Mtd 21 Users Manual 770 10419A

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2015-02-04

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Operator’s Manual

20” Rotary Lawn Mower
Models 020
021
022

IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.
Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forestcovered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.

MTD LLC P.O. Box 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722, U.S.A.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FORM NO. 770-10419A.FM
(9/2002)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content

Page

Important Safe Operation Practices................................................................... 3
Slope Gauge...................................................................................................... 6
Hardware Pack .................................................................................................. 7
Assembling Your Lawn Mower........................................................................... 7
Know Your Lawn Mower .................................................................................... 10
Operating Your Lawn Mower ............................................................................. 10
Making Adjustments .......................................................................................... 11
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower........................................................................... 11
Off-Season Storage ........................................................................................... 13
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 13
Parts List ............................................................................................................ 14

FINDING MODEL NUMBER
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.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the
equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below. The information on
the model plate is very important if you need help from our Customer Support Department or
an authorized dealer.
•

You can locate the model number by standing at the operating position and looking down at the rear
of the mower deck. A sample model plate is explained below. For future reference, please copy the
model number and the serial number of the equipment in the space below.

(Model Number)

www.mtdproducts.com

(Serial Number)

MTD LLC
P. O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND,OH 44136
330-220-4683
800-800-7310

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, please call the customer support department.
Call 1- (330) 220-4MTD (4683) or 1- (800)-800-7310 to reach a Customer Support
representative. Please have your unit’s model number and serial number ready when you call.
See previous section to locate this information. You will be asked to enter the serial number in
order to process your call .

For more details about proper lawn care, visit our website at www.mtdproducts.com/machines/tips

SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger
the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual
before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal
injury. When you see this symbol—HEED ITS WARNING.

WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in 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 and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.

General Operation

10.

Read this operator’s manual carefully in its entirety
before attempting to assemble this machine. Read,
understand, and follow all instructions on the machine
and in the manual(s) before operation. Be completely
familiar with the controls and the proper use of this
machine before operating it. Keep this manual in a safe
place for future and regular reference and for ordering
replacement parts.
This machine is a precision piece of power equipment,
not a plaything. Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all
times. Your unit has been designed to perform one job: to
mow grass. Do not use it for any other purpose.
Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this
machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and
understand the operation instructions and safety rules in
this manual and should be trained and supervised by a
parent. Only responsible individuals who are familiar with
these rules of safe operation should be allowed to use
this machine.
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys and
other foreign objects which could be tripped over or
picked up and thrown by the blade. Thrown objects can
cause serious personal injury. Plan your mowing pattern
to avoid discharge of material toward roads, sidewalks,
bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material
against a wall or obstruction which may cause
discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator.
To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury,
keep children, bystanders and helpers at least 75 feet
from the mower while it is in operation. Stop mower if
anyone enters the area.
Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during
operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to
protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can
cause serious injury to the eyes.
Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting
slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover the arms
and legs and steel-toed shoes are recommended. Never
operate this machine in bare feet, sandals, slippery or
light weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the
cutting deck. Contact with the blade can amputate hands
and feet.

11.

5.
6.
7.

9.
10.
11.

12.

13.
3

A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade
contact or thrown object injuries.
Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled
over the foot during a fall caused by slipping or tripping.
Do not hold on to the mower if you are falling; release the
handle immediately.
Never pull the mower back toward you while you are
walking. If you must back the mower away from a wall or
obstruction first look down and behind to avoid tripping
and then follow these steps:
a. Step back from the mower to fully extend your
arms.
b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing.
c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half way
toward you.
d. Repeat these steps as needed.
Do not operate the mower while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on units so
equipped while starting engine.
The blade control handle is a safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its operation. Doing so makes the
safety device inoperative and may result in personal
injury through contact with the rotating blade. The blade
control handle must operate easily in both directions and
automatically return to the disengaged position when
released.
Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be sure of
your footing. A slip and fall can cause serious personal
injury. If you feel you are losing your footing, release the
blade control handle immediately and the blade will stop
rotating within three seconds.
Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light. Walk, never
run.
Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks or
roads.
If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop
the engine and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to a
complete stop before removing the grass catcher or
unclogging the chute. The cutting blade continues to
rotate for a few seconds after the engine is shut off.
Never place any part of the body in the blade area until
you are sure the blade has stopped rotating.
Never operate mower without proper trail shield,

