MTD 11A-503F000 User manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips &Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
OF AOAL
22" Rotary Mower- Model Series 500
iMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyuniiprovedforest-covered,brush-
coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).
If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw
(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester
forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,
Ohio44136-0019.
PRINTEDIN U.S.A MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 FORMNO.770-10334H
10/10/2006

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new lawn mower, it will help you assemble,
prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Table of Contents
Slope Gauge ........................................................ 3
Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4
Setup and Adjustment ....................................... 6
Operating Your Lawn Mower .............................. 8
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10
Troubleshooting ................................................ 12
Safety Labels .................................................... 13
Parts List ........................................................... 14
Warranty ............................................. Back Cover
MTDLLCreservestherighttochangeproductspecifications,designs,andequipmentwithoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation.
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREYOUBEGINTOASSEMBLEYOURNEW
EQUIPMENT,pleaselocatethemodel plateon the
equipmentandcopytheinformationto thesample
modelplateprovidedtothe right.Youcanlocatethe
modelplatebystandingatthe operatingpositionand
lookingdownatthe rearofthe deck.Thisinformation
will benecessaryto usethemanufacturer'sweb
site,to obtainassistancefromtheCustomerSup-
port Department,orwhen contactingan authorized
servicedealer.
f
Model Number Serial Number
MTD LLC
P.O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330-220-4683
, www.mtdproducts.com 800-800-731
Customer Support
Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
Ifyou havedifficultyassemblingthis productorhaveanyquestionsregardingthecontrols,operation,or
maintenanceofthis unit,youcan seekhelp fromtheexperts.Choosefromtheoptionsbelow:
= Visitwww.mtdproducts.com
• CallaCustomerSupportRepresentativeat 1-800-800-7310.
• Theengine manufacturer isresponsibleforall engine-relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-
rating,specifications,warrantyandservice.Pleaserefertothe enginemanufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's
Manual,packedseparatelywith your unit,for moreinformation.
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WARNING
Thissymbolpoints
out importantsafety
instructionswhich,if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
i safetyand/or property
I ofyourselfand others.
Readandfollowall
instructionsinthis
manualbeforeat-
temptingto operate
i this machine.Failure
I to complywith these
instructionsmay result
i in personalinjury.When
youseethis symbol.
i HEED ITS WARNING!
i Your Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read.
i understand
andfollow thewarnings
and instructions
I. =nthis manual
and onthe machine.
WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of its constituents,and certain vehiclecompo-
nentscontain or emit chemicals known to Stateof Californiato cause cancerand
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: This machine was builtto be operatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operation in this
manual.As with anytypeof powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operator
can resultin serious injury.This machineis capable of amputatinghandsand feet and throwing
objects. Failureto observethe following safety instructionscouldresult in seriousinjury or death.
Children
Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtomowerand mowing
activity.Theydonot understandthe dangers.Neverassume
thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.
1. Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaand underwatchful
careofa responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.
2. Bealertandturnmoweroffif achildentersthearea.
3. Beforeand whilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown
forsmallchildren.
4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,
doorways,shrubs,trees,or otherobjectsthatmayobscure
yourvisionofachildwhomayrunintothe mower.
5. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycan
sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.
6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operateapower
mower.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand
understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthis
manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyaparent.
General Operation
1. Readthis operator'smanualcarefullyin its entiretybefore
attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,
andfollowall instructionsonthe machineandin the
manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith
thecontrolsandthe properuseofthis machinebefore
operatingit. Keepthis manualin a safeplaceforfuture
andregularreferenceandfor orderingreplacementparts.
2. Thismachineisaprecisionpieceof powerequipment,
nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all
times.Yourunithas beendesignedto performonejob: to
mowgrass.Do notuseit for anyotherpurpose.
3. Neverallow childrenunder 14yearsoldto operatethis
machine.Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand
understandthe instructionsinthis manualandshould
betrainedand supervisedbya parent.Onlyresponsible
individualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe
operationshouldbeallowedto usethismachine.
4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto
beused.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toys
andotherforeignobjects,whichcouldbetrippedoveror
pickedupandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjects can
causeseriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpattern
toavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,sidewalks,
bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial
againsta wallor obstruction,whichmaycausedischarged
materialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.
5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,
stayinoperatorzonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,
bystanders,helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrom mower
whileit is inoperation.Stop machineifanyoneenters
area.
6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera-
tionandwhile performinganadjustmentor repairtoprotect
youreyes.Thrownobjectswhich ricochetcancauseserious
injurytothe eyes.
7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesand close-fitting
slacksandshirts. Shirtsandpantsthatcoverthe armsand
legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended.Neveroperate
this machinein barefeet,sandals,slipperyor light-weight
(e.g.canvas)shoes.
8. Do notputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor undercutting
deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.
9. Amissingor damageddischargecovercancauseblade
contactor thrownobject injuries.
10.Manyinjuriesoccurasa resultofthe mowerbeingpulled
overthefoot duringa fall causedby slippingor tripping.
Do notholdontothe mowerifyouare falling;releasethe
handleimmediately.
11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare
walking.If youmust backthe mowerawayfroma wallor
obstructionfirstlookdownand behindtoavoidtrippingand
thenfollowthesesteps:
a. Stepbackfrommowertofully extendyourarms.
b. Besureyouarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.
c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,no morethanhalfway
towardyou.
d. Repeatthesestepsas needed.
12.Do notoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof
alcoholordrugs.
13.Do notengagetheself-propelledmechanismon unitsso
equippedwhilestartingengine.
14.Thebladecontrolhandleisasafetydevice.Neverattempt
tobypassitsoperation.Doingso makesthe safetydevice
inoperativeandmayresult in personalinjurythrough
contactwiththe rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandle
mustoperateeasily in bothdirectionsandautomatically
returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.
15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbesureof
yourfooting. A slipand fall cancauseseriouspersonal
injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourfooting,releasethe
bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyand the bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthreeseconds.
16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.
18.If the equipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineand checkimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis
generallya warningoftrouble.
4

