MTD 11A-414A752 User manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips &Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
OF AOAL
_X
21" Rotary Mower- Model Series 410
iMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon 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.770-10124F
09/23/2004

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
Trouble Shooting .............................................. 12
Safety Labels .................................................... 13
Parts List ........................................................... 14
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREYOU STARTASSEMBLING
YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,
please locatethe modelplate onthe equipmentand copythe
informationtothe sample modelplate providedtothe right.
Youcan locatethe modelplate by standing at the operating
position and lookingdown atthe rear ofthe deck. This
informationwill be necessaryto use the manufacturer'sweb
site and/or obtain assistancefrom theCustomerSupport
Departmentor an authorizedservice dealer.
Model Number
www.mtdproducts.com
Serial Number
MTD LLC
P.O= BOX 361131
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330-220-4683
800-800-7310
Customer Support
Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
Ifyou have difficultyassemblingthis productor have any
questions regardingthe controls, operationor maintenanceof
this unit,youcanseek help from the experts.Choosefrom the
options below:
1. Visit mtdproducts.com for manyusefulsuggestions.
Click on CustomerSupport buttonand you will get the four
options reproducedin this sampleto the right.Click on the
appropriate buttonand help is immediatelyavailable.
2. Phonea Customer Support Representative
at 1(800)800-7310.
3. The engine manufacturer isresponsiblefor all engine-
relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-rating,
specifications,warranty and service. Pleasereferto the
engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packed
separatelywith your unit, for more information.
Click here to search our knowledge base.
Search by product, keyword, or phrase.
Login to check the status of your questions, modify
your inquiries, or update your personal profile.
Need local assistance? Click here to find authorized
service centers in your area.
Need a manual and/or parts list? Download
literature from recent model years.
2

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also
I
15°

RNING
This symbol points
i out important safety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed, could
endangerthe personal
i safetyand/or property
I ofyourself and others.
Readand follow all
instructionsinthis man-
ualbeforeattempting to
operatethis machine.
Failureto complywith
these instructionsmay
i resultin personalinjury.
i When youseethis
_symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
i ofthis powermachine
i to personswho read,
understand
andfollow the warnings
and instructions
inthis manual
andon the machine.
WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of its constituents,andcertain vehiclecompo-
nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: Thismachinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operationin this
manual.As with anytypeof powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operatorcan
result in seriousinjury.This machine iscapable of amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.
Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injury 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.
Operation
Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:
1. Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuse
extremecare in handlinggasoline,Gasolineisextremely
flammableand thevaporsareexplosive,Seriouspersonal
injurycanoccurwhengasolineisspilledon yourselfor
yourclotheswhichcan ignite,
2. Washyourskin andchangeclothesimmediately,
3. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer,
4. Neverfill containersinsideavehicleoron a truckortrailer
bedwith a plasticliner,Alwaysplacecontainersonthe
groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck or
trailerandrefuelit onthe ground.Ifthis is notpossible,
thenrefuelsuchequipmenton atrailerwitha portable
container,ratherthanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.
6. Keepthe nozzleincontactwiththe rimofthefuel tankor
containeropeningatalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Do
notusea nozzlelock-opendevice.
7. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
8. Neverfuel machineindoorsbecauseflammablevapors
willaccumulateinthe area.
9. Neverremovegas caporaddfuel whileengineishotor
running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwo minutesbefore
refueling.
10.Neveroverfillfueltank.Filltankto nomorethanV2inch
belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.
11.Replacegasolinecap andtightensecurely.
12.If gasolineis spilled,wipeit offthe engineand equipment.
Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting
engine.
13.Neverstorethe machineor fuelcontainernearanopen
flame,sparkorpilotlightas onawaterheater,spaceheater,
furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.
14.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,
or otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuel spillageand
removeanyfuel soakeddebris.
15.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.
General Operation:
1. Readthis operator'smanual carefullyinits entiretybefore
attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,
andfollowall instructionsonthe machineandin the
manual(s) beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith
thecontrolsandthe properuseofthis machinebefore
operatingit. Keepthis manualin a safeplaceforfuture and
regularreferenceandfor orderingreplacementparts.
2. Thismachineisaprecisionpieceof powerequipment,not a
plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionatalltimes.
Yourunithasbeendesignedto performonejob:to mow
grass.Do notuse itfor anyotherpurpose.
3. Neverallow childrenunder 14yearsoldto operatethis
machine.Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand
understandthe instructionsinthis manualandshould
betrainedand supervisedbya parent.Onlyresponsible
individualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe opera-
tionshouldbeallowedtousethis machine.
4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto
beused.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toysand
otherforeignobjectswhichcouldbetripped overor picked
upandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjectscancause
seriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpatternto avoid
dischargeof materialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystanders
andthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainsta wall
or obstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterialto
ricochetbacktowardthe operator.
5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,stayin
operatorzonebehindhandlesand keepchildren,bystand-
ers,helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrom mowerwhileit is
in operation.Stop machineif anyoneentersarea.
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 lightweight
(e.g.canvas)shoes.
8. Do notputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor undercutting
deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.
4

