MTD 12AV55DQ713 User Manual LAWN MOWER Manuals And Guides 1108100L

User Manual: MTD 12AV55DQ713 12AV55DQ713 MTD LAWN MOWER - Manuals and Guides View the owners manual for your MTD LAWN MOWER #12AV55DQ713. Home:Lawn & Garden Parts:MTD Parts:MTD LAWN MOWER Manual

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Safety • Assembly • Operation • Adjustments • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty

OF AOA AL

21" Self-Propelled Mulching Mower- Model Series V550

iMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

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

coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha 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 PRODUCTS LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

FORMNO.769-02830

11/2/2006

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

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

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

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

MTDLLCreservesthe rightto changeproductspecifications,designs,andequipmentwithoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation.

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREASSEMBLINGYOUR NEW EQUIPMENT,

pleaselocatethe modelplateon the equipmentand

copythe informationto the samplemodel plate pro-

videdto the right.Youcan locatethe modelplate by

standingat the operatingpositionand lookingdown

at the rearof the deck.This informationwill be neces-

sary to use the manufacturer'sweb site, to obtain

assistancefrom the CustomerSupport Department,

or when contactingan authorizedservice dealer.

Model Number

www.mtdproducts.com

Serial Number

MTD LLC

PoO= BOX 361131

CLEVELAND, OH 44136

330-220-4683

800-800-7310

Customer Support

Please do NOT return 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:

• Visit www.mtdproducts.com

• Call a Customer Support Representativeat 1-800-800-7310.

• The engine manufacturer is responsiblefor all engine-relatedissues with regardsto performance,power-rating,specifica-

tions, warranty and service. Pleasereferto the engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packed separatelywith

your unit, for moreinformation.

d_ o3

o -5

O9 C5

d_ O3

_ o

_D o_

c_ 0

c_ _,_

c'_ _

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

_ or a corner of a building...

I__ or a fence post

I I

-- fir_e (repros

_ _ er_ts a 15o

15°

WARNING

This symbolpoints

out importantsafety

instructionswhich, if

notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal

i safetyand/or property

I ofyourselfand others.

Readandfollow all

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 built to be operated according to the rulesfor safe operation in this

manual.As with any type of powerequipment, carelessness or 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 observe the 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 remainwhereyou lastsawthem.

1. Keepchildrenoutof the mowingareaand underwatchful

careof a responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.

2. Be alert andturnmoweroff if a childentersthearea.

3. Beforeand whilemovingbackwards,look behindanddown

forsmallchildren.

4. Useextremecare whenapproachingblindcorners,

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 proper useof 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 be allowedto 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 materialtoward roads,sidewalks,

bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial

againsta wall or obstruction,whichmaycausedischarged

materialto ricochetback towardthe operator.

5. Tohelpavoidbladecontact ora thrownobjectinjury,

stay inoperatorzone behindhandlesand keepchildren,

bystanders,helpersand petsat least 75feetfrom mower

whileit is inoperation.Stop machineifanyoneenters

area.

6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera-

tion andwhile performinganadjustmentor 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 notputhands orfeet nearrotatingparts or undercutting

deck.Contactwithblade can amputatehands andfeet.

9. A missingor damageddischargecovercancause 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 wellbalancedwithsurefooting.

c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,no morethan halfway

towardyou.

d. Repeatthesestepsas needed.

12.Do notoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof

alcoholordrugs.

13.Do notengagetheself-propelledmechanismon unitsso

equippedwhilestartingengine.

14.The bladecontrol handleis 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 slipand fall cancauseseriouspersonal

injury.If you feelyou 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 engine offand 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 do so can

result in personalinjury.

21.Mufflerand enginebecomehotandcancausea 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.Operationonslopesrequiresextra

caution.If youfeeluneasyona slope,do notmowit. Foryour

safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedas partof this manualto

measureslopesbeforeoperatingthis uniton a slopedorhilly

area.Ifthe slopeis greaterthan 15 degrees,donotmowit.

Do:

1. Mow acrossthefaceof slopes;neverupand down.Exercise

extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

2. Watchfor holes,ruts, rocks,hidden objects,or bumps

which cancauseyouto slipor trip. Tallgrasscan hide

obstacles.

3. Alwaysbe sure of yourfooting.A slip and fallcan cause

serious personalinjury.If youfeel you are losingyour

balance,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediately,and

the bladewill stoprotatingwithin3 seconds.

