MTD 12A-559Q795 User manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips &Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
AOA AL
21-inch Self-Propelled Mower- Model 559
iMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon 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.769-02308 12/15/05

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
Slope Gauge ....................................................... 3
Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4
Setup and Adjustment ....................................... 6
Operating Your Lawn Mower .............................. 8
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10
Contents
Troubleshooting ............................................... 12
Off-Season Storage ......................................... 13
Safety Labels .................................................... 13
Parts List ........................................................... 14
Warranty ............................................ Back Cover
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREYOU BEGINTO ASSEMBLEYOUR NEW EQUIP-
MENT,pleaselocatethe modelplate on the equipmentand
copythe informationto thesample model plate providedto
the right.Youcan locatethe modelplate by standingatthe
operatingposition and looking down atthe rear of the deck.
This informationwill be necessaryto use the manufacturer's
website, to obtainassistancefrom the CustomerSupport
Department,or when contactingan authorizedservice dealer.
Model Number Serial Number
IViTD LLC
P. O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND,OH 44136
330-220-4683
,. www.mtdproducts.com 800-800-731 0.,
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 www.mtdproducts.com. Click onthe Customer
Support menuoption.
2. Phonea CustomerSupport Representativeat
1-800-800-7310.
3. The engine manufacturer isresponsiblefor all engine-
relatedissueswith regardsto 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: This machinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operationin this
manual.As with any type of powerequipment,carelessnessor erroron the part ofthe operatorcan
result in seriousinjury.This machine iscapable of amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.
Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injuryor 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,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.Stop machineifanyoneenters
area.
6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera-
tionandwhile performinganadjustmentor repairtoprotect
youreyes.Thrownobjectswhich ricochetcancauseserious
injurytothe eyes.
7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesand close-fitting
slacksandshirts. Shirtsandpantsthatcoverthe armsand
legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended.Neveroperate
this machinein barefeet,sandals,slipperyor lightweight
(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 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
measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunitonaslopedor 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. To avoidpersonalinjury orpropertydamageuseextreme
care inhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable
andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan
occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselforyourclothes
whichcanignite.
2. Washyourskin andchangeclothesimmediately.
3. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
4. Neverfill containersinsideavehicleoron a truckor trailer
bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe
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 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. 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
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.

Standbehindthe mower
asif youweregoingto
operateit.Yourright hand
correspondsto the right
sideofthe mower;your
lefthand correspondsto
the leftsideofthe mower.
DONOTcrimpthe cables
whenliftingthe handleup.
iThe indentationinyour
mowing deckisinten-
tional and not adefect. It
allows the manufacturer
differentconfigurations
thanthe oneyoucurrently
have.
iMPORTANT
i This unit isshipped
Iwithoutgasolineor oilin
i the engine.Fillup gasoline
iandoilasinstructedin
i the accompanying engine
i manual BEFOREoperating
iyourmower.
HandleMounting Br
Figure3-1:Lifthandleandtightenhardware.
f
HardwarePack
WingNuts(2) CarriageBolts(2)
Figure3-2:Securehandletohandlemountingbrackets.
1. Followthestepsbelowto removetheunitfromthe
carton:
a. Opencartonandremoveloosepartsincludedwith
unit.Donotcrimpcableswhileremovingloose
partsortheentireunitfromthecarton.
b. Cutcornersandlaycartondownflat.Remove
packingmaterial.Rollor slideunitoutofcarton.
Checkcartonthoroughlyforlooseparts.
NOTE:Theindentationinyour mowing deck is
intentionaland not a defect.
2. Followthestepsbelowto positionthe handle.
a. Pullupand backon upperhandleasshownin
Figure3-1.Makecertainthelowerhandleisseated
securelyintothehandlemountingbrackets.
b. Tightenstarknobssecuringupperhandleto
lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriageboltis
seatedproperlyin thehandle.
3. Locatethehairpinclipon theweldpinon eachsideof
lowerhandle.
a. Removehairpinclipfromthis hole.Usinga pair
ofpliers,inserthairpinclipintothe holeon pin
closesttothebracket,Figure3-2.Repeaton other
side.
.
b. Inserta carriageboltfromthehardwarepackinto
theupperholeonthehandlemountingbracket.
Securewithone plasticwingnut,alsoincluded
inthehardwarepack.Repeatonothersidewith
remainingitemsfromhardwarepack.
Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe
upperhandle.Loosenthewingnutwhichsecuresthe
ropeguide,Figure3-3.
a. Holdthebladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releasethe
bladecontrol.
.
f
c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.
d. Tightenwingnut.
Securecablestothelowerhandlewiththecableties
alreadyonthe lowerhandle Figure3-4.Insertpegon
cabletieintotheholeon thelowerhandle.Pullcable
tiestightandcutoff excess.
Figure3-3:Pullrecoilstarterthroughropeguideandtighten. Figure3-4:Usecabletiestosecurecablestolowerhandle.
6