19.Shutthe engineoffandwaituntilthe bladecomestoa
completestopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcherorunclog-
gingthe chute.
Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefora few secondsafter
the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceany partofthe bodyin
the bladeareauntilyouaresurethe bladehasstopped
rotating.
20.Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,discharge
cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleorothersafety
protectivedevicesin placeand working.Neveroperate
mowerwith damagedsafetydevices.Failureto doso can
resultin personalinjury.
21.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Do
nottouch.
22.Only usepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthis machineby
manufacturer.Failuretodoso can resultin personalinjury.
23. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis manual,
usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor
assistance.
Slope Operation
Slopesare amajorfactorrelatedtoslip andfall accidents,which
canresultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra
caution.If youfeeluneasyona slope,do notmowit. Foryour
safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthis manualto
measureslopesbeforeoperatingthis uniton aslopedorhilly
area.Ifthe slopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donotmowit.
Do:
1. Mowacrossthefaceofslopes;neverupand down.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
2. Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects,or bumps
whichcancauseyouto slipor trip. Tallgrasscan hide
obstacles.
3. Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slipandfallcan cause
seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeel youarelosingyour
balance,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediately,and
the bladewill stoprotatingwithin3 seconds.
Do Not:
1. Do notmowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments,you
could loseyourfootingor balance.
2. Do notmowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesas shownon
the slopegauge.
3. Do notmowonwet grass.Unstablefootingcouldcause
slipping. Service
Safe Handling Of Gasoline:
1. Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextreme
carein handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable
and thevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjury can
occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselfor your clothes,
which canignite.Washyourskin andchangeclothes
immediately.
2. Use onlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.
3. Neverfillcontainersinsideavehicleor ona truckortrailer
bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe
groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
4. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truckor trailer
and refueliton theground.If thisisnot possible,then refuel
suchequipmenton atrailer withaportablecontainer,rather
thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.
5. Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimofthe fueltankor
containeropeningatall timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Do
not usea nozzlelock-opendevice.
6. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
7. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill
accumulatein thearea.
8. Neverremovegascap oradd fuelwhileengineishot or
running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwo minutesbefore
refueling.
9. Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch
belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.
10.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
11.If gasolineis spilled,wipe itoff theengineand equipment.
Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting
engine.
12.Neverstorethe machineorfuel containernearanopen
flame,sparkor pilotlightas ona waterheater,space
heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.
13.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,
orother debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand
removeanyfuel soakeddebris.
14.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService:
1. Neverrun anengineindoorsorin a poorlyventilatedarea.
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorless
anddeadlygas.
2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe
sparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe engineto prevent
unintendedstarting.
3. Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent
intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectblade
fordamage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewith
theoriginalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,
listedin thismanual."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe
originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improper
performanceand compromisesafety!"
4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor
weargloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip-
mentis insafeworkingcondition.
6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproper
operationregularly.
7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,discon-
nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.
Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerfor anydamage.Repairthe
damagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower.
8. Neverattemptto makeawheelor cuttingheightadjust-
mentwhilethe engineisrunning.
9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail
shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould
exposemovingpartsor allowobjectstobethrown.For
safetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsand re-
placeimmediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's
(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedin thismanual."Useofparts
whichdo notmeetthe originalequipmentspecifications
mayleadtoimproperperformanceand compromise
safety!"
10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating
speedoftheengine.
11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.
12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper
disposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
Practices
WARNING
This symbol points
out importantsafety
instructions,which if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safety and/or property
of yourselfand others.
Readand followall
instructions inthis man-
ual beforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failureto comply with
these instructionsmay
result in personalinjury.
Whenyousee this
symbol.
HEED iT'S WARNING!
Your Responsibility
Restrictthe use
of this powermachine
to personswho read.
understand
and followthe warnings
and instructions
in this manua
and onthe machine.
5

