MTD 11A-021G000 User manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips &Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
AOAL
20=inch Rotary Mower- Model Series 020
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.
PRINTEDIN U.S.A MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 FORMNO.770-10419E
12/19/2006

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 ............................ 10
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 12
Troubleshooting ................................................ 14
Safety Labels .................................................... 15
Parts List ........................................................... 16
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

setupand
,djustment
IMPORTANT
Thisunit isshipped
without gasolineoroil
inthe engine. Fill up
gasolineand oil as
instructedinthe engine
operationsection
BEFOREoperating
your mower.
Loose Parts
Cartoncontentsinclude:Wheels,Handles(upper& lower),BladeControlHandle,ChuteDeflector&a Hardware
Pack.Becertainto removeall loosepartsbeforediscardingthecarton.Followinstructionsbelowtoattachtheseloose
partstoyourmowersafelyand properlyforbestperformance.
Hardware Pack
Qty. 2 Qty. 2 Qty. 2
Qty. 2 Qty. 2 Qty. 4
Qty. 4 Qty. 4
Qty. 2
Qty. 4
Qty. 2
Qty. 4
Qty. 2
Qty. 1 DQty. 1
Qty. 1
Forease-of-assembly,identifythepiecesin thehardwarepackaccordingtothechartbelow:
Tools Required
• AdjustableWrench • 7/16"Wrench
• 1/2"Wrench • 9/16"Wrench
• 5/8" Wrench
6

NOTE:Referenceto right,left,frontand rearofthelawn
mowerisin relationtotheoperatingposition.
Attaching the Chute Deflector
NOTE:Usea 7/16"wrenchandthehardwarein Group1
tocompletethefollowingsteps.
1. Alignthe holeson thechutedeflectorwiththe
correspondingholesonthedecksurface.
2. insertcarriageboltsupthroughtheundersideof the
deckandthroughthechutedeflector.See Figure3-1.
3. Secureeachboltwitha washerandlocknut.
Attaching Handles
NOTE:Useanadjustablewrench,a 1/2"wrenchandthe
hardwareinGroup2 tocompletethefollowingsteps.
Lower Handle
1. Liftthe rearofthedeckandplaceiton a blockof
woodtosecureit.
2. Placethelowerhandleoverthedeckandalignthe
holesonthedeckwiththecorrespondingholeson
thehandle.
3. Securethelowerhandletothedeckusingthehex
screws,shoulderscrews,andflangelocknuts.
SeeFigure3-2.
Upper Handle
1. Placetheupperhandlein positionoverthelower
handlekeepingthebladecontrolhandlefacingup.
2. Securetheupperhandletothelowerhandleusing
thecarriagebolts,lockwashers,and locknutsfrom
group4 ofthehardwarepack.SeeFigure3-3.
angeLock Nut
FiatWasher
CarriageBolt_ _,
Figure 3-1
Shoulder
Screw
\
Hex
Screw 1
Figure 3=2
J
IMPORTANT
Thisunit isshipped
without gasolineoroil
in the engine. Fill up
gasolineand oil as
instructedin the engine
operationsection
BEFOREoperating
your mower.
Carriage _
Bolt , \
"\\ FlangeLock Nut
Lock Washer
Figure 3-3
7

Setup and
Adjustment
Attaching the Wheels
NOTE:Useanadjustablewrench,7/16"wrenchandthe
hardwareinGroup 3tocompletethefollowingsteps.
Theholesinthedeckprovidethreecuttingheights.Use
correspondingholeswhenattachingallfourwheels(i.e.
forthelowestcuttingposition,assembleeachwheel
atthehighestholeonthedeck).RefertotheCutting
HeightAdjustmentsectionformoreinformation.
1. SecureeachwheeltothedeckasshowninFigure
3-4.
NOTE:Thecuppedsideofeachwashershouldbe
pressedagainstthedeck.
Attaching the
Blade Control Handle
NOTE: If thebladecontrolis securedandin place
ontheupperhandle,youmayskipthefollowingthree
steps.If,however,thebladecontrolbecamedisplaced
eitherduringshippingor duringassembly,reattachitas
follows:
1. Insertthecurvedendofthebladecontrolintothe
centerhob locatedon therightsideoftheupper
handle.See Figure3-5.
2. Gentlysqueezethebladecontrolinwardandinsert
thestraightendintothelowerhob locatedon the[eft
sideoftheupperhandle.SeeFigure3-5.
3. Checkto confirmthatthebladecontrolpivotsfreely
againsttheupperhandle.
Attaching Blade-Brake Cable
Unwraptheblade-brakecablefromtheengineandroute
thecableunderthelowerhandle.
Attaching Z Fitting
1. Tomakeit easiertoattachtheZ fitting,temporarily
removetheleftsideofthebladecontrolasshownin
Figure3-6.
2. HooktheZ endofthebrakecableintothehandle
fromtheoutsideto inside.SeeFigure3-6.
3. Reattachtheleft sideofthebladecontrol.
fWheelii
Delck
ge
washer
small
washer
\ShoulderScrew
Figure 3=4
:raight End
Curved End
Figure 3=5
BladeControl
Handle
Upper
Handle Zfitting
J
Figure 3=6
8

