MTD 12B-569Q755 User manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips &Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
OF AOAL
21" Rotary Mower- Model Series 560
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.770-10347G
10/18/2006

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new lawn mower, it will help you assemble,
prepare, and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Table of Contents
Slope Gauge ........................................................ 3
Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4
Setup and Adjustment ....................................... 6
Operating Your Lawn Mower .............................. 8
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10
Troubleshooting ................................................ 12
Off-Season Storage and Safety Labels .......... 13
Parts List ........................................................... 14
MTDLLCreservestherighttochangeproductspecifications,designs,andequipmentwithoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation.
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREASSEMBLINGYOURNEWEQUIPMENT,
pleaselocatethe modelplateon theequipmentand
copythe informationto thesamplemodelplatepro-
videdto the right.Youcan locatethe modelplateby
standingat theoperatingpositionand lookingdown
atthe rearofthe deck.Thisinformationwillbe neces-
saryto usethe manufacturer'swebsite,toobtain
assistancefromtheCustomerSupportDepartment,
orwhencontactingan authorizedservicedealer.
Model Number
www.mtdproducts.com
Serial Number
MTD LLC
PoO= BOX 361131
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330-220-4683
800-800-7310
Customer Support
Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased, without first
contacting Customer Support.
Ifyou have difficultyassemblingthis productor have anyquestionsregardingthe controls, operation,or maintenanceof this
unit,youcanseek helpfromthe experts.Choosefrom the options below:
• Visitwww.mtdproducts.com
• Call a CustomerSupport Representativeat 1-800-800-7310.
• The engine manufacturer is responsiblefor all engine-relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-rating,specifica-
tions,warranty and service. Pleasereferto the engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packedseparatelywith
your unit,for moreinformation.
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_0

WARNING
Thissymbolpoints
out importantsafety
instructionswhich,if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
i safetyand/or property
I ofyourselfand others.
Readandfollowall
instructionsinthis
manualbeforeat-
temptingto operate
i this machine.Failure
I to complywith these
instructionsmay result
i in personalinjury.When
youseethis symbol.
i HEED ITS WARNING!
i Your Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read.
i understand
andfollow thewarnings
and instructions
I. =nthis manual
and onthe machine.
WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of itsconstituents,and certainvehiclecompo-
nentscontain or emitchemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancer and
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: This machine was builtto be operatedaccordingto the rulesfor safeoperation in this
manual.As with anytypeof powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operator
can resultin serious injury.This machineis capableof amputatinghandsand feet and throwing
objects. Failureto observethe following safety instructionscouldresult in 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'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 supervisedby a parent.Onlyresponsible
individualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe
operationshouldbeallowedto usethismachine.
4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto
beused.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toys
andotherforeignobjects,whichcouldbetrippedoveror
pickedupandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjects can
causeseriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpattern
toavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,sidewalks,
bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial
againsta wallor obstruction,whichmaycausedischarged
materialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.
5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,
stayinoperatorzonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,
bystanders,helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrom mower
whileit is inoperation.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 light-weight
(e.g.canvas)shoes.
8. Do notputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor undercutting
deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.
9. Amissingor damageddischargecovercancauseblade
contactor thrownobject injuries.
10.Manyinjuriesoccurasa resultofthe mowerbeingpulled
overthefoot duringa fall causedby slippingor tripping.
Do notholdontothe mowerifyouare falling;releasethe
handleimmediately.
11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare
walking.If youmust backthe mowerawayfroma wallor
obstructionfirstlookdownand behindtoavoidtrippingand
thenfollowthesesteps:
a. Stepbackfrommowertofully extendyourarms.
b. Besureyouarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.
c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,no morethanhalfway
towardyou.
d. Repeatthesestepsas needed.
12.Do notoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof
alcoholordrugs.
13.Do notengagetheself-propelledmechanismon unitsso
equippedwhilestartingengine.
14.Thebladecontrolhandleisasafetydevice.Neverattempt
tobypassitsoperation.Doingso makesthe safetydevice
inoperativeandmayresult in personalinjurythrough
contactwiththe rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandle
mustoperateeasily in bothdirectionsandautomatically
returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.
15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbesureof
yourfooting. A slipand fall cancauseseriouspersonal
injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourfooting,releasethe
bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyand the bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthreeseconds.
16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.
18.If the equipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineand checkimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis
generallya warningoftrouble.
4

