MTD Series 080 User manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips &Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
OF AOAL
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22=inch Rotary Mower- Model Series 080
iMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon 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.770-10342F
2/8/2006

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
Troubleshooting ................................................ 12
Safety Labels .................................................... 13
Parts List ........................................................... 14
Warranty ............................................ Back Cover
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREYOUBEGINTOASSEMBLEYOURNEW
EQUIPMENT,pleaselocatethemodel plateon the
equipmentandcopytheinformationto thesample
modelplateprovidedtothe right.Youcanlocatethe
modelplatebystandingatthe operatingpositionand
lookingdownatthe rearofthe deck.Thisinformation
will benecessaryto usethemanufacturer'sweb
site,to obtainassistancefromtheCustomerSup-
port Department,orwhen contactingan authorized
servicedealer.
Model Number
_www.mtdproducts.com
Serial Number
MTD LLC
P.O= BOX 361131
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330-220-4683
800-800-731 Oy
Customer Support
Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
Ifyou havedifficultyassemblingthis productorhaveanyquestionsregardingthecontrols,operation,or
maintenanceofthis unit,youcan seekhelp fromtheexperts.Choosefromtheoptionsbelow:
= Visitwww.mtdproducts.com
• CallaCustomerSupportRepresentativeat 1-800-800-7310.
• Theengine manufacturer isresponsibleforall engine-relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-
rating,specifications,warrantyandservice.Pleaserefertothe enginemanufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's
Manual,packedseparatelywith your unit,for moreinformation.
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15°

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 complywiththese
instructionsmay result
i in personalinjury.When
youseethis symbol.
i HEED ITS WARNING!
Your Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read,
_understand
ano followthe warnings
and instructions
inthis manual
and on the machine.
WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of its constituents,andcertain vehiclecompo-
nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancer and
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: Thismachinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesforsafe operationinthis
manual.As with anytypeof powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operatorcan
result in seriousinjury.This machine iscapable of amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.
Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injuryor 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.Stop machineifanyoneenters
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 theequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineand checkimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis
generallya warningoftrouble.
4

19.Shuttheengineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto a
completestopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcheror unclog-
ging thechute.
The cuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefor a fewsecondsafter
the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceany partofthe bodyin
the bladearea untilyouaresurethe bladehasstopped
rotating.
20. Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrail shield,discharge
cover,grass catcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafety
protectivedevicesin placeand working.Neveroperate
mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo socan
resultin personalinjury.
21. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causea burn.Do
nottouch.
22.Only usepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthismachineby
manufacturer.Failuretodo socanresultinpersonalinjury.
23. If situationsoccurwhich arenotcoveredin thismanual,
usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor
assistance.Telephone[phone]forthe nameofyour
nearestdealer.
Slope Operation
Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidents,which
can resultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra
caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyon a slope,do notmowit.Foryour
safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthis manualto
measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunitonaslopedor hilly
area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donot mowit.
Do:
1. Mowacrossthefaceofslopes;neverupanddown.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
2. Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks, hiddenobjects,or bumpswhich
can causeyouto slipor trip. Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
3. Alwaysbesure ofyourfooting.A slip andfall cancause
seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyour
balance,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediately,and
the bladewill stoprotatingwithin3seconds.
Do Not:
1. Donot mowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,you
could loseyourfootingorbalance.
2. Donot mowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownon
the slopegauge.
3. Donot mowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcause
slipping. Service
Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:
1. To avoidpersonalinjury orpropertydamageuseextreme
care inhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable
andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan
occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselforyourclothes,
whichcanignite.
2. Washyourskin andchangeclothesimmediately.
3. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
4. Neverfill containersinsideavehicleoron a truckor trailer
bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe
groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truck ortrailer
and refuelit onthe ground.Ifthis is notpossible,thenrefuel
suchequipmentonatrailerwitha portablecontainer,rather
thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.
6. Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimofthefueltank or
containeropeningat alltimesuntilfuelingis complete.Do
notuseanozzlelock-opendevice.
7. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
8. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill
accumulatein thearea.
9. Neverremovegascap oradd fuelwhileengineishot or
running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwo minutesbefore
refueling.
10.Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch
belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.
11.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
12.If gasolineis spilled,wipe itoff theengineand equipment.
Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting
engine.
13.Neverstorethe machineorfuel containernearanopen
flame,sparkor pilotlightasonawaterheater,space
heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.
14.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,
orother debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand
removeanyfuel soakeddebris.
15.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService:
1. Neverrun anengineindoorsorin a poorlyventilatedarea.
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessand
deadlygas.
2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe
sparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe engineto prevent
unintendedstarting.
3. Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent
intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefor
damage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewiththe
originalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listed
inthismanual."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe original
equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformance
andcompromisesafety!"
4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor wear
gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip-
mentis insafeworkingcondition.
6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperopera-
tionregularly.
7. Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stopthe engine,discon-
nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.
Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerfor anydamage.Repairthe
damagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower.
8. Neverattemptto makeawheelor cuttingheightadjustment
whiletheengineis running.
9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail
shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould expose
movingpartsor allowobjectsto bethrown.Forsafety
protection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplaceim-
mediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)
partsonly,listedinthis manual."Useofpartswhichdo
notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"
10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating
speedoftheengine.
11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.
12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper
disposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
5
Operation
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.
Whenyou seethis
symbol.
HEED IT'S WARNING!
YourResponsibility
Restrictthe use
of this powermachine
to personswho read.
understand
and followthe warnings
and instructions
in this manua
and onthe machine.

