MTD 469 User manual

IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.
21” Three-in-One Lawn
Mower
Model 469
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Warning:
This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-
covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the State ofCalifornia the above isrequired by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
Operator’s Manual
FORM NO.
769-00698.fm
(3/2003)

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices...................................................................3
Slope Gauge......................................................................................................6
Assembling Your Lawn Mower..........................................................................7
Know Your Lawn Mower....................................................................................10
Operating Your Lawn Mower.............................................................................11
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ..........................................................................12
Service..............................................................................................................13
Making Adjustments..........................................................................................14
Off- Season Storage..........................................................................................15
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................16
Parts List ...........................................................................................................18
FINDING MODEL NUMBER
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 in the operating position and looking
down 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.
ENGINE INFORMATION
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to performance, power-
rating, specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s Owner’s/Operator’s
Manual packed separately with your unit for more information.
CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT
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- (330) 220-4MTD (4683) or 1- (800)-800-7310 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.
www.mtdproducts.com
MTD LLC
P. O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND,OH 44136
330-220-4683
800-800-7310
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
(Model Number)
(Serial Number)
For more details about your unit, visit our website at www.mtdproducts.com

3
SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
General Operation
1. Read this operator’s manual carefully in its entirety
before attempting to assemble this machine. Read,
understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before operation. Be
completely familiar with the controls and the proper
use of this machine before operating it. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference and for ordering replacement parts.
2. This machine is a precision piece of power
equipment, not a plaything. Therefore, exercise
extreme caution at all times. Your unit has been
designed to perform one job: to mow grass. Do not
use it for any other purpose.
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. Only
responsible individuals who are familiar with these
safe operation rules should use this machine.
4. Thoroughly inspect the area where equipment is to
be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones,
toys and other foreign objects which could be
tripped over or picked up and thrown by the blade.
Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.
Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of
material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and
the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a
wall or obstruction which may cause discharged
material to ricochet back toward the operator.
5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object
injury, stay in the operator zone behind the handles
and keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at
least 75 feet from the machine while it is in
operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
6. Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes
during equipment operation and while performing
an adjustment or repair. Thrown objects which
ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.
7. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-
fitting slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover
the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are
recommended. Never operate this machine in bare
feet, sandals, slippery or light weight (e.g. canvas)
shoes.
8. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or
under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade can
amputate hands and feet.
9. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause
blade contact or thrown object injuries.
10. Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being
pulled over the foot during a fall caused by slipping
or tripping. Do not hold on to the mower if you are
falling; release the handle immediately.
11. Never pull the mower back toward you while you
are walking. If you must back the mower away from
a wall or obstruction first look down and behind to
avoid tripping and then follow these steps:
a. Step back from the mower to fully extend
your arms.
b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure
footing.
c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than
half way toward you.
d. Repeat these steps as needed.
12. Donot operatethe mower whileunder the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
13. Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on
units so equipped while starting engine.
14. The blade control handle is a safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its operation. Doing so makes
the safety device inoperative and may result in
personal injury through contact with the rotating
blade. The blade control handle must operate
easily in both directions and automatically return to
the disengaged position when released.
15. Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be
sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause
serious personal injury. If you feel you are losing
your footing, release the blade control handle
immediately and the blade will stop rotating within
three seconds.
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 operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal
injury. When you see this symbol—HEED ITS WARNING.
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit
chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING: 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.

