MTD 12BV829Q755 User manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips &Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
OF AOAL
21" Rotary Mower- Model Series 820
iMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush-
coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).
If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw
(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester
forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,
Ohio44136-0019.
PRINTEDIN U.S.A. MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 FORMNO.769-01607C
1/12/2007

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 ................................................ 14
Off-Season Storage and Safety Labels .......... 15
Parts List ........................................................... 16
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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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

i Standbehindthe
mowerasifyouwere
goingto operate it.Your
right handcorresponds
to the right sideof the
mower;your left hand
correspondsto the left
sideof the mower.
Forshipping purposes
i yourmower issetwith
the wheels ina low
i cutting heightposition.
Forbest resultsraise
thecutting position until
it isdeterminedwhich
i height isbestfor your
lawn.See Adjustment
section.
IMPORTANT
DO NOTcrimp the
cableswhen liftingthe
i handleup.
IMPORTANT
Thisunit isshipped
iwithout gasolineor oil
i inthe engine. Fillup
gasolineand oilas
i instructedin the accom-
panyingenginemanual
BEFORE operatingyour
mower.
Figure3-1:Lifthandleandtightenhardware.
Figure3-2:Securehandletohandlemountingbrackets.
1. Removegrasscatcherandanypackingmaterial
whichmaybe betweenupperand lowerhandles.
a. Removehandknobsfromhandlemounting
bracketsand pullupandbackonupperhandle
asshownin Figure3-1.Makecertainthelower
handleisseatedsecurelyintothehandlemounting
brackets.
.
b. Tightenhandknobstosecureupperhandleto
lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriageboltis
seatedproperlyin thehandle.
Replaceandtightenhandknobsremovedearlierto
securelowerhandletohandlebrackets.SeeFigure
3-2.
.Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe
upperhandle.Loosenthewingnutwhichsecuresthe
ropeguide.SeeFigure3-3.
a. Holdthebladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releasethe
bladecontrol.
.
c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.
d. Tightenwingnut.
Securecablestothelowerhandlewiththecabletie
alreadyonthe lowerhandle.Insertpegoncabletie
intotheholeonthe lowerhandle.Pullcabletiestight
andcutoff excess.
.Followthestepsbelow,ifneeded,toassemblethe
grasscatcher.SeeFigure3-4.
a. Placebagoverframesothatits blackplasticside
isatthebottom.
b. Slipplasticchanneloverhooksontheframe.
Alltheplasticchannelsexceptcentertopofbag
attachfromoutsideofbag.
c. Attachcentertopofbagfrominsideof bag.
fThegrass
bagonyour
unitmaybe
assembled.
Figure3-3:Pullrecoilstarterthroughropeguideandtighten. Figure3-4:Grassbagassembly(ifneeded)
6

.
Beforeattachingthegrasscatcher,themulching
bafflemustbe removed.SeeFigure3-5.
a. Liftreardischargedoor.
b. Removemulchingbaffle.
Followstepsbelowtoinstallthegrasscatcher.Refer
to Figure3-6.
a. Liftreardischargedoor.
b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod.Letgo
ofdischargedoorsothat itrestson thegrass
catcher.
,_ WARNING: Never operate mowerunless the hooks on the grass catcher
are firmly seated on the pivot rod and
the rear discharge door restsfirmly against top
of the grass catcher.
Figure3-5:The mulchingbaffle
.Followstepsbelowtoinstallthemulchingbaffle:
a. Liftthereardischargedoorandlift thegrass
catcherupandoff ofthepivotrod,if installed.
b. Insertthemulchingbaffleasshownin Figure3-5
and releasethereardischargedoor.
Figure3-6:Liftdischargedoorandplacegrasscatcheronrod.
Adjustments
Cutting Height
Thecuttingheightadjustmentleveris locatedabovethe
rearleft wheel.SeeFigure3-7.
a. Pulltheleveroutandawayfromthemower.
b. Movethe leverforwardor backfordesiredcutting
height.
c. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.
Drive Control
Theadjustmentwheelislocatedin thedrivecontrol
handlehousingandis usedtotightenor loosenthe
drivebelt.Youwillneedtoadjustthedrivecontrolif
themowerdoesnotpropelitselfwiththedrivecontrol
engagedor ifthedrivewheelshesitatewiththedrive
controlengaged.
If eitheroftheseconditionsoccur,rotatetheadjustment
wheelclockwisetotightenthecableandcounter-clock-
wiseto loosenthecabletoadjustthedrivecontrol.See
Figure3-8.
setupand
ustment
CUTTINGHEIGHT
For rough oruneven
lawns; move the height
adjustment leverto a
higher positon. Thiswill
help preventscalping of
thegrass.
DRIVE CONTROL
Forsomepeoplethe
drive contioI maynot
be in a comfortable
position.Youcan adjust
the handlebytightening
the adjustmentwheel:
Figure3-7:Thecuttingheightadjustmentlever. Figure3-8:Theadjustmentwheelonthedrivecontrol.
7
Never operate mower
unlessthe hooks on
t,egr ,,
are firmly seated on
pivot rod and the rear
d schargedoorrests
firmly against top of

