MTD 18A-V17-800 User manual

®
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
19" Electric
Lawn Mower
IMPORTANT:
Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.
C
This symbol on the product's nameplate
means it is listed by
US LJSTEB UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC.
MTD PRODUCTS LTD., P.O. BOX 1386, KITCHENER, ON CANADA769-01445
(10/04)

TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices ................................................................... 3
Slope Gauge ................................................................................................... 6
Unpacking Instructions ...................................................................................... 7
Assembling Your Lawn Mower ........................................................................... 7
Know Your Lawn Mower .................................................................................... 9
Operating Your Lawn Mower ............................................................................. 10
Making Adjustments .......................................................................................... 12
Maintenance ...................................................................................................... 12
Off-Season Storage ........................................................................................... 14
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 15
Parts List ............................................................................................................ 16
Warranty ............................................................................................................ 18
Safety and Decorative Labels ............................................................................ 19
FINDINGMODELNUMBER
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.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the
equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below. The information on
the model plate is very important if you need help from our Customer Support Department or
an authorized dealer.
You can locate the model number by standing behind the unit and looking at the rear of the deck. A
sample model plate is explained below. For future reference, please copy the model number and the
serial number of the equipment in the space below.
Model Number
Numero de modele Serial Number Numero de serie
XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX
_llle 1K!8ToCoH6E6NE1R_3ONN2G 4J1
www.mtdcanada.com
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.
Call 1- 800-668-1238 to reach a Customer Support representative. Please have your unit's
model number and serial number ready when you call. See previous section to locate this
information. You will be asked to enter the serial number in order to process your call.

SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS!
WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions, which if not followed, could endanger the personal
safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to oper-
ate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol--
HEED ITS WARNING.
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual. As with any
type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This machine is
capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could
result in serious injury or death.
When using electric lawnmowers, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire,
electric shock, and personal injury. These basic precautions include the following:
GENERALOPERATION
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual before attempting to
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in asafe place
for future and regular reference and for ordering
replacement parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.
Know how to stop the machine and disengage them
quickly.
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this
machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and
understand the operation instructions and safety rules in
this manual and should be trained and supervised by a
parent.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without
proper instruction.
5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, stay
in the operator zone behind the handles and keep
children and bystanders at least 75 feet from the machine
while it is in operation. Stop motor if anyone enters the
area.
6. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys and
other foreign objects, which could be tripped over or
thrown by the blade. Thrown objects can cause serious
personal injury.
7. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material
toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also,
avoid discharging material against awalt or obstruction,
which may cause discharged material to ricochet back
toward the operator.
8. Always wear proper eye protection while operating or
performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes.
Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious injury
to the eyes.
9. Always use a face or dust mask if operating in a dusty
environment.
10. Dress Properly - Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry.
They can be caught in moving parts. Use of rubber
gloves and footwear is recommended when working
outdoors.
11. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection should
be provided on the circuit(s) or outlet(s) to be used for the
lawn mower. Receptacles are available having built-in
GFCI protection and may be used for this measure of
safety.
12. To prevent electric shock use only with a CUL listed
extension cord set suitable for outdoor use, such as Type
SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A, SJW-A, SJOW-A,
SJTW-A, or SJTOW-A.
13. Extension Cord - Make sure your extension cord set is in
good condition, is heavy enough to carry the current your
mower will draw, and is polarized (one blade of plug is
wider than the other). A 100' length of 14 AWG should be
used. A 50' length of 16 AWG or a 150' length of 12 AWG
cord is an acceptable alternative. A longer length or
undersized cord wilt cause a drop in line voltage resulting
in a loss of power and overheating.
14. To reduce the likelihood of disconnection of the lawn
mower from the extension cord set, be sure to use the
cord restraint provided as shown in the illustration below:
15.
Cord Restraint
Extension Cord
To reduce the risk of electric shock, this lawn mower has
a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other) and
wilt require the use of a polarized extension cord. The
mower plug wilt only fit into the polarized extension cord
one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the extension
cord, reverse the plug. Ifthe plug still does not fit, obtain a
correct polarized extension cord. A polarized extension
cord wilt require the use of a polarized wall outlet. This
plug wilt fit into the polarized outlet only one way. Ifthe
plug does not fit fully into the walt outlet, reverse the plug.
Ifthe plug still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician
to install the proper walt outlet. Do not change the
equipment plug, extension cord receptacle, or extension
cord plug in any way.

