MTD 030 Series User manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips &Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
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Model034Dshown
22=inch Rotary Mower- Model Series 030
iMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush-
coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).
If a sparkarresterisused,itshouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw
(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester
forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,
Ohio44136-0019.
PRINTEDIN U.S.A MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 FORMNO.769-00901B
01/24/2006

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 ............................ 12
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 14
Troubleshooting ................................................ 16
Safety Labels .................................................... 17
Parts List ........................................................... 18
Warranty ............................................ Back Cover
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREASSEMBLINGYOURNEW EQUIPMENT,please
locatethe model plateon the equipmentandcopy the infor-
mationto thesample modelplate providedto theright.You
can locatethe modelplate by standing atthe operatingposi-
tion andlookingdown atthe rear ofthe deck. This information
will be necessaryto usethe manufacturer'swebsite, to obtain
assistancefromthe CustomerSupportDepartment,orwhen
contactingan authorizedservice dealer.
r
Model Number
www.mtdproducts.corn
Serial Number
MTD LLC
P.O= BOX 361131
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330-220-4683
800-800-731 0
Customer Support
Please do IVOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased, without first
contacting Customer Support.
Ifyou havedifficultyassemblingthis productor haveany questionsregardingthe controls, operation,or maintenanceof this
unit,youcan seek helpfrom theexperts. Choosefrom the optionsbelow:
•Visit www.mtdproducts.com. Click the Service& Supportmenuoption.
MTD _n_er#ati_e_ Awa_g Wi_ni¢-_ Prod_f_ O#r Compalr_'y
'.Service 8_Support
Product Registration
Con_ac_ Us i Privacy Po,_k_
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o
Phonea CustomerSupport Representativeat 1-800-800-7310.
The engine manufactureris responsiblefor all engine-relatedissueswith regardsto performance, power-rating,specifica-
tions,warranty,and service. Please refertothe enginemanufacturer's0wner's/0perator's Manual, packedseparatelywith
your unit,for more information.
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15°

WARNING
Thissymbolpoints
out importantsafety
instructionswhich,if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
i safetyand/or property
I ofyourselfand others.
Readandfollowall
instructionsinthis
manualbeforeat-
temptingto operate
i this machine.Failure
I to complywiththese
instructionsmay result
i in personalinjury.When
youseethis symbol.
i HEED ITS WARNING!
Your Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read,
_understand
ano followthe warnings
and instructions
inthis manual
and on the machine.
WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of itsconstituents,andcertain vehiclecompo-
nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: This machinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operation in this
manual.As with anytypeof powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operatorcan
result in seriousinjury.This machine iscapable of amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.
Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injury ordeath.
Children
Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtomowerand mowing
activity.Theydonot understandthe dangers.Neverassume
thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.
1. Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaand underwatchful
careofa responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.
2. Bealertandturnmoweroffif achildentersthearea.
3. Beforeand whilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown
forsmallchildren.
4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,
doorways,shrubs,trees,or otherobjectsthat mayobscure
yourvisionofachildwhomayrunintothe mower.
5. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycan
sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.
6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operateapower
mower.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand
understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthis
manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyaparent.
General Operation
1. Readthis operator'smanualcarefullyin its entiretybefore
attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,
andfollowall instructionsonthe machineandin the
manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith
thecontrolsandthe properuseofthis machinebefore
operatingit. Keepthis manualin asafeplaceforfuture
andregularreferenceandfor orderingreplacementparts.
2. Thismachineisa precisionpieceof powerequipment,
nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all
times.Yourunithas beendesignedto performonejob: to
mowgrass.Do notuseit for anyotherpurpose.
3. Neverallow childrenunder 14yearsoldto operatethis
machine.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand
understandthe instructionsinthismanualandshould
betrainedand supervisedby a parent.Onlyresponsible
individualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe
operationshouldbeallowedto usethismachine.
4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto
beused.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toys
andotherforeignobjects,whichcouldbetrippedoveror
pickedupandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjects can
causeseriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpattern
toavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,sidewalks,
bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial
againsta wallor obstruction,whichmaycausedischarged
materialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.
5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,
stayinoperatorzonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,
bystanders,helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrom mower
whileit is inoperation.Stop machineifanyoneenters
area.
6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera-
tionandwhile performinganadjustmentor repairto protect
youreyes.Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseserious
injurytothe eyes.
7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fitting
slacksandshirts. Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthe armsand
legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended.Neveroperate
this machinein barefeet,sandals,slipperyor light-weight
(e.g.canvas)shoes.
8. Do notputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor undercutting
deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.
9. Amissingor damageddischargecovercancause blade
contactor thrownobject injuries.
10.Manyinjuriesoccurasa resultofthe mowerbeing pulled
overthefoot duringa fall causedby slippingor tripping.
Do notholdontothe mowerifyouare falling;releasethe
handleimmediately.
11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare
walking.If youmust backthe mowerawayfroma wallor
obstructionfirstlookdownand behindtoavoidtrippingand
thenfollowthesesteps:
a. Stepbackfrommowertofully extendyourarms.
b. Besureyouarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.
c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,no morethanhalfway
towardyou.
d. Repeatthesestepsas needed.
12.Do notoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof
alcoholordrugs.
13.Do notengagetheself-propelledmechanismon unitsso
equippedwhilestartingengine.
14.Thebladecontrolhandleisa safetydevice.Neverattempt
tobypassitsoperation.Doingso makesthe safetydevice
inoperativeandmayresult in personalinjurythrough
contactwiththe rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandle
mustoperateeasily in bothdirectionsandautomatically
returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.
15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwet grass.Alwaysbesureof
yourfooting. A slipand fall cancauseseriouspersonal
injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourfooting,releasethe
bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyand the bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthreeseconds.
16.Mowonly in daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.
18.Iftheequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineand checkimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis
generallya warningoftrouble.
4