discharge cover, grass catcher, blade control handle or
other safety protective devices in place and working.
Never operate mower with damaged safety devices.
Failure to do so, can result in personal injury.
14. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do
not touch.
15. Only use parts and accessories made for this machine by
the manufacturer. Failure to do so, can result in personal
injury.
16. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual,
use care and good judgment. Contact your dealer for
assistance. Telephone 1-800-800-7310 for the name of
your nearest dealer.

Service
Safe Handling Of Gasoline:
1.

Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents
which can result in severe injury. Operation on slopes
requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not
mow it. For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part
of this manual to measure slopes before operating this unit on
a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees,
do not mow it.

2.
3.
4.

Do:
1.

Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or bumps
which can cause you to slip or trip. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause
serious personal injury. If you feel you are losing your
balance, release the blade control handle immediately,
and the blade will stop rotating within 3 seconds.

7.
8.
9.

Do Not:
1.
2.
3.

Keep children away from hot or running engines. They
can suffer burns from a hot muffler.
Never allow children under 14 years old to operate a
power mower. Children 14 years old and over should
read and understand the operation instructions and
safety rules in this manual and should be trained and
supervised by a parent.

Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments,
you could lose your footing or balance.
Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as shown on
the slope gauge.
Do not mow on wet grass. Unstable footing could cause
slipping.

10.

11.
12.

Children

13.

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
mower and the mowing activity. They do not understand the
dangers. Never assume that children will remain where you
last saw them.
1. Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator.
2. Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area.
3. Before and while moving backwards, look behind and
down for small children.
4. Use extreme care when approaching blind corners,
doorways, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may
obscure your vision of a child who may run into the
mower.

14.

15.

To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious
personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on
yourself or your clothes which can ignite.
Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.
Use only an approved gasoline container.
Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or
trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on
the ground away from your vehicle before filling.
When practical, remove gas-powered equipment from
the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not
possible, then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a
portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser
nozzle.
Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources
of ignition.
Never fuel machine indoors because flammable vapors
will accumulate in the area.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot
or running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes
before refueling.
Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch
below bottom of filler neck to provide space for fuel
expansion.
Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5 minutes
before starting the engine.
Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, spark or pilot light as on a water
heater, space heater, furnace ,clothes dryer or other gas
appliances.
To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass, leaves,
or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and
remove any fuel soaked debris.
Allow a mower to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.

General Service:
1.

Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated
area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas.
Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain
the blade and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect
the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.

4.
5.
6.
7.

adjustment while the engine is running.
Grass catcher components, discharge cover, and trail
shield are subject to wear and damage which could
expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For
safety protection, frequently check components and
replace immediately with original equipment
manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this manual.
“Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment
specifications may lead to improper performance and
compromise safety!”
10. Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of the engine.
11. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
12. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations. Improper
disposal of fluids and materials can harm the
environment.

Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent
intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade
for damage (e.g., bent, cracked, worn) Replace blade
with the original equipment manufacture’s (O.E.M.) blade
only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not
meet the original equipment specifications may lead to
improper performance and compromise safety!”
Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect
the spark plug wire and ground against the engine.
Thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage. Repair
the damage before starting and operating the mower.
Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height

Your Responsibility
•

Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in
this manual and on the machine.

ON D

WARNING

R
INE,

N
E SE
EPR

15°

TING

° SL
A 15

O PE

Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A
riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is
extremely difficult to maintain your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.
Operate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.

D
FOL

ED L
OT T

OR A FENCE POST

A CORNER OF A BUILDING

A POWER POLE

SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE

USE THIS PAGE AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SLOPES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY.

SECTION 2: SLOPE GAUGE

Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate the lawn mower safely.

SECTION 3: HARDWARE PACK

Group 2

Group 4

Group 5
Group 1

Group 6
Group 3

SECTION 4: ASSEMBLING YOUR LAWN MOWER
NOTE: This operator’s manual covers various models
of mowers. Follow only those instructions which pertain
to your unit.

