MTD 11A-074D765 User manual

Safety oAssembly oOperation oTips &Techniques oMaintenance *Troubleshooting oParts Lists oWarranty
22" Rotary Mower -- Model Series 074
READ SAFETY RULES AND mNSTRUCTmONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATmON
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush=
coveredor grass=coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalorstatelaws(ifany),
If a sparkarresterisused,itshouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator,Inthe StateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw
(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode),Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws,Federallawsapplyonfederallands,A sparkarrester
forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO,Box361131Cleveland,
Ohio44136=0019,
FORMNO,769=01538C
PRINTEDIN U,S,A MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136-0019 10/2005

This Operator's Manua_ is an important part of your new lawn mower, mtwH_ he_p you assembJe,
prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Table of Contents
Slope Gauge ....................................................... 3
Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4
Setup and Adjustment ....................................... 6
Operating Your Lawn Mower .............................. 8
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10
Trouble Shooting .............................................. 12
Safety Labels .................................................... 13
Parts List ........................................................... 14
Warranty ............................................................ 16
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREYOU STARTASSEMBLING
YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,
please locatethe modelplate onthe equipmentand copythe
informationtothe samplemodel plate providedto the righL
Youcan locatethe modelplate by standing atthe operating
positionand lookingdown at the rearof the deck. This
informationwill be necessaryto use the manufacturer'sweb
site and/or obtainassistancefrom the CustomerSupport
Departmentor an authorizedservice dealer.
f
Modem Number
www, mtdproducts,com
SeriaJ Number
MTD LLC
P.O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330-220-4683
8;00-800-731 0
Customer Support
P_ease do NOTreturn the unit to the retai_er from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
if you havedifficultyassemblingthis productor haveanyquestions regardingthe controls, operation,or maintenanceof this
unit,youcan seek helpfrom the experts. Choosefromthe optionsbelow:
1. Visit mtdproducts.com Clickon the Service& Supportmenu option.
2. Phone a Customer Support Representative at (800) 800=7310.
3. The engine manufacturer is responsiblefor all engine=relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power=rating,specifica=
tions, warrantyand service. Please referto the engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator'sManual,packed separatelywith
your unit, for more information.
MID _r_r#r_ti_e_ Aw_d Wk_ni_@Pld#ct_ O_._rC_mpa#,y C_n_ac_ Us
:S_eH;ice _ SJpp:_±
Produ_ P,egistration
?riwc" t, P_y
2

yourlawnmoweronsuchslopes.
/
/
/
/
o
/
/
t
o
w_ WARNING
Do not mowon inclines
with a dope in excess
of 15degrees(a rise
of approximately
2-"
feet). A riding r
couldoverturnand
cause seriousinjury.
if operatinga walb
behindmower on such
a dope, it isextremely
footing and youcould
dip, resultingin serious
injury.
OperateRiDiNG
mowersup and down
dopes, neveracross
thefaceof dopes.
Operate
WALK-BEHIND
mowersacrossthe
face of dopes, never
up and down slopes.
\
3