19.Shuttheengineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto a
completestopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcheror unclog-
ging thechute.
The cuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefor afewsecondsafter
the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceany partofthe bodyin
the bladearea untilyouare surethe blade hasstopped
rotating.
20. Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrail shield,discharge
cover,grass catcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafety
protectivedevicesin placeand working.Neveroperate
mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo so can
resultin personalinjury.
21. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causea burn.Do
nottouch.
22.Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthismachineby
manufacturer.Failuretodo socanresultinpersonalinjury.
23. If situationsoccurwhich arenotcoveredin this manual,
usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor
assistance.Telephone[phone]for the nameofyour
nearestdealer.
Slope Operation
Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidents,which
can resultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra
caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyon a slope,do notmowit.Foryour
safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthismanualto
measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunitonaslopedor hilly
area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan 15degrees,donot mowit.
Do:
1. Mowacrossthefaceofslopes;neverupanddown.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
2. Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks, hiddenobjects,or bumpswhich
can causeyouto slipor trip. Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
3. Alwaysbesure ofyourfooting.A slip andfall cancause
seriouspersonalinjury.If youfeelyouarelosingyour
balance,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediately,and
the bladewill stoprotatingwithin3 seconds.
Do Not:
1. Donot mowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,you
could loseyourfootingorbalance.
2. Donot mowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownon
the slopegauge.
3. Donot mowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcause
slipping. Service
Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:
1. Toavoidpersonalinjury orpropertydamageuseextreme
care inhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable
andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan
occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselforyourclothes,
whichcanignite.
2. Washyourskin andchangeclothesimmediately.
3. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
4. Neverfillcontainersinsideavehicleoron a truckor trailer
bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainerson the
groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truck ortrailer
and refuelit onthe ground.If thisis notpossible,thenrefuel
suchequipmentonatrailerwitha portablecontainer,rather
thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.
6. Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimofthefueltank or
containeropeningat alltimesuntilfuelingis complete.Do
notusea nozzlelock-opendevice.
7. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
8. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill
accumulatein thearea.
9. Neverremovegascap oradd fuelwhileengineishot or
running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwo minutesbefore
refueling.
10.Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch
belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.
11.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
12.Ifgasolineis spilled,wipeitoff theengineand equipment.
Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting
engine.
13.Neverstorethe machineorfuel containernearanopen
flame,sparkor pilotlightasona waterheater,space
heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.
14.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,
orother debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand
removeanyfuel soakeddebris.
15.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService:
1. Neverrun anengineindoorsorin a poorlyventilatedarea.
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessand
deadlygas.
2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe
sparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe engineto prevent
unintendedstarting.
3. Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent
intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefor
damage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewiththe
originalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listed
inthismanual."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe original
equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformance
andcompromisesafety!"
4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor wear
gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip-
mentis insafeworkingcondition.
6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperopera-
tionregularly.
7. Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stopthe engine,discon-
nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.
Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerfor anydamage.Repairthe
damagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower.
8. Neverattemptto makeawheelor cuttingheightadjustment
whiletheengineis running.
9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail
shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould expose
movingpartsor allowobjectsto bethrown.Forsafety
protection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplaceim-
mediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)
partsonly,listedinthis manual."Useofpartswhichdo
notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"
10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating
speedoftheengine.
11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.
12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper
disposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
5
Operation
WARNING
This symbol points
out importantsafety
instructions,which if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safety and/or property
of yourselfand others.
Readand followall
instructions inthis man-
ual beforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failureto comply with
these instructionsmay
result in personalinjury.
Whenyou seethis
symbol.
HEED IT'S WARNING!
YourResponsibility
Restrictthe use
of this powermachine
to personswho read.
understand
and followthe warnings
and instructions
in this manua
and onthe machine.