19.Shutthe engineoffandwaituntilthe bladecomestoa
completestopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcherorunclog-
gingthe chute.
Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefora few secondsafter
the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceany partofthe body in
the bladeareauntilyouaresurethe bladehasstopped
rotating.
20.Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,discharge
cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleorothersafety
protectivedevicesin placeand working.Neveroperate
mowerwith damagedsafetydevices.Failureto dosocan
resultin personalinjury.
21.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Do
nottouch.
22.Only usepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthis machineby
manufacturer.Failuretodoso can resultin personalinjury.
23. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis manual,
usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor
assistance.
Slope Operation
Slopesare amajorfactorrelatedtoslip andfall accidents,which
canresultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra
caution.If youfeeluneasyona slope,do notmowit. Foryour
safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthis manualto
measureslopesbeforeoperatingthis uniton aslopedorhilly
area.Ifthe slopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donotmowit.
Do:
1. Mowacrossthefaceofslopes;neverupand down.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
2. Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects,or bumps
whichcancauseyouto slipor trip. Tallgrasscan hide
obstacles.
3. Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slipand fallcan cause
seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeel youarelosingyour
balance,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediately,and
the bladewill stoprotatingwithin3 seconds.
Do Not:
1. Do notmowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments,you
could loseyourfootingor balance.
2. Do notmowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesas shownon
the slopegauge.
3. Do notmowonwet grass.Unstablefootingcouldcause
slipping. Service
Safe Handling Of Gasoline:
1. Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextreme
carein handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable
and thevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjury can
occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselfor your clothes,
which canignite.Washyourskin andchangeclothes
immediately.
2. Use onlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.
3. Neverfillcontainersinsideavehicleor ona truckortrailer
bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe
groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
4. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truckor trailer
and refueliton theground.If thisisnot possible,thenrefuel
suchequipmenton atrailer withaportablecontainer,rather
thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.
5. Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimofthe fueltankor
containeropeningatall timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Do
not usea nozzlelock-opendevice.
6. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
7. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill
accumulatein thearea.
8. Neverremovegascap oradd fuelwhileengineishot or
running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwo minutesbefore
refueling.
9. Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch
belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.
10.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
11.If gasolineis spilled,wipe itoff theengineand equipment.
Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting
engine.
12.Neverstorethe machineorfuel containernearanopen
flame,sparkor pilotlightas ona waterheater,space
heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.
13.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,
orother debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand
removeanyfuel soakeddebris.
14.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService:
1. Neverrun anengineindoorsorin a poorlyventilatedarea.
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorless
anddeadlygas.
2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe
sparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe engineto prevent
unintendedstarting.
3. Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent
intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectblade
fordamage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewith
theoriginalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,
listedin thismanual."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe
originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improper
performanceand compromisesafety!"
4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor
weargloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip-
mentis insafeworkingcondition.
6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproper
operationregularly.
7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,discon-
nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.
Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerfor anydamage.Repairthe
damagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower.
8. Neverattemptto makea wheelor cuttingheightadjust-
mentwhilethe engineisrunning.
9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail
shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould
exposemovingpartsor allowobjectstobethrown.For
safetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsand re-
placeimmediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's
(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedin thismanual."Useofparts
whichdo notmeetthe originalequipmentspecifications
mayleadtoimproperperformanceand compromise
safety!"
10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating
speedoftheengine.
11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.
12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper
disposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
Practices
WARNING
This symbol points
out importantsafety
instructions,which if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safety and/or property
of yourselfand others.
Readand followall
instructions inthis man-
ual beforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failureto comply with
these instructionsmay
result in personalinjury.
Whenyousee this
symbol.
HEED iT'S WARNING!
Your Responsibility
Restrictthe use
of this powermachine
to personswho read.
understand
and followthe warnings
and instructions
in this manua
and onthe machine.
5

