MTD 030 Series User manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips &Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
AOAL
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,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw
(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester
forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,
Ohio44136-0019.
FORMNO.769-00901C
PRINTEDIN U.S.A MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136-0019 11/16/2006

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
MTDLLCreservestherighttochangeproductspecifications,designs,andequipmentwithoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation.
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREYOUBEGINTOASSEMBLEYOURNEW
EQUIPMENT,pleaselocatethemodel plateon the
equipmentandcopytheinformationto thesample
modelplateprovidedtothe right.Youcanlocatethe
modelplatebystandingatthe operatingpositionand
lookingdownatthe rearofthedeck.Thisinformation
will benecessaryto usethemanufacturer'sweb
site,to obtainassistancefromtheCustomerSup-
port Department,orwhencontactingan authorized
servicedealer.
f
Model Number Serial Number
MTD LLC
P.O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330-220-4683
, www.mtdproducts.com 800-800-731
Customer Support
Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
Ifyou havedifficultyassemblingthis productorhaveanyquestionsregardingthecontrols,operation,or
maintenanceofthis unit,youcan seekhelp fromtheexperts.Choosefromtheoptionsbelow:
= Visitwww.mtdproducts.com
• CallaCustomerSupportRepresentativeat 1-800-800-7310.
• Theengine manufacturer isresponsibleforall engine-relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-
rating,specifications,warrantyandservice.Pleaserefertothe enginemanufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's
Manual,packedseparatelywith your unit,for moreinformation.
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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 complywith these
instructionsmay result
i in personalinjury.When
youseethis symbol.
i HEED ITS WARNING!
i Your Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read.
i understand
andfollow thewarnings
and instructions
I. =nthis manual
and onthe machine.
WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of its constituents,and certain vehiclecompo-
nentscontain or emit chemicals known to Stateof Californiato cause cancerand
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: This machine was builtto be operatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operation in this
manual.As with anytypeof powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operator
can resultin serious injury.This machineis capable of amputatinghandsand feet and throwing
objects. Failureto observethe following safety instructionscouldresult in seriousinjury or death.
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 otherobjectsthatmayobscure
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 a safeplaceforfuture
andregularreferenceandfor orderingreplacementparts.
2. Thismachineisaprecisionpieceof powerequipment,
nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all
times.Yourunithas beendesignedto performonejob: to
mowgrass.Do notuseit for anyotherpurpose.
3. Neverallow childrenunder 14yearsoldto operatethis
machine.Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand
understandthe instructionsinthis manualandshould
betrainedand supervisedbya 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 repairtoprotect
youreyes.Thrownobjectswhich ricochetcancauseserious
injurytothe eyes.
7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesand close-fitting
slacksandshirts. Shirtsandpantsthatcoverthe armsand
legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended.Neveroperate
this machinein barefeet,sandals,slipperyor light-weight
(e.g.canvas)shoes.
8. Do notputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor undercutting
deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.
9. Amissingor damageddischargecovercancauseblade
contactor thrownobject injuries.
10.Manyinjuriesoccurasa resultofthe mowerbeingpulled
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.Thebladecontrolhandleisasafetydevice.Neverattempt
tobypassitsoperation.Doingso makesthe safetydevice
inoperativeandmayresult in personalinjurythrough
contactwiththe rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandle
mustoperateeasily in bothdirectionsandautomatically
returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.
15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbesureof
yourfooting. A slipand fall cancauseseriouspersonal
injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourfooting,releasethe
bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyand the bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthreeseconds.
16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.
18.If the equipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineand checkimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis
generallya warningoftrouble.
4

