manuals.online logo
Brands
  1. Home
  2. •
  3. Brands
  4. •
  5. MTD
  6. •
  7. Lawn Mower
  8. •
  9. MTD 54M Series User manual

MTD 54M Series User manual

Other manuals for 54M Series

6

Other MTD Lawn Mower manuals

MTD Series V560 User manual

MTD

MTD Series V560 User manual

MTD Cub Cadet Z-42 User manual

MTD

MTD Cub Cadet Z-42 User manual

MTD 11A-414E000 User manual

MTD

MTD 11A-414E000 User manual

MTD 149-820A User manual

MTD

MTD 149-820A User manual

MTD 134-420A Manual

MTD

MTD 134-420A Manual

MTD 131-410A User manual

MTD

MTD 131-410A User manual

MTD 110-300 User manual

MTD

MTD 110-300 User manual

MTD 131-796A User manual

MTD

MTD 131-796A User manual

MTD 125-270A Manual

MTD

MTD 125-270A Manual

MTD 030 Series User manual

MTD

MTD 030 Series User manual

MTD YARD-MAN 999 User manual

MTD

MTD YARD-MAN 999 User manual

MTD 116-890A Manual

MTD

MTD 116-890A Manual

MTD 120-550 User manual

MTD

MTD 120-550 User manual

MTD 132-730A User manual

MTD

MTD 132-730A User manual

MTD 070 Series User manual

MTD

MTD 070 Series User manual

MTD 128-250A User manual

MTD

MTD 128-250A User manual

MTD 11A-549Q755 User manual

MTD

MTD 11A-549Q755 User manual

MTD 12AE46JA001 User manual

MTD

MTD 12AE46JA001 User manual

MTD 121-336-300 User manual

MTD

MTD 121-336-300 User manual

MTD 26M User manual

MTD

MTD 26M User manual

MTD 115-152A Manual

MTD

MTD 115-152A Manual

MTD 110-260 User manual

MTD

MTD 110-260 User manual

MTD 140-830A User manual

MTD

MTD 140-830A User manual

MTD 030 thru 062 User manual

MTD

MTD 030 thru 062 User manual

Popular Lawn Mower manuals by other brands

Toro 20047 Operator's manual

Toro

Toro 20047 Operator's manual

Toro Greensmaster TriFlex 3300 Operator's manual

Toro

Toro Greensmaster TriFlex 3300 Operator's manual

Global garden products 72 Workshop manual

Global garden products

Global garden products 72 Workshop manual

EINHELL 01045 operating instructions

EINHELL

EINHELL 01045 operating instructions

Toro Greensmaster 3120 Operator's manual

Toro

Toro Greensmaster 3120 Operator's manual

Baroness LM315GC Owner's operating manual

Baroness

Baroness LM315GC Owner's operating manual

GreenWorks Tools 25157 user manual

GreenWorks Tools

GreenWorks Tools 25157 user manual

Etesia MVEHH user manual

Etesia

Etesia MVEHH user manual

Husqvarna LTH125 owner's manual

Husqvarna

Husqvarna LTH125 owner's manual

Gravely 915034 - ZT1640 Owner's/operator's manual

Gravely

Gravely 915034 - ZT1640 Owner's/operator's manual

Jacobsen 63281 Technical manual

Jacobsen

Jacobsen 63281 Technical manual

GreenWorks Pro MO802524 Operator's manual

GreenWorks Pro

GreenWorks Pro MO802524 Operator's manual

Toro TimeMaster 20976 Operator's manual

Toro

Toro TimeMaster 20976 Operator's manual

Deutz-Allis 3000 Series parts manual

Deutz-Allis

Deutz-Allis 3000 Series parts manual

Craftsman 917.9998C owner's manual

Craftsman

Craftsman 917.9998C owner's manual

jobmate YT9108 user manual

jobmate

jobmate YT9108 user manual

Yard force GM R40A instructions

Yard force

Yard force GM R40A instructions

Husqvarna R 419TsX AWD Operator's manual

Husqvarna

Husqvarna R 419TsX AWD Operator's manual

manuals.online logo
manuals.online logoBrands
  • About & Mission
  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

Copyright 2025 Manuals.Online. All Rights Reserved.

