MTD 12A-529R730 User manual

Safety •Assembly •Operation •Tips &Techniques •Maintenance •Troubleshooting •Parts Lists •Warranty
OF AOAL
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\X,k
22" Rotary Mower- Model Series 520
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.770-10349G
12/16/2005

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
Off-Season Storage and Safety Labels .......... 13
Parts List ........................................................... 14
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.
f
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 have difficultyassemblingthis productor have anyquestions regardingthe controls, operation,or maintenanceof this
unit,youcanseek help from the experts.Choosefrom the options below:
1. Visit mtdproducts.com. Click on the Customer
Support menuoption.
2. Phonea Customer Support Representative
at [phone].
3. The engine manufacturer isresponsiblefor all engine-
relatedissueswith regards to performance,power-rating,
specifications,warranty andservice. Pleasereferto the
engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator'sManual, packed
separatelywith your unit,for more information.
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15°

RNING
This symbol points
i out important safety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed, could
endangerthe personal
i safetyand/or property
I ofyourself and others.
Readand follow all
instructionsinthis man-
ualbeforeattempting to
operatethis machine.
Failureto complywith
these instructionsmay
i resultin personalinjury.
i When youseethis
_symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
i ofthis powermachine
i to personswho read,
understand
andfollow the warnings
and instructions
inthis manual
andon the machine.
WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of its constituents,andcertain vehiclecompo-
nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: Thismachinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operationin this
manual.As with anytypeof powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operatorcan
result in seriousinjury.This machine iscapable of amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.
Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injury or death.
Children
Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtomowerandmowing
activity.Theydonot understandthe dangers.Neverassume
thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.
1. Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaand underwatchful
careofa responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.
2. Bealertandturnmoweroffif achildentersthearea.
3. Beforeand whilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown
forsmallchildren.
4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,
doorways,shrubs,trees,or otherobjectsthat mayobscure
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 childrenunder14yearsoldto operatethis
machine.Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand
understandthe instructionsinthis manualandshould
betrainedand supervisedbya parent.Onlyresponsible
individualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe
operationshouldbeallowedto usethismachine.
4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto
beused.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toysand
otherforeignobjectswhichcouldbetripped overor picked
upandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjectscancause
seriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpatternto avoid
dischargeof materialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystanders
andthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainsta
wallorobstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterial
toricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,
stayinoperatorzonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,
bystanders,helpers,andpetsat least75feetfrommower
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 lightweight
(e.g.canvas)shoes.
8. Do notputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor undercutting
deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.
9. A missingor damageddischargecovercancause blade
contactor thrownobject injuries.
10.Manyinjuriesoccurasa resultofthe mowerbeingpulled
overthefoot duringa fall causedby slippingor tripping.
Do notholdontothe mowerifyouare falling;releasethe
handleimmediately.
11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare
walking.If youmust backthe mowerawayfroma wallor
obstructionfirstlookdownand behindtoavoidtrippingand
thenfollowthesesteps:
a. Stepbackfrommowertofully extendyourarms.
b. Besureyouarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.
c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,no morethanhalfway
towardyou.
d. Repeatthesestepsas needed.
12.Do notoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof
alcoholordrugs.
13.Do notengage theself-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.
19.Shutthe engineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto a
completestop beforeremovingthe grasscatcheror unclog-
gingthechute.
4

The cuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefor a fewsecondsafter
the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceany partofthe bodyin
the bladearea untilyouaresurethe bladehasstopped
rotating.
20. Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,discharge
cover,grass catcher,bladecontrolhandle,or 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 slipandfallaccidentswhich
can resultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra
caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyon a slope,do notmowit.Foryour
safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthis manualto
measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunitona slopedor hilly
area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donot mowit.
Do:
1. Mowacrossthe faceofslopes;neverup anddown.
Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon
slopes.
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,where
you couldloseyourfootingor balance.
2. Donot mowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownon
the slopegauge.
3. Donot mowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcause
slipping. Service
Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:
1. Toavoidpersonalinjury orpropertydamageuseextreme
care inhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable
andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan
occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselforyourclothes
whichcanignite.
2. Wash yourskin andchangeclothesimmediately.
3. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
4. Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehicleoron atruckor trailer
bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe
groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truckortrailer
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 machineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswill
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,clothesdryer,orothergas appliances.
14.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,
orother debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand
removeanyfuel soakeddebris.
15.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService:
1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorin 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. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,discon-
nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.
Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerfor anydamage.Repairthe
damagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower.
8. Neverattemptto makeawheelor cuttingheightadjustment
whiletheengineis running.
9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail
shieldaresubjecttowearanddamagewhichcould expose
movingpartsor allowobjectsto bethrown.Forsafety
protection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplaceim-
mediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)
partsonly,listedinthis manual."Useofpartswhich do
notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"
10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor overspeedthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating
speedoftheengine.
11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.
12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper
disposaloffluidsand materialscanharmtheenvironment.
5
Practices
WARNING
This symbol points
out importantsafety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safety and/or property
of yourselfand others.
Readand followall
instructions inthis man-
ual beforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failuretocomply with
these instructionsmay
result in personalinjury.
Whenyou see this
symbol.
HEED iTS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read,
understand
and follow the warnings
and instructions
inthis manual
and onthe machine.

_iiiii_ii_il_I_iii_ii_i_ _ _ _ i
Your moweris shi
with the handle in the
higher heightposition.
NOTEI EaChend of
the lowerhandlemust
beplaced in the same
relative positionl
WARNING
The chute retainer
mustbe removedand
disCardedbefore
operatngthe mower.
IMPORTANT
This unitis shipped
w thout gasolineor
oilin theengine: Fill
gasolineand oil
as instructedinthe
accompanyingengine
manualBEFORE
operatingyourmower.
Step 1
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. LifttheupperhandleupfromfoldedpositionAand
pullittoextendedpositionBfollowingthearrowin
Step2.Thehandleshouldclickintothisposition.
b. Makesurethecarriageboltis seatedproperly
in thehandle.Tightenwingnutssecuringupper
handletothelowerhandle
3. ifsatisfiedwith heightof handle,tightenwingnuts
attheendsofthelowerhandleshownin Step3.For
convenienceof operating,youmayadjustthehandle
heightbyremovingthewingnutsshownin Step3 and
removingthelowerhandle.
a. Positioneachhandlebracketstudintothetophole
in thelowerhandle.SeeStep3 inset.
b. Tightenthewingnuts.
4. Insertpostoncabletiesintoholesprovidedon the
lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.See
Step4.
Step 2
Step 3Step 4
6

5. RopeguideSetupasfollowsin Step5:
a. Holdthebladecontrolagainsttheupperhandle.
b. Slowlypullstarterropeoutofengine.
c. Slipstarterropeintotheropeguide.Tightenrope
guidewingnut.
6. If notalreadyontheunit,installrearwheelsasfollows
in Step6:
a. Placerearofthemowerdeckon raisedblocks.
.
b. Removelocknutfrompivotarmassembly(on
selectmodels,thesemaybe includedseparately
ina plasticbag).
c. Slidewheel,withhollowsidein,ontopivotarm
andsecurewithlocknut.
d. Assembletheothersidein thesamemanner.
Eachwheelhasa heightadjustmentlevertochange
thecuttingheightofthe mower.
a. Depressheightadjustmentlevertowardswheel.
b. Slidelevertodesiredpositionfora changein
cuttingheight.SeeStep7.
c. Releaselevertowardsdeck.
Installmulchingbaffleonthe rightsideofthemower
followingthestepsbelow:
a. Lift upandholdtheside-dischargechutedeflector
andinsertbottomlip ofthemulchingbaffleinside
thechuteopeningSeeStep8.
b. Snaphooksdthemulchingbaffleoverthehinge
pinofthechutedeflector.Thehooksmustsnap
intoplaceon thehingepin,lockingthemulching
bafflefirmlyontomower.Releasechutedeflector.
Step 5
r "l
Step 6
,%
Step 8 Step 7
7
CUTTINGHEIGHT
Step 7
Allwheels must be
placedin the same
relativeposition.For
roughor unevenlawns,
movethe heightadjust-
mentleverto a higher
position.This will stop
scalping of grass.
MULCHING BAFFLE
Step8
Forproperassembly,
installbottom lipinside
chute opening before
placinghooks overthe
hingepin.
IMPORTANT
This unit isshipped
without gasolineor
oil in the engine. Fill
up gasolineand oil
as instructed inthe
accompanyingengine
manual BEFORE
operatingyour mower.

