MTD PR600Y21RHP User manual

i
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
SELF-PROPELLED ROTARY
LAWN MOWER
•Assembly
°Operation
•Maintenance
•Service and Adjustments
•Storage
•Troubleshooting
AWARNING: 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 localor state laws (ifany). 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.
193733 Rev. 3 04.20.06 BY Printed in U.S.A.

Safety Rules ................. 2-3 Maintenance ............. 16-18 Storage ..................... 22-23
Assembly ...................... 4-7 Service and Troubleshooting ........23-24
OperaUon .................... 8-15 Adjustments .............. 18-21
IMPORTANT, This cuttingmachine iscapable ofamputating hands andfeet and throwing ob-
jects. Failuretoobservethe following safety instructionscouldresultinseriousinjuryor death.
&Look for this symbol to point out impor- •Do not pull mower backwards unless
tant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!I!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
_,WARNING: Inorder toprevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting, ad-
justing or making repairs, always disconnect
spark plugwire and place wirewhere itcannot
come in contact with plug.
AWARNING" 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.
ACAUTION, 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
instructionson 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.
absolutely necessary. Always look down
and behind before and while moving
backwards.
•Never direct discharged material toward
anyone. Avoid dischargingmaterialagainst
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.
• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until
the blade comes to complete stop before
removing grass catcher.
• 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.
• 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 safetygoggles or safety glass-
es with sideshieldswhen operating mower.
II. 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.

•Remove obstacles (rocks,tree limbs, etc.)
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
•Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.
•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
not alert tothe presence ofchildren. Children
are often attracted to the machine and the
mowing activity. Nevsrassume that children
will remain where you last saw them.
•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.
•Never allow childrentooperate 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.
• 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 equipmentfromthe
truckor trailer and refueliton the ground. If
this isnot possible,then refuelsuch equip-
ment witha portablecontainer, ratherthan
from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
•Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim
of the fuel tank or container opening at
all times untilfueling is complete. Do not
use a nozzle lock-open device.
•Iffuel is spilled on clothing, change
clothing immediately.
•Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap
and tighten securely.
VoGENERAL SERVICE
•Never runmachine inside a closed area.
•Never make adjustments or repairs with
the engine (motor) running.Disconnectthe
spark plug wire, and keep the wire away
fromtheplugtopreventaccidentalstarting.
•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.
•Keep machinefreeofgrass,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. Frequentlycheck components
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 onyour purchaseof a new Lawn Mower. Ithas 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 injuryto 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.
•Remove lawn mower housing with care. Avoid touching blade under housing. Always
wear gloves or other protection when working under or liftingmower.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU ASSEMBLE OR OPERATE YOUR LAWN
MOWER
Do I have a side or rear discharge lawn
mower?
Look for the grass discharge opening on
your mower. Ifthe 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, itis 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 isclosed off by a plate, then
your lawn mower is mulcher ready. To
convert to adischarging 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 willneed to know what
kind of engine powers the mower. Adecal
on the engine will indicate the manu-
facturer and type or brand name of the
engine.
BACK or REAR
(Operating Position)
BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINES
[BR_TrON]
C LAS SI C__OIfT_rlpL-
[BR_ON]
Qup.nTgm.
RIGHT
HAND TECUMSEH HONDA
SIDE ENGINES ENGINES
R, I-IOI T:D .
_,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.
dgI_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
MOWING
POSITION
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.
• Insert handle bolt through handle and
bracket and secure with knob.
• Repeat for opposite side of handle.
Knob j_L._ Bolt
/Handle
ustment
bracket
3POSITION "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
SQUEEZE
/
Handle
bracket
INSTALL REAR WHEELS
(HIGH WHEEL MOWERS ONLY)
Some high wheel models require washers
whichwillbe providedina partsbag. Ifprovid-
ed, installwashers on the axle first asshown.
•Install one (1) rear wheel on the axle of
rear wheel adjuster.
• Install 3/8-16 Iocknut and tightensecurely.
•Repeat procedure for other rear wheel.
Wheel Axle
assembly
Flanged
Iocknut
Wave
Washers
ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER
(REAR DISCHARGE MOWERS ONLY)
IMPORTANT: Ifyour model lawn mower
ismulcher ready, the muicher 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

