MTD 11A-083F000 User manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips &Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
OF AOA AL
22=inch Rotary Mower- Model Series 080
iMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyuniiprovedforest-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.770-10342G
9/27/2006

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 .............................. 8
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10
Troubleshooting ................................................ 12
Safety Labels .................................................... 13
Parts List ........................................................... 14
Warranty ............................................. Back Cover
MTDLLCreservestherighttochangeproductspecifications,designs,andequipmentwithoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation.
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREYOUBEGINTOASSEMBLEYOURNEW
EQUIPMENT,pleaselocatethemodel plateon the
equipmentandcopytheinformationto thesample
modelplateprovidedtothe right.Youcanlocatethe
modelplatebystandingatthe operatingpositionand
lookingdownatthe rearofthe deck.Thisinformation
will benecessaryto usethemanufacturer'sweb
site,to obtainassistancefromtheCustomerSup-
port Department,orwhen contactingan 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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_0

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 slipandfallcan 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

Your mower is
shipped with the
handle in the higher
height position.
Each end ofthe
lower handle must
be placed inthe
same position onthe
mounting brackets.
IMPORTANT:This
unit isshippedwithout
gasolineoroil inthe
engine. Fill upgasoline
and oilas instructedin
theaccompanyingen-
gine manual BEFORE
operatingyour mower.
NOTE: ThisOperator's
Manualcovers
severalmodels.Lawn
Mowerfeatures varyby
model.Notall features
discussed(or engines
pictured) in this manual
are applicableto all
LawnMowermodels.
ol It
Figure 3=1
1. For shippingpurposes, the chute deflectoron
your mower isheld in an uprightposition bya
retainer.Removethe retainer asfollows:
a. Push chutedeflector up towardsengine.
Holding deflectorin this position,remove
the retainerand discard. See Figure3-1.
b. Lowerthechute deflectorcarefullykeeping
yourfingers out of the way.
2. Performthe following sequencefor handle
setup:
a. Lift the upperhandle upfromfolded
positionA and pull it to extendedposition
B following thearrowin Figure3-2.The
handleshouldclick intothis position.
b. Makesure the carriage boltis seated
properlyin the handle.Tightenwing nuts
securing upper handleto the lower handle.
3. If satisfiedwith heightof handle,tighten wing
nutsat the ends of the lowerhandle shown in
Figure3-3. Forconvenienceof operating,you
may adjust thehandle heightasfollows:
a. Removethewing nutsshown in Figure3-3
and removethe lowerhandle.
,
b. Positioneach handlebracketstudintothe
top hole in the lower handle.
c. Tightenthe wing nuts.
Positionthe recoil starterby following the
stepsbelow:
a. Hold theblade control againstthe upper
handle.
Figure 3=2
Figure 3=3
6

b. Slowlypullstarterropeoutoftheengine.
SeeFigure3-4.
c. Slipstarterropeintotheropeguide.
d. Tightenropeguidewingnut.
5.Usethecabletieprovidedtosecurecableto
thelowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrim
excess.SeeFigure3-5.
6.Ifyourmowerisequippedwithanoptional
mulchingbaffle,installitontherightside
ofthedeck.Followthesequenceindicated
here.
a. Liftupandholdtheside-dischargechute
deflectorandinsertbottomlipofthe
mulchingbaffleinsidethechuteopening
SeeFigure3-6.
b. Snaphooksofthemulchingbaffleover
thehingepinofthechutedeflector.The
hooksmustsnapintoplaceonthehinge
pin,lockingthemulchingbafflefirmlyonto
mower.Releasechutedeflector.
Adjustments
Each wheelhas a heightadjustment leverto
change the cutting height of the mower.
1. Depressheightadjustment levertowards
wheel.
2. Slide leverto desired positionfor a change in
cutting height. See Figure3-7.
3. Release levertowards deck.
f
Figure 3-4
J
Figure 3-5 J
AdjUStment
When adjusting the
cutting height, be
sureto set all four
wheels at the same
height. Forroughor
uneven lawns,move
the height adjustment
leverto a higher
positionto prevent
scalpingof the grass.
f-
\
Figure 3-7 Figure 3-6
iMPORTANT:This unitis
shippedwithoutgasoline
or oilin theengine.Fillup
gasolineandoil asinstruct-
ed intheaccompanying
eng qemanualBEFORE
operatingyourmower.
7