Do Not:

1. Do notmowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments,you

could loseyourfootingor balance.

2. Do notmowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesas shownon

the slopegauge.

3. Do notmowon wet grass.Unstablefootingcouldcause

slipping.

Service

Safe Handling Of Gasoline:

1. Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextreme

care in handlinggasoline.Gasolineis extremelyflammable

and thevaporsare explosive.Seriouspersonalinjury can

occur whengasolineisspilled onyourselfor your clothes,

which canignite.Washyourskin andchangeclothes

immediately.

2. Use onlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.

3. Neverfill containersinside a 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 fueltankor

containeropeningat all times untilfueling is complete.Do

not use a nozzlelock-opendevice.

6. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars, pipesand othersources

of ignition.

7. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill

accumulatein thearea.

8. Neverremovegascap oradd fuel whileengineis hot or

running. Allowengineto cool at least two minutesbefore

refueling.

9. Neveroverfill fuel tank. Filltankto no morethan 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 containernearanopen

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 orfuelspillageand

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 movingpartshavestopped.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 anydamage.Repairthe

damagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower.

8. Neverattemptto makea wheelor cuttingheightadjust-

mentwhilethe engineisrunning.

9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail

shield aresubjectto wear anddamagewhichcould

exposemovingparts or allowobjectsto be thrown.For

safetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsand re-

placeimmediatelywithoriginal equipmentmanufacturer'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 follow all

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:Standbehind

themowerasifyou

weregoingtooperate

it.Yourrighthandcor-

respondstotheright

sideofthemower;your

lefthandcorresponds

totheleftsideofthe

mower.

iMPORTANT

DO NOTcrimp the

cables when lifting the

handle up. Make sure

to routethe cables

insidethe lowerhandle.

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.

Figure 3=1

Figure 3=2

1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetween

upperandlowerhandles.

a. Pullupand backon upperhandleas shownin

Figure3-1.Makecertainthe lowerhandleis seated

securelyintothe handlemountingbrackets.

b. Tightenstarknobssecuringupperhandleto

lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriagebolt is

seatedproperlyin the handle.

2. Locatehairpinclip inone holeon the weldpinon each

sideof lowerhandle.SeeFigure3-2.

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.

3. The ropeguideis attachedto the right sideof the

upperhandle.Loosenthe wingnut whichsecuresthe

ropeguide.SeeFigure3-3.

a. Holdthe bladecontrolagainstupperhandle.

b. Pullstarterropeout of the engine.Releasethe

bladecontrol.

c. Slipstarterropeinto ropeguide.

d. Tightenwingnut.

Insertpostoncable tiesintoholes providedon the

lowerhandle.Pullcabletie tightandtrimexcess.

Anadjustingplateandthumbleverat eachwheel

positionprovidescuttingheightadjustment.

a. Depresslevertowardswheel.

b. Moveit to anyof the ninepositionsfor desired

cuttingheight.SeeFigure3-5.

c. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.

Figure 3=3 Figure 3=4

6. Followstepsbelowto assemblethe grasscatcher:

a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside

is at the bottom.

b. Slip plasticchannelof grassbagoverhookson

the frame.SeeFigure3-6. All the plasticchannels

exceptcentertop of bagattachfromoutsideof

bag.

c. Attachcentertop of bagfrominsideof bag.

7. Followstepsbelowto attachgrasscatcher:

a. Liftreardischargedoor.

b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod. Letgo

of dischargedoorsothat it restson thegrass

catcher.SeeFigure3-7.

To removegrasscatcherorconvertto a mulcher(if

equipped),lift reardischargedooronthe moweras

showninFigure3-7.Liftgrasscatcherupandout of the

pivotrod. Releasereardischargedoorto allowit to close

rearopeningof mower.

8. The adjustmentwheelis locatedinthe drivecontrol

handlehousingandis usedto tightenor loosenthe

drive belt.Youwill needto adjustthedrivecontrolif

the mowerdoesnot propelitselfwith thedrive control

engagedor if the mower'swheelshesitatewiththe

drivecontrolengaged.Ifeitherof theseconditions

occur,rotateadjustmentwheelclockwiseto tighten

cable orcounterclockwiseto loosenthe cable.See

Figure3-8.

,L_hlL WARNING: Never operate mower

unlessthe hookson the grass

catcher are firmly seated on the

pivot rod, and the rear discharge door rests

firmly against top of the grass catcher.