NOTE:ThisOperator's
}Manualcoversseveral
models.LawnMower
featuresvaryby
model.Notallfeatures
discussed(orengines
pictured)inthismanual
areapplicabletoall
LawnMowermodels.
NOTE:Standbehind
themowerasifyou
i weregoingtooperate
it.Yourrighthandcor-
respondstotheright
sideofthemower;your
i lefthandcorresponds
i totheleftsideofthe
mower.
I NOTE:Yourmower
isshippedwiththe
handleinthehigher
i heightposition.
I NOTE:Eachendof
thelowerhandlemust
beplacednthesame
reativeposition.
IIMPORTANT
DO NOTcrimp the
i cableswhen liftingthe
handleup.Makesure
i to routethe cables
inside the lowerhandle.
Figure 3=1
Hardware Pack
Wing Nuts (2) CarriageBolts (2)
Figure 3=2
1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetween
upperandlowerhandles.
a. Pullupand backon upperhandleasshownin
Figure3-1.Makecertainthelowerhandleisseated
securelyintothehandlemountingbrackets.
b. Tightenhandknobssecuringupperhandleto
lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriageboltis
seatedproperlyin thehandle.
2. Locatehairpinclipinone holeon theweldpinon each
sideof lowerhandle.
.
.
5.
a. Removehairpinclipfromthis hole.Usinga pairof
pliers,inserthairpinclipintotheotherholeon the
weldpin.Repeaton otherside.SeeFigure3-2.
b. Inserta carriageboltfromthehardwarepackinto
theupperholeonthehandlemountingbracket.
Securewithone plasticwingnut,alsoincluded
inthehardwarepack.Repeatonothersidewith
remainingitemsfromhardwarepack.
Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe
upperhandle.Loosenthewingnutwhichsecuresthe
ropeguide.
a. Holdthebladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releasethe
bladecontrol.SeeFigure3-3.
c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.
d. Tightenwingnut.
Insertpostoncabletiesintoholesprovidedon the
lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.
Anadjustingplateandthumbleverateachwheel
positionprovidescuttingheightadjustment.
a. Depresslevertowardswheel.
b. Moveitto anyoftheninepositionsfordesired
cuttingheight.SeeFigure3-5.
c. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.
k,.
Figure 3-3 Figure 3-4
6

6. Followstepsbelowtoassemblethegrasscatcher:
a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside
is atthebottom.
b. Slip plasticchannelofgrassbagoverhookson
theframe.SeeFigure3-6.All theplasticchannels
exceptcentertopofbagattachfromoutsideof
bag.
c. Attachcentertopofbagfrominsideofbag.
7. Followstepsbelowtoattachgrasscatcher:
a. Liftreardischargedoor.
b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod.Letgo
ofdischargedoorsothat itrestson thegrass
catcher.SeeFigure3-7.
Toremovegrasscatcherorconverttoa mulcher(if
equipped),lift reardischargedooronthemoweras
showninFigure3-7.Liftgrasscatcherupandoutofthe
pivotrod.Releasereardischargedoortoallowit toclose
rearopeningofmower.
_ WARNING:Neveroperatemower
unless the hookson the grass catcher
arefirmly seatedinthe slotson the
handlebracketassemblies, and the rear
dischargedoorrests firmly against top
of thegrass catcher.
.ifcovertingtosidedischarge,makesuregrass
catcherisoff unitand reardischargedoorisclosed.
a. Liftmulchingplugon therightsideof mower.
b. Slidetwohooksofsidedischargechuteunder
thehingepinonthe mulchingplugassemblyand
lowerthesidemulchingplug.See Figure3-8.
i i
J/
Figure 3-5
NOTE:Donotremovethesidemulchingplugatanytime,
evenwhenyouarenotmulching. Figure 3=6 J
setup and
ustment
CUTTINGHEIGHT
A!l Wheelsmustbe
placed inthe same
relativeposition.
GRASSCATCHER
!in bag is
turned right side Out
beforeassembling
_elwill be
f
\
_, ,J
Figure 3=8 Figure 3-7
7
he grasscatcher.