19.Shutthe engineoffandwaituntilthe bladecomestoa
completestopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcherorunclog-
gingthe chute.
Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefora few secondsafter
the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceany partofthe bodyin
the bladeareauntilyouaresurethe bladehasstopped
rotating.
20.Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,discharge
cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleorothersafety
protectivedevicesin placeand working.Neveroperate
mowerwith damagedsafetydevices.Failureto doso can
resultin personalinjury.
21.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Do
nottouch.
22.Only usepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthis machineby
manufacturer.Failuretodoso can resultin personalinjury.
23. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis manual,
usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor
assistance.
Slope Operation
Slopesare amajorfactorrelatedtoslip andfall accidents,which
canresultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra
caution.If youfeeluneasyona slope,do notmowit. Foryour
safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthis manualto
measureslopesbeforeoperatingthis uniton aslopedorhilly
area.Ifthe slopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donotmowit.
Do:
1. Mowacrossthefaceofslopes;neverupand down.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
2. Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects,or bumps
whichcancauseyouto slipor trip. Tallgrasscan hide
obstacles.
3. Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slipand fallcan cause
seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeel youarelosingyour
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 notmowonwet grass.Unstablefootingcouldcause
slipping. Service
Safe Handling Of Gasoline:
1. Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextreme
carein handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable
and thevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjury can
occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselfor your clothes,
which canignite.Washyourskin andchangeclothes
immediately.
2. Use onlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.
3. Neverfillcontainersinsideavehicleor ona truckortrailer
bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe
groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
4. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truckor trailer
and refueliton theground.If thisisnot possible,then refuel
suchequipmenton atrailer withaportablecontainer,rather
thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.
5. Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimofthe fueltankor
containeropeningatall timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Do
not usea nozzlelock-opendevice.
6. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
7. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill
accumulatein thearea.
8. Neverremovegascap oradd fuelwhileengineishot or
running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwo minutesbefore
refueling.
9. Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch
belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.
10.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
11.If gasolineis spilled,wipe itoff theengineand equipment.
Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting
engine.
12.Neverstorethe machineorfuel containernearanopen
flame,sparkor pilotlightas ona waterheater,space
heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.
13.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,
orother debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand
removeanyfuel soakeddebris.
14.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService:
1. Neverrun anengineindoorsorin a poorlyventilatedarea.
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorless
anddeadlygas.
2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe
sparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe engineto prevent
unintendedstarting.
3. Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent
intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectblade
fordamage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewith
theoriginalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,
listedin thismanual."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe
originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improper
performanceand compromisesafety!"
4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor
weargloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip-
mentis insafeworkingcondition.
6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproper
operationregularly.
7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,discon-
nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.
Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerfor anydamage.Repairthe
damagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower.
8. Neverattemptto makeawheelor cuttingheightadjust-
mentwhilethe engineisrunning.
9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail
shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould
exposemovingpartsor allowobjectstobethrown.For
safetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsand re-
placeimmediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's
(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedin thismanual."Useofparts
whichdo notmeetthe originalequipmentspecifications
mayleadtoimproperperformanceand compromise
safety!"
10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating
speedoftheengine.
11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.
12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper
disposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
Practices
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.
Whenyousee this
symbol.
HEED iT'S WARNING!
Your Responsibility
Restrictthe use
of this powermachine
to personswho read.
understand
and followthe warnings
and instructions
in this manua
and onthe machine.
5

Adjustment
Referenceto right, left,
front, or backof the
lawn moweris from
the operatingposition
only, unlessotherwise
stated.
IMPORTANT:
This unit isshipped
without gasolineor oil
inthe engine. Fillup
gasolineand oilas
instructedin the accom-
panyingenginemanual
BEFOREoperatingyour
mower.
NOTE:This Operator's
Manualcoversseveral
models.Lawn Mower
featuresvary by
model.Notall features
discussed (orengines
pictured)inthis manual
are applicableto all
LawnMowermodels.
Loose Parts
Cartoncontentsinclude:wheels,handles(upper&lower),bladecontrol,chutedeflector,anda hardwarepack.Be
certainto removeall loosepartsbeforediscardingthecarton.Forconvenienceofassembly,identifyandseparatethe
piecesin thehardwarepackaccordingto Figure3-1below.A setofadjustablewrencheswillbe neededforassembly.
Qty. 2
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
--1 Qty. 1
Qty. 4
Qty. 2 Qty. 2
;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
iii ii;ii!i!i!i
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
Qty. 1
Qty. 1
Figure3-1:ContentsoftheHardwarePack.
6