4
16. Mow in daylight or good artificial light. Walk, never
run.
17. Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives,
walkways or roads.
18. If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine and check immediately for the
cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
19. Shut the engine off 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
engine is shut off. Never place any part of the body
in the blade area until you are sure the blade has
stopped rotating.
20. Never operate mower without proper trail shield,
discharge cover, grass catcher, blade control
handle or other safety protective devices in place
and working. Never operate mower with damaged
safety devices. Failureto do so can result in
personal injury.
21. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a
burn. Do not touch.
22. Only use parts and accessories made by the
original equipment manufacturer (O.E.M). Failure
to do so can result in personal injury.
23. If situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your
dealer for assistance. Telephone [phone]
for the name of your nearest dealer.
Slope Operation
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. Before operating this unit on a
slope or hilly area, use the slope gauge on page 6 to
measure slopes. 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.
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 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
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is notalert 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.
1. Keep children out of the mowing area and under
the watchful care of a responsible adult other than
the operator.
2. Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the
area.
3. Before and while moving backwards, look behind
and down for small children.
4. 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.
5. Keep children away from hot or running engines.
They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.
6. 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
Safe Handling of Gasoline:
1. To avoid personal injury or property damage use
extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is
spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite.
2. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.
3. Use only an approved gasoline container.
4. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or
trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground away from your vehicle
before filling.
5. If possible, remove gas-powered equipment from
the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this
is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a
trailer with a portable container, rather than from a
gasoline dispenser nozzle.
6. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel
tank or container opening at all times until fueling is
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
7. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
8. Never fuel machine indoors because flammable
vapors will accumulate in the area.
9. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine
is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two
minutes before refueling.

5
10. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½
inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for
fuel expansion.
11. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
12. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.
13. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light as
on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes
dryer or other gas appliances.
14. To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass,
leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.
15. Allow a mower to cool at least 5 minutes before
storing.
General Service:
1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly
ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make
certain the blade and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground against the engine to prevent unintended
starting.
3. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also,
visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., bent,
cracked, worn). Replace blade with the original
equipment manufacture’s (O.E.M.) blade only,
listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not
meet the original equipment specifications may
lead to improper performance and compromise
safety”
4. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when
servicing them.
5. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
6. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.
7. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against
the engine. Thoroughly inspect the mower for any
damage. Repair the damage before starting and
operating the mower.
8. Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height
adjustment while the engine is running.
9. 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 (O.E.M.) parts only,
listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not
meet the original equipment specifications may
lead to improper performance and compromise
safety!”
10. Do not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine. The governor controls the
maximum safe operating speed of the engine.
11. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
12. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations.
Improper disposal of fluids and materials can harm
the environment.
Your Responsibility
• Restrict the use of this powermachine to persons who read, understand and followthe warnings andinstructionsin
this manual and onthe machine.
1299 AC

6
SECTION 2: SLOPE GAUGE
15°
SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
A POWER POLE
A CORNER OF A BUILDING
OR A FENCE POST
FOLDONDOTTEDLINE,REPRESENTINGA15°SLOPE
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.
WARNING

7
SECTION 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR LAWN MOWER
Removing Unit FromCarton
• Remove staples, break glue on top flaps or cut tape
at carton end and peel along top flap to open
carton.
• Remove loose parts if included with unit (i.e.,
operator's manual, hardware pack etc.).
• Cut corners and lay carton down flat. Remove
packing material.
• Roll or slide unit outof carton. Check carton
thoroughly for loose parts.
NOTE: Make sure not to crimp the cables while
removing the loose parts or the entire unit from the
carton.
Tools Required
• Pair of Pliers
• Funnel
• Set of adjustable wrenches
Disconnecting Spark Plug
• Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect the
spark plug wire from the spark plug, and ground it
against the engine. See Figure 1 .
Figure 1
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the mower
is observed from the operating position.
IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil
in the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline
and oil before operating your mower.
Assembling Handle
• For shipping purposes, the grass bag was placed
on top of the unit. Remove it from the unit and set it
out of the way. See Figure 2 .
Figure 2
• Raise the lower handle, as shown in Figure 2 , till it
snaps into place.
• Raise the upper handle as shown in Figure 2 .
• Tighten the two wing nuts which are already on the
handle. See Figure 3 .
Figure 3
NOTE: Make sure to route the cables outside the lower
handle. Also do not crimp the cables while lifting the
handle up.
• For shipping purposes, the hairpin clip is placed in
the outer hole of the weld pin on the lower handle.
Remove the hairpin clip from the outer hole of the
weld pin.
• Using a pair of pliers, insert the hairpin clip into the
inner hole in the weld pin. Repeat on the other side.
See Figure 4 .
Figure 4
Spark Plug Wire Spark Plug
Lift upper
handle
Lift lower handle
Grass Bag
Lower Handle
Upper Handle
Tighten these
wing nuts
Lower
Handle
Upper
Handle
Inner Hole
Hairpin Clip
Lower Handle