WARNING
The blade control
mechanism is a
safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its
operations.
IUseextreme care
when handling
gasoline.Gasoline is
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive. Never fuel
the machine indoors
or while the engine
is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes and
other sources of
ignition.
Keep hands and feet
away from the chute
area on cutting deck.
Referto warning
label onthe unit.
Know Your Lawn Mower
Control
DriveControl
Recoil
OilFill/Dipstick
GasolineFiii
HeightAdjustment
Levers
Figure 1
Nowthatyouhavesetupyourlawnmowerforopera-
tion,getaquaintedwithits controlsandfeatures.These
aredescribedbelowandillustratedonthis page.This
knowledgewillallowyoutouseyournewequipmentto
itsfullestpotential.
Blade Control
Thebladecontrolisattachedtothe upperhandleof
themower.Depressand squeezeitagainsttheupper
handletooperatetheunit. Releaseittostopengineand
blade.
_ WARNING:This blade control mecha-
nism isasafetydevice. Neverattempt
to bypass itsoperations.
Drive Control
Thedrivecontrolislocatedontheundersideofthe
upperhandleand isusedtoengagethedrive.Squeeze
itagainsttheupperhandleto engagethedrive; release
ittoslowdownor stopmowerfrompropelling.See
Figure1.
Mulching Baffle
insteadofcollectingthegrassclippingsinthegrass
catcher,yourmowerhastheoptionof recirculatingthe
clippingsbacktothelawn.Removegrasscatcher(if
applicable),andoperatewiththemulchingbaffleonly
forthispurpose.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
Oneadjustmentleverislocatedon eachwheelandis
usedtoadjustthecuttingheight.All fourlevershaveto
beatthesamerelativepositiontoensurea uniformcut.
Recoil Starter
Therecoilstarterisattachedtotherightupperhandle.
Standbehindtheunitand pullthe recoilstarterropeto
startthe unit.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
1. Checkoillevelandaddoil if necessary.Followengine
manualforthis.SeeFigure1abovefor locationofthe
oilfill.
2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe
enginemanual. SeeFigure1aboveforlocationof
gasfill.
_ARNING:Useextremecarewhenhan-
dling gasoline.Gasolineis extremely
flammableand the vapors areexplosive.
Neverfuel the machine indoorsor while
the engine ishot or running. Extinguish
cigarettes, cigars, pipesand other
sources of ignition.
8