WARNING:EngineExhaust,someofitsconstituents,andcertainvehiclecompo_
nentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateofCaliforniatocausecancerand
birthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm.
DANGER:Thismachinewasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingtotherubsforsafeoperationinthis
manuakAswithanytypeofpowerequipment,carelessnessorerroronthepartoftheoperatorcan
Sa.'_e resultinseriousinjury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatinghandsandfeetandthrowingobjects.
,, Failuretoobservethefollowingsafetyinstructionscouldresultinseriousinjuryordeath.
Operation Children 6. Alwayswear safetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera-
WARNING
_utimportantsafety
endangerthe personal
safetyand/orproperty
ofyourselfandothers.
qead andfollowall
manualbeforeat-
temptingto operate
this machine.Failure
in personalinjury,When
youseethis symbol.
HEED roTSWARNING!
Your Responsibility
Restrictthe use
sf this powermachine
to personswho read.
understand
andfollow thewarnings
and instructions
in this manual
and onthe machine.
Tragicaccidentscan occurifoperatorisnotalerttopresence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedto mowerandmowing
activity.Theydonot understandthe dangers.Neverassume
thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.
1. Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaandunderwatchful
careof a responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.
2. Bealertandturnmoweroffif achildentersthearea.
3. Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown
forsmallchildren.
4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,
doorways,shrubs,trees,orotherobjectsthat may'obscure
yourvisionofachildwhomayrunintothemower.
5. Keepchildrenawayfromhot orrunningengines.Theycan
sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.
6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operateapower
mower.Children14yearsold andovershouldreadand
understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesin this
manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyaparent.
General Operation
1. Readthis operator'smanualcarefullyin its entiretybefore
attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,
andfollow allinstructionsonthe machineandin the
manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith
thecontrolsandthe properuseofthis machinebefore
operatingit.Keepthis manualin a safeplaceforfuture
andregularreferenceandfor orderingreplacementparts.
2. Thismachineisa precisionpieceof powerequipment,
nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all
times.Yourunithasbeendesignedto performonejob: to
mowgrass.Do notuseitfor anyotherpurpose.
3. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operatethis
machine.Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand
understandthe instructionsinthis manualandshould
betrainedand supervisedbya parent.Onlyresponsible
individualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe
operationshouldbeallowedtousethismachine.
4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto
beused.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toys
andotherforeignobjects,whichcouldbetrippedoveror
pickedupandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjectscan
causeseriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpattern
toavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,sidewalks,
bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial
againsta wallor obstruction,whichmaycausedischarged
materialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.
5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,
stayinoperatorzonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,
bystanders,helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrommower
whileit isin operation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters
area.
tionandwhile performinganadjustmentor repairto protect
youreyes.Thrownobjectswhich ricochetcancauseserious
injurytothe eyes.
7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesand close-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 damageddischargecovercancauseblade
contactor thrownobject injuries.
10.Manyinjuriesoccurasa resultofthe mowerbeingpulled
overthefoot duringa fall causedby slippingortripping.
Do notholdontothe mowerifyouare falling;releasethe
handleimmediately.
11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare
walking.If youmustbackthe mowerawayfromawallor
obstructionfirstlookdownandbehindtoavoidtrippingand
thenfollowthesesteps:
a. Stepbackfrommowertofully extendyourarms.
b. Besureyou arewellbalancedwithsurefooting.
c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,no morethanhalfway
towardyou.
d. Repeatthesestepsasneeded.
12.Do notoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof
alcoholor drugs.
13.Do notengagethe self-propelledmechanismon unitsso
equippedwhilestartingengine.
14.Thebladecontrolhandleis asafetydevice.Neverattempt
tobypassits operation.Doingso makesthe safetydevice
inoperativeandmay resultinpersonalinjurythrough
contactwiththe rotatingblade.The bladecontrolhandle
mustoperateeasilyin bothdirectionsandautomatically
returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.
15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbesureof
yourfooting. A slipand fallcan causeseriouspersonal
injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourfooting,releasethe
bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthreeseconds.
16.Mowonlyindaylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.
18.If the equipmentshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineandcheckimmediatelyforthe cause.Vibrationis
generallyawarningoftrouble.
4