Your LaWn
Mower
WARNING
Thebladecontrolisa
safetydevice. Never
attemptto bypassits
operations.
Use extreme care
when handling
gasoline.Gasoline is
extremelyflammable
and the vapors are
Iexplosive.Never fuel
I the machine indoors
or while the engine
is hot or running.
Extinguishcigarettes,
cigars, pipes, and
other sources of
ignition.
Keephandsandfeet
awayfrom thecutting
deck.Referto warning
labelonthe unit.
Know Your Lawn Mower
BladeConlrol
Drive
Recoil Starter--÷
HeightAdjustmenl Lever
Figure4-1:Themajorpartsonthelawnmower.
Nowthatyouhavesetupyourlawnmower,it's
importanttobecomeacquaintedwith itscontrolsand
features.
Blade Control
Thebladecontrolisattachedtothe upperhandle.
Depressandsqueezeit againstthe upperhandleto
operatetheunit.Releaseittostopengineandblade.
Recoil Starter
Therecoilstarteris attachedtotherightupperhandle.
Standbehindtheunitand pullthe recoilstarterropeto
startthe unit.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
1. Checkoillevelandaddoil ifnecessary.Followengine
manualforthis.
,_,_ WARNING:This blade controlis
a safety device. Donot bypass its
operations.
2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe
enginemanual.SeeEnginemanualforlocationofgas
andoilfill.
Drive Lever
Thedriveleverislocatedon theupperhandle.Squeeze
thedrivelevertoengagethedrivesystem.Release
ittodisengagethedrivesystem.Toslowdownwhen
approachinganobstacle,makinga turn,or stopping,
releasethelever.
Height Adjustment Lever
Thecuttingheightadjustmentleverislocatedabovethe
leftrearwheel.Toadjustthecuttingheight,refertothe
AdjustmentSection.
,d_Ll_lkk,, WARNING:Useextremecarewhenhan-
dling gasoline.Gasolineisextremely
flammable and thevapors are explosive.
Neverfuel the machineindoorsor while
the engineishotor running.Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes,and other sourcesof ignition.
,d_, WARNING:Theoperation of anylawn
mower can result inforeign objects
being thrown intothe eyes,whichcan
damageyour eyesseverely. Always
wearsafety glasses while operating the mower or
while performinganyadjustments or repairson it.
8

Starting Engine
__lk ARNING:Besureno one otherthan
theoperatorisstandingnearthe lawn
mowerwhilestartingengineor operat-
ing mower.Neverrun engine indoorsor
in enclosed,poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaust
containscarbon monoxide,an odorlessand deadly
gas. Keephands, feet, hairand looseclothingaway
from any movingpartsonengineand lawnmower.
Followtheset ofinstructionspertainingto yourunit.
Referto enginemanualfor helpwith theengine.
Honda Engine:
1. Placethefuelvalveleverfoundontheleft sideofthe
engineintotheON(OPEN)position.
2. Movethechokelever(ifequipped)all theway
backwardintothechokeposition.SeeFigure4-2.
3. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol
againstupperhandleasshownin Figure4-2.The
chokewill nowbeginto slowlyreturntotheoffchoke
positionafteractivatingthebladecontrol.Therefore,
quicklymoveontostepfourbelow.
4. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil
starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-
ous,fullarmstroke.Keepingafirm griponthestarter
handleletthe roperewindslowly.Repeatuntilengine
cranks.Lettheroperewindeachtimeslowly.
Briggs & Stratton:
1. Ifequipped,pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabout
two secondsbetweeneachpush.SeeFigure4-3. In
temperaturearound550For below,primefivetimes.
Donotprimetorestarta warmengine.
2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol
againstupperhandleasshowninFigure4-3.
3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil
starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-
ous,fullarmstroke.Keepingafirm griponthestarter
handle,lettheroperewindslowly.Repeatuntilengine
cranks.Lettheroperewindeachtimeslowly.
_ WARNING:Waitfor the blade to stop
completelybeforeperforming anywork
on the mower or to remove thegrass
catcher.
Figure4-2:Startingthe Hondaengine.
Figure4-3:Startingthe Briggs& Strattonengine.
_ARNING:If you strikeaforeign
object, stopthe engine.Remove
wire from thespark plug,thoroughly
inspectmowerfor anydamage,and
repairdamagebefore restarting 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.
Operating
rLawn
M0wer
WARNING
The operationof any
lawn mower can re-
suit inforeign objects
being thrown into
the eyes, which can
damage your eyes se-
verely. 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 near lawn
mower while starting
engine or operating
mower. Never run
engine indoors or in
enclosed, poorlyven-
tilated areas. Engine
exhaust contains
carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly
gas. Keep hands,
feet, hair and loose
clothing away from
any moving parts
on engine and lawn
mower.
9

