MTD 122-370-033 User manual

SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES - WALK BEHIND MOWERS
TRAINING
1. Read the Operating and Service Instruction Manual
carefully. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and
proper use of the equipment.
2. Never allow children to operate a power mower.
3. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
particularly small children, and pets.
PREPARATION
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used and remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones and
other foreign objects.
Do not operate equipment when barefoot or wearing
open sandals. Always wear substantial footwear.
3. Check fuel before starting engine. Do not fill gasoline
tank indoors, when engine is running, or while engine
is still hot. Wipe qff any spilled gasoline before starting
engine.
4. Disengage self-propelled mechanism or drive clutch on
units so equipped before starting engine (motor).
5. Never attempt to make a wheel height adjustment while
engine (motor) is running.
6. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
, 7. Never operate equipment in wet grass. Always be sure
of your footing; keep a firm hold on the handle and
walk; never run.
i
OPERATION
1. Do not change engine governor settings or overspeed
engine.
2. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of discharge opening at all times.
3. Stop blade(s) when crossing gravel drive, walks or roads.
4. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine (motor),
remove wire from spark plug, thoroughly inspect the
mower for any damage, and repair the damage before
restarting and operating the mower.
5. If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the
cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
6. Stop engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment,
before cleaning mower housing, and when making any
repairs or inspections.
7. When cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make certain
blade and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect
spark plug wire and keep wire away from plug to prevent
accidental starting.
8. Do not run engine (motor) indoors.
9. Shut engine (motor) off and wait until blade comes to a
complete stop before removing grass catcher and/or
unclogging chute.
10. M ow across the face of slopes, never up-and-down.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes. Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
11. Always disconnect electric mowers (line operated)
before cleaning, repairing, or adjusting.
12. N ever operate mower without proper guards, plates or
other safety protective devices in place.
13. K eep washout ports and other mower housing service
openings closed when mowing.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Check blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent
intervals for proper tightness.
2. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure equip¬
ment is in safe working condition.
3. Never store equipment with gasoline in the tank inside
of a building where fumes may reach an open flame or
spark. Allow engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
4. To reduce fire hazard keep engine free of grass, leaves or
excessive grease.
5. Check grass catcher bags frequently for wear or deterio¬
ration, Replace with new bags for safety protection.
MTD PRODUCTS INC . 5389 WEST 130th STREET . P. 0. BOX 2741 CLEVELAND OHIO 44111
FORM NO. 770-2522

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE: Follow Instructions starting with number 1 and
continue through number 14.
13. Assemble bottom of handle panel to handle.
2

I
s
PARTS LIST FOR ROTARY MOWER MODEL NO. 122-370-033
REF.
NO.
PART
NO.
DESCRIPTION
REF.
NO.
PART
NO.
DESCRIPTION
1
11597 Throttle Control Complete
48 10769 Blade Adapter Kit
2 710-473
Truss Hd. Mach. Screw 10-24 x W Lg.
49 742-125
Blade 22"
3
305-7470
Knob—Throttle Control
50 748-125
Sintered Bearing—Front
4 11600
Throttle Control Bracket
51
711-430 Axle Bolt—Front Only
5
710-407
Slotted Hex Hd. Self Tap Scr. 8-32 x .50" Lg.
52
736-160 Flat Washer*
7 710-148
Hex Hd. Slotted Thd. Cut Sew. 8-32 x %" Lg.*
53 10379
Link Assembly
8
10913 Drive Cover
55
736-300 Flat Washer % Sew.*
9
____
Engine
56 710-107
Hex Centerlock Nut 14-20 Thd.*
10
712-324
Elastic Stop Nut Thd.*
57
310-8405
Reinforcement Plate
11
736-300
Flat Washer
58
738-213
Axle Bolt—Rear Only
12
712-116 Elastic Locknut %-24 Thd.*
59
501-9392
Rear Wheel Complete
13
10395
Clutch Rod
60'
310-8388
Handle Mount Bracket—R.H.