Control *blade
control may
be detached
UpperHandle LowerHandle
_=
Figure3-2:Theupperandlowerhandles.
" \
_J
J
Figure3-3:Attachthelowerhandletothe bracketsondeck.
f ',,,
Spark Plug Wire
Disconnectsparkplugwirefromthesparkplugand
groundit againsttheengine.If engineisequippedwitha
rubberboot,attachrubberboottoa bolton theengine.
Thiswillpreventtheenginefromfiringduringassembly.
Attaching The Handles
Thelowerhandlehastwo flatendswiththreeholeseach,
onesmallandtwolarge.Theupperhandlehasindented
endswithone holeand mayhavethebladecontrol
attached.SeeFigure3-2.
Attaching LowerHandle
NOTE:UsethehardwareinGroup 1toattachthelower
handle.
1. Placethelowerhandleoverthehandlebracket
assembliesandpositioneachbracketstudintothe
topor bottomhole.SeeFigure3-3.
2. Securewiththestarknobs,Figure3-3.Eachsideof
thelowerhandlemustbe positionedontothestudat
thesameposition.
Attaching Upper Handle
NOTE:UsethehardwareinGroup 2 toattachtheupper
handle.
1. Placetheupperhandleinpositionoverthelower
handlekeepingthe bladecontrolhandlefacingup.
2. Securetheupperhandletothelowerhandleusingthe
carriageboltsandstar knobs.SeeFigure3-4.Make
surethatthecarriageboltheadsgo ontheoutsideof
thehandle.
Referenceto right,left,
front,or back ofthe
lawn mowerisfrom
the operating position
only,unless otherwise
stated.
Figure3-4:Attachtheupperhandletothelowerhandle.
7

i i i i I
Adj. tmo.t
Theblade control
cableis attachedto the
enginefrom the factory.
Youwill needto attach
the free end ofthe cable
:othe upper handle.
MPORTANT:
Thisunit isshipped
without gasolineor
oil inthe engine. Fill
up gasolineand oi
as instructedin the
accompanyingengine
manual BEFORE
operatingyour mower.
Straight End
Figure3-5:Installthe bladecontrol(ifneeded).
f-
Attaching Blade Control
Ifthebladecontrolbecamedisplacedeitherduringshipping
orduringassembly,reassembleitnow.Ifthebladecontrol
isfirmlyin place,youmayproceedtothenextstep.
1. Insertthecurvedendofthebladecontrolintotheright
hole.SeeStepA, Figure3-5.Squeezethe handlein
andinsertthestraightendofthebladecontrolintothe
left holeoftheupperhandle.SeeStepB,Figure3-5.
2. Squeezethebladecontrolagainsttheupperhandleto
checkforproperassembly.Theholeinthebladecontrol
mustbeontheleftsideandthecontrolhandlemust
touchtheupperhandlewhensqueezed.
Attaching Blade Control Cable
1. Routethecableunderthelowerhandle.Pressthe
snapfittingintotheholeon theupperhandleasshown
in Figure3-6.
2. Hookthe"Z"endof thebladecontrolcableintothe
bladecontrolfromtheoutsidetotheinside.See Figure
3-6.
Securing the Cable
NOTE:Usethehardwarein Group 3to securetheblade
controlcable.
Thecablemustberoutedproperlytoavoidcontactwithall
sharpedgesandhotsurfaces.Suchcontactsdamagethe
cableand renderthecontrolsinoperative.
1. Securethecabletothelowerlefthandlenearthebase
oftheunitwitha cabletie. SeeFigure3-7.Trimoffany
excess.
Figure3-6:Attachthe bladecontrolcable.
i
Figure3-7:Securecableto lowerhandleusingacabletie.
8

/
Figure3-8:Installthewheels.
Figure3-9:Installthe chutedeflector.
Attaching Wheels
NOTE:UsethehardwareinGroup4 tosecurethe
wheels.
1. Placethemoweronblocksupoff oftheground.
2. Placethelargertwowheelson therearpivotarm
axlesandsecurewiththeflangedlocknuts.See
Figure3-8.
3. Repeatwiththetwosmallerwheelson thefrontpivot
armaxles.SeeFigure3-8.
4. Removeblocksandputthemoweron ground.
Attaching Chute Deflector
NOTE:UsethehardwareinGroup5 tosecurethechute
.y/ deflector.
1. Aligntheholesonthechutedeflectorwiththe
correspondingholeson thedeck.
2. Securewithself-tappingscrewsandbellwashers
fromundersideofthedeckandupthroughthechute
deflector.See Figure3-9.
Attaching Recoil Starter
NOTE:UsethehardwareinGroup6 tosecuretherecoil
starter.
1. Looselyattachtheropeguidetotheoutsideofthe
upperhandleandthreadthewingnutonlyafew
turns.See Figure3-10.Donottighten.
2. Depressthebladecontrol.
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 unitis shipped
i without gasolineor oil
inthe engine. Fill up
gasolineand oil as
, instructedinthe accom-
i panyingengine manual
BEFOREoperatingyour
mower.
Figure3-10:Securetherecoilstarter. J
9

