MTD 11A-439Q755 User manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips &Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
OF AOAL
Model435Ashown
21=inch Rotary Mower- Model Series 430
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,itshouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator.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.770-10179G
12/12/2005

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new lawn mower, it wiil 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
ThisOperatorsManualcoversarangeofproductspecificationsforvariousmodels.Characteristicsandfeaturesdiscussedand/orillustratedinthismanualmaynotbe
applicabletoall models.MTDLLCreservesthe rightto changeproductspecifications,designs,and equipmentwithoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation.
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREASSEMBLINGYOURNEW EQUIPMENT,please
locatethe model plateon the equipmentandcopy the
informationtothe sample modelplate providedtothe right.
Youcan locatethe modelplate by standing at the operating
position and lookingdown atthe rear ofthe deck. This infor-
mation will be necessaryto usethe manufacturer'sweb site,
obtainassistancefromthe CustomerSupport Department,or
when contacting anauthorizedservice dealer.
Model Number Serial Number
MTD LLC
P. O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND,OH 44136
330-220-4683
,.wwwmtdpr°ductsc°m 800-800-7310
Customer Support
Please do IVOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
Ifyou have difficultyassemblingthis productor have anyquestions regardingthe controls, operation,or maintenanceof this
unit,youcanseek help from the experts.Choosefrom theoptions below:
• Visit www.mtdproducts.com. Click onthe Service & Supportmenuoption.
Ser,,q,:° 8 Suppo_':
Product P.egistration
, , , , @i
•Phonea CustomerSupport Representativeat 1-800-800-7310.
•The enginemanufactureris responsiblefor allengine-related issueswith regards to performance,power-rating,specifica-
tions,warranty and service. Pleasereferto theengine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packedseparatelywith
your unit,for moreinformation.
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15°

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 complywiththese
instructionsmay result
i in personalinjury.When
youseethis symbol.
i HEED ITS WARNING!
Your Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read,
_understand
ano followthe warnings
and instructions
inthis manual
and on the machine.
WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of itsconstituents,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 iscapableof amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.
Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injuryor 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 otherobjectsthat mayobscure
yourvisionofachildwhomayrun intothe 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. Thismachineisa precisionpieceof powerequipment,
nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all
times.Yourunithas beendesignedto performonejob: to
mowgrass.Do notuseit for anyotherpurpose.
3. Neverallow childrenunder 14yearsoldto operatethis
machine.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand
understandthe instructionsinthis manualandshould
betrainedand supervisedby a parent.Onlyresponsible
individualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe
operationshouldbeallowedto usethismachine.
4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto
beused.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toys
andotherforeignobjects,whichcouldbetrippedoveror
pickedupandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjectscan
causeseriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpattern
toavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,sidewalks,
bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial
againsta wallor obstruction,whichmaycausedischarged
materialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.
5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,
stayinoperatorzonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,
bystanders,helpersand petsatleast75feetfrom mower
whileit is inoperation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters
area.
6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera-
tionandwhile performinganadjustmentor repairtoprotect
youreyes.Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseserious
injurytothe eyes.
7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesand close-fitting
slacksandshirts. Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthe armsand
legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended.Neveroperate
this machinein barefeet,sandals,slipperyor light-weight
(e.g.canvas)shoes.
8. Do notputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor undercutting
deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.
9. Amissingor damageddischargecovercancause blade
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 mowerinwet grass.Alwaysbesureof
yourfooting. Aslipand fall cancauseseriouspersonal
injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourfooting,releasethe
bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyand the bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthreeseconds.
16.Mowonly in daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.
18.Iftheequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineand checkimmediatelyforthe cause.Vibrationis
generallya warningoftrouble.
4