/i_k WARNING:The operationof any lawn if
mowercan result inforeign objects
being thrownintothe eyes,whichcan
damageyoureyesseverely.Always
wearsafetyglasseswhileoperating
the mower,or whileperforming any
adjustmentsor repairson it.
Starting Engine
WARNING:Besureno one otherthan
,__ theoperatorisstandingnearthe lawn
mowerwhilestartingengine or operat-
r ingmower.Neverrun engineindoors
orin enclosed,poorly ventilatedareas.
Engine exhaustcontainscarbon monox-
ide,an odorlessand deadly gas. Keep
hands, feet,hair and loose clothing
awayfrom any moving partson engine
and lawnmower. _. Figure 2
1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwoseconds
betweeneachpush.SeeFigure2. Intemperature
around550For below,primefive times.Donotprime
to restarta warmengine.
2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol
againstupperhandle.SeeFigure2.
3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil
starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-
ous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure2.Keepinga firm
grip onthestarterhandle,lettheroperewindslowly.
Repeatuntilenginecranks.Letthe roperewindeach
timeslowly.
Stopping Engine
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineand blade.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainsttheengine.
Using Your Lawn Mower
Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orother
objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmoweror engine.
Suchobjectscouldbeaccidentlythrownbythemower
inanydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytothe
operatorandothers.
WARNING:If you strikeaforeign
object, stopthe engine.Remove
wire from thespark plug,thoroughly
inspectmowerfor anydamage,and
repairdamagebeforerestarting and
operating. Extensive vibration of
mower during operation isan indica-
tion of damage.The unit should be
promptlyinspectedand repaired.
__k ARNING:Waitfor the blade to stop
completelybeforedoing anywork
on the mower or to removethegrass
catcher.
1. Oncetheengineisrunning,squeezethedrive
controlagainsttheupperhandleto propelmower.
2. Forbest results,do notcut wetgrass.
3. Fora healthierlawn,nevercut offmorethanone-
thirdofthetotallengthofthegrass.
Using as Mulcher
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcher(if
apllicable)andinstallmulchingbafflefollowinginstruc-
tionsonpage7.
1. Foreffectivemulching,do notcut wetgrass.
2. Newor thickgrassmayrequirea narrowercut.
Adjustgroundspeedaccordingtoconditionoflawn.
3. If thegrasshasbeenallowedto growinexcessof
4inches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethe
grasscatchertobagclippingsinstead.
Mower
WARNING
The operation of any
lawn mower can result
inforeign objects
being thrown into
the eyes, whichcan
damage your eyes
severely. Always wear
safety glasseswhile
operating the mower,
or while performing
any adjustments or
repairs on it.
Be sureno one other
than the operator is
standing near the lawn
mower while starting
engine or operating
mower. Never run
engine indoorsor
n enclosed, poorly
ventilated areas. En-
gineexhaust contains
carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly
gas. Keep hands,feet,
hair and loose clothing
away from any moving
partson engine and
lawn mower.
9

Lubrication
WARNING
A vaysstopeng,"e;
disconnect spark
,plug; and ground
against engine before
c ean ng,ubr cat "g
ordoinganyk ndof
maintenance onyour
machine:
Wedo notrecommend
the useof pressure
washersor garden
hoseto cleanyour
uniL These maycause
damage to e ectriC
compOnentSspindles
pulleys;bearingS,or
the enginel The use
of water Willresult in
shorten edlife and
reduceSewiceability,
_iiiii}!
Figure 3
General Recommendations
1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
anymaintenance.
2. Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse
ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras
instructedhere.
3. Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid
enginewarranty.
4. Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.
5. Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese
aretight.
__IL ARNING:Alwaysstop engine,
disconnect spark plug, and ground
against enginebeforecleaning,
lubricating or doing any kind of
maintenanceon your machine.
1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolanddrive
controlatleastoncea seasonwithlightoil.These
controlsmustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.See
Figure3.
2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatesurfaceofthepivotarmandinner
surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure3.
3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointoneach
endofthesidemulchingplug/chutedeflectorperiodi-
callywithlightoil topreventrust.SeeFigure3.
4. Thetransmissionis pro-lubricatedand sealedatthe
factoryanddoesnotrequirelubrication.
5. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-
tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.
Deck Care
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn
mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.
2. Tipmowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe
sidewiththeaircleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.
__IL ARNING:Nevertip the mowermore
than 90 degreesin anydirections and
do not leavethe mower tipped for any
length of time. Oil can drain intothe
upper partof the engine causing a
starting problem.
3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwitha
suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.
4. Putthemowerbackonitswheelsontheground.If
youhadputplasticunderthegascapearlier,make
sureto removeitnow.
Engine Care
1. Maintainoil levelasinstructedin enginemanual.
2. Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal
conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely
dustyconditions.Refertoenginemanual.
3. Cleansparkplugand resetthegaponcea season.
Checkenginemanualfor correctplugtype andgap
specifications.
4. Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe
coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleantopermit
properaircirculation.Removeall grass,dirtand
combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.
10