i ¸
Maintaining
WARN! NG
Alwaysstopengine,
disconnectspark
p ugiandground
against engine before
cleaning;lubricating
or do "ganyk ndof
IMPORTANT:We
do not recommend
the use of pressure
washersor a garden
hose to clean your
uniti These maycause
damage to electric
Components;sp nd es,
pulleys, bearingsl or
the engine, The use
ofwaterwillresult
inshortened lifeand
reduce serviceability,
Lubrication
1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolatleast
oncea seasonwithlightoil.Thebladecontrolmust
operatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure5-1.
2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatesurfaceoftheaxleand innersurface
ofthewheelwith lightoil.SeeFigure5-1.
3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointontherear
dischargedoorperiodicallywithlightoil toprevent
rust.See Figure5-1.
4. Thetransmissionis pre-lubricatedand sealedatthe
factoryanddoesnotrequirelubrication.
5. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-
tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.
Figure5-1:Lubricationareasonthe mower. Deck Care 1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn
mowerorplacea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.
2. Tipmowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe
sidewiththeair cleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.
__ WARNING:Nevertip the mower more
than 90degrees inany directions and
do not leavethe mower tipped for any
length of time. Oil candrainintothe
upper partof the engine causingastartingproblem.
3. Scrapeand cleantheundersideofthedeckwitha
suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.
4. Putthemowerbackonitswheelsontheground.If
youhad putplasticunderthegascapearlier,make
sureto removeitnow.
Figure5-2:Replacingtherearflap.
General Recommendations
•Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
anymaintenance.
• Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse
ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras
instructedhere.
• Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid
enginewarranty.
• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.
• Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese
aretight.
__IL ARNING:Alwaysstopengine,
disconnectsparkplug, and ground
against engine beforeservicingthe
unit.
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,dirt, and
combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.
Replacing Rear Flap
1. Lift upreardoor.
2. Bend(bow)therearflapinwardon eachsideto
releasetabsfromtheholesinthehandlemounting
brackets.SeeFigure5-2.
3. Replacewithnewflapbybendingtherearflapand
slidingintoplace.
10

Blade Care f
__k ARNING:Whenremovingcutting
bladefor sharpeningor replacement,
protectyourhandswithapairof heavy
gloves or usea heavy ragto hold blade.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn
moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand
thecarburetorareup.
2. Removebolt,bladebellsupport,blade,andblade
adapterfromtheenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure5-3.
NOTE:Whenremovingtheblade,bladeadapter,etc.,be
carefulnotto removeorlosepartsaboveit associated
withtheenginepulley.
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.
j
Figure5-3:Removeboltand bellsupporttogainaccesstothe
blade.
__k WARNING:Anunbalanced bladewill
causeexcessivevibration whenrotating
athigh speeds, itmay causedamage
to mower,and could breakcausing
personalinjury.
5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurface
ofthebladeadapterwithlightoil.Slidetheblade
adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.Placetheblade
on theadaptersuchthatthesideoftheblademarked
"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)facesthegroundwhen
themowerisin theoperatingposition.Makesurethat
bladeisalignedandseatedon bladeadapterflanges.
6. Placebladebellsupportonthe blade.Alignnotches
on thebladebell supportwith smallholesin blade.
Replacehexboltandtightenhexboltto torque:450
in.Ibs.min.,600 in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically
checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.
Figure5-4:A.Removethe screwsthatholdthe enginebaffle
ontothe deck.B.Loosenthescrewthatholdsdeckbaffleonto
deck.
Belt Care
1. Disconnectthesparkplugwireandgrounditagainst
theengine.
2. Drainthefueltankor placea pieceofplastic
beneaththecapto preventgasolineleakage.
3. Tipmoweron its side(aircleanersideofengineup).
4. Removeblade,adapter,and relatedhardwareas
instructedunder"BladeCare"above.See Figure
5-3.
.a. Removetheself-tappingscrewsthatsecures
theenginebaffletothedeck. SeeFigure5-4.
Removeenginebaffle.
b. Loosenself-tappingscrewthatsecuresdeck
baffletothedeck.SeeFigure5-4.
WARNING
When removing
the cutting blade
for sharpening or
replacement or
when slidingthe belt
around it, protect
your hands with a
pair of heavy gloves
or usea 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