19.Shuttheengineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto a
completestopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcheror unclog-
ging thechute.
The cuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefor afewsecondsafter
the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceany partofthe bodyin
the bladearea untilyouaresurethe bladehasstopped
rotating.
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.Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthismachineby
manufacturer.Failuretodo socanresultinpersonalinjury.
23. If situationsoccurwhich arenotcoveredin this manual,
usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor
assistance.Telephone[phone]for the nameofyour
nearestdealer.
Slope Operation
Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidents,which
can resultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra
caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyon a slope,do notmowit.Foryour
safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthismanualto
measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunitonaslopedor hilly
area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donot mowit.
Do:
1. Mowacrossthefaceofslopes;neverupanddown.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
2. Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks, hiddenobjects,or bumpswhich
can causeyouto slipor trip. Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
3. Alwaysbesure ofyourfooting.A slip andfall cancause
seriouspersonalinjury.If youfeelyouarelosingyour
balance,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediately,and
the bladewill stoprotatingwithin3seconds.
Do Not:
1. Donot mowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,you
could loseyourfootingorbalance.
2. Donot mowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownon
the slopegauge.
3. Donot mowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcause
slipping. Service
Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:
1. To avoidpersonalinjury orpropertydamageuseextreme
care inhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable
andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan
occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselforyourclothes,
whichcanignite.
2. Washyourskin andchangeclothesimmediately.
3. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
4. Neverfill containersinsidea vehicleoron atruckor trailer
bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe
groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truck ortrailer
and refuelit onthe ground.If thisis notpossible,then refuel
suchequipmentonatrailerwitha portablecontainer,rather
thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.
6. Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimofthefueltank or
containeropeningat alltimesuntilfuelingis complete.Do
notusea nozzlelock-opendevice.
7. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
8. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill
accumulatein thearea.
9. Neverremovegascap oradd fuelwhileengineishot or
running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwominutesbefore
refueling.
10.Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch
belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.
11.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
12.Ifgasolineis spilled,wipeitoff theengineand equipment.
Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting
engine.
13.Neverstorethe machineorfuel containernearanopen
flame,sparkor pilotlightasona waterheater,space
heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.
14.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,
orother debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand
removeanyfuel soakeddebris.
15.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService:
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."Useofpartswhichdo
notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"
10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating
speedoftheengine.
11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.
12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper
disposaloffluidsand materialscanharmtheenvironment.
5
Operation
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.
Whenyou seethis
symbol.
HEED IT'S WARNING!
YourResponsibility
Restrictthe use
of this powermachine
to personswho read.
understand
and followthe warnings
and instructions
in this manua
and onthe machine.

Standbehindthe mower
asifyou weregoingto
operateit. Yourright hand
icorrespondsto the right
sideofthe mower;your
lefthandcorrespondsto
the leftsideof the mower.
Makesureto routecable
outsidethe lowerhandle.
Donot crimpcablewhile
liftingthe handleup.
iI[vlPORTANT
iThisunit isshippedwith-
out gasoline oroilinthe
engine.Fillup gasoline
and oUas instructedin
the accompanying engine
manualBEFOREoperat-
ingyour mower.
Figure3-1: Unfoldhandleandtightenhardware.
WingNuts(2)
Figure3-2:Securelowerhandleto mountingbrackets.
ThisOperatorsManualcoversa rangeofproduct
specificationsforvariousmodels.Characteristicsandfea-
turesdiscussedand/orillustratedinthis manualmaynot
beapplicabletoall models.MTDLLCreservesthe right
tochangeproductspecifications,designs,andequipment
withoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation.
1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetween
upperandlowerhandles.
a. Pullupand backon upperhandleasshownin
Figure3-1.Makecertainthelowerhandleisseated
securelyintothehandlemountingbrackets.
b. Tightenstarknobssecuringupperhandleto lower
handle,Figure3-1.Makesurethateachcarriage
boltisseatedproperlyin thehandle.
2. Locatethehairpinclipon theweldpinon eachside
lowerhandle.
a. Removehairpinclipfromthis hole.Usinga pair
ofpliers,inserthairpinclipintothe holeon pin
closesttothebracket,Figure3-2.Repeaton other
side.
.
b. Inserta carriageboltfromthehardwarepackinto
theupperholeonthehandlemountingbracket,
Figure3-2.Securewithone plasticwingnut,also
includedthehardwarepack.Repeaton otherside.
Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe
upperhandle.Loosenthewingnutwhichsecuresthe
ropeguide,Figure3-3.
a. Holdbladecontrolhandleagainstupperhandle.
b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releaseblade
controlhandle.
.
c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.
d. Tightenwingnut.
Insertpostoncabletiesintoholesprovidedon the
lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess,
Figure3-4.
\,\
Figure3-3:Pullrecoilstarterthroughropeguideandtighten.
f
Figure3-4:Securecabletohandleusingcableties. J
6