Figure 3=5

Figure 3-6

\ Y J

Figure 3-8 Figure 3-7

setupand

cuTnNGHEIGHT

All Wheelsmust be

plaCedin thesame

relative positionl

GRASS CATCHER

Makecertain bag is

turned right side out

before assembling

(warning label Willbe

on the outside)i

Never operate mower

the hooks on

the grass catcherare

firmly seated on the

pivot rod, and the

reardischarge door

rests firmly against

top of the grass

Catcherl

WARNING

The blade control

mechanism is a

safety device. Never

attempt to bypassits

operations.

; 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.

I 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

Drive Control

X, ._--- BladeControl

Recoil

Starter

Cutting Height

AdjustmentLevers

Figure 4-1

Nowthatyou havesetupyour lawnmowerfor opera-

tion,get aquaintedwithits controlsandfeatures.These

aredescribedbelowandillustratedonthis page.This

knowledgewill allowyou to use yournewequipmentto

itsfullestpotential.

Blade Control

Thebladecontrolis attachedto the upperhandleof

the mower.Depressand squeezeit againstthe upper

handleto operatethe unit. Releaseit to stopengineand

blade.

,_ WARNING:Thisblade control mecha-

nism is asafetydevice. Neverattempt

to bypass its operations.

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

Oneadjustmentleveris locatedon eachwheelandis

usedto adjustthe cuttingheight.All fourlevershaveto

beat the samerelativepositionto ensurea uniformcut.

Recoil Starter

The recoilstarteris attachedto the rightupperhandle.

Standbehindthe unitand pullthe recoilstarterropeto

startthe unit.

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

1. Checkoillevelandaddoil if necessary.Followengine

manualfor this.

2. Servicethe enginewithgasolineas instructedinthe

enginemanual. SeeEnginemanualfor locationof oil

andgas fill.

Drive Control

Thedrivecontrolis locatedonthe undersideof the

upperhandleand is usedto engagethe drive.Squeeze

it againstthe upperhandleto engagethedrive; release

it to slowdownor stopmowerfrompropelling.See

Figure4-1.

,_ WARNING:Useextremecare when han-

dling gasoline.Gasoline is extremely

flammable and the vapors are explosive.

-- Neverfuel the machineindoorsor while

the engine is hot or running.Extinguish cigarettes,

cigars, pipesand other sources of ignition.

,_ WARNING:Theoperation of any lawn

mower can result inforeign objects

being thrown intothe eyes,which can

damage your eyesseverely. Always

wear safety glasses while operating the mower, or

while performingany adjustments or repairson it.

Starting Engine

__k ARNING:Be surenoone otherthan

the operatoris standingnearthe lawn

mower whilestarting engineor operat-

ing mower.Neverrun engineindoorsor

in enclosed,poorly ventilatedareas.Engineexhaust

contains carbon monoxide, an odorlessand deadly

gas. Keephands,feet, hairand looseclothing away

from any moving partsonengine and lawnmower.

Followthe set of instructionspertainingto your unit.

Referto enginemanual for helpwith the engine.

Honda Engine:

1. Placethe fuel valvelever(if equipped)foundon the

left sideof theengineintothe ON(OPEN)position.

2. Movethechokelever(if equipped)all the way

backwardintothe chokeposition.SeeFigure4-2.

3. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethe bladecontrol

againstupperhandleas shownin Figure4-2. The

chokewill nowbeginto slowlyreturnto the offchoke

positionafteractivatingthe bladecontrol.Therefore,

quicklymoveonto stepfour below.

4. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasp recoil

starterhandleand pullropeout witha rapid,continu-

ous,full arm stroke.Keepingafirm griponthe starter

handleletthe roperewindslowly.Repeatuntil engine

cranks.Letthe roperewindeachtimeslowly.

Briggs & Stratton/Tecumseh Engine:

1. ifequipped,pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabout

two secondsbetweeneach push.SeeFigure4-3. In

temperaturearound550F or below,primefivetimes.

Donot primeto restarta warmengine.

2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethe bladecontrol

againstupperhandleas shownin Figure4-3.

3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasp recoil

starterhandleand pullropeout witha rapid,continu-

ous,full arm stroke.Keepingafirm griponthe starter

handle,let the roperewindslowly.Repeatuntil engine

cranks.Letthe roperewindeachtimeslowly.

_ARNING:Waitfor the bladeto stop

completelybeforeperforming any work

on the mower or to remove the grass

catcher.

