MTD 11A-433E500 User manual

IMPORTANT: Read Safety Rules and Instructions Carefully
Owner’s Manual
♦SET-UP ♦OPERATION ♦MAINTENANCE
PRINTED IN CANADA OG-2003

2
CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT
•LOCATE YOUR MODEL NUMBER AND SERIAL NUMBER which appears on your unit and
record the information in the space provided below.
IMPORTANT: You must have these numbers, along with the date and proof of
purchase to receive warranty or service.
•If you are having difficulty assembling this product or if you have any questions regarding the
controls, operation or maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.
•Customer Support can be reached by dialing: 1-800-668-1238
•Please have your model number and serial number ready when you call.
NOTE: Although both numbers are important, you will be asked to enter only your
serial number before your call can be processed.
This is where your model number will be,
record it here:
This is where your serial number will be,
record Serial Number here:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT.............................................2
TABLE OF CONTENTS ....................................................2
IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES ....................................3
SLOPE GAUGE ..........................................................6
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK ...........................................7
UNPACKING ............................................................8
ASSEMBLY .............................................................8
OPERATION ...........................................................12
ADJUSTMENT ..........................................................13
LUBRICATION .........................................................14
MAINTENANCE .........................................................14
OFF SEASON STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS .....................................15
REPLACEMENT PARTS ...................................................16
WARRANTY............................................................21
TROUBLE SHOOTING ....................................................22
For more details about your unit, visit our website at www.mtdcanada.com

GENERAL OPERATION
•Read, understand, and follow all instruc-
tions on the machine and in the manual(s)
before attempting to assemble and operate.
Keep this manual in a safe place for future
and regular reference and for ordering re-
placement parts.
•Be familiar with all controls and their proper
operation. Know how to stop the machine
and disengage them quickly.
•Never allow children under 14 years old to
operate this machine. Children 14 years old
and over should read and understand the
operation instructions and safety rules in
this manual and should be trained and su-
pervised by a parent.
•Never allow adults to operate this machine
without proper instruction.
•To help avoid blade contact or a thrown ob-
ject injury, keep bystanders, helpers,
children and pets at least 75 feet from the
machine while it is in operation. Stop ma-
chine if anyone enters the area.
•Thoroughly inspect the area where the
equipment is to be used. Remove all
stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys and other
foreign objects which could be tripped over
or picked up and thrown by the blade.
Thrown objects can cause serious personal
injury.
•Plan your mowing pattern to avoid dis-
charge of material toward roads, sidewalks,
bystanders and the like. Also, avoid dis-
charging material against a wall or
obstruction which may cause discharged
material to ricochet back toward the opera-
tor.
•Always wear safety glasses or safety gog-
gles during operation and while performing
an adjustment or repair to protect your
eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can
cause serious injury to the eyes.
•Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and
close-fitting slacks and shirts. Shirts and
pants that cover the arms and legs and
steel-toed shoes are recommended. Never
operate this machine in bare feet, sandals,
slippery or light weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.
•Many injuries occur as a result of the
mower being pulled over the foot during a
fall caused by slipping or tripping. Do not
hold on to the mower if you are falling; re-
lease the handle immediately.
•Never pull the mower back toward you
while you are walking. If you must back the
mower away from a wall or obstruction first
look down and behind to avoid tripping and
then follow these steps:
a) Step back from the mower to fully extend
your arms.
b) Be sure you are well balanced with sure
footing
c) Pull the mower back slowly, no more
than half way toward you.
d) Repeat these steps as needed.
•Do not operate the mower while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
•Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts
or under the cutting deck. Contact with the
blade can amputate hands and feet.
•A missing or damaged discharge cover can
cause blade contact or thrown object inju-
ries.
•Do not engage the self-propelled mecha-
nism on units so equipped while starting
engine.
•Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting
height adjustment while the engine is run-
ning.
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This unit has been inspected against the manufacturers quality check list. In case of a discrep-
ancy, please call us. We will make every effort to ship the part(s) by courier within one working
day of your call.
IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not fol-
lowed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others.
Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this
machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury.
When you see this symbol— heed its warning.
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe op-
eration in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error
on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of
amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following
safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