5. f--
Followstepsbelowtoassemblethegrasscatcher
(if needed).Makecertainbagisturnedrightside
outbeforeassembling(warninglabelwill beonthe
outside).
a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside
is atthebottom.
b. Slip plasticchannelofgrassbagoverhooksonthe
frame,Figure3-5.All theplasticchannelsexcept
centertopof bagattachfromoutsideofbag.
c. Attachcentertopofbagfrominsideofbag.
6. Followstepsbelowtoattachthegrasscatcher:
a. Liftreardischargedoor.
b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod.Letgo
ofdischargedoorsothat itrestson thegrass
catcher,Figure3-6.
7. Yourmoweris shippedasa mulcher.Toconvertto
sidedischarge,makesuregrasscatcherisoff ofthe
unitandreardischargedoorisclosed.
a. On thesideofthemower,liftthemulchingplug.
b. Slidechutehooksunderhingepinon mulching
plugassembly.Lowersidemulchingplug,Figure
3-7.Donotremovesidemulchingplugatanytime,
evenwhenyouarenotmulching.
_ WARNING:Neveroperate mowerunless the
hookson the grass catcherare firmly seated
on the pivot rod and the rear discharge door rests
firmly against top of thegrass catcher.
Adjustments
An adjustingplateandthumbleverateachwheel
providescuttingheightadjustment.
Figure3-5:Assemblethegrasscatcher.
1. Depresslevertowardswheel.
2. Moveittoanyone ofthepositionsfordesiredcutting
height,Figure3-8. Makesurethateachwheelis
positionedatthesameheight.
3. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.
f
Figure3-6:Attachthegrasscatcher.
\\
J/
Figure3-8:Useadjustmentleverstochangeheight.
/
JFigure3-7:Liftmulchplugandinstallsidedischargechute.
7
Setupand
ustment
Never operate
mowerw thoutthe
mulching plug, the
grass catcher, or
the discharge chute
properly insialledl
CUTTING HEIGHT
_Jlwheelsmustbe
positionedatthesame
height,

i_iii_iI_ iiiiii_ii__i_: i_
iThebladecontrolisa
isafetydevice.DONOT
i bypass itsoperations.
iUseextremecarewhen
handling gasoline.
Gasolineisextremely
flammable andthe vapors
iareexplosive.Neverfuel
the machineindoorsor
iwhilethe engineishot
or running.Extinguish
c=garettes,c=gars,p=pes
i and othersources of
iignition,
i Keephandsand feet
awayfrom the chutearea
il on cuttingdeck. Referto
warninglabelon the unit.
Know Your Lawn Mower
_=======BladeControl
RecoilStarter======__
GrassCatcher======_ CuttingHeightAdjustment
Levers(frontandrear,for
eachwheel)
l
MulchPlug
SideDischargeChute
Figure4-1:Themaincomponentsonthe mower.(Model435Ashown)
Nowthatyouhavesetupyourlawnmower,itsimportantto
Blade Control
Thebladecontrolisattachedtothe upperhandleof
themower.Depressand squeezeitagainsttheupper
handletooperatetheunit. Releaseittostopengineand
blade.
,_b WARNING:Thisbladecontrolisa safety
device. Neverattempt to bypass itsopera-
tions.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
Oneadjustmentleverislocatedat eachwheelandis
usedtoadjustthecuttingheight.All fourwheelsmust
bepositionedatthe sameheighttoensurea uniform
cut.
Mulch Plug
Themulchplugisusedonlyformulchingpurposes.
Insteadofcollectingthegrassclippingsina grass
catcher,somemowermodelshavetheoptionof
recirculatingtheclippingsbacktothelawn.Thisis
calledmulching.
becomeaquaintedwith itscontrolsandfeatures.
Recoil Starter
Therecoilstarteris attachedtotherightupperhandle.
Standbehindtheunitand pullthe recoilstarterropeto
startthe unit.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
Referto the enginemanualfor instructions.
1. Checkoillevelandaddoil if necessary.Followengine
manualforthis.
2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe
enginemanual.
,_i WARNING:Useextreme when
care handling
gasoline. Gasolineisextremely flammable
and thevapors are explosive. Neverfuel the machine
indoorsor while the engine ishot or running. Extin-
guish cigarettes, cigars, pipes andother sources of
ignition.
8