Followthestepsbelow,if needed,to assemblethe
grasscatcher,Figure3-5.
a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside
is atthebottom.
b. Slip plasticchanneloverhooksontheframe.
All theplasticchannelsexceptcentertopof bag
attachfromoutsideofbag.
c. Attachcentertopofbagfrominsideofbag.
.
Figure3-5:Assemblethe grasscatcher(ifneeded).
7. Followstepsbelowtoinstallthegrasscatcher,
Figure3-6.
a. Lift reardischargedoor.
b. Placegrasscatcheronthepivotrod.Letgo
ofdischargedoorsothatit restsonthegrass
catcher.
,_ WARNING:Neveroperate mowerunless
the hookson the grasscatcher are firmly
seatedon the pivotrod and the rear discharge door
restsfirmly against top of the grass catcher.
f
Figure3-6:Liftdischargedoorandplacegrasscatcheronrod.
Adjustments
Cutting Height "
An adjustingplateandleverateachwheelprovides
cuttingheightadjustment.
1. Depresslevertowardswheel.
2. Moveittoanyone ofthepositionsfordesiredcutting
height,Figure3-7.Makesurethateachwheelis
positionedatthesameheight.
3. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.
Forroughor unevenlawns, movethe height
adjustment leverto a higher position.This will help
preventscalping of the grass.
\
Figure3-7:Usethe leverateachwheelto adjustthe cutting
height.
CUTTINGHEIGHT
roughoruneven
!awns,move the height
adjustment levertoa
higher Position.Thiswill
helppreventscalping of
the grass.
ii i _iI_ ii
Neveroperatemower
unless the hookson the
grass catcherare firmly
seated on pivotrod and
thereard schargedoor
rests firmly against top of
the grasscatcher.
7

WARNING
Thebladecontrolisa
safetydevice.Never
attemptto bypassits
operations.
iUseextremecarewhen
i handling gasoline.
Gasolineisextremely
flammable andthe vapors
areexplosive.Neverfuel
themachine indoorsor
whilethe engineishot
or running.Extinguish
icigarettes,cigars,pipes
; andothersourcesof
ignition.
Keephandsandfeet
awayfrom the cutting
deck. Referto warning
label on the unit.
Know Your Lawn Mower
(f -q_=====BladeControl
DriveControl====-_
Recoil Starter
Height AdjustmentLevers
(foreachwheel)
Figure4-1:Themaincomponentsonthemower. J
Now that you have setup your lawn mower, it's important to become acquainted with its controls and
features.
Blade Control
The blade control is attachedto the upper handle of
the mower.Depress and squeeze it against the up-
per handle to activate the blade. Release itto stop
engine and blade.
Drive Control
The drive control is located on the undersideof
the upper handle and is usedto engage the drive.
Squeeze it against the upper handle to engage the
drive; release it to slow down or stop mower from
propelling.
,_ WARNING:Thisblade controlmechanism is
asafetydevice. Neverattempt to bypass its
operations.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
One adjustment lever is located at each wheel and
is used to adjust the cutting height.All four wheels
must be at the same position to ensure a uniform
cut.
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter isattached to the right upper
handle.Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil
starter ropeto start the unit.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
Referto enginemanualfor location of gasand oil fill.
1. Checkoillevelandaddoil if necessary.Followengine
manualforthis.
2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe
enginemanual.
,_1 WARNING:Useextremecarewhen handling
gasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable
and thevapors are explosive. Neverfuel the machine
indoorsor while the engineishotor running.Extin-
guish cigarettes, cigars, pipesandother sources of
ignition.
8