Mower
NOTE:Whenreplacing
the belt,checkthatthe
newlyinstalledbeltis
seatedcorrectlyand is
ridingsmoothlyonthe
enginepulley.
f
Figure5-5:Removebeltfromtransmissionandenginepulley.
6. a. Workingfromtherearofthemower,carefully
removebeltfromtransmissionpulley.
b. Oncebeltisoff transmissionpulley,pushdownon
deckbaffletoaccessenginepulleyandslidebelt
offthis pulleyandoutfromunderthedeck.See
Figure5-5.
7. Replacewithnewbelt,workingitbetweenthedeck
andbaffle,firstaroundthetransmissionpulleyand
thentheenginepulley.
NOTE: Makecertainthatbeltis seatedcorrectlyand
thatitis ridingsmoothlyon theenginepulleyandisnot
pinchedbetweenthelowerand upperpulleyhalves.
8. Tightenself-tappingscrewsecuringdeckbaffle
loosenedearlier.
9. Replaceenginebaffleand securewith selftapping
screws.
10.Replaceblade,bladeadapter,andassociated
hardware.Followinstructionsin BladeCaresectionfor
properassembly.
11.Tip mowerbackontoitswheelsand removepieceof
plasticfromundergascap(if applicable).
Off-Season Storage
Thefollowingstepsshouldbe takentoprepareyourlawn
mowerforstorage.
• Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin
thelubricationinstructions.
• Wedo notrecommendtheuseofa pressurewasher
orgardenhoseto cleanyourunit.
• Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine
storageinstructions.
Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto
preventrusting.
Storemowerina dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenextto
corrosivematerials,suchasfertilizer.
Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipmentin a poorly
ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetakento
rust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoil or silicone,coat
theequipment,especiallycablesandall movingpartsof
yourlawnmowerbeforestorage.
12

NOTES
13

Problem Cause Remedy
Ena nefa sto start 1. Bladecontroldisengaged, i. Engagebladecontro!.
sParkPiugwiie disconnected: conneO!wiretOsparkplugl
3. Fueltankemptyorstalefuel. & Filltankwith clean,freshgasolinel
4. Enginenot piimed(if equippedwth 4. primeengineaSinstr,u,ctedin Operat,
primer)i ing YourLawnMower.
Faultysparkp ugl c ean adjustgap or repiacel
61 BloCked fuel linel clean fuellinel
7: Engineflooded. 7. Wait afewminutesto restait,but do
I notprimel
" 8. Fue!valve(ifequipped)closed, & Openfuelva!ve:See enginemanuaI.
........... 91 Enginenotchoked(ifequippedw/choke). 9. Chokeengine:Seeenginemanual.
For repairsbeyond
minor adjustments
listed here, contact
an authorized service
dealer.
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.
Engne overheats 1. Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil.
2. Airflow restricted. 2. Removeblowerhousing
andc ean.
3. Carburetornotadjustedproperly. 3. Referto enginemanual.
I
Occasionalskips 1. Sparkpluggap tooclose. 1. Adjustgap to .030".
(hesitates)at 2. Carburetoridlemixtureadjustment 2. Referto enginemanual.
highspeed improperlyset.
Idlespoorly 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gap 1. Resetgapto .030"or replace
--too wide. _ sparkplug.
I 2. Carburetorimproperlyadjusted. 2. Referto enginemanual.
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 mowwhengrassLswet;walt
mulch clrass/If I I untillatertocut.
._ ,_" I 2 Excessvey hghgrass 2. Mowonceata highcuttingheight
_-qulppea_ then mowagainatdesiredheight'or
I makeanarrowercuttingpath.
I 3. Dullblade. I 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.
H
Unevencut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsin same
heightposition.
2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.
1. Beltnotinsialledproperly. 1. Checkbeltfor properpulleyinstallation
Mowerwill not
seIfpropeI ' , andmovement.
2. Debrsclogg ngdriveoperation 2. Stopengine,disconnectsparkplug
wireand cleanoutdebris.
3. Damagedor wornbelt. 3. Inspectand replacebelt.
M
14