•The blade control handle is a safety device.
Never attempt to bypass its operation.
Doing so makes the safety device inopera-
tive and may result in personal injury
through contact with the rotating blade. The
blade control handle must operate easily in
both directions and automatically return to
the disengaged position when released.
•Never operate the mower in wet grass. Al-
ways be sure of your footing. A slip and fall
can cause serious personal injury. If you
feel you are losing your footing, release the
blade control handle immediately and the
blade will stop rotating within three sec-
onds.
•Mow only in daylight or in good artificial
light. Walk, never run.
•Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives,
walks or roads.
•If the equipment should start to vibrate ab-
normally, stop the engine and check
immediately for the cause. Vibration is gen-
erally a warning of trouble.
•Shut the engine off and wait until the blade
comes to a complete stop before removing
the grass catcher or unclogging the chute.
The cutting blade continues to rotate for a
few seconds after the engine is shut off.
Never place any part of the body in the
blade area until you are sure the blade has
stopped rotating.
•Never operate mower without proper trail
shield, discharge cover, grass catcher,
blade control handle or other safety protec-
tive devices in place and working. Never
operate mower with damaged safety de-
vices. Failure to do so, can result in
personal injury.
•Muffler and engine become hot and can
cause a burn. Do not touch.
•Only use parts and accessories made for
this machine by the manufacturer. Failure to
do so, can result in personal injury.
•If situations occur which are not covered in
this manual, use care and good judgment.
Contact your customer support department.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and
fall accidents which can result in severe in-
jury. Operation on slopes requires extra
caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do
not mow it. For your safety, use the slope
gauge included as part of this manual to
measure slopes before operating this unit on
a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater
than 15 degrees, do not mow it.
DO:
•Mow across the face of slopes; never up
and down. Exercise extreme caution when
changing direction on slopes. Watch for
holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects which can cause you to slip or trip.
Tall grass can hide obstacles. Always be
sure of your footing. A slip and fall can
cause serious personal injury. If you feel
you are losing your balance, release the
blade control handle immediately, and the
blade will stop rotating within 3 seconds.
DO NOT:
•Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or em-
bankments, you could lose your footing or
balance.
•Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees
as shown on the slope gauge.
•Do not mow on wet grass. Unstable footing
could cause slipping.
CHILDREN
•Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is
not alert to the presence of children. Children
are often attracted to the mower and the
mowing activity. They do not understand the
dangers. Never assume that children will re-
main where you last saw them.
a) Keep children out of the mowing area
and under the watchful care of a respon-
sible adult other than the operator.
b) Be alert and turn mower off if a child en-
ters the area.
c) Before and while moving backwards,
look behind and down for small children.
d) Use extreme care when approaching
blind corners, doorways, shrubs, trees,
or other objects that may obscure your
vision of a child who may run into the
mower.
e) Keep children away from hot or running
engines. They can suffer burns from a
hot muffler.
•Never allow children under 14 years old to
operate a power mower. Children 14 years
old and over should read and understand
the operation instructions and safety rules in
this manual and should be trained and su-
pervised by a parent.
SERVICE SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE:
•To avoid personal injury or property dam-
age use extreme care in handling gasoline.
Gasoline is extremely flammable and the va-
pors are explosive. Serious personal injury
can occur when gasoline is spilled on your-
4

self or your clothes which can ignite. Wash
your skin and change clothes immediately.
a) Use only an approved gasoline con-
tainer.
b) Never fill containers inside a vehicle or
on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic
liner. Always place containers on the
ground away from your vehicle before
filling.
c) When practical, remove gas-powered
equipment from the truck or trailer and
refuel it on the ground. If this is not pos-
sible, then refuel such equipment on a
trailer with a portable container, rather
than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
d) Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim
of the fuel tank or container opening at
all times until fueling is complete. Do not
use a nozzle lock-open device.
e) Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes
and other sources of ignition.
f) Never fuel machine indoors.
g) Never remove gas cap or add fuel while
the engine is hot or running. Allow en-
gine to cool at least two minutes before
refueling.
h) Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no
more than ½ inch below bottom of filler
neck to provide space for fuel expan-
sion.
I) Replace gasoline cap and tighten se-
curely.
j) If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine
and equipment. Move unit to another
area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the
engine.
k) Never store the machine or fuel container
inside where there is an open flame,
spark or pilot light as on a water heater,
space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or
other gas appliances.
l) To reduce fire hazard, keep machine free
of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage
and remove any fuel soaked debris.
m) Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes
before storing.
GENERAL SERVICE:
•Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly
ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains car-
bon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
•Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting,
make certain the blade and all moving parts
have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug
wire and ground against the engine to pre-
vent unintended starting.
•Check the blade and engine mounting bolts
at frequent intervals for proper tightness.
Also, visually inspect blade for damage
(e.g., bent, cracked, worn) Replace blade
with the original equipment manufacturer’s
(O.E.M.) blade only, listed in this manual.
“Use of parts which do not meet the original
equipment specifications may lead to im-
proper performance and compromise
safety!”
•Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap
the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra
caution when servicing them.
•Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be
sure the equipment is in safe working con-
dition.
•Never tamper with safety devices. Check
their proper operation regularly.
•After striking a foreign object, stop the en-
gine, disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground against the engine. Thoroughly in-
spect the mower for any damage. Repair
the damage before starting and operating
the mower.
•Grass catcher components, discharge
cover, and trail shield are subject to wear
and damage which could expose moving
parts or allow objects to be thrown. For
safety protection, frequently check compo-
nents and replace immediately with original
equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts
only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts
which do not meet the original equipment
specifications may lead to improper perfor-
mance and compromise safety!”
•Do not change the engine governor setting
or overspeed the engine. The governor con-
trols the maximum safe operating speed of
the engine.
•Maintain or replace safety and instruction la-
bels, as necessary.
•Observe proper disposal laws and regula-
tions. Improper disposal of fluids and
materials can harm the environment. SI-102
12.06.02
5

6
15º
USE THIS SHEET AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SLOPES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY.
A CORNER OF A BUILDING
FOLD ON DOTTED LINE, REPRESENTING A 15
o
SLOPE
OR A FENCE POST
SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
A POWER POLE
DANGER
Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess excess of 15 degrees ( a rise of approximately 2½ feet every 10 feet). A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is extremely difficult to maintain your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury. Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes. Operate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.
SLOPE GAUGE
(Keep this sheet in a safe place for future reference.)
OWNER'S
MANUAL
SAFETY LABEL WARNING - Your Responsibility:
Restrict the use of this power machine to persons
who read, understand and follow the warnings and
instructions in this manual and on the machine.

7
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
Lay out the hardware according to the illustration for identification purposes. Part numbers are
shown in parentheses. (Some parts may not be required for your unit.)