Blade Care
__lk ARNING:Whenremovingcutting
bladefor sharpeningor replacement,
protectyourhandswithapairof heavy
gloves or usea heavy ragto hold blade.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn
moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand
thecarburetorareup.
2. Removebolt,bladebellsupport,blade,andblade
adapterfromtheenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure4.
3. Thebladecanbe sharpenedwitha fileor on a grind-
ing wheel.Donotattempttosharpenthebladewhile
it isstillon themower.Whensharpeningblade,follow
originalangleofgrind.Grindcuttingedgesequallyto
keepbladebalanced.
4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.
Balancethebladeona roundshaftscrewdriverto
check.Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntilit
balancesevenly.
Figure 4
_ WARNING:Anunbalanced bladewill
causeexcessivevibration whenrotating
athigh speeds, itmay causedamage
to mower,and could breakcausing
personalinjury.
5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurface
ofthebladeadapterwithlightoil.Slidetheblade
adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.Placetheblade
on theadaptersuchthatthesideoftheblademarked
"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)facesthegroundwhen
themowerisin theoperatingposition.Makesurethat
bladeisalignedandseatedon bladeadapterflanges.
6. Placebladebellsupportonthe blade.Alignnotches
on thebladebell supportwith smallholesin blade.
Replacehexboltandtightenhexboltto torque:450
in.Ibs.rain.,600 in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically
checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.
Belt Care
1. Removethefrontdrivecoverbyslidingoffthe
two plasticrivetson eachsideofthecoverwitha
screwdriver.SeeFigure5.
2. Loosenscrewholdingbelttensionspringtotrans-
mission.SeeFigure5 inset.Donotremovescrew
completely.Asyouloosenit, tensiononthebeltwillbe
released.
.Pushtransmissionup a littleandslidebeltoffthe
transmissionpulley.Lift mowertoaccessbeltfrom
undersideofmower.Slidebeltoff ofenginepulleyand
aroundtheblade.SeeFigure6.
Figure 5
Figure 6
4. Replacewith newbelt,workingaroundblade.Make
surebeltisfirmlyseatedonenginepulleywhile
pullingfromtheothersideand slidingitaroundthe
transmissionpulley.Tightenscrewloosenedearlier
tosecurebelttensionspringtothetransmission.
Reassemblefrontdrivecover.
11
Maintaining
WARNING
When removing
the cutting blade
for sharpening or
replacement or
when sliding the belt
around it, protect
your hands with a
pair of heavy gloves
or use a heavy rag to
hold the blade.
An unbalanced blade
will cause excessive
vibrationwhen rotat-
ing at high speeds. It
may cause damage
to mower, and could
break causing per-
sonal injury.

For repairs beyond
the minor adjustments
listedhere, contact
an authorized service
!iiiiiLi i iiiiiI
i_i i i ii i i i
Problem Cause Remedy
Enginefails to start I ii Biadecontroldisengaged. Engage bladecontro!.
sparkplugWiredisconnected: i 21 c0nnect wiretosPa[kpiugl
Engineruns erratic 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.
Engineoverheats 1. Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil
I 2. Airflow restricted. 2. Removeblowerhousing
I andclean.
I 3. Carburetornotadjustedpropery. 3. Referto engne manua.
I I
Occasionalskips 1. Sparkpluggap tooclose. 1. Adjust gapto .030".
(hesitates)at 2. Carburetoridlemixtureadjustment 2. Referto enginemanual.
highspeed improperlyset.
Idlesnoorlv 1 Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gap I 1. Resetgapto .030"or replace
r i I too wide. sparkplug.
I 2. Carburetorimproperlyadjusted. 2 Referto enginemanual.
3. Drtyarceaner, .3. Refertoengnemanua.
Excessive 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.Balance
Vibration blade.
2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. See anauthorizedservicedealer.
Mower will not I 1. Wetgrass. 1. Donot mowwhengrassiswet;wait
much _rass'f i , untillatertocut,
E uy _d,t I 2. Excessivelyhighgrass. I 2. Mowonce atahigh cuttingheight
q PP )Ithen mowagainatdesiredheightor
I I makeanarrowercuttingpath,
I 3. Du bado. 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.
Unevencut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsinsame
heightposition.
2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.
Mower will not I 1. Beltnotinstalledproperly. I 1. Checkbeltfor properpuleyinstallation
seIfpropeI ' andmovement.
I 2. Debrsclogg ngdriveoperation. 2, Stopengine,disconnectsparkplug
I wireandcleanoutdebris.
.3. Damagedorworn belt. .3. Inspectand replacebelt.
12