19.Shuttheengineoffandwaituntilthebladecomestoa 7. Extinguishallcigarettes cigars pipesandothersources _ i
completestop beforeremovingthe grasscatcheror unclog- ofignition. L{'_ "_
grogthechute. 8. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill --J /,'
Thecutting bladecontinuesto rotatefor afewsecondsafter accumulatein the area. ///
the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceanypartofthe body'in 9. Neverremovegascap oradd fuelwhileengineishot or
the bladeareauntilyouaresurethe bladehasstopped running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwo minutesbefore
rotating, refueling.
20.Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrail shield,discharge
cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafety
protectivedevicesin placeandworking.Neveroperate
mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo socan
resultin personalinjury.
21.Mufflerandenginebecomehotand cancauseaburn.Do
nottouch.
22.Onlyusepartsand accessoriesmadeforthismachineby
manufacturer.Failureto dosocanresultinpersonalinjury.
23.If situationsoccurwhichare not coveredin this manual,
usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor
assistance.Telephone[phone]forthe nameofyour
nearestdealer.
SJope Operation
Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidents,which
canresultinsevereinjury'.Operationonslopesrequiresextra
caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyonaslope,donotmowit.Foryour
safety,usethe slopegaugeincludedaspartofthismanualto
measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunitonaslopedor hilly
area.Iftheslopeis greaterthan15degrees,do notmowit.
Do:
1. Mowacrosstheface ofslopes;neverupanddown.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
2. Watchfor holes,ruts, rocks,hiddenobjects,or bumpswhich
can causeyou toslipor trip.Tallgrasscan hideobstacles.
3. Alwaysbesureof yourfooting.A slip andfall cancause
seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyour
balance,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediately,and
the bladewillstop rotatingwithin3seconds.
Do Not:
1. Do notmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,you
could loseyourfootingor balance.
2. Do notmowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesas shownon
the slopegauge.
3. Do notmowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcause
slipping. Service
Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:
1. To avoidpersonalinjury or propertydamageuseextreme
carein handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable
andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan
occurwhengasolineis spilledonyourselforyourclothes,
whichcanignite.
2. Washyourskinand changeclothesimmediately.
3. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
4. Neverfill containersinsidea vehicleor onatruckor trailer
bedwith a plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe
groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truck ortrailer
andrefuelit onthe ground.Ifthis is notpossible,then refuel
suchequipmentonatrailerwitha portablecontainer,rather
thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.
6. Keepthe nozzlein contactwith therim ofthefueltank or
containeropeningat alltimesuntilfuelingis complete.Do
notusea nozzlelock-opendevice.
10.Neveroverfillfueltank.Filltankto nomorethan_/_inch
belowbottomoffillerneckto providefor fuelexpansion.
11.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
12.If gasolineis spilled,wipe it offthe engineand equipment.
Moveunitto anotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestarting
engine.
13.Neverstorethe machineorfuel containernearanopen
flame,sparkorpilotlightas onawaterheater,space
heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.
14.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,
or otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuel spillageand
removeanyfuel soakeddebris.
15.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.
General Service:
1. Neverrunanengineindoorsor ina poorlyventilatedarea.
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessand
deadlygas.
2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe
sparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengineto prevent
unintendedstarting.
3. Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent
intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefor
damage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewiththe
originalequipmentmanufacture's(O.EM.) bladeonly',listed
inthismanual.Use ofpartswhichdo notmeettheoriginal
equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformance safety and!or property
andcompromisesafety!"
4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeorwear
gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstight tobesurethe equip-
mentisin safeworkingcondition.
6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperopera- ual beforeattemptingto
tionregularly.
7. Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stopthe engine,discon- Fai!ureto ComplyWith
nectthe sparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.
Thoroughly'inspectthe mowerfor anydamage.Repairthe these instructionsmay
damagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower, resu!t !npersonalinjury,
8. Neverattempttomakeawheelorcuttingheightadjustmerlt WhenYouseethis
whilethe engineis running.
9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,and trail symbo.
shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould expose
movingpartsorallow objectsto bethrown.Forsafety' YOUr HeSpOtlS _l Ity_ i'T-
protection,frequentlycheckcomponentsand replaceim-
mediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)
partsonly,listedin this manual.'Use of partswhich do Of this powermachine
not meettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"
10.Donot changetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating
speedofthe engine.
11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,as necessary.
12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper
disposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
5

/(
1, Forshippingpurposes,thechutedeflectoronyour
Yourmoweris
f
Step 1
Step 2
mowerisheldin anuprightpositionbya retainer,
Removethe retainerasfollows:
a, Pushchutedeflectoruptowardsengine,Holding
deflectorinthis position,removetheretainerand
discard,SeeStep1,
b, Lowerthechutedeflectorcarefullykeepingyour
fingersoutoftheway,
WARNING:The chute retainer
must be removed and discarded
before operating the mower.
2, Performthefollowingsequenceforhandlesetup:
a, Liftthe upperhandleupfromfoldedpositionA and
pullittoextendedpositionB followingthearrowin
Step2,Thehandleshouldclickintothisposition,
b, Makesurethecarriageboltisseatedproperly
inthe handle,Tightenwingnutssecuringupper
handletothelowerhandle
3, if satisfiedwith heightof handle,tightenwingnuts
attheendsofthelowerhandleshownin Step3,For
convenienceofoperating,youmayadiustthehandle
heightasfollows:
a, Removethewingnutsshownin Step3and remove
thelowerhandle,
b, Positioneachhandlebracketstudintothetophole
inthe lowerhandle,SeeStep3 inset,
c, Tightenthewingnuts,
4, insertpostoncane ties intoholesprovidedon the
lowerhandle,Pullcane tietightandtrimexcess,See
Step4,
WARNING
IMPORTANT
without gasolineor
f
Step 3
s "h
\Step 4
6

