MTD 12A-998Q795 User manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips &Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
OF AOAL
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21" Self-Propelled Mower- Model 998
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.769-01020B
4/1/2005

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 .............................................. 14
Off-Season Storage and Safety Labels .......... 15
Parts List ........................................................... 16
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREYOU STARTASSEMBLING
YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,
please locatethe modelplate onthe equipmentand copythe
informationtothe sample modelplate providedtothe right.
Youcan locatethe modelplate by standing at the operating
position and lookingdown atthe rear ofthe deck. This
informationwill be necessaryto use the manufacturer'sweb
site and/or obtain assistancefrom theCustomerSupport
Departmentor an authorizedservice dealer.
Model Number
www.mtdproducts.com
Serial Number
MTD LLC
P.O= BOX 361131
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330-220-4683
800-800-7310
Customer Support
Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
Ifyou 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 theService & Support menuoption.
2. Phonea Customer Support Representative at 1 [phone].
3. The engine manufacturer is responsiblefor all engine-relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-rating,specifica-
tions,warranty and service. Pleasereferto theengine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packedseparatelywith
your unit,for moreinformation.
Conrad _triv_y Pdi_y
MTB Ilin_er_eJi_al Aw_'d Wi#t_i_@ Pr®d_4ds O_Jr Cemp_#y Us
Product. Registration
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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.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'smanual carefullyinits 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,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 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. Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrail shield,discharge
cover,grass catcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafety
protectivedevicesin placeand working.Neveroperate
mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo so,can
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. Tallgrasscan hideobstacles.
3. Alwaysbesure ofyourfooting.A slip andfall cancause
seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyour
balance,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediately,and
the bladewill stoprotatingwithin3seconds.
Do Not:
1. Donot mowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,you
could loseyourfootingorbalance.
2. Donot mowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownon
the slopegauge.
3. Donot mowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcause
slipping. Service
Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:
1. To avoidpersonalinjury orpropertydamageuseextreme
care inhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable
andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan
occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselforyourclothes
whichcanignite.
2. Washyourskin andchangeclothesimmediately.
3. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
4. Neverfill containersinsideavehicleoron a truckor trailer
bedwitha plasticliner.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,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.
14.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,
orother debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand
removeanyfuel soakeddebris.
15.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService:
1. Neverrun anengineindoorsorin a poorlyventilatedarea.
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessand
deadlygas.
2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe
sparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe engineto prevent
unintendedstarting.
3. Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent
intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefor
damage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewiththe
originalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listed
inthismanual."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe original
equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformance
andcompromisesafety!"
4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor wear
gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip-
mentis insafeworkingcondition.
6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperopera-
tionregularly.
7. Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stopthe engine,discon-
nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.
Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerfor anydamage.Repairthe
damagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower.
8. Neverattemptto makeawheelor cuttingheightadjustment
whiletheengineis running.
9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail
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.

NOTE:Standbehind
themowerasifyou
weregoingtooperate
it.Yourrig[_thandcor-
} respondstotheright
sideofthemower;your
lefthandcorresponds
totheleftsideofthe
mower.
NOTE: Forshipping
purposesyourmower
is setwith the wheels
in a lowcutting
i heightposition. For
bestresults raisethe
cutting positionuntil it
is determinedwhich
i height isbest for your
lawn.See Step 7for
details.
i IMPORTANT
I This unit isshipped
i without gasolineor
oil inthe engine. Fil
up gasolineand oil
' as instructedin the
accompanyingengine
i manual BEFORE
operatingyour mower,
J
Figure 1
ardware Pack
Wing Nuts (2) Carriage Bolts
Figure 2
1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetween
upperandlowerhandles.
a. Pullupand backon upperhandleasshownin
Figure1.Makecertainthelowerhandleisseated
securelyintothehandlemountingbrackets.
b. Tightenhandknobssecuringupperhandleto
lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriageboltis
seatedproperlyin thehandle.
2. Locatehairpinclipinone holeon theweldpinon each
sideof lowerhandle.
.
a. Removehairpinclipfromthis hole.Usinga pairof
pliers,inserthairpinclipintotheotherholeon the
weldpin.Repeaton otherside.SeeFigure2.
b. Inserta carriageboltfromthehardwarepackinto
theupperholeonthehandlemountingbracket.
Securewithone plasticwingnut,alsoincluded
inthehardwarepack.Repeatonothersidewith
remainingitemsfromhardwarepack.
Theropeguide,whichisconnectedtothesupport
rod,is locatedontherightsideofthelowerhandle.
SeeFigure3.
a. Holdthebladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releasethe
bladecontrol.
.
c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.
Attachcablestothelowerhandlewiththecableties
alreadyonthe lowerhandle.Insertpegsoncableties
intotheholeson thelowerhandle.Pullcabletiestight
andcutoff theextra.
.Themowerwasshippedwiththemulchingbaffle
installedontheunit.Forbaggingpurposes,youwill
havetoattachthegrassbagandits adapterin place
ofthemulchingbaffle.
a. Removethreewingnutsholdingthemulching
baffleinplaceand removefromunit.
b. Replacewith grassbagadapter,whilemaking
surethefrontlipofadaptergoesundertheedge
ofthedeck.Securewithwingnutspreviously
removed.See Figure4.
\
Figure 3Figure 4
6