Bolt

Tools Required

Spark Plug
Wire

A set of adjustable wrenches or individual wrenches of
the following sizes:7/16”, 1/2”, 9/16”, 3/4”.
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the mower
is observed from the operating position.

Spark Plug

WARNING: The chute deflector is attached

Figure 1

to the pull start rope with a plastic strap for
shipping reasons. Cut the plastic strap and
attach the chute deflector as instructed on
page 9 prior to operating the unit.

IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil
in the engine. Do not start the engine before filling up
gasoline and oil.
IMPORTANT: Before starting to assemble the unit,
identify the items of the hardware pack according to the
groups in Section 3 on this page. These same groups
are referred to in the subsequent assembly instructions.

CAUTION: When removing the chute
deflector from the pull start rope, be careful not
to damge the pull start rope.

Disconnect Spark Plug Wire

Attaching Lower Handle

WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire

•

and ground it against the engine to prevent
unintended starting.

•

NOTE: On engines with a rubber boot, attach rubber
boot to a bolt on the engine to ground

Lift the rear of the deck and place it on a block
securely.
Place the lower handle (pointed end will face down)
over the deck and align the holes on the deck with
the corresponding holes on the handle.

•

•
•

Install the hex screws, shoulder screws and flange
nuts from group 4 of the hardware pack. Using two
1/2” wrenches, tighten securely. See Figure 2.

Lower Handle

Route the cable under the lower handle.
On the opposite end of the cable housing is a snap
fitting. The shaft inside the snap fitting fits in the
second hole on the upper handle. Press the snap
fitting in place as shown in Figure 4. Make sure that
the blade control handle is on top of the upper
handle.

Attaching Blade Control Handle

Shoulder Screw

NOTE: If the blade control handle got displaced either
during shipping and handling or during assembly of
other two handles, reassemble it now. If the blade
control handle is firmly secured in place, you may
proceed to the next assembly.

Hex Screw

Figure 2

Attaching Upper Handle

WARNING: The blade control handle is a

•

safety device. Never attempt to bypass its
operations.

•

Place the upper handle in position over the lower
handle keeping the blade control handle facing up.
Secure the upper handle to the lower handle using
the carriage bolts, lock washers and hex nuts from
group 2 of the hardware pack. Make sure that the
carriage bolt heads go on the outside of the handle.
See Figure 3.

•

Lock
Washer

•

Hex Nut

•

Carriage Bolt

•
Figure 3

To reattach the blade control handle to the upper
handle, first identify the proper holes in the upper
handle. This can be done by placing the blade
control handle flat against the upper handle. The
ends of the blade control handle will approximate
the hole positions.
Insert the curved end of the blade control handle
into the right hole. See Figure 5.
Squeeze the handle in, and insert the straight end
of the blade control handle into the left hole of the
upper handle.
Squeeze the blade control handle against the
upper handle to check for proper assembly.

NOTE: The hole in the blade control handle must be on
the left side and the control handle must touch the
upper handle when squeezed.

Attaching Brake Cable
NOTE: The brake cable is attached to the engine from
the factory. You will have to attach the free end of the
cable to the upper handle.

Blade Control
Handle

Insert one end of
control handle here

Snap Fitting

Brake
Cable

Figure 5

Attaching Z Fitting
•
Figure 4

Hold the cable end near the left side of the upper
handle and hook the “Z” end of the brake cable into
the blade control handle from the inside to the
outside. See Figure 6.

•
•

•
•
•
•

Z Fitting

Attaching Chute Deflector

Figure 6

•

Securing Brake Cable

•

WARNING: The cable must be routed
properly to avoid contact with all sharp edges
and hot surfaces. Such contacts damage the
cable and render the controls inoperative.
•

Block the mower securely.
Using hardware from group 1 of the hardware pack,
place axle bolt through the wheel with the hub side
of the wheel facing the deck. See Figure 8.
Place the small bell washer on the axle bolt with the
crown side towards the wheel. See Figure 8.
Secure the wheel to the deck with the large bell
washer and the nut.
Repeat on other sides.
Remove blocks and put the mower on ground.