Your LaWn
owel
WARNING
The blade control
mechanism isa
safety device. Never
attemptto bypass its
operations.
Useextreme care
when handling
gasoline.Gasolineis
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive. Neverfuel
the machine indoors
or while the engine
is hot or running.
Extinguishcigarettes,
cigars, pipesand
other sourcesof
ignition.
Know Your Lawn Mower
f BladeControl _'
Recoil
CuttingHeight
AdjustmentLevers
(oneateach
wheel)
Mulching
Figure 4-1
Now that you havesetup your lawn mower,it's important to become acquainted with its controls and features.
Blade Control
Thebladecontrolisattachedtotheupperhandleofthe
mower.Depressthe bladecontroltooperatetheunit.
Releaseittostopengineandblade.
_ WARNING:Theblade control mecha-
nism isasafetydevice. Neverattempt
to bypass itsoperations.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
Referto enginemanualfor engineinformation.
1. Checkoillevelandaddoil ifnecessary.Followengine
manualforthis.
2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe
enginemanual. Refertotheenginemanualforthe
locationoftheoilandgasfill.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
Oneadjustmentleveris locatedateachwheelandis
usedtoadjustthecuttingheight.All fourleversmustbe
movedtothesamepositiontoensurea uniformcut.
Recoil Starter
Therecoilstarterisattachedtotherightupperhandle.
Standbehindtheunitand pullthe recoilstarterropeto
starttheunit.
Mulching Baffle (If soequipped)
Themulchingbaffleisusedtorecirculategrass
clippingsbacktothelawn.Attachitasinstructedinthe
Assemblysectionofthismanual.
WARNING:Useextremecarewhen
handlinggasoline. Gasolineis
extremely flammableand the vapors
areexplosive. Neverfuel the machine
indoorsor while the engine ishot or running. Extin-
guish cigarettes, cigars, pipesand other sources of
ignition.
8

WARNING:Theoperationofanylawn
AL mowercanresultinforeignobjects /A
beingthrownintothe eyes,whichcan /Zd L
damageyoureyesseverely.Always r.]
wearsafetyglasseswhileoperating the mower,or
whileperforminganyadjustmentsor repairson it.
Starting the Engine
WARNING:Besure no one otherthan
theoperatorisstanding nearthe lawnmowerwhile starting engine or operat-
ingmower.Neverrun engine indoors
or in enclosed, poody ventilated
areas. Engineexhaust contains carbon monoxide,
an odorless and deadlygas. Keephands, feet, hair
and loose clothing awayfrom any moving partson
engine and lawn mower.
Note: Referto EngineManualfor helpwith engine-
relatedoperations.
1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwo seconds
betweeneachpush.SeeFigure4-2.Intemperature
around55°For below,primefivetimes.Donotprime
torestarta warmengine.
2. Standingbehindthemower,squeezetheblade
controlhandleagainstupperhandle.
3. Holdingthesetwohandlestogetherfirmly,grasp
recoilstarterhandleandpull ropeoutwitha rapid,
continuous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure4-2.Keeping
afirm griponthestarterhandle,lettheroperewind
slowly.Repeatuntilenginecranks.Letthe rope
rewindeachtimeslowly.
Stopping the Engine
1. Releasebladecontrolhandleto stoptheengineand
theblade.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainsttheengine.
UsingYour Lawn Mower
Besurethelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orother
objectswhichcoulddamagethelawnmoweror the
engine.Suchobjectscouldbe accidentlythrownbythe
mowerinanydirectionand causeseriouspersonalinjury
totheoperatorandothers.
WARNING:If you strike a foreign
object, stop theengine.Remove
wire from the spark plug,thoroughly
inspectthe mower for anydamage,
and repairthe damagebefore restarting and operat-
ingthe mower.Extensive vibration of the mower
during operation isan indicationof damage.The unit
should be promptlyinspectedand repaired.
Figure 4=2
Operating Tips
• Forbestresults,do notcutwetgrass.
• Newgrass,thickgrass,orwet grassmayrequirea
narrowercut.
• Fora healthierlawn,nevercutoff morethanone-third
ofthetotallengthofthegrass.
• Yourlawnshouldbecut inthefallaslongasthereis
growth.
• Foreffectivemulching,donotcutwetgrass.
• Adjustgroundspeedaccordingto conditionof lawn.
• Ifthegrasshasbeenallowedtogrowin excessof 4
inches,mulchingis notrecommended.Mowusing
thesidedischargetoreducethegrassheightto3-1/4
inchesor lessbeforemulching.
Operating
owe r
The operation of any
lawn mower can result
in foreign objects
throwninto
the eyes;which can
severely. Always wear
operating the mower,
whileperformi"g
or
repairsOn
Be sureno one other
thantheoperator
standing nearthe
mower while
operating mower.
Never run engine in-
doors or in enclosed,
poorlyventilated
areas: Engine exhaust
contains carbon
monoxide, an odor' :
Keephands, feet, hair
and loose clothing
away from any moving'
parts on engine and
lawn mowerl
9