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips &Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
OF AOAL
21=inch Rotary Lawn Mower- Model 54M
iMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyuniiprovedforest-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.769-02396A
9/29/2006
This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new lawn mower, it will help you assemble,
prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Table of Contents
Slope Gauge ........................................................ 3
Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4
Setup and Adjustment ....................................... 6
Operating Your Lawn Mower .............................. 8
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10
Trouble Shooting .............................................. 12
Safety Labels .................................................... 13
Engine Appendix .............................................. 14
Engine Safe Operation Practices ................. 14
Operating Your Engine .................................. 16
Maintaining Your Engine ............................... 18
Parts List ........................................................... 22
Warranty ............................................. Back Cover
MTDLLCreservestherighttochangeproductspecifications,designs,andequipmentwithoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation.
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREYOUBEGINTOASSEMBLEYOURNEW
EQUIPMENT,pleaselocatethe modelplateon the
equipmentandcopythe informationto thesample
modelplateprovidedto the right.Youcan locatethe
modelplatebystandingat theoperatingpositionand
lookingdownatthe rearofthe deck.Thisinformation
willbe necessaryto usethe manufacturer'sweb
site,to obtainassistancefromthe CustomerSup-
portDepartment,or whencontactingan authorized
servicedealer.
Model Number Serial Number
MTD LLC
P.O= BOX 361131
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330-220-4683
www.mtdproducts.com 800-800-7310
Customer Support
Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
Ifyou havedifficultyassemblingthisproductor haveanyquestionsregardingthe controls,operation,or
maintenanceof this unit,you canseek helpfromtheexperts.Choosefromthe optionsbelow:
= Visitwww.mtdproducts.com
• Calla CustomerSupportRepresentativeat 1-800-800-7310.
2
z_
d_
o9
_D
_D
O
O
E
=5
O
d_ o6
d_ o3
o -5
O9 C5
d_ O3
C
_ o
_D o_
E
O
_D
C5
c_ 0
o3
c_ _,_
c'_ _
!i!_i!il< Sightandholdthis levelwith a verticaltree...
_ or a cornerof a building...
I
I__ or a fence post
I
I I
-- fir_e (repros
_ _ er_ts a 15o
15°
_0
WARNING
Thissymbolpoints
out importantsafety
instructionswhich,if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
i safetyand/or property
I ofyourselfand others.
Readandfollowall
instructionsinthis
manualbeforeat-
temptingto operate
i this machine.Failure
I to complywith these
instructionsmay result
i in personalinjury.When
youseethis symbol.
i HEED ITS WARNING!
i Your Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read.
i understand
andfollow thewarnings
and instructions
I. =nthis manual
and onthe machine.
WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of its constituents,and certain vehiclecompo-
nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: This machine was builtto be operatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operation in this
manual.As with anytype of powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operator
can resultin serious injury.This machineis capable of amputatinghandsand feet and throwing
objects. Failureto observethe following safety instructionscouldresult in seriousinjury 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 supervisedbya 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.Stopmachineifanyoneenters
area.
6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera-
tionandwhile performinganadjustmentor repairtoprotect
youreyes.Thrownobjectswhich ricochetcancauseserious
injurytothe eyes.
7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesand close-fitting
slacksandshirts. Shirtsandpantsthatcoverthe armsand
legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended.Neveroperate
this machinein barefeet,sandals,slipperyor 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 doso can
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 slipandfallcan cause
seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeel youarelosingyour