WAR N!NG
disconnectsparkplug;
and ground against
enginebefore perform'
ing adjustments:
IMPORTANT:
Allwheels must be
_lacedinthe same
position. Forrough or
uneven lawns,movethe
wheelsto a higher posi-
tionto preventscalping
of grass.
Adjustments
_IL ARNING: Alwaysstopengine,
disconnect spark plug, and ground
against engine before performing
adjustments.
Cutting Height
Eachwheelhasa heightadjustmentlevertochangethe
cuttingheightof themower.
1. Depressthelevertowardsthewheel.
2. Slidethe leverassemblyto desiredpositionto
changethecuttingheight.See Figure3-11.
3. Releaselevertowardsdeck.
IMPORTANT:Allwheelsmustbepositionedatthe
sameheight.
Handle Height
Forconvenienceofoperating,youmayadjustthehandle
heightasfollows:
1. Removethestarterropefromtheropeguide.
2. Removethestar knobsshowninFigure3-12and
removethelowerhandles.
3. Positioneachhandlebracketstudintotheappropriate
holeinthelowerhandle.SeeFigure3-12.Eachendof
thelowerhandlemustbeplacedin thesameposition.
4. Attachandtightenthestarknobs.
5. Reinsertstarterropeintoropeguide.Forinstructions,
refertopage9.
Remembertoattachthesparkplugwireaftercompleting
theadjustmentsand beforeoperatingyourmower.
d..............................", F,,
it /................
Figure3-11:Adjustingthe cuttingheight. \ Figure3-12:Adjustingthehandleheight. J
10

NOTES
11

WARNING
This bladecontrol is a
safety device. Do not
bypass its operations.
Useextreme care
when handling
gasoline.Gasoline is
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive. Never fuel
the machine indoors
or while the engine
ishot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes and
other sources of
ignition.
Know Your Lawn Mower
BladeControl
RecoilStarter
Cutting Height
Adjustment
Levers(oneat
eachwheel)
!
Figure4-1:Themaincomponentsonthemower.
Nowthatyouhaveassembledyourlawnmower,it's importanttobecomeacquaintedwithits controlsandfeatures.
Blade Control
Thebladecontrolisattachedtotheupperhandle.
Depressandsqueezeit againsttheupperhandleto
operatetheunit.Releaseittostoptheengineand
blade.
_ARNING:This blade controlisa safety
device. Neverattempt to bypass its
operations.
Cutting Height Adjustment
Levers
Oneadjustmentleveris locatedateachwheelandis
usedtoadjustthecuttingheight.All fourwheelsmustbe
movedtothesameheighttoensurea uniformcut.
Recoil Starter
Therecoilstarteris attachedtotherightupperhandle.
Standbehindtheunit,depressbladecontrol,and pullthe
recoilstarterropetostarttheunit.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
1. Checkoillevelandaddoil if necessary.Followengine
manualforthis.
2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe
enginemanual.Refertoenginemanualforlocationof
oilandgasfill.
_ WARNING:Useextremecarewhen
handlinggasoline. Gasolineis extremely
flammableand thevapors are explosive.
Neverfuel the machine indoors or while the engine is
hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes
and other sources of ignition.
12