5, RopeguideSetupasfollowsin Step5:
a, Holdthebladecontrolagainsttheupperhandle,
PositionA,
b, Slowlypullstarterropeoutof engine,PositionB,
c, Slipstarterropeintotheropeguide,Tightenrope
guidewingnut,PositionC,
6, Installwheelsasfollowsin Step6:
a, Usinghardwarefromhardwarepack,securethe
wheeltothedeckasshowninStep6,Thesmall
bellwashershouldbeinstalledwiththecrown
sidefacingthewheel
b, Securethewheeltothedeckwiththelargebell
washerandnut,Repeatonothersides,
7, Eachwheelcanbeadiustedto changethecutting
heightofthemower,
a, Removethecarriageboltsand relatedhardware
fromthewheelsasshowninStep7,
b, Reattachthewheelswithcarriageboltsin oneof
thethreeavailablehobson thedeck,Remember
toattachALLwheelsatthesamerelativeposition
toensurean evencut,Refertoinstructionsfor
attachingthewheelsinthepreviousstep,Fora
highercuttingheight,usethelowerhob; fora
lowercuttingheight,usetheupperhob,
Step 5
,,._ j
Step 6
f
._ j
Step 7
WHEELiNSTALL
Step 6
The holes in the deck
_rovidethree cutting
heights. Use thesame
holefor all fourwheels
whenassembling,
CUTTINGHEIGHT
Step7
All wheelsrrlJst be
)lacedin the same
relativeposition, For
roughor unevenlawns.
movethe wheels toa !
higher position.This
will stop scalpingof
grass,
IMPORTANT
Thisunitis shipped
without gasolineor
oil in the engine. Fill
up gasolineand oil
as instructedinthe
accompanyingengine
manualBEFORE
operating yourmower,
7

WARNING
This blade control
mechanism is a
safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its
operations.
Use extreme care
when handJing
gasoJine. GasoJine is
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
expJosive. Never fueJ
the machine indoors
or while the engine
is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes and
other sources of
ignition.
Figure 1
Now that you have set up your lawn mower
for operation, get acquainted with its controls
and features, These are described beUowand
[[[ustrated this page, This knowUedge wiU[aUUow
you to use your new equipment to its fuUUest
potential,
Blade Control
The blade control is attached to the upper han-
dle of the mower, Depress the blade control to
operate the unit, Release it to stop engine and
Made,
WARNiNG:This blade eontroJ
mechanism is a safety device.
Never attempt to bypass its
operations.
Chute Deflector
The chute deflector discharges grass clippings
beside each cutting lap,
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter is attached to the right upper
handle, Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil
starter rope to start the unit,
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
1, Checkoil[eve[andaddoHifnecessary,Followengine
manualforthis,SeeFigure1aboveforlocationofthe
oilfill,
2, Serviceenginewithgasolineas instructedinengine
manual SeeFigure1aboveforlocationofgascap,
WARNING: Use extreme care
when handling gasoJine. Gasoline
isextremeJy flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Never fueJ
the machine indoors or while the
engine is hot or running. Extin-
guish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and
other sources of ignition.
/8