8
• Insert post of cable ties that are on lower handle
into the holes provided on the lower handle. The
holes may be on the inside or outside. Pull cable
ties tight and cut off the extra. See Figure 5 below.
Figure 5
Attaching Starter Rope
The rope guide is already attached to the right side of
the upper handle of your mower. See Figure 6 .
• With the spark plug wire disconnected and
grounded, hold the blade control handle against the
upper handle, and pull the starter rope up to the
rope guide. See Figure 6.
• Slip the rope through the rope guide as shown
below. Tighten the wing nut holding the rope guide
to the upper handle.
Figure 6
Grass Catcher Assembly
NOTE: Make certain the grass bag is turned right side
out before assembling (warning label will be on the
outside).
Parts for soft grass bag
1. Front Frame
2. Rear Frame
3. Bag
Assembling soft grass bag
• Join the rear frame and front frame assembly as
shown in Figure 7A.
• Place the bag over the frame (black plastic side is
the bottom of bag). Slip the openings in the side of
the plastic channels on the bag over the hooks on
the grass catcher frame.
• Secure bag to frame by working the plastic
channels on bag over frame as shown in Figure 7B.
All of the plastic channels except the center top of
the bag attach from the outside ofbag. The center
top of the bag attaches from inside the bag.
Figure 7
Attaching Grass Catcher
• If your mower is equipped with a rear baffle, and it
is in place on the mower, lift the rear discharge door
and remove it from the mower. See Figure 8 .
Figure 8
NOTE: Make sure that the cables are routed to the
outside of the handle when attaching the grass catcher.
• Lift the rear discharge door.
• Place the hooks of the grass catcher into the slots
in the handle bracket assemblies on both sides.
See Figure 9 .
• Release the rear discharge door.
Cable Tie
Post on
Cable Tie
Upper Handle
Rope
Rope
Wing Nut
Starter
Guide
Front
Frame
Assembly
Rear
Frame Bag
Hook
Plastic
Channels
AB
Frame
Rear
Mulching
Plug

9
Figure 9
Removing Grass Catcher
• Lift the rear discharge door on the mower.
• Lift the grass catcher up, out of the slots in the
handle bracket assemblies.
• Reinstall the plastic rear baffle.
• Release the rear discharge door.
WARNING: Never operate the mower
unless the hooks on the grass catcher are
seated in the slots on the handle bracket
assemblies, and the rear discharge door
rests firmly against the top of the grass
catcher.
Converting to Side Discharge
• Your mower has been shipped as a mulcher. To
convert it to a side-discharge mower, lift the
mulching plug. Slide the two hooks on the side-
discharge deflector under the hinge pin on the
mulching plug assembly. Lower the mulching plug.
See Figure 10 .
• Do not remove the side mulching plug at any time,
even when you are not mulching.
Figure 10
Rear Discharge Door
Side
Chute
Deflector
Mulching
Plug
Hinge
Pin