16.Homecircuit-Thismowershouldbeoperatedona15
AMPcircuit.Ifyouexperiencedifficultyinstartingwitha
standard15AMPfuseorcircuitbreaker,contactyour
nearestauthorizedservicefacility.Donotuseahigher
ratedfuseorbreakerwithoutconsultingyourpower
company.
17.Donotabusethecordbypullingthemowerbythecord
oryankingittodisconnectitfromthereceptacle.Keep
cordfromheat,oil,andsharpedges.
18.Manyinjuriesoccurasaresultofthemowerbeingpulled
overthefootduringafallcausedbyslippingortripping.
Neveroperatethismachineinbarefeet,sandals,
slipperyorlightweight(e.g.canvas)shoes.Donothold
ontothemowerifyouarefalling;releasethehandle
immediately.
19.Neverpullthemowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare
walking.Ifyoumustbackthemowerawayfromawallor
obstructionfirsttookdownandbehindtoavoidtripping
andthenfollowthesesteps:
• Stepbackfromthemowertofullyextendyourarms.
• Besureyouarewell balanced with sure footing.
• Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half way
toward you.
• Repeat these steps as needed.
20. Do not use lawn mower for any job except that for which it
is intended. Do not force the lawn mower- Cut grass at a
rate, for which the mower is designed, which wilt not
sacrifice the performance or safety of the machine.
21. Do not operate the mower while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
22. Stay Alert- Do not operate the mower when you are
tired. Watch what you are doing. Use common sense.
23. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the
cutting deck. Contact with the blade can amputate hands
and feet.
24. Never attempt to make awheel or cutting height
adjustment while the motor is running.
25. Avoid dangerous environments- Never operate the
mower in the rain or in wet or damp grass.
26. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light. Walk, never
run.
27. Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks or
roads.
28. If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop
the motor and check immediately for the cause. Vibration
is generally a warning of trouble.
29. Stop the motor and wait until the blade comes to a
complete stop before removing the grass catcher or
unclogging the chute. The cutting blade continues to
rotate for a few seconds after the motor is shut off. Never
place any part of the body in the blade area until you are
sure the blade has stopped rotating.
30. Never operate mower without proper trail shield,
discharge cover, grass catcher, blade/motor control or
other safety protective devices in place and working.
Never operate mower with damaged safety devices.
Failure to do so can result in personal injury.
31. Only use parts and accessories made for this machine by
the manufacturer. Failure to do so can result in personal
injury.
32. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual,
use care and good judgment. Contact your dealer or
telephone [phone] for assistance and the name
of your nearest servicing dealer.
SlopeOperation
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents
which can result in severe injury. Operation on slopes
requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not
mow it. For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part
of this manual to measure slopes before operating this unit on
a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees,
do not mow it.
Do:
1. Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
2. Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or bumps
which can cause you to slip or trip. Tall grass can hide
obstacles. Remove all objects such as rocks, tree limbs,
etc., which could be tripped over or thrown by the blade.
3. Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause
serious personal injury. If you feel you are losing your
balance, release the blade/motor control handle
immediately, and the blade will stop rotating within 3
seconds.
DoNot:
1. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments,
you could lose your footing or balance.
2. Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as shown on
the slope gauge.
3. Do not mow on wet grass. Unstable footing could cause
slipping.
Children
1. Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the mower and the mowing activity. They do not
understand the dangers. Never assume that children will
remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator.
• Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area.
• Before and while moving backwards, look behind and
down for small children.
• Use extreme care when approaching blind corners,
doorways, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may
obscure your vision of a child who may run into the
mower.
2. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate a
power mower. Children 14 years old and over should
read and understand the operation instructions and
safety rules in this manual and should be trained and
supervised by a parent.

Service
1. When servicing use only identical replacement parts
listed in this manual. "Use of parts which do not meet the
original equipment specifications may lead to improper
performance and compromise safety!"
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain
the blade and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect
the power cord when not in use to prevent unintended
starting.
3. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing
accessories.
4. Inspect lawn mower cord and extension cords
periodically and replace immediately, if damaged. Lawn
mower cord should be repaired by an authorized service
facility only.
5. Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and grease.
6. To reduce a fire hazard, keep the motor free of grass,
leaves and debris build-up.
7. Check the blade and motor mounting bolts at frequent
intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade
for damage (e.g., bent, cracked, and worn) Replace
blade with the original equipment manufacturer's (OEM)
blade only, listed in this manual.
8. Maintain your mower with care- Keep mower blade
sharp and clean for best and safest performance. Mower
blades are sharp and can cut, wrap the blade or wear
gloves and use extra caution when servicing them.
9. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
10. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
11. After striking aforeign object, stop the motor and
disconnect the power cord. Thoroughly inspect the
mower for any damage. Repair the damage before
operating the mower.
12. Grass catcher components, discharge cover, and trail
shield are subject to wear and damage which could
expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For
safety protection, frequently check components and
replace immediately with original equipment
manufacturer's (OEM) parts only, listed in this manual.
13. When not in use, store lawn mower indoors in a dry area,
locked-up and/or out of the reach of children.
DoubleInsulatedLawnMower
Double insulation is a concept in the safety of electric lawn
mowers, which eliminates the need for the usual three-wire
grounded power cord and grounded power supply system.
Wherever there is electric current in the mower, there are two
complete sets of insulation to protect the user. All exposed
metal parts are isolated from the internal metal motor
components with protecting insulation.
IMPORTANT: Servicing of a lawn mower with double
insulation requires extreme care and knowledge of the
system and should be performed only by a qualified
service technician. For repair service we suggest you
return the lawn mower to your nearest authorized
service dealer. Always use original factory replacement
parts when servicing.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand, and follow the warnings and
instructions in this manual and on the machine.