14 732-184
Extension Spring
61 714-507
Cotter Pin*
15 10394
Link
62
10430
Handle Stop Bracket
16
714-365 Hi Pro Key
63 715-110
Roll Pin 3/16-Dia. x 114" Lg.*
17
10381 Engine Bracket Assembly
64
310-8398
Lower Handle
18 710-158 Hex Hd. Cap Sew, 5/16-24 x 1V4" Lg.*
65
746-128
Cable Clip
19
10377 Sprocket Assembly
66
712-107
Hex Center Lock Nut 14-20 Thd.*
20 748-183
Bearing Support
67
710-106
Hex Hd. Cap Sew. 14-20 x 114" Lg.*
21
736-222
External Lock Washer W* Sew.*
68
310-9364
Upper Handle
22
710-441
Hex Hd. Cap Sew. 14-28 x ’/a" Lg.*
69 710-256
Carriage Bolt 14-20 x 114" lg.*
23
10370 Pivot Plate
70 712-324
Elastic Stop Nut 14-20 Thd.*
24 711-110
Shoulder Bolt—Special
71
10474
Lockout Bracket
25
713-135
Chain W/Master Link #48 x 26" Lg.
72
712-526
Speed Nut
26 10378 Sprocket Assembly
73
305-7071
Grip—Black
27 715-247
Roll Pin 3/16 Dia. x 1" Lg.*
74
11605
Handle Panel
28
748-227 Hex Bearing
75
310-8169
Lock Out Lever Assembly
29 736-860 Flat Washer*
76 305 8132
Ball—Knob _ „
30 716-106 "E"-Ring % Shaft
77
711 £17 Lock Out Rod i »7 , ?£9
31 10372 Drive Support
78 712-^87
Hex Nut 14-20 Thd.*
32 310-2265
Sleeve
79
736-222
External Lock Washer 14 Sew.*
33
10914
Drive Pinion
80
305-7006
Fortiflex Bearing—Rear
34
716-106
"E"-Ring % Shaft
81
310-7861
Throttle Clamp
35
748-227 Hex Bearing
82
710-606
Hex Hd. Cap Screw 14-20 x 1 Vi" Lg.*
36 711-435 Shaft
83
11163
Protective Shield
37
310-8389
Handle Mount Bracket—L.H.
84
726-106
Push-on Flange Palnut
38 732-181
Extension Spring
85
711-554
Hinge Pin
39 503-9392
Front Wheel Complete
86
11145
Hinge Rod
40
11659
Deck Assembly
87
710-513
Hex Hd. Cap Scr. 14-28 x %" Lg. (NYLock)
41
736-119
Spring Lock Washer 5/16 Sew.*
88
11130
Adapter Plate
42 710-442
Hex Hd. Cap Sew. 5/16-18 x 114" Lg.*
89
711-555
Pivot Pin
43
712-123
Hex Nut 5/16-24 Thd.*
90
710-289
Hex Hd. Cap Scr. 14-20 x .50" Lg.*
44
748-189
Blade Adapter
91
712-107
Hex Center Locknut 14-20 Thd.
45 736-217
Spring Lock Washer % Screw Heavy Duty*
92
11152
Internal Bar
46
710-459
Hex Hd. Cap Sew. %-24 x \W Lg. Heat Treated
93
732-253
Torsion Spring
47
710-117
Hex Hd. Cap Sew. 5/16-24 x 1" Lg. Heat Treated
94
11141
Chute Deflector
350—Highland Green
When ordering parts, if color or finish is important, use the appropriate
color code shown above (e.g. Highland Green—11659 (350)).
4

The engine is not under warranty by the mower manufacturer.
If repairs or service is needed on the engine, please contact your nearest authorized
engine service outlet. Check the “Yellow Pages” of your telephone book under
“Engines - Gasoline.”
This mower should be broken in following the procedure
described in the break-in instructions. The added effort here
will double the service life of the unit. Particular attention
should be paid to the notes on alignment.
When operating this mower, unnecessary or excessive en¬
gaging of the drive pinions with the wheels should be avoided.
This is achieved by minimizing the raising and lowering of
the handle during the mowing operation. Failure to observe
is in the forward position, the drive pinions engage with
the gear tread tires and forward drive results.