9. A missingor damageddischargecovercancauseblade
contactorthrownobject injuries.
10.Manyinjuriesoccurasa resultofthe mowerbeingpulled
overthefoot duringa fall causedby slippingor tripping.
Donot holdontothe mowerif youarefalling;releasethe
handleimmediately.
11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare
walking.If youmustbackthe mowerawayfroma wallor
obstructionfirst look downandbehindto avoidtripping and
thenfollowthesesteps:
a. Stepbackfrommowertofully extendyourarms.
b. Besureyouarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.
c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,nomorethanhalfway
towardyou.
d. Repeatthesestepsasneeded.
12.Donotoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof
alcoholordrugs.
13.Donotengagethe self-propelledmechanismonunitsso
equippedwhilestartingengine.
14.The bladecontrolhandleis asafetydevice.Neverattempt
to bypassitsoperation.Doingso makesthe safetydevice
inoperativeand mayresultin personalinjurythrough
contactwiththe rotatingblade.The bladecontrolhandle
mustoperateeasily in bothdirectionsand automatically
returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.
15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwet grass.Alwaysbesure of
yourfooting. A slipandfall cancauseseriouspersonal
injury.If youfeel youare losingyourfooting, releasethe
bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyand the bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthreeseconds.
16.Mowonlyin daylightorgoodartificial light.Walk,neverrun.
17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.
18.Ifthe equipmentshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineand checkimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis
generallyawarningof trouble.
19.Shuttheengineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto
a completestop beforeremovingthe grasscatcheror
uncloggingthe chute.Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotate
for afew secondsafterthe engineis shutoff. Neverplace
any partofthe bodyinthe bladearea untilyouaresure the
bladehasstoppedrotating.
20. Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrail shield,discharge
cover,grass catcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafety
protectivedevicesin placeand working.Neveroperate
mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo so,can
resultin personalinjury.
21. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causea burn.Do
nottouch.
22.Only usepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthismachineby
manufacturer.Failuretodo so canresultinpersonalinjury.
23. If situationsoccurwhich arenotcoveredin this manual,use
careand goodjudgment.Telephone[phone]for
CustomerSupportandthe nameof yournearestdealer.
Slope Operation:
Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidentswhich
can resultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra
caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyon a slope,do notmowit.Foryour
safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthis manualto
measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunitonaslopedor hilly
area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donot mowit.
Do:
1. Mowacrossthefaceof slopes;neverupanddown.
Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon
slopes.
2. Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks, hiddenobjects,or bumps
whichcancauseyoutoslip ortrip. Tallgrasscan hide
obstacles.
3. Alwaysbe sureof yourfooting.A slip andfall cancause
seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyour
balance,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediately,and
thebladewillstop rotatingwithinthree(3) seconds.
Do Not:
1. Do notmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,you
couldloseyourfootingor balance.
2. Do notmowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownon
theslopegauge.
3. Do notmowonwetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcause
slipping. Service
1. Neverrun anengineindoorsorin a poorlyventilatedarea.
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessand
deadlygas.
2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe
sparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe engineto prevent
unintendedstarting.
3. Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent
intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefor
damage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewiththe
originalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listed
inthismanual."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe original
equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformance
andcompromisesafety!"
4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor wear
gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip-
mentis insafeworkingcondition.
6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperopera-
tionregularly.
7. Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stopthe engine,discon-
nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.
Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerfor anydamage.Repairthe
damagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower.
8. Neverattemptto makeawheelor cuttingheightadjustment
whiletheengineis running.
9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail
shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould expose
movingpartsor allowobjectsto bethrown.Forsafety
protection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplaceim-
mediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)
partsonly,listedinthis manual."Useofpartswhich do
notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"
10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor overspeedthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating
speedoftheengine.
11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.
12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper
disposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
Practices
WARNING
This symbol points
out importantsafety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safety and/or property
of yourselfand others.
Readand followall
instructions inthis man-
ual beforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failuretocomply with
these instructionsmay
result in personalinjury.
Whenyou see this
symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read,
understand
and follow the warnings
and instructions
inthis manual
and onthe machine.
5