USE THIS PAGE AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SLOPES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY.
g'
E | .11 SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
I.IIA POWER POLE
i
-z, I "9
_-_ __
o
WARNING
Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower
could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is extremely difficult to maintain
your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.
Operate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.
¢O

SECTION3: UNPACKINGINSTRUCTIONS
RemoveUnitFromCarton
NOTE: Reference to the right or left hand side of the
mower is observed from the operating position.
Remove staples, break glue on the top flaps, or cut
the tape at carton end and peel along top flap to
open the carton.
Remove any loose parts included with the unit (i.e.,
operator's manual, etc.).
Cut the corners and lay the carton down flat.
Remove packing material.
Roll or slide the unit out of carton. Check the carton
thoroughly for loose parts.
REMOVE MANUAL & LOOSE PARTS
Figure 1
SECTION4: ASSEMBLINGYOURLAWNMOWER
LoosePartsinCarton
•Grass Catcher Assembly. Refer to Figure 2.
•Owner's Manual (not shown).
Pull up and back on the upper handle to raise the
handle into the operating position. Make certain the
lower handle is seated securely into the handle
mounting brackets. Refer to the steps in Figure 3.
Rear Frame
Front Frame
Grass Bag
Figure 2
ToolsRequired
•A pair of pliers.
AssemblingHandle
•Remove any packing material which may be
between the upper and lower handles for shipping
purposes.
Figure 3
WARNING: The handle insulators are not only
used to adjust handle height, but are also a
safety device and should never be altered in
any way. If replacement is necessary, use
original equipment parts as shown in the parts
list on page 17.
•The upper handle may be adjusted to three
different height positions. To adjust the handle at
the desired position, align one of the three marks
on the top of the lower handle insulators with the
mark on the upper handle insulators. See Figure 4.
•Tighten the hand knobs on each side of the handle.
Make sure that carriage bolts are seated properly
into the handle insulators.

Hand Knob Insulator
Upper Handle Lower
n marks here)
Figure 4
Remove the hairpin clips from the outer hole inthe
weld pins on the handle mounting brackets.
Using a pair of pliers, squeeze one leg of the lower
handle against the handle mounting bracket. Insert
the hairpin clip into the inner hole on the weld pin.
Repeat on the other side. Refer to Figure 5.
Make certain all nuts and bolts are tightened
securely.
Inner Hole
Hairpin Clip Lower Handle
Outer Hole
Handle Mounting
Bracket
Figure 5
AssemblingtheGrassCatcher
NOTE: Before assembfing, make sure that the grass
bag is turned right side out with the warning label on the
outside. Also the black plastic side is the bottom of the
bag.
Insert the front frame into the rear frame as far as it
will go.
Place frame assembly inside the bag.
Slip the plastic channel of the bag over the frame
(adjacent to the handle of the grass catcher) as
shown in Figure 6. Make sure that the handle of the
grass catcher protrudes out of the notch in the
plastic channel on bag.
Insert the two hooks on both sides of the frame
through the openings on both sides of the bag.
1. Slide front frame
into rear frame
_Frame
.ooqj
Fron/tFrame
3. SliPuhandln_tchof
Handle
2. Placeframe
inside bag
4. Slip plastic channel
over frame
\
Figure 6
•Secure bag to the frame by working the plastic
channels on bag over the frame on the other sides
as shown in Figure 6.
NOTE: All of the plastic channels except the center top
of the bag attach from the outside of the bag. The
center top of the bag attaches from the inside of bag.
WARNING: Never operate the mower without
the proper trail shield, discharge cover, grass
catcher, blade/motor control or other safety
protective devices in place and working. Never
operate the mower with damaged safety
devices. Failure to do so can result in personal
injury.
AttachingTheGrassCatcher
•Lift the rear discharge door on the mower and
remove the mulching baffle. See Figure 7.
Discharge Door
Mulching Baffle
Figure 7