WARNING:Theoperationof
anylawnmowercanresultin
foreign objects being thrown
into the eyes, which can damage
your eyes severely. Always wear
safety glasses while operating
the mower, or while performing
any adjustments or repairs on it.
Starting Engine
WARNING: Be sure no one other
than the operator is standing
near the lawnmower while
starting engine or operating
mower. Never run engine indoors
or in enclosed, poorly ventilated
areas. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas. Keep hands,
feet, hair and loose clothing away
from any moving parts on engine
and lawn mower.
1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwoseconds
betweeneachpush.SeeFigure2.Intemperature
around55° For below,primefivetimes.Donotprime
to restarta warmengine.
2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezetheblade
controlagainst upperhandle.SeeFigure2.
3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasp
recoilstarterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,
continuous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure2.Keeping
a firmgripon thestarterhandle,lettheroperewind
slowly.Repeatuntilenginecranks.Lettherope
rewindeachtimeslowly.
Stopping Engine
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineandblade.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainsttheengine.
Using Your Lawn Mower
Be sure the lawn is dear of stones, sticks,
wire, or other objects which could damage the
lawn mower or the engine. Such objects could
be acc[dent[y thrown by the mower in any
direction and cause serious persona[ injury to
the operator and others.
f
Figure 2
WARNING: ifyou strike a foreign
object, stop the engine. Remove
wire from the spark ping, thor°
ough[y inspectthe mower for any
damage, and repair the damage
before restarting and operating
the mower. Extensive vibration
of the mower during operation is
an indicationof damage. The unit
should be promptly inspected
and repaired.
Operating Tips
1. Forbestresults,do notcutwetgrass.
2. Newgrass,thickgrass,or wetgrassmayrequirea
narrowercut.
3. Fora healthierlawn,nevercutoff morethanone4hird
of thetotal lengthofthegrass.
4. Yourlawnshouldbe cut inthefallas longasthere
isgrowth.
5. Adjustyourgroundspeedaccordingto conditionof
lawn,
9
lawn mower can result
in foreign objects
being thrown into
the eyes which can
damage your eyes
severe[y. A[ways wear
safety glasses while
operating the mower,
Besure no one other
thantheopeiatoi
standing near the lawn
mower while starting
engine or operating
mower. Never run
eng ne ndoors or
!nencosed,poor y
ventilated areas,
g! ne exhaust contains
carbon monoxide, an
0do,ossanddooa y
gas: Keep hands, feet,
hair and loose c[othim
away from any moving
parts Onengine and
lawn mower.

ordoinganykindof
' Lubricate these
points before
reassembly.
Figure 3
Air Cleaner
Gas Oap_ Spark Plug
Figure 4
General Recommendations
1, Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
anymaintenance,
2, Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse
or negligence,Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthe lawnmoweras
instructedhere,
3, Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoid
enginewarranty,
4, Alladiustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason,
5, Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese
aretight,
WARNING: Always stop engine,
disconnect spark plug, and
groundagainst engine before
cleaning, lubricating or doing
any kindof maintenance on your
machine.Lubrication
1, Lubricatepivotpointsonthe bladecontrolatleast
oncea seasonwithlightoil,Thebladecontrolmust
operatefreelyin bothdirections,SeeFigure3,
2, Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil (or motoroil),If wheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatesurfaceoftheaxleboltandinner
surfaceofthewheelwithlightoil SeeFigure3,
3, Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointonthe
chutedeflectorperiodicallywith lightoilto prevent
rust,SeeFigure3,
4, Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-
tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication,
Engine Care
1, Changetheengineoil regularly,asinstructedinthe
enginemanual,Checkoil levelbeforestartingengine
everytime,
2, Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal
conditions,Toservicetheaircleaner,referto the
separateenginemanualpackedwithyourunit,
3, Cleanthesparkplugandresetthegapto,030"at
leastoncea season,Refertotheenginemanualfor
correctsparkplugtype,Referto Figure4,
Mower Care
Clean underside of the mower deck after each
use to prevent build-up of grass clippings or
other debris, Follow steps below for this job,
1, Disconnectsparkplugwire,Draingasolinefrom lawn
mower,or placea pieceofplasticunderthegascap
SeeFigure4,
2, Tipthe mowersothatit restsonthe housing,Keep
thesidewiththeaircleanerfacingup,Holdthe
mowerfirmly,
WARNING: Never tip the mower
more than 90 degrees inany
directions and do not leave the
mower tipped for any length of
time. Oil can drain into the upper
part of the engine causing a
starting problem.
3, Scrapeand cleanthe undersideofthedeckwitha
suitabletool Donotspraywithwater,
4, Putthemowerbackon itswheelsontheground,If
youhad putplasticunderthegascapearlier,make
sureto removeit now,
10