Stopping Engine

1. Releasebladecontrolto stoptheengineand blade.

2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand

groundagainstthe engine.

Figure 4=2

,,\

Figure 4-3

_ARNING:If you strikeaforeign

object, stopthe engine.Remove

wire from the sparkplug,thoroughly

respect mower for any damage,and

repairdamage before restarting andoperating.

Extensive vibration of mowerduring operation is an

indicationof damage.The unit should be promptly

inspectedand repaired.

Using as Mulcher

Formulchinggrass,removethe grasscatcherfromthe

mower.Foreffectivemulching,do notcutwet grass.If

the grasshas beenallowedto growinexcessof four

inches,mulchingis not recommended.Usethe grass

catcherto bagclippingsinstead.

UsingYour Lawn Mower

Besurelawnis clearof stones,sticks,wire,or other

objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine.

Such objectscouldbe accidentlythrownby the mower

in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjuryto the grasscatcher.

operatorandothers.

Using Grass Catcher

Youcan usethe grasscatcherto collectclippings

whileyouareoperatingthe mower.Referto Setupand

Adjustmentsectionfor instructionson attachingthe

perating

MoWer

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

operatingthe 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 indoors or

in enclosed, poorly

ventilated areas. En-

gine exhaust contains

carbon monoxide, an

odorless and deadly

;tas.Keep hands, feet,

lair and loose clothing

_way from any moving

partson engine and

lawn mower.

Your Lawn

WARNING

A vaysstopeng,"e;

disconnectspark

plug, andground

against engine before

cleaning, lubricating

maintenance onyour

I ii i i

We do notrecommend

the use of pressure

washers or garden

hose to clean your

unitl Thesemay cause

damage to electric

compOnentsi SpindleS;

pulleys,bea ings, or

the eng ne:The use

of WaterWillresult in

shortened lifeand

i reduceserViceabilityl

Figure 5-1

Figure 5=2

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.

5. Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese

aretight.

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 thewheelwithlightoil. SeeFigure5-1.

3. Lubricatethe torsionspringandpivotpointonthe rear

dischargedoorperiodicallywithlightoil to prevent

rust.See Figure5-1.

4. Thetransmissionis pre-lubricatedand sealedat 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

accumulate,it will resultinrustandcorrosion.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn

mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthe gas cap.

2. Tip mowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe

sidewiththe air cleanerfacingup. Hold mowerfirmly.

_L WARNING:Nevertip the mowermore

than 90degreesinany directionsand

do not leavethe mowertipped for any

lengthof time. Oil can draininto the

upper partof the enginecausingastartingproblem.

3. Scrapeand cleanthe undersideof the deckwitha

suitabletool.Do notspraywithwater.

4. Putthe mowerbackonitswheelsonthe ground.If

youhad putplasticunderthe gas capearlier,make

sureto removeit now.

Engine Care

A listof keymaintenancejobs requiredfor good

performanceby the moweris given below.Followthe

accompanyingenginemanualfor detailedlistand

instructions.

1. Maintainoil levelas instructedinenginemanual.

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.

_ WARNING:Alwaysstopengine,

disconnect sparkplug,and ground

against enginebefore cleaning,

lubricating ordoing any kindof

maintenanceonyour machine.

Replacing Rear Flap

1. Toremoverearflap,lift reardoor,and pressflap inon

eithersideto removefromhole.SeeFigure5-2.

2. Removeflapfromoppositeholeand replacewithnew

flap inthe oppositeorderandmannerof removal.

Blade Care /

WARNING:Whenremovingcutting

blade for sharpeningor replacement,

protectyourhandswitha pairof heavy

glovesor useaheavyragto holdblade.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn

moweron itsside makingsurethatthe airfilterand

the carburetorareup.

2. Removebolt,bellwasher,blade,andbladeadapter

fromthe enginecrankshaft.SeeFigure5-3.

NOTE:When removingtheseitems,the pulleysand

washersmayalso breakfree fromthe crankshaft.Be

sureto makenoteof the orientationof theseitemsfor

reassembly.

Figure 5-3 J

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.

__IL WARNING:An unbalanced bladewill

causeexcessive vibrationwhen rotating

at highspeeds.It maycausedamage

to mower, and couldbreakcausing

personalinjury.

.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

bladeis alignedandseatedon bladeadapterflanges.

6. Placebellwasheronthe blade.Alignnotchesonthe

bladebellsupportwithsmallholesinblade.Replace

hex boltandtightenhexbolt to torque:450in.Ibs.

rain.,600 in.Ibs.max.