Off-Season Storage
Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakentoprepareyourlawn
mowerforstorage.
1. Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin
thelubricationinstructions.
2. Wedonotrecommendtheuseofa pressurewasher
or gardenhosetocleanyourunit.
3. Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine
storageinstructions.
4. Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto
preventrusting.
5. Storemowerina dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenext
tocorrosivematerials,suchas fertilizer.
Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipmentin a poorly
ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetaken
torust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoil or silicone,
coattheequipment,especiallycablesandall moving
partsofyourlawnmowerbeforestorage.
Safety Labels Found On Your Lawn Mower
13
_i _i i _iii i__ i iii ii_
WARNING
DONOT remove safety
(or any) labels from
mower for any reason.

iVlodel Series 520
q_
J_
\
\
_22_ i %
14

1. 747-1214 DriveControlHandle
2. 747-1161A BladeControlHandle
3. 746-1132 BladeControlCable- 40.75"
4. 746-04204 DriveControlCable
5. 749-1092A UpperHandle
6. 710-1205 EyeBolt
7. 720-0279 WingNut 1/4-20
8. 732-1026 SpringLever
9. 687-02139 PivotArmAssembly
10. 710-1174 CarriageBolt5/16-18x2.0
11. 731-2626 BailCover
12. 720-04072 WingNut
13. 749-04037 LowerHandle
14. 725-0157 CableTie
15. 17098 HingeClip
16. 731-2537 TrailShield
17. 710-0599 HexScrew1/4-20x.500
18. 682-3062A HandleBracketAssy- RH
19. 736-0741 BellWasher,.760x 1.25x.041
20. 712-04065 LockNut3/8-16
21. 682-3063A HandleBracketAssembly-LH
22. 687-02046 22"DeckAssembly
23. 710-0654A HexWasherScr., 3/8-16x 1.0
24. 754-04100 V-Belt,3Lx32.90
25. 782-0585A ForwardHeightAdj.Plate- LH
26. 728-0199 Rivet
27. 750-04407 SleeveSpacer.550IDx 2.22
28. 716-0198 RetainerRing
29. 618-04375 TransmissionAssy.Comp.
30. 750-04406A SleeveSpacer.550IDx 7.42
31. 731-0073 TransmissionCover
32. 748-04016A BladeAdapter
33. 742-0742A 22"MulchingBlade
34. 736-0524B BellBladeSupport
35. 710-1044 HexCapScrew3/8-24x 1.5
36. 782-0584 ForwardHght.Adj.Plate- RH
37. 741-0710 SIv.Bearing,.502x.627x 1.00
38. 710-0216 HexCapScrew3/8-16x.75
39. 720-0426 AdjustmentKnob
40. 748-0455 BearingSupport
41. 731-04643 WheelDustCover
42. 715-0221 Pin
43. 717-1762 SpurGear 14T- RH
717-1761 SpurGear14T- LH
44. 732-04049 Ext.Spring.47ODx2.50
45. 734-2042 FrontWheel8 x2.125
46. 747-0710 HingePin
47. 732-1014 TorsionSpring
48. 731-1034B SideDischargeAssembly
49. 736-0270 BellWasher.265IDx.75OD
50. 17032A DeflectorChuteAdapter
51. 710-0216 HexCapScrew3/8-16x.75
52. 741-0717 ThrustBrg.688IDx 1.938OD
53. 732-0984B SpringLever
54. 687-02080 RearPivotArmAssy- RH
687-02079 RearPivotArmAssembly- LH
55. 738-1127 ShoulderScrew3/8-16
56. 716-0865 SnapRing.500
57. 734-04093 RearWhee112x2.125
58. 631-04045 MulchingBaffle
59. 748-0390 BearingSupportSpacer
60. 731-0981A HubCap(If Equipped)
61. 687-02052 RearHgt.Adj.LeverAssembly
62. 710-04329 TorxScrew
63. 715-0129 SpirolPin
64. 715-04030 Dowelpin
65. 756-04132 Pulley,3.82x .313x.68
66. 736-0105 BellWasher,.325x.930x.45
67. 736-0182 SpringWasher,.500x 1.00x .022
15
_FACTORY PARTS
iiii_i_ii__!_i!_II__i!i _iii_iiii_i!_il_i_
To order replacement
parts,to.tact
,8oo;8oo,731o
wwwimtdproduCts:com:
IMPORTANT
Fora properworking
machine,use Factory
ApprovedParts.
V-BELTSare specially
designedto engage
anddisengagesafely.
A substitute (non OEM)
V-Beltcanbe danger-
ousby not disengaging
completely.