Blade Care
WARNING:Whenremovingthe
cuttingbladeforsharpeningor
replacement,protect your hands
with a pair of heavy gloves or use
a heavy rag to hold the blade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,
especiaNyifyoustrikea foreignobject,Replacewhen
necessary,Followthestepsbelowforbladeservice,
1, Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug,Turn
moweronits sidemakingsurethattheair filterand
thecarburetorareup,
2, Removetheboltandthebladebellsupportwhich
holdthebladeandthebladeadaptertotheengine
crankshaft,SeeFigure5,
3, Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft,
4, Thebladecanbesharpenedwitha fileor ona
grindingwheel Donotattempttosharpentheblade
whileit isstillon themower,
5, Whensharpeningtheblade,followtheodginalangle
ofgrind,Grindeachcuttingedgeequallytokeepthe
bladebalanced,
6, Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance,
7, Balancethebladeon a roundshaftscrewdriverto
check,Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntilit
balancesevenly,
WARNING: An unbalanced blade
will cause excessive vibration
when rotating at high speeds.
It may cause damage to mower,
and could break causing per-
sonal injury.
f
% \
/
i i _ i / i
i
..,._ j
Figure 5
Off-Season Storage
Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakentoprepareyourlawn
mowerforstorage,
1, Cleanand lubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin
thelubricationinstructions,
2, Wedo notrecommendtheuseofa pressurewasher
or gardenhosetocleanyourunit,
3, Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine
storageinstructions,
4, Coat mower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto
preventrusting,
5, Storemowerina dry,cleanarea,Donotstorenextto
corrosivematerials,suchasfertiNzer,
Whenstoringanytypeofpowerequipmentina poorly
ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetakento
rust=prooftheequipment,Usinga lightoilor silicone,coat
theequipment,especiallycanes andallmovingpartsof
yourlawnmowerbeforestorage,
8, Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurface
ofthebladeadapterwithNghtoil SNdetheblade
adapterontotheenginecrankshaft,
9, Placethebladeon theadaptersuchthat theside
oftheblademarked"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)
facesgroundwhenthemowerisintheoperating
position,MakesurethatthebladeisaNgnedand
seatedon bladeadapterflanges,
10,Placebladebensupportontheblade,Alignnotches
onthebladebellsupportwithsmallholesin blade,
11,Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450
in,Ibs,min,,600 in,Ibs,max,
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically
checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque,
11
WARNING
When removing
the cutting blade
frorsharpening or
placement, protect
your hands with a
pair of heavy gloves
or use a heavy rag to
hold the blade,
An unbalanced blade
will cause excessive
vibrationwhen rotab
ing at high speeds. It
maycause damage
to mower, and could
break causing per=
sonai injury.

\/
For repairs beyond
theminor adjustments
listed here, contact
an authorized service
dealer.
do notprime.
1, Sparkplugwireloose,
2, Blockedfuellineor stab fuel
3, Ventingascapplugged,
4, Waterorair[ infue syslem,
5. Dir!, ar c_eaner,
6. CarburetoroutofaajJslmenl,
Engineruns erratic 1, Connectandtightenspark
plugwire,
2, Cban fuelline;filltankwithchart,
freshgasoline,
3, Clearvent,
4, Drainfue tank,Refillwith
freshfuel,
5, Refertoengnemanua
6, Refertoengnemanua
Engineoverheats 1. Engineoil levellow, 1. FillcrankcasewireproperoH.
2. Airflow restricted. 2. RemoveD_ovverhOUSing
anaclean.
8. Carburetornotadjustedproperly, 3. Referto enginemanual
Occasional skips 1, Searkp_uggapleoc_ose, 1, &qus! gapto,030".
thesitatesj at 2. Carburetoriqlemixturead uslmeni 2, Refertoengnemanua
highspeed 'lpropen_se!,
1. SparKplugfouled,faultyor gap
_oowlcle,
2. Carburetor[mpro_enyaq Js_ea,
3. Dirtyairc_eaner.
I. Resetgapto.030"or replace
sparkplug.
2. Referto enginemanua
3. Referto enginemanua
Excessive t, Cuttingbladelooseor uneaanceq, 1, -_gntene_aqeanaaoa.xer,
Vibration 3alanceblade,
2. BentcuttingD_aqe. 2, Seean au_nonzeqserwceqeaer,
F -- "
Unevencul 1. Wheelsnotposmone_correctly !. PlaceallfourwheeB insame
ne_gniposmon.
2, Du blade, 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.
12

WARNING
DONOT remove safety
(or any) labeJsfrom
newer for any reasen,
PLACEANDWRRRIDG.iF DAMAGED REPLACEiMMEDiATELY.
\
13