• Place the hooks of the grass catcher into the slots
in the handle bracket assembly on each side of the
lower handle as shown in Figure 8. Release the
rear discharge door.
To remove the grass catcher, lift the rear discharge
door on the mower. Lift the grass catcher up, out of the
slots in the handle bracket assemblies. Release the
rear discharge door.
WARNING: Do not operate this mower with
the chute door open, unless the complete
grass catcher is properly mounted on the
mower.
Grass Catcher Bag Rear Discharge Door
ot On
"_" _\ , Handle
HOOK Bracket
Figure 8
SECTION5: KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER
Motor/Blade Control Assembl, Cord Restraint
Handle Insulator Handle Insulator
Grass Catcher
Rear Discharge Door
Lower Handle
Electric Motor
S
Rear Trailing Shield
Figure 9
Read this operator's manual and safety rules before
operating your lawn mower. Compare the illustration in
Figure 9 with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself
with the location of various controls and adjustments.
Save this manual for future reference.
,_ WARNING: The operation of any lawn
mower can result in foreign objects being
thrown into the eyes, which can damage
your eyes severely. Always wear safety
glasses while operating the mower, or
while performing any adjustments or
repairs.
M0t0r/BladeControlAssembly
The motor/blade control is located on the upper handle
of the mower. See Figure 9. The motor/blade control
handle engages and disengages the motor and blade.
Height Adjustment Lever
,_ WARNING: The motor/blade control assembly
is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass its
operations.
RearTrailingShield
The rear trailing shield, attached between the rear
wheels of your mower, is provided to minimize the
possibility of objects being thrown at the operator from
the rear of the mower. See Figure 9.
CircuitBreaker
The mower is equipped with a circuit breaker, located
on the motor/blade control. Refer to Figure 10. This
circuit breaker may trip when too much strain is placed
on the mower. See Making Adjustments Section.

CordRestraint
The cord restraint is located on the back of the upper
handle and when used properly, helps to protect the
motor/blade control assembly and also the extension
cord powering the unit.
HeightAdjustmentLever
A height adjustment lever at each wheel provides
cutting height adjustment. Each adjuster has nine
height positions. Height of cut will be changed when the
lever is moved from one position to another. Simply
depress the lever towards wheel and move wheel and
lever assembly to desired position. All wheels must be
placed in the same relative position.
SECTION6: OPERATINGYOURLAWNMOWER
CordConnection
ExtensionCordSelection
Shown below is the length of extension cords and its
corresponding acceptable cord ratings.
• 50' Cord -- use 16 AWG
• 100' Cord -- use 14 AWG
• 150' Cord -- use 12 AWG
The extension cord should be a CUL listed cord set
suitable for outdoor use.
IMPORTANT: Using any other length or rating of cord
will diminish the performance and possibly the life of the
electric motor, and may also cause breakers to trip or
fuses to blow in your home's fuse box.
CordRestraint
• Attach the extension cord (not provided with unit) to
the cord restraint as follows.
Form a small loop in the extension cord. Allow
enough excess cord to make the connection to the
motor/blade control (approximately 20 inches).
Slip the loop through the slot on the bottom of the
cord restraint, and up over the tab, to prevent
disconnection from the motor/blade control during
operation.
Keep the cord restraint as close to the motor/blade
control as possible. See Figure 9.
Connectingtothe Motor/BladeControlAssembly
Connect the plug on the extension cord fully onto the
plug on the mower. The mower is equipped with a
polarized AC power plug (one blade is wider than the
other), which will fit into the plug on the extension cord
only one way. If unable to make a connection, try
reversing the extension cord plug. Should the plugs still
fail to fit, contact your service dealer for assistance. Do
not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.
Connectingtothe ElectricPowerSource
WARNING: This mower should be operated on a
15 AMP circuit. If you experience difficulty in
starting with a standard 15 A fuse or circuit
breaker, contact you nearest authorized service
facility. Do not use a higher rated fuse or breaker
without consulting your power company.
Plug the extension cord into any convenient 110-120 V
60 cycle AC outlet or receptacle for your source of
power. This outlet may be located either outdoors or
indoors. To avoid blowing fuses, pick an outlet that is
not overloaded. Your mower will operate satisfactorily
on a circuit that is fused for 15 amperes. Do not use
oversize fuses without consulting an electrician. If an
inside receptacle is used, the extension cord can be
taken out either through the doorway or a window.
StartingtheMotorandBlade
NOTE: The wheels on your unit are set in a low cutting
position for shipping purposes. For best results, raise
the cutting position until it is determined which height is
best for your lawn. See cutting height adjustment in the
Making Adjustments section.
Motor/Blade Control Lever Engaged Position
(Blade Turning)
Released Position
(Blade Stopped)
Circuit Breaker
Reset Button
AC Plug Upper Handle
Figure 10
10

