MTD PR600N21RH User manual

OPE TOR'S
DELUXE PUSH ROTARY
LAWN MOWER
MANUAL
OAssembly
oOperation
oMaintenance
Service and Adjustments
, Storage
o Troubleshooting
&WARNING: This lawn mower 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 of California the above is required 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
authorized service center,
193732 Rev. 3 03°26.07 BY Printed in U,S,A.

Safety Rules ................. 2-3 Maintenance ............. 14-16 Storage ..................... 18-19
Assembly ...................... 4-7 Service and Troubleshooting ........ 19-20
Operation .................... 8-13 Adjustments .............. 16-17
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine iscapable of amputating hands and feet and throwing ob-
jects. Failu retoobserve thefollowing safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
_,Look for this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERTII!
YOUR SAFETY IS iNVOLVED.
_,WARNING: In order to prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting, ad-
justing or making repairs, always disconnect
spark plug wire and place wire where itcannot
come in contact with plug.
_WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
AWARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. Wash
hands after handling.
_, CAUTION: Muffler and
other engine parts become
extremely hot during
operation and remain hot
after engine has stopped.
To avoid severe burns on
contact, stay away from these areas.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
•Read, understand, and follow all
instructions on the machine and in the
manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and the proper
use of the machine before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis-
charge opening at all times.
• Only allow responsible individuals, who
are familiar with the instructions, to oper-
ate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which
could be picked up and thrown by blade.
°Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
° Do not operate the mower when bare-
foot or wearing open sandals. Always
wear substantial foot wear.
•Do not pull mower backwards unless
absolutely necessary. Always look down
and behind before and while moving
backwards.
° Never direct discharged material toward
anyone. Avoid discharging material against
a wall or obstruction. Material may richo-
chet back toward the operator. Stop the
blade when crossing gravel surfaces.
° Do not operate the mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
other safety protective devices in place.
• See manufacturer's instructions for
proper operation and installation of
accessories. Only use accessories ap-
proved by the manufacturer.
° Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel
drives, walks, or roads.
° Stop the engine (motor) whenever you
leave the equipment, before cleaning the
mower or unclogging the chute.
o Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until
the blade comes to complete stop before
removing grass catcher.
o Mow only in daylight /good artificial light.
• Do not operate the machine while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
° Never operate machine in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing: keep a
firm hold on the handle; walk, never run.
° Disengage the self-propelled mech-
anism or drive clutch on mowers so
equipped before starting the engine.
o If the equipment should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and
check immediately for the cause. Vibra-
tion is generally a warning of trouble.
•Always wear safety goggles or safety glass-
eswith side shields when operating mower.
Ih SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip &
fall accidents which can result in severe in-
jury. All slopes require extra caution. If you
feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
DO:
•Mow across the face of slopes: never
up and down. Exercise extreme caution
2 when changing direction on slopes.

• Removeobstacles(rocks,treelimbs,etc.)
o Watchforholes,ruts,or bumps,Tall
grasscan hideobstacles,
DO NOT:
° Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance,
o Do not trim excessively steep slopes,
. Do not mow on wet grass, Reduced foot-
ing could cause slipping,
III, CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is
notalert to the presence of children_ Children
are often attracted to the machine and the
mowing activity, Neverassume that children
will remain where you last saw them,
o Keep children out of the trimming area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
° Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
. Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small children.
oNever allow children to operate the mower,
° Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
Use extreme care in handling gasoline,
Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive,
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes
and other sources of ignition,
• Use only an approved container,
o Never remove gas cap or add fuel with
the engine running. Allow engine to cool
before refueling.
• Never refuel the machine indoors.
•Never store the machine or fuel contain-
er where there is an open flame, spark
or pilot light such as a water heater or on
other appliances,
.Never fill containers inside a vehicle, on
a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner,
Always place containers on the ground
away from your vehicle before filling,
.Remove gas-powered equipment from the
truckertrailerand refuel itontheground. If
this is not possible, then refuel such equip-
ment with a portable container, rather than
from a gasoline dispenser nozzle,
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim
of the fuel tank or container opening at
all times until fueling is complete. Do net
use a nozzle lock-open device,
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change
clothing immediately,
oNever overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap
and tighten securely,
V. GENERAL SERVICE
.Never run machine inside a closed area,
o Never make adjustments or repairs with
the engine (motor) running, Disconnect the
spark plug wire, and keep the wire away
from the plug toprevent accidental starting,
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep equip-
ment in good condition,
• Never tamper with safety devices, Check
their proper operation regularly,
o Keep machine free ofgrass, leaves, orother
debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage.
Allow machine to cool before storing.
° Stop and inspect the equipment if you
strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
• Never attempt to make wheel height
adjustments while the engine is running,
.Grass catcher components are subject to
wear, damage, and deterioration, which
could expose moving parts or allow objects
tobethrown. Frequentlycheckcomponents
and replace with manufacturer's recom-
mended parts, when necessary.
° Mower blades are sharp and can cut.
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them.
° Do not change the engine governor set-
ting or overspeed the engine,
° Maintain or replace safety and instruc-
tion labels, as necessary.
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new Lawn Mower, It has been designed, engi-
neered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance,
Should you experience any problems you cannot easily remedy, please contact your
nearest authorized service center. They have competent, well trained technicians and
the proper tools to service or repair this unit,
° Read the SAFETY RULES and this Operator's Manual in its entirety before you at-
tempt to assemble or operate your new lawn mower to insure proper operation and to
prevent injury to yourself and others. Save this manual for future reference.
° Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those
parts left unassembled for shipping purposes, To ensure safe and proper operation
of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely.
Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness,
° All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have
been placed in the parts bag. 3