balance,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediately,and
the bladewill stoprotatingwithin3 seconds.
Do Not:
1. Do notmowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments,you
could loseyourfootingor balance.
2. Do notmowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesas shownon
the slopegauge.
3. Do notmowonwet grass.Unstablefootingcouldcause
slipping. Service
Safe Handling Of Gasoline:
1. Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextreme
carein handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable
and thevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjury can
occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselfor your clothes,
which canignite.Washyourskin andchangeclothes
immediately.
2. Use onlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.
3. Neverfillcontainersinsideavehicleor ona truckortrailer
bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe
groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
4. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truckor trailer
and refueliton theground.If thisisnot possible,thenrefuel
suchequipmenton atrailer withaportablecontainer,rather
thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.
5. Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimofthe fueltankor
containeropeningatall timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Do
not usea nozzlelock-opendevice.
6. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
7. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill
accumulatein thearea.
8. Neverremovegascap oradd fuelwhileengineishot or
running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwo minutesbefore
refueling.
9. Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch
belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.
10.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
11.If gasolineis spilled,wipe itoff theengineand equipment.
Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting
engine.
12.Neverstorethe machineorfuel containernearanopen
flame,sparkor pilotlightas ona waterheater,space
heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.
13.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,
orother debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand
removeanyfuel soakeddebris.
14.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService:
1. Neverrun anengineindoorsorin a poorlyventilatedarea.
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorless
anddeadlygas.
2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe
sparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe engineto prevent
unintendedstarting.
3. Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent
intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectblade
fordamage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewith
theoriginalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,
listedin thismanual."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe
originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improper
performanceand compromisesafety!"
4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor
weargloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip-
mentis insafeworkingcondition.
6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproper
operationregularly.
7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,discon-
nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.
Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerfor anydamage.Repairthe
damagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower.
8. Neverattemptto makea wheelor cuttingheightadjust-
mentwhilethe engineisrunning.
9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail
shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould
exposemovingpartsor allowobjectstobethrown.For
safetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsand re-
placeimmediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's
(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedin thismanual."Useofparts
whichdo notmeetthe originalequipmentspecifications
mayleadtoimproperperformanceand compromise
safety!"
10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating
speedoftheengine.
11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.
12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper
disposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
Practices
WARNING
This symbol points
out importantsafety