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.
Thislimitedwarrantydoesnotprovidecoverageinthefollowingcases:
a. Theengineor componentpartsthereof.Theseitemsmaycarrya
separatemanufacturer'swarranty.Refertoapplicablemanufacturer's
warrantyfortermsandconditions.
b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershavea separateoneyear
warranty.
c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchaslubricants,filters,blade
sharpening,tune-ups,brakeadjustments,clutchadjustments,deck
adjustments,andnormaldeteriorationoftheexteriorfinishdueto
useor exposure.
d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthananauthorizedservice
dealer.
e. MTDdoesnotextendanywarrantyforproductssoldor exported
outsideoftheUnitedStates,its possessionsandterritories,except
thosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorizedchannelsofexportdistribution.
f. ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts.
g. Transportationchargesandservicecalls.
Noimpliedwarranty,includingany impliedwarrantyof mer-
chantabilityof fitness for a particular purpose,applies after the
applicable periodof expresswritten warranty aboveasto the
partsasidentified.Nootherexpresswarranty, whetherwritten or
oral, exceptas mentioned above,givenby anypersonor entity,
includingadealeror retailer, withrespect to any product,shall
bindMTD.Duringthe periodof the warranty,the exclusiveremedy
isrepairor replacementof the productas setforth above.
Theprovisionsasset forth inthis warrantyprovidethesoleand
exclusiveremedy arising from the sale.MTDshallnot be liable
for incidentalor consequentiallossor damageincluding,without
limitation, expensesincurredfor substituteor replacementlawn
careservicesor for rentalexpensesto temporarily replacea
warranted product.
Somestatesdo notallowtheexclusionor limitationofincidentalor
consequentialdamages,or limitationsonhowlongan impliedwarranty
lasts,sotheaboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplytoyou.
Innoeventshallrecoveryofanykindbegreaterthantheamountofthe
purchasepriceof theproductsold.Alterationof safetyfeaturesof
the product shallvoid this warranty. Youassumetheriskand liability
forloss,damage,or injurytoyouandyourpropertyand/ortoothersand
theirpropertyarisingoutofthemisuseor inabilitytousethe product.
Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendtoanyoneotherthantheoriginal
purchaserorto thepersonforwhomitwas purchasedasa gift.
HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHISWARRANTY:This limited
warrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,and youmayalsohaveother
rightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofof Purchasetoobtain
warrantycoverage.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136=0019; Phone: 1=800=800=7310, 1=330=220=4683