"FABRICTOP" GRASS CATCHERS
TO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS
CATCHER
•Put grass catcher frame into grass bag
with rigid part of bag on the bottom.
•Slip vinyl bindings over frame.
NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff,hold
them in warm water for a few minutes. If
bag gets wet, let itdry before using.
•Lift the rear door on the mower housing.
•For HINGE BRACKET mounted catcher,
place the grass catcher frame onto the
formed tabs on the rear door hinge
bracket.
•For HANDLE BRACKET mounted
catcher, place frame side hooks into
slotsin handle brackets.
•For DOOR PIVOT PIN mounted catcher,
place the grass catcher frame hooks
onto the door pivot pins.
•For DOOR SLOT mounted catcher,
place the grass catcher frame hooks into
the slots of the rear door.
NOTE: The grass catcher is secured to the
lawn mower housing when the rear door is
lowered onto the grass catcher frame.
\
Vinyl Frame
bindings opening
_CAUTION: Under normal usage, the
catcher material is subject to deterioration
and wear and should, therefore, be
checked frequently for replacement. Any
replacement catcher should be checked to
ensure compliance with original manufac-
turer's specifications.
_qI,CAUTION: Do not run lawn mower
without the discharge guard (rear door),
approved grass catcher, clipping deflector
or mulcher plate in place. Never attempt
to operate mower with the discharge guard
(rear door) removed or propped open. 6
HINGE BRACKET MOUNTED
Rear door
Hinge bracket
Grass
catcher
frame
Formed tabs
HANDLE BRACKET MOUNTED
Handle bracket Rear Grass
"----- Ioor catcher
handle
Catcher frame side hook
DOOR PIVOT PIN MOUNTED
Pivot Rear Grass
catcher
handle
\,
Catcher frame hook
DOOR SLOT MOUNTED
Rear door slotsGrass
catcher
handle
Catcher frame hook

SPARK PLUG BOOT
On some models a spark plug boot is
packed loose in the parts bag. If your
model has the boot, install on spark plug
wire and reconnect spark plug wire to
spark plug.
Spark plug\_-
TO PREPARE BATTERY
(ELECTRIC START MODELS ONLY)
NOTE: Yourbatterymustbe charged
beforeyoucanstartyour lawnmower.
UNITS WITH HANDLE-MOUNTED KEY
SWITCH ONLY:
•Connect battery charger connector
(male) to harness connector (female).
UNITS WITH DECK-MOUNTED BATTERY
or TRIMPLATE-MOUNTED KEY SWITCH:
•Disconnect engine connector (male)
from battery connector (female).
• Connect battery charger connector
(male) to battery connector (female).
ALL UNITS:
• Plug battery charger into 110 volt A.C.
outlet.
• Leave battery charger connected for 24
hours before starting your engine for the
first time.
UNITS WITH HANDLE-MOUNTED KEY
SWITCH ONLY:
•After charging, disconnect harness
connector (female) from battery charger
connector (male),
Connect your battery charger to charge
battery after each use.
IMPORTANT: The engine will not recharge
your battery.
UNITS WITH DECK-MOUNTED BATTERY
or TRIMPLATE-MOUNTED KEY SWITCH:
•After charging, connect engine connector
(male) to battery connector (female).
Your engine has an integral alternator for
partial charging. Connect your battery
charger to charge battery as required.
IMPORTANT: The engine alternator will
not charge a discharged battery.
ALL UNITS:
At the end of the mowing season the
battery should be charged for 48 hours to
protect the battery during winter storage.
_CAUTION: Always disconnect the
engine connector (male) from the battery
connector (female) to prevent accidental
starting when transporting or storing your
lawn mower after the season.
HANDLE-MOUNTED KEY SWITCH
Engine Harness
connector connector
Charger
connector (male)
DECK-MOUNTED BATTERY
_, Engine / /
/ connector //r'_
| (Male) /// _'hl
_._-_. _._'_ _ X/./X Battery
i- __ "Battery
_jJ _ /_ charger
t--f _ connector
Batteryconnector(Female) (Male)
TRIMPLATE-MOUNTED KEY SWITCH
Charger connector Battery connector
(female
Engine
7connector (male) Battery charger

