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  9. MTD 12A-44MC055 User manual

MTD 12A-44MC055 User manual

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Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips &Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
OF AOAL
21" Rotary Mower- Model 44M
iMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-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.769-02768
10/13/2006
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
Trouble Shooting .............................................. 12
Off Season Storage and Safety Labels ........... 13
Engine Appendix .............................................. 14
Engine Safe Operation Practices ................. 14
Operating Your Engine .................................. 16
Maintaining Your Engine ............................... 18
Parts List ........................................................... 22
Warranty ............................................. Back Cover
MTDLLCreservestherighttochangeproductspecifications,designs,andequipmentwithoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation.
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREYOUBEGINTOASSEMBLEYOURNEW
EQUIPMENT,pleaselocatethe modelplateon the
equipmentandcopythe informationto thesample
modelplateprovidedto the right.Youcan locatethe
modelplatebystandingat theoperatingpositionand
lookingdownatthe rearofthe deck.Thisinformation
willbe necessaryto usethe manufacturer'sweb
site,to obtainassistancefromthe CustomerSup-
portDepartment,or whencontactingan authorized
servicedealer.
Model Number Serial Number
MTD LLC
P.O= BOX 361131
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330-220-4683
www.mtdproducts.com 800-800-7310
Customer Support
Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
Ifyou havedifficultyassemblingthisproductor haveanyquestionsregardingthe controls,operation,or
maintenanceof this unit,you canseek helpfromtheexperts.Choosefromthe optionsbelow:
= Visitwww.mtdproducts.com
• Calla CustomerSupportRepresentativeat 1-800-800-7310.
2
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!i!_i!il< Sightandholdthis levelwith a verticaltree...
_ or a cornerof a building...
I
I__ or a fence post
I
I I
-- fir_e (repros
_ _ er_ts a 15o
15°
_0
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 knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancer and
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.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 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 body in
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 slipand fallcan 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.Ifthisisnot 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 makea wheelor 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
NOTE:Standbehind
themowerasifyou
weregoingtooperate
it.Yourrighthandcor-
respondstotheright
sideofthemower;your
lefthandcorresponds
totheleftsideofthe
mower.
NOTE:Forshipping
purposesyourmower
issetwiththewheels
inalowcuttingheight
position.Forbest
I resultsraisethecutting
positionuntilitisdeter-
minedwhichheightis
bestforyourlawn,refer
toAdjustmentsection
forinstructions.
iMPORTANT
Thisunitisshipped
withoutgasolineoroil
intheengine.Fillup
gasolineandoilas
i instructedintheengine
operationsection
BEFOREoperating
i yourmower.
Figure3-1:Unfoldhandleandtightenhardware.
HardwarePack
Wing Nuts (2) CarriageBolts (2)
1. Followthestepsbelowto positionthe handle.
a. Lifttheupperhandleupfromthefoldedposition
andpullit backtotheextendedposition.See
Figure3-1.Donotcrimpcables.Thehandle
shouldclickintothisposition.
b. Makesurethecarriageboltisseatedproperlyin
thehandle.Tightenstarknobstosecureupper
handletothelowerhandle.
2. Followthesestepsto securethe handle:
a. Removethe hairpinclipfromthepivotrod.Usinga
pairofpliers,inserthairpinclipintotheotherhole
onthe rod.Repeaton otherside.SeeFigure3-2.
b. Inserta carriageboltfromthehardwarepackinto
theupperholeonthehandlemountingbracket.
Securewithone plasticwingnut,alsoincludedin
thehardwarepack.Repeaton otherside.
3. Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe
upperhandle.Loosenthewingnutwhichsecuresthe
ropeguide.RefertoFigure3-3.
a. Holdthebladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releasethe
bladecontrol.
.
c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.
d. Tightenwingnut.
Securecablestothelowerhandleusingthecable
ties.See Figure3-4.insertpostsoncabletiesinto
holesprovidedonthelowerhandle.Pullcableties
tightandtrimexcess.
Figure3-2:Securehandletohandlemountingbrackets.
Figure3-3:Pullrecoilstarterthroughropeguideandtighten.
!
Figure3-4:Usecabletiestosecurecablestolowerhandle.
6
5. Followstepsbelowtoassemblethegrasscatcher:
a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside
is atthebottom.Checkthatthebagisturnedright
sideoutbeforeassembling(warninglabelwillbe
on theoutside).SeeFigure3-5.
b. Slip plasticchannelofgrassbagoverhooksonthe
frame.Alltheplasticchannelsexceptcentertopof
bagattachfromoutsideofbag.
c. Attachcentertopofbagfrominsideofbag.