NOTE:Stand behind
the mower as il you
were goingto operate
it. Yourrighthand cor-
respondsto the right
i sideof the mower;your
left handcorresponds
to the left sideof the
mower.
NOTE:"(ourmower
isshippedwith the
handle in the higher
heightpositicn,
NOTE: Eachend of
i the lower handle must
be placedin the same
i relativeposition.
iMPORTANT
IThis unitisshipped
i without gasolineor
i oil inthe engine. Fill
!iup gasolineand oil
as instructedinthe
i accompanyingengine
manual BEFORE
operatingyour mower.
Step 1
ardwarePack
Wing Nuts(2) CarriageBolts(2)
Step 2
1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetween
upperandlowerhandles.
a. Pullupand backon upperhandleasshownin
Step1.Makecertainthe lowerhandleis seated
securelyintothehandlemountingbrackets.
b. Tightenhandknobssecuringupperhandleto
lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriageboltis
seatedproperlyin thehandle.
2. Locatehairpinclipinone holeon theweldpinon each
sideof lowerhandle.
.
a. Removehairpinclipfromthis hole.Usinga pairof
pliers,inserthairpinclipintotheotherholeon the
weldpin.Repeaton otherside.
b. Inserta carriageboltfromthehardwarepackinto
theupperholeonthehandlemountingbracket.
Securewithone plasticwingnut,alsoincluded
inthehardwarepack.Repeatonothersidewith
remainingitemsfromhardwarepack.
Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe
upperhandle.Loosenthewingnutwhichsecuresthe
ropeguide.
a. Holdbladecontrolhandleagainstupperhandle.
b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releaseblade
controlhandle.
c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.Tightenwingnut.
4. Insertpostoncabletiesintoholesprovidedon the
lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.
Step 3Step 4
6