WARNING
The bladecontrol
mechanismisa
safety device. Never
attemptto bypassits
operations.
; Useextreme care
when handling
gasoline.Gasolineis
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive. Never fuel
the machine indoors
or while the engine
is hot or running.
I Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipesand
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
e Control
Recoil
Starte
Plug Heigh! Adjustment
Lever
Figure 4-1
Nowthatyouhavesetupyourlawnmowerforopera-
tion,getaquaintedwithits controlsandfeatures.These
aredescribedbelowandillustratedonthis page.This
knowledgewillallowyoutouseyournewequipmentto
itsfullestpotential.
Blade Control
Thebladecontrolisattachedtothe upperhandleof
themower.Depressand squeezeitagainsttheupper
handletooperatetheunit. Releaseittostopengineand
blade.SeeFigure4-1.
_ WARNING:This blade controlmecha-
nism isasafetydevice. Neverattempt
to bypass itsoperations.
Drive Control
Thedrivecontrolislocatedontheundersideofthe
upperhandleand isusedtoengagethedrive.Squeeze
itagainsttheupperhandleto engagethedrive; release
ittoslowdownor stopmowerfrompropelling.
Mulching Plug
Themulchingplugisusedonlyformulchingpurposes.
Insteadofcollectingthegrassclippingsinthegrass
catcher,yourmowerhastheoptionof recirculating
theclippingsbacktothelawn.Makesurethatthe
reardischargedoorisclosedandthegrasscatcheris
removedfromunitwhilemulching.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
Oneadjustmentleverislocatedon eachwheelandis
usedtoadjustthecuttingheight.All fourlevershaveto
beatthesamerelativepositiontoensurea uniformcut.
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
1. Checkoillevelandaddoil if necessary.Followengine
manualforthis.
2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe
enginemanual.SeeEnginemanualforlocationofoil
andgasfill.
_ARNING:Useextremecarewhenhan-
dling gasoline.Gasolineisextremely
flammable and thevapors are explosive.
Neverfuel the machineindoorsor while
the engine ishot or running.Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipesand other sources of ignition.
WARNING:The operation of any lawnmower can
resultinforeign objects being thrown intothe eyes,
which candamageyour eyesseverely.Alwayswear
safety glasses while operating the mower,or while
performinganyadjustments or repairson it.
8

Starting Engine
_kk ARNING:Besurenoone otherthan
theoperatorisstandingnearthe lawn
mowerwhilestarting engine or operat-
ingmower.Neverrun engine indoorsor
in enclosed,poorly ventilatedareas.Engineexhaust
containscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessand deadly
gas. Keephands, feet, hairand looseclothingaway
from any moving partsonengine and lawnmower.
Followtheset ofinstructionspertainingto yourunit.
Referto enginemanualfor helpwith theengine.
Briggs & Stratton/Tecurnseh Engine:
1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwoseconds
betweeneachpush.SeeFigure4-2.Intemperature
around550For below,primefive times.Donotprime
to restarta warmengine.
2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol
againstupperhandleasshowninFigure4-2.
3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil
starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-
ous,fullarmstroke.Keepingafirm griponthestarter
handle,lettheroperewindslowly.Repeatuntilengine
cranks.Lettheroperewindeachtimeslowly.
Honda Engine:
1. Placethefuelvalveleverfoundontheleft sideofthe
engineintotheON(OPEN)position.
2. Movethechokeleverall thewaybackwardintothe
chokeposition.SeeFigure4-3.
3. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol
againstupperhandleasshowninFigure4-3.The
chokewill nowbeginto slowlyreturntotheoffchoke
positionafteractivatingthebladecontrol.Therefore,
quicklymoveontostepfourbelow.
4. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil
starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-
ous,fullarmstroke.Keepingafirm griponthestarter
handleletthe roperewindslowly.Repeatuntilengine
cranks.Lettheroperewindeachtimeslowly.
_ARNING:Waitfor the bladeto stop
completelybeforeperforminganywork
on the mower or to removethegrass
catcher.
Figure 4=2
Figure 4=3
,__ WARNING:If you strikeaforeign
object, stop the engine. Remove
wire from thesparkplug,thoroughly
inspectmowerfor anydamage,and
repairdamagebeforerestarting andoperating.
Extensive vibration of mowerduring operation isan
indicationof damage.The unit should be promptly
inspectedand repaired.
Stopping Engine
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineand blade.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainsttheengine.
UsingYour Lawn Mower
Besurelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other
objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine.
Suchobjectscouldbe accidentlythrownbythemower
in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytothe
operatorandothers.
Using as Mulcher
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherandside
dischargechutefromthemower.Foreffectivemulching,
do notcutwetgrass.If thegrasshasbeenallowedto
growin excessof fourinches,mulchingisnotrecom-
mended.Usethegrasscatchertobagclippingsinstead.
Using Grass Catcher
Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile
youareoperatingthemower.Refertosetupsectionfor
instructionson attachingthegrasscatcher.
9
perating
MoWer
The operation of any
lawnmower can result
inforeign objects
being thrown into
the eyes,which can
damage your eyes
severely. Always wear
safety glasseswhile
operatingthe mower,
or while performing
any adjustments or
repairs on it.
Be sure no one other
than the operator is
standing nearthe lawn
mower while starting
engine or operating
mower. Never run
engine indoors or
in enclosed, poorly
ventilated areas. En-
gine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly
]as. Keep hands, feet,
lair and loose clothing
_wayfrom any moving
partson engine and
lawn mower.