It is suggested that this manual be read in its
entirety before attempting to assemble or
operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for
future reference and for ordering
replacement parts.
This unit is shipped WITHOUT GASOLINE
or OIL. After assembly, service engine with
gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate
engine manual packed with your unit.
Tools Required for Assembly
(1) 7/16" Wrench (1) 3/4" Wrench
UNPACKING
•Remove the lawn mower and all parts from
the carton. Make certain all parts and litera-
ture have been removed from the carton
before the carton is discarded.
CAUTION: DISCONNECT SPARK
PLUG WIRE. IF THE WIRE IS NOT
EQUIPPED WITH A RUBBER BOOT,
SEE SEPARATE ENGINE MANUAL
FOR GROUNDING PROCEDURE.
CAUTION: DO NOT BEND OR KINK
CONTROL WIRE.
•Refer to "Contents of Hardware Pack".
ASSEMBLY
ATTACHING THE LOWER HANDLE
(Hardware A)
•There is an off-set hole in the lower handle
to provide you with two handle height ad-
justments. Handles mounted with the notch
(see inset, figure 1A) forward or upward will
be lower than handles mounted with the
notch towards the rear of the unit.
•Place the lower handle assembly on the
mower. The holes in the handle fit over the
pins on the deck bracket.
•Secure with cotter pins in the inner holes in
the weld pins. See figures 1A or 1B.
For Models with 14" rear wheels.
•After you have moved the hairpin clips as
shown in Figure 1B, place one carriage bolt
(found in the hardware pack included with
your unit) in the upper hole of the right han-
dle mounting bracket from the inside
outward. Secure with one plastic wing nut.
Repeat process on the left side.
ATTACHING THE UPPER HANDLE
(Hardware B)
•Place the upper handle in position over the
lower handle. The blade control must be on
the upper side of the handle and the bracket
should be on the left side.
•Secure the upper handle to the lower handle
using curved carriage bolts, saddle washers
and large wing nuts, see figure 2.
NOTE: Wing nuts should be mounted
on the inside.
ATTACHING THE BLADE CONTROL
CABLE
•Make certain the blade control handle is on
top of the upper handle.
8
Figure 1A- For models with 8" rear wheels.
Lower Handle
Handle Mounting
Bracket
Figure 2
Large
Wing Nut
Carriage
Bolt
Saddle
Washer
Hairpin
Clip
Notch
Hole
Figure 1B-For models with 14: rear wheels.
Carriage
Bolt
Wing Nut
Upper Hole
Place the hairpin clips in the inner hole.
Weld Pin
Lower Handle

the brake cable over the lower handle. Place
end of cable through the hole in the bracket
as shown in figure 3. Push the plastic fitting
until it locks into the hole.
•Move the blade control handle away from
the upper handle. Hook the “Z” end of the
brake cable into the hole in the blade con-
trol handle from the outside to the inside as
shown in figure 3.
WARNING: Brake cable must be as-
sembled as shown for proper blade
brake operation.
ATTACHING THE STARTER ROPE
(Hardware C)
•The starter rope is inside the top of the en-
gine. Additional rope may be wound around
the starter handle. If so, unwind the rope
from the handle.
•With the spark plug wire disconnected and
grounded as instructed in the separate en-
gine manual, hold the blade control handle
against the upper handle and pull the rope
out of the engine.
•Place the rope guide around the starter han-
dle, so the opening in the rope guide is
toward the front of the mower as shown. In-
sert the rope guide into the right side of the
handle.
•Secure with small wing nut. See figure 4.
NOTE: If the starter rope becomes dis-
connected from rope guide on handle,
disconnect and ground the spark
plug wire. Depress the blade control
handle and pull the starter rope out
from engine slowly. Slip the starter rope
into the rope guide bolt on handle.
SECURING THE CABLES (Hardware E)
Secure the cable to the left side of the han-
dle as follows.
WARNING: When attaching the con-
trol cables, the cables must be
routed to avoid contact with all
sharp edges and hot surfaces to
prevent damage to the cables,
which will render the control inoper-
ative.
•Insert posts on cable ties into holes pro-
vided on the handle, one on each the upper
handle and lower handle. The holes may be
either on the inside or outside of the han-
dles. See figure 5A.
•Secure the cables with the cable ties. See
figure 5B. Trim excess ends of cable ties.
INSTALLATION OF 7" and 8 " WHEELS
(Optional) (Hardware G)
•Insert axle bolts (with
the longest threads)
through wheels fol-
lowed by cupped
washers (crowned side
of washers go against
the wheels).
•Attach the wheels to the pivot bar on the
height adjusters. Use the upper hole in the
pivot bar when assembling 8" wheels. See
figure 6 and 7.
9
Figure 3
Hole in
bracket
Plastic Fitting
"Z" Fitting
Blade Control Handle
Figure 4
Rope
Guide
Small Wing
Nut
Starter
Handle
AB
Figure 5
Post on
Cable Tie
Crowned
Side Cupped
Side