WARNING
Alwaysstopenginel
disconnect spark
plug, and ground
againstg ne
performing anytype
of maintenance on
your machinel
Donot use a pressure
washerorgarden
hosetocleanyour
unitThesemayCause
damage to electric
components,sp nd es,
pulleysi bearings, or
the engine, Theuse
of water will result
in shortened life and
reduce serviceabilityi
Figure 5=1
General Recommendations
• Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperformingany
typeofmaintenance.
• Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse
or negligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthelawnmowerasinstructed
here.
•Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoidengine
warranty.
• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.
•Periodicallycheckall fastenersand makesurethese
aretight.
,_ WARNING:Alwaysstopengine, discon-
nectsparkplug, and groundagainst
engine beforeperformingany type of
maintenanceon your machine.
Lubrication
1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolatleast
oncea seasonwithlightoil.Thebladecontrolmust
operatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure5-1.
2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil (ormotoroil). Ifwheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatesurfaceofthepivotarmandinner
surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.
3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointonthe
chutedeflectorperiodicallywith lightoilto prevent
rust.See Figure5-1.
4. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-
tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.
Cleaning Mower
,_ WARNING:Nevertip the mower more
than 90° inanydirection and do not
leavethe mower tipped for anylength of
time. Oil candrain intothe upper partof theengine
causing a starting problem.
Cleanundersideofthe mowerdeckaftereachuse
topreventbuild-upofgrassclippingsorotherdebris.
Followstepsbelowforthisjob.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn
mowerorplacea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.
2. Tipthemowersothat itrestsonthehousing.Keep
thesidewiththeaircleanerfacingup.Holdthe
mowerfirmly.
3. Scrapeandcleanthe undersidedthedeckwitha
suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.
4. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsontheground.If
youhadputplasticunderthegascapearlier,make
sureto removeitnow.
10

BladeCare
_ARNING:Whenremovingthe cutting
bladefor sharpeningor replacement,
protectyourhandswith a pairof heavy
glovesor usea heavyragto holdtheblade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,
especiallyifyoustrikeaforeignobject.Replacewhen
necessary.Followthestepsbelowforbladeservice.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn
moweronitssidemakingsurethattheair filterand
thecarburetorareup.
2. Removetheboltandthebladebellsupportwhich
holdthebladeandthebladeadaptertotheengine
crankshaft.SeeFigure5-2.
3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.
4. Thebladecanbesharpenedwithafileor ona
grindingwheel.Followtheoriginalangleandgrind
eachcuttingedgeequally.Donotattempttosharpen
thebladewhileitisstillon themower.
5. Placethebladeon a roundshaftscrewdrivertocheck
forbalance.Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntilit
balancesevenly.
__1= WARNING:An unbalancedblade will
cause excessivevibrationwhen rotating
at high speeds.It maycausedamageto
mower,and couldbreakcausingpersonalinjury.
6. Toreassemble,lubricatetheenginecrankshaftand
theinnersurfaceofthebladeadapterwith lightoil.
Slidethebladeadapterontotheenginecrankshaft.
7. Placethebladeon theadaptersuchthattheside
oftheblademarked"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)
facesgroundwhenthemowerisintheoperating
position.Makesurethatthebladeisalignedand
seatedon bladeadapterflanges.
8. Placebladebellsupportontheblade.Alignnotches
onthebladebellsupportwithsmallholesinblade.
9. Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450
in.Ibs.rain.,600in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically
checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.
tCranks'l_aft
_ BladeAdapter
Sell
Support
Figure 5=2
Off-Season Storage
Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakento prepareyourlawn
mowerforstorage.
• Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin
thelubricationinstructions.
Refertoenginemanualforcorrectenginestorage
instructions.
Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto
preventrusting.
•Storemowerin adry,cleanarea.Donotstorenextto
corrosivematerials,suchasfertilizer.
Whenstoringanytypeofpowerequipmentina poorly
ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetakento
rust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoilor silicone,coat
theequipment,especiallycablesandall movingpartsof
yourlawnmowerbeforestorage.
11
MoWer
WARNING
When removing
the cutting blade
for sharpening or
replacement, protect
your hands with a
pairof heavy gloves
or use a heavy rag to
hold the blade.
An unbalanced blade
will cause excessive
vibration when rotat-
ing at high speeds, it
may cause damage
to mower, and could
break causing per-
sonal injury.