Maintaining
Always stop engine,
disconnectspark
andground
againstenginebefore
cleaning,lubricating
ordoinganykindof
maintenance onyour
We dori0
the use of pressure
washersoi garden
hoseto cleanyour
uniLThese may cause
damageto electric
component&spindles,
pul!eys,beanngs;or
theenginelThe use
OfWaterWillresultin
shortened Ifeand
reduceserviceability.
NOTE: This Operators
Manualcoversseveral
model&Lawn Mower
featuresvary by
model Not all features
discussed (orengines
pictured) in this manual
are applicabletoa!l
,,,oLawn,M0we[,,mode.!s,L,,,,_
Lubrication
1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolatleast
oncea seasonwithlightoil.Thebladecontrolmust
operatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure5-1.
2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatesurfaceofthepivotarmandinner
surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure5-1.
3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointoneach
endofthereardischargedoorandthesidemulching
plugperiodicallywithlightoil topreventrust.See
Figure5-1.
4. Thetransmissionispre-lubricatedand sealedat the
factoryanddoesnotrequirelubrication.
5. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-
tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.
Figure 5=1 Deck Care
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn
mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.
2. Tipmowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe
sidewiththeair cleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.
_ARNING:Nevertip the mowermore
than 90 degreesin anydirections and
do not leavethe mower tipped for any
length of time. Oil can drain intothe
upper part of the enginecausing a
startingproblem.
Figure 5=2
3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwitha
suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.
4. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsontheground.If
youhad putplasticunderthegascapearlier,make
sureto removeitnow.
General Recommendations
1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
anymaintenance.
2. Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse
ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras
instructedhere.
3. Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid
enginewarranty.
4. Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.
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.
5. Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese
aretight.
,_l_!_ ILWARNING:Alwaysstopengine,
disconnect sparkplug, and ground
against enginebeforecleaning,
lubricating or doing any kind of
maintenanceon yourmachine.
Replacing Rear Flap
1. Toremoverearflap,lift reardoor,and pressflapinon
eithersideto removefromhole.SeeFigure5-2.
2. Removeflapfromoppositeholeand replacewithnew
flapintheoppositeorderandmannerof removal.
10

w
Blade Care
_ARNING:Whenremovingcutting
bladefor sharpening or replacement,
protect your hands with a pair of heavy
gloves or usea heavy ragto hold blade.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn
moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand
thecarburetorareup.
2. Removebolt,bladebellsupport,blade,andblade
adapterfromtheenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure5-3.
3. Thebladecanbe sharpenedwitha fileor on a grind-
ing wheel.Donotattempttosharpenthebladewhile
it is stillon themower.Whensharpeningblade,follow
originalangleofgrind.Grindcuttingedgesequallyto
keepbladebalanced.
4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.
Balancethebladeona roundshaftscrewdriverto
check.Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntilit
balancesevenly.
_ WARNING:An unbalancedblade will
causeexcessivevibrationwhen rotating
at high speeds, it maycause damage
to mower, and could break causing
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.min.,600 in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically
checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.
Belt Care
1. Removetwoshoulderscrewssecuringfrontdrive
covertomowerdeck.SeeFigure5-4. Pressinwardon
sidesoffrontdrivecoverand releasetabsthat secure
ittotheheightadjusterbrackets.Removedrivecover
frommower.
.
.
Loosenscrewholdingbelttensionspringtotransmis-
sion.SeeFigure5-4inset.Donotremovescrew
completely.Asyouloosenit, tensiononthebeltwill be
released.
Pushtransmissionup a littleandslidebeltoffthe
transmissionpulley.Lift mowertoaccessbeltfrom
undersideofmower.Slidebeltoff ofenginepulleyand
aroundtheblade.SeeFigure5-5.
Figure 5=3
Figure 5=4
Figure 5=5
4. Replacewith newbelt,workingaroundblade.Make
surebeltisfirmlyseatedonenginepulleywhile
pullingfromtheothersideand slidingitaroundthe
transmissionpulley.Tightenscrewloosenedearlier
tosecurebelttensionspringtothetransmission.
Reassemblefrontdrivecover.
WARNING
When removing
the cutting blade
for sharpening or
replacementor
when sliding the belt
around it, protect
your hands with a
pairof heavy gloves
or use a heavy rag to
hold the blade.
An unbalanced blade
will cause excessive
vibration when rotat-
ing at high speeds. It
may cause damage
to mower, and could
break causing per-
sonal injury.
11