To engage the motor and blade, first be certain to follow
the previous steps for connecting a suitable extension
cord, then referring to Figure 10:
• Stand behind the unit and depress the locking
button.
• While holding the locking button down, pull the
blade/motor control lever and hold it against the
upper handle.
• Release the locking button.
StoppingtheMotorandBlade
WARNING: The blade continues to rotate for a
few seconds after the motor is shut off. If motor
does not come to a stop when the motor/blade
control handle is released, contact an authorized
service dealer.
To stop the motor and blade from spinning:
• Release the motor/blade control lever from its
position against the upper handle and the blade
and motor will quickly come to a stop.
NOTE: A high pitched noise may occur as the electric
motor decelerates and some sparking may occur also
at the same time. This is normal behavior when the
motor and blade is disengaged.
MowingYourLawn
NOTE: A sharp blade will greatly increase the
performance of the lawn mower, especially in
conditions of higher grass. Be sure to check the blade
and sharpen it at least once a year as outlined in the
Maintenance section.
• Make sure the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wires,
or other objects that could damage the lawn mower
or motor. Such objects could be accidentally thrown
by the mower in any direction and cause serious
personal injury to the operator and others.
• To prevent electric shock, do not operate the
mower in damp or wet conditions.
• Always start from the point closest to the power
source where the cord is connected. Never mow
around the lawn in circles; travel back and forth
across the lawn, starting from the point closest to
the outlet and then moving away from the outlet so
the cord lies in the cut portion of the lawn, out of the
way. Refer to Figure 11.
T = Obstacles
r/
Outlet
(Start here)
Figure 11
• Do not allow the extension cord to wrap around
trees, shrubs or other obstacles. When picking up
the extension cord, wind the cord in a series of
equal loops on each side of your hand to prevent it
from tangling.
• When cutting heavy grass, reduce walking speed to
allow more effective cut and proper discharge of the
clippings. For a healthy lawn, always cut off one-
third or less of the total length of the grass. The
average lawn should be approximately 1-1/2 to 2
inches during the cool season, and over 2 inches
during hot months. For a healthier and better
looking lawn, cut more often and after moderate
growth. The lawn should be cut in the fall as long as
there is growth.
MulchingTips
• For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass
because ittends to stick to the underside of the
deck, preventing proper mulching of grass
clippings. New or thick grass may require a
narrower cut. The ground speed should be
adjusted to the condition of the lawn. If mowing has
been delayed and the grass has been allowed to
grow in excess of 4", mow twice to reduce the grass
height to 3-1/4" maximum.
WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop
the motor, and unplug from the power supply
circuit. Thoroughly inspect the mower for any
damage, and repair the damage before
restarting and operating the mower.
Excessive vibration of the mower during
operation is an indication of damage. The unit
should be promptly inspected and repaired.
11

SECTION7: MAKINGADJUSTMENTS
CuttingHeightAdjustment
Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever
Figure 12
A height adjustment lever at each wheel provides
cutting height adjustment. Each adjuster has nine
height positions. Height of cut will be changed when the
lever is moved from one position to another.
Depress the lever towards wheel and move the
wheel and lever assembly to desired position.
To raise the height, push the lever towards the front
of the mower on both front wheels, and push the
lever toward the back of the mower on the rear
wheels.
Refer to Figure 12. All wheels must be placed in the
same relative position. For rough or uneven lawns,
move the wheels to a position which will give a higher
cutting height.
HandleHeightAdjustment
• The upper handle may be adjusted to three
different height positions. To adjust the handle to
the desired position, align one of the three marks
on the top of the lower handle insulators with the
mark on the upper handle insulators. Refer to
Figure 4.
• Tighten the hand knobs on each side of the handle.
Make sure the carriage bolts are seated properly
into the handle insulators.
ResettingtheCircuitBreaker
The mower is equipped with a circuit breaker, located
on the motor/blade control assembly as shown in
Figure 10. This circuit breaker may trip when too much
strain is placed on the mower. The circuit breaker may
have been tripped if the mower will not run.
• If this occurs, unplug the mower, wait
approximately five minutes, then depress the reset
button. Refer to Figure 10.
• Plug the mower back in, restart the mower, but be
sure to reduce the strain on the mower (i.e., mow at
a higher cutting height, slow down cutting speed, or
take a smaller width of cut).
• If the circuit breaker does not reset, or if it trips
repeatedly under normal cutting conditions, unplug
the mower from the extension cord and unplug the
extension cord from the power source. Then check
to make certain your cord is the correct length and
rating as listed in the Operating YourLawn Mower
section. If the cord is correct and is also not
damaged, take the machine to an authorized
service dealer for repair.
SECTION8: MAINTENANCE
WARNING: Always stop the motor and
disconnect from the power source before
cleaning, lubricating or performing any
repairs or maintenance on the lawn
mower.
CuttingBladeReplacement
WARNING: Always protect hands by wearing
heavy gloves and/or wrapping cutting edges
with newspapers or other materials when
performing any blade maintenance. Be certain
to disconnect the power supply.
RemovingtheBlade
• Stop the motor and disconnect the power supply to
the mower. Turn the mower on its side.
• Use a block of wood between blade and mower
deck to prevent the blade from turning when the
bolt is removed.
• Using a 24mm wrench or socket, loosen the blade
bolt and remove the blade.
12

