MTD Pro 560 Series User manual

IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
21” Three-in-One
Self-Propelled
Mower
Model
560 Series
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 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 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.
770-10163B.fm
(3/2002)
PRINTED IN U.S.A.

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
Making Adjustments ..........................................................................................13
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower...........................................................................14
Off-Season Storage...........................................................................................16
Troubleshooting.................................................................................................17
Parts List............................................................................................................16
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 Service dealer.
• You can locate the model number by standing at the operating position and looking down at the rear
of the mower. 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 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

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SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
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.
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual. As with
any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This
machine is capable of amputating hands and feetand throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instruc-
tions could result in serious injury or death.
General Operation
1. Read this operator’s manual carefully in its entirety
before attemptingto assemble this machine. Read,
understand, and follow all instructions onthe machine
and in the manual(s) before operation. Be completely
familiar with the controls and the proper use of this
machine before operating it. Keepthismanual in a safe
place for futureand regular reference and forordering
replacement parts.
2. This machine is a precision piece of powerequipment,
not aplaything.Therefore,exercise extreme caution at all
times. Your unit has been designed to perform one job: to
mow grass. Do not use it forany 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 betrained and supervised bya
parent. Only responsible individuals whoare familiar with
thesesafe operation rules should use this machine.
4. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toysand
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 wallor obstructionwhich may causedischarged
material to ricochet back toward the operator.
5. To help avoid blade contactor a thrown objectinjury,stay
in the operator zone behind the handles andkeep
bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet
from the machine while itis inoperation. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.
6. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during
operation andwhile performing an adjustmentor repairto
protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can
cause serious injuryto theeyes.
7. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoesand close-fitting
slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants thatcover the arms
and legs andsteel-toedshoes are recommended. Never
operate this machine in bare feet, sandals,slippery or
light weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.
8. Do not puthands orfeet nearrotating parts orunder the
cutting deck. Contact with theblade can amputate hands
and feet.
9. A missing or damaged dischargecover can cause blade
contact or thrown object injuries.
10. Many injuries occur asa result of the mower being pulled
overthe foot during a fall caused by slipping ortripping.
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 toavoid 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. Pullthemower backslowly,no morethan half way
toward you.
d. Repeatthese steps as needed.
12. Do not operate the mowerwhile under the influenceof
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 itsoperation. Doing so makes the
safety device inoperative and may resultin 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 youfeel you are losing your footing,release the
bladecontrol handle immediatelyand the blade will stop
rotating within three seconds.
16. Mow in daylight or goodartificial light. Walk, never run.
17. Stop the blade when crossinggraveldrives, walkways
or roads.
18. If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally,stop
the engine andcheck immediately forthe cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
19. Shut the engineoff andwait until the blade comes to a
complete stop before removing the grass catcher or
unclogging the chute. The cutting blade continues to
rotate fora few seconds after the engine is shut off.
Never place anypart of thebody in theblade area until
you are sure the blade hasstopped rotating.

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20. Never operate mower without proper trail shield,
discharge cover, grass catcher, blade control handle or
othersafety protective devices in place andworking.
Never operate mower with damaged safety devices.
Failure todo 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 for this machineby
the original equipment manufacturer (O.E.M). Failure to
do so can resultin 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
Slopesare a majorfactor 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 uniton aslope or hillyarea,use
the slope gauge on page 6to measure slopes .If the slope is
greater than 15 degrees, do notmow it.
Do:
1. Mow across theface ofslopes; neverup and down.
Exercise extremecaution when changing direction on
slopes.
2. Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or bumps
whichcan 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. Ifyoufeel you are losing your
balance, release the blade control handle immediately,
and the blade willstop rotating within 3 seconds.
Do Not:
1. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments,
you could lose your footing orbalance.
2. Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as shown on
the slope gauge.
3. Do not mow onwet grass. Unstable footing could cause
slipping.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children.Childrenare 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 mowingarea andunder the
watchful care of a responsible adult otherthan 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 ofa 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 childrenunder 14years old to operate a
power mower.Children 14 years oldand over should
read and understand the operation instructions and
safety rules in this manual and should be trained and
supervised bya parent.
Service
Safe Handling Of Gasoline:
1. To avoid personalinjuryor propertydamage 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 oryour clotheswhich can ignite.
2. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.
3. Use onlyan 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 trailerwitha
portable container, ratherthan froma gasoline dispenser
nozzle.
6. Keep the nozzle in contactwith the rim of thefuel tank or
containeropeningatalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.
7. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources
of ignition.
8. Never fuel machine indoorsbecause flammable vapors
will accumulate in the area.
9. Never remove gas cap oradd fuel while the engine is hot
or running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes
before refueling.
10. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½inch
below bottom offillerneck toprovide 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 anopen flame, spark orpilot lightason 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 orfuelspillage and
remove any fuel soaked debris.
15. Allow amower to cool at least5 minutes before storing.
General Service:
1. Never run an engine indoors or in apoorlyventilated
area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas.
2. Before cleaning, repairing, orinspecting, make certain
the blade and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect
the spark plug wireand 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
fordamage (e.g., bent, cracked, worn) Replace blade
withthe original equipmentmanufacture’s(O.E.M.) blade
only,listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not