Troub.le
Shooting
For repairs beyond
the minor adjustments
listed here, contact
an authorized service
¸¸7¸¸¸¸¸¸¸:Ziiiiiiii: [
Problem Cause Remedy
I
Engine fails tostart Bladecontroldisengaged.' 11 Engage bladecontrOL
2. sparkplugw redisconnected, z connect wiretosparkplugl
3. Fueltankemptyorstalefue!. . 3. Fil!tankwith clean freshgasoline.
4. Engine not piimed: 4. pr meengne as Ustructedn operat,
ing YourLawnMower!!.
5. Faultysparkpug. 5, Clean adjustgap orreplacel
Blockedfuel line: [6. clean fuel
7; Engineflooded. 7: Wait afew minutesto restartbut do
notprme
Engineruns erratic 1. Sparkplugwireloose. 1. Connectandtightensparkplugwire.
2. Blockedfuel lineor stalefuel. 2. Cleanfuelline;filltank withclean,
3. Ventingascap plugged.
4. Wateror dirt infuel system.
5. Dirtyair cleaner.
6. Carburetorout ofadjustment.
freshgasoline.
3. Clearvent.
4. Drainfueltank. Refillwithfreshfuel.
5. Referto enginemanual.
6. Referto enginemanual.
-Engineoverheats 1. Engineoil levellow.- 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil.
2. Airflow restricted. 2. Removeblowerhousing
andclean.
[ 3. Carburetornotadjustedproperly. [ 3. Referto enginemanua.
Occasionalskips 1. Sparkpluggap tooclose. 1. Adjustgap to .030".
(hesitates)at 2. Carburetoridlemixtureadjustment 2. Referto enginemanual.
highspeed improperlyset.
des Door v 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gap 1. Resetgapto .030"or replace
" " too wide. sparkplug.
2. Carburetorimproperlyadjusted. [ 2. Referto enginemanual.
i 3 Dirtyair cleaner 3 Referto enginemanual
. " , . " ,
Excessive 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.Balance
Vibration blade.
2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. See anauthorizedservicedealer.
Mower will not 1. Wetgrass. 1. Donot mowwhengrassiswet;wait
much _rass'f _ _ untillatertocut.
E 9 .:t 2. Excessivelyhighgrass. 2. Mowonce atahighcutt ngheight
quppeo) then mowagainatdesiredheightor
makea narrowercuttng path.
. 3. Dullblade. . 3. Sharpenor replaceblade
Unevencut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsin same
heightposition.
2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.
Mowerw not 1. Beltnotinstalledproperly. 1. Checkbeltfor properpuleyinstallation
If r I ' , andmovement
se p ope 2. Debrscloggingdriveoperation. 2. Stopengine,disconnectsparkplug
[ [ w reand cean outdebrs
i 3. Damagedorworn belt. ' 3. Inspectand replacebelt.
12

S".............
Off=Season Storage 4. Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto
Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakentoprepareyourlawn
mowerforstorage.
1. Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin
thelubricationinstructions.
2. Wedonotrecommendtheuseofa pressurewasher
or gardenhosetocleanyourunit.
3. Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine
storageinstructions.
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
WARNING
DO NOTremove safety
(or any) labels from
mower for any reason.
13