•

Align the holes on the chute deflector with the
corresponding holes on the deck.
Using group 5 from hardware pack, place carriage
bolts from underside of the deck and up through the
chute deflector. See Figure 9.
Secure each bolt with a washer and lock nut.
Chute
Deflector

Secure the cable to the lower left handle near the
base of the unit with a cable tie from group 3 of the
hardware pack. Trim off extra length of the cable
tie. See Figure 7.

Lock Nut
Washer

Lower Handle
Carriage Bolt

Figure 9
Cable Tie

Attaching Starter Rope

Figure 7

•

Attaching Wheels
NOTE: The holes provide three cutting heights for your
mower. Use the same hole location for all four wheels
when assembling. For example, if wheels are to be
assembled in the lowest cutting position, use the
highest hole on the deck.

•

Hex
Nut
Large
Washer
Wheel
Deck
Small
Washer

Axle Bolt

Loosely attach the rope guide (from group 6 of the
hardware pack) to the upper handle and thread the
lock nut (also in group 6) only a few turns. Do not
tighten. Make sure that the rope guide is to the
outside of the upper handle. See Figure 10.
The starter rope is attached to the engine. With the
spark plug wire disconnected and grounded,
depress the blade control handle and pull the rope
out of the engine.
Slip the starter rope through the gap between the
rope guide and the handle. Tighten hex lock nut.
Starter
Rope

Hex
Lock
Nut

Rope
Guide

Figure 8

Figure 10

Know Your Lawn Mower
Compare the illustration in Figure 11 Figure 11with your
lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of
various controls and adjustments.

Blade Control
Handle

Throttle Control

Recoil
Starter

The mower engine is equipped with a constant speed
throttle, which is set at full throttle for best performance.

Engine

Blade Control Handle
The blade control handle is located on the upper handle
of the mower.The blade control handle must be
depressed in order to operate the unit. Release the
blade control handle to stop the engine and the blade.

Spark Plug

Chute
Deflector

WARNING: This control mechanism is a
safety device. Never attempt to bypass its
operations.

Recoil Starter

Figure 11

The recoil starter handle is attached to the handle and
is used to start the engine.

SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER
WARNING: Keep hands and feet away

•

from the chute area on cutting deck. The
blade will be rotating whenever the engine is
running.

Standing behind the unit, depress the blade control
handle and hold it against the upper handle. See
Figure 12.

NOTE: For best results, raise the cutting position until
you can determine which height is best for your lawn.
Refer to instructions for height adjustment on page 11.

Gas and Oil Fill-Up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as
instructed in the separate engine manual packed with
your mower. Follow instructions carefully.

Figure 12

WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors,

•

with engine running or until the engine has
been allowed to cool for at least two minutes
after running.

Before Starting
•

Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. If unit is
equipped with a rubber boot over the spark plug
wire, ensure that the metal cap on the end of the
spark plug wire (inside the rubber boot) is fastened
securely over the metal tip on the spark plug.

To Stop Engine and Blade
•

Release blade control handle to stop engine and
blade. Keep away from the moving blade.

WARNING: The blade continues to rotate
for a few seconds after engine is shut off.

To Start Engine and Engage Blade
•

Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until
engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope
will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the rope
rewind slowly. Pull rope with a rapid, continuous,
full arm stroke. Keep a firm grip on starter handle.
Return it slowly to the rope guide.

If engine is equipped with a primer, prime engine as
instructed in the separate engine manual packed
with your unit.

•

Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine to prevent accidental starting
while equipment is unattended.

Using Your Lawn Mower

•
•

WARNING: Never operate your unit without
either the rear deflector or entire grass catcher
assembly in place.
•

•

For a healthy lawn, never cut more than one-third of
the total length of the grass at any one cutting.
This mower is designed to operate at full throttle.

WARNING: If you strike a foreign object,
stop the engine. Remove wire from spark
plug, thoroughly inspect the mower for any
damage, and repair the damage before
restarting and operating the mower. Extensive
vibration of the mower during operation is an
indication of damage. The unit should be
promptly inspected and repaired.