_IL ARNING:The operationof any lawn
mowercan result in foreign objects being
thrownintothe eyes,whichcandamage
youreyesseverely.Alwayswearsafetyglasses
whileoperatingthe mower orwhileperformingany
adjustmentsor repairsonit.
Starting Engine
_i= WARNING:Besurenoone otherthan the
operatorisstandingnearthe lawnmower
whilestartingengineoroperating mower.
Neverrunengineindoorsor inencJosed,poorly
ventilatedareas.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon
monoxide,an ododess and deadly gas.Keephands,
feet,hairand looseclothingawayfromany moving
partsonengineand lawnmower.
NOTE:Forthelocationoftheprimeronyourmower,
refertotheenginemanualshippedwithyourunit.
1. Pushprimer(ifequipped)threetimes.Waitabout
twosecondsbetweeneachpush.SeeFigure4-2.In
temperaturearound55°For below,primefivetimes.
Donotprimeto restarta warmengine.
2. Standingbehindthemower,squeezetheblade
controlagainstupperhandle.SeeFigure4-2.
3. Holdingthesetwohandlestogetherfirmly,grasp
recoilstarterhandleandpull ropeoutwitha rapid,
continuous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure4-2.Keeping
afirm griponthestarterhandle,lettheroperewind
slowly.Repeatuntilenginecranks.Letthe rope
rewindeachtimeslowly.
Stopping Engine
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineandthe
blade.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainsttheengine.
Figure4-2:Tostartmower,primetheengine,squeezeblade
control,andpullrecoilstarter.
Using Your Lawn Mower
Besurethelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other
objectswhichcoulddamagethelawnmowerorthe
engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidentlythrownbythe
mowerinanydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjury
totheoperatorand others.
_ARNING:ifyou strikeaforeign object,
stop the engine.Removewirefrom the
sparkplug, thoroughly inspectthemower
for anydamage,and repair thedamagebefore
restartingand operating the mower.Extensivevibra-
tion of the mower during operation isan indicationof
damage.The unit should be promptlyinspectedand
repaired.
Operating Tips
•Forbestresults,donotcutwetgrass.
• Newgrass,thickgrass,orwet grassmayrequirea
narrowercut.
• Fora healthierlawn,nevercut morethanone-thirdof
thetotallengthofthegrass.
• Yourlawnshouldbecutin thefallas longasthere
isgrowth.
• Adjustgroundspeedaccordingtoconditionoflawn.
You rLaWn
MoWer
WARNING
The operation of
any lawnmower
can result in foreign
objects being thrown
intothe eyes, which
can damage your
eyes severely.
Alwayswear safety
glasseswhile operat-
ing the mower, or
while performing
any adjustments or
repairs on it.
Be sure no one other
than the operator is
standing near the
lawnmower while
starting engine or op-
erating mower. Never
run engine indoorsor
in enclosed, poorly
ventilated areas.
Engine exhaust
contains carbon
monoxide, an odor=
less and deadly
gas. Keep hands,
feet, hair and loose
clothing away from
any moving parts
on engine and lawn
mower.
13

WARNING
Alwaysstopengine,
disconnectspark
plug,andground
againstenginebefore
performinganytype
of maintenanceon
yourmachine.
Nevertip the mower
more than 900inany
directionanddonot
leavethe mowertipped
for anylengthoftime.
Oilcandraininto
the upper partofthe
engine.
NOTE: Do not use a
pressurewasheror
garden hose to clean
the mower.These may
causedamageto electric
components,spindles,
pulleys,bearings,or the
engine.The use ofwater
will result in shortened
life and reduce serwce-
ability.
Lubrication
*Lubricatepivotpointsonthe bladecontrolatleastonce
a seasonwith lightoil.Thebladecontrolmustoperate
freelyin bothdirections.SeeFigure5-1.
o Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwithlight
oil(or motoroil). ifwheelsare removedforanyreason,
lubricatesurfaceoftheaxleboltand innersurfaceof
thewheelwith lightoil.SeeFigure5-1.
o Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointonthe
chutedeflectorperiodicallywith lightoilto preventrust.
SeeFigure5-1.
, Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforengine
lubricationscheduleandinstructions.
Figure5-1:Lubricationareasonthe mower.
Deck Care
Cleanundersideofthe mowerdeckaftereachuseto
preventbuild-upofgrassclippingsorotherdebris.
General Recommendations
•Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
maintenancework.
Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse
or negligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthelawnmowerasinstructed
here.
•Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoidengine
warranty.
Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.
,_ WARNING:Alwaysstop engine,disconnect
sparkplug, and ground against engine
beforecleaning,lubricating, or performinganykind
of maintenanceon your machine.
,_ WARNING:Nevertip the mower morethan 90°
inany direction and do notleavethe mower
tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain intothe
upper partof the enginecausing astartingproblem.
NOTE:RefertoEngineManualforlocationofengine
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.
Engine Care
1. Maintainoil levelasinstructedin enginemanual.
2. Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal
conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely
dustyconditions.Refertoenginemanual.
3. Cleansparkplugand resetthegaponcea season.
Checkenginemanualfor correctplugtype andgap
specifications.
4. Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keep
thecoolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleanto
permitproperair circulation.Removeall grass,dirtand
combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.
14