6. Toattachthegrasscatcher:
a. Liftreardischargedoor.SeeFigure3-6.
b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod.Letgo
ofdischargedoorsothat itrestson thegrass
catcher.
Adjustments
Cutting Height
An adjustingplateandthumbleverateachwheel
providescuttingheightadjustment.Eachlevermustbe
movedtothesamepositionto ensureanevencut.
1. Pulltheleveroutandawayfromthe mower.See
Figure3-7.
2. Movetheleverforwardor backfordesiredcutting
height.
3. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.
Figure3-5:Assemblethe grasscatcher(ifneeded)
ustment
WARNING
nless the hooks on
;grass catcher are
rrnly seated onthe
pivot rod and the rear
discharge door rests
firmly against top of
the grass catcher,
Figure3-6:Attachthegrasscatcher.
Figure3-7:Useleverateachwheeltoadjustcuttingheight.
7
cuTTING HEIGHT:
Forroughoruneven
lawnsl movethe height
adjustment leverto a
higher positionl Thiswill
help prevent scalping of
i _._ :_i_ii_\!_i_ii_i ¸
WARNING
Thebladecontrolisa
safetydevice. Never
attempttobypass its
operations.
Use extremecare
when handling
gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable
ithemachineindoors
iorwhiishotorrunning.letheengine
Extinguishcigarettes,
cigars,pipesand
othersourcesof
ignition.
i
iKeep hands and feet
_ away from thechute
i areaon cutting deck.
Referto warning
label ontheunit.
Drive
Control
Recoil Starter
Blade Control
Control
Cutting
Height
Adjustment
Lever(one at
eachwheel)
J
Figure4-1:Themaincomponentsonthemower.
Nowthatyouhavesetupyourlawnmower,it'simportantto becomeacquaintedwith itscontrolsand features.
Blade Control
Thebladecontrolisattachedtothe upperhandleof
themower,Depressand squeezeitagainsttheupper
handletooperatetheunit, Releaseittostopengineand
blade.
_ aWARNING:safetydevice.Neverattempt toThisbladecontrolmechaniSmbypassitsiS
operations.
Drive Control
Thedrivecontrolislocatedontheundersideofthe
upperhandleand isusedtoengagethedrive.Squeeze
itagainsttheupperhandleto engagethedrive; release
ittoslowdownor stopmowerfrompropelling.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
Oneadjustmentleverislocatedat eachwheelandis
usedtoadjustthecuttingheight.All fourleversmustbe
movedtothesamepositiontoensurea uniformcut.
Recoil Starter
Therecoilstarterisattachedtotherightupperhandle.
Standbehindtheunitand pullthe recoilstarterropeto
startthe unit.
Choke Control
Thechokecontrolislocatedontheleft sideofthehandle
andwhenactivated,closesthechokeplateon the
carburetorandaidsin startingtheengine,
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
1. Addoilprovidedbeforestartingunitforthefirsttime
outdthebox.Followengineoperationsectionfor
this.See Figure44 aboveforlocationdtheoilfill.
2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe
engineoperationsection. SeeFigure4-1abovefor
locationdgasfill.
,_ WARNiNG:gasoline.GasolineUSeextremeisextremelyCarewhenhandlingflammaMe
and thevapors are explosive. Neverfuel the machine
indoors or while the engine is hot or running. Extin-
guish cigarettes, cigars, pipes andother sources of
ignition.
8
_ARNING:The operationof any lawnmower
can result inforeign objects beingthrown
intothe eyes,whichcandamageyoureyesseverely.
Alwayswearsafetyglasseswhileoperatingthe
mower,or whileperforminganyadjustmentsor
repairson it.
Starting Engine
_ WARNING:Be sureno one otherthanthe op-
erator isstandingnearthe lawnmowerwhile
startingengineoroperatingmower.Never
runengineindoorsor in enclosed,poorly ventilated
areas.Engine exhaustcontainscarbon monoxide,an
odorlessand deadly gas. Keephands,feet, hairand
looseclothing awayfrom any movingpartson engine
and lawnmower.
,d_! WARNING:Alwayskeephandsand feet clear
of equipmentmoving parts.Donot use apres-
surized starting fluid. Vaporsareflammable.
1. Pulloutthechokeknoblocatedon theleftsideof the
upperhandle,See Figure4-2,
NOTE:Useofthechokemaynotbenecessaryifthe
engineiswarmor theair temperatureishigh.
2. Standingbehindthe mower,depressthebladecontrol
and holditagainsttheupperhandle.