The huteretainer
must beremovedand
discarded before
operating themoWer:
i_ i_ ii i
IMPORTANT
This unitisshipped
without gasolineor
oilin the engine:Fill
upgasolineand Oil
as instructedin the
accompanying engine
manual BEFORE
operating your mowerl
NOTE:This Operator's
Manual coversseveral
models! LawnMoWer
featuresvary by
model Notill features
discussed(or engines
pictured)in thismanual
are applicableto all
Forshippingpurposes,thechutedeflectoron your
mowerisheldin anuprightpositionbya retainer.
Removetheretaineras follows:
a. Push chutedeflectoruptowardsengine.Holding
deflectorin thisposition,removetheretainerand
discard.See Figure3-1.
b. Lowerthechutedeflectorcarefullykeepingyour
fingersoutoftheway.
,_ WARNING: The chute retainer
must be removed and discarded
before operating the mower.
k'_, j
Figure 3=1
Figure 3=2
.
.
.
Performthefollowingsequenceforhandlesetup:
a. Lifttheupperhandleupfromthefoldedpositionto
theextendedpositionfollowingthearrowin Figure
3-2.Thehandleshouldclickintothisposition.
b. Makesurethecarriageboltis seatedproperlyin
thehandle.Tightenstarknobssecuringupper
handletothelowerhandle
If satisfiedwith heightof handle,tightenstarknobs
attheendsofthelowerhandle.Forconvenienceof
operating,youmayadjustthehandleheightasfollows:
a. Removethestar knobsshownin Figure3-3 and
removethelowerhandle.
b. Positioneachhandlebracketstudintothetophole
in thelowerhandle.SeeFigure3-3 inset.
c. Tightenthestarknobs.
Insertpostoncabletiesintoholesprovidedon the
lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.See
Figure3-4.
f
i
Figure 3=3 Figure 3=4
6

5. RopeguideSetupasfollowsin Figure3-5:
a. Holdthebladecontrolagainsttheupperhandle.
b. Slowlypullstarterropeoutofengine.
c. Slipstarterropeintotheropeguide.
d. Tightenropeguidewingnut.
6. Installrearwheelsasfollowsin Figure3-6 (wheels
maybealreadyinstalledatfactory,if sodisregardthis
step):
a. Placerearofthemowerdeckon raisedblocks.
b. Removelocknutfrompivotarmassembly(on
selectmodels,thesemaybe includedseparately
ina plasticbag).
c. Slidewheel,withhollowsidein,ontopivotarm
andsecurewithlocknut.
d. Assembletheothersidein thesamemanner.
7. Eachwheelhasa heightadjustmentlevertochange
thecuttingheightofthe mower.
a. Depressheightadjustmentlevertowardswheel.
b. Slidelevertodesiredpositionfora changein
cuttingheight.SeeFigure3-7.
c. Releaselevertowardsdeck.
8. If yourmowerisequippedwithan optionalmulching
baffle,installiton therightsideofthedeck.Follow
thesequenceindicatedhere.
a. Lift upandholdtheside-dischargechutedeflector
andinsertbottomlip ofthemulchingbaffleinside
thechuteopening.See Figure3-8.
b. Snaphooksofthemulchingbaffleoverthehinge
pinofthechutedeflector.Thehooksmustsnap
intoplaceon thehingepin,lockingthemulching
bafflefirmlyontomower.Releasechutedeflector.
Figure 3-5
\
Figure 3-6
WHEELINSTALL
Onselect models,the
frontwheels mayalso
needto be installed.
Installthese in the
same mannerasthe
rearwheels.
CUTTINGHEIGHT
Allwheels must be
placedin the same
relativeposition.For
roughor unevenlawns,
movethe heightadjust-
pent leverto a higher
osition.This will stop
scalping of grass.
MULCHINGBAFFLE
(if so equipped)
Figure 3=8 Figure 3-7
Forproperassembly,
installbottom lip inside
chute opening before
placinghooks overthe
hingepin.
IMPORTANT
This unitis shipped
without gasolineor
oil in the engine. Fill
upgasolineand oil
as instructedinthe
accompanyingengine
manualBEFORE
operatingyour mower.
7