instructions,which if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safety and/or property
of yourselfand others.
Readand followall
instructions inthis man-
ual beforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failureto comply with
these instructionsmay
result in personalinjury.
Whenyousee this
symbol.
HEED iT'S WARNING!
Your Responsibility
Restrictthe use
of this powermachine
to personswho read.
understand
and followthe warnings
and instructions
in this manua
and onthe machine.
5
NOTE:ThisOperator's
Manualcoversseveral
models.LawnMower
featuresvaryby
model.Notallfeatures
discussed(orengines
pictured)inthis manual
are applicableto all
LawnMowermodels.
NOTE: Stand behind
themoweras ifyou
were goingto operate
it. Yourrighthand cor-
respondstothe right
sideof the mower;your
left handcorresponds
tothe leftside ofthe
i mower.
NOTE: Makesureto
route cable outsidethe
I lower handle. Do not
i crimpcable while lifting
i the handle up.
IMPORTANT
This unitis shipped
I without gasolineor
oil in the engine.Fill
Lpgasolineand oil
as instructedinthe
accompanyingengine
manual BEFORE
operatingyour mower.
i _ 1. Removeanypackingmaterial.Thefirststepin
,._ ..J
Figure3-1:Attachwheels.
Figure3-2:Unfoldhandleandtightenhardware.
assemblyistoattachthe rearwheels.
a. Placerearof themowerdeckon raisedblocks.
b. Removelocknutandwasher(ifequipped)from
pivotarmassembly,Figure3-1.(On selectmodels,
thesemaybe includedseparatelyin a plasticbag).
c. Slidewasher(ifequipped)followedbythewheel
(bothwithhollowsidein)ontopivotarm.See
Figure3-1.
d. Securewithlock nutremovedearlier.
e. Assembletheothersideinthe samemanner.
Removeblocksand lowerdeckwhencomplete.
2. Followthestepsbelowto setupthehandle.
a. Pullupand backon upperhandleasshownin
Figure3-2.Makecertainthelowerhandleis
seatedsecurelyintothehandlemountingbrackets.
Donotcrimpcablewhileliftingthehandleup.
b. Tightenstarknobstosecureupperhandleto
lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriageboltis
seatedproperlyin thehandle.
3. Locatethehairpinclipon theweldpinon eachsideof
lowerhandle.
HardwarePack
Wing Nuts(2)
a.
Figure3-3:Securelowerhandleto mountingbrackets.
Removehairpinclipfromthis hole.Usinga pair
ofpliers,inserthairpinclipintotheholeon pin
closesttothebracket.SeeFigure3-3.Repeaton
otherside.
b. Inserta carriageboltfromthehardwarepackinto
theupperholeonthehandlemountingbracket.
Securewithone plasticwingnut,alsoincludedin
thehardwarepack.Repeaton otherside.
4. Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe
upperhandle.SeeFigure3-4.Loosenthewingnut
whichsecurestheropeguide.
a. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releaseblade
control.
J
Figure 3-4: Pull recoil starter through rope guide and tighten.
6
c. Slip starterropeintoropeguide.
d. Tightenwingnut.
5. Tosecurecablestothehandle,insertpostsoncable
ties intoholesprovidedon thelowerhandle.Pullcable
ties tightandtrimexcess.
6. Followstepsbelowtoassemblethegrasscatcher.
Makecertainbagisturnedrightsideoutbefore
assembling(warninglabelwillbe ontheoutside)
a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside
is atthebottom.
b. Slip plasticchannelofgrassbagoverhooksonthe
frame,Figure3-5.All theplasticchannelsexcept
centertopofbagattachfromoutsideofbag.
c. Attachcentertopofbagfrominsideofbag.
7. Followthestepsbelowtoattachthegrasscatcher:
a. Liftreardischargedoor.SeeFigure3-6.
b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod.Letgo
ofdischargedoorsothat itrestson thegrass
catcher.
_l_j_ll WARNING:Neveroperate mower unless the
hookson the grasscatcherare firmly seated
on the pivotrod and the rear discharge door rests
firmly against top of thegrass catcher.
8. Yourmowerisshippedasa mulcher.Toconvertto
sidedischarge,makesuregrasscatcherisoff ofthe
unitandreardischargedoorisclosed.
a. On thesideofthemower liftthemulchingplug
See Figure3-7below.
b. Slidetwohooksofsidedischargechuteunder
hingepinon mulchingplugassembly.Lowerthe
mulchingplug.Donotremovesidemulchingplug
atanytime,evenwhenyouare notmulching.
f
Figure3-5:Assemblethe grasscatcher.
\
Figure3-6:Attachthegrasscatcher.
Figure3-7:Liftmulchplugandinstallsidedischargechute.
Adjustments
An adjustingplateandthumbleverateachwheel
providescuttingheightadjustment.
1. Depresslevertowardswheel.
2. Moveittoanyone ofthepositionsfordesiredcutting
height.SeeFigure3-8.Makesurethateachwheelis
positionedatthesameheight.
3. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck. Figure3-8:Useleverstoadjustcuttingheight.
7
WARNING
Never operate mower