6. Temporary free wheeling is achieved by depressing the
handle and raising front wheels slightly off the ground.
Self-propelled drive is resumed when handle is released...
Engine is stopped by placing control lever on handle into
“Stop” position.
this operating rule can reduce the service life of the front
tires and drive pinions substantially. When engaging the self-
propelled mechanism, a slight forward push on the mower
as the drive pinions and the gear tread tires mesh will add to
smoother and quieter operation. In addition to a smoother
operation, it will add substantially to the service life of both
the tires and the drive pinions.
HANDLE ASSEMBLY PRECAUTIONS
Although the handle is of a simple design, difficulty has
been encountered in its assembly. Certain precautions con¬
cerning its assembly must be heeded. The handle must be
assembled as shown in the diagram. Trouble arises when
certain parts are put together improperly.
A. Lockout control lever must be mounted as shown in
the illustration.
LUBRICATION
IMPORTANT: Always stop engine and disconnect spark
plug wire before cleaning, lubricating or doing any kind of
work on lawn mower.
WHEELS — The bearing on the rear wheels of your lawn
mower are made of Lifetime Fortiflex. No lubrication is re¬
quired. Lubricate front wheel bearing as needed.
THROTTLE — Periodically lubricate throttle control lever
and throttle wire assembly with a few drops of light oil
(S.A.E. No. 10 or 20) for ease of operations.
BRONZE BEARINGS — Periodically lubricate all bronze
bearings with a few drops of light oil (S.A.E. No. 10 or 20)
to minimize friction.
ENGINE — Follow Engine Manual for lubrication
instructions.
B. The lockout control lever bracket must be mounted CHUTE DEFLECTOR — The torsion spring and pivot
with the projection up ward as shown in the illustration. point should be lubricated periodically with oil to prevent
C. If lower handle is too narrow to lock into handle any rast or bindmg up ' I)eflector must work freel y-
bracket, spread as needed.
BREAK-IN INSTRUCTIONS
PROTECTIVE SHIELD - The pivot points on the pr0 _
tective shield should be lubricated periodically with oil to
prevent any rust or binding up.
1. Before starting the engine, lubricate all the bronze bear¬
ings on the drive shaft. The same oil which is used for
the engine may be used for this.
Check the lockout control for proper operation. See
HANDLE ASSEMBLY PRECAUTIONS.
Check drive assembly alignment. When the lockout con¬
trol lever is moved to the Self-Propelled position (as
shown in diagram), the black nylon drive pinions should
mesh simultaneously with the gear tread tires. The lock¬
out control lever should move from Self-Propelled posi¬
tion easily.
ADJUSTMENTS
CAUTION: Do not at any time make any adjustment to
lawn mower without first stopping engine and disconnecting
spark plug wire.
CHAIN ADJUSTMENT
1. Loosen (do not remove) two hex head cap screws. (See
illustration below.)
2. Pull pivot plate forward.
3. Tighten cap screws and check chain tension. Repeat
adjustment if necessary.
OPERATION
1. Service engine with gas and oil. See Engine Manual packed
with lawn mower for complete instructions for care and
maintenance of engine. READ DIRECTIONS CARE¬
FULLY.
2. Lubricate bronze bearings on drive shaft.
3. Check drive assembly for correct alignment (see break-in
instructions.)
4. When ready to start engine, place lockout control lever
into free wheeling position. This is done by snapping the
lockout control lever back. Start engine in accordance
with instructions in Engine Manual. After engine starts,
move throttle control lever on handle to the desired
engine speed.
5. Lockout control lever may now be moved forward for
self-propelled operation. When the lockout control lever

I
CUTTING HEIGHT — Adjustment may be
made by removing and moving wheel studs to desired
position. Cutting heights will be raised as wheel studs are
moved to a lower hole and lowered as wheel studs are moved
to a higher hole in the deck. All wheel studs must be
mounted in a relative position to the deck.
THROTTLE — If adjustment becomes necessary, the throttle
control wire assembly can be reset as follows.
1. Loosen, but do not remove, screw securing throttli
control wire assembly at engine.
2. Move throttle control lever on handle to “Fast”
position.