The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects thrown into
the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety
glasses or eye shields while operating your lawn mower or performing any
adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide
vision safety mask worn over spectacles.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
MODELS WITH REMOTE THROTTLE
Engine speed is controlled by the throttle
control located on the upper handle,
•Move lever forward to FAST engine
speed for starting and better bagging.
•Move lever backward for SLOW engine
speed,
•Some models have engines equipped
with a choke feature. Move the lever all
the way forward to the CHOKE position
when starting a cold engine.
I
I
throttle
control
MODELS WITH FIXED SPEED ENGINES
Engine speed was set at the factory for
optimum performance. Engine speed is
not adjustable.
TO ADJUST CUTrlNG HEIGHT
Adjustcutting height to suit your require-
ments. Medium position is best for most
lawns. Raise wheels for low cut and lower
wheels for high cut.
MODELS WITH MANUAL ADJUST
BOLT-ON WHEELS
• Remove wheel, bolt, and hardware and
reassemble in desired adjustment hole.
• Reinstall wheel components in the same
order as they were before removal.
Tighten securely.
•Make sure all wheels are at same height.
Flat washer
Bolt
3/8-16
Spacer Locknut
MODELS WITH "QUICK ADJUST"
WHEEL HEIGHT ADJUSTERS
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.
• Raise wheels for low cut and lower
wheels for high cut.
• Adjust cutting height to suit your require-
ments. Medium position is best for most
lawns.
• Tochange cutting height, squeeze adjuster
lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or
down to suit your requirements. Be sure
all wheels are in the same setting.
NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned when
plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9-
position adjusters (ifso equipped) allow lever
to be positioned between the plate tabs.
LEVER BACKWARD
TO LOWER MOWER Plate tab
LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER Lever
8

FOR MULCHING MOWERS ONLY
Most mulching mowers are shipped ready
to be used as a mulcher.
"REAR DISCHARGE ONLY" MOWERS
Some models have a seperate mulcher
plug, other models have the mulcher plug
built intothe rear door. To convert to bag-
ging or discharging, the plate or plug (if
so equipped) must be removed from the
discharge opening of the lawn mower.
• Open rear door and remove mulcher
plate or plug (if so equipped). Store
mulcher plate or plug in asafe place.
•You can now install grass catcher or
optional clippingdeflector accessory.
•To return to mulching operation, install
mulcher plate or plug intodischarge
opening of mower.
_CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plate/plug in place or ap-
proved clippingdeflector or grass catcher
in place. Never attempt to operate the
lawn mower with the rear door removed or
propped open.
MULCHER "PLATE'
"\
Slots \
MULCHER "PLUG"
Mulcher
plate tabs
MULCHER PLUG BUILT INTO REAR DOOR
"SIDE DISCHARGE ONLY" MOWERS
MULCHER PLATE TYPE
To convert to bagging or discharging,
mulcher plate must be removed from un-
derside of lawn mower.
•Remove the four (4) screws and lock nuts
securing the mulcher plate to the mower.
•Store mulcher plate and hardware in a
safe place.
•Mower can now be used for side
discharging or optional grass catcher
accessory can be attached.
•To return to mulching operation, simply
reinstall rnulcher plate and tighten hard-
ware securely.
Screw and
Mulcher plate
Mulcher pluc 9

MULCHER PLUG TYPE "A"
To convert to mulching operation, mulcher
plug must be installed into discharge open-
ing of mower.
• Open discharge guard.
• Insert tab of mulch plug into housing
opening.
• Align hooks of mulch plug over hinge
rod of discharge guard. Push mulch plug
down until mulch plug is seated in hous-
ing opening.
ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without discharge guard, approved grass
catcher or mulcher plug in place.
Hinge rod
Discharge
Housing
opening
Hooks
Mulcher plats Tab
MULCHER PLUG TYPE "B"
To convert to bagging or discharging:
•Lift discharge guard and remove
mulcher plug.
•Mower can now be used for side dis-
charging or optional grass catcher can
be attached.
•To return to mulching operation, simply
reinstall mulcher plug as shown.
ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without discharge guard, approved grass
catcher or mulcher plug in place.
MOWER IS
NOW READY
FOR MULCHING
OPERATION
"COMBI-CUT" MOWERS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as amulcher. To convert to bagging
or discharging:
REAR BAGGING
•Open rear door and remove mulcher
plate. Store mulcher plate in a safe
place.
• You can now install grass catcher.
• To convert to mulching or discharging
operation, install mulcher plug into rear
discharge opening of mower, making
sure all tabs are seated properly.
Slots _\
Uft
guard
Install
mulcher plug
Mulcher
platetabs
SIDE DISCHARGING
•Mulcher plate must be installed into rear
discharge opening of mower (see above
instructions).
•Open mulcher door and install discharge
deflector under door as shown.
•Mower is now ready for discharging
operation.
• To convert to mulching or bagging
operation, discharge deflector must be
removed and mulcher door must be
closed.
10