NOTE: Tighten axle bolts until
cupped washers flatten.
INSTALLATION OF 14 " REAR WHEELS
(Optional) (Hardware H)
•Place the axle bolt through the large flat
washer followed by the spring washer,
wheel assembly and cupped washer as
shown in figure 8.
•Attach the wheels to the pivot bar on the
height adjusters. Use the lower hole in the
pivot bar when assembly 14" wheels.
NOTE: Tighten axle bolts until
cupped washers flatten.
ASSEMBLY OF CHUTE DEFLECTOR
(Optional) (Hardware F)
•Slide the rod into the upper edge of the
chute deflector so the tab on the rod is to-
ward the left side of the chute deflector.
When assembled correctly, the rod will ex-
tend further to the left side than the right
side. See figure 9.
•Slide the push nut onto the right side of the
rod to secure.
ATTACHING CHUTE DEFLECTOR TO
MOWER
Lift the rear discharge door on the mower.
Place the ends of the rod into the slots in the
handle bracket assemblies. See figure 10.
Release the rear discharge door.
To remove the chute deflector, lift the rear
discharge door on the mower. Lift the chute
deflector up, out of the slots in the handle
bracket assemblies. Release the rear dis-
charge door.
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn
mower without chute deflector or an
approved grass catcher in place.
The deflector will deflect a
projectile thrown by the blade into
the lawn.
10
Figure 8-Models with 14" rear wheels.
Large Flat
Washer
Spring Washer
Axle Bolt
Cupped
Washer
Pivot Bar
Figure 10
Rear
Discharge
Door
Slot in Handle
Bracket Assembly
Figure 9
Tab
Chute
Deflector Push
Nut
Rod
Figure 6 - 7" and 8" Front Wheel
Hole in Pivot Bar
Axle Bolt
Cupped
Washer
Figure 7 - 8" Rear Wheel
Axle Bolt
Cupped Washer
Hole in
Pivot Bar

FINAL ASSEMBLY OF MOWER
Make certain all nuts and bolts are tightened
securely.
ASSEMBLY OF GRASS CATCHER
(Soft Grass Bag)
NOTE: Make certain the grass bag is
turned right side out before assembling
(warning label will be on the outside).
•Join the rear frame and front frame assem-
bly as shown in figure 11A.
•Place bag over frame (black plastic side is
the bottom of bag.) Slip the openings in the
side of the plastic channel on bag over the
hooks on the grass catcher frame.
•Secure bag to frame by working the plastic
channels on bag over frame as shown in fig-
ure 11B. All of the plastic channels except
center top of bag attach from the outside of
bag. Center top of bag attaches from the in-
side of bag.
ATTACHING GRASS CATCHER TO
MOWER
•Lift the rear discharge door on the mower,
and remove the rear mulching plug. See fig-
ure 12.
NOTE: Make certain cables are routed
to the outside of the handle so they are
not in the way when attaching the grass
catcher.
•For Models with 8" rear wheels. Place the
hooks on the grass catcher into the slots in
the handle bracket assemblies. See figure
13. Release the rear discharge door.
•For Models with 14" rear wheels. Place the
hooks on the grass catcher over the rear
door hinge rod. See figure 14. Release the
rear discharge door.
TO REMOVE THE GRASS CATCHER
For Models with 8" rear wheels. Lift the rear
discharge door on the mower. Lift the grass
catcher up, out of the slots in the handle
bracket assemblies. Release the rear dis-
charge door. See figure 13.
For Models with 14" rear wheels. Lift the rear
discharge door on the mower. Lift the grass
catcher up and off the rear door hinge rod. Re-
lease the rear discharge door. See figure 14.
WARNING: Never operate the
mower unless the hooks on the
grass catcher are seated in the
slots on the handle bracket assem-
blies, and the rear discharge door
rests firmly against the top of the
grass catcher.
11
A
B
Figure 11
Rear
Frame
Front
Frame
Assembly
Hook
Plastic
Channels
Bag
Figure 12
Rear
Mulching
Plug
Figure 13-For Models with 8" rear wheels.
Slot in
Handle
Bracket
Assembly
Rear Discharge
Door

CONVERTING TO SIDE DISCHARGE
If your unit is equipped with a side discharge
deflector, you can convert to a side discharge
mower as follows:
•Lift the rear discharge door and install the
rear mulching plug. See Figure 12.
•On the side of the mower deck, lift the
hinged mulching plug. See Figure 15.
•Slide the two hooks on the side discharge
deflector under the hinge pin on the hinged
mulching plug assembly.
•Lower the hinged mulching plug.
NOTE: Do not remove the hinged mulch-
ing plug at any time, even when you are
not mulching.
WARNING: All mowers are equipped
with a rear protective guard. The guard
helps eliminate projectiles thrown by
the blade from injuring the operator.
DO NOT REMOVE THIS GUARD.
OPERATION
BEFORE STARTING
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as in-
structed in the separate engine manual packed
in your mower. Read instructions carefully.
WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors,
with engine running or until the engine
has been allowed to cool for at least
two minutes after running.
TO START ENGINE AND ENGAGE BLADE
•Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. If unit
is equipped with a rubber boot over the end
of the spark plug wire, make certain the
metal loop on the end of the spark plug wire
(inside the rubber boot) is fastened securely
over the metal tip on the spark plug. See fig-
ure 16.
•If your unit is equipped with a primer, prime
engine as instructed in the separate engine
manual packed with your unit.
•If your unit is equipped with a throttle con-
trol, move the throttle lever to the FAST
position as instructed in the separate engine
manual packed with your unit.
•Standing behind the unit, depress the blade
control handle and hold it against the upper
handle as shown in Figure 17.
•Grasp the recoil starter handle as shown
and pull up rapidly. Return it slowly to the
rope guide bolt.
The blade control handle must be depressed in
order to operate the unit. Release the blade
control handle to stop the engine and blade.
TO STOP ENGINE :
•Release the blade control handle to stop the
engine and blade.
WARNING: The blade continues to ro-
tate for a few seconds after the en-
gine is shut off.
12
Figure 14-For Models with 14" rear wheels.
Hang Bag Here
Rear
Discharge Door
Figure 16
Metal
Loop
on Spark
Plug
Wire Rubber Boot
Figure 17
Starter
Handle
Blade Control
Handle
Figure 15
Hinged Mulching Plug
Side
Chute
Deflector