i i i_iii _i_'i__ii i/ ii _i_
Forrepairsbeyond
the minoradjustments
listedhere; contact
an authorized service
dealer'
ii ii i _ i i iii i !i_ ii _i
Problem Cause Remedy
I
Eng=nefalls to start 1. Biadecontroldlsengaged. 1, Engagebladecontrol.
21 sparkplugWiredisconnected. 2, ConnectwiretOsparkplug.
Fue!tankempty0rsta!e!ueL Fil!tankwith C!eanl!reshgaso!inel
Enginenotchoked. & ,Chokeengineas instructedinthe
I I Operatingyour LawnMower section,
5. Faultysparkp!ug, 5. Clean adjustgap orreplace.
Blockedfuel iinel 61 clean fue!iinel
7 EngineflOoded:.7 watafewmnutestOrestart butdo
notprime.
Enginerunserratic 1. Sparkplugwireloose.
2. Blockedfuel lineor stalefuel.
3. Ventingascap plugged.
4. Wateror dirt infuel system.
5. Dirtyair cleaner.
6. Carburetorout ofadjustment.
1. Connectandtightensparkplugwire.
2. Cleanfuelline;filltank withclean,
freshgasoline.
3. Clearvent.
4. Drainfueltank. Refillwithfreshfuel.
5. Referto enginemanual.
6. Referto enginemanual.
I
Eng ne overheats 1. Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil.
2. Airflow restricted. 2. Removeblowerhousingand clean.
r
3. Ca buretornot adjustedproperly. 3. Referto enginemanual
Occasional skips 1. Sparkpluggap tooclose. 1. Adjustgap to .030-inch.
(hesitates) at high speed 2. Carburetoridlemixtureadjustment 2. Referto enginemanual.
improperlyset.
Idles poorly 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gaptoo wide. 1. Resetgapto .030-inchor replace
sparkp ug.
2 Carburetorimproperlyadjusted 2. Referto enginemanual.
3. Dirtyair cleaner. 3. Referto enginemanual•
Excessive Vibration 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.Balance
blade.
2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. See anauthorizedservicedealer.
Mower will not mulch grass 1 Wetgrass• 1. Donot mowwhengrass iswet wait
untillatertocut.
2. Excessivelyhighgrass. 2. Mowonceata highcuttingheight,
then mowagainatdesirecJheightor
makeanarrowercurt ngpath.
' 3. Dullblade. 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.
I
Uneven cut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsinsame
heightposition.
2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.
Subject tochangewithout
notificationor obligation,
Images my not reflect your
exact model and are for
refe[ence purposes oniyl
12

Safety Labels Found On Your Lawn Mower
13

Model Series 080
WheelTreads
Bar K2Bar
14

Ref.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
2O
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
If
PartNo.
710-1205
720-0279
747-1161A
749-1092A
746-0957
746-0946
749-04037
725-0157
687-02048
710-0654A
748-0376C
748-04096
742-0642A
742-0742At
736-0524B
710-1044
712-04065
741-0751
687-02094
631-04045t
736-0741
738-1172
734-04213
734-1988
710-0599
736-0270
710-0216
738-1173
734-04215
734-1987
682-3064
682-3065
720-04072
731-04019
17098
710-1174
720-0426
732-1026
732-1014
17032A
747-0710
731-1034B
Equipped
Description
EyeBolt
WingNut
BladeControlHandle
UpperHandle
ControlCable-37.25"
ControlCable-48.25"
LowerHandle
CableTie
DeckAssembly22-inch
TT Screw3/8-16x 1.0
BladeAdapter,#6 x 1.19,w/Star
BladeAdapter,25ramx 1.19
StandardBlade22-inch
MulchBlade22-inch
BladeBellSupport
Screw3/8-24x 1.5
LockNut3/8-16
HeightAdjusterBearing
PivotArm
MulchPlug
BellWasher.760IDx 1.25OD
ShoulderScrew
FrontWheel,7x 1.8,K2 Bar
FrontWheel,7x 1.8,Bar
TT Screw1/4-20x .5
BellWasher.265IDx .75OD
Screw3/8-16x .75
ShoulderScrew
RearWheel,8 x 1.8,K2Bar
RearWheel,8 x 1.8,Bar
HandleBracketAssemblyRH
HandleBracketAssemblyLH
StarKnob
Trailshield
HingeClip
CarriageBolt5/16-18x2
Knob
Lever
TorsionSpring
ChuteHinge
HingePin
HingedChuteDeflectorAssembly
Parts List
CTORY PARTS
Toorder replacement
parts,call1-800-800-7310
or visit us onthe webat
www.mtdproducts.com
15

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