\\/_IbCAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without rear mulcher plate or plug in place
or approved grass catcher in place. Never
attempt to operate the lawn mower with
the rear door removed or propped open.
Open mulchar door
Discharge deflector
GRASS CATCHER
(REAR BAGGING MODELS ONLY)
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
• Simply open rear door and liftgrass
catcher up and away from mower.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when
emptying. It will cause unnecessary wear.
_CAUTION: Under normal usage, the
catcher material is subject to deterioration
and wear and should, therefore, be
checked frequently for replacement. Any
replacement catcher should be checked
to ensure compliance with original
manufacturer's specifications.
_I,CAUTION: Do not run lawn mower
without the rear door, approved grass
catcher or clipping deflector in place.
Never attempt to operate mower with the
rear door removed or propped open.
SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN
CONVERTING YOUR "COMBI-CUT"
LAWN MOWER
FOR MULCHING -
• Rear mulcher plate installed and rear
door closed.
• Mulcher door closed.
FOR REAR BAGGING -
• Rear mulcher plate removed.
•Grass catcher installed.
• Mulcher door closed.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
• Rear mulcher plate installed and rear
door closed.
• Discharge deflector installed,
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL
BAR
Your lawn mower is equipped with an op-
erator presence control bar which requires
the operator to be positioned behind the
lawn mower handle in order to start and
_erate the lawn mower.
CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the
riskof blade contact injury. Do not under
any circumstances attempt to defeat the
function of the operator control. The blade
turns when the engine is running.
11

DRIVE CONTROL
"STANDARD DRIVE" CONTROL
•Self-propelling is controlled by holding
the operator presence control bar down
to the handle and pushing the drive
control lever forward until it clicks; then
releasing the lever.
• Forward motion willstop when the op-
erator presence control bar is released.
To stop forward motion without stopping
engine, release the operator presence
control bar slightly until the drive control
disengages. Hold operator presence
control bar down against handle to con-
tinue mowing without self-propelling.
• To keep drive control engaged when
turning corners, push down on handle
and lift front wheels off ground while
turning lawn mower.
Oper, _resence control bar Drive
control
TO DRIVE
ENGAGE CONTROL
DRIVE CONTROL DISENGAGED
"DUAL BAIL" DRIVE CONTROL
•To start forward motion, lift drive control
bar up to handle.
•To stopforward motion, release drive
control bar.
Operator presence control bar
DRIVE DRIVE
CONTROL CONTROL
ENGANGED DISENGAGED
"AUTOWALK" DRIVE CONTROL
•Self-propelling is controlled by holding
the operator presence control bar down
to the handle and pulling the drive con-
trol lever rearward to the handle. The
farther toward the handle the lever is
pulled, the faster the unit will travel.
•Forward motion will stop when either
the operator presence control bar or
drive control lever are released. To stop
forward motionwithout stopping engine,
release the drive control lever only. Hold
operator presence control bar down
against handle to continue mowing with-
out self-propelling.
NOTE: If after releasing the drive controlthe
mowerwill notrollbackwards,pushthemower
forward slightly to disengage drive wheels.
FRONT WHEEL DRIVE MODELS ONLY:
•To keep drive control engaged when
turning corners, push down on the
handle to liftthe front wheels off the
ground while turning lawn mower.
"AUTOWALK" ADJUSTMENT
Over time, the drive control system may
become "loose", resultingin decreased
speed. There isa turnbuckle on the
underside of the drive control housing to
increase tension on the drive cable. Pro-
ceed as follows:
•Turn unitoff and disconnect spark plug
wire from spark plug.
•Turn nut on underside of drive control to
increase drive speed.
•Operate mower to test drive speed.
Readjust as required.
•If condition fails to improve after the
above steps (forward speed remains
the same), your drive belt isworn and
should be replaced.
_rator control bar
TO control
lever
ENGAGE DRIVE
Adjustment DRIVE CONTROL
turnbuckle CONTROL DISENGAGED
12