•Disconnect and ground the spark plug wire
as instructed in the separate engine manual
to prevent accidental starting while equip-
ment is unattended.
To remove the mulching kit, simply lift up rear
discharge door and remove the rear mulching
plug. See figure 12. Then attach the grass
catcher (optional equipment).
WARNING: Your mower is designed
to cut normal residential grass of a
height no more than 10". Do not at-
tempt to mow through unusually tall,
dry grass (e.g., pasture) or piles of
dry leaves. Debris may build up on
the mower deck or contact the engine
exhaust presenting a potential fire
hazard.
FOR THE BEST RESULTS WHEN MULCHING:
•Clear lawn of debris. Be sure that the lawn is
clear of stones, sticks, wire or other foreign ob-
jects which could damage the lawnmower.
Such objects could be accidentally thrown out
by the mower in any direction and cause seri-
ous personal injury to the operator and others
as well as damage to property and surrounding
objects.
•Do not cut wet grass. For effective mulching
do not cut wet grass because it tends to stick to
the underside of the deck preventing proper
mulching of the grass clippings.
•Cut no more than 1/3 the length of the grass.
The recommended cut for mulching is 1/3 the
length of the grass. Ground speed will need to
be adjusted so the clippings can be dispersed
evenly into the lawn. For especially heavy cut-
ting in thick grass it may be necessary to use
one of the slowest speeds in order to get a
clean well mulched cut. When mulching long
grass you may have to cut the lawn in two
passes, lowering the blade another 1/3 of the
length for the second cut and perhaps cutting in
a different pattern than was used the first time.
Overlapping the cut a little on each pass will
also help to clean up any stray clippings left on
the lawn. The mower should always be oper-
ated at full throttle to get the best cut and allow
it to do the most effective job of mulching.
•Clean underside of deck. Be certain to clean
the underside of the cutting deck after each use
to avoid a build-up of grass, which would pre-
vent proper mulching.
•Mulching Leaves. The mulching of leaves can
also be beneficial to your lawn. When mulching
leaves make sure they are dry and are not lay-
ing too thick on the lawn. Do not wait for all the
leaves to be off the trees before you mulch.
•It is recommended keeping driveways and side-
walks on the operators right while moving.
Continue mowing using this pattern, having the
left side of your lawnmower next to the uncut
grass. Mulching with the cutting area of the
mower on the lawn avoids grass clippings in
undesirable areas.
WARNING: If you strike a foreign ob-
ject, stop the engine. Remove wire
from spark plug, thoroughly inspect
the mower for any damage, and repair
the damage before restarting and op-
erating the mower. Extensive vibration
of the mower during operation is an
indication of damage. The unit should
be promptly inspected and repaired.
DECK
The underside of the mower deck should be
cleaned after each use to prevent a buildup of
grass clippings, leaves, dirt or other matter. If
this debris is allowed to accumulate, it will invite
rust and corrosion, and may prevent proper
mulching.
The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower
and scraping clean with a suitable tool (make
certain the spark plug wire is disconnected).
ADJUSTMENT
CAUTION : DO NOT AT ANY TIME
MAKE ANY ADJUSTMENT TO
LAWNMOWER WITHOUT FIRST
STOPPING THE ENGINE AND
DISCONNECTING THE SPARK PLUG
WIRE .
CAUTION : Before changing mowing
height, stop mower and disconnect
spark plug cable.
MODELS WITH NINE POSITION HEIGHT
ADJUSTERS: (See Figure 18).
•Stop mower and discon-
nect spark plug cable
before changing mower
cutting height.
•The wheel adjusters give
you nine (9) different cut-
ting positions. Medium is
the best for most mow-
ers.
•To change the height of
cut, squeeze adjuster le-
ver toward the wheel,
moving up or down to selected height.
NOTE: All wheels must be in the same
height of cut.
13
Figure 18

•When cutting in heavy or moist grass, the
rear of lawnmower may be raised higher to
allow better discharge of the grass.
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT
Minor carburetor adjustment may be required to
compensate for differences in fuel, temperature,
altitude and load. Refer to the separate engine
manual packed with your mower for carburetor
adjustment information.
HANDLE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Your mower has provisions for two handle
height positions. The notch on the flat portion of
the lower handle indicates which position the
handle is in. If the notch is facing up or forward
the handle is in the lower height and for the
higher height the notch is facing down.
To change the height setting refer to “Attaching
the Lower Handle”.
LUBRICATION
CAUTION: DISCONNECT SPARK
PLUG WIRE BEFORE SERVICING.
WHEELS - Lubricate the ball bearings in each
wheel at least once a season with a light oil.
ENGINE - Follow engine manual for lubrication
instructions.
BLADE CONTROL - Lubricate the pivot points
on the blade control handle and the brake cable
at least once a season with light oil. The blade
control must operate freely in both directions.
MAINTENANCE
CUTTING BLADE
WARNING: Be sure to disconnect and
ground the spark plug wire before
working on the cutting blade to pre-
vent accidental engine starting. Protect
hands by using heavy gloves or a rag
to grasp the cutting blades.
•Tip mower as specified in separate engine man-
ual. If it is not specified tip with carburetor up.
•Remove the bolt and blade support which holds
the blade and adapter to the engine crankshaft.
Remove the blade and adapter from the crank-
shaft. See Figure 19.
WARNING: Periodically inspect the
blade adapter for cracks, especially if
you strike a foreign object. Replace
when necessary.
For best results your blade should be sharp.
The blade may be resharpened by removing it
and either grinding or filing the cutting edge
keeping as close to the original bevel as possi-
ble. It is extremely important that each cutting
edge receives an equal amount of grinding to
prevent an unbalanced blade. Improper blade
balance will result in excessive vibration caus-
ing eventual damage to the engine and
mower. Be sure to carefully balance blade af-
ter sharpening. The blade can be tested for
balance by balancing it on a round shaft
screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy
side until it balances evenly.
Before reassembling the blade and the blade
adapter to the unit, lubricate the engine crank-
shaft and the inner surface of the blade
adapter with light oil. Install the blade adapter
on the crankshaft with the “star” away from the
engine. Refer to figure 19. Place the blade with
the side marked bottom (or with part number)
facing away from the adapter. Align the blade
bell support over the blade with the tabs in the
holes of the blade and insert the hex bolt.
Tighten the hex bolt to the torque listed below:
Blade Mounting Torque
Center Bolt 450 in. lb. min., 600 in.lb. max.
To insure safe operation of your unit, ALL nuts
and bolts must be checked periodically for
correct tightness.
CAUTION: Cutting grass in sandy
soil condition causes abrasive wear
to the blades.
After prolonged use, especially in sandy soil
conditions, the blade will become worn and
lose some of the original shape. Cutting effi-
ciently will be reduced and the blade should
be replaced. Replace with an approved factory
replacement blade only. Possible damage re-
sulting from blade unbalance condition is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
14
Figure 19
Blade Adapter
Blade
Hex Bolt
Blade Bell
Support