w
_ARNING:Theoperationof anylawnmower
can result in foreign objectsbeingthrown
intothe eyes,whichcandamageyoureyesseverely.
Alwayswearsafetyglasseswhileoperatingthe
mower,or whileperforminganyadjustmentsor
repairson it.
Starting the Mower
Starting the Engine
_lh ARNING:Besureno one otherthan the
operatorisstandingnearthe lawnmower
whilestartingengineor operatingmower.Never
runengineindoorsor in enclosed,poorly ventilated
areas.Engine exhaustcontainscarbon monoxide,an
odorlessand deadly gas. Keephands,feet, hair,and
looseclothing awayfrom any movingpartson engine
and lawnmower.
Refertotheenginemanualforhelpwithenginecontrols.
1. Placethefuelvalveleverfoundontheleft sideofthe
engineintotheON(OPEN)position,Figure4-2.
2. Movethechokeleverall thewaybackwardintothe
chokeposition.
3. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol
againstupperhandle,Figure4-2.Thechokewillnow
begintoslowlyreturntotheoff chokepositionafter
activatingthe bladecontrol.Therefore,quicklymove
ontostepfourbelow.
4. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil
starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-
ous,fullarmstroke,Figure4-2.Keepinga firmgripon
thestarterhandlelettheroperewindslowly.Repeat
untilenginecranks.Letthe roperewindeachtime
slowly.
Stopping the Engine
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineand blade.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainsttheengine.
,_ WARNING:Wait for the blade to stopcom-
pletely before performingany maintenance
on the moweror to removethe grass catcher.
Using Your Lawn Mower
_ARNING:Neveroperate yourmower
withouteitherthe reardoor or the entire
grass catcherassembly firmly secured.
Besurelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other
objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine.
Suchobjectscouldbe accidentlythrownbythemower
in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytothe
operatorandothers.
Figure4-2:Stepsinvolvedinstartingthemower.
,_IL WARNING:if youstrikea foreign object,
stoptheengine.Removewirefrom the
spark plug,thoroughly inspectmowerfor any
damage,and repairdamagebefore restarting and
operating. Extensivevibration of mower during
operation isan indicationof damage.Theunit
should be promptlyinspectedand repaired.
1. Oncetheengineisrunning,squeezethedrive
controlagainsttheupperhandleto propelmower.
Forbest results,do notcut wetgrassand never
cutoff morethanone-thirdofthetotallengthofthe
grass.
Using as iVlulcher
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherfromthe
mower.Thereardischargedoorshouldclose.
• Foreffectivemulching,do notcut wetgrass.
• Newor thickgrassmayrequirea narrowercut.
Adjustgroundspeedaccordingtoconditionoflawn.
• If thegrasshasbeenallowedto growinexcessof
fourinches,mulchingisnotrecommended.
Using Grass Catcher
Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile
youareoperatingthemower.
.AttachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsinSetup
section.Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectin
bagasyourunmower.Operatemowertillgrassbag
isfull.
2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingtheblade
controlhandle.Makesurethattheunithascometo
a completestop.
3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagup andaway
fromthe mowertodisposeofthegrassclippings.
WARNING
Theoperation of any
lawn mower canresult
in foreign objectsbeing
thrown intothe eyes,
whichcandamageyour
eyes severely.Always
wearsafety glasseswhile
operating the mower,
or whileperformingany
adjustments orrepairs
on it.
Besureno one otherthan
the operator isstanding
near the lawn mower
while starting engine or
operating mower.Never
run engine indoorsor
in enclosed, poorly
entilated areas. Engine
xhaust containscarbon
monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas. Keep
hands,feet, hair and
loose clothingawayfrom
any moving partson
engine and lawn mower.
9