Motor Shaft
Cutting Blade
ock_ing Plate
_.,_ Blade Bolt
InstallingtheBlade
&
Figure 13
WARNING: The blade hardware is not only
used to attach the blade assembly, but is
also an insulated safety device and should
never be altered in any way. If replacement
is necessary, use original equipment parts
as shown in the parts list on page 17.
•Place the cutting blade, locking plate, and blade
bolt against the blade hub assembly and thread the
blade bolt on finger tight. Refer to Figure 13.
NOTE: Make certain to replace the parts in the exact
order in which they were removed. When installing the
cutting blade, make sure it is installed with the curved
ends pointing towards the mower deck and not towards
the ground.
• Torque the blade bolt down using a torque wrench
to assure the bolt is tightened properly. The
recommended torque for the blade bolt is 450-600
in. Ibs. To insure safe operation of your unit, all nuts
and bolts must be checked periodically for correct
tightness.
Sharpeningthe Blade
To sharpen the blade, first remove the blade as outlined
in the previous section. DO NOT attempt to sharpen the
blade while it is attached to the mower. The blade can
be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel.
• When sharpening the blade, follow the original
angle of grind as a guide. It is extremely important
that each cutting edge receives an equal amount of
grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade.
• Test the blade by balancing it on a round shaft
screwdriver or a blade balancer. See Figure 14.
• If the blade is not balanced, remove metal from the
heavy side until it balances evenly.
,_ WARNING: An unbalanced blade will cause
excessive vibration when rotating at high
speeds. It may also cause damage to the
mower and could break, causing personal
injury.
Reinstall the blade as described earlier in this
section making certain to torque the cutting blade to
s )ecifications.
1. Insertscrewdriver through hole
\
2. Balanced blade willbe parallel to ground
Screwdriver Blade
\
Ground
Figure 14
MowerDeck
,_ WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric
shock, do not expose the mower to water.
The underside of mower deck should be cleaned after
each use as grass clippings, leaves, dirt and other
debris will accumulate. This accumulation of grass
clippings, etc., is undesirable as it will promote rust and
corrosion.
Remove any buildup of grass and leaves on or
around the motor cover (do not use water). Wipe
the mower clean with a dry cloth occasionally.
If debris is allowed to build up on the underside of
the unit, stop the motor and disconnect the power
supply to the mower, tilt the mower forward or on its
side and scrape it clean with a suitable tool.
Lubrication
At the beginning and end of each mowing season:
• Lubricate the springs on the rear discharge door
with a light oil.
• Lubricate the height adjustment levers and related
hardware with light oil.
• Remove the wheels and lubricate the surface of the
axle bolt and the inner surface of the wheel with
light oil.
• Remove the blade and blade hub assembly and
lubricate the motor shaft with light oil or engine oil.
Refer to Figure 13.
13

SECTION9: OFF-SEASONSTORAGE
The following steps should be taken to prepare the lawn
mower for storage.
• Make certain the power supply is disconnected.
• Clean mower as instructed in previous section.
• Inspect and replace/sharpen blade if required.
Refer to the Maintenance section on page 12.
• Lubricate the mower as instructed on page 13.
• Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next
to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer and rock
salt.
• Wipe extension cord to remove any foreign
substance such as oil or stains. Replace extension
cord if cut or damaged in any way.
• Wind cord in a series of equal loops on each side of
your hand to prevent itfrom tangling.
• Store mower indoors, in a cool, dry place, out of
reach of children. Do not cover lawn mower with a
solid plastic sheet. Any plastic covering traps
moisture around the mower which promotes rust
and corrosion.
The handle may be folded away completely for
storage.
• Remove grass bag.
• Loosen the hand knobs on the sides of the handle,
and fold the upper handle down.
• Remove the hairpin clips, pull outward on each side
of the lower handle, and lift the sides of the lower
handle past the edges of the handle mounting
brackets. Fold the lower handle forward. Make sure
not to bend or kink the power cord.
14

SECTION10: TROUBLESHOOTINGGUIDE
Trouble Possible Cause(s) Corrective Action
Handle not in position. Carriage bolts not seated inthe handle
insulators.
Mower not starting.
Circuit breaker on the mower
tripping.
Mower cutting grass
unevenly.
Cord disconnected from the motor/
blade control.
Motor/blade control switch defective.
Extension cord not connected to the
plug on the mower.
Extension cord not connected to a
source of power.
Circuit breaker on the mower or in the
house receptacle tripped.
Too much workload on the mower.
Fuse blown; outlet overloaded.
Adjust the height of the handle and make sure that
the carriage bolts are seated properly into the
handle insulators. Tighten the hand knobs.
Reconnect the cord keeping the cord restraint close
to the motor/blade control.
Lawn rough or uneven.
Cutting height not set properly.
Wet grass clippings stick to the
underside of the deck.
High grass or cutting height too tow.
Rear of mower housing and blade
dragging in heavy grass.
Bent motor shaft.
Replace motor/blade control switch.
Connect the extension cord to the plug on the
mower.
Connect the extension cord to a 110-120 V 60 cycle
A.C. receptacle.
Reset the circuit breaker following instructions in
the Operating Your Lawn Mower section of this
manual.
Raise the cutting height, reset the circuit breaker on
the mower, take a smaller width of cut, and walk
slowly.
Connect to an outlet that is fused for 15 amperes.
Reset the circuit breaker and start the mower again.
Move the wheels to a higher cutting height position.
All wheels must be placed in the same cutting
height for the mower to cut evenly.
Mower not mulching properly. Wait till the grass dries before mowing.
Hard to push. Raise cutting height.
Raise cutting height.
Mower vibrating at higher
speed.
Blade is unbalanced.
Stop the motor, disconnect the power source and
inspect for damage. Repair before restarting. If
vibration persists, take it to a service dealer.
Balance the blade by grinding each cutting edge
equally.
15