Make sure that lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire,
or other objects which could damage lawn mower
and/or cause personal injury.
For best results, do not cut wet grass. New grass or
thick grass requires a narrower cut. Blade speed
and cutting height should be adjusted to the
condition of the lawn.

SECTION 6: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS
Throttle Control

WARNING: Do not at any time make any
adjustment to lawn mower without first
stopping engine and disconnecting spark plug
wire.

Your lawn mower engine is equipped with a fixed
throttle control that does not need adjustment.

Carburetor

Cutting Height

WARNING: If any adjustments are made

You can adjust the cutting height of the mower
according to your convenience.
•
•

to the engine while the engine is running (e.g.
carburetor), keep clear of all moving parts. Be
careful of heated surfaces and muffler.

Remove the axle bolts and related hardware from
the wheels.
Reattach the wheels with axle bolts at another hole.
Remember to attach all wheels at the same relative
position to ensure even cut. Refer to instructions for
attaching the wheels in the assembly section of this
manual. For higher cutting height, use lower hole
on the deck and for lower cutting height, use the
upper hole.

Minor carburetor adjustments may be required to
compensate for differences in fuel, temperature,
altitude and load. To adjust carburetor, refer to the
separate engine manual packed with your mower.
NOTE: A dirty air cleaner will cause an engine to run
rough. Be certain air cleaner is clean and attached to
the carburetor before adjusting carburetor.

SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN MOWER
Deck Care

•

NOTE: We do not recommend the use of pressure
washers or garden hose to clean your unit.These may
cause damage to electric components spindles,
pulleys, bearings or the engine. The use of water will
shorten life of the mower and reduce its serviceability.

Lubrication

•

The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and
scraping clean with a suitable tool (make certain the
spark plug wire is disconnected).

(Refer to Lubrication Chart in Figure 13.)
Always stop engine and disconnect spark
plug wire before cleaning, lubricating or
doing any kind of work on lawn mower.

The underside of the mower deck should be
cleaned after each use to prevent build-up of grass
clippings, leaves, dirt or other matter. If this debris
is allowed to accumulate, it will invite rust and
corrosion, and may cause an uneven discharge of
grass clippings at the next cutting.

Blade Control
•

Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control
handle and the brake cable at least once a season
with light oil. The blade control must operate freely
in both directions.

Wheels

To balance blade

•

The wheels require no lubrication. However, if the
wheels are removed for any reason, lubricate the
surface of the axle bolt and the inner surface of the
wheel with light oil. Engine oil may also be used.

When sharpening the blade, follow original angle of
grind as a guide. It is extremely important to grind
off all edges equally to keep the blade balanced.

NOTE: An unbalanced blade will cause excessive
vibration when rotating at high speeds and may cause
damage to the mower and/or personal injury.

When tipping the unit, empty the fuel tank and keep
engine spark plug side up.

•
•

Lube

Test the blade by balancing it on a round shaft
screwdriver. See Figure 15.
Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances
evenly. Always remove blade from the adapter for
the best test of balance.
1. Insert screw driver through hole

2. Blade should be parallel to ground
Screw
Blade
Driver

Ground

Figure 15

Figure 13 : Lubrication Chart

To reassemble blade

Blade Care
•

•

Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks,
especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace
when necessary.
•

WARNING: When removing the cutting
blade for sharpening or replacement, protect
hands by using heavy gloves or a rag to grasp
the cutting blade.

•

To remove blade
•

Remove the bolt and blade support or bell washer
which hold the blade and adapter to the engine
crankshaft. See Figure 14. Remove the blade and
adapter from the crankshaft.

Lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner
surface of the blade adapter with light oil (or engine
oil). Also lubricate the bolt holes, bolts and inner
surface of the nuts.
Install the blade adapter on the crankshaft with the
“star” away from the engine. Refer to Figure 14.
Place the blade with the side marked bottom (or
with part number) facing away from the adapter.
Align the blade bell support over the blade with the
tabs in the holes of the blade and insert the hex
bolt. Tighten the hex bolt to the torque listed in the
“Blade Mounting Torque” section below.