c. Liftchutedooron thegrassbagadapterand slide
grassbagontotheadapter.SeeFigure5.
6. Followstepsbelowtoinstallthesidedischargechute:
a. Removemulchingbaffleor grassbagadapterfrom
unitbydisconnectingwingnuts.
b. Attachsidedischargechutetounitand secure
withthethreewingnuts.SeeFigure6.
7. Thecuttingheightadjustmentleveris locatedabove
the rearleftwheel.SeeFigure7Ainsert.
a. Pullleveroutandawayfrommower,movelever
forwardor backfordesiredcuttingheight,and
releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.
Thefrontwheelcuttingheightisdeterminedbyselect-
ing oneofsixpositionson eachcasterassembly.To
adjustfrontcuttingheight,proceedasfollows:
b. Removewingnutfromaxlebolt.SeeFigure7B.
Slideaxleboltandwavewasherfromtheassem-
blyandselecta cuttingheight.
Withwavewasheron axlebolt, reinserthardware
in thesquareholedesiredthroughwheelassembly
andsecurewithwingnutpreviouslyremoved.
Thecasterscanbelockedin a straightaheadposition
or positiontoswivelfreely.SeeFigure70 insert.
c. Liftandplacelockpinsinlargerholestolock
wheels.Placepinsin smallerholesto allow
castersto rotatefreelyforturning.
8. Theadjustmentwheelis locatedinthedrivecontrol
handlehousingandisusedtotightenor loosenthe
drivebelt. Youwillhavetoadjustthedrivecontrolif
anyofthefollowinghappens:
a. Themowerdoesnotpropelitselfwiththedrive
controlengaged.
b. Themower'sdrivewheelshesitatewiththedrive
controlengaged.
Ifeitheroftheseconditionsoccur,rotatetheadjustment
wheelclockwisetotightenandcounter-clockwiseto
loosenthecabletoadjustthedrivecontrol.SeeFigure8.
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 8 Figure 7
CUTTINGHEIGHT
Step 7
Allwheels must be
inthe same relative
position. Forroughor
uneven lawns,move
theheightadjustment
leverto a higher
position.
Drive Control
Step 8
Forsome people the
drive controlmay not
be in a comfortable
position.Youcan
adjustthe handleby
tighteningthe adjust-
mentwheel.
NOTE: Makecertain
the drive cableis
routedaroundthe
outsideand above
the lowerhandleso it
does not interferewith
attachingthe grass
bag.
Thechute door has
beendesignedto move
thestarter ropeout
ofthe way ofthe bag
whenthechute door is
opened.
7

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
BladeControl
Control
Shift Lever
Recoil HeightAdjustment Lever
GasolineFill
OilFill
Figure 9
Now that you have set up your lawn mower for op-
eration, get aquainted with its controls and features.
These are described below and illustrated on this
page. This knowledge will allow you to use your
new equipment to its fullest potential.
Blade Control
The blade control is attached to the upper handle
of the mower. Depress and squeeze it against the
upper handle to operate the unit. Release it to stop
engine and blade.
__ WARNING:Thisbladecontrolmecha-
nism isasafetydevice. Neverattempt
to bypass itsoperations.
Cutting Height Adjustment Lever
The cutting height adjustment lever is located
above the left rear wheel. To adjust the cutting
height, refer to the Adjustment Section on page 7.
Drive Control
The drive control is located on the upper handle.
Squeeze the drive control to engage the drive
system. Release it to disengage the drive system.
Release the drive control to slow down when ap-
proaching an obstacle, making a turn, or stopping.
See Figure 9.
Shift Lever
The shift lever is located on the drive control housing
on the upper handle.This lever is used to select the
forward speed of the mower. When changing speed
selection, release the drive control.
NOTE: Move the shift lever only when the engine
is running. Changing the shift lever setting with the
engine off can damage the mower.
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter is connected to the support rod
and is located on the right side of the lower handle.
Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil starter rope
to start it.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
1. Check oil level and add oil if necessary. Follow engine
manual for this. See Figure 9 above for location of the
oil fill.
2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe
enginemanual. SeeFigure9 aboveforlocationof
gasfill.
__ ARNING:Useextremecarewhen han-
dling gasoline.Gasolineisextremely
flammableand the vapors areexplosive.
Neverfuel the machine indoorsor while
the engine ishot or running. Extinguish
cigarettes, cigars, pipesand other
sources of ignition.
8