SECTION11:PARTSLIST/LISTEDESPII_CES
16
40 7
43
44 /
/
45
49
51
47
54
56
32
\\
27 19\
_29 28 37 "35
58
60
59
\61
29
41
50
51 15
J14
21
33
6
4
i
I
Ii
38
11
16

REF
NO.
N° DE
REF
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
21
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
3O
31
32
33
34
34
35
37
38
39
4O
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
PART
NO.
N° DE
PIECE
782-0054B-0638
731-2425
710-1756
724-0309
710-1756
731-2400
731-2383-0637
631-0132
742-0826
782-7051
624-0078
731-1261
732-0712
782-7025-0637
720-0275
710-0192
732-0678
732-0677
710-0896
DESCRIPTION
19" Deck
Motor Support
Screw
Electric Motor 115V, 1500W
Screw
Air Guide Cover
Hood
Blade Hub Assembly
Blade
Locking Plate
Screw, Blade
Rear Flap
Rear Flap Wire
Chute Door
Knob
Truss Mach Scr #10-24 X .38
RH Torsion Spring
LH Torsion Spring
Hex Index Washer Screw 1/4-14 X .625
DESCRIPTION
Corps 19 po
Support du moteur
Vis
Moteur electrique 115V, 1500W
Vis
Couvercle-guide d'air
Capot
Ensemble de moyeu de la lame
Lame
Plaque de blocage
Vis-lame
Clapet arriere
Fil metallique du clapet arriere
Clapet de la goulotte
Bouton
Vis de renforcement usinee n° 10-24 X .38
Ressort de torsion CD
Ressort de torsion CG
Vis taraudee a t_te hexagonale 1/4-14 X ,625
14578
14579
15261A
15262B
738-0507B
732-0404
720-0190
736-0105
734-1987
738-0102
736-0356
712-0798
682-0516
682-0514-0637
14765
14766
732-0417A
738-0507B
682-0513-0637
682-0515
764-04003
764-04004
764-04014
749-1310-0637
725-1942
710-1757
747-1094
726-0368
720-0279
731-2422
710-0450
731-1388
731-1268
731-1267
720-0241
749-1318A-0637
714-0104
782-5025-0637
782-5026-0637
782-5004-0637
731-2386
710-1017
Height Adj. Ass'y RH (w/knob)
Height Adj. Ass'y LH (w/knob)
Height Adjuster Plate
Wheel Pivot Bar
Shoulder Screw .50 Dia.
Spring Lever Ass'y w/knob
Knob
Bell. Washer .375 ID X .870 OD X .063
Wheel 8"X 1.8", Gray
Axle Bolt
Bell. Washer .38 ID X 1.38 OD X .06
Hex Nut 3/8-16 Gr. 2
Handle Bracket Ass'y RH
Handle Brkt. Ass'y-RH
Pivot Bar RH SP
Pivot Bar LH SP
Spring Lever SP
Shoulder Screw .50 Dia.
Handle Brkt. Ass'y-LH
Handle Bracket Ass'y LH
Rear Catcher Frame
Front Catcher Frame
Grasscatcher Bag w/logo
Upper Handle
Switch Plug Combination
Screw
Guide Rod
Cord Restraint
Knob - ERS Guide 1/4-20
Cable Guide
Carriage Bolt 5/16-18 x 3.00
Insulator Knob
Upper Handle Insulator
Lower Handle Insulator
Wing Nut
Lower Handle
Int. Cotter Pin .072 X 1.13" Lg.
Front Baffle
Rear Baffle
Right Rear Baffle
Rear Mulch Plug
Torx Mach. AB-Tapp Scr. 1/4-14 X .625"
Ensemble de reglage de roue-CD (avec bouton)
Ensemble de reglage de roue-CG (avec bouton)
Plaque de reglage de roue
Barre de pivot
Visa epaulement .50 Dia.
Ensemble de levier de ressort avec bouton
Bouton
Rondelle Bell ,375 DI X ,870 DE X ,063
Roue 8 X 1,8 po, gris
Boulon de I'essieu
Rondelle Bell..38 DI X 1.38 DE X .06
Ecrou hex 3/8-16 Qte. 2
Support du poignee-droit
Support du guidon-droit
Barre de pivot - droit
Barre de pivot - gauche
Ressort de levier
Visa epaulement .50 Dia.
Support du guidon-gauche
Support du poignee-gauche
Armature arriere du sac a herbe
Armature avant du sac a herbe
Sac recup6rateur (avec logo)
Guidon superieur
Contacteur-demarreur/Prise de courant combine
Vis
Tige de guide
Attache c&ble
Bouton - 1/4-20
Guide-c&ble
Boulon ordinaire 5/16-18 x 3.00
Bouton de I'isolateur
Isolateur du guidon superieur
Isolateur du guidon inferieur
E_croua oreille
Guidon inferieur
Goupille fendue ,072 X 1,13 po. de Ig.
Deflecteur avant
Deflecteur arriere
Deflecteur de arriere droit
Obturateur de dechiquetage-arriere
Vis torx AB 1/4-14 X ,625 po de Ig
18AVI7
10.15.04
17