Blade Care
_WARNING:When the blade
removing cutting
for sharpeningor replacement, protect your
handswith a pairof heavygloves or usea heavyrag
to hold theblade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,
especiallyifyoustrikea foreignobject.Replacewhen
necessary.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn
moweronits sidemakingsurethattheair filterand
thecarburetorareup.
2. Removethe boltandthebellwasherwhichholdthe
bladeandthebladeadaptertotheenginecrankshaft.
SeeFigure5-2.
3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.See
Figure5-2.
4. Thebladecanbesharpenedwitha fileor ona grind-
ingwheel.Donotattempttosharpenthebladewhile
itis stillonthemower.Whensharpeningtheblade,
followtheoriginalangleofgrind.Grindeachcutting
edgeequallytokeepthebladebalanced.
5. Removebladefromtheadapterandbalanceon a
roundshaftscrewdriverfortestingbalance.Remove
metalfromtheheavysideuntilit balancesevenly.
,_ WARNING:Anunbalancedbladewill cause
excessivevibrationwhen rotating at high
speeds.It maycausedamageto mowerand could
breakcausingpersonalinjury.
6. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurface
ofthebladeadapterwith lightoil.Slidetheblade
adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.
7. Placethebladeontheadaptersuchthattheside
oftheblademarked"Bottom"(or withpartnumber)
facesgroundwhenthemowerisintheoperating
position.Makesurethat thebladeisalignedand
seatedonbladeadapterflanges.
8. Placebellwasheron theblade.
9. Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450
in.Ibs.rain.,600in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically
checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.
Figure5-2:Thebladeand correspondinghardware.
Off-Season Storage
Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakentoprepareyourlawn
mowerforstorage.
•Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin
thelubricationinstructions.
• Donotusea pressurewasherorgardenhoseto
cleanyourunit.
Refertoenginemanualforcorrectenginestorage
instructions.
Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto
preventrusting.
Storemowerina dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenextto
corrosivematerials,suchasfertilizer.
Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipmentina poorly
ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetaken
torust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoil or silicone,
coattheequipment,especiallycablesandall moving
partsofyourlawnmowerbeforestorage.
15
Maintaining
WARNING
When removing the
cutting blade for
sharpening or replace-
ment, protect your
handswith apairof
heavy glovesor use a
heavy ragto hold the
blade.
An unbalanced blade
willcause excessive
vibration when rotat-
ing at high speeds, it
maycause damage
to mower and could
break causing per-
sonalinjury.