ENGINE
Refer to the separate engine manual for en-
gine maintenance instructions.
Maintain engine oil as instructed in the sep-
arate engine manual packed with your unit.
Read and follow instructions carefully.
Service air cleaner as per separate engine
manual under normal conditions. Clean ev-
ery few hours under extremely dusty
conditions. Poor engine performance and
flooding usually indicates that the air cleaner
should be serviced. To service the air
cleaner, refer to the separate engine manual
packed with your unit.
The spark plug should be cleaned and the
gap reset once a season. Spark plug re-
placement is recommended at the start of
each mowing season; check engine manual
for correct plug type and gap specifications.
NOTE: This spark ignition system
meets all requirements of the Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment Regu-
lations.
Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or
brush. Keep the cooling system (blower
housing area) clean to permit proper air cir-
culation which is essential to engine
performance and life. Be certain to remove
all grass, dirt and combustible debris from
muffler area.
OFF SEASON STORAGE
INSTRUCTIONS
The following steps should be taken to pre-
pare lawn mower for storage.
•Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as
described in the lubrication instructions.
•Refer to engine manual for correct engine
storage instructions.
•Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis
grease to prevent rusting.
•Store mower in a dry, clean area.
NOTE: When storing any type of power
equipment in an unventilated or metal
storage shed, care should be taken to
rust-proof the equipment. Using a light
oil or silicone, coat the equipment, es-
pecially cables and all moving parts.
NOTE: Be careful not to bend or kink
cables.
NOTE: If the starter rope becomes dis-
connected from rope guide on handle,
disconnect and ground the spark plug
wire. Depress the blade control handle
and pull the starter rope out from en-
gine slowly. Slip the starter rope into
the rope guide bolt on handle.
15

16
57
4
11
52
2
1
78
77
8
56
55
15
17
9
14
13
74
75
76
72 27
12
81
18
24
25
32
49
3
33 3
66
6A
6C
87
7
23
26
6B
6
5
65
71
11
70
67
19
21
59
51 82
8384 22 28
20
30
73
64
A
3
60
40
41
42
35
46
58
39
38
A
50
15
21
62
61
34
29
B
B
31
16
16
10
REPLACEMENT PARTS/PIÈCES DÉTACHÉES
Refer to page 19 for models with 14" rear wheels/
Référez-vous à la page 19 pour modèles à pneu
arrière de 14 po