Securing Blade-Brake Cable
NOTE:UsethehardwareinGroup 6 tocompletethe
followingsteps.
_i= WARNING:Thecablemust be routed
properly to avoidcontactwithall sharp
edgesand hot surfaces. Suchcontacts
damagethe cableand renderthe
controls inoperative.
1. Pressthestudfoundinsidethesnapfittingintothe
holefoundontheleft sideoftheupperhandle,as
shownin Figure3- 7.
2. Securethecabletothelowerleft handlewitha cable
tie.SeeFigure3-8.Trimofftheextralengthofthe
cabletie.
Attaching Starter Rope
_stud inside
snapfitting
Snapfz-
Fitting
Upper
jJ Handle
k._ j
Figure 3-7
NOTE:Usea 7/16"wrenchandthehardwarein
Group 5 tocompletethefollowingsteps.
1. Attachtheeyebolttothe upperhandleandloosely
threadthelock nuton tosecureit. DoNOTtighten.
SeeFigure3-9.
2. Withthesparkplugwiredisconnectedandgrounded,
depressthe bladecontrolandpulltheropeoutofthe
engine.
3. Loopthe ropethroughtheeyebolt.SeeFigure3-9.
4. Tightentheeyeboltto thehandleusingthe locknut.
DONOTovertighten.
CableTie
Lower
Handle
_J
Cutting Height Adjustment
1. Removethecarriageboltsand relatedhardwarefrom
thewheels.SeeFigure3-10.
2. Reattachthewheelswithcarriageboltsatanother
hole.RemembertoattachALLwheelsatthesame
relativepositiontoensurean evencut. Referto
instructionsforAttachingTheWheelsearlierinthis
section.Fora highercuttingheight,usethelower
holeonthedeck.Fora lowercuttingheight,usethe
upperhole.
Figure 3-8
_ _ Flange
LockNut
d
EyeBolt
_. ,m J
Figure 3-9
Setup and
Adjustment
Figure 3-10
9

Know Your Lawn Mower
Your Lawn
M ower
I
WARNING
This blade control isa
safety device. Donot
bypass its operations.
Useextreme care
when handling
gasoline. Gasolineis
extremelyflammable
and the vapors are
explosive.Never fuel
the machine indoors
or while the engine
ishot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipesand
other sources of
ignition.
Control
Figure4-1:Themaincomponentsonthe mower.
Nowthatyouhaveassembledyourlawnmower,it's importanttobecomeaquaintedwithits controlsandfeatures.
Blade Control
Thebladecontrolisattachedtotheupperhandle.
Depressandsqueezeit againsttheupperhandleto
operatetheunit.Releaseittostoptheengineand
blade.
_ARNING:Thisbladecontrolisa safety
device. Neverattempt to bypass its
operations.
Recoil Starter
Therecoilstarterisattachedtotherightupperhandle.
Standbehindtheunit,depressbladecontrol,and pull
therecoilstarterropeto starttheunit.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
1. Checkoillevelandaddoil if necessary.Followengine
manualforthis.
2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe
enginemanual.Seeenginemanualforlocationofgas
andoilfill.
,_ 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.
10