Loose Parts
Cartoncontentsinclude:wheels,handles(upper&lower),bladecontrolhandle,chutedeflector,anda hardware
pack.Becertaintoremoveall loosepartsbeforediscardingthecarton.Forconvenienceofassembly,identifyand
separatethepiecesin thehardwarepackaccordingto Figure3-1below.A setofadjustablewrencheswillbe needed
forassembly.
Adjustment
Referenceto right, left
front, or backof the
lawnmower is from
the operatingposition
only, unlessotherwise
stated.
IMPORTANT:
This unit isshipped
without gasolineor oil
in the engine. Fill up
gasolineand oilas
instructedinthe accom-
panyingengine manual
BEFOREoperatingyour
mower.
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
Qty. 4
Qty. 2 Qty. 2
Figure3-1:ContentsoftheHardwarePack.
?
Qty. 2
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!_
Qty. 1
Qty. 1
6

Blade Control *blade
control may
Handle* be detached
UpperHandle LowerHandle
Figure3-2:Theupperandlowerhandles.
\
J
Figure3-3:Attachthelowerhandletothe bracketsondeck.
Spark Plug Wire
Disconnectsparkplugwirefromthesparkplugand
groundit againsttheengine.If engineisequippedwitha
rubberboot,attachrubberboottoa bolton theengine.
Thiswillpreventtheenginefromfiringduringassembly.
Attaching The Handles
Thelowerhandlehastwo flatendswiththreeholeseach,
onesmallandtwolarge.Theupperhandlehasindented
endswithone holeand mayhavethebladecontrol
handleattached,Figure3-2.
Attaching Lower Handle
NOTE:Usethe hardwarein Group 1 toattachthelower
handle.
1. Placethelowerhandleoverthehandlebracket
assembliesandpositioneachbracketstudintothe
topor bottomhole,Figure3-3.
2. Securewiththestarknobs,Figure3-3.Eachsideof
thelowerhandlemustbe positionedontothestudat
thesameposition.
Attaching Upper Handle
NOTE:Usethe hardwarein Group 2 toattachtheupper
handle.
1. Placetheupperhandleinpositionoverthelower
handlekeepingthe bladecontrolhandlefacingup.
2. Securetheupperhandletothelowerhandleusingthe
carriageboltsandstar knobs,Figure3-4.Makesure
thatthecarriageboltheadsgoon theoutsideofthe
handle.
Referenceto right,left,
front, or backof the
lawn mowerisfrom
the operating position
only,unlessotherwise
stated.
Figure3-4:Attachtheupperhandletothelowerhandle.
7