w thoutthemu ch ng
plug, thegrass catcher,
or the discharge chute
properly installed,
NOTE:When adjusting
the cutting height,
al wheelsmust be
positionedatthe same
height.
.g
You r LaWn
Mower
WARNING
This blade control
mechanism isasafety
device. Donot bypass
itsoperations,
Use extremecare
when handling
gasoline.Gasoline is
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive. Never fuel
the machine indoors
or while the engine
is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes, and
other sources of
ignition.
Know Your Lawn Mower
Y_ Blade Control
ChokeKnob
Recoil Starter
\
MulchingPlug
Figure4-1:Themajorcomponentsonthe mower.
Fill Cutting Height
AdjustmentLevers
(one at eachwheel)
Nowthatyouhavesetupyourlawnmowerforoperation,
it'simportantto becomefamiliarwithitscontrols.
Blade Control
Thebladecontrolisattachedtotheupperhandle.
Depressandsqueezeit againsttheupperhandleto
operatetheunit.Releaseittostopengineandblade.
_lL ARNING:Thisblade controlisasafety
device. Donot bypass itsoperations.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
Oneadjustmentleveris locatedateachwheelandis
usedtoadjustthecuttingheight.All fourwheelsmustbe
positionedatthesameheighttoensurea uniformcut.
Recoil Starter
Therecoilstarterisattachedtotherightupperhandle.
Standbehindtheunitand pullthe recoilstarterto start
theunit.
Choke Knob
Pullthechokeknobtoactivatethechokeontheengine.
Useofthechokemaynotbe necessaryiftheengineis
warmor theair temperatureishigh.
Mulching Plug
Themulchingplugisusedformulchingpurpose.Instead
ofcollectingthegrassclippingsinthegrasscatcher,your
mowerhastheoptionofrecirculatingtheclippingsback
tothelawn.Makesurethatthereardischargedooris
closedandthegrasscatcherisremovedfromunitwhile
mulching.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
Referto the enginesection inthis manualfor engine
information.
1. Addoil providedbeforestartingunitforthefirsttime
outofthebox.
2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe
enginesectionofthismanual.
,_ WARNING:Useextremecarewhen handling
gasoline. Gasolineisextremelyflammable
and thevapors are explosive.Neverfuel the machine
indoorsor while the engine ishot or running. Extin-
guish cigarettes, cigars, pipesand other sources of
ignition.
8
_ WARNING:Theoperationof anylawn
mowercan result inforeign objectsbeing
thrownintothe eyes,whichcandamageyoureyes
severely.Nways wearsafetyglasseswhileoperating
the mower,or whileperforminganyadjustmentsor
repairson it.
Starting Engine
,_ WARNING:Besureno one otherthan theoperatorisstandingnear the lawnmower
whilestartingengineor operatingmower.
Neverrunengine indoorsor inenclosed, poorly
ventilatedareas.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon
monoxide,an odorless and deadly gas.Keephands,
feet, hairand looseclothing awayfrom any moving
partson engineand lawnmower.
1. Pulloutthechokeknoblocatedontheleft sideofthe
upperhandle.SeeFigure4-2.
Note: Useof the choke may not be necessary if the
engine iswarm ortheairtemperatureishigh.
2. Standingbehindthemower,squeezeandholdthe
bladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
3. Pulltherecoilstarterlightlyuntilresistanceisfelt,
thenpull rapidlytoovercomecompression,prevent
kickback,and starttheengine.Repeatif necessary.
SeeFigure4-2.
Important: Donot allow the recoil starterto snap
back against the ropeguide.
4. Whenenginewarmsup,pushinthechokeknob.
Stopping Engine
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineandthe
blade.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainsttheengine.
,_ WARNING:Waitfor the blade to stop
completelybefore performinganyworkon
the moweror to removethe grass catcher.
Using Your Lawn Mower
Besurethelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orother
objectswhichcoulddamagethelawnmoweror the
engine.Suchobjectscouldbe accidentlythrownbythe
mowerinanydirectionand causeseriouspersonalinjury
totheoperatorandothers.
_ WARNING:Ifyoustrikea foreign object,stopthe engine.Removesparkplugboot
from thesparkplug,thoroughly inspect
the mowerfor anydamage,and repairthe damage
before restartingand operating the mower.Exten-
sivevibration of themower during operation isan
indicationof damage.The unit shouldbe promptly
inspectedand repaired.
Figure4-2:Startingthe mower.
Oncetheengineisrunning,squeezeandholdblade
controlagainstupperhandletoengagetheblade.For
bestresults,do notcutwet grassandnevercutoff
morethanone-thirdofthetotal lengthof thegrass.
Using as a Mulcher
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcher(or side