Blade Mounting Torque
Center Bolt: 450 in. lbs. min., 600 in. lbs. max.
IMPORTANT: To ensure safe operation, all nuts and
bolts must be checked periodically for correct tightness.

Blade Adapter

Replacing Rear Flap
•

Blade
Blade
Bell
Support

•

Hex Bolt

To remove rear flap, compress the hinge clips and
remove from the slots in rear of deck.
Attach new rear flap by placing new spring clips in
the slots on the flap. Then compress the spring
clips and reinsert in slots in rear of deck.

Engine

Figure 14

•

Follow engine manual for instruction and schedule
of maintenance and lubrication.

SECTION 8: OFF-SEASON STORAGE
The following steps should be taken to prepare lawn
mower for storage.

•

NOTE: When storing any type of power equipment in
an unventilated or metal storage shed, care should be
taken to rust-proof the equipment. Using a light oil or
silicone, coat the equipment, especially cables and all
moving parts.

•
•

Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described
in the lubrication instructions.
Refer to engine manual for correct engine storage
instructions.
Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis grease to
prevent rusting.

Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next
to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.

SECTION 9: TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
Trouble
Engine fails to
start

Engine runs
erratic
Engine
overheats

Possible Cause(s)
1. Blade control handle disengaged.
2. Spark plug wire disconnected.
3. Dirty aircleaner.
4. Primer button not depressed.
5. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
6. Blocked fuel line.
7. Faulty spark plug.
8. Engine flooded.
1. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
2. Carburetor out of adjustment.
1. Engine oil level low.
2. Dirty air cleaner.
3. Air flow restricted.

4.
Occasional skip 1.
2.
(hesitates) at
high speed
Idles poorly
1.

2.
1.
2.

Carburetor not adjusted properly.
Spark plug gap too close.
Carburetor idle mixture
adjustment improperly set.
Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap
too wide.
Carburetor not adjusted.
Cutting blade loose or
unbalanced.
Bent cutting blade.
Wet grass.
Excessively high grass.

1.
2.

Wheels positioned incorrectly.
Dull blade.

2.
1.

Excessive
vibration
Mower will not
mulch grass
Uneven cut

Corrective Actions
1. Engage blade control handle.
2. Connect wire to spark plug.
3. Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
4. Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
5. Clean fuel line.
6. Clean, adjust gap or replace.
7. Refer to the engine manual.
8. Wait for a while and crank the engine.
1. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
2. Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
3. Stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire. Remove
blower housing and clean.
4. Refer to the engine manual.
1. Adjust gap to.030".
2. Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
1.

Reset gap to.030" or replace spark plug.

2.
1.

Refer to the engine manual.
Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade.

2.
1.
2.

See an authorized service dealer.
Wait until later to cut.
Mow once at a high cutting height, then mow again at
desired height.
Place all four wheels in same height position.
Sharpen or replace blade.

1.
2.

NOTE: For repairs beyond those listed above, contact your local authorized service representative.

SECTION 10: PARTS LIST FOR MODEL SERIES 020

5
4

27
26
15

21
19
3

29
16
22

7
24

16
24
6

22
23

15
14

28
10

24
23

13
22

9
8

Model Series 020
Ref.
No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.

Part No.

Description

710-0654A

Hex Ind. Washer Screw 3/8-16 x 1.0

782-0048

Cutting Deck: 20”

749-04037

Lower Handle

749-1092A

Upper Handle

747-1161A

Control Handle (Bail)

731-0872A

Rear Flap

17098

Hinge Clip

710-1044

Screw 3/8-24 x 1.5” Group 8

936-0524A

Blade Bell Support

748-0376C

Blade Adapter

742-0640

Cutting Blade

731-0064

Discharge Chute

710-0932

Carriage Screw 1/4-20 x 1.0”

736-0173

Flat Washer

712-0324

Lock Nut 1/4-20

710-3008

Hex Bolt 5/16-18

712-3004A

Lock Nut 5/16-18

710-1205

Eye Bolt

710-0262

Carriage Bolt 5/16-18 x 1.5”

