MTD 11A-508H731 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.770-10334G
12/2005

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new lawn mower, it will help you assemble,
prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Table of Contents
Slope Gauge ....................................................... 3
Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4
Setup and Adjustment ....................................... 6
Operating Your Lawn Mower .............................. 8
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10
Trouble Shooting .............................................. 12
Safety Labels .................................................... 13
Parts List ........................................................... 14
Warranty ............................................................ 16
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREYOU STARTASSEMBLING
YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,
please locatethe modelplate onthe equipmentand copythe
informationtothe sample modelplate providedtothe right.
Youcan locatethe modelplate by standing at the operating
position and lookingdown atthe rear ofthe deck. This
informationwill be necessaryto use the manufacturer'sweb
site and/or obtain assistancefrom theCustomerSupport
Departmentor an authorizedservice dealer.
Model Number
www.mtdproducts.com
Serial Number
MTD LLC
P.O= BOX 361131
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330-220-4683
800-800-7310
Customer Support
Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
Ifyou havedifficultyassembling this productor haveany questionsregardingthe controls, operation,or maintenanceof this
unit,youcan seek helpfrom the experts. Choosefromthe optionsbelow:
1. Visit mtdproducts.com. Click onthe Service& Support menuoption.
2. Phone a Customer Support Representative at 1 [phone].
3. Theengine manufacturer isresponsiblefor all engine-relatedissueswith regards to performance,power-rating,specifica-
tions, warrantyand service. Pleaserefer tothe enginemanufacturer'sOwner's/Operator'sManual, packedseparatelywith
your unit,for more information.
MTD _n_r_tic_ Aw_4 Winning ?red_ts @r Company i _rivacy P'd_y' C,@n_ac_U_
Ser,,,ice 8: Suppo_±
Product Registration
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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 its constituents,andcertain vehiclecompo-
nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: This machinewas builtto be operatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operation in this
manual.As with anytypeof powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operatorcan
result in seriousinjury.This machine iscapable of amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.
Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injury or death.
Children
Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtomowerand mowing
activity.Theydonot understandthe dangers.Neverassume
thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.
1. Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaand underwatchful
careofa responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.
2. Bealertandturnmoweroffif achildentersthearea.
3. Beforeand whilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown
forsmallchildren.
4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,
doorways,shrubs,trees,or otherobjectsthatmayobscure
yourvisionofachildwhomayrunintothe mower.
5. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycan
sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.
6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operateapower
mower.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand
understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthis
manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyaparent.
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.Stopmachineifanyoneenters
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 theequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineand checkimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis
generallya warningoftrouble.
4

19.Shuttheengineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto a
completestopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcheror unclog-
ging thechute.
The cuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefor a fewsecondsafter
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 socan
resultin personalinjury.
21. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causea burn.Do
nottouch.
22.Only usepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthismachineby
manufacturer.Failuretodo socanresultinpersonalinjury.
23. If situationsoccurwhich arenotcoveredin thismanual,
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,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthis manualto
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.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyour
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 containersinsideavehicleoron a truckor trailer
bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainerson the
groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truck ortrailer
and refuelit onthe ground.Ifthis is notpossible,thenrefuel
suchequipmentonatrailerwitha portablecontainer,rather
thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.
6. Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimofthefueltank or
containeropeningat alltimesuntilfuelingis complete.Do
notuseanozzlelock-opendevice.
7. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
8. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill
accumulatein thearea.
9. Neverremovegascap oradd fuelwhileengineishot or
running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwo minutesbefore
refueling.
10.Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch
belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.
11.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
12.If gasolineis spilled,wipe itoff theengineand equipment.
Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting
engine.
13.Neverstorethe machineorfuel containernearanopen
flame,sparkor pilotlightasonawaterheater,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
disposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
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.