TO REMOVE MOWER FROM CARTON
,, Remove all loose parts from carton.
oRemove lawn mower housing with care. Avoid touching blade under housing. Always
wear gloves or other protection when working under or lifting mower.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU ASSEMBLE OR OPERATE YOUR LAWN
MOWER
Do I have aside or rear discharge lawn
mower?
Look for the grass discharge opening on
your mower. If the opening is on the right
side of the mower housing, it is a side
discharge mower. If the opening is at the
back of the mower housing, it is a rear dis_
charge mower. Only rear discharge lawn
mowers have a grass catcher included with
the mower. Approved grass catchers for
side discharge mowers may be purchased
from your nearest authorized dealer.
Do I have a mulching lawn mower?
Look for the grass discharge opening on
your mower_ Raise the discharge guard
(rear door on rear discharge mowers). If
the opening is closed off by a plate, then
your lawn mower is mulcher ready. To
convert to a discharging mower, see the
Operation section of this manual.
FRONT
LEFT
HAND
SIDE
What is the right and left side of the
lawn mower?
When right hand (RH) or left hand (LH) is
mentioned in this manual, it means when
you are in the operating position (standing
behind the handle).
What kind of engine is on my lawn
mower?
When learning how to operate your new
lawn mower, you will need to know what
kind of engine powers the mower. A decal
on the engine will indicate the manu-
facturer and type or brand name of the
engine.
BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINES
[B.,aGSe.s'r oN) [B.,GGS,.ST, 'n'ON)
C LAS SIC__P'_'7_-
[B.IGGS ST.ATTO"J
QgP.lnTgnl°
RIGHT TECUMSEH HONDA
HAND
SIDE ENGINES ENGINES
:E-IOND.
BACKorREAR
_per_lngPositlon) TF.CUMS_
_CAUTION" Do not operate this lawn
mower without the discharge guard or an
entire approved grass catcher in place.
These guards are for your protection and
are required by the American National
Standards Institute and Consumer Prod-
ucts Safety Commission.
_I,CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire
from spark plug and place wire where it
cannot come in contact with plug.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables.
2 POSITION /"ADJUSTABLE" HANDLES
•Raise handles until lower handle section
locks into place in operating position.
4

Operator
control bar
UP
MOWING
Handle
knob
Lower handle
ALL HANDLES
° Raise upper handle section into place on
lower handle, remove protective padding
and tighten both handle knobs.
• Remove handle padding holding opera-
tor presence control bar to upper handle.
° Your lawn mower handle can be ad-
justed for your mowing comfort. Refer to
"ADJUST HANDLE" in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual
NOTE: For shipping purposes, the rear
wheels on your lawn mower may not be
adjusted to the same position as the front
wheels. Before operating mower adjust all
wheels to the same cutting height.
3 POSITION "EZ" HANDLES
• Raise lower handle section to operating
position and align hole in handle with
one of three height positioning holes.
o Insert handle bolt through handle and
bracket and secure with knob.
° Repeat for opposite side of handle,
Knob /- _ Bolt
/Handle
ustment
bracket
3 POSITION "QUICK" HANDLES
• Raise lower handle section to operating
position and squeeze the bottom ends
of lower handle towards each other until
the pin in handle can be inserted into
one of the three height adjustment holes.
Handle pin
SQL
Handle
bracket
INSTALL REAR WHEELS
(HIGH WHEEL MOWERS ONLY)
Some high wheel models require washers
which will be provided in a parts bag_Ifprovid-
ed, install washers on the axle first as shown.
•Install one (1) rear wheel on the axle of
rear wheel adjuster.
• Install 3/8-16 Iocknut and tighten securely.
oRepeat procedure for other rear wheel.
Wheel Axle
assembly
Flan,
Iocknut
Wave
Washers
ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER
(REAR DISCHARGE MOWERS ONLY)
IMPORTANT: Ifyour model lawn mower
is mulcher ready, the mulcher plate or plug
must be removed before using mower as
a bagger. To convert mower to bagging or
discharging, see the Operation section in
this manual.
Look at the different grass catcher illustra-
tions that follow. Determine which type
of grass catcher you have and follow the
appropriate instructions.
5