Maintaining
Mower
Do not useapressure
washeror garden hose
toc ea"youruo t.These
may causedamageto
electriccomponents,
spindles,pulleys,bear,
ingslor the engine,The
useof waterwill resultin
Figure5-1:Areasto Lubricateonmower.
Figure5-2:Cutrodto removerearflap.
General Recommendations
•Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
anymaintenance.
• Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse
ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras
instructedhere.
•Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid
enginewarranty.
• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.
•Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese
aretight.
,_ WARNING:Alwaysstop engine,disconnect
spark plug,and ground against engine
before performinganytype of maintenanceon your
machine.
Lubrication
1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladeanddrivecontrol
handlesatleastoncea seasonwithlightoil,Figure
5-1.
2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatesurfaceofthepivotarmandinner
surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.
3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointontherear
dischargedoorperiodicallywithlightoil toprevent
rust.
4. Thetransmissionis pre-lubricatedandsealedatthe
factoryanddoesnotrequirelubrication.
5. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-
tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.
Deck Care
Theundersideofthemowerdeckshouldbecleaned
aftereachuseto preventanybuild-upofgrassclippings,
leaves,dirt,or otherdebris.Ifthisdebrisisallowedto
accumulateitwillresultin rustandcorrosion.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn
mowerorplacea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.
2. Tipmowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe
sidewiththeaircleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.
_ARNING:Nevertip the mowermore than
90° in anydirections and do not leavethe
mower tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain
intothe upper partof theengine causing a starting
problem.
3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwitha
suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.
4. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsontheground.If
youhadputplasticunderthegascapearlier,make
sureto removeitnow.
Engine Care
Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualfordetailedlist
andinstructions.
• Maintainoil levelasinstructedin enginemanual.
• Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal
conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely
dustyconditions.Refertoenginemanual.
•Cleansparkplugand resetthegaponcea season.
Checkenginemanualfor correctplugtype andgap
specifications.
• Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe
coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleantopermit
properaircirculation.Removeall grass,dirtand
combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.
Replacing Rear Flap
1. Toremoverearflap,cutoff theflatendofthewirerod
whichsecuresittothedeck,Figure5-2.
2. Attachthenewflapand newrodtodeck,bendingthe
endsofthenewrodovertosecuretodeck.
10

Blade Care
_ARNING:Whenremovingcuttingblade,
protectyourhandswith a pairof heavygloves
or usea heavyragto hold blade.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn
moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand
thecarburetorareup.
2. Removebolt,bladebellsupport,blade,andblade
adapterfromtheenginecrankshaft,Figure5-3.When
removingthese items,the spacer,pulleys,and
washerswill comeloose. Besureto make noteof
the orientation of these itemsfor reassembly.
3. Thebladecanbe sharpenedwitha fileor on a
grindingwheel.Followtheoriginalangleof grind.
Donotattempttosharpenthebladewhileitisstill
on themower.Balancethe bladeona roundshaft
screwdriver.Grindcuttingedgesequally.Remove
metalfromtheheavysideuntilitbalancesevenly.
_ARNING:An unbalancedblade will cause
excessivevibrationwhen rotating at high
speeds.It may causedamageto mowerand could
break causingpersonalinjury.
4. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurface
ofthebladeadapterwithlightoil. Reinsertthespacer,
pulleys,and washers.Slidethe bladeadapteronto
theenginecrankshaft.Placethebladeon theadapter
suchthatthesideof theblademarked"Bottom"(or
withpartnumber)facesthegroundwhenthemower
is intheoperatingposition.Makesurethatbladeis
alignedand seatedon bladeadapterflanges.
5. Placebladebellsupportonthe blade.Alignnotches
on thebladebell supportwith smallholesin blade.
Replacehexboltandtightenhexboltto torque:450
in.Ibs.min.,600 in.Ibs.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically
checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.
Belt Care
1. Removetwoshoulderscrewssecuringfrontdrive
covertomowerdeck,Figure5-4. Pressinwardon
sidesoffrontdrivecoverand releasetabsthat secure
it totheheightadjusterbrackets.Removedrivecover.
2. Loosenscrewholdingbelttensionspringtotransmis-
sion, Figure5-4.Donotremovescrewcompletely.As
youloosenit,tensionon thebeltwillbe released.
3. Pushtransmissionup a littleandslidebeltoffthe
transmissionpulley.Lift mowertoaccessbeltfrom
undersideofmower.Slidebeltoff ofenginepulleyand
aroundtheblade,Figure5-5.
4. Replacewithnewbelt,workingaroundblade.Make
surebeltisfirmlyseatedon enginepulleywhilepulling
fromtheothersideand slidingit aroundthetransmis-
sionpulley.Tightenscrewloosenedearliertosecure
belttensionspringtothetransmission.Reassemble
frontdrivecover.
Figure5-3:Removebladeandhardware.
f
Figure5-4:Removecovertoaccessthetransmissionandbelt.
Figure5-5:Removebeltfromaroundblade.
11
WARNING
Whenremovingthe cut-
ting bladefor sharpening
or replacementor when
slidingthe belt around it,
protectyourhandswith
a pairofheavy gloves or
use a heavyrag to hold
the blade,
An unbalanced blade
willcauseexcessive
vibrationwhen rotating
at high speeds,it may
causedamageto mower
and couldbreakcausing
personalinjury.