-- Attaching Blade Control
Curve, E., Ifthebladecontrolhandlebecamedisplacedeitherduring
cableis attachedtothe
enginefrom the factory.
Youwill needto attach
thefree endof the cable
o the upper handle.
Figure3-5:Installthe bladecontrolhandle(ifneeded).
f
Figure3-6:Attachthe bladecontrolcable.
f
\
Figure3-7:Securecabletolowerhandleusingacabletie.
shippingorduringassembly,reassembleitnow.Ifthe
bladecontrolhandleisfirmlyinplace,youmayproceedto
thenextstep.
1. Insertthecurvedendofthebladecontrolhandleinto
therighthole,StepA Figure3-5.Squeezethehandle
in andinsertthestraightendof thebladecontrol
handleintothe leftholeoftheupperhandle,StepB
Figure3-5.
2. Squeezethebladecontrolhandleagainsttheupper
handletocheckforproperassembly.Theholeinthe
bladecontrolhandlemustbeon theleftsideandthe
controlhandlemusttouchtheupperhandlewhen
squeezed.
Attaching Blade Control
Cable
1. Routethecableunderthelowerhandle.Pressthe
snapfittingintotheholeon theupperhandleas
shownin Figure3-6.
2. Hookthe"Z"endof thebladecontrolcableintothe
bladecontrolhandlefromtheoutsidetotheinside,
Figure3-6.
Securing the Cable
NOTE:UsethehardwareinGroup 3to securetheblade
controlcable.
Thecablemustberoutedproperlytoavoidcontactwith
allsharpedgesand hotsurfaces.Suchcontactsdamage
thecableandrenderthecontrolsinoperative.
1. Securethecabletothelowerleft handlenearthe
baseoftheunitwith acabletie,Figure3-7.Trimoff
-_ anyexcess.
Attaching Wheels
NOTE:UsethehardwareinGroup4 to securethe
wheels.
1. Placethemoweron blocksupoff oftheground.
2. Placethelargertwowheelsonthe rearpivotarm
axlesandsecurewiththeflangedlocknuts,Figure
3-8.
3. Repeatwiththetwo smallerwheelsonthefrontpivot
armaxles,Figure3-8.
4. Removeblocksand putthemoweronground.
IMPORTANT:
Thisunit isshipped
without gasolineor
oil inthe engine. Fill
up gasolineand oil
_sinstructedin the
accompanyingengine
"nanualBEFORE
operatingyour mower.
J
8

Figure3-8:Installthewheels.
Figure3-9:Installthe chutedeflector.
.....; ..... •...... ,,
J
1. Aligntheholesonthechutedeflectorwiththe
correspondingholeson thedeck.
2. Securewithself-tappingscrewsandbellwashers
fromundersideofthedeckandupthroughthechute
deflector,Figure3-9.
Attaching Recoil Starter
NOTE:Usethe hardwarein Group 6 tosecuretherecoil
starter.
1. Looselyattachtheropeguidetotheoutsideofthe
upperhandleandthreadthewingnutonlyafew
turns,Figure3-10.Donottighten.
2. Depressthebladecontrolhandle.
3. Pulltherecoilstarteroutoftheengine.
4. Slipthe ropethroughthe ropeguideas shownin
Figure3-10.Tightenthewingnuttosecuretherope
guide.
Reattach The Spark Plug
Wire
Reattachthesparkplugwiretothesparkplug.if engine
isequippedwitha rubberboot,makesuretherubber
bootsnapsdownontothesparkplug.
iMPORTANT:
i This unitisshipped
without gasolineoroil
inthe engine. Fill up
} gasolineand oil as
i instructedinthe accom-
i panyingenginemanual
BEFOREoperatingyour
i mower.
f
Figure3-10:Securetherecoilstarter.
9

WARNING
Alwaysstop engine,
disconnect spark plug,
and ground against
engine beforeperform-
ing adjustments.
IMPORTANT:
Allwheels must be
placed in the same
position. Forroughor
uneven lawns,movethe
wheelsto a higher posi-
[ionto preventscalping
of grass.
Adjustments
_l lways stop engine, disconnect
spark plug, and groundagainst
engine before performing
adjustments.
Cutting Height
Eachwheelhasa heightadjustmentlevertochangethe
cuttingheightof themower.
1. Depressthelevertowardsthewheelandslidethe
leverassemblytodesiredpositiontochangethe
cuttingheight,Figure3-11.
IMPORTANT:Allwheelsmustbepositionedatthe
sameheight.
Handle Height
Forconvenienceofoperating,youmayadjustthehandle
heightasfollows:
1. Removethestarterropefromtheropeguide.
2. Removethestar knobsshownin Figure3-12and
removethelowerhandles.
3. Positioneachhandlebracketstudintotheappropriate
holeinthelowerhandle,Figure3-12.Eachendof the
lowerhandlemustbe placedin thesameposition.
4. Attachandtightenthestarknobs.
5. Reinsertstarterropeintoropeguide.Forinstructions,
refertopage9.
Remembertoattachthesparkplugwireaftercompleting
theadjustmentsand beforeoperatingyourmower.
f
Figure3-11:Adjustingthe cuttingheight. Figure3-12:Adjustingthehandleheight. J
10