10
SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
Read this owner’s manual and safety rules before operating your lawn mower. Compare the illustrations in Figure
11 with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments.
Figure 11
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter is attached to the handle. Stand
behind the unit and pull the starter rope to start the unit.
Primer
The primer is used to pump gas into the carburetor. Use
it to assist in starting a cold engine, but do not use it
when restarting a warm engine after a shortshutdown.
Refer to engine manual for location of the primer.
Blade Control Handle
The blade control handle is located on the upper handle
of the mower. The blade control handle must be
depressed in order to operate the unit. Release the
blade control handle to stop the engine and the blade.
Lower Bail Handle
The lower bail handle is located on the upper handle
and is used to engage the drive. Squeeze the bail
handle against the upper handle to engage the drive;
release it to slow down or stop the mower from
propelling.
Throttle Control
The engine is equipped with a constant speed throttle
which is set at full throttle for maximum engine and
cutting performance.
Grass Bag
Use the grass catcher bag to collect clippings while you
are operating the mower. The grass clippings will
automatically collect in the bag as you run the mower.
Blade Control Handle
Lower Bail Handle
Starter Rope
Oil Plug
Gasoline FillSpark Plug
Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever*
Grass Bag
Mulch
Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever*
* Fourth lever not shown
Plug
Side Discharge
Chute Deflector
WARNING: The blade control handle is a
safety device. Never attempt to bypass its
operations.The blade willbe rotatingwhenever
the engine is running.

11
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
• Service the engine with gasoline and oil as
instructed in the separate engine manual packed
with your mower. Read the instructions carefully.
Before Starting Mower
• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain
the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire is
fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark
plug.
Starting Engine
• Push the primer three times. Wait two seconds
between each push. In temperatures below 55° F,
prime five times. Do not prime to restart a warm
engine after a short shutdown.
• Standing behind the mower, depress the blade
control handle and hold it against the upper handle.
• Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until
engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope
will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the rope
rewind slowly. Pull rope with a rapid, continuous,
full arm stroke. Keeping a firm grip on the starter
handle, let the rope rewind slowly.
• Once the engine has started, squeeze the lower
bail handle and the blade control handle against the
upper handle to run the mower.
Stopping Engine
• Release blade control handle to stop the engine
and the blade.
• Disconnect spark plug wire and move away from
spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
UsingYourLawnMower
•Do not operate the mower without the mulching
cover, the grass catcher bag, or the discharge
chute properly installed.
• Be sure that the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire,
or other objects which could damage lawn mower
or engine. Such objects could be accidently thrown
by the mower in any direction and cause serious
personal injury to the operator and others.
• For best results, do not cut wet grass because it
tends to stick to the underside of the mower,
preventing proper discharge of grass clippings,
poor mulching conditions, and could cause you to
slip and fall. New grass, thick grass, or wet grass
may require a narrower cut.
• For a healthy lawn, always cut off one-third or less
of the total length of the grass. Lawn should be
trimmed in fall as long as there is growth.
Adjusting Cutting Height
Refer to page 14 for instruction on how to adjust the
handle height and the cutting height.
• For best results in mowing, keep the cutting height
position high until you have determined which
cutting height is preferred.
Bagging Grass Clippings
You can use the grass catcher bag to collect clippings
while you are operating the mower.
• Attach the grass catcher following instructions on
page 8 of this manual. The grass clippings will
automatically collect in the bag as you run the
mower.
• Operate the mower till the grass bag is full.
• Stop the engine completely by releasing the control
handle.
• Make sure that the unit has come to a complete
stop.
• Lift discharge door and pull grass bag up and away
from the mower to dispose of the grass clippings.
WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors, or
when engine is running or hot. Do not smoke
when filling up the fuel tank.
WARNING: Be sure no one other than the
operator is standing near the lawn mower while
starting engine or operating mower.
WARNING: Never run engine indoors or in
enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas.
WARNING: Keep hands, feet, hair and
loose clothing away from any moving parts on
engine and lawn mower.
WARNING: If you strike a foreign object,
stop the engine. Remove spark plug wire from
spark plug, thoroughly inspect the mower for
any damage. Repair the damage before
restarting and operating the mower. Extensive
vibration of the mower during operation is an
indication ofdamage. The unit should be
promptly inspected and repaired.