iVlodel Series 560
_z
14

Ref. PartNo. Description
No.
1 747-1214 DriveControl
2 710-0599 TT Screw1/4-20x0.5
3 736-0270 BellWasher.265x 0.75
4 17032A DeflectorChuteAdapter
5 732-1014 TorsionSpring
6 618-04376A TransmissionAssembly
7 747-1161A BladeControl
8 749-1092A UpperHandle
9 731-04177 ChuteDeflector
10 687-02055 MulchPlugComplete
11 747-0710 HingePin
12 710-0286 Screw,Machine,1/4-20x.500
13 720-0279 HandleKnob
14 720-04072 StarKnob
15 710-1205 EyeBolt
16 746-1113 ControlCable-37.750"
17 710-1174 CarriageBolt5/16-18x2.0
18 736-0250 Washer,Fiat,1.00x 1.25x.107
19 726-0240 CableTie
20 714-0104 CotterPin
21 710-0654A Self-TappingSeresScrew
22 746-04203 DriveCable-51"
23 664-04027 GrassbagAssembly
24 710-1650 ShoulderScrew# 12-24
25 682-0015 FrontBearingAssembly
26 710-1241 Screw,1/4-15x 1.000
27 687-02194 HeightAdjustmentAss'y-RH
687-02193 HeightAdjustmentAss'y-LH
28 787-01278 21"Deck
29 731-04150C RearBaffle
30 712-0397 WingNut
31 750-04595 Slev.Spacer1.4"Lg.
32 710-0216 HexScrew,3/8-16x.75
33 732-04090A TorsionSpring-RH
34 712-04065 FlangeLockNut,3/8-16
35 731-05132A TransmissionCover- Black
731-05021A TransmissionCover-Yellow
36 782-5002B FrontBaffle
37 754-0637A V-Belt
38 736-0447 WaveWasher
39 750-04594 SleeveSpacer8.985"Lg.
40 748-04082 BladeAdapter
41 742-0741 21"MulchingBlade
Ref. PartNo. Description
No. i
42 736-0524B BladeBellSupport
43 687-02044 PivotPlateAssembly
44 710-1257HexScrew3/B-24x2.50
45749-0928A LowerHandle I- ClIII i._ I!..11_,
46 732-1043 BeltTensionSpring
47 720-0426 AdjustmentKnob
4948634-019073604173Wash,Sprg,FrontWheel,1.005x 1.825x.0488x1.8,Bar,Gray
634-04100 FrontWheel,8 x 1.8,Bar,Yellow
734-2042 FrontWheel,8 x 2.125,Zag
50 710-04531 Screw,1/4-20x.390
51 717-1762 Gear14TRHFWD
717o1761 Gear 14TLHFWD
52 747-04080 GrassBagFrame
53 710-0703 CarriageBolt1/4-20
54 756-04160 Pulley,Half To order replacement
partsicall
55 710-1652 TT Scr.w/Washer1/4-20x.625 1'800'800,7310
56687-02280 HandleBracketAssembly- LH orvisit uson
687-02279 HandleBracketAssembly-RH the web at
57 715-0221 DowelPin
58 736-0474 Washer www,mtdproducts:com
59 687-02039A PivotArmAssembly- RH
687-02040A PivotArmAssembly- LH
60 732-0866 RearSpringLever
61 720-0312 FoamGrip
62 738-0507B ShoulderScr.500Did.x.434
63 734-04082 RearWheel,12x 1.8,Bar,Gray
734-04089 RearWheel,12x 1.8,Bar,Yellow
734-04093 RearWheel,12x 2.125,Zag IMPORTANT
64 782-01298 HeightAdjusterPlate-RH Fora properworking
782-01299 HeightAdjusterPlate-LH machine, useFactory
65 732-0706 FrontLever- RH Approved Parts:
732-0707 FrontLever-LH ViBELTS arespeCia!iy
66756-04161 Pulley,Half designedto engage
and disengage safely:
67 731-05642 RearTrailingShield A substitute (non OEM)
68 747-04588 PivotRod V_BeltCan bedanger_
69 716-0102 SnapRing ousby not disengaging
70 631-04225 RearDischargeDoor completely:
71 782-7551A WheelDustCap
72 _750-04438A Spcr,Slev,25ramx 1.375x .620
73 731-0981At HubCap
74 731-2626t DeluxeBailCover
75 736-0182t Washer,Sprg,.500x 1.00x.022
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.
HOW 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.
Thislimitedwarrantydoesnot providecoverageinthefollowingcases:
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 impliedwarranty of mer-
chantabilityof fitness for a particular purpose,applies after the
applicable periodof expresswritten warranty aboveasto the
partsasidentified.Nootherexpresswarranty, whetherwrittenor
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 productshallvoid this warranty. Youassumetheriskandliability
forloss,damage,or injurytoyouandyourpropertyand/ortoothersand
theirpropertyarisingoutofthemisuseor inabilitytousethe product.
Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendtoanyoneotherthantheoriginal
purchaserorto thepersonforwhomitwas purchasedasa gift.
HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHISWARRANTY:This limited
warrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,and youmayalsohaveother
rightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofof Purchasetoobtain
warrantycoverage.
IViTDLLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136-0019; Phone: 1=800=800-7310, 1-330=220-4683