Operating
r Lawn
MoWer
WARNING
This blade control
mechanism isa
safety device. Never
attemptto bypass its
operations.
Useextreme care
when handling
gasoline. Gasolineis
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive.Never fuel
the machine indoors
or while the engine
is hot or running.
Extinguishcigarettes,
cigars, pipesand
other sourcesof
ignition.
fKnow Your Lawn Mower
BladeContrd
Recoil
Starter
Mulching
Baffle
\
Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever
(for eachwheel)
/
Figure 4-1
Nowthatyouhavesetup yourlawnmowerforopera-
tion,getacquaintedwithits controlsandfeatures.These
aredescribedbelowandillustratedthispage.This
knowledgewillallowyoutouseyournewequipmentto
itsfullestpotential.
Blade Control
Thebladecontrolisattachedtotheupperhandleofthe
mower.Depressthe bladecontroltooperatetheunit.
Releaseittostopengineandblade.
_ WARNING:This blade control
mechanism is asafety device.
Never attempt to bypass its
operations.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
Oneadjustmentleveris locatedoneachwheelandis
usedtoadjustthecuttingheight.All fourlevershaveto
beatthesamerelativepositiontoensureuniformcut.
Recoil Starter
Therecoilstarterisattachedtotherightupperhandle.
Standbehindtheunitand pullthe recoilstarterropeto
starttheunit.
Mulching Baffle (if so equipped)
Themulchingbaffleisusedtorecirculategrassclippings
backtothelawn.AttachitasinstructedintheAssembly
sectionof thismanual.
Gas and Oil Fill-lip
1. Checkoillevelandaddoil if necessary.FollowEngine
manualforthis.
2. Serviceenginewithgasolineasinstructedin Engine
manual. SeeseparateEnginemanualforlocationof
gasolineandoil fillforyourunit.
__k WARNING: Use extreme care
when handling gasoline. Gasoline
is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Never fuel
the machine indoorsor while the
engine is hot or running. Extin-
guish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and
other sources of ignition.
8

WARNING: The operationof
any lawn mower can result in
foreign objects being thrown
intothe eyes, which can damage
your eyesseverely. Always wear
safety glasseswhile operating
the mower, or while performing
any adjustments or repairs on it.
Starting Engine
WARNING: Be sure no one other
than the operator is standing
nearthe lawn mower while
starting engine or operating
mower. Never run engine indoors
or in enclosed, poorly ventilated
areas. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas. Keep hands,
feet, hair and loose clothing away
from any moving parts on engine
and lawn mower.
1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwoseconds
betweeneachpush.See Figure4-2.Intemperature
around550For below,primefivetimes.Donotprime
to restarta warmengine.
2. Standingbehindthemower,squeezetheblade
controlagainst upperhandle.SeeFigure4-2.
3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasp
recoilstarterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,
continuous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure4-2.Keeping
a firmgripon thestarterhandle,lettheroperewind
slowly.Repeatuntilenginecranks.Lettherope
rewindeachtimeslowly.
Stopping Engine
1. Releasebladecontrolto stoptheengineand blade.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainsttheengine.
Using Your Lawn Mower
Besurethelawnisdear ofstones,sticks,wire,or other
objectswhichcoulddamagethelawnmoweror the
engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidentlythrownby
themowerin anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonal
injuryto theoperatorandothers.
Figure 4=2
WARNING: if you strike a foreign
object, stop the engine. Remove
wire from the spark plug, thor-
oughly inspectthe mower for any
damage, and repair the damage
before restarting and operating
the mower. Extensive vibration
of the mower during operation is
an indicationof damage. The unit
should be promptly inspected
and repaired.
Operating Tips
1. Forbestresults,do notcutwetgrass.
2. Newgrass,thickgrass,orwet grassmayrequirea
narrowercut.
3. Fora healthierlawn,nevercutoff morethanone-third
ofthetotallengthofthegrass.
4. Yourlawnshouldbecut inthefallaslongasthere
isgrowth.
5. Foreffectivemulching,donotcutwetgrass.
6. Adjustgroundspeedaccordingto conditionof lawn.
7. Ifthegrasshasbeenallowedtogrowin excessof 4
inches,mulchingis notrecommended.Mowusing
thesidedischargetoreducethegrassheightto3-1/4
inchesor lessbeforemulching.
9
WARNING
The operation of any
lawn mower can result
in foreign objects
being thrown into
the eyes, which can
damage your eyes
severely. Always wear
safety glasses while
operating the mower,
or while performing
any adjustments or
repairs on it.
Be sure no one other
than the operator is
standing near the lawn
mower while starting
engineor operating
mower. Never run
engine indoorsor
inenclosed, poorly
ventilated areas. En-
gineexhaust contains
carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly
gas. Keep hands, feet,
hair and loose clothing
away from any moving
parts on engine and
lawn mower.