w w
Starting Engine
,_ WARNING:Besureno one otherthan the
operatorisstandingnear the lawnmower
whilestartingengineor operating mower.Never
runengineindoorsor in enclosed,poorly ventilated
areas.Engine exhaustcontainscarbon monoxide,an
odorlessand deadly gas. Keephands,feet, hairand
looseclothing awayfrom any movingpartson engine
and lawnmower.
Follow theset of instructionspertainingto your unit.
Referto engine manualfor helpwith theengine.
Starting the 435 Mower:
1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwoseconds
betweeneachpush,Figure4-2.Intemperature
around550For below,primefive times.Donotprime
to restarta warmengine.
2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol
againstupperhandle,Figure4-2.
3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil
starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-
ous,fullarmstroke,Figure4-2.Keepinga firmgripon
thestarterhandle,letthe roperewindslowly.Repeat
untilenginecranks.Letthe roperewindeachtime
slowly.
Starting the 439 Mower:
1. Placethefuelvalveleverfoundontheleft sideofthe
engineintotheON(OPEN)position,Figure4-3.
2. Movethechokeleverall thewaybackwardintothe
chokeposition.
3. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol
againstupperhandle,Figure4-3.Thechokewillnow
begintoslowlyreturntotheoff chokepositionafter
activatingthe bladecontrol.Therefore,quicklymove
ontostepfourbelow.
4. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil
starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-
ous,fullarmstroke,Figure4-3.Keepinga firmgripon
thestarterhandlelettheroperewindslowly.Repeat
untilenginecranks.Letthe roperewindeachtime
slowly.
,_ WARNING:Wait for the blade to stop com-
pletelybefore peforminganywork on the
mower or to removethe grass catcher.
Stopping Engine
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineand blade.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainsttheengine.
UsingYour Lawn Mower
Besurelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other
objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine.
Suchobjectscouldbe accidentlythrownbythemower
in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytothe
operatorandothers.
Figure4-2:Startingthe435Amower.
f
\
Figure4-3:Startingthe439Qmower.
_ARNING:ifyou strikeaforeign object,
stopthe engine.Removewire from the spark
plug,thoroughly inspectmower for anydamage,
and repair damagebefore restarting and operating.
Extensive vibration of mowerduring operation isan
indicationof damage.The unit should be promptly
inspectedand repaired.
Using as Mulcher
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherandside
dischargechutefromthemower.Foreffectivemulching,
do notcutwetgrass.If thegrasshasbeenallowedto
growin excessof fourinches,mulchingisnotrecom-
mended.Usethegrasscatchertobagclippingsinstead.
Using Grass Catcher
Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile
youareoperatingthemower.Refertosetupsectionfor
instructionson attachingthegrasscatcher.
WARNING
Theoperationof anylawn
mowercanresult inforeign
objectsbeing thrown into
the eyes,whichcandamage
your eyes severely.Always
wearsafety glasseswhile
operating the moweror
whileperformingany
adjustments or repairson it
Besure no oneotherthan
the operatorisstanding
nearthe Jawnmowerwhile
starting engine or operatinc
mower.Never run engine
indoorsor inenclosed,
poorlyventilated areas.
Engineexhaustcontains
carbonmonoxide,an
odorless and deadlygas.
Keephands, feet, hair and
looseclothingawayfrom
any moving partson engine
and lawnmower.
Neveroperateyourmower
without either the rear door
or the entire grass catcher
assembly firmly secured.
9

WA
disconnect sparkplug,
and groundagainstengine
before performinganytype
of maintenanceonyour
machine.
Do not use a pressure
washerorgardenhoseto
clean your unit. Thesemay
causedamagetoelectdc
CompOnents,spindles;
pulleys, bearings,or the
enginel Theuseof water
Figure5-1:Areasoflubrication(model435shown)
General Recommendations
*Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
anymaintenance.
,Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse
ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras
instructedhere.
•Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid
enginewarranty.
•Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.
•Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese
aretight.
_IIL ARNING:Alwaysstopengine,disconnect
sparkplug,and groundagainst engine
before performinganytype of maintenanceon your
machine.
Deck Care
Cleanundersideofthe mowerdeckaftereachuseto
preventbuild-upofgrassclippingsorotherdebris.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn
mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.
2. Tipmowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe
sidewiththeaircleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.
_ARNING:Nevertip the mowermorethan 90°
inany direction and do not leavethemower
tipped for any length of time. Oil can drainintothe
upper partof the enginecausingastartingproblem.
3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwitha
suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.
4. Putthemowerbackonitswheelsontheground.If
youhadputplasticunderthegascapearlier,make
sureto removeitnow.
Engine Care
A listofkeyenginemaintenancejobsrequiredforgood
performancebythemowerisgivenbelow.Followthe
accompanyingenginemanualforadetailedlistand
instructions.
1. Maintainoil levelasinstructedinenginemanual.
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.
Lubrication
•Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolatleast
oncea seasonwithlightoil.Thebladecontrolmust
operatefreelyinbothdirections,Figure5-1.
•Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatesurfaceofthepivotarmandinner
surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil,Figure5-1.
•Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointonthe
reardischargedoorandsidemulchplugperiodically
withlightoil topreventrust,Figure5-1.
•Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-
tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.
10