Toensuresafeoperationof yourmower,periodically

checkthe bladeboltfor correcttorque.

Belt Care

1. Removetwoshoulderscrewssecuringfrontdrive

coverto mowerdeck.SeeFigure5-4. Pressinwardon

sidesof frontdrivecoverand releasetabsthat secure

it to the heightadjusterbrackets.Removedrivecover

frommower.

2. Pulluponthe belt keeperwireand pivotit out away

fromthe drivepulley.SeeFigure5-4 inset.

3. Rollthe beltoff the transmissionpulley.Tip mower

on its sidewiththe airfilterupto accessbeltfrom

undersideof mower.Slidebeltoff of enginepulleyand

threadthroughthe openinginthe beltkeeperbracket.

Figure 5-4

Figure 5-5

Thenremovethe belt fromaroundthe bladeby

removingoveroneendat a time.SeeFigure5-5.

4. Replacewith newbelt,workingaroundbladeand

upthroughthe beltkeeperbracket.Makesurebelt

is firmlyseatedonenginepulleywhile pullingfrom

the othersideandslidingit aroundthe transmis-

sion pulley.Pivotthe belt keeperwire backinto its

operatingpostionandsnapintothe slotprovided.

Reassemblefrontdrivecover.

WARNING

When removing

the cutting blade

for sharpening or

replacementor

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.

Problem Cause Remedy

Ena ne fa sto start 1. Bladecontroldisengaged, i. Engagebladecontro!.

sParkPiugwiie disconnected: conneO!wiretOspark plugl

3. Fueltankempty orstale fuel. & Filltankwith clean,fresh gasolinel

4. Enginenot piimed(if equippedwth 4. primeengineaSinstr,u,ctedin Operat,

primer)i ing YourLawnMower.

Faultyspark p ugl c ean adjustgap or repiacel

61 BloCked fuel linel clean fuellinel

7: Engineflooded. 7. Wait a few minutesto restait,but do

I notprimel

" 8. Fue!valve(if equipped)closed, & Open fuelva!ve: See enginemanuaI.

........... 91 Enginenotchoked (if equippedw/choke). 9. Chokeengine:Seeengine manual.

For repairsbeyond

minor adjustments

listed here, contact

an authorized service

dealer.

Engineruns erratic 1. Sparkplugwire loose.

2. Blockedfuel lineor stalefuel.

3. Ventingascap plugged.

4. Wateror dirt infuel system.

5. Dirtyair cleaner.

6. Carburetorout of adjustment.

1. Connectandtightensparkplugwire.

2. Clean fuelline; fill tank withclean,

freshgasoline.

3. Clearvent.

4. Drainfueltank. Refillwithfreshfuel.

5. Referto enginemanual.

6. Referto enginemanual.

Engne overheats 1. Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil.

2. Air flow restricted. 2. Removeblowerhousing

and c ean.

3. Carburetornotadjustedproperly. 3. Referto enginemanual.

Occasionalskips 1. Sparkpluggap tooclose. 1. Adjustgap to .030".

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

high speed improperlyset.

Idles poorly 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gap 1. Resetgapto .030"or replace

--too wide. _ spark plug.

I 2. Carburetorimproperlyadjusted. 2. Referto enginemanual.

3 Dirtyair cleaner. 3. Referto enginemanual.

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

Vibration blade.

2. Bentcutting blade. 2. See anauthorizedservicedealer.

Mower will not 1. Wetgrass. 1. Donot mowwhengrass Lswet; walt

mulch clrass/If I I untillater to cut.

._ ,_" I 2 Excessve y h ghgrass 2. Mowonce at a highcutting height

_-qulppea_ then mowagainat desiredheight 'or

I makea narrowercutting path.

I 3. Dullblade. I 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.

Unevencut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsin same

heightposition.

2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

1. Belt notinsialled properly. 1. Check belt for properpulleyinstallation

Mower will not

seIfpropeI ' , and movement.

2. Debrsclogg ngdriveoperation 2. Stop engine,disconnectsparkplug

wire and cleanoutdebris.

3. Damagedor wornbelt. 3. Inspectand replacebelt.

S".............

Off=Season Storage 4. Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto

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.

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

WARNING

DO NOT remove safety

(or any) labels from

mower for any reason.

Model Series V550

)

Fief. Part No. Description

No.