REF PART
NO. NO.
N° DE N° DE
RÉF PIÈCE DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION
1 749-0705A-637 Upper Handle -Black Guidon supérieur -noir
2 746-0551 Control Cable 43" White (B&S) Câble de la commande 41 po blanc (B&S)
* 746-0555 Control Cable 55" White (Tec) Câble de la commande 55 po blanc (Tec)
3 712-0431 Flange Locknut 3/8-16 Écrou de blocage 3/8-16
4 747-0824-104 Blade Control Handle - Black Poignée de commande de la lame- noir
647-0004 Blade Control Handle - Black Moulded Poignée de commande de la lame- noir
moulé
5 731-1409 Side Chute Deflector Déflecteur
6 682-0118 Mulching Plug Ass’y (Incl. items Plaque de déchiqueteuse (Comprends
marked *) les *)
731-1404A Mulching Plug Plaque de déchiqueteuse
*6A 732-0731 Torsion Spring Ressort de torsion
*6B 747-0710 Hinge Pin Axe fixe
*6C 782-7006 Plug Adapter Adaptateur
7 710-0599 Hex Wash SF Tapp Scr 1/4-20 x .50 Vis taraudée 1/4-200 x .50
8 710-1174 Curved Carriage Bolt 5/16-18 X 2.00 Boulon ordinaire courbé 5/16-18 X 2.00
9 710-1205 Rope Guide Bolt Boulon de guidage de cordon
10 736-0504 Wave Washer Rondelle ondulée
11 712-0324 Hex Ins-L Nut 1/4-20 Contre-écrou de blocage 1/4-20
12 714-0104 Int. Cotter Pin 5/16 DIA Goupille fendue 5/16 DIA.
13 726-0240 Cable Tie Attache câble
14 749-0928A-637 Lower Handle Guidon inférieur
15 764-0310 Rear Catcher Frame Tube Tuyau du bâti du sac récuperateur
16 764-0311 Catcher Lower Frame Sac à herbe - bâti inférieur
17 764-0309 Econo Grasscatcher Bag Sac à herbe
764-0476A Grasscatcher Bag w/logo Sac à herbe (avec logo)
764-0457A Grasscatcher Bag w/yellow logo Sac à herbe (avec jaune logo)
18 682-0515A LH Height Adj. Ass’y Complete Ensemble de réglage de roue CG (complet)
682-3067 LH Height Adj. Brkt. Ensemble de réglage de roue CG
19 14765 Pivot Bar RH SP Barre de pivot - Droit
14766 Pivot Bar LH SP (not shown) Barre de pivot - Gauche (non illustrée)
20 682-0516A RH Height Adj. Ass’y Complete Ensemble de réglage de roue - CD
(complet)
682-3066 RH Height Adj. Brkt. Ensemble de réglage de roue - CD
21 738-0507B Shoulder Screw .50 Dia. Vis à épaulement .50 Dia.
22 687-02020 Spring Lever SP (w/knob) Ressort de levier (avec bouton)
720-0426 Knob Bouton
23 731-1236 Rear Flap 17.69 Abattant de protection arrière 17.69
24 732-0677 LH Torsion Spring Ressort de torsion CG
25 732-0678 RH Torsion Spring Ressort de torsion CD
26 732-0700 Wire Fil
27 782-7000 RB Chute Door Porte de goulotte
28 710-0896 Hex L-Wash HD. AB Tap Scr. 1/4 x 5/8 Vis AB à rondelle-frein hex. 1/4 x 5/8
29 710-1017 Torx Mach. AB-Tapp Scr. 1/4 X .62" Lg. Vis torx AB 1/4 X .62 po de lg
30 736-0451 Saddle Washer Rondelle selle
31 731-1523 Front Cover - Black Couvercle avant - noir
731-1506 Front Cover - Yellow Couvercle avant - jaune
731-1506 Front Cover - Grey Couvercle avant - gris
32 782-0047A 21" Deck Ass’y (Models with side Corps 21 po (modèles avec éjection latérale
discharge only) seulement)
782-0310A 21" Deck Ass’y (Models without side Corps 21 po (modèles sans éjection latérale
discharge only) seulement)
33 782-5002A Front Baffle 21" Côté de la goulotte arrière
34 782-5003 Left Rear Baffle 21" Côté de la goulotte arrière gauche 21 po
35 14578 Height Adj. Ass’y RH (w/knob) Ensemble de réglage de roue CD
(avec bouton)
14579 Height Adj. Ass’y LH (w/knob) Ens. de réglage de roue CG (avec bouton)
(not shown) (non illustrée)
38 736-0105 Cupped Washer .400 ID X .88 OD X .06 Rondelle creuse .400 DI X .88 DE X .06
39 738-0102 Shoulder Bolt Vis à épaulement
40 710-1044 Hex Bolt 3/8-24 x 1.5" Lg. (Grade 5) Vis à tête hexagonale 3/8-24 x 1.5 po de lg
41 736-0524A Blade Bell Support Support de la lame
42 742-0641 21" Blade (w/star) Lame 21 po (avec étoile)
742-0741 21" Mulching Blade (w/star) Lame 21 po (avec étoile)
46 748-0376C Blade Adapter Adaptateur de la lame
Continued on next page/Suite à la page prochaîne
17

REF PART
NO. NO.
N° DE N° DE
RÉF PIÈCE DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION
49 710-0654A Hex Wash HD Tap Scr 3/8-16 x .88 Vis autotaraudée 3/8-16 x .88
50 710-0501 Oval C-Sunk Screw 1/4-20 x 1.81 Vis à tête noyée 1/4-20 x 1.81
51 731-0981A Hub Cap Radial - grey Chapeau de moyeu -gris
51 731-0982A Hub Cap Radial - beige Chapeau de moyeu -beige
51 731-1426 Hub Cap Radial - yellow Chapeau de moyeu -jaune
52 746-0883 Cable Bracket Support de la câble
55 782-5007A Mulching Baffle Plug Obturateur du déflecteur de déchiquetage
56 782-5004A Mulching Baffle - R.R. Déflecteur de déchiquetage arrière droit
57 720-0294 Foam 9" Poignée en mousse
58 734-1987 Wheel Ass’y 8 x 1.8 (Pinwheel/Grey) Ensemble de roue 8 x 1.8 (Pinwheel/Gris)
734-1988 Wheel Ass’y 7 x 1.8 (Pinwheel/Grey) Ensemble de roue 7 x 1.8 (Pinwheel/Gris)
59 734-1978 Wheel Assembly 8 x 2.00 Link Black Ensemble de roue 8 x 2.00 Link noir (avec
(w/ball bearings) roulement à billes)
734-1979 Wheel Assembly 8 x 2.00 Link Black Ensemble de roue 8 x 2.00 Link noir
(avec collets w/plastic bearings) en plastique)
734-2004A Wheel Assembly 8 x 2.13 Zag BB Ensemble de roue 8 x 2.13 Zag (avec
roulement
à billes)
734-2008A Wheel Assembly 8 x 2.13 Cog/Black Ensemble de roue 8 x 2.13 dent noir (avec
(w/ball bearings) roulement à billes)
60 15261A Height Adjuster Plate Plaque de réglage de roue
61 15262B Wheel Pivot Bar Barre de pivot
62 832-0404 Spring Lever Ass’y (w/knob) Levier de ressort (avec bouton)
720-0426 Knob Bouton
64 720-0249 Hub Cap - Grey Sentar Chapeau de moyeu - gris Sentar
65 710-0286 Truss Hd. Machine Screw 1/4-20 x .5- Vis à tête usinée 1/4-2-0 x .50
66 710-1270 Machin Screw 1/4-20 x 1.310 Vis à tête usinée 1/4-2-0 x 1.310
67 731-1876 Rear Discharge Hardtop Cover (w/logo) Couvercle (avec logo)
67 731-1322A Rear Discharge Hardtop Cover Couvercle
70 764-0433 Hardtop Grasscatcher Bag Sac à herbe
71 782-9011 Hardtop Mounting Bracket Support du montage
72 720-0275 Knob-Black Bouton
73 710-0192 Truss Mach. Scr. #10-24 Vis à tête usinée n° 10-24
74 731-1405 Deflector (Optional) Déflecteur (en option)
75 711-0996 Rod (Optional) Tige (en option)
76 726-0201 Push Speed Nut (Optional) Écrou rapide (en option)
77 720-0279 Knob 1/4-20 Bouton 1/4-20
78 720-0284 Knob 5/16-18 Bouton 5/16-18
* 82 738-0213 Shoulder Screw .498 x 1.450 Vis épaulée .498 x 1.450
* 83 750-0535 Spacer .38 ID x .630 OD x .227 Entretoise .630 DE x .227
* 84 736-0105 Cupped Washer Rondelle creuse
** w/2" Wheels (avec roue 2 po) 424-438
12.12.02
18