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meet the original equipment specifications may lead to
improper performance and compromise safety!”
4. Mower blades are sharpand can cut. Wrap theblade or
wear gloves,and use extra caution when servicing them.
5. Keep allnuts,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. Afterstriking a foreign object,stop the engine,disconnect
the spark plug wireand ground against the engine.
Thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage. Repair
the damage before starting and operating the mower.
8. Never attempt to makea wheel orcutting height
adjustment while the engine is running.
9. Grass catcher components, discharge cover, and trail
shield aresubjectto wearand 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
specificationsmay lead to improperperformanceand
compromise safety!”
10. Do not change the engine governorsetting or overspeed
the engine.The governorcontrols themaximum 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 materialscan harm the
environment.
Your Responsibility
•Restrictthe use of this power machineto persons who read, understandand follow the warnings andinstructions in
this manual and on the machine.
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
• KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FROM ROTATING PARTS.
• REMOVE OBJECTS THAT CAN BE THROWN BY THE
BLADE IN ANY DIRECTION. WEAR SAFETY GLASSES.
• DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND.
• USE EXTRA CAUTION ON SLOPES. DO NOT MOW
SLOPES GREATER THAN 15˚. MOW ACROSS NEVER
UP AND DOWN. NEVER PULL MOWER CLOSE TO
YOUR FEET. LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE
AND WHILE MOVING BACKWARDS.
READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL . KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (BLADE CONTROL, TRAILING SHIELD,
DISCHARGE COVER, ETC.) IN PLACE AND WORKING. IF DAMAGED, REPLACE IMMEDIATELY.
PLACEMODELPLATEHERE

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SECTION 2: SLOPE GAUGE
Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate the lawn mower safely.
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
USE THIS PAGE AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SLOPES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY.
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

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SECTION 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR LAWN MOWER
To Remove Unit From Carton
•Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut tape
at carton end and peel along top flap to open carton.
•Remove loose parts included with your unit (i.e.,
operator’s manual, etc.).
•Cut along corners and lay carton down flat.
Remove packing material.
•Roll or slide unit out of carton.
Hardware Pack
1. Carriage Bolt 1/4-20 x .75”(2)
2. Wing Nut with Bell Washer (2)
Tools Required
1. Pair of Pliers
2. Funnel
Disconnect Spark Plug Wire
•Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect the
spark plug wire from the spark plug, and ground it
against the engine. See Figure 1.
NOTE: On engines with a rubber boot, attach rubber
boot to a bolt on the engine to ground.
Figure 1
NOTE: Reference to the right or the left side of the
mower is observed from the operating position.
Setting Up Your Lawn Mower
•Remove the grass catcher from the unit and set it
out of the way. See Figure 2 (step 1).
•Raise the lower handle in the direction shown in
Figure 2 (step 2) till it snaps into place.
•Raise the upper handle in the direction shown in
Figure 2 (step 3). Tighten the wing nuts which are
already on the handle.
Figure 2
NOTE: Your mower is shipped with the handle in the
higher height position. If you wish to lower the height of
the handle, refer to the Adjustment Section at this time.
•Remove the hairpin clips from the outer hole in the
weld pins on the handle mounting brackets. Using a
pair of pliers, squeeze one leg of the lower handle
against the handle mounting bracket. Insert the
hairpin clip into the inner hole on the weld pin.
Repeat on the other side. See Figure 3.
Figure 3
•Insert post on cable ties into holes provided on the
lower handle. Pull the cable tie tight and trim the
excess. See Figure 4.
Figure 4
•The rope guide is attached to the right side of upper
handle. Loosen the wing nut which secures the
rope guide. See Figure 5.
Spark Plug
Wire
Spark Plug
1. Move bag
2. Liftlower
3. Lift upper
handle
away
handle
Handle Mounting
Bracket
Weld
Hairpin
Clip
Insert hairpin
clip here
Pin
Cable Tie
Lower
Handle
Hole on
Post