Setupar,d
Yourmower is
shipped with the
handle inthe higher
1eight position.
Each end of the
lower handle must
be placed in the
same position onthe
mounting brackets.
MPORTANT:This
unit isshipped
withoutgasoline or
oil in the engine. Fiii
up gasolineand oil
as instructedinthe
accompanying engine
manual BEFORE
operating your mower.
Step 1
Step 2
1. For shippingpurposes, the chute deflectoron
your mower isheld in an uprightposition bya
retainer.Removethe retainer asfollows:
a. Push chutedeflector up towardsengine.
Holding deflectorin this position,remove
the retainerand discard. See Step 1
b. Lowerthechute deflectorcarefullykeeping
yourfingers out of the way.
2. Performthe following sequencefor handle
setup:
a. Lift the upperhandle upfromfolded
positionA and pull it to extendedposition
B following thearrowin Step2. The handle
shouldclick intothis position.
b. Makesure the carriage boltis seated
properlyin the handle.Tightenwing nuts
securing upper handleto the lower handle.
3. If satisfiedwith heightof handle,tighten wing
nutsat the ends of the lower handleshown in
Step 3. Forconvenienceof operating,you may
adjustthe handleheightas follows:
a. Removethewing nutsshown in Step3 and
removethe lower handle.
,
b. Positioneach handle bracketstud intothe
top hole in the lower handle.
c. Tightenthe wing nuts.
Positionthe recoil starterby following the
stepsbelow,see Step 4.
a. Hold theblade control againstthe upper
handle. PositionA.
b. Slowlypull starter ropeoutof the engine.
Position B.
c. Slip starter ropeinto the ropeguide. Posi-
tion C.
,
d. Tightenrope guide wing nut. PositionD.
Use the cable tie providedtosecure cable to
the lowerhandle. Pullcable tie tightand trim
excess. See Step 5.
Step 3
6

Adjustment
Each wheelhas a heightadjustment leverto
change the cutting height of the mower.De-
press heightadjustmentlevertowardsthe wheel
and slide leverto desired positionfor achange
in cutting height. See Step 6.
Allwheels must beraised or loweredtothe
same position.For rough or uneven lawns,
movethe heightadjustmentleverto a higher
position.This will stop scalping ofgrass.
Setup and
Adjustment
Step 4
When adjusting the
cutting height, be
sureto set all four
wheelsat the same
height, Forroughor
uneven lawns, move
the height adjustment
lever to a higher
positionto prevent
scalping ofthe grass.
Step 5J
Step 6
7
IMPORTANT
This unit isshipped
without gasolineor
oil inthe engine. Fill
up gasolineand oil
as instructedin the
accompanying engine
manual BEFORE
operating your mower.