736-0119

Lock Washer

712-0267

Nut 5/16-18

734-1779

Wheel

738-0533

Shoulder Screw .498 x 1.635

736-0105

Bell Washer

712-0798

Flange Lock Nut

726-0240

Cable Tie

746-0946

Control Cable (Model 021)

746-0957
736-0331

Control Cable (Models 020 & 022)
Bell Washer

738-04033

Shoulder Screw, 3/8-16x.428

753-0588

Blade Adapter Kit (Incl. Ref. 8- 10)

MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR:

The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD LLC with
respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the
United States, its possessions and territories.
MTD LLC warrants this product against defects for a period of
one (1) year commencing on the date of original purchase and
will, at its option, repair or replace, free of charge, any part
found to be defective in materials or workmanship. This
limited warranty shall only apply if this product has been
operated and maintained in accordance with the Operator’s
Manual furnished with the product, and has not been subject
to misuse, abuse, commercial use, neglect, accident,
improper maintenance, alteration, vandalism, theft, fire,
water, or damage because of other peril or natural disaster.
Damage resulting from the installation or use of any
accessory or attachment not approved by MTD LLC for use
with the product(s) covered by this manual will void your
warranty as to any resulting damage.
Normal wear parts or components thereof are subject to
separate terms as follows: All normal wear parts or
component failures will be covered on the product for a period
of 90 days regardless of cause. After 90 days, but within the
one year period, normal wear part failures will be covered
ONLY IF caused by defects in materials or workmanship of
OTHER component parts. Normal wear parts and
components include, but are not limited to: batteries, belts,
blades, blade adapters, grass bags, rider deck wheels, seats,
snow thrower skid shoes, shave plates, auger spiral rubber,
and tires.
HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE: Warranty service is available,
WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE, through your local authorized
service dealer. To locate the dealer in your area, check your
Yellow Pages, or contact MTD LLC at P.O. Box 361131,
Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019, or call 1-800-800-7310 or 1330-220-4683 or log on to our Web site at
www.mtdproducts.com.
This limited warranty does not provide coverage in the
following cases:
a.

b.
c.

The engine or component parts thereof. These
items
carry a separate manufacturer’s warranty. Refer to
applicable manufacturer’s warranty for terms and
conditions.
Log splitter pumps, valves, and cylinders have a
separate one year warranty.
Routine maintenance items such as lubricants,
filters, blade sharpening, tune-ups, brake adjustments,
clutch adjustments, deck adjustments, and normal
deterioration of the exterior finish due to use or
exposure.

e.
f.

MTD LLC does not extend any warranty for products
sold or exported outside of the United States, its
possessions and territories, except those sold through
MTD LLC’s authorized channels of export distribution.
Parts that are not genuine MTD parts are not covered
by this warranty.
Service completed by someone other than an
authorized service dealer is not covered by this
warranty.
Transportation charges and service calls are not
covered.

No implied warranty, including any implied warranty of
merchantability of fitness for a particular purpose,
applies after the applicable period of express written
warranty above as to the parts as identified. No other
express warranty, whether written or oral, except as
mentioned above, given by any person or entity,
including a dealer or retailer, with respect to any product,
shall bind MTD LLC. During the period of the warranty,
the exclusive remedy is repair or replacement of the
product as set forth above.
The provisions as set forth in this warranty provide the
sole and exclusive remedy arising from the sale. MTD
LLC shall not be liable for incidental or consequential
loss or damage including, without limitation, expenses
incurred for substitute or replacement lawn care services
or for rental expenses to temporarily replace a warranted
product.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages, or limitations on how
long an implied warranty lasts, so the above exclusions or
limitations may not apply to you.
In no event shall recovery of any kind be greater than the
amount of the purchase price of the product sold. Alteration
of safety features of the product shall void this warranty.
You assume the risk and liability for loss, damage, or injury to
you and your property and/or to others and their property
arising out of the misuse or inability to use the product.
This limited warranty shall not extend to anyone other than the
original purchaser or to the person for whom it was purchased
as a gift.
HOW STATE LAW RELATES TO THIS WARRANTY: This
limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may
also have other rights which vary from state to state.

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

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