Adjustment
WAR N!NG
The chute retainer
must be removedand
discarded before
3peratingthe mower:
IMPORTANT
This unit isshipped
without gasolineor
oil in the engine. Fill
upgasolineand oil
as instructedin the
accompanyingengine
manual BEFORE
operating your mower.
Step 1
Step 2
Forshippingpurposes,thechutedeflectoron your
mowerisheldinan uprightpositionbya retainer.
Removetheretaineras follows:
a. Push chutedeflectoruptowardsengine.Holding
deflectorin thisposition,removetheretainerand
discard.SeeStep1.
b. Lowerthechutedeflectorcarefullykeepingyour
fingersoutoftheway.
,_ WARNING: The chute retainer
must be removed and discarded
before operating the mower.
.
.
.
Performthefollowingsequenceforhandlesetup:
a. Lifttheupperhandleupfromthefoldedpositionto
theextendedpositionfollowingthearrowin Step2.
Thehandleshouldclick intothis position.
b. Makesurethecarriageboltis seatedproperlyin
thehandle.Tightenstarknobssecuringupper
handletothelowerhandle
If satisfiedwith heightof handle,tightenstarknobs
attheendsofthelowerhandleshownin Step3.For
convenienceof operating,youmayadjustthehandle
heightasfollows:
a. Removethestar knobsshownin Step3and
removethelowerhandle.
b. Positioneachhandlebracketstudintothetophole
in thelowerhandle.SeeStep3 inset.
c. Tightenthestarnuts.
Insertpostoncabletiesintoholesprovidedon the
lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.See
Step4.
........
Step 3Step 4
6

5. RopeguideSetupasfollowsin Step5:
a. Holdthebladecontrolagainsttheupperhandle.
b. Slowlypullstarterropeoutofengine.
c. Slipstarterropeintotheropeguide.Tightenrope
guidewingnut.
6. Installrearwheelsasfollowsin Step6 (wheelsmaybe
alreadyinstalledatfactory,if sodisregardStep6):
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.SeeStep7.
c. Releaselevertowardsdeck.
8. If yourmowerisequippedwithan optionalmulching
baffle,installiton therightsideofthedeck.Follow
thesequenceindicatedhere.
a. Lift upandholdtheside-dischargechutedeflector
andinsertbottomlip ofthemulchingbaffleinside
thechuteopeningSeeStep8.
b. Snaphooksdthemulchingbaffleoverthehinge
pinofthechutedeflector.Thehooksmustsnap
intoplaceon thehingepin,lockingthemulching
bafflefirmlyontomower.Releasechutedeflector.
f
Step 5
Step 6
Step 8 Step 7
AdjUstment
WHEELINSTALL
Step 6
Onselect models,the
frontwheelsmayalso
needto be installed.
Installthese in the
same mannerasthe
rearwheels.
CUTTINGHEIGHT
Step 7
Allwheels must be
placedinthe same
relativeposition. For
roughor unevenlawns,
movethe heightadjust-
mentleverto a higher
position.This will stop
scalping of grass.
MULCHINGBAFFLE
(if so equipped)
Step 8
Forproperassembly
installbottom I pinside
chute opening before
placinghooks overthe
hingepin.
IMPORTANT
This unitisshipped
without gasolineor
oil in the engine. Fill
upgasolineand oil
as instructedinthe
accompanyingengine
manua BEFORE
operatingyour mower.
7

Mower
WARNING
This bladecontrol
mechanism isa
safety device. Never
attemptto bypass its
operations.
Use extreme care
when handling
gasoline.Gasoline is
extremelyflammable
and the vapors are
explosive.Never fuel
the machine indoors
or while the engine
is hot or running.
Extinguishcigarettes,
cigars, pipes and
other sources of
ignition.
Know Your Lawn Mower
BladeControl
Recoil
Starter Oil Fill
Mulching
Baffle
Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever
(for eachwheel)
/
Gasoline Fill
Figure 1
Nowthatyouhavesetup yourlawnmowerforopera-
tion,getacquaintedwithits controlsandfeatures.These
aredescribedbelowandillustratedthispage.This
knowledgewillallowyoutouseyournewequipmentto
itsfullestpotential.
Blade Control
Thebladecontrolisattachedtotheupperhandleofthe
mower.Depressthe bladecontroltooperatetheunit.
Releaseittostopengineandblade.
_ WARNING:This blade control
mechanism is a safety 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.Attachit asinstructedon page7ofthis
manual.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
1. Checkoillevelandaddoil if necessary.Followengine
manualforthis.SeeFigure1aboveforlocationofthe
oilfill.
2. Serviceenginewithgasolineasinstructedinengine
manual. SeeFigure1aboveforlocationof gascap.
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:Theoperationof
I..°mowo,o..,o.o,i. /A I
foreignobjectsbeingthrown ('
intothe eyes, which can damage
your eyesseverely. Always wear
Starting
safety glasseswhile operating
the mower, or while performing
any adjustments or repairs on it.
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 Figure2. Intemperature
around550For below,primefivetimes.Donotprime
to restarta warmengine.
2. Standingbehindthemower,squeezetheblade
controlagainst upperhandle.SeeFigure2.
3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasp
recoilstarterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,
continuous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure2. 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 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.
WARNING
The operation of any
lawn mower can result
in foreign objects
being thrown into
the eyes,which can
damage your eyes
severely. Alwayswear
safety glasseswhile
operating the mower,
or while performing
any adjustments or
repairs on it.
Besure no one other
than the operator is
standing near the lawn
mower while starting
engine or operating
mower. Never run
engine indoorsor
in enclosed, poorly
ventilatedareas. En-
ine exhaust contains
aarbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly
gas. Keep hands, feet,
hair and loose clothing
away from any moving
parts on engine and
lawn mower.
9