1 731-2626 BailCover

2 747-1161A BladeControl

3 746-0957 ControlCable37.25-inch

4 726-0240 CableTie

5 664-04065 GrassBagAssembly

6 747-04080 GrassBagFrame

7 746-04206A VariableSpeedCable

8 731-05642 Trailshield

9 731-05865 Rear Door

Fief. PartNo. Description

No.

37 782-7551A WheelCover

38 717-1762 SpurGear14T RH

717-1761 SpurGear 14TLH

39 710-04531 Screw1/4-20x.39

40 734-2042 FrontWheel8x 2.125Zag

41 731-0981A Hubcap

42 710-0216 Screw3/8-16x .75

43 720-0426 Knob

44 736-0447 WaveWasher1.5x 1x .029

10 687-02280

687-02279

11 787-01537

12 732-04317

13 687-02193

687-02194

14 750-04405

15 715-0221

16 618-04377A

17 710-1650

18 731o05013A

19 782-5002B

20 750-04164A

21 754-04082A

22 787o01258A

23 748-04082

HeightAdj. BracketAssy- LH

HeightAdj. BracketAssy- RH

21-inchDeck

ExtensionSpring

FrontHeightAdj. Assy- LH

FrontHeightAdj. Assy- RH

SleeveSpacer.52 IDx 1.8Lg

DowelPin

SNUIN£

45 710-1008 ScrewTT3/8-16x 1.875 _FACTORYPARTS

Transmission

ShoulderScrew

DeckCover

FrontBaffle

Spacer

V-TypeBelt

CableMountBracket

BladeAdapter

46 712-04065

47 782-5004B

48 710-1652

49 720-0312

50 738o0507B

51 734-04093

52 732-0866

FlangeLockNut3/8-16

RearRHBaffle

ScrewTT 1/4-20x .625

FoamGrip

ShoulderScrew

RearWheel12x 2.125IdleZag

SpringLever

24 742-0741 21-inchMulchingBlade

25 736-0452 BellWasher,.396x 1.140x .095

26 710-1257 Sc_w3/8-24 x2.5

27 736-0277

28 756-04160

29 756-04161

30 750-04404

31 682-0015

FiatWasher,1.031x 1.620x .095

Key HalfPulley

UpperHalfPulley

SleeveSpacer,.52 Lgx 9.10

FrontBearingAssembly

53 687o02039A

687o02040A

54 753-05096A

55 714-0104

56 749-04206

57 710-0703

58 631-0075B

59 732-04090A

PivotArmAssemblyRH

PivotArmAssemblyLH

SpeedControlAssembly

HairpinClip

UpperHandle

Screw1/4-20x .75

EngineSpacer

TorsionSpringRH

60 710-1205 EyeBolt

61 747°04588 PivotRod

62 782-5003A RearBaffle LH

32 787-01298 AdjustmentPlateRH

787-01299 AdjustmentPlateLH

33 687-02044 PivotPlateAssembly

34 732-0706 SpringLeverRH

732-0707 SpringLeverLH

35 736-0474 FlatWasher1.01x 1.5x .035

36 716-0102 SnapRing

63 710-1017

64 712-0397

65 749-0928A

66 710-1174

67 720-04072

ScrewAB 1/4-14x .625

WingNut

LowerHandle

CarriageBolt5/16-18x 2

Star Knob

68 720-0279

69 710-04329

70 710-0896

71 732-04294

72 750-04020

73 736-0182

parts, Call

1'800,800.7310

or visit uson

the web

,ww:mtdp,od,,ots:oo,,,

ii i _iI_ ii

IMPORTANT

For a properworking

machine, use Factory

Approved Parts. V-BELTS

are specially designed to

engageanddisengage

safely.Asubstitute

(non OEM) V-Belt can

be dangerous by not

disengaging completely.

HandleKnob

TorxScrew

Screw,1/4-14x .625

Belt KeeperWire

Spacer,1.004x 1.375x .25

SpringWasher,.500x 1.00x .022

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.

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 1-330-220-4683 or 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

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 impliedwarranty of mer-

chantabilityof fitness for a particular purpose,applies after the

applicable periodof express written warranty aboveas to the

partsas identified.No otherexpresswarranty, whetherwrittenor

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.

In noeventshallrecoveryof any kindbegreaterthanthe amountof the

purchasepriceof the productsold.Alterationof safetyfeatures of

the productshallvoid this warranty. Youassumethe riskandliability

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.

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

MTD 12AV55DQ713 User Manual LAWN MOWER Manuals And Guides 1108100L

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