Shooting
Forrepairsbeyond
the minor adjustments
listedhere;contact
an authorized service
dealer'
ii i_
i
NOTE:Specifications are
subject to change without
notification or ob!igationl
Images my not [eftectyou r
exact model and are for
iiiI i_I _ii_iii_iii_!i_ii_i _ _i i_ _ i
Problem Cause Remedy
Engine fails tostart ii B!adeContr0idisengaged, ii EngagebladeContr0
2 Spa[kplugWiredisconnected. 2 connect wiretosparkplugl
3: Fuel tankemptyorstaiefuel 31 FilltankWithcleanlfreshgasoiine:
4. Enginenot primed(if equippedwith 4. Primeengineas instr,u,ctedin operat_
primer)i ingYourLawnMower:
5. FaultySparkpugl 15 cleanl adjustgaP,OrreP!ace.
61 Blocl_edfuel linel 6. clean fuellinel
7: Engineflooded. Waitafewminutesto restart butdo
I8_Fue! yalve(ifequipped)closed. I 8_ Openfuelva!ve,see enginemanua!.
9. EnginenotChoked(ifequippedwtchoke). 91 ChokeenginelSeeenginemanual.
Engine runs erratic 1. Sparkplugwireloose. 1. Connectandtightensparkplugwire.
2. Blockedfuel lineor stalefuel. 2. Cleanfuelline;filltank withclean,
3. Ventingascap plugged.
4. Wateror dirt infuel system.
5. Dirtyair cleaner.
6. Carburetorout ofadjustment.
freshgasoline.
3. Clearvent.
4. Drainfueltank. Refillwithfreshfuel.
5. Referto enginemanual.
6. Referto enginemanual.
Engine overheats 1. Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil.
2. Airflow restricted. 2. Removeblowerhousingand clean.
3. Carburetornotadjustedproperly. 3. Referto enginemanual.
Occasional skips 1. Sparkpluggap tooclose. 1. Adjustgap to .030-inch.
(hesitates) at high speed 2. Carburetoridlemixtureadjustment 2. Referto enginemanual.
improperlyset.
I I
Idles poorly 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gaptoo wide. 1. Resetgapto .030-inchor replace
sparkplug.
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 wil not mulch grass 1. Wetgrass. 1 Donot mowwhengrassiswet wait
untillatertocut.
2 Excessivelyhighgrass. 2. Mowonce atahighcuttingheight,
then mowagainatdesiredheightor
makeanarrowercutt ngpath.
, 3. Dullblade. , 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.
Uneven cut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsinsame
heightposition.
2. Dullblade. _ 2. Sharen or re!laceblade.
16

Safety Labels Found On Your Lawn Mower
WARNING
DoNOTremovesafe_y
(or any)labels from
mower for any reason,
17

iVlodel Series 030
[]
WheelTreads
K2 BarTread BarTread
18

Fief.
No.
1 710-1205
2 720-0279
3 747-1161A
4 749-1092A
5 746-0957
746-0946
746-1130
6 749-04037
7 725-0157
8 787-01097
9 710-0654A
10 748-0376C
748-04096
11 742-0642A
12 736-0452
13 710-1044
14 712-04065
15 741-0751
16 687-02094
17 687-02051
18 736-0741
19 738-1172
20 734-04213A
734-1988
21 710-0599
22 736-0270
23 710-0216
24 738-1173
25 734-04215A
734-1987
26 682-3064
682-3065
27 720-04072
28 731-04019
29 17098
30 710-1174
31 720-0426
32 732-1014
33 17032A
34 747-0710
35 731-1034B
36 732-1026
PartNo. Description
EyeBolt
WingNut
BladeControlHandle
UpperHandle
BladeControlCable- 37.25inch
BladeControlCable- 48.25inch
BladeControlCable- 40.00inch
LowerHandle
CableTie
DeckAssembly22-inch
TT Screw3/8-16x 1.0
BladeAdapter,#6 x 1.19,w/Star
BladeAdapter,25ramx 1.19
StandardBlade22-inch
Washer,Bell,.396x 1.140x .095
Screw3/8-24x 1.5
LockNut3/8-16
HeightAdjusterBearing
PivotArm
LeverAssembly(IncludesRef.# 31
& #36)
BellWasher.760IDx 1.25OD
ShoulderScrew
FrontWheel,7x 1.8,K2Bar
FrontWheel,7x 1.8,Bar
TT Screw1/4-20x .5
BellWasher.265IDx .75OD
Screw3/8-16x .75
ShoulderScrew
RearWheel,8 x 1.8,K2 Bar
RearWheel,8 x 1.8,Bar
HandleBracketAssemblyRH
HandleBracketAssemblyLH
StarKnob
Trailshield
HingeClip
CarriageBolt5/16-18x 2
Knob
TorsionSpring
ChuteHinge
HingePin
HingedChuteDeflectorAssembly
SpringLever
19
To order replacement
parts, contact
1-800-800-7310
or visit
www.rntdproducts.com.

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-
rantyshallonlyapplyifthisproducthasbeenoperatedand 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.
HOW 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,applies after the
applicable periodof expresswritten warranty aboveasto the
partsasidentified.Nootherexpresswarranty, whetherwrittenor
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,sotheaboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplytoyou.
Innoeventshallrecoveryofanykindbegreaterthantheamountofthe
purchasepriceof theproductsold.Alterationof safetyfeaturesof
the productshallvoid 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.
IViTDLLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136-0019; Phone: 1=800=800-7310, 1-330=220-4683