S?_:?_'_:!_ _' _!b_
Mainta=n t
Your Lawn
ower
WAR. .G
i
A waysstopengine;
disconnect spark
plug, and ground
againstenginebefore
cleaning, lubricating
or doing any kind of i
maintenance on your
machine:
Wedo notrecommend
the useof pressure
washersor garden
hose to clean your
unit, Thesemay cause
damagebearings or
the engine:The use
of water willresult in
shortened lifeand
reduceserViCeability.
Lubricate
these points
before
reassembly.
Cap
Spark Plug
Wire
Air Filter
antumEngine Figure 4J
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.
,__ WARNING: Always stopengine,
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.SeeFigure3.
2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil (ormotoroil).If wheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatesurfaceoftheaxleboltandinner
surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure3.
3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointonthe
chutedeflectorperiodicallywith lightoilto preventrust.
SeeFigure3.
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.RefertoFigure4.
Mower Care
Cleanundersideofthe mowerdeckaftereachuseto
preventbuild-upofgrassclippingsorotherdebris.Follow
stepsbelowforthisjob.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn
mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap
SeeFigure4.
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.
10

Blade Care f
Figure 5
,__ WARNING: When removing the
cutting blade for sharpening or
-- 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
moweronits sidemakingsurethattheair filterand
thecarburetorareup.
2. Removetheboltandthebladebellsupportwhich
holdthebladeandthebladeadaptertotheengine
crankshaft.SeeFigure5.
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.
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)
facesgroundwhenthemowerisin theoperating
position.Makesurethatthebladeisalignedand
seatedon bladeadapterflanges.
10.Placebladebellsupportontheblade.Alignnotches
onthebladebellsupportwithsmallholesin blade.
11.Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450
in.Ibs.rain.,600in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically
checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.
11
MoWer
WARNING
When removing
the cutting blade
for sharpening or
replacement, protect
your handswith a
pair of heavy gloves
or use a heavy rag to
hold the blade.
An unbalanced blade
will causeexcessive
vibration when rotat-
ing at high speeds, it
maycause damage
to mower, and could
break causing per-
sonal injury.

repairsbeyond
theminoradjustments
listed here, contact
an authorizedservice
_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. Blade controldisengaged. Engagebiadecontrol
sparkp!ugwiredisconnected: I conBect WiretoSparkp!ug_
3. Fueltankemptyorstalefuel. 3. FiItankwith clean,freshgasoline.
4. Enginenotchoked. 4. Chokeengineas instructedinthe
OPe[atingYOU[LawnMower section•
5: Faultysparkpug 5, Clean,adjustgap,or replace.
6. BlOCkedfuel linel 6, cieanfueliinel
7: Engineflooded. 7: Wait afew minutesto iestart,but do
I 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.
Engine overheats 1 Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil.
2....A rfow restrcted I 2 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 mowwhengrass iswet wait
untillatertocut.
2. Excessivelyhighgrass. 2. Mowonce ata highcuttingheight,
then mowagainatdesiredheightor
I makeanarrowercuttingpath.
, 3. Du bade. , 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.
Uneven cut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsin same
heightposition.
2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.
12