"VARI-SPEED" DRIVE CONTROL
•Self-propelling is controlled by hold-
ing the operator presence control bar
down to the handle and pulling the drive
control bar up to the handle. The closer
to the handle the bar is pulled, the fester
the unit will travel.
•Forward motion willstop when either the
operator presence control bar or drive
control bar are released. To stop forward
motion without stopping engine, release
the drive control bar only. Hold operator
presence control bar down against
handle to continue mowing without self-
propelling.
NOTE: If after releasing the drive control the
mowerwillnotrollbackwards,pushthe mower
forward slightly to disengage drive wheels.
FRONT WHEEL DRIVE MODELS ONLY:
•To keep drive control engaged when
turning corners, push down on the
handle to liftthe front wheels off the
ground while turning lawn mower.
control bar
Ddve
controlbar
DRIVE DRIVE
CONTROL CONTROL
ENGAGED DISENGAGED
VARI-SPEED 'q'HUMBSCREW"
ADJUSTMENT
Over time, the drive control system may
become "loose", resulting in decreased
speed. There is a thumbscrew on the
underside of the drive control housing to
increase tension on the drive cable. Pro-
ceed as follows:
•Tum unit off and disconnect spark plug
wire from spark plug.
•Rotate thumbscrew counter-clockwise to
tighten the drive cable.
•Operate mower to test drive speed.
•If condition fails to improve after the
above steps (forward speed remains
the same), your drive belt is worn and
should be replaced.
NOTE: If mower begins to "creep" forward,
the drive cable is too tight. Rotate thumb-
screw clockwise to loosen drive cable.
VARI-SPEED "BLOCK" ADJUSTMENT
Over time, the drive control system may
become "loose", resulting in decreased
speed. There are holes in the drive control
housing to increase tension on the drive
cable. Proceed as follows:
1. Turn unit off and disconnect spark plug
wire from spark plug.
2. Loosen nut, move drive control hous-
ing down handle to the next hole and
retighten nut.
3. Operate mower to test drive speed.
4. If condition fails to improve after the
above steps (forward speed remains
the same), your drive belt is worn and
should be replaced.
TO ADJUST, MOVE DOWN TO NEXT HOLE
13

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
Read the engine manual packed with your
mower,
FILL ENGINE WITH OIL
Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in
the engine.
• Be sure mower is level and area around
oil fill is Glean.
• Remove engine oil fillerplug (oil fill cap/
dipstick on models so equipped),
•Slowly add oil. For type and grade of
oil to use, see "ENGINE" in the Mainte-
nance section of this manual,
• Fill to the top of slot in filler hole (to
"FULL" line on dipstick on models so
equipped). Do not overfill.
• Replace plug (oil fillcap/dipstick on
models so equipped) and tighten.
•Cheek oil level before each use. Add oil
as needed,
•To change oil, see Maintenance section
of this manual.
FILL GASOLINE TANK
•Fill gasoline tank with fresh, clean, un-
leaded gasoline. DO NOT USE PRE-
MIUM GASOLINE. BE CAREFUL NOT
TO OVERFILL TANK.
WARNING: Alcohol blended fuels (called
gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can
attract moisture which leads to separation
and formation of acids during storage.
Acidic gas can damage the fuel system
of an engine while in storage. To avoid
engine problems, the fuel system should
be emptied before storage of 30 days
or longer. Drain the fuel tank, start the
engine and let it run untilfuel lines and
carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next
season. See Storage Instructions for
additional information. Never use engine or
carburetor cleaner products in fuel tank or
permanent damage may occur.
TO START ENGINE
&CAUTION: The mower blade rotates
whenever the engine is running.
•Move engine speed control to FAST
position (or to CHOKE/START position
on models equipped with choke feature).
•If your mower has a primer, to start a
cold engine, push primer as many times
as instructed in the engine manual
packed with your mower. Use a firm
push. This step is not usually necessary
when starting an engine which has
already runfor a few minutes.
•Hold operator presence control bar
down against handle.
MODELS WITH RECOIL STARTER
•Pullstarter handle quickly. Do not allow
starter rope to snap back.
MODELS WITH ELECTRIC STARTER
•Push the engine start button (or turn the
key on models so equipped).
IMPORTANT: Do not crank engine more
than five continous seconds each time you
try to start. Wait 5 to 10 seconds between
each attempt.
ALL MODELS
•For engines equipped with choke, slowly
move engine speed control lever to
FAST after engine starts.
TO STOP ENGINE
•To STOP engine, release operator pres-
ence control bar.
NOTE: For engines with aprimer, it may
be necessary to repeat priming steps
in cooler weather. In warmer weather,
overpriming may cause flooding and
engine will not start. If you do flood
engine, wait a few minutes before
attempting to start and DO NOT repeat
priming steps.
Recoil
starter
handle
14