3. Move lever, to which control wire is fastened at engine,
to full open position and retighten screw to secure
throttle control wire assembly.
LOCKOUT ROD ADJUSTMENT
1. Engage lockout control lever. (See illus. below.) All ten¬
sion should be released from spring.
2. If tension still remains on spring, disconnect spring from
pivot link, slide spring up the lockout rod and back
elastic stopnut off one turn.
3. Reassemble tension spring and again check to be sure
spring is free from tension. Repeat step 3 until the
correct condition is obtained.
MAINTENANCE
CUTTING BLADE - The blade may easily be removed for
grinding or replacement as follows:
1. Remove bolt and lockwasher holding blade and blade
adapter to engine crankshaft.
2. Remove blade and blade adapter from engine crankshaft,
3. Remove two bolts, lockwashers and nuts bolding blade
When sharpening blade, follow the original angle of grind as
a guide. It is extremely important that each cutting edge
receives an equal amount of grinding to prevent an unbal¬
anced blade. An unbalanced blade will cause excessive
vibration when rotating at high speeds and may cause damage
to the mower.
Upon reassembly, make certain all parts are assembled
properly and tightened securely.
DECK — The underside of mower deck should be cleaned
after each period of use as grass clippings, leaves, dirt and
other matter will accumulate. This accumulation of grass
clippings, etc., is undesirable as it will invite corrosion and
cause an uneven discharge of grass clippings at the next
cutting.
The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower forward or
on its left side and scraping clean with a suitable tool or by
washing with a stream of water from a garden hose.
CAUTION: Do not direct the stream of water at a hot
engine as damage to the engine may result.
STORAGE — The following steps should be taken to prepare
lawn mower for storage.
1. Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in
the preceding instructions.
2. Refer to engine manual for correct engine storage
instructions.
3. Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis grease to prevent
rusting.
4. Place blocks under deck to raise tires clear of floor.
5. Store mower in a dry, clean area.
USING YOUR ROTARY MOWER
For best results do not cut wet grass because it tends to
stick to the underside of the mower thus preventing proper
discharge of grass clippings. If wet grass must be cut, reduce
engine speed and walking speed to help distribute the
clippings more effectively.
New grass should be treated as wet grass, otherwise a normal
walking speed is about the right pace for efficient mowing.
The best mowing pattern is one that allows the clippings to
discharge towards the uncut part of the lawn. This permits
recutting of the clippings to further pulverize them. When
cutting high weeds, discharge towards cut portion then recut
at right angles to first direction.
Lawn should be cut in the fall as long as there is growth.
6

GRASS CATCHER Model No. 192-003 is available as optional equip¬
ment for the mower shown in this manual.
WARNING.
1. The mower should not be operated without the entire grass
catcher or chute deflector in place.
2. The mower should not be operated without the protective
shield on the rear of the deck in place.
NOTE:
Under normal usage bag material is subject to wear, and should be
checked periodically. Be sure any replacement bag complies with the
mower manufacturer's recommendations.
For replacement bags, use only factory authorized replacement bag
No. 764-119.
♦ IMPORTANT
After striking a foreign object, stop the engine (motor), remove wire
from spark plug. Throughly inspect the mower for any damage, and
repair the damage before restarting and operating the mower.
WARRANTY
For one year from date of purchase, MTD Products Inc will replace for the original purchaser, free of charge,
F.O.B. factory or authorized service firm, any part or parts found to be defective in material or workmanship. All
transportation charges on parts submitted for replacement under this warranty must be paid by the purchaser.
This warranty does not include replacement of parts which become inoperative through misuse, excessive use,
accident, neglect, improper maintenance or alterations by unauthorized persons. This warranty does not include
the engine, motor, battery, battery charger or any component parts thereof. For service on these units refer to
the applicable manufacturer’s warranty.
The above warranty will apply only to the original owner and will be effective only if the warranty card has
been properly processed. It will not apply where the unit has been used commercially.
Warranty service is available through your local authorized service dealer or distributor. UNDER NO CIRCUM¬
STANCES WILL THE RETURN OF A COMPLETE UNIT BE ACCEPTED BY THE FACTORY UNLESS
PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION HAS BEEN EXTENDED.