5. An adjustingplateandthumbleverateachwheel
positionprovidescuttingheightadjustment.
a. Depresslevertowardswheel.
b. Moveittoanyof theninepositionsfordesired
cuttingheight.SeeStep5.
c. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.
6. Followstepsbelowtoassemblethegrasscatcher:
a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside
is atthebottom.
b. Slip plasticchannelofgrassbagoverhooksonthe
frame.SeeStep6.All theplasticchannelsexcept
centertopof bagattachfromoutsideofbag.
c. Attachcentertopofbagfrominsideofbag.
7. Followstepsbelowtoattachgrasscatcher:
a. Liftreardischargedoor.
b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod.Letgo
ofdischargedoorsothat itrestson thegrass
catcher.SeeStep7.
Toremovegrasscatcherorconverttoa mulcher,lift rear
dischargedooron themowerasshowninStep8. Lift
grasscatcherupandoutofthepivotrod.Releaserear
dischargedoortoallowittocloserearopeningof mower.
WARNING: Neveroperate mower unless
the hookson the grass catcherare firmly
seated inthe slots on the handle bracket as-
semblies, and the rear discharge door rests
firmly against top of the grass catcher.
Step 5
_)
Step 6
Step 7
uStment
CUTTING HEIGHT
Step5
All wheelsmust be
placedin thesame
relative positionl
GRASSCATCHER
Stepe
Makecertain bag is
turned right side out
before assembling
(warninglabelWillbe
onthe outside):
WARNING
Never operatemower
unlessthe hooks on
the grasscatcher are
firmlyseatedin
slots on thehandle
bracket assemblies,
and the rear dis,
charge doorrests
f rm yagainsttOpof
the grasscatcher:
7

WARNING
The blade control
mechanism is a
safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its
operations.
IUseextreme care
when handling
gasoline.Gasoline is
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive. Never fuel
the machine indoors
or while the engine
is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes and
other sources of
ignition.
Keep hands and feet
away from the chute
area on cutting deck.
Referto warning
label onthe unit,
Know Your Lawn Mower
Blade Control Handle
Recoil
Startc
pper Handle
ower Handle
Starter
Rope
Grass
Catcher
Oil Fill/Dipstick
Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever
(for eachwheel)
Gasoline Fill
Spark Plug
Figure 1
Now that you have set up your lawn mower for op-
eration, get aquainted with its controls and features.
These are described below and illustrated on this
page. This knowledge will allow you to use your
new equipment to its fullest potential.
Blade Control Handle
The blade control handle is attached to the up-
per handle of the mower. Depress and squeeze
it against the upper handle to operate the unit.
Release it to stop engine and blade.
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. Checkoillevelandaddoil if necessary.Followengine
manualforthis.SeeFigure1abovefor locationofoil
fill.
2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe
enginemanual. SeeFigure1aboveforlocationof
gasfill.
WARNING: This blade control mechanism
is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass
its operations.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
One adjustment lever is located on each wheel and
is used to adjust the cutting height. All four levers
have to be at the same relative position to ensure a
uniform cut.
WARNING: Use extreme care when handling
gasoline. Gasoline isextremelyflammable
and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel the
machine indoorsor while the engine is hot or
running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes
and other sources of ignition.
8