19
REF PART
NO. NO.
N° DE N° DE
RÉF PIÈCE DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION
1 738-0481A Shoulder bolt .498 dia. X 2.63" Lg. Boulon de epaulement dia .498 X 2.63
2 736-0272 Flat Washer .53 ID X 1.00 OD X .06 Rondelle plate .53 DI X 1.00 DE X .06
3 736-0182 Spring Washer .5" ID x 1" OD Rondelle frein .5 DIx1DE
4 734-2050 Wheel Ass'y 14 x 2.125 Idle Zag Grey Ensemble de roue 14 x 2.125 gris
5 736-0105 Bell. Washer .400 ID X .88 OD X .06 Rondelle Bell..400 DI X .88 DE X .06
6 732-0866 Spring Lever SP (w’knob) Ressort de levier (avec bouton)
7 17488A Pivot Bar RH SP Barre de pivot - droit
17489A Pivot Bar LH SP Barre de pivot - gauche
8 738-0507B Shoulder Screw .50 Dia. Vis a epaulement .50 Dia.
9 720-0312 Grip Poignée
10 710-0216 Hex Cap Screw 3/8-16 X .75 Vis a chapeau a six pans de 3/8-16 X .75
11 710-0896 Hex B-Tap Scr 1/4-28 X .25" Lg Vis taraudee a tete hexagonale 1/4-28 X .25
12 710-0286 Truss Mach Scr 1/4-20 X .50 Vis de renforcement a tete cintree
1/4-20 X .50
13 714-0104 Int. Cotter Pin 5/16 DIA Goupille fendue 5/16 DIA.
14 712-0397 Wing Nut Ecrou a oreilles
15 682-3056A RH Height Adj. Ass’y Ensemble de reglage de roue - droit
17 712-0431 Flanged Lock Nut Ecrou de blocage
18 782-0047A 21" Deck Ass'y (w/side discharge) Corps 21 po (avec latérale éjection)
19 732-04074 Torsion Spring Ressort d'torsion
20 750-0434 Spacer Entretoise
21 782-7599A 21" Rear Discharge Door Porte
22 710-0703 Carriage Bolt 1/4-20 x .75 Boulon ordinaire 1/4-20 x .75
23 682-3056A LH Height Adj. Ass’y Ensemble de reglage de roue - droit
11A-565
12.12.02
For Models with 14" rear wheels/
Pour modèles à pneu arrière de 14 po

20
Engine Shroud Chart
NOTE: This chart shows all the optional engine shrouds for the lawn mowers covered in this
manual. To order replacement parts, please refer to the shroud and hardware applicable to
your lawn mower unit.
Tableau des capots de moteur
REMARQUE : Ce tableau représente tous les capots en option proposés pour les tondeuses
mentionnées dans cette notice. Pour commander un capot de rechange, veuillez indiquer le
capot et la quincaillerie correspondant à votre modèle de tondeuse.
* Part No./Node pièce
** Colour/Couleur
*** Hardware/Quincaillerie
*
**
751B281439 Dark Red/Rouge foncé
751B281440 Black/Noir
751B281443 Bright Red/Rouge vif
*** 710-1256
*
**
731-1395A Red/Rouge
731-1396A Black/Noir
731-1397A Grey/Gris
*** 710-1256
***
731-1402A Yellow/Jaune
731-1694 Black/Noir
731-1695 Silver/Argent
731-1394 Charcoal/Charbon de bois
*** 710-1256
***
731-1585B Black/Noir
*** 710-1274
***
7510143208 Black/Noir
*** 7510042823
***
731-1586B Black/Noir
731-1612A Red/Rouge
*** 7510042823
***
7511681311 Black/Noir
7511681911 Red/Rouge
7511682011 Grey/Gris
***
751B281451 Grey/Gris
*** 710-1256
***
751B281476 Black/Noir
751B281777 Yellow/Jaune
*** 710-1237