WARNING i
d sconnectspark
against engine before
cleaningi lubricating
ordo nganyk ,dof
maintenance on your
We do not recommend
theUseof pressure
waShersOrgarden
hose tOcleanyour i
uniL These may cause
damagebearings;or
theengine.The use
of Waterwill resultin
shortened lifeand
reduceserViCeabiltyl
NOTE: ThisOperator's
ManualCovers
severalmodels: Lawn
Mower featuresvary by
model: Notall features
discussed(or engines
Figure 5=1
General Recommendations
1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
anymaintenance.
2. Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse
or negligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras
instructedhere.
3. Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoid
enginewarranty.
4. Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.
5. Periodicallycheckall fastenersand makesurethese
aretight.
_ARNING: Alwaysstop engine,
disconnect spark plug, and
ground against engine before
cleaning, lubricating or doing
any kind of maintenance on your
machine.
Lubrication
1. Lubricatepivotpointsonthe bladecontrolatleastonce
a seasonwith lightoil.Thebladecontrolmustoperate
freelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure5-1.
2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil (ormotoroil).If wheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatesurfaceoftheaxleboltandinner
surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure5-1.
3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointonthe
chutedeflectorperiodicallywith lightoilto preventrust.
SeeFigure5-1.
4. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrication
scheduleand instructionforenginelubrication.
Engine Care
1. Changetheengineoil regularly,as instructedinthe
enginemanual.Checkoil levelbeforestartingengine
everytime.
2. Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormalcondi-
tions.Toservicetheaircleaner,referto theseparate
enginemanualpackedwithyourunit.
3. Cleanthesparkplugandresetthegapto.030"at least
oncea season.Refertotheenginemanualforcorrect
sparkplugtype.
Mower Care
Cleanundersideofthe mowerdeckaftereachuseto
preventbuild-upofgrassclippingsorotherdebris.Follow
stepsbelowforthisjob.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn
mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.
2. Tipthemowersothat itrestsonthehousing.Keep
thesidewiththeaircleanerfacingup.Holdthemower
firmly.
_ARNING: Never tip the mower
more than 90 degrees inany
directions and do not leave the
mower tipped for any length of
time. Oil can drain intothe upper
part ofthe engine causing a
starting problem.
3. Scrapeandcleanthe undersideofthedeckwitha
suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.
4. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsontheground.Ifyou
hadputplasticunderthegascapearlier,makesureto
removeit now.
pictured) inthis manual
are applicabletoall
Lawn Mowermodels.
10