NOTES
11

Your LaWn
Know Your Lawn Mower
BladeControl Handle
RecoilStarter
WARNING
Height
Adjustment
Lever(front
and rear)
This blade con|rol isa
_afety device. Do not
bypass itsoperations.
Useextreme care
when handling
gasoline. Gasoline is
extremelyflammable
andthe vapors are
explosive. Neverfuel
the machine indoors
or while the engine
is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes and
other sources of
ignition.
ChuteDeflector
Figure4-1:Themaincomponentsonthemower.(Model034Dshown)
Nowthatyouhaveassembledyourlawnmower,it's importanttobecomeaquaintedwithits controlsandfeatures.
Blade Control Handle
Thebladecontrolhandleisattachedtotheupper
handle.Depressand squeezeitagainsttheupper
handletooperatetheunit.Releaseittostoptheengine
andblade.
_ WARNING:This blade control handle is
a safety device. Neverattempt to bypass
itsoperations.
Cutting Height Adjustment
Levers
Oneadjustmentleveris locatedoneachwheelandis
usedtoadjustthecuttingheight.All fourwheelsmustbe
movedtothesameheighttoensurea uniformcut.
Recoil Starter
Therecoilstarterisattachedtotherightupperhandle.
Standbehindtheunit,depressbladecontrol,and pull
therecoilstarterropeto starttheunit.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
1. Checkoillevelandaddoil if necessary.Followengine
manualforthis.
2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe
enginemanual.
,_ WARNING:Useextremecarewhen
handlinggasoline. Gasolineisextremely
flammableand thevapors are explosive.
Neverfuel the machine indoorsor while the engine is
hot or running.Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes
and other sources of ignition.
12

iiiii iii! ii ii! iiiiiii il!
_ARNING:The operationof any lawn
mowercan result in foreign objects being
thrownintothe eyes,whichcandamage
youreyesseverely.Alwayswearsafetyglasses
whileoperatingthe mower orwhileperformingany
adjustmentsor repairsonit.
Starting Engine
_ WARNING:Besurenooneotherthan the
operatorisstandingnearthe lawnmower
whilestarting engineoroperating mower.
Neverrunengine indoorsor inenclosed,poorly
ventilatedareas.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon
monoxide,an odorless and deadly gas.Keephands,
feet, hair and looseclothingaway from any moving
partson engineand lawnmower.
1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwo seconds
betweeneachpush,Figure4-2.Intemperature
around55°For below,primefivetimes.Donotprime
torestarta warmengine.
NOTE:Forthe locationof the primeron yourmower,
refertothe enginemanualshippedwith yourunit.
.
3.
Standingbehindthemower,squeezetheblade
controlhandleagainstupperhandle,Figure4-2.
Holdingthesetwohandlestogetherfirmly,grasp
recoilstarterhandleandpull ropeoutwitha rapid,
continuous,fullarmstroke,Figure4-2.Keepinga firm
griponthestarterhandle,letthe roperewindslowly.
Repeatuntilenginecranks.Lettheroperewindeach
timeslowly.
Using Your Lawn Mower
Besurethelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other
objectswhichcoulddamagethelawnmoweror the
engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidentlythrownbythe
mowerin anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjury
totheoperatorandothers.
,_11 WARNING:if youstrikeaforeign object,
stop the engine.Removewire from the
spark plug, thoroughly inspectthemower
for any damage,and repair the damagebefore
restartingand operating the mower.Extensive vibra-
tion of the mowerduring operation isan indicationof
damage.The unit shouldbe promptlyinspectedand
repaired.
o
o
Operating Tips
Forbestresults,do notcutwetgrass.
Newgrass,thickgrass,orwet grassmayrequirea
narrowercut.
•Fora healthierlawn,nevercutmorethanone-thirdof
thetotallengthofthegrass.
•Yourlawnshouldbecut inthefallaslongasthere
isgrowth.
•Adjustgroundspeedaccordingto conditionof lawn.
Figure4-2:Tostartmower,primetheengine,squeezeblade
controlhandle,andpullrecoilstarter.
Stopping Engine
1. Releasebladecontrolhandleto stoptheengineand
theblade.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainsttheengine.
Your LaWn
Mower
WARNING
The operationof any
lawn mower can result
in foreign objects
being thrown into
the eyes, which can
damage your eyes
severely. Alwayswear
safety glasseswhile
operating the mower,
or while performing
anyadjustments or
repairs on it.
Be sure no one other
than the operator is
standing nearthe lawn
mower while starting
engine or operating
mower.Never run
engineindoors or
in enclosed, poorly
ventilated areas. En-
gineexhaust contains
carbonmonoxide, an
odorless and deadly
gas. Keep hands, feet,
hair and loose clothing
away from any moving
parts on engine and
lawn mower.
13