Blade Care
,_IL WARNING:Whenremovingthe cutting blade
forsharpeningor replacement, protectyour
handswithapairof heavygloves or usea heavyrag
to hold the blade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,
especiallyif youstrikea foreignobject.Replacewhen
necessary.Followthe stepsbelowforbladeservice.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn
moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand
thecarburetorareup.
2. Removetheboltandthe bladebellsupportwhich
holdthebladeand thebladeadaptertotheengine
crankshaft,Figure5-2.
3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft,
Figure5-2.
4. Thebladecanbe sharpenedwitha fileor on a grind-
ingwheel.Donotattempttosharpenthebladewhile
itisstillon themower.Whensharpeningtheblade,
followtheoriginalangleofgrind.Grindeachcutting
edgeequallytokeepthebladebalanced.
5. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.
Balancethebladeona roundshaftscrewdriverto
check.Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntilit
balancesevenly.
_iL ARNING:An unbalancedblade will cause
excessivevibrationwhenrotating at high
speeds,it may causedamageto mowerand could
break causingpersonalinjury.
6. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurface
ofthebladeadapterwithlightoil.Slidetheblade
adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.
7. Placethebladeon theadaptersuchthattheside
oftheblademarked"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)
facesthegroundwhenthemowerisintheoperating
position.Makesurethatthebladeisalignedand
seatedon thebladeadapterflanges.
8. Placebladebellsupportonthe blade.Alignnotches
on thebladebell supportwith smallholesinblade.
9. Replacehexboltandtightenhexboltto torque:450
in.Ibs.rain.,600 in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically
checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.
Replacing Rear Flap
1. Toremoverearflap,cutoff theflat endofthewirerod
whichsecuresitto thedeck,Figure5-3.
2. Attachthenewflapandnewrodto deck,bendingthe
endsofthenewrodovertosecuretodeck.
F
/
/
Figure5-2:Removethebolt,support,andadaptertoaccess
theblade.
Figure5-3:Cutwiretoremoverearflap.
Off-Season Storage
Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakento prepareyour
lawnmowerforstorage.
*Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribed
inthe lubricationinstructions.
*Donotusea pressurewasherorgardenhoseto
cleanyourunit.
*Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine
storageinstructions.
*Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto
preventrusting.
*Storemowerina dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenext
tocorrosivematerials,suchas fertilizer.
Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipmentina poorly
ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetaken
torust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoil or silicone,
coattheequipment,especiallycablesandall moving
partsofyourlawnmowerbeforestorage.
11
Maintaining
You
WARNING
Whenremoving the cutting
bladefor sharpeningor
replacement, protectyour
handswithapairofheavy
glovesoruse a heavy rag
to hold the blade,
Anunbalancedbladewill
causeexcessivevibration
whenrotating at high
speeds, it maycause dam-
age to mower,and could
breakcausingpersonal
injury,

_iiii _ ii _ _ i _ _i _ i
i i i ¸ ! !
i_ i_ _i!: _ i ii _ii__ii_I iiiii_
Problem Cause Remedy
Engine fails to Start i adecontroldisengagedl b!adecontro!,
21 sparkplugWiredisconnected• connect wiretosparkp!ug•
31 FueltankemptyOrStalefuel• Ell!tankWithclean,!reshgasoline•
4. Enginenot prreed. 4. Primeengineas instructedin 'fOperat,
ingyour LawnMowei!I,
5: Faultysparkpug 5, Clean,adjustgap,or replace.
6. BloCkedfuel linel 6, cieanfueliinel
7: Engineflooded. 7: Wait afew minutesto restart,but do
I netprime:
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.
Engine overheats 1 Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil.
2....A rfow restrcted I2 Removebower housngand cean
3. Carburetornotadjustedpropery. 3• Referto engne manua.
Occasional skips 1. Sparkpluggap tooclose. 1. Adjust gapto .030-inch.
(hesitates) at high speed 2. Carburetoridlemixtureadjustment 2. Referto enginemanual.
improperlyset.
Idles poorly 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gaptoo wide. 1. Resetgapto .030-inchor replace
sparkpug.
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 mowwhengrassiswet wait
untillatertocut.
2. Excessivelyhighgrass. 2. Mowonceata highcuttingheight,
then mowagainatdesirecJheightor
I makeanarrowerCuttingpath.
, 3• Du bade. , 3• Sharpenor replaceblade•
Uneven cut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsin same
heightposition.
2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.
12