MOWING TIPS
ACAUTION: Do not use de-thatcher
blade attachments on your mower. Such
attachments are hazardous, will damage
your mower and could void your warranty.
•For most cuttingconditions and better
bagging performance, the engine speed
should be set in the FAST position.
•Under certain conditions, such as when
mowing very tall grass, raise the mower
height on the first cut to reduce pushing
effort, to avoid overheating the engine,
and to avoid leaving clumps of grass
clippings. Make the second cut to the
desired height.
•For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut.
•For side discharge lawn mowers, cut in
acounterclockwise direction, starting at
the outside of the area to be cut, in order
to spread grass clippings more evenly
and to put less load on the engine. To
keep clippings off of walkways, flower
beds, etc., make the first cuts in a clock-
wise direction.
FOR MULCHING MOWERS ONLY
- MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep
mower housing free of built-up grass and
trash. See "CLEANING" in the Mainte-
nance section of this manual.
•The special mulching blade will recut the
grass clippings many times and reduce
them in size so that as they fall onto the
lawn they will disperse intothe grass
and not be noticed. Also, the mulched
grass will biodegrade quicklyto provide
nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with
your highest engine (blade) speed as
this will provide the best recutting action
of the blades.
•Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet.
Wet grass tends to form clumps and
interferes with the mulching action. The
best time to mow your lawn is the early
afternoon. At this time the grass has
dried, yet the newly cut area will not be
exposed to direct sunlight.
•For best results, adjust the lawn mower
cutting height so that the lawn mower
cuts off only the top one-third of the
grass blades. If the lawn isovergrown it
willbe necessary to raise the height of
cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep
from overloading the engine and leaving
clumps of mulched grass. For extremely
heavy grass, reduce your width of cut by
overlapping previously cut path and mow
slowly.
f
1
(J
•When using a rear discharge lawn
mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps
of cut grass may not enter the grass
catcher. Reduce ground speed (pushing
speed) and/or run the lawn mower over
the area asecond time.
•Ifa trail of grass clipping is left on the
rightside of a rear discharge lawn mow-
er, mow in a clockwise directionwith a
small overlap to collect the clippings on
the next pass.
•Pores in cloth grass catchers can be-
come filled with dirt and dust with use
and the catcher will collect less grass.
To prevent this, regularly hose catcher
off with water and let dry before use.
IMAX 1/3
• Certain types of grass and grass
conditions may require that an area be
mulched a second time to completely
hide the clippings. When doing a second
cut, mow across (perpendicular) to the
first cut path.
• Change your cutting pattern from week
to week. Mow north to south one week
then change to east to west the next
week. This will help prevent matting and
graining of the lawn.
15

MAINTENANCE SEFOREA.ER EVERYEVERYEVERY
EACH EACH 10 25 HOURS 100 BEFORE
SCHEDULE USE USE HOURSORSEASO.HOURSSTORAGE
Check for Loose Fasteners
L Clean/InspectGrassCatcher*
Check Tires
_Check DriveWheels
CleanLawnMower....
M Clean under Drive Cover***
O Check Drive Belt/Pulleys***
t_l_Check /Sharpen /Replace Blade
R Lubrication
Clean and Recharge Battery**
Check EngineOit level
EChange EngineOil
_Clean Air Filter
Inspect Muffler
NI Replace Spark Plug
E Replace Air FilterPaper Cartridge
Emptyfuel systemor add Stabilizer
v' v'
v'
Vl,2
v_ v_
i/
* (Ifso equipped)
** Electric-Startmowers
*** Power-Propelledmowers
**** Usea scraper
toclean underdeck
1-ChangemoreoftenIfoperatingundera heavyload orin highoutdoortemperatures,
2-Servicemore oftenifoperatingindirtyordustyconditions,
3 - Replacebladesmoreoftenwhenmowingin sandysoil.
4-Charge48 hoursat end ofseason.
5-Andaftereach 5 hoursofuse,
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does not
cover items that have been subjected to op-
erator abuse or negligence. To receive full
value from the warranty, operator mustmain-
tain mower as instructed in this manual.
Some adjustments willneed to be made
periodically to properly maintain your unit.
All adjustments in the Service and Adjust-
ments section of this manual should be
checked at least once each season.
•Once a year, replace the spark plug,
clean or replace air filter element, and
check blade for wear. A new spark plug
and clean/new air filter element assures
proper air-fuel mixture and helps your
engine run better and last longer.
•Follow the Maintenance Schedule in this
manual.
BEFORE EACH USE
•Check engine oil level.
•Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated
(See "LUBRICATION CHART").
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will
LUBRICATION CHART
Wheel
adjuster(on
each wheel)
J
Engine oil
Side dis-
charge mower
guard hinge rod
Rear dis-
charge mower
rear door
hinge rod
(_ Handle bracket mounting pins
Spray lubricant
See "ENGINE" In Maintenance section.
attract dust and dirtthat willshorten the life
of the self-lubricating bearings. If you feel
they must be lubricated, use only a dry,
16p°wdered graphite type lubricant sparingly.