WARNING
The blade control
mechanism isa
safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its
operations.
Use extreme care
when handling
gasoline.Gasoline is
extremelyflammable
and the vapors are
explosive.Never fuel
the machine indoors
or while the engine
is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes,
c_gars,pipes and
other sources of
ignition.
Blade Control Handle
Cutting Height
AdjustmentLevers
(oneat each
wheel)
Side DischargeChute
Figure 1
Now that you have setup your lawn mower, it's important to become acquainted with its controls and features.
Blade Control Handle
Thebladecontrolisattachedtotheupperhandleofthe
mower.Depressthe bladecontrolhandletooperatethe
unit.Releaseit tostopengineandblade.
__ WARNING:Theblade control mecha-
nism isasafetydevice. Neverattempt
to bypass itsoperations.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
Oneadjustmentleverislocatedateachwheelandis
usedtoadjustthecuttingheight.All fourleversmustbe
movedtothesamepositiontoensurea uniformcut.
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter isattached to the right upper
handle.Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil
starter ropeto start the unit.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
Referto enginemanualfor engineinformation.
1. Checkoillevelandaddoil ifnecessary.Followengine
manualforthis.
2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe
enginemanual,
WARNING:Useextremecarewhen
handling gasoline. Gasolineis
extremely flammableand the vapors
areexplosive. Neverfuel the machine
indoorsor while the engine ishot or running. Extin-
guish cigarettes, cigars, pipesand other sources of
ignition.
8

__k ARNING:The operationof anylawn
mowercan resultin foreign objects
being thrown intothe eyes,which can
damageyour eyesseverely.Always
wearsafety glasses while operating the mower,or
whileperforminganyadjustments or repairson it.
Starting the Engine
WARNING:Besure noone other than
theoperator isstanding nearthe lawn
mowerwhile starting engine or operat-
ingmower.Neverrun engineindoors
or inenclosed,poorly ventilatedareas. Engine
exhaustcontains carbon monoxide,an odorless and
deadlygas. Keephands, feet, hair and loose clothing
awayfrom anymoving partson engineand lawn
mower.
Note: Referto EngineManualfor helpwithengine-
related operations.
1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwo seconds
betweeneachpush.SeeFigure2.Intemperature
around55°For below,primefivetimes.Donotprime
torestarta warmengine.
2. Standingbehindthemower,squeezetheblade
controlhandleagainstupperhandle.SeeFigure2.
3. Holdingthesetwohandlestogetherfirmly,grasp
recoilstarterhandleandpull ropeoutwitha rapid,
continuous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure2. Keeping
a firmgriponthestarterhandle,lettheroperewind
slowly.Repeatuntilenginecranks.Letthe rope
rewindeachtimeslowly.
.
2.
Stopping the Engine
Releasebladecontrolhandleto stoptheengineand
theblade.
Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainsttheengine.
Using Your Lawn Mower
Be sure the lawn isclear of stones, sticks, wire, or
other objects which could damage the lawn mower
or the engine. Such objects could be accidently
thrown by the mower in any direction and cause
serious personal injuryto the operator and others.
WARNING:If youstrike a foreign
object, stop theengine.Remove
wirefrom the sparkplug,thoroughly
inspectthe mower for anydamage,
and repairthe damagebefore restarting and operat-
ingthe mower.Extensive vibration of the mower
during operation isan indicationof damage.The unit
shouldbe promptlyinspectedand repaired.
Figure 2
o
o
Operating Tips
Forbestresults,do notcutwetgrass.
Newgrass,thickgrass,orwet grassmayrequirea
narrowercut.
•Fora healthierlawn,nevercutoff morethanone-third
ofthetotallengthofthegrass.
• Yourlawnshouldbecut inthefallaslongasthereis
growth.
• Adjustgroundspeedaccordingto conditionof lawn.
9
Mower
WARNING
Theoperation of any
lawnmowercanresult
inforeign objectsbeing
thrown intothe eyes,
which candamageyour
eyesseverely.Always
wearsafetyglasseswhile
operatingthe mower,
or whileperformingany
adjustments or repairs
on it.
Besurenoone other than
Lheoperatorisstanding
nearthe lawn mower
whilestarting engine or
operatingmower.Never
run engine indoorsor
in enclosed, poorly
ventilated areas. Engine
exhaustcontains carbon
monoxide, anodorless
and deadly gas.Keep
hands, feet, hair and loose
:lothingawayfrom any
moving partson engine
andlawnmower.