WARNING
Always stopengine,
disconnect spark
plug, and ground
against engine before
performingany type
of maintenance on
your machine.
Nevertip the mower
morethan900inany
directionanddonot
leavethe mowertipped
for anylengthoftime.
Oilcandraininto
the upperpartofthe
engine.
NOTE:Donot usea
pressurewasheror
gardenhoseto clean
the mower.These
maycausedamageto
electriccomponents,
spindles,pulleys,bear-
ings,ortheengine.The
useofwaterwUlresult
inshortenedlifeand
reduceserviceability.
Recommendations
• Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
maintenancework.
Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse
or negligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthelawnmowerasinstructed
here.
• Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoidengine
warranty.
• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.
_ARNING:Alwaysstopengine,disconnect
sparkplug, and ground against engine
beforecleaning,lubricating, or performinganykind
of maintenanceon yourmachine.
Lubrication
• Lubricatepivotpointsonthe bladecontrolhandleat
leastoncea seasonwithlightoil.Thebladecontrol
mustoperatefreelyinbothdirections,Figure5-1.
• Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil (or motoroil).Ifwheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatesurfaceoftheaxleboltandinner
surfaceofthewheelwithlightoil,Figure5-1.
• Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointonthe
chutedeflectorperiodicallywith lightoilto prevent
rust,Figure5-1.
• Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforengine
lubricationscheduleand instructions.
Figure5-1:Lubricationareasonthemower.
Cleaning the Mower
Cleanundersideofthe mowerdeckaftereachuseto
preventbuild-upofgrassclippingsorotherdebris.
_ARNING:Nevertip the mowermorethan 90°
inany directionand do not leavethe mower
tipped for any length of time. Oil can drainintothe
upper partof the enginecausingastartingproblem.
NOTE:Referto Engine Manualfor location of engine
components.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.
2. Draingasolineor placea pieceofplasticunderthegas
cap.
3. Tipthemowersothat itrestsonthehousing.Keep
thesidewiththeaircleanerfacingup.Holdthemower
firmly.
4. Scrapeandcleanthe undersidedthedeckwitha
suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.
5. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsontheground.Ifyou
hadputplasticunderthegascapearlier,makesureto
removeit now.
Blade Care
,_lk WARNING:Whenremovingthe cutting blade
for sharpeningor replacement, protectyour
handswith a pairof heavy gloves or usea heavy rag
to hold the blade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,
especiallyifyoustrikea foreignobject.Replacewhen
necessary.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn
moweronitssidemakingsurethat theair filterand the
carburetorareup.
2. Removetheboltandthebladebellsupportwhich
holdthebladeandthebladeadaptertotheengine
crankshaftFigure5-2.
f
Figure5-2:Thebladeandcorrespondinghardware.
14

3, Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft,
Figure5-2.
4, Thebladecanbesharpenedwitha fileor ona grind-
ingwheel.Donotattempttosharpenthebladewhile
itis stillonthemower.Whensharpeningtheblade,
followtheoriginalangleofgrind.Grindeachcutting
edgeequallytokeepthebladebalanced,
5. Removebladefromtheadapterandbalanceon a
roundshaftscrewdriverfortestingbalance.Remove
metalfromtheheavysideuntilit balancesevenly.
,_ WARNING:Anunbalanced bladewill cause
excessivevibration when rotating at high
speeds, it maycause damageto mower and could
breakcausing personal injury.
6. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurface
ofthebladeadapterwith lightoil.Slidetheblade
adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.
7. Placethebladeontheadaptersuchthattheside
oftheblademarked"Bottom"(or withpartnumber)
facesgroundwhenthemowerisintheoperating
position.Makesurethat thebladeisalignedand
seatedonbladeadapterflanges.
8. Placebladebellsupporton theblade.Align notches
onthebladebellsupportwithsmallholesinblade.
9. Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450
in.Ibs.rain.,600in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically
checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.
Off-Season Storage
Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakento prepareyourlawn
mowerforstorage.
• Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin
thelubricationinstructions.
• Donotusea pressurewasheror gardenhoseto
cleanyourunit.
Refertoenginemanualforcorrectenginestorage
instructions.
Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto
preventrusting.
Storemowerin adry,cleanarea.Donotstorenextto
corrosivematerials,suchasfertilizer.
Whenstoringanytypeofpowerequipmentin a poorly
ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetakento
rust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoilor silicone,coat
theequipment,especiallycablesandall movingpartsof
yourlawnmowerbeforestorage.
15
WARNING
When removingthe
cutting blade for
sharpening or replace-
ment, protect your
hands with a pair of
heavy gloves or use a
heavy rag to hold the
blade.
An unbalancedblade
will cause excessive
vibrationwhen rotat-
ing at high speeds, it
may cause damage
to mower and could
break causing per-
sonal injury.
Do not use a pressure
washer or garden
hoseto clean your
unit. These may cause
damage to electric
components, spindles,
pulleys, bearings, or
the engine. The use
of water will result
in shortened life and
reduce serviceability.