WARNING:The operation of any lawnmower
can result inforeign objects being thrown
intothe eyes, which can damageyour eyes
severely.Alwayswear safety glasses while
operatingthe mower, or while performing
any adjustments or repairson it.
Starting Engine
WARNING: Be sure no one other than the
operator is standing near the lawnmower
while startingengine or operating mower.
Neverrun engine indoors or in enclosed,
poorly ventilatedareas. Engineexhaust
containscarbon monoxide, an odorless and
deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hairand loose
clothing awayfrom any movingparts on
engine and lawnmower.
1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwoseconds
betweeneachpush.SeeFigure2. Intemperature
around550For below,primefive times.Donotprime
to restarta warmengine.
2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol
handleagainstupperhandle.See Figure2.
3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil
starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-
ous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure2.Keepinga firm
grip onthestarterhandle,lettheroperewindslowly.
Repeatuntilenginecranks.Letthe roperewindeach
timeslowly.
Figure 2
WARNING: Waitfor the blade to stop com-
pletely before doing any work on the mower
or to removethe grass catcher.
Stopping Engine
1. Releasebladecontrolhandleto stoptheengineand
theblade.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainsttheengine.
Using Your Lawn Mower
WARNING" Neveroperate your mower
without either the rear door or the entire
grass catcherassembly firmly secured.
Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orother
objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmoweror engine.
Suchobjectscouldbeaccidentlythrownbythemower
inanydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytothe
operatorandothers.
WARNING: ifyou strike a foreign object,
stopthe engine. Removewire from the
spark plug,thoroughly inspect mower for
any damage, and repair damage before re-
starting and operating. Extensive vibration
of mower during operation is an indication
of damage. The unit should be promptly
inspectedand repaired.
1. Forbest results,do notcut wetgrass.
2. Fora healthierlawn,nevercut offmorethanone-
thirdofthetotallengthofthegrass.
Using as Mulcher
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherfromthe
mower.Thereardischargedoorshouldbeclosed.
1. Foreffectivemulching,do notcut wetgrass.
2. Newor thickgrassmayrequirea narrowercut.
Adjustgroundspeedaccordingtoconditionoflawn.
3. ifthegrasshasbeenallowedto growinexcessof
4inches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethe
grasscatchertobagclippingsinstead.
Using Grass Catcher
Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile
youareoperatingthemower.
1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionson page
7. Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectinthe
bagasyourunthe mower.Operatethemowertillthe
grassbagisfull.
2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingtheblade
controlhandle.Makesurethattheunithascometo
a completestop.
3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagup andaway
fromthe mowertodisposeofthegrassclippings.
Mower
WARNING
The operation of any
lawn mower can result
inforeign objects
being thrown into
the eyes, whichcan
damage your eyes
severely. Always wear
safety glasseswhile
operating the mower,
or while performing
any adjustments or
repairs on it.
Be sureno one other
than the operator is
standing near the lawn
mower while starting
engine or operating
mower. Never run
engine indoorsor
n enclosed, poorly
ventilated areas. En-
gineexhaust contains
carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly
gas. Keep hands,feet,
hair and loose clothing
away from any moving
partson engine and
lawn mower.
9

Maintaining
WARNING
A waysstope,g ne;
disconnect spark
plugl andground
against enginebefore
cleaning,lubricating
Wedo notrecommend
the useof pressure
washersorgarden
hoseto cleanyour
unit. These may cause
idamageto electric
Componentsspindles
pulleys;bearings
the enginel The use
of waterwill resultin
shortened lifeand
Lubricatethese
points before
reassembly.
General Recommendations
1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
anymaintenance.
2. Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse
ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras
instructedhere.
3. Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid
enginewarranty.
4. Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.
5. Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese
aretight.
WARNING: Alwaysstop engine, disconnect
spark plug, and groundagainst engine
before cleaning,lubricating or doing any
kind of maintenanceon your machine.
Lubrication
1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolhandleat
leastoncea seasonwith lightoil.Thebladecontrol
mustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure3.
2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatesurfaceofthepivotarmandinner
surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure3.
3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointonthe
reardischargedoorperiodicallywithlightoil to
preventrust.SeeFigure3.
4. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-
tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.
Deck Care
Clean underside of the mower deck after each use
to prevent build-up of grass clippings or other debris.
Follow steps belowfor this job.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn
mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.
2. Tipmowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe
sidewiththeaircleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.
WARNING: Never tip the mower more than
90 degrees in any directions and do not
leave the mower tipped for any length of
time, Oil can drain intothe upper part of the
engine causing a starting problem.
3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwitha
suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.
4. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsontheground.If
youhadputplasticunderthegascapearlier,make
sureto removeitnow.
Engine Care
A listofkeyenginemaintenancejobs requiredforgood
performancebythemowerisgivenbelow.Followthe
accompanyingenginemanualforadetailedlistand
instructions.
1. Maintainoil levelasinstructedin enginemanual.
2. Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal
conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely
dustyconditions.Poorengineperformanceand
floodingusuallyindicatesthattheaircleanershould
beserviced.Toservicetheaircleaner,refertothe
enginemanual.
3. Cleansparkplugand resetthegaponcea season.
Sparkplugreplacementisrecommendedatthestart
ofeachmowingseason.Checkenginemanualfor
correctplugtypeand gapspecifications.
4. Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe
coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleantopermit
properaircirculation.Removeall grass,dirtand
combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.
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