SECTION12: TWOYEARLIMITEDWARRANTY
For TWO YEARS from the date of retail purchase within Canada, MTD PRODUCTS LIMITED will, at its option,
repair or replace, for the original purchaser, free of charge, any part or parts found to be defective in material or
workmanship.
This warranty does not cover:
1. Any part which has become inoperative due to misuse, commercial use, abuse, neglect, accident, improper
maintenance or alteration; or
2. The unit if it has not been operated and/or maintained in accordance with the owner's instructions furnished
with the unit; or
3. The engine or motor or component parts thereof which carry separate warranties from their manufacturers.
Please refer to The applicable manufacturer's warranty on these items; or
4. Batteries and normal wear parts except as noted below. Log splitter pumps, valves and cylinders or
component parts thereof are covered by a one year warranty; or
5. Routine maintenance items such as lubricants, filters, blade sharpening and tune-ups, or adjustments such
as brake, clutch or deck; or
6. Normal deterioration of the exterior finish due to use or exposure.
Full Ninety Day Warranty on Battery: For ninety (90) days from the date of retail purchase, if any battery
included with this unit proves defective in material or workmanship and our testing determines the battery will not
hold a charge, MTD PRODUCTS LIMITED will replace the battery at no charge to the original purchaser.
Additional Limited Thirty Day Warranty on Battery: After ninety (90) days but within one hundred twenty (120)
days from the date of purchase, MTD PRODUCTS LIMITED will replace the defective battery, for the original
purchaser, for a cost of one-half (1/2) of the current retail price of the battery in effect at the date of return.
Full Sixty Day Warranty on Normal Wear Parts: Normal wear parts are defined as belts, blade adapters, blades,
grass bags, seats, tires, rider deck wheels and clutch parts (friction wheels). These parts are warranted to the
original purchaser to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of sixty (60) days from the
date of retail purchase.
How to Obtain Service: Warranty service is available, with proof of purchase, through your local authorized
service dealer or distributor. If you do not know the dealer or distributor in your area, please write to the Service
Department of MTD PRODUCTS LIMITED, P. O. BOX 1386, KITCHENER, Ontario, N2G 4J1. The return of a
complete unit will not be accepted by the factory unless prior written permission has been extended by MTD
PRODUCTS LIMITED.
Transportation Charges: Transportation charges for the movement of any power equipment unit or attachment
are the responsibility of the purchaser. Transportation charges for any part submitted for replacement under this
warranty must be paid by the purchaser unless such return is requested in writing by MTD PRODUCTS LIMITED.
Other Warranties: All other warranties, express or implied, including any implied warranty of merchantability is
limited in its duration to that set forth in this express limited warranty. The provisions as set forth in this warranty
provide the sole and exclusive remedy of MTD PRODUCTS LIMITED obligations arising from the sale of its
products.
MTD PRODUCTS LIMITED will not be liable for incidental or consequential loss or damage.
18

SECTION13: SAFETYANDDECORATIVELABELS/I_TIQUETTES
777X41288
PLACEMODELPLATEONLABEL/
APPOSEZLAPLAQUESIGNALETIQUESUR
L'_:TJQUETTE777S30577
777S30579
777CD00146
777S30577
READFROMOPERATOR/LJSiBLEDUPOSTEDECONDUiTE
777S30578
READFROMOPERATOR/
LiSIBLEDUPOSTEDECONDUiTE
777120906
CENTREONUPPERHANDLEFACINGOPERATOR/
AUCENTRESURL'AVANTDUPLATEAUDECOUPE
777122011
CENTREONLOWERHANDLEFACINGOPERATOR/
AUCENTREDU GUIDONINFI_RiEURFACEAUCONDUCTEUR
19