_ARNING:The operationof any lawn
mowercan result in foreign objects being
thrownintothe eyes,whichcandamage
youreyesseverely.Alwayswearsafetyglasses
whileoperatingthe mower orwhileperformingany
adjustmentsor repairsonit.
Starting Engine
WARNING:Besurenooneotherthanthe
_operatorisstandingnearthe lawnmower
whilestartingengineoroperatingmower.
Neverrunengineindoorsor inenclosed,
poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaustcontains
carbonmonoxide,an odorlessand deadly gas.Keep
hands,feet, hairand looseclothingawayfrom any
movingpartson engineand lawnmower.
1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwo seconds
betweeneachpush.SeeFigure4-2.Intemperature
around55°For below,primefivetimes.Donotprime
torestarta warmengine.
NOTE:Forthe location of the primeron yourmower,
refertothe enginemanualshippedwith yourunit.
.
3.
Standingbehindthemower,squeezetheblade
controlagainstupperhandle.SeeFigure4-2.
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,primethe engine,squeezeblade
controlhandle,andpull recoilstarter.
Using Your Lawn Mower
Besurethelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other
objectswhichcoulddamagethelawnmowerorthe
engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidentlythrownbythe
mowerinanydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjury
totheoperatorand others.
_ARNING:Ifyoustrikeaforeign object,
stopthe engine.Removewirefrom the
sparkplug,thoroughly inspectthe mower
for anydamage,and repairthe damage
beforerestartingand operating the mower.Extensive
vibration of the mowerduringoperation isan
indicationof damage.Theunit shouldbe promptly
inspectedand repaired.
Operating Tips
•Forbestresults,donotcutwetgrass.
• Newgrass,thickgrass,orwet grassmayrequirea
narrowercut.
Fora healthierlawn,nevercut morethanone-thirdof
thetotallengthofthegrass.
Yourlawnshouldbecutinthefallas longasthere
isgrowth.
Adjustgroundspeedaccordingtoconditionoflawn.
11
Operati
MoWer
WARNING
The operation of any
lawn mower can result
in foreign objects
beingthrown into
the eyes, which can
damage your eyes
severely.Alwayswear
safety glasseswhile
operating the mower,
or while performing
any adjustments or
repairs on it.
Besure noone other
than the operator is
standing nearthe lawn
r_owerwhile starting
ngine or operating
mower.Never run
engine indoorsor
in enclosed, poorly
ventilated areas. En-
gine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide,an
odorless and deadly
gas. Keep hands, feet,
hair and loose clothing
away from any moving
parts on engine and
lawnmower.

WARNIN
Always stop engine,
disconnect spark
plug, and ground
againstenginebefore
performingany type
of maintenance on
Never tip the mower
more than 90°in
anydirectio,and
not leavethe mower i
tipped for any length
of time; Oilcan drain
NOTE: Donotuseapres_
surewasheror gardenhose
tocleanthemower.These
maycausedamagetothe
engine,Theuseofwaterwill
resultinshortenedlifeand
Figure5-1:Lubricationareasonthemower.
Lubrication
• Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolatleastonce
a seasonwithlightoil.Thebladecontrolmustoperate
freelyin bothdirections.SeeFigure5-1.
• Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwithlight
oil (ormotoroil). Ifwheelsare removedforanyreason,
lubricatesurfaceoftheaxleboltandinnersurfaceof
thewheelwith lightoil.SeeFigure5-1.
• Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforengine
lubricationscheduleand instructions.
Deck Care
Cleanundersideofthe mowerdeckaftereachuseto
preventbuild-upofgrassclippingsorotherdebris.Follow
stepsbelowforthisjob.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn
mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.
2. Tipmowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe
sidewiththeair cleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.
General Recommendations
_ARNING:Alwaysstopengine,disconnect
spark plug, and ground against engine
before cleaning, lubricating, or performinganykind
of maintenanceon your machine.
Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
maintenancework.
Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuseor
negligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,op-
eratormustmaintainthelawnmowerasinstructed
here.
•Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoidengine
warranty.
• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.
_ARNING:Nevertip the mower more than90
degreesin anydirections and do not leave
the mowertipped for any lengthof time. Oil candrain
intothe upper partof theengine causing a starting
problem.
3. Scrapeand cleantheundersideofthedeckwitha
suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.
4. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsontheground.Ifyou
hadputplasticunderthegascapearlier,makesureto
removeitnow.
Engine Care
A listofkeyenginemaintenancejobs requiredforgood
performancebythemowerisgivenbelow.Followthe
accompanyingenginemanualforadetailedlistand
instructions.
1. Maintainoil levelasinstructedin enginemanual.
2. Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal
conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely
dustyconditions.Poorengineperformanceand
floodingusuallyindicatesthattheaircleanershouldbe
serviced.Toservicetheair cleaner,refertotheengine
manual.
3. Cleansparkplugand resetthegaponcea season.
Sparkplugreplacementisrecommendedatthestartof
eachmowingseason.Checkenginemanualforcorrect
plugtypeandgapspecifications.
4. Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keep
thecoolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleanto
permitproperair circulation.Removeall grass,dirtand
combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.
12