\
14

17032A
2 17098
8 687-02145
4 687-02144
5 787-01084A
6 712-3017
/
7 710-0216
8 710-0599
9 710-0654A
710-1044
710-1174
12 710-1205
13 712-04065
14 720-0279
ChuteHinge
HingeClip
HandleBracketAssembly- RH
HandleBracketAssembly- LH
DeckAssembly,22"
HexNut,3/8-16
HexCapScrew3/8-16x 75
TT Screw1/4-20x 05"
TT Screw3/8-16x 10
HexCapScrew3/8-24x15
CarriageBolt 5/16-18x20
EyeBolt
LockNut3/8-16
WingNut
............... /..................
15 720-04072 StarKnob
....L]7491O92A
...._#._,j,_l725"0157
18 731-04019
19 /731-1034B
................ @ 749-04037
732-1014
....,,22_734-04063
2i748o878c
736-0270
710-1694
26 i736-0524B
27 1736-0105
736-0331
738-0533
74_1161A
742-0642A
UpperHandle
CableTie
TrailShield
HingedChuteDeflectorAssembly
LowerHandle
TorsionSpring
Wheel,7 x15, Star-DiamGray
BladeAdapter
BellWasher265 IDx 75 OD
ClinchStiud
BladeBellSupport
BellWasher,375 x 870 x 063
BellWasher,390 x 113x062
ShoulderScrew,498 x 1.635
BladeControl
StandardBlade,22"
replacement parts,
www.mtdproducts,eom
15

MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR
Thefimitedwarrantyset forthbelowisgivenbyMTDLLCwithrespect
tonewmerchandisepurchasedandusedin theUnitedStates,its
possessionsandterritories.
"MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsin materialandworkman=
shipfora periodoftwo (2) yearscommencingon thedateoforiginal
purchaseandwill,at itsoption,repairor replace,freeofcharge,any
partfoundtobedefectiveinmaterialsorworkmanship.This limitedwar=
rantyshallonlyapplyifthisproducthasbeenoperatedand maintained
inaccordancewiththeOperator'sManualfurnishedwiththeproduct,
andhasnotbeensubiecttomisuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,
accident,impropermaintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft,fire,water,
ordamagebecauseofotherperilor naturaldisaster.Damageresulting
fromtheinstallationor useofanypart,accessoryor attachmentnot
approvedbyMTDforusewiththeproduct(s)coveredbythis manual
willvoidyourwarrantyastoanyresultingdamage.
Normalwearpartsare warrantedto befreefromdefectsinmaterialand
workmanshipforaperiodofthirty(30)daysfromthedateofpurchase.
Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuchas: batter=
ies,belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,
snowthrowerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.
NOW TO OBTAmNSERVICE: Warrantyservice is available, WITH
PROOFOF PURCHASE,through your !ocalauthorized service
dealer.Tolocate the dealer in yourarea, check yourYellowPages,
or contact MTDLLCat RO. Box 361131,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.Referto applicablemanufacturer's
warrantyfortermsand conditions.
b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershavea separateoneyear
warranty.
c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchaslubricants,filters,blade
sharpening,tune=ups,brakeadiustments,clutchadjustments,deck
adiustments,andnormaldeteriorationoftheexteriorfinishdueto
useor exposure.
d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthanan authorizedservice
dealer.
e. MTDdoesnotextendanywarrantyforproductssoldor exported
outsideoftheUnitedStates,itspossessionsandterritories,except
thosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorizedchannelsofexportdistribution.
f. ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts.
g. Transportationchargesandservicecalls.
No impliedwarranty, includingany impliedwarranty of mero
chantability of fitness for a particular purpose, applies after the
applicable period of expresswritten warranty aboveasto the
parts asidentified. Noother express warranty, whether written or
oral, exceptas mentioned above,given by anyperson or entity,
including a dealer or retailer, with respect to any product, shall
bind MTD.During the period of the warranty, the exclusive remedy
is repair or replacementof the product as set forth above.
Theprovisions asset forth in this warranty providethe sole and
exclusive remedy arising from the sale. MTDshall not be liable
for incidental or consequential loss or damageincluding, without
limitation, expenses incurred for substitute or replacementlawn
careservices or for rental expensestotemporarily replacea
warranted product.
Somestatesdo notallowtheexclusionorlimitationof incidentalor
consequentialdamages,or limitationsonhowlongan impliedwarranty
lasts,sotheaboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplytoyou.
in noeventshallrecoveryofanykindbegreaterthantheamountofthe
purchasepriceof theproductsold.Alteration of safety features of
the product shall void this warranty. Youassumethe riskandliability
forloss,damage,or iniurytoyouandyourpropertyand/orto othersand
theirpropertyarisingoutofthemisuseor inabilitytousetheproduct.
This limitedwarrantyshallnotextendtoanyoneotherthantheoriginal
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: [phone]