chutedeflector)fromthemowerandlowerthemulching
baffle.
Using the Grass Catcher
Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile
youareoperatingthemower.
1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsinsetup
section.Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectin
bagasyourunmower.Operatemowertillgrassbag
isfull.
2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingthebladecontrol.
Makesurethattheunithascometoa completestop.
3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagupandaway
fromthemowertoremovethebag.Disposeofthe
grassclippingsand reinstallthebagwhencomplete
Operating Tips
•Newgrass,thickgrass,orwet grassmayrequirea
narrowercut.
o
o
o
Foreffectivemulching,donotcutwetgrass.
Adjustgroundspeedaccordingto conditionof lawn.
Ifthegrasshasbeenallowedtogrowinexcessof
fourinches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Mow
usingthesidedischargetoreducethegrassheightto
3-1/4inchesor lessbeforemulching.
WARNING
The operation of any
lawn mower can re-
sult in foreign objects
being thrown into
the eyes, which can
damage your eyes
severely.Alwayswear
safety glasseswhile
operating the mower,
or while performing
anyadjustments or
repairs on it.
Be sure no one other
than the operator is
standing near the
lawn mower while
starting engine or op-
erating mower. Never
run engine indoorsor
in enclosed, poorly
ventilated areas. En-
gineexhaust contains
carbon monoxide, an
ododess and deadly
gas. Keep hands,
feet, hair and loose
clothing away from
any moving parts
on engine and lawn
mower.
9
Your LaWn
MoWer
IMPORTANT: Do not
use a pressurewasher
orgarden hoseto
cleanyour uniLThese
maycausedamageto
electric components
spindleslpulleys; bear:
ings orthe engine The
Useof waterWillresult
in Shortenedlifeand
reduceSerViceabilityl
Lubrication
1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolatleast
oncea seasonwithlightoil.Thebladecontrolmust
operatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure5-1.
2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatesurfaceofthepivotarmandinner
surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure5-1.
3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointontherear
dischargedoorandsidemulchplugperiodicallywith
lightoil topreventrust.SeeFigure5-1.
Figure5-1:Areasto lubricateonmower.
Deck Care
Cleanundersideofthe mowerdeckaftereachuseto
preventbuild-upofgrassclippingsorotherdebris.Follow
stepsbelowforthisjob.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn
mowerorplacea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.
2. Tipmowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe
sidewiththeair cleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.
Figure5-2:Removerearflap.
General Recommendations
• Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
anymaintenance.
• Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse
ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras
instructedhere.
• Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid
enginewarranty.
• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.
Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese
aretight.
_ARNING:Nevertip the mower morethan go°
inanydirection and do not leavethe mower
tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain intothe
upper partof the engine causing a starting problem.
3. Scrapeand cleantheundersideofthedeckwitha
suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.
4. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsontheground.If
youhad putplasticunderthegascapearlier,make
sureto removeitnow.
Engine Care
NOTE:Refertotheengineoperationandmaintenance
sectionsinthis manualfordetailedinstructions.
e
e
e
e
Maintainoil level.
Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal
conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely
dustyconditions.
Cleansparkplugand resetthegaponcea season.
Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe
coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleantopermit
properaircirculation.Removeall grass,dirt, and
combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.
Replacing Rear Flap
1. Toremoverearflap,lift reardoor,and pressflapinon
eithersideto removefromhole.SeeFigure5-2.
2. Removeflapfromoppositeholeand replacewithnew
flapintheoppositeorderandmannerof removal.
,_ WARNING:Alwaysstop engine,disconnect
sparkplug, and groundagainst engine
before performing anytype of maintenanceon your
machine.
10