Blade Care ,f"
_ARNING:Whenremovingthe cutting
blade for sharpeningor replacement,
protectyourhandswitha pairof heavyglovesor
use a heavyragtoholdtheblade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,
especiallyifyoustrikeaforeignobject.Replacewhen
necessary.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn
moweron itssidemakingsurethattheair filterand
thecarburetorareup.
2. Removetheboltandthebladebellsupportwhich
holdthebladeandthebladeadaptertotheengine
crankshaft.SeeFigure5-2.
3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.See
Figure5-2.
4. Thebladecanbesharpenedwith afileor ona
grindingwheel.Donotattemptto sharpentheblade
whileit isstillon themower.Whensharpeningthe
blade,followtheoriginalangleof grind.Grindeach
cuttingedgeequallyto keepthebladebalanced.
5. Removebladefromtheadapterandbalanceon a
roundshaftscrewdriverfortestingbalance.Remove
metalfromtheheavysideuntilitbalancesevenly.
_ WARNING:Anunbalancedbladewill cause
excessivevibrationwhenrotating at high
speeds,itmay causedamageto mowerand could
break causingpersonalinjury.
6. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinner
surfaceofthebladeadapterwith lightoil.Slidethe
bladeadapterontotheenginecrankshaft.
7. Placethebladeon theadaptersuchthattheside
oftheblademarked"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)
facesgroundwhenthemowerisintheoperating
position.Makesurethatthebladeisalignedand
seatedon bladeadapterflanges.
8. Placebladebellsupportontheblade.Alignnotches
onthe bladebellsupportwith smallholesinblade.
9. Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450
in.Ibs.rain.,600 in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically
checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.
Figure5-2:Thebladeandcorrespondinghardware. J
Off-Season Storage
Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakentoprepareyourlawn
mowerforstorage.
*Cleanand lubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin
thelubricationinstructions.
*Donotusea pressurewasherorgardenhoseto
cleanyourunit.
*Refertoenginemanualforcorrectenginestorage
instructions.
*Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto
preventrusting.
*Storemowerin a dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenextto
corrosivematerials,suchasfertilizer.
Whenstoringanytypeofpowerequipmentina poorly
ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetakento
rust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoilor silicone,coat
theequipment,especiallycablesandall movingpartsof
yourlawnmowerbeforestorage.
13
Your LaWn
WARNING
When removingthe
cutting blade for
sharpening or replace-
ment, protect your
hands with apairof
heavy glovesor use a
heavy ragto hold the
blade.
An unbalancedblade
wiiicause excessive
vibration when rotat=
ing at high speeds, it
maycause damage
to mower and could
break causing per-
sonal injury.

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.
14

Safety Labels Found On Your Lawn Mower
_EEiHAN[
!iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!i!!!!!!!!!!!ii!i!
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!ii!iiiiiiiiiiiii!ii!i!!!!!!i!iiiii!iiil
!!!!!!!!
15

Model Series 020
16

Fief. PartNo. PartDescription
No,
1 710-0654A HexInd.WasherScrew3/8-16x 1.0
2 782-0048 CuttingDeck:20"
3 749-04037 LowerHandle
4 749-1092A UpperHandle
5 747-1161A ControlHandle(Bail)
6 731-0872B RearFlap
7 17098 HingeClip
8 710-1044 Screw3/8-24x 1.5"Group8
9 736-0524B BladeBellSupport
10 748-0376C BladeAdapter
11 742-0640 CuttingBlade
12 731-0064 DischargeChute
13 710-0932 CarriageScrew1/4-20x 1.0"
14 736-0173 FiatWasher
15 710-3008 HexScrew5/16-18x .75"
16 712-04063 FlangeLockNut5/16-18
17 710-1205 EyeBolt
18 710-0262 CarriageBolt5/16-18x 1.5"
19 736-0119 LockWasher
20 712-04064 FlangeLockNut 1/4-20
21 734-1779 Wheel
22 738-0533 ShoulderScrew.498x 1.635
23 736-0105 BellWasher
24 712-04065 FlangeLockNut3/8-16
25 726-0157 CableTie
26 746-0946 ControlCable-48.25"
746-0957 ControlCable- 37.25"
27 736-0331 BellWasher
28 738-04033 ShoulderScrew,5/16-18x.428"
29 753-0588 BladeAdapterKit(Incl.Ref.8-10)
i ii _ i
_FACTORY PARTS
To order replacement
parts,contact
1-800=800-7310
or visit
www.mtdproducts.com
17

NOTES
Use this page to make notes and write down important information.
18

NOTES
Use this page to make notes and write down important information.
19

MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR
ThelimitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenbyMTDLLCwithrespect
tonewmerchandisepurchasedandusedin theUnitedStates,its
possessionsandterritories.
"MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsin materialandworkman-
shipfora periodofone (1)yearcommencingonthedateoforiginal
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