12
SECTION 6: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN MOWER
Cleaning the Mower
• Clean the underside of the mower deck after each
use to prevent any build-up of grass clippings. If this
debris is allowed to accumulate, it will result in rust
and corrosion.
NOTE: We do not recommend the use of pressure
washers or garden hose to clean your unit. These may
cause damage to electric components, spindles,
pulleys, bearings or the engine. The use of water will
result in shortened life and reduced serviceability.
• Disconnect spark plug wire.
• Drain the gasoline from the lawn mower, or place a
piece of plastic under the gas cap.
• Tilt the mower so that the side with the air cleaner is
facing up. Hold the mower firmly.
• Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a
suitable tool. Do not spray with water.
• Put the mower back on its wheels. If you had put
plastic under the gas cap, remove it now.
Engine Maintenance
A list of key maintenance jobs required for good
performance by the mower is given below. Follow the
accompanying engine manual for detailed list and
instructions.
• Change engine oil after the first two operating
hours and every 25 operating hours thereafter.
Check oil level before starting engine every time.
• Service foam filter in the air cleaner every 25 hours
of use and replace the paper filter component every
100 hours. You may have to service the air filter
more frequently if you are operating the mower
under extremely dusty conditions.
• Clean engine periodically with a cloth or brush.
• Clean the spark plug and reset the gap to.030” at
least once a season or every 50 hours of operation.
Spark plug replacement is recommended at the
start of each season.
• Inspect muffler periodically, and replace if
necessary. Damaged mufflers or spark arresters
can create a fire hazard. Make sure to avoid muffler
and surrounding areas while the mower engine is
hot because temperature of these areas of the
engine may exceed 150
o
F.
Lubrication (See Figure 12 )
Wheels
• Lubricate the wheels and bearings, if so equipped,
at least once a season with light oil or engine oil.
Also, if the wheels are removed for any reason,
lubricate the surface of the axle bolt and the inner
surface of the wheel with light oil.
Chute Deflector & Rear Discharge Door
• Lubricate the torsion spring and the pivot point on
each end of the chute deflector and the rear
discharge door using a light oil. This will prevent
rusting and ensure that the deflector, which is a
safety device, can always work properly.
Engine
• Follow the engine manual instructions and
recommended schedule for lubricating engine
components.
Pivot Points
• Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control
handle, lower bail handle, and the cutting height
adjustment lever at least once a season with light
oil. The blade control handle and the lower bail
handle must operate freely in both directions. The
cutting height adjustmentlevers should be able to
move easily.
Figure 12
WARNING: Always stop the engine and
disconnect the spark plug wire before
performing any maintenance work or
adjustments on your lawn mower.
WARNING: Never tip the mower more than
90 degrees in any direction and do not leave
the mower tipped for any length of time. Oil can
drain into the upper part of the engine causing
a starting problem.
Lubricate
Lubricate
Lubricate
Lubricate
Lubricate