WARNING:The operationof any lawn
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-
ingmower.Neverrun engine indoors
or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas.
Engine exhaustcontains carbon monox-
ide,an odorless and deadly gas. Keep
hands,feet,hairand loose clothing
awayfrom any moving partson engine
and lawnmower.
1. Placethefuelvalveleverfoundontheleft sideofthe
engineintotheOPENposition.SeeFigure10inset.
2. Movethechokeleverall thewaybackwardintothe
chokeposition.Oncetheengineiswarm,theleverwill
automaticallyreverttothe RUNposition.Refertothe
enginemanualforfurtherdetails.
3. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol
againstupperhandle.SeeFigure10.
4. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil
starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-
ous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure10.Keepingafirm
grip onthestarterhandle,lettheroperewindslowly.
Repeatuntilenginecranks.Letthe roperewindeach
timeslowly.
Stopping Engine
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineand blade.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainsttheengine.
UsingYour Lawn Mower
_ WARNING:Donot operate mowerwith-
out mulching baffle, discharge chute or
grass catcher properlyinstalled.
Besurelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other
objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine.
Suchobjectscouldbe accidentlythrownbythemower
in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytothe
operatorandothers.
_ARNING:ifyou strikea foreign object,
stop the engine. Removewire from the
spark plug,thoroughly inspectmower
Figure 10
for any damage,and repair damagebefore restart-
ingand operating. Extensive vibration of mower
during operation isan indicationof damage.The
unit should be promptlyinspectedand repaired.
1. Forbest results,do notcut wetgrass.
2. Fora healthierlawn,nevercut offmorethanone-
thirdofthetotallengthofthegrass.
Using as Mulcher
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherand
adapterfromthemower.Reattachmulchingbafflewith
thethreewingnuts.
1. Foreffectivemulching,do notcut wetgrass.
2. Newor thickgrassmayrequirea narrowercut.
Adjustgroundspeedaccordingtoconditionoflawn.
3. If thegrasshasbeenallowedto growinexcessof
4 inches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethe
grasscatchertobagclippingsinstead.
Using Grass Catcher
Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile
youareoperatingthemower.
1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionson page
6. Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectinthe
bagasyourunthe mower.Operatethemowertillthe
grassbagisfull.
2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingtheblade
control.Makesurethattheunithascometoa
completestop.
3. Whileholdingthegrassbagbyboththe rearhandle
andthelowerhandle,lift thegrassbagstraightup
offtheadapter.Thechutedoorwillmovetherope
outof thewayofthebag.
4. Continuetoholdthelowerhandleand raisetherear
ofthegrassbagup towardyourchest.Thegrass
bagwillopenandthegrassclippingswilldisperse.
Whenreplacingthegrassbag,be surethetopofthe
bagrestsonthewiresupportbetweenthehandles.
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

Maintaining
iYour LaWn
i
lways¸stopenginel
sconnectsparkp ug;
groundagainst
_nginebeforecleaning,
!ubricating or doingany
ofm ntenanceon
_e do not recommend
!he useof pressure
washers or garden
ihoseto clean your unit.
_hese may causedam°
_geto pulleys,bearings,
orthe engine=The use
_fwater will result
nshortened lifeand
reduceserviceability.
:, Lubricate these
points before
reassembly.
Figure 11
Figure 12
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.
__1= WARNING:Alwaysstopengine,
disconnect sparkplug,and ground
against enginebeforecleaning,
lubricating or doing any kindof
maintenanceonyourmachine.
Lubrication
1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolatleast
oncea seasonwithlightoil.Thebladecontrolmust
operatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure11.
2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil (ormotoroil). Ifwheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatetheaxleboltand innersurfaceofthe
wheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure11.
3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointoneach
endoftheadapterdooratleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil topreventrust.SeeFigure11.
4. Thetransmissionispre-lubricatedandsealedatthe
factoryanddoesnotrequirelubrication.
5. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-
tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.
Deck Care
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn
mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.
2. Tipmowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe
sidewiththeaircleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.
WARNING: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.
Replacing Rear Flap
Toreplacerearflap,proceedasfollows:
1. Cutoff theflat endof thewirerodwhichsecuresitto
thedeck.SeeFigure12.
2. Attachthenewflapand newrodtothedeck,bending
theendsofthenewrodoverto secureto deck.
10