LAWN MOWER
Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenper-
forming any maintenance.
TIRES
• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect
control chemicals which can harm rub-
ber.
•Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp
objects and other hazards that may
cause tire damage.
BLADE CARE
For best results, mower blade must be
kept sharp. Replace a bent or damaged
blade.
ACAUTION: Use only a replacement
blade approved by the manufacturer of
your mower. Using a blade not approved
by the manufacturer of your mower is
hazardous, could damage your mower and
void your warranty.
TO REMOVE BLADE
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with plug.
2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make
sure air filter and carburetor are up.
3. Use a wood block between blade and
mower housing to prevent blade from
turning when removing blade bolt.
NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves
and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.
4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter-
clockwise.
5. Remove blade and attaching hard-
ware (bolt, lock washer and hardened
washer).
NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and
check the key inside hub of blade adapter.
The key must be in good condition to work
properly. Replace adapter ifdamaged.
TO REPLACE BLADE
1. Position the blade adapter on the en-
gine crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter
and crankshaft keyway are aligned.
2. Position blade on the blade adapter
aligning the two (2) holes in the blade
with the raised lugs on the adapter.
3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (op-
posite sharp edge) is up toward the
engine.
4. Install the blade bolt with the lock
washer and hardened washer into
blade adapter and crankshaft.
5. Use block of wood between blade and
lawn mower housing and tighten the
blade bolt, turning clockwise.
• The recommended tightening torque is
35-40 ft. Ibs.
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated.
If bolt needs replacing, replace only with
approved bolt shown in the Repair Parts
section of this manual.
Bladeadapter
Lockweshsr
bolt Hardened
washer
Key _ Crankshaft
/%K_"_ keyway
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening
blade - but if you do, be sure the blade
is balanced. An unbalanced blade will
cause eventual damage to lawn mower or
engine.
•The blade can be sharpened with a file
or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt
to sharpen while on the mower.
•To check blade balance, drive a nail into
a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of
the straight nail exposed. Place center
hole of blade over the head of the nail.
Ifblade isbalanced, it should remain in
a horizontal position. If either end of the
blade moves downward, sharpen the
heavy end untilthe blade is balanced.
DRIVE COVER
Clean under the drive cover at least twice
a season. Scrape underside of cover with
a putty knife or similar tool to remove any
buildup of trash or grass.
DRIVE WHEELS
Check drive wheels each time before you
mow to be sure they move freely.
The wheels not turning freely means trash,
grass cuttings, etc. are in the drive wheel
area and must be cleaned to free drive
wheels.
If necessary to clean the drive wheels,
check both drive wheels.
•If after cleaning, the drive wheels do not
turn freely, contact your nearest autho-
rized service center.
17

GEARCASE
• Tokeep your drive system working
properly, the gear case and area around
the drive should be kept clean and free
of trash build-up. Clean under the drive
cover twice a season.
•The gear case is filled with lubricant to
the proper level at the factory. The only
time the lubricant needs attention is if
service has been performed on the gear
case.
GEAR CASE WITH METAL HOUSING:
• If lubricant is required, use only Texaco
Starplex Premium 1 Grease, Part No.
750369. Do not substitute.
GEAR CASE WITH PLASTIC HOUSING:
• If lubricant is required, use only ELF
Multis EP00. Do not substitute.
ENGINE
Read the maintenance section of your
engine manual.
LUBRICATION
Change the oil after the first two hours of
operation and every 25 hours thereafter or
at least once a year if the lawn mower is
not used for 25 hours in one year. Refer to
engine manual.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
(SEE ENGINE MANUAL)
•Be sure lawn mower is on level surface.
• Oil will drain more freely when warm.
• Catch oil in a suitable container.
•For engines without dipstick, remove
bottom oil drain plug.
•For engines with oil fill cap/dipstick,
remove bottom drain plug or remove en-
gine oil cap and turn mower on its side.
• After oil has drained completely, replace
oil drain plug and tighten securely.
•Refill engine with oil. Pour slowly. Do
not overfill.
•Fill to top of slot inside of filler hole or
to "FULU' line on dipstick on models so
equipped. Keep oil at proper level.
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not runproperly and may
be damaged by using a dirty air filter.
Clean the element after every 25 hours
of operation or every season. Replace
the air filter every 100 hours of operation
or every season, whichever occurs first.
Service air cleaner more often under dusty
conditions. See the maintenance section
of your engine manual.
MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it
could create a fire hazard and/or damage,
SPARK PLUG
Replace spark plug at the beginning of
each mowing season or after every 100
hours of operation, whichever occurs first.
Set spark pluggap according to engine
manual specifications,
CLEANING
IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep
mower housing free of grass build-up and
trash. Clean the underside of your mower
after each use.
•Clean the underside of your lawn mower
by scraping to remove buildup of grass
and trash.
•Clean engine often to keep trash from
accumulating. A clogged engine runs
hotter and shortens engine life.
•Keep finished surfaces and wheels free
of all gasoline, oil, etc.
We do not recommend using a garden
hose to clean your lawn mower unless the
electrical system, muffler, air filter, and
carburetor are covered to keep water out.
Water in engine can shorten engine life.
GRASS CATCHER (IF SO EQUIPPED)
Grass catcher may be hosed with water
but must be dry when used.
_CAUTION: Under normal usage, the
catcher material is subject to deterioration
and wear and should therefore be checked
to ensure compliance with original
manufacturer specifications.
ACAUTION: Before performing any service or adjustments:
•Release operator presence control bar.
•Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped.
•Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in
contact with plug. 18