13
SECTION 7: SERVICING YOUR MOWER
Blade Care
Periodically inspect the blade adapter-pulley assembly
for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object.
Replace when necessary.
• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.
• Turn mower on its side making sure that the air filter
and the carburetor are up.
To Remove Blade
• Remove the hex bolt which holds the blade
adapter-pulley assembly to the engine crankshaft.
See Figure 13 . Remove the pulley assembly, blade
and the bell support from the crankshaft.
• Remove blade from the blade adapter-pulley
assembly.
Figure 13
To Replace Blade:
• Before reinstalling the blade-pulley assembly to the
unit, lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner
surface of the blade adapter with light oil.
• Also lubricate the bolt hole and the hex bolt.
• Insert the hex bolt, earlier removed, through the
center hole on the blade bell support, blade and the
blade adapter-pulley assembly respectively.
• Install the blade assembly on the crankshaft.
Tighten the hex bolt to the recommended torque.
Refer to ‘Blade Mounting Torque’ information
below.
IMPORTANT: The bolt used to secure the blade to the
engine is specially heat-treated. Do not substitute. To
order replacement bolt, refer to the parts list in the back
of this manual.
Blade Mounting Torque:
Center bolt: 450 in.lbs. minimum, 600 in.lbs. maximum.
To Sharpen Blade:
• The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a
grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen the
blade while it is still on the mower.
• Follow the original angle of grind as a guide. Make
sure that each cutting edge receives an equal
amount of grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade.
An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration
when rotating at high speeds, may cause damage to
the mower and/or personal injury. Test the blade by
balancing it on a round shaft screwdriver or a blade
balancer.
• If the blade is not balanced, remove metal from the
heavy side until it balances evenly.
Replacing Drive Belt
• Remove two shoulder screws securing the front
drive cover to the mower deck. See Figure 14 .
• Press inward on the sides of the front drive cover
and release the tabs that secure the front drive
cover to the height adjuster brackets. Remove drive
cover from the mower.
• Using a torque wrench, loosen the screw holding
the belt tension spring to the transmission. See
Figure 14 . Do not remove the screw completely. As
you loosen the screw, the tension on the belt will be
released.
• Push the transmission up a little and slide the belt
off the transmission pulley.
• Lift the mower to access the belt from the underside
of the mower.
WARNING: When removing the cutting
blade for sharpening or replacement, protect
hands by using heavy gloves or a thick rag to
grasp the cutting blade.
Adapter-Pulley
Assembly
Blade
Hex Bolt
Blade Bell
Support
WARNING: To ensure safe operation of
your unit, all nuts and bolts must be checked
periodically for correct tightness.

14
Figure 14
• Slide the belt off the engine pulley and around the
blade. See Figure 15 .
• Replace with the new belt, working around the
blade. Make sure the belt is firmly seated on the
engine pulley while pulling from the other side and
sliding it around the transmission pulley.
• Put the mower down with all four wheels firmly
placed on one level.
• Tighten the screw, loosened earlier, to secure the
belt tension spring to the transmission, and
reassemble the front drive cover.
Figure 15
Replacing Rear Flap
• To remove rear flap, cut off the flat end of the wire
rod which secures it to the deck. See Figure 16 .
• Attach the new flap and new rod to deck, bending
the ends of the new rod over to secure to deck.
Figure 16
SECTION 8: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS
Handle Height
Your mower is shipped with the handle in the higher
height position. To lower height, proceed as follows.
• Remove the starter rope from the rope guide.
• Remove the upper handle by removing the hand
knobs and carriage bolts. Lay the upper handle out
of the way, being careful not to bend or kink cables.
• Remove the hairpin clips from the weld pins on the
handle brackets. Refer to Figure 4 . Press out on
the legs of the lower handle. Remove lower handle
from the mower.
• Turn lower handle around so the notch is facing
forward as shown in Figure 17 . Reassemble,
placing the bottom holes in the handle over the
weld pins in the handle mounting bracket.
• Reassemble the upper handle to the lower handle.
• Insert hairpin clips in the inner holes of the weld
pins and attach the starter rope as instructed in
“Assembling Your Lawn Mower” section.
WARNING: As always, use a thick piece of
rag to handle the blade while sliding the belt
around it. Make sure the engine does not start
at all while doing this job.
Loosen this screw
Shoulder
Shoulder
Screw
Screw Front Drive
Cover
Belt
Transmission
Engine
Pulley
Left Front
Wheel
Right Front
Wheel
Handle
Bracket
Handle
Bracket
Rear Discharge
Door
Rear
WireRod
Flap