Blade Care f "_
,_ WARNING: Whenremovingthe
cutting blade for sharpeningor
-- replacement, protect your hands
with a pair of heavy gloves or use
a heavy rag to hold the blade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,
especiallyifyoustrikeaforeignobject.Replacewhen
necessary.Followthestepsbelowforbladeservice.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn
moweronitssidemakingsurethattheair filterand
thecarburetorareup.
2. Removetheboltandthebladebellsupportwhich
holdthebladeandthebladeadaptertotheengine
crankshaft.SeeFigure5-2.
3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.
4. Thebladecanbesharpenedwithafileor ona
grindingwheel.Donotattemptto sharpentheblade
whileit isstillonthe mower.
5. Whensharpeningtheblade,followtheoriginalangle
ofgrind.Grindeachcuttingedgeequallytokeepthe
bladebalanced.
.
7. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance. Balancethebladeon a roundshaftscrewdriverto
check.Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntilit
balancesevenly.
,_ WARNING: An unbalancedblade
will cause excessive vibration
when rotating at high speeds.
itmay cause damage to mower,
and could break causing per-
sonal injury.
v.. j
Figure 5-2
Off-Season Storage
Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakentoprepareyourlawn
mowerforstorage.
1. Cleanand lubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin
thelubricationinstructions.
2. Wedo notrecommendtheuseof a pressurewasher
orgardenhosetocleanyourunit.
3. Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine
storageinstructions.
4. Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto
preventrusting.
5. Storemowerin a dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenextto
corrosivematerials,suchasfertilizer.
Whenstoringanytypeofpowerequipmentina poorly
ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetakento
rust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoilor silicone,coat
theequipment,especiallycablesandall movingpartsof
yourlawnmowerbeforestorage.
8. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurface
ofthebladeadapterwithlightoil.Slidetheblade
adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.
9. Placethebladeon theadaptersuchthattheside
oftheblademarked"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)
facesgroundwhenthemowerisintheoperating
position.Makesurethatthebladeisalignedand
seatedon bladeadapterflanges.
10.Placebladebellsupportontheblade.Alignnotches
onthebladebellsupportwithsmallholesinblade.
11.Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450
in.Ibs.rain.,600in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically
checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.
Maintaining
YourLaWn
WARNING
When removing
the cutting blade
for sharpeningor
replacement, protect
your hands with a
pair of heavy gloves
or usea heavy rag to
hold the blade.
An unbalancedblade
will causeexcessive
vibration when rotat-
ing at highspeeds. It
may cause damage
to mower, and could
break causing per-
sonal injury.
11

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

Safety Labels Found On Your Lawn Mower
13

Model Series 500
Pin Bar Tread Zag K2Tread
14

747-1161A BladeControl 710-1044
2. 749-1092A UpperHandle 25. 736-0524B
3. 746-0957 BladeControlCable-37.25" 26. 738-1172
746-1130 BladeControlCable- 40" 27. 736-0741
746-0946 BladeControlCable-48.25" 28. 734-04213
4. 710-1205 EyeBolt 734-1988
5. 720-0279 WingNut 734-04176
6. 720-04072 StarKnob 29. 720-0426
7. 631-04045t MulchingBaffle 30. 732-1026
HexCapScrew3/8-24x 1.5
BladeBellSupport
ShoulderScrew3/8- 16x.302
BellWasher.760IDx 1.25OD
FrontWheel,7x 1.8,K2Bar
FrontWheel,7x 1.8,PinBar
FrontWheel,7x 2.125,Zag
HeightAdjusterKnob
FrontSpringLever
8. 710-1174 CarriageBolt5/16-18x2.0 31. 747-0710
9. 725-0157 CableTie 32. 732-1014
10. 749-04037 LowerHandle 33. 17032A
11. 731-0981At HubCap 34. 731-1034B
12. 17098 HingeClip 35. 710-0216
13. 731-2537 TrailShield 36. 741-0717
14. 682-3062A HandleBracketAssembly-RH 37. 687-02080
15. 682-3063A HandleBracketAssembly-LH 38. 687-02079
HingePin
TorsionSpring
DeflectorChuteAdapter
Side DischargeChuteAssembly
HexCapScrew3/8-16x .75
ThrustBrg.,.688IDx 1.94OD
RearPivotArmAssembly- RH
RearPivotArmAssembly- LH
16. 712-04065 LockNut3/8-16 39. 732-0984B
17. 710-0654A HexWasherScrew3/8-16x 1.0 40. 738-1127
18. 687-02048 22"DeckAssembly 41. 710-0599
787-01097 22"DeckAssembly- NoSprig 42. 734-04217
19. 736-0270 BellWasher.265x.75 734-04082
20. 741-0751 HeightAdjusterBearing 734-04093
21. 687-02094 PivotArmAssembly 43. 751B698264t
22. 748-0376C BladeAdapter,#6x 1.19,w/Star 44. 751BO95050t
RearSpringLever
ShoulderScrew3/8- 16x.442
Screw1/4-20x.50
RearWheel,12x 1.8,K2Bar
RearWheel,12x 1.8,PinBar
RearWheel,12x2.125,Zag
EngineShroud
Screw,#8-18x 1.25
748-04096 BladeAdapter,25ramx 1.19 45. 731-04859t BailCover
23. 742-0742At 22"MulchingBlade 46. 736-0504t WaveWasher
742-0642A 22"StandardBlade 47. 736-0182t SpringWasher
t Ifequipped
15
To order replacement
parts;Contact
1'800'800'7310
_vww,mtdproducts.com

MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR
ThelimitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenbyMTDLLCwithrespect
tonewmerchandisepurchasedandusedin theUnitedStates,its
possessionsandterritories.
"MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsinmaterialandworkman-
shipfora periodoftwo (2)yearscommencingonthedateoforiginal
purchaseandwill,at itsoption,repairor replace,freeofcharge,any
partfoundto bedefectiveinmaterialsorworkmanship.Thislimitedwar-
rantyshallonlyapplyifthisproducthasbeenoperatedand maintained
inaccordancewiththeOperator'sManualfurnishedwiththeproduct,
andhasnotbeensubjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,
accident,impropermaintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft,fire,water,
ordamagebecauseofotherperilor naturaldisaster.Damageresulting
fromthe installationor useofanypart,accessoryor attachmentnot
approvedby MTDforusewiththeproduct(s)coveredbythis manual
willvoidyourwarrantyastoanyresultingdamage.
Normalwearpartsarewarrantedto befreefromdefectsinmaterialand
workmanshipfora periodofthirty(30)daysfromthedateof purchase.
Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuchas: batter-
ies,belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,
snowthrowerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.
HOW TO OBTAINSERVICE: Warrantyservice isavailable,WITH
PROOFOF PURCHASE,throughyour localauthorized service
dealer.Tolocate the dealer in yourarea, check yourYellowPages,
or contact MTDLLCat RO. Box361131,Cleveland,Ohio 44136-
0019,or call 1-800-800-7310or 1-330-220-4683 or log on to our
Website at www.mtdproducts.com.
Thislimitedwarrantydoesnot providecoverageinthefollowingcases:
a. Theengineor componentpartsthereof.Theseitemsmaycarrya
separatemanufacturer'swarranty.Refertoapplicablemanufacturer's
warrantyfortermsandconditions.
b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershavea separateoneyear
warranty.
c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchaslubricants,filters,blade
sharpening,tune-ups,brakeadjustments,clutchadjustments,deck
adjustments,andnormaldeteriorationoftheexteriorfinishdueto
useor exposure.
d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthananauthorizedservice
dealer.
e. MTDdoesnotextendanywarrantyforproductssoldor exported
outsideoftheUnitedStates,its possessionsandterritories,except
thosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorizedchannelsofexportdistribution.
f. ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts.
g. Transportationchargesandservicecalls.
Noimpliedwarranty,includingany impliedwarranty of mer-
chantabilityof fitness for a particular purpose,applies after the
applicable periodof expresswritten warranty aboveasto the
partsasidentified.Nootherexpresswarranty, whetherwrittenor
oral, exceptas mentioned above,givenby anypersonor entity,
includingadealeror retailer, withrespect to any product,shall
bindMTD.Duringthe periodof the warranty,the exclusiveremedy
isrepairor replacementof the productas setforth above.
Theprovisionsasset forth inthis warrantyprovidethesoleand
exclusiveremedy arising from the sale.MTDshallnot be liable
for incidentalor consequentiallossor damageincluding,without
limitation, expensesincurredfor substituteor replacementlawn
careservicesor for rentalexpensesto temporarily replacea
warranted product.
Somestatesdo notallowtheexclusionor limitationofincidentalor
consequentialdamages,or limitationsonhowlongan impliedwarranty
lasts,sotheaboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplytoyou.
Innoeventshallrecoveryofanykindbegreaterthantheamountofthe
purchasepriceof theproductsold.Alterationof safetyfeaturesof
the productshallvoid this warranty. Youassumetheriskandliability
forloss,damage,or injurytoyouandyourpropertyand/ortoothersand
theirpropertyarisingoutofthemisuseor inabilitytousethe product.
Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendtoanyoneotherthantheoriginal
purchaserorto thepersonforwhomitwas purchasedasa gift.
HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHISWARRANTY:This limited
warrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,and youmayalsohaveother
rightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofof Purchasetoobtain
warrantycoverage.
IViTDLLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136-0019; Phone: 1=800=800-7310, 1-330=220-4683