impropermaintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft,fire,water,
ordamagebecauseof otherperilor naturaldisaster.Damageresulting
fromthe installationor useof any part,accessoryor attachmentnot
approvedby MTDfor use withthe product(s)coveredbythis manual
willvoid yourwarrantyas to any resultingdamage.
Normalwearpartsarewarrantedto befree fromdefectsinmaterialand
workmanshipfor a periodof thirty (30)daysfromthe dateof purchase.
Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuchas: batter-
ies,belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,
snowthrowerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.
NOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE: Warranty service is available,WITH
PROOFOF PURCHASE, through your local authorized service
dealer. To locate the dealer in your area, check your Yellow Pages,
or contact MTD LLC at RO. Box 361131,Cleveland, Ohio 44136-
0019, or call 1-800-800-7310or 1-330-220-4683 or log on to our
Web site at www.mtdproducts.com.
Thislimitedwarrantydoesnotprovidecoverageinthe followingcases:
a. Theengineor componentpartsthereof.Theseitemsmaycarrya
separatemanufacturer'swarranty.Referto applicablemanufacturer's
warrantyfor termsandconditions.
b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershavea separateoneyear
warranty.
c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchas lubricants,filters,blade
sharpening,tune-ups,brakeadjustments,clutchadjustments,deck
adjustments,andnormaldeteriorationof the exteriorfinishdueto
useor exposure.
d. Servicecompletedby someoneotherthananauthorizedservice
dealer.
e. MTDdoesnot extendanywarrantyfor productssoldor exported
outsideof the UnitedStates,its possessionsandterritories,except
thosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorizedchannelsof exportdistribution.
f. ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts.
g. Transportationchargesandservicecalls.
No impliedwarranty,includingany impliedwarrantyof mer-
chantabilityof fitness for a particular purpose,applies after the
applicable periodof express written warranty above as to the
partsas identified.No otherexpresswarranty, whetherwritten or
oral, except as mentioned above,givenby any personor entity,
includingadealeror retailer, withrespect to any product,shall
bindMTD.Duringthe periodof the warranty,the exclusiveremedy
is repairor replacementof the productas setforth above.
Theprovisionsas set forth inthis warrantyprovidethe soleand
exclusiveremedy arising from the sale.MTDshallnot be liable
for incidentalor consequentiallossor damage including,without
limitation, expensesincurredfor substituteor replacementlawn
careservicesor for rentalexpensesto temporarily replacea
warranted product.
Somestatesdo notallowthe exclusionor limitationof incidentalor
consequentialdamages,or limitationsonhowlongan impliedwarranty
lasts,sothe aboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynot applyto you.
Innoeventshallrecoveryof any kindbegreaterthanthe amountof the
purchasepriceof the productsold.Alterationof safetyfeatures of
the product shallvoid this warranty. Youassumethe riskand liability
for loss,damage,or injuryto you andyourpropertyand/orto othersand
theirpropertyarisingout of the misuseor inabilityto usethe product.
Thislimitedwarrantyshallnot extendto anyoneotherthan theoriginal
purchaserorto the personfor whomitwas purchasedas a gift.
HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHIS WARRANTY:This limited
warrantygivesyou specificlegalrights,and youmayalsohaveother
rightswhichvaryfromstateto state.
IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofof Purchaseto obtain
warrantycoverage.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136=0019; Phone: 1=800=800=7310, 1=330=220=4683