MTD Series 080 User manual

Operator's Manual
22" Rotary Mower
Model Series 080
IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.
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.BOX361131CLEVELAND,OHIO44136-0019
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-10342D
(10/2003)

TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content Page Content Page
Customer Support 2 Making Adjustments 10
Important Safe Operation Practices 3 Maintaining Your Lawn Mower 11
Slope Gauge 5 Troubleshooting 13
Setting Up 6 Parts List 14
Operating Your Lawn Mower 8 Warranty 16
FINDINGMODELNUMBER
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. A sample model plate is
also given below. You can locate the model plate by standing at the operating position and
looking down at the rear of the deck. This information will be necessary to use the
manufacturer's web site and/or help from the Customer Support Department or an authorized
service dealer.
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
CUSTOMERSUPPORT
Pleasedo NOTreturntheunittotheretailer fromwhichit waspurchased,withoutfirstcontactingCustomerSupport.
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:
_r Visit mtdproducts.com for many useful suggestions. Click on Customer Support button andyou will get the four options reproduced here. Click on the appropriate button and help is
immediately available.
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Ifyou prefertoreacha Customer SupportRepresentative,pleasecallI(800)800-7310
The engine manufacturerisresponsibleforallengine-relatedissueswithregardsto
and service.Pleaserefertothe
)erformance, power-rating, specifications, warranty engine
manufacturer's Owner's/Operator's Manual, packed separately with your unit, for more
information.

SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES
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 feet and throwing objects.
Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
general Operation
1. Read this operator's manual carefully in its entirety before
attempting to assemble this machine. Read, understand, and
follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s)
before operation. Be completely familiar with the controls and
the proper use of this machine before operating it. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for
ordering replacement parts.
2. This machine is a precision piece of power equipment, not a
plaything. Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all times. Your
unit has been designed to perform one job: to mow grass. Do not
use it for any 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
instructions in this manual and should be trained and supervised
by a parent. Only responsible individuals who are familiar with
these rules of safe operation should be allowed to use this
machine.
4. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used.
Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys and 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 wall or obstruction which may
cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator.
5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, stay in the
operator zone behind the handles and keep children,
bystanders, helpers and pets at least 75 feet from the mower
while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
6. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation
and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect your
eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to
the eyes.
7. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting slacks
and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover the arms and legs and
steel-toed shoes are recommended. Never operate this machine
in bare feet, sandals, slippery or light weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.
8. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting
deck. Contact with the blade can amputate hands and feet.
9. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact
or thrown object injuries.
10. Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled over
the foot during a fall caused by slipping or tripping. 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 to avoid 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. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half way
toward you.
d. Repeat these steps as needed.
5. Do not operate the mower while under the influence of alcohol
or drugs.
6. Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on units so
equipped while starting engine.
7. The blade control handle is a safety device. Never attempt to
bypass its operation. Doing so makes the safety device
inoperative and may result in 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.
8. Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be sure of your
footing. A slip and fall can cause serious personal injury. If you
feel you are losing your footing, release the blade control handle
immediately and the blade will stop rotating within three
seconds.
9. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light. Walk, never run.
10. Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
11. Ifthe equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
engine and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is
generally a warning of trouble.
12. Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to a complete
stop before removing the grass catcher or unclogging the chute.
The cutting blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the
engine is shut off. Never place any part of the body in the blade
area until you are sure the blade has stopped rotating.
13. Never operate mower without proper trail shield, discharge
cover, grass catcher, blade control handle or other safety
protective devices in place and working. Never operate mower
with damaged safety devices. Failure to do so, can result in
personal injury.
14. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not
touch.
15. Only use parts and accessories made for this machine by the
manufacturer. Failure to do so