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_
DONOT remove safety
(or any) labelsfrom
mower for any reason.

%
14

1 731-2626 BailCover
2 747-1161A BladeControl
3 746-1113 ControlCable37.75-inch
4 726-0240 CableTie
5 664-04007A GrassBagAssembly
6 747-04080 GrassBagFrame
7 732-0700 TrailshieldWire
8 731-04998 Trailshield
9 731-04134A RearDoor
10 687-02057 HeightAdj.BracketAssy- LH
687-02056 HeightAdj.BracketAssy- RH
11 787-01248 21-inchDeck
12 732-1043 CompressionSpring
13 687-02193 FrontHeightAdj.Assy- LH
687-02194 FrontHeightAdj.Assy- RH
14 750-04595 SleeveSpacer.52IDx 1.5long
15 715-0221 DowelPin
16 618-04376 Transmission
17 710-1650 ShoulderScrew
18 731-05013A DeckCover
19 782-5002B FrontBaffle
20 750-04438A SleeveSpacer
21 754-04101 V-TypeBelt
22 736-04173 SpringWasher1.005x 1.825x .048
23 748-04082 BladeAdapterwith Star
24 742-0741 21-inchMulchingBlade
25 736-0524B Bell BladeSpacer
26 710-1257 Screw3/8-24x2.5
27 736-0250 FiatWasher1x 1.75x .107
28 756-04160 KeyHalf Pulley
29 756-04161 UpperHalfPulley
30 750-04594 SleeveSpacer
31 682-0015 FrontBearingAssembly
32 787-01298 AdjustmentPlateRH
787-01299 AdjustmentPlateLH
33 687-02044 PivotPlateAssembly
34 732-0706 SpringLeverRH
732-0707 SpringLeverLH
35 736-0474 FiatWasher1.01x 1.5x.035
36 716-0102 SnapRing
37 782-7551A WheelCover
38 717-1762 SpurGear 14TRH
717-1761 SpurGear 14TLH
39 710-04531 Screw1/4-20x.39
40 734-04093 FrontWheel8 x 2.125GearZagBIk
41 731-0981A Hubcap
42 710-0216 Screw3/8-16x .75
43 720-0426 Knob
44 736-0447 WaveWasher1.5x 1x .029
45 710-1008 ScrewTT3/8-16x 1.875
46 712-04065 FlangeLockNut3/8-16
47 782-5004B RearRHBaffle
48 710-1652 ScrewTT 1/4-20x .625
49 720-0312 FoamGrip
50 738-0507B ShoulderScrew
51 734-04093 RearWheel12x 2.125IdleZagGry
52 732-0866 SpringLever
53 687-02039A PivotArmAssemblyRH
687-02040A PivotArmAssemblyLH
54 L710-0599 ScrewTT 1/4-20x .5
55 714-0104 HairpinClip
56 687-02192 HandleBracketAssemblyRH
687-02191 HandleBracketAssemblyLH
57 710-0703 Screw1/4-20x.75
58 631-0075B EngineSpacer
59 732-04090A TorsionSpringRH
732-04089A TorsionSpringLH
60 750-04162 Spacer
61 747-0996 PivotRod
62 782-5003A RearBaffleLH
63 710-1017 ScrewAB 1/4-14x .625
64 712-0397 WingNut
65 749-0928A LowerHandle
66 710-1174 CarriageBolt5/16-18x 2
67 720-04072 StarKnob
68 720-0279 HandleKnob
69 710-1205 EyeBolt
70 749-1092A UpperHandle
71 747-1214 DriveControl
72 746-04203 ControlCable51-inch
parts; call
1,800,800,7310
or visit us on
the web at
www,mtdproducts:com
iMPORTANT
Fora properworking
machine,use Factory
ApprovedParts. V-BELTS
are specially designedto
engageand disengage
safely.A substitute
(non OEM)V-Belt can
bedangerous by not
disengaging completely.
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.
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