S?_'_?_'_!_ _ _!b_
Mainta=n t
Your Lawn
ower
wARNiNG o
i
A waysstopeng ne;.
disconnectspark
plug,andground
againstenginebefore
cleaning, lubricating
ordoinganyk_ndof"
maintenanceon your
machine: "
o
i
Wedo not recommend
the useof pressure
washersor garden
uniL These may cause
damagetoe ectr o
components, spindles,
pulleys,bearings, or
the engine, The use
ofwaterwill
inshortened lifeand
reduceserviceabilityi
Figure 3
General
Recommendations
Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperformingany
typeofmaintenance.
Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse
or negligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthelawnmowerasinstructed
here.
Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoidengine
warranty.
Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.
Periodicallycheckall fastenersand makesurethese
aretight.
,_ WARNING:Always stopengine, discon-
nect sparkplug, and ground against
engine beforeperformingany type of
maintenanceon your machine.
Lubrication
1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolhandleat
leastoncea seasonwithlightoil.Thebladecontrol
mustoperatefreelyin bothdirections.SeeFigure3.
2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil (ormotoroil).If wheelsare removedforany
reason,lubricatesurfaceoftheaxleboltandinner
surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure3.
3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointonthe
chutedeflectorperiodicallywith lightoilto prevent
rust.See Figure3.
4. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-
tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.
Cleaning Mower
_ ARNING:Nevertip the mower more
than 90° inanydirection and do not
leavethe mower tipped for anylength of
time. Oil candrain intothe upper partof theengine
causing a starting problem.
Clean underside ofthe mower deck after each
useto prevent build-up of grass clippings or other
debris. Follow steps belowfor this job.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn
mowerorplacea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.
2. Tipthemowersothat itrestsonthehousing.Keep
thesidewiththeaircleanerfacingup.Holdthe
mowerfirmly.
3. Scrapeandcleanthe undersidedthedeckwitha
suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.
4. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsontheground.If
youhadputplasticunderthegascapearlier,make
sureto removeitnow.
10

Blade Care
,__ WARNING:Whenremovingthe cutting
bladefor sharpeningor replacement,
protectyourhandswith apairof heavy
gloves or usea heavy ragto hold the blade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,
especiallyifyoustrikeaforeignobject.Replacewhen
necessary.Followthestepsbelowforbladeservice.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn
moweronitssidemakingsurethattheair filterand
thecarburetorareup.
2. Removetheboltandthebladebellsupportwhich
holdthebladeandthebladeadaptertotheengine
crankshaft.SeeFigure4.
3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.
4. Thebladecanbesharpenedwithafileor ona
grindingwheel.Followtheoriginalangleandgrind
eachcuttingedgeequally.Donotattempttosharpen
thebladewhileitisstillon themower.
5. Placethebladeon a roundshaftscrewdrivertocheck
forbalance.Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntilit
balancesevenly.
__1 ARNING:An unbalancedblade will
cause excessivevibration when rotating
at high speeds.It maycause damageto
mower,and could breakcausing personalinjury.
6. Toreassemble,lubricatetheenginecrankshaftand
theinnersurfaceofthebladeadapterwith lightoil.
Slidethebladeadapterontotheenginecrankshaft.
7. Placethebladeon theadaptersuchthattheside
oftheblademarked"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)
facesgroundwhenthemowerisin theoperating
position.Makesurethatthebladeisalignedand
seatedon bladeadapterflanges.
8. Placebladebellsupportontheblade.Alignnotches
onthebladebellsupportwithsmallholesin blade.
9. Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450
in.Ibs.rain.,600in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically
checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.
Sell
Support
Figure 4
Off-Season Storage
Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakento prepareyourlawn
mowerforstorage.
• Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin
thelubricationinstructions.
• Refertoenginemanualforcorrectenginestorage
instructions.
Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto
preventrusting.
Storemowerin adry,cleanarea.Donotstorenextto
corrosivematerials,suchasfertilizer.
Whenstoringanytypeofpowerequipmentin a poorly
ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetakento
rust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoilor silicone,coat
theequipment,especiallycablesandall movingpartsof
yourlawnmowerbeforestorage.
11
lVloWer
WARNING
When removing
the cutting blade
for sharpening or
replacement, protect
your handswith a
pair of heavy gloves
or use a heavy rag to
hold the blade.
An unbalanced blade
will causeexcessive
vibrationwhen rotat-
ing at high speeds, it
maycause damage
to mower, and could
break causing per-
sonal injury.