7

PARTS INFORMATION
MOWER, TILLER, SNOW THROWER AND TRACTOR
PARTS
Mower, tiller, snow thrower and tractor parts are available
through the authorized service firms listed below. All orders
should specify the model number of your unit, parts
numbers, description of parts and the quantity of each part
required.
ENGINE PARTS AND SERVICE
Engine parts and service should be handled by your nearest
authorized engine service firm. Check the yellow pages of
your telephone directory under the listing Engines —
Gasoline, Briggs and Stratton or Tecumseh Lauson — Power
Products.
A 1 Engine & Mower Co.
327 East 9th Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84102
American Electric Ignition Co.
124 N. W. 8th Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102
Auto Electric & Carburetor Co.
2625 4th Avenue, S.
P. O. Box 1948
Birmingham, Alabama 35233
Automotive Equipment Service Co.
3117 Holmes Street
Kansas City. Missouri 64109
Bailey's Rebuild Inc.
1325 E. Madison Street
Seattle, Washington 98102
Brown Equipment Distributor Inc.
110 Beech Street
Corydon. Indiana 47112
Bullard Supply
2409 Commerce Street
Houston, Texas 77003
Center Supply Company
6867 New Hampshire Avenue
Takoma Park, Maryland 20012
R. T. Clapp Co.
2016 Magnolia Ave., N. E.
Knoxville, Tennessee 37917
W. B. Clements
400 Salem Avenue
Roanoke, Virginia 24016
Morton B. Collins Co.
300 Birnie Avenue
Springfield, Massachusetts 01107
Dixie Sales Company
P. O. Box 1408
327 Battleground Avenue
Greensboro, North Carolina 27402
East Point Cycle & Key Shop
1617 Whiteway
East Point, Georgia 30044
Gamble Distributors
West End Avenue
Carthage, New York 13619
Garden Equipment Co., Inc.
6600 Cherry Avenue
Long Beach, California 90805
Henzler, Inc.
2015 Lemay Ferry Road
St. Louis, Missouri 63125
Frank E. Ives & Son
1101 Lincoln Avenue
Prospect Park, Pennsylvania 19076
J. W. Jewett Co.
981 Folsom Street
San Francisco, California 94107
Kenton Supply
8216 North Denver Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97217
Kimber's Inc.
615 W. Genesee Street
Syracuse, New York 13204
Marr Brothers
423 E, Jefferson
Dallas, Texas 75203
Mathews Auto Electric Co.
420 East 2nd Street
Tul* s, Oklahoma 74120
McClure Lawn & Garden Supply
1114 Lexington Avenue
Mansfield, Ohio 44907
Memphis Cycle & Supply Co.
421 Monroe Avenue
Memphis, Tennessee 38103
Moz-AII of Florida, Inc.
365 Greco Avenue
Coral Gables, Florida 33146
National Central, Div. of
Joe Sterling, Inc.
Drawer "D” 687 Seville Rd.
Wadsworth, Ohio 44281
Power Equipment Distributor
36463 So. Gratiot Avenue
Mt. Clemens, Michigan 48043
Parts & Sales I nc.
335 West St. Charles Road
Villa Park, Illinois 60181
Power Lawn & Garden Equip. Co.
2551-2571 J. F. Kennedy Road
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Raub Supply Company
James & Mulberry Sts.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17604
Radco Distributors
2403 Market Street
P. O. Box 3216
Jacksonville, Florida 32206
Richmond Battery & Ignition
P. O. Box 25369 - 957 Myers St.
Richmond, Virginia 23260
Smith Hardware Company
515 N. George Street
Goldsboro, North Carolina 27530
South Denver Lawn Equip. Co.
527 West Evans
Denver, Colorado 80223
Suhren Engine
8330 Earhort Blvd.
New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
Sutton's Lawn Mower Shop
Route 4, Box 343
North Little Rock, Arkansas 72117
Warner Equipment
7520 Lyndale Avenue, So.
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55423
FORM NO. 770-2522
8
PRINTED IN U.S.A.