3. Pullthestartergriplightlyuntilresistanceisfelt,
thenpullrapidlytoovercomecompression,prevent
kickbackandstartengine.Repeatifnecessary.See
Figure4-2.
IMPORTANT:Donotallowthestartergriptosnap
backagainsttheropeguide.Returnitgentlytoprevent
damagetothe starter.
4. Whenenginewarmsup,pushinthechokeknob.See
Figure4-2.
Stopping Engine
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineand blade.
Using Your Lawn Mower
_ik ARNING:Neveroperateyourmower without
either the rear door or the entire grass catcher
assembly firmly secured.
Besurelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other
objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine.
Suchobjectscouldbe accidentlythrownbythemower
in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytothe
operatorandothers.
Figure4-2:Stepstostartmower.
_ARNING:ifyou strikeaforeign object,
stopthe engine.Removewirefrom 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.
1. Oncetheengineisrunning,squeezethedrive
controltopropelmower.Forbestresults,do notcut
wetgrassand nevercutoff morethanone-thirdof
thetotallengthof thegrass.
Using as Mulcher
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherfromthe
mower.Thereardischargedoorshouldbeclosed.
• Foreffectivemulching,do notcut wetgrass.
• Newor thickgrassmayrequirea narrowercut.
Adjustgroundspeedaccordingtoconditionoflawn.
•ifthegrasshasbeenallowedto growinexcessof
fourinches,mulchingis notrecommended.Usethe
grasscatchertobagclippingsinstead.
Using Grass Catcher
Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile
youareoperatingthemower.
1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsinthe
Setupsection.Grassclippingswillautomatically
collectinbagasyourunmower.Operatemowertill
grassbagisfull.
2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingtheblade
control.Makesurethattheunithascometoa
completestop.
3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagup andaway
fromthe mowertodisposeofthegrassclippings.
WARNING
The operation of
any lawn mower
can result in foreign
objects being thrown
intothe eyes, which
can damage your
eyes severely.
Always wear safety
glasses while operat-
ing the mower, or
while performing
any adjustments or
repairs on it.
Be sure no one other
than the operator is
standing nearthe
lawn mower while
starting engine or
operating mower.
Never run engine in-
doors or in enclosed,
poorlyventi-
lated 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.
9
Your Lawn
WARNING
A ,vaysstopeng,"e;
disconnectspark
plug, andground
against engine before
cleaning,lubricating
or doing any kind of
maintenanceonyour
machinel
NOTE: Do notuse a
pressureWasheror
garden hose t0 clean
y0ur uniLThesemay
cause damage to
electriccomponents;
spindles pulleys bear:
ings 0rthe enginelThe
useofWate[will result
in shortened life and
reduce serviceability.
Lubrication
• Lubricatepivotpointson thebladeanddrivecontrol
atleastoncea seasonwithlightoil.Thecontrolsmust
operatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure5-1.
• Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatesurfaceofthepivotarmandinner
surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.
Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointontherear
dischargedoorperiodicallywithlightoil toprevent
rust.
• Thetransmissionis pre-lubricatedand sealedatthe
factoryanddoesnotrequirelubrication.
Followtheenginemaintenancesectionforlubrication
scheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.
Figure5-1:Areasto lubricateonmower. Deck Care
J
Figure5-2:Cutwireto removerearflap.
,_ WARNING:Nevertip the mower morethan 90°
in anydirection and do not leavethe mower
tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain intothe
upper partof the engine causing a starting problem.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn
mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.
2. Tipmowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe
sidewiththeair cleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.
3. Scrapeand cleantheundersideofthedeckwitha
suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.
4. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsontheground.If
youhad putplasticunderthegascapearlier,make
sureto removeitnow.
General Recommendations
• Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
anytypeof maintenance.
• Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse
ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras
instructedhere.
• Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid
enginewarranty.
• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.
• Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese
aretight.
Engine Care
• Maintainoil levelasinstructedin theenginemainte-
nancesection.
Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal
conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely
dustyconditions.Refertotheenginemaintenance
section.
Cleansparkplugand resetthegaponcea season.
Checktheenginemaintenancesectionforcorrect
plugtypeandgapspecifications.
• Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe
coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleantopermit
properaircirculation.Removeall grass,dirtand
combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.
_1 ARNING:Alwaysstop engine,disconnect
sparkplug,and groundagainst engine
before performinganytype of maintenanceon your
machine.
Replacing Rear Flap
1. Toremoverearflap,cutoff theflatendofthewirerod
whichsecuresittothedeck.SeeFigure5-2.
2. Attachthenewflapand newrodtodeck,bendingthe
endsofthenewrodovertosecuretodeck.
10