13
ii i _iI_ii

10
14

1 731-04204 BailCover
2 746-1130 ControlCable40-inch
746-1137 ControlCable53-inch
3 726-0240 CableTie
4 664-04027 GrassBagAssembly
5 747-04080 GrassBagFrame
6 732-0700 TrailshieldWire
7 731-04998 Trailshield
8 747-04035 PivotRod
9 731-04134A RearDoor
10 687-02069 HeightAdj.BracketAssy- LH
687-02068 HeightAdj.BracketAssy- RH
11 787-01279 21-inchDeck
12 687-02099A Hgt.Adj.Assy- LH(7-inchWhl)
687-02100A Hgt.Adj.Assy- RH(7-inchWhl)
13 731-1506A FrontEndCover,21-inch
14 782-5002B FrontBaffle
15 748-04082 BladeAdapter
16 742-0741 21-inchMulchingBlade
17 736-0524B Bell BladeSupport
18 710-1257 HexBolt3/8-24x2.5long
19 731-04177 SideDischargeChute
20 712-04065 FlangeLockNut3/8-16
21 787-01290 HeightAdjustmentPlate
22 687-02076A PivotArmAssy- RH
687-02077A PivotArmAssy- LH
23 734-04086 Wheel7 x 1.8PinBar
24 738-0507B ShoulderScrew.5x.434
25 732-0404 SpringLever
26 720-0426 HeightAdjustKnob
27 710-0599 TT Screw1.4-20x .50
28 736-0270 BellWasher.265x.75x.062
29 710-0654A TTSeresScrew3.8-16x 1.00
30 687-02071A PivotArmAssy- RH
687-02070A PivotArmAssy- LH
31 732-04175 SpringLever
32 734-04087 Wheel8 x 1.8PinBar
33 710-1652 TTScrew1/4-20x .625
34 714-0104 Int.CotterPin.072dia.x 1.13Ig
35 787-01292 RearHandleBracket-RH
787-01291 RearHandleBracket-LH
36 710-0703 CarriageScrew1/4-20x.75
37 710-04371 ScrewHL1/4-15x 1.00
38 750-04162 Spacer
39 732-04090A TorsionSpring- RH
732-04089A TorsionSpring- LH
40 712-0397 WingNut
41 731-04150C RearBaffle
42 749-0928A LowerHandle
43 710-1174 CarriageBolt5/16-18x 2.0
44 720-04072 StarKnob
Parts List
To order replacement
parts,call
'800,.800q310
orvisitusO.
45 720-0279 HandleKnob the web at
46 710-1205 EyeBolt
47 749-1092A UpperHandle www.mtdproducts.com
48 747-1161A BladeControl(Bail)
49 7510042823 ShoulderScrew
50 731-04525 EngineShroud
51 17032A ChuteDeflectorAdapter
52 732-1014 TorsionSpring.290IDx 1.68
53 747-0710 HingePin
54 987-02055 MulchPlugAssembly
NOTE:Mowerfeatures/componentsvary by model. NOTall parts listed aboveand pictured onthe previous pageare
standard equipment.
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-
rantyshallonlyapplyif thisproducthasbeenoperatedand 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.
NOW 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.
Thislimitedwarrantydoesnotprovidecoverageinthefollowingcases:
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 impliedwarrantyof mer-
chantabilityof fitness for a particular purpose,applies after the
applicable periodof expresswritten warranty aboveasto the
partsasidentified.Nootherexpresswarranty, whetherwritten or
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 product shallvoid this warranty. Youassumetheriskand liability
forloss,damage,or injurytoyouandyourpropertyand/ortoothersand
theirpropertyarisingoutofthemisuseor inabilitytousethe product.
Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendtoanyoneotherthantheoriginal
purchaserorto thepersonforwhomitwas purchasedasa gift.
HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHISWARRANTY:This limited
warrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,and youmayalsohaveother
rightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofof Purchasetoobtain
warrantycoverage.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136=0019; Phone: 1=800=800=7310, 1=330=220=4683