LAWN MOWER
TOADJUSTcu'n'ING HEIGHT
See'q'O ADJUST CU-I-IING HEIGHT' in
the Operation section of this manual.
TO ADJUST HANDLE
2 POSITION HANDLES
The handle can be mounted in ahighor
low position. The mounting holes in the
bottom of lower handle are off center for
raising or lowering the handle.
• Remove upper handle and all parts at-
tached to lower handle.
•Remove hairpin cotters from lower
handle bracket mounting pin.
•Squeeze lower handle in to remove it
from mounting pins.
•Turn lower handle over to raise or lower
handle.
•Squeeze lower handle in and position
holes onto mounting pins on handle
bracket.
•Reassemble hairpin cotters onto mount-
ing pins.
•Reassemble upper handle and all parts
removed from lower handle.
3POSITION "EZ"
The handle on your lawn mower has three
(3) height positions - adjust to height that
suits you.
•Remove knob and carriage bolt on one
side of the lower handle.
•While holding handle assembly, remove
knob and carriage bolt from opposite
side, align hole in handle with desired
hole in handle bracket and reassemble
boltand knob and tighten securely.
•Align opposite side of handle with same
positioninghole and secure with boltand
knob.
JHandle
Jstment
cket
Mowing _<_
pos't'on I I
, I
cotter_-_-------_,_
•t
M.ounting-_-'
pm LOW POSITION
Mowing r-,-,
position / /
HIGH POSITION
Knob
3 POSITION "QUICK"
The handle on your lawn mower has three
(3) height positions - adjust to height that
suitsyou.
•Squeeze the bottom ends of lower
handle towards each other untilthe pin
in handle can be inserted intoone of the
three height adjustment holes.
SQ
Lm
Handle
adjustment
bracket
TURN LOWER
HANDLE OVER
TO ADJUST HEIGHT
19

REAR DEFLECTOR (IF EQUIPPED)
The rear deflector, attached between the
rear wheels of your mower, is provided to
minimize the possibility that objects will
be thrown out of the rear of the mower
into the operator mowing position. If the
deflector becomes damaged, it should be
replaced.
TO REMOVE /REPLACE DRIVE BELT
FRONT WHEEL DRIVE MODELS:
•Remove drive cover. Remove belt from
gearcase pulley by pushing down on
pulley and rollingbelt off it.
•Turn lawn mower on its side, See
engine manual for proper direction of
tuming over the engine.
• Remove blade.
•Remove debris shield.
•Remove belt from engine pulley on
crankshaft.
•Place new drive belt in the belt retainers
of the debris shield (if equipped).
•Install new belt by reversing above steps,
NOTE: Always use factory approved belt
to assure fit and long life,
GEAR CASE WITH METAL HOUSING:
Drive
cover Belt
PUSH DOWN
GEAR CASE WITH PLASTIC HOUSING:
Drive
cover Belt
PUSH DOWN
DEBRIS SHIELD WITH BELT RETAINERS:
Beltretainers
Drive belt
Debris shield
"AUTO WALK" OR "VARI-SPEED" ONLY
• Remove drive cover and belt keeper.
• Remove belt from gearcase pulley by
pushing down on pulley and rolling belt
off it.
•"rum lawn mower on its side. See
engine manual for proper direction of
turning over the engine.
• Remove blade and debris shield.
• Remove belt from engine pulley on
crankshaft.
•Install new belt by reversing above
steps.
NOTE: Always use factory approved belt
to assure fit and long life.
Drive
cover
Belt keeper
PUSH DOWN
"TORUS" HOUSING ONLY: Drive
cover
2O
PUSH
DOWN