15
Figure 17
Cutting Height
IMPORTANT: All wheels must be placed in the same
relative position.
• For rough or uneven lawns, move the height
adjustment lever to a higher position. This will help
stop scalping of the grass.
An adjusting plate and thumb lever at each wheel
position provides cutting height adjustment. Each
adjusting plate has nine height positions. Height of cut
will change when you move the thumb lever from one
position to another.
• Simply depress the lever towards the wheel and
move the lever assembly to desired position. See
Figure 18 .
Figure 18
Carburetor
NOTE: A dirty air cleaner may cause an engine to run
rough too. Make sure that the air cleaner is clean and
attached to the carburetor before deciding to adjust the
carburetor.
To adjust carburetor, please follow the engine manual.
SECTION 9: OFF-SEASON STORAGE
Prepare your lawn mower for storage at the end of the
season or if it will not be used for 30 days or more.
Mower
• Clean underside of the mower following
instructions on page 12.
NOTE: We do not recommend the use of pressure
washers or garden hose to clean your unit. They may
cause damage to electric components, spindles,
pulleys, bearings or the engine. The use of water will
result in shortened life and reduce serviceability.
• Lubricate the mower as instructed on page 12.
• You can fold your mower’s handle for convenience
of storage:
Remove the starter rope from the rope
guide; loosen the two hand knobs on
the sides of the handle, and let the
upper handle fold down to the rear.
Move the hairpin clips to the outer hole
in the weld pins on the handle mount-
ing brackets. Spread sides of the lower
handle, and push it forward and down.
• Inspect and replace/sharpen blade, if required.
Refer to page 13.
Gasoline
• Do not store gasoline from one season to another.
NOTE: Gasoline, stored for more than one month, may
affect engine performance. So use fresh gasoline.
• Replace your gasoline can if it starts to rust. Rust
and/or dirt in the gasoline will cause problems.
Engine
• Clean engine and remove any grass clippings, dirt,
and debris from the cooling fins, air intake screen,
levers, linkage and the exterior of the engine.
• Follow recommendations in engine manual for off-
season storage of the engine.
• Change oil as stated in the engine manual.
Storage
• Store unit in a clean, dry area. Do not store next to
corrosive materials, such as fertilizer or rocksalt.
• If storing the mower in an unventilated or metal
storage shed, make sure to rustproof the
equipment with a light oil or silicone.
Notch
Lower
Handle
WARNING: If any adjustments are made to
the engine (e.g. carburetor) while the engine is
running, keep clear of all moving parts. Be
careful of heated surfaces like the muffler.
Height
Adjustment
Lever

16
SECTION 10: TROUBLE-SHOOTING GUIDE
NOTE: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments listed above, contact your nearest authorized service dealer.
Refer to separate engine manual packed with your mower for more engine related information.
Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action
Engine fails to start 1. Blade control handle disengaged
2. Spark plug wire disconnected
3. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel
4. Blocked fuel line
5. Faulty spark plug
6. Engine flooded
1. Engage blade control handle
2. Connect wire to spark plug
3. Fill up tank with fresh gasoline
4. Clean fuel line
5. Clean, adjust gap, or replace
6. Wait a few minutes and start again
Engine runs erratic 1. Spark plug wire loose
2. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel
3. Vent in gas cap plugged
4. Water or dirt in fuel system
5. Dirty air cleaner
1. Connect and tighten spark plug wire
2. Clean fuel line, fill tank with fresh gas
3. Clear vent
4. Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel
5. Clean air cleaner. Refer to engine
manual
Engine overheats 1. Engine oil level low
2. Air flow restricted 1. Fill crankcase with proper oil 2. Clean lawn mower engine
Occasional skip at
high speed 1. Spark plug gap too close 1. Adjust gap to.030 inches
Idles poorly 1. Spark plug fouled, faulty, or gap too wide
2. Dirty air cleaner
1. Reset gap to.030 inches or replace
spark plug
2. Clean air cleaner
Excessive vibration 1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced
2. Bent cutting blade
3. Bent engine crankshaft
1. Tighten blade and adapter, balance
blade
2. Replace blade
3. Contact your nearest service center
Mower will not
mulch grass 1. Wet grass 2. Excessively high grass
3. Dull blade
1. Wait until grass is dry to cut
2. Mow once at a high cutting height,
then mow again at desired height
3. Sharpen or replace blade
Uneven cut 1. Wheels not in same height position
2. Dull blade 1. Reposition all wheels at same height 2. Sharpen or replace blade

17
NOTES