repairsbeyond
theminoradjustments
listed here, contact
an authorizedservice
_i_i_i_ i i_ ii_i_ i i_i_ _/_iii_ii
Problem Cause Remedy
Engine fails to Start i. Blade controldisengaged. Engagebiadecontrol
sparkp!ugwiredisconnected: I conBect WiretoSparkp!ug_
3. Fueltankemptyorstalefuel. 3. Fi Itankwith clean,freshgasoline.
4. Enginenotchoked. 4. Chokeengineas instructedinthe
OPe[atingYOU[LawnMower section•
5: Faultysparkp ug 5, Clean,adjustgap,or replace.
6. BloCkedfuel linel 6, cieanfueliinel
7: Engineflooded. 7: Wait afew minutesto iestart,but do
I notprime:
Enginerunserratic 1. Sparkplugwireloose.
2. Blockedfuel lineor stalefuel.
3. Ventingascap plugged.
4. Wateror dirt infuel system.
5. Dirtyair cleaner.
6. Carburetorout ofadjustment.
1. Connectandtightensparkplugwire.
2. Cleanfuelline;filltank withclean,
freshgasoline.
3. Clearvent.
4. Drainfueltank. Refillwithfreshfuel.
5. Referto enginemanual.
6. Referto enginemanual.
Engine overheats 1 Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil.
2....A rfow restrcted I 2 Removebower housngand cean
3. Carburetornotadjustedpropery. 3• Referto engne manua.
Occasional skips 1. Sparkpluggap tooclose. 1. Adjust gapto .030-inch.
(hesitates) at high speed 2. Carburetoridlemixtureadjustment 2. Referto enginemanual.
improperlyset.
Idles poorly 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gaptoo wide. 1. Resetgapto .030-inchor replace
sparkpug.
2 Carburetorimproperlyadjusted 2. Referto enginemanual.
. 3. Dirtyair cleaner. 3. Referto enginemanual.
Excessive Vibration 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.Balance
blade.
2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. See anauthorizedservicedealer.
Mower will not mulch grass 1 Wetgrass• 1. Donot mowwhengrassiswet wait
untillatertocut.
2. Excessivelyhighgrass. 2. Mowonceatahighcuttingheight,
then mowagainatdesiredheightor
I makeanarrowercuttingpath.
, 3. Du bade. , 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.
Uneven cut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsinsame
heightposition.
2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.
ii_ i!_i_ii_ii_I _ii i ii _i i
NOTE:SpeCifications are
SubjeCt to change without
notification or obligation.
!mage s my not reflect your
exact model and are for
[efe[ence purposes oniy:
i
16

iii i_ _ iiii
ii i _iI_ii
17

fJ_
18

1 710-1205 EyeBolt
2 720-0279 WingNut
3 747-1161A BladeControlHandle
4 749-1092A UpperHandle
5 746-0957 BladeControlCable-37.25 inch
746-0946 BladeControlCable-48.25inch
746-1130 BladeControlCable-40.00inch
6 749-04037 LowerHandle
7 725-0157 CableTie
8 787-01097 DeckAssembly22-inch
9 710-0654A TTScrew3/8-16x 1.0
10 748-0376C BiadeAdapter
11 742-0642A StandardBiade22-inch
12 736-0524B BladeBellSupport
13 710-1044 Screw3/8-24x 1.5
14 712-04065 LockNut3/8-16
15 741-0751 HeightAdjusterBearing
16 687-02094 PivotArm
17 687-02051 LeverAssembly
18 736-0741 BeiiWasher.760IDx 1.25OD
19 738-1172 ShoulderScrew
20 734-1988 FrontWheel7 x 1.8
21 710-0599 TT Screw1/4-20x .5
22 736-0270 BellWasher.265IDx .75OD
23 710-0216 Screw3/8-16x .75
24 738-1173 ShoulderScrew
25 734-1987 RearWheel8 x 1.8
26 682-3064 HandleBracketAssemblyRH
682-3065 HandleBracketAssemblyLH
27 720-04072 StarKnob
28 731-04019 Trailshield
29 17098 HingeClip
30 710-1174 CarriageBolt5/16-18x2
31 731-1035B ChuteDeflector
32 732-1014 TorsionSpring
33 17032A ChuteHinge
34 747-0710 HingePin
35 731-1034B HingedChuteDeflectorAssembly
_FACTORY PARTS
Toorder replacement
parts,call1-800-800-7310
or visitus onthe webat
www.mtdproducts.com
19

MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR
ThelimitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenbyMTDLLCwithrespect
tonewmerchandisepurchasedandusedin theUnitedStates,its
possessionsandterritories.
"MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsinmaterialandworkman-
shipfora periodoftwo (2)yearscommencingonthedateoforiginal
purchaseandwill,at itsoption,repairor replace,freeofcharge,any
partfoundto bedefectiveinmaterialsorworkmanship.Thislimitedwar-
rantyshallonlyapplyif thisproducthasbeenoperatedand maintained
inaccordancewiththeOperator'sManualfurnishedwiththeproduct,
andhasnotbeensubjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,
accident,impropermaintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft,fire,water,
ordamagebecauseofotherperilor naturaldisaster.Damageresulting
fromthe installationor useofanypart,accessoryor attachmentnot
approvedby MTDforusewiththeproduct(s)coveredbythis manual
willvoidyourwarrantyastoanyresultingdamage.
Normalwearpartsarewarrantedto befreefromdefectsinmaterialand
workmanshipfora periodofthirty(30)daysfromthedateof purchase.
Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuchas: batter-
ies,belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,
snowthrowerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.
NOW TO OBTAINSERVICE: Warrantyservice isavailable,WITH
PROOFOF PURCHASE,throughyour localauthorized service
dealer.Tolocate the dealer in yourarea, check yourYellowPages,
or contact MTDLLCat RO. Box361131,Cleveland,Ohio 44136-
0019,or call 1-800-800-7310or 1-330-220-4683 or log on to our
Website at www.mtdproducts.com.
Thislimitedwarrantydoesnot providecoverageinthefollowingcases:
a. Theengineor componentpartsthereof.Theseitemsmaycarrya
separatemanufacturer'swarranty.Refertoapplicablemanufacturer's
warrantyfortermsandconditions.
b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershavea separateoneyear
warranty.
c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchaslubricants,filters,blade
sharpening,tune-ups,brakeadjustments,clutchadjustments,deck
adjustments,andnormaldeteriorationoftheexteriorfinishdueto
useor exposure.
d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthananauthorizedservice
dealer.
e. MTDdoesnotextendanywarrantyforproductssoldor exported
outsideoftheUnitedStates,its possessionsandterritories,except
thosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorizedchannelsofexportdistribution.
f. ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts.
g. Transportationchargesandservicecalls.
Noimpliedwarranty,includingany impliedwarranty of mer-
chantabilityof fitness for a particular purpose,appliesafter the
applicable periodof expresswritten warranty aboveasto the
partsasidentified.Nootherexpresswarranty, whetherwritten or
oral, exceptas mentioned above,givenby anypersonor entity,
includingadealeror retailer, withrespect to any product,shall
bindMTD.Duringthe periodof the warranty,the exclusiveremedy
isrepairor replacementof the productas setforth above.
Theprovisionsasset forth inthis warrantyprovidethesoleand
exclusiveremedy arising from the sale.MTDshallnot be liable
for incidentalor consequentiallossor damageincluding,without
limitation, expensesincurredfor substituteor replacementlawn
careservicesor for rentalexpensesto temporarily replacea
warranted product.
Somestatesdo notallowtheexclusionor limitationofincidentalor
consequentialdamages,or limitationsonhowlongan impliedwarranty
lasts,sotheaboveexclusionsorlimitationsmaynotapplytoyou.
Innoeventshallrecoveryofanykindbegreaterthantheamountofthe
purchasepriceof theproductsold.Alterationof safetyfeaturesof
the product shallvoid this warranty. Youassumetheriskandliability
forloss,damage,or injurytoyouandyourpropertyand/ortoothersand
theirpropertyarisingoutofthemisuseor inabilitytousethe product.
Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendtoanyoneotherthantheoriginal
purchaserorto thepersonforwhomitwas purchasedasa gift.
HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHISWARRANTY:This limited
warrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,and youmayalsohaveother
rightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofof Purchasetoobtain
warrantycoverage.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136=0019; Phone: 1=800=800=7310, 1=330=220=4683