8
•With spark plug wire disconnected and grounded,
hold the blade control handle against the upper
handle, and pull the starter rope out of the engine.
Release blade control handle.
•Slip the rope into the rope guide as shown below.
Tighten the wing nut holding the rope guide to the
lower handle. See Figure 5.
Figure 5
•After you have moved the hairpin clips as shown in
Figure 3, place one carriage bolt (found in the
hardware pack included with your unit) in the upper
hole of the right handle mounting bracket from the
inside outward. See Figure 6. Secure with one
plastic wing nut. Repeat process on the left side.
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 of bag. The center
top of the bag attaches from inside the bag.
Figure 7
Parts for Hardtop Grass Bag
1. Rear Frame (packed inside hardtop cover)
2. Front Frame
3. Bag
4. Hardtop Cover
5. Mounting Bracket
6. Hex Lock Nut
7. Phillips Screw
Assembling Hardtop Grass Bag
•Insert one end of the rear frame into the slit in the
cloth channel on the edge of the grass bag (slits are
approximately 6 inches from the end of the bag).
See Figure 8A. Feed all the bag material on one
side of the frame before working it around frame.
Make certain the other end ofrear frame comes out
the slit in the other side. See Figure 8B.
Figure 8
•Slide the ends of the front frame assembly into the
ends of the rear frame as shown in Figure 9A. The
handle of the front frame assembly should be away
from the black plastic bottom of the bag. Push the
two frames together until the cross piece on the
front frame contacts the rear frame.
Slip rope into
rope guide
Wing Nut
Rope
Guide
Wing Nut
Carriage
Upper
Hole
Hairpin Clip
Bolt
Front
Frame
Assembly
Rear
Frame
Bag
Hook
Plastic
Channels
AB
Frame
Note: Bag-Fill Indicator, shown
here, is an optional item
Rear Frame
Slit
A
B

9
•Slip the openings in the side of the plastic channel
on the bag over hooks on the grass catcher frame.
See Figure 9B.
•Secure front of bag to front frame by working the
five plastic channels on bottom, sides and top of
bag over frame.
Figure 9
•Hold the bag and frame so the bag hangs from the
frame (is not bunched around the frame). Slide the
handle on the grass catcher frame down into the
slot in the hardtop cover as shown in Figure 10.
Figure 10
•Press the rear frame into the two tabs at the back of
the hardtop cover and the cross bar on the front
frame into the channel on the front of the hardtop
cover. Some force may be required.
Figure 11
•Place the mounting bracket under the front of the
handle, with the tabs on the bracket facing up.
Insert phillips head screws down through the
hardtop cover and mounting bracket. Secure with
hex lock nuts. See Figure 11.
Attaching Grass Catcher To Mower
NOTE: The mulching baffle is already in place on the
mower for shipping purposes. Your lawn mower is
equipped with both a mulching baffle and a mulching
plug. While the mulching baffle is located at the rear of
the mower, the mulching plug is located on the right
side of the cutting deck. Do not remove the mulching
plug from the mower even when you are not mulching
the grass.
•To remove the mulching baffle, lift the rear
discharge door on the mower. Remove the
mulching baffle. See Figure 12
Figure 12
IMPORTANT: Make sure cables are routed to the
outside of the handle so they are not in the way when
attaching the grass catcher.
•Lift the rear discharge door on the mower.
•Place the hooks, found on both sides of the grass
catcher frame, over the chute door pivot rod atthe
rear of the mower. See Figure 13. Release the rear
discharge door.
•To remove the grass catcher, lift the rear
discharge door on the mower. Lift the grass catcher
up and off the pivot rod. Reinstall the mulching
baffle and release the rear discharge door. See
Figure 13.
WARNING: Never operate the mower
unless the hooks on the grass catcher are
firmly seated on the chute pivot rod, and the
rear discharge door rests firmly against the
top of the grass catcher
Black
Plastic
Bottom
Handle
Hook
B
A
Slot In
Hardtop
Cover
Grass
Catcher
Handle
Phillips
Head
Screw
Mounting
Bracket
Hex Lock
Nut
Mulching
Baffle
Deck

10
Figure 13
Converting To Side Discharge
•Lift the rear discharge door and install the mulching
baffle. See Figure 12.
•On the side of the mower, lift the mulching plug.
See Figure 14.
•Slide the two hooks of the side discharge chute
under the hinge pin on the mulching plug assembly
as shown in Figure 14. Lower the side mulching
plug.
•Do not remove the side mulching plug at any time,
even when you are not mulching.
Figure 14
SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
Compare Figure 15 with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of controls and adjustments.
WARNING: The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes,
which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields.
Figure 15
Discharge Door
Grass Bag
Hinge Pin
Mulching Plug
Hook
Deflector
(Slide hooks under the two
sides of hinge pin)
Grass Catcher
Recoil Starter
Lower Bail Handle
Blade Control Handle
Mulching
Chute
Side-Discharge
Plug
Height Adjustment
Levers
Height Adjustment
Levers
Gasoline
Oil
Throttle Control (If Equipped)