iii i_ _ iiii
ii i _iI_ii
13

Model Series 500
14

,
3.
747-1161A BladeControl 742-0642A
749-1092A UpperHandle 24. 710-1044
746-0957 BladeControlCable-37.25" 25. 736-0524B
746-1130 BladeControlCable-40" 26. 738-1172
746-0946 BladeControlCable- 48.25" 27. 736-0741
22"MulchingBlade
HexCapScrew3/8-24x 1.5
BladeBellSupport
ShoulderScrew3/8- 16x.302
BellWasher.760IDx 1.25OD
4. 710-1205 EyeBolt 28. 734-1988 FrontWheelAssembly7x 1.8
5. 720-0279 WingNut 29. 720-0426 HeightAdjusterKnob
6. 720-04072 StarKnob 30. 732-1026 FrontSpringLever
7. 631-04045t MulchingBaffle 31. 747-0710 HingePin
8. 710-1174 CarriageBolt5/16-18x2.0 32. 732-1014
9. 725-0157 CableTie 33. 17032A
10. 749-04037 LowerHandle 34. 731-1034B
11. 731-0981At HubCap(NotShown) 35. 710-0216
12. 17098 HingeClip 36. 741-0717
13. 731-2537 TrailShield 37. 687-02080
14. 682-3062A HandleBracketAssembly-RH 38. 687-02079
TorsionSpring
DeflectorChuteAdapter
Side DischargeChuteAssembly
HexCapScrew3/8-16x .75
ThrustBearing.688IDx 1.94OD
RearPivotArmAssembly- RH
RearPivotArmAssembly- LH
Parts List
UENUINH
_FACTORY PARTS
Toorder replacement
parts, contact
1,800_800-7310
www.rntdproducts,com
15. 682-3063A HandleBracketAssembly-LH 39. 732-0984B RearSpringLever
16. 712-04065 LockNut3/8-16 40. 738-1127 ShoulderScrew3/8- 16x.442
17. 710-0654A HexWasherScrew3/8-16x 1.0 41. 710-0599 Screw1/4-20x.50
18. 687-02048 22"DeckAssembly 42. 734-04082 RearWheelAssembly12x 1.8
19. 736-0270 BellWasher.265x.75 43. 751B281440t EngineShroud
20. 741-0751 HeightAdjusterBearing 731-1396At EngineShroud
21. 687-02094 PivotArmAssembly 44. 710-1256t Screw,#8-18x 1.25
22. 748-0376C BladeAdapter 45. 731-1035B HingedChuteDeflector
tifequipped
15

MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR
ThelimitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenbyMTDLLCwithrespect
tonewmerchandisepurchasedandusedin theUnitedStates,its
possessionsandterritories.
"MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsinmaterialandworkman-
shipfora periodoftwo (2)yearscommencingonthedateoforiginal
purchaseandwill,at itsoption,repairor replace,freeofcharge,any
partfoundto bedefectiveinmaterialsorworkmanship.Thislimitedwar-
rantyshallonlyapplyifthisproducthasbeenoperatedand maintained
inaccordancewiththeOperator'sManualfurnishedwiththeproduct,
andhasnotbeensubjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,
accident,impropermaintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft,fire,water,
ordamagebecauseofotherperilor naturaldisaster.Damageresulting
fromthe installationor useofanypart,accessoryor attachmentnot
approvedby MTDforusewiththeproduct(s)coveredbythis manual
willvoidyourwarrantyastoanyresultingdamage.
Normalwearpartsarewarrantedto befreefromdefectsinmaterialand
workmanshipfora periodofthirty(30)daysfromthedateof purchase.
Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuchas: batter-
ies,belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,
snowthrowerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.
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.
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,appliesafter 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,sotheaboveexclusionsorlimitationsmaynotapplytoyou.
Innoeventshallrecoveryofanykindbegreaterthantheamountofthe
purchasepriceof theproductsold.Alterationof safetyfeaturesof
the product shallvoid 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.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136=0019; Phone: 1=800=800=7310, 1=330=220=4683