Safety Labels Found On Your Lawn Mower
Label
WARNING
DONOTremove safety
(or any) labels from
mower for any reason.
15

Model Series 820
!
16

Fief. PartNo. Description
No.
1 746-04265A DriveCable
2 735-04059 RubberGrommet
3 753-05096A DriveControlAssernbly
4 747-1161A BladeControl
5 746-04213 ControlCable
6 749-04037 LowerHandle
7 725-0157 CableTie
8 732-04265 TorsionSpring,LH
9 710-0599 TTScrew,1/4-20x .500
10 787-01343A 21-inchDeck
11 710-0654A TTScrew,3/8-16x 1.00
12 787-01346 DeckBaffle
13 756-04157Bt UpperEnginePulley
756-04273tt UpperEnginePulley
14 756-04156Bt LowerEnginePulley
756-04272tt LowerEnginePulley
15 736-0514t FiatWasher,.885x 1.850x .060
16 748-0376Ct BladeAdapter
748-04096tt BladeAdapter
17 710-1044 Screw,3/8-24x 1.50
18 736-0524B BladeBellSupport
19 742-0741 21"MulchingBlade
Fief. PartNo. Description
No.
20 736-0513t SprgWasher,.890x 1.70x .048
21 750-1071t SleeveSpacer
750-04818tt SIv.Spcr.,25rnrnx 1.375x.375
22 750-04825tt SleeveSpacer
23 731-05463A DeckBaffle
24 710-0260A CarriageBolt,5/16-18x.62
25 712-04063 FlangeLockNut,5/16-18
26 731-05462A Trailshield
27 731-05157 MulchPlug
28 731-05017A RearDoor
29 710-1241 Screw,1/4-15x 1.00
30 720-04072 StarKnob
31 732-04264 TorsionSpring,RH
32 711-04374 DoorPivotRod
33 647-04051 GrassCatcherFrame
34 664-04047 GrassCatcher
35 710-1174 CarriageBolt,5/16-18x2.00
36 720-0279 WingNut
37 710-1205 EyeBolt
38 749-04206 UpperHandle
39 731-05903 EngineBaffle
40 736-0447tt Washer,Wave,1.5x 1.0x.029
t Equippedon Unitswith Briggs&StrattonEngine
tt Equippedon UnitswithHondaEngine
17
PARTS
To order replacement
i,8oo:8oo: 31o
orvisit
www.mtdproducts,com
ii i _iI_ ii

Model Series 820
shown
reference
shown for
reference
18

Ref. PartNo. Description
No.
1 754-04093 V-Belt
2 732-04338 SpringLever
3 720-0230 FoamGrip
4 717-04184A SpurGear,14T- LH
5 710-0599 TT Screw,1/4-20x0.50
6 750-04305A Spacer
7 749-04267A CrossBracket
8 687-02204 FrontBracketAssembly
9 731-05470 ClipSpacer
10 741-04136B SplitHexFlangeBearing
11 734-1987 FrontWheel
12 712-04065 FlangeLockNut,3/8-16
13 634-04363 RearWheel
14 710-04531 Screw,1/4-20x .39
15 717o04192A SpurGear,14ToRH
16 736-3084 FlatWasher
17 782-7551A WheelDustCover
18 748-04159 TransmissionBearingSupport
19 731-05872 ClipSpacer
20 716-0198 RetainingRing.875
21 687-02314 RearBracketAssembly
22 732-0320 ExtensionSpring
23 756-04237 Pulley,3.36OD
24 736-0258 FiatWasher,.385x 1.0x.135
25 712-04063 FlangeLockNut,5/16-18
26 687-02205 HandleBracketAssemblyLH
27 715-0221 DowelPin
28 618-04492 TransmissionAssembly
29 687-02206 HandleBracketAssemblyRH
30 748-0390 Spacer,BearingSupport
31 750-04640 Spacer,.375IDx .255Lg.
PARTS
To order replacement
i,8oo:8oo:731o
orvisit
www.mtdproducts,com
ii i _iI_ ii
iMPORTANT
Fora properworking
machine,use Factory
Approved Parts.
V-BELTS are specially
designedto engage
and disengagesafely.
A substitute (non OEM)
V-Belt canbe danger-
ous by not disengaging
completely.
19

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