repairsbeyond
theminoradjustments
listed here, contact
an authorizedservice
i ii i _ i
i i i i
/i _iii_ii_i_!i_/_ _i_ ii_iii_i
Problem Cause Remedy
Engine fails to Start i. Blade controldisengaged. Engagebiadecontrol
sparkp!ugwiredisconnected: I conBect WiretoSparkp!ug_
3. Fueltankemptyorstalefuel. 3. FiItankwith clean,freshgasoline.
4. Enginenotchoked. 4. Chokeengineas instructedinthe
OPe[atingYOU[LawnMower section•
5: Faultysparkp ug 5, Clean,adjustgap,or replace.
6. BloCkedfuel linel 6, cieanfueliinel
7: Engineflooded. 7: Wait afew minutesto iestart,but do
I notprime:
Enginerunserratic 1. Sparkplugwireloose.
2. Blockedfuel lineor stalefuel.
3. Ventingascap plugged.
4. Wateror dirt infuel system.
5. Dirtyair cleaner.
6. Carburetorout ofadjustment.
1. Connectandtightensparkplugwire.
2. Cleanfuelline;filltank withclean,
freshgasoline.
3. Clearvent.
4. Drainfueltank. Refillwithfreshfuel.
5. Referto enginemanual.
6. Referto enginemanual.
Engine overheats 1 Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil.
2....A rf ow restrcted I2 Removebower housngand cean
3. Carburetornotadjustedpropery. 3• Referto engne manua.
Occasional skips 1. Sparkpluggap tooclose. 1. Adjust gapto .030-inch.
(hesitates) at high speed 2. Carburetoridlemixtureadjustment 2. Referto enginemanual.
improperlyset.
Idles poorly 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gaptoo wide. 1. Resetgapto .030-inchor replace
sparkp ug.
2 Carburetorimproperlyadjusted 2. Referto enginemanual.
. 3. Dirtyair cleaner. 3. Referto enginemanual.
Excessive Vibration 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.Balance
blade.
2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. See anauthorizedservicedealer.
Mower will not mulch grass 1 Wetgrass• 1. Donot mowwhengrass iswet wait
untillatertocut.
2. Excessivelyhighgrass. 2. Mowonceata highcuttingheight,
then mowagainatdesirecJheightor
I makeanarrowerCuttingpath.
, 3. Du bade. , 3• Sharpenor replaceblade.
Uneven cut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsinsame
heightposition.
2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.
ii_ i!_i_ii_ii_I _ii i ii _i i
NOTE:SpeCifications are
SubjeCt to change without
notification or obligation.
!mage s my not reflect your
exact model and are for
[efe[ence purposes oniy:
i
12

13
ii i _iI_ii

fJ_
14

1 710-1205 EyeBolt
2 720-0279 WingNut
3 747-1161A BladeControlHandle
4 749-1092A UpperHandle
5 746-0957 BladeControlCable-37.25 inch
6 749-04037 LowerHandle
7 725-0157 CableTie
8 787-01097 DeckAssembly22-inch
9 710-0654A TTScrew3/8-16x 1.0
10 748-0376C BiadeAdapter
11 742-0642A StandardBiade22-inch
12 736-0524B BladeBellSupport
13 710-1044 Screw3/8-24x 1.5
14 712-04065 LockNut3/8-16
15 741-0751 HeightAdjusterBearing
16 687-02094 PivotArm
17 687-02051 LeverAssembly
18 736-0741 BellWasher.760IDx 1.25OD
19 738-1172 ShoulderScrew
20 734-1988 FrontWheel7 x 1.8
21 710-0599 TT Screw1/4-20x .5
22 736-0270 BellWasher.265IDx .75OD
23 710-0216 Screw3/8-16x .75
24 738-1173 ShoulderScrew
25 734-1987 RearWheel8 x 1.8
26 682-3064 HandleBracketAssemblyRH
682-3065 HandleBracketAssemblyLH
27 720-04072 StarKnob
28 731-04019 Trailshield
29 17098 HingeClip
30 710-1174 CarriageBolt5/16-18x2
31 731-1035B ChuteDeflector
32 732-1014 TorsionSpring
33 17032A ChuteHinge
34 747-0710 HingePin
35 931-1034B HingedChuteDeflectorAssembly
_FACTORY PARTS
Toorder replacement
parts,call1-800-800-7310
or visitus onthe webat
www.mtdproducts.com
15

MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR
ThelimitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenbyMTDLLCwithrespect
tonewmerchandisepurchasedandusedin theUnitedStates,its
possessionsandterritories.
"MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsinmaterialandworkman-
shipfora periodoftwo (2)yearscommencingonthedateoforiginal
purchaseandwill,at itsoption,repairor replace,freeofcharge,any
partfoundto bedefectiveinmaterialsorworkmanship.Thislimitedwar-
rantyshallonlyapplyifthisproducthasbeenoperatedand maintained
inaccordancewiththeOperator'sManualfurnishedwiththeproduct,
andhasnotbeensubjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,
accident,impropermaintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft,fire,water,
ordamagebecauseofotherperilor naturaldisaster.Damageresulting
fromthe installationor useofanypart,accessoryor attachmentnot
approvedby MTDforusewiththeproduct(s)coveredbythis manual
willvoidyourwarrantyastoanyresultingdamage.
Normalwearpartsarewarrantedto befreefromdefectsinmaterialand
workmanshipfora periodofthirty(30)daysfromthedateof purchase.
Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuchas: batter-
ies,belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,
snowthrowerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.
NOW TO OBTAINSERVICE: Warrantyservice isavailable,WITH
PROOFOF PURCHASE,throughyour localauthorized service
dealer.Tolocate the dealer in yourarea, check yourYellowPages,
or contact MTDLLCat RO. Box361131,Cleveland,Ohio 44136-
0019,or call 1-800-800-7310or 1-330-220-4683 or log on to our
Website at www.mtdproducts.com.
Thislimitedwarrantydoesnotprovidecoverageinthefollowingcases:
a. Theengineor componentpartsthereof.Theseitemsmaycarrya
separatemanufacturer'swarranty.Refertoapplicablemanufacturer's
warrantyfortermsandconditions.
b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershavea separateoneyear
warranty.
c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchaslubricants,filters,blade
sharpening,tune-ups,brakeadjustments,clutchadjustments,deck
adjustments,andnormaldeteriorationoftheexteriorfinishdueto
useor exposure.
d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthananauthorizedservice
dealer.
e. MTDdoesnotextendanywarrantyforproductssoldor exported
outsideoftheUnitedStates,its possessionsandterritories,except
thosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorizedchannelsofexportdistribution.
f. ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts.
g. Transportationchargesandservicecalls.
Noimpliedwarranty,includingany impliedwarrantyof mer-
chantabilityof fitness for a particular purpose,applies after the
applicable periodof expresswritten warranty aboveasto the
partsasidentified.Nootherexpresswarranty, whetherwritten or
oral, exceptas mentioned above,givenby anypersonor entity,
includingadealeror retailer, withrespect to any product,shall
bindMTD.Duringthe periodof the warranty,the exclusiveremedy
isrepairor replacementof the productas setforth above.
Theprovisionsasset forth inthis warrantyprovidethesoleand
exclusiveremedy arising from the sale.MTDshallnot be liable
for incidentalor consequentiallossor damageincluding,without
limitation, expensesincurredfor substituteor replacementlawn
careservicesor for rentalexpensesto temporarily replacea
warranted product.
Somestatesdo notallowtheexclusionor limitationofincidentalor
consequentialdamages,or limitationsonhowlongan impliedwarranty
lasts,sotheaboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplytoyou.
Innoeventshallrecoveryofanykindbegreaterthantheamountofthe
purchasepriceof theproductsold.Alterationof safetyfeaturesof
the product shallvoid this warranty. Youassumetheriskand liability
forloss,damage,or injurytoyouandyourpropertyand/ortoothersand
theirpropertyarisingoutofthemisuseor inabilitytousethe product.
Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendtoanyoneotherthantheoriginal
purchaserorto thepersonforwhomitwas purchasedasa gift.
HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHISWARRANTY:This limited
warrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,and youmayalsohaveother
rightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofof Purchasetoobtain
warrantycoverage.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136=0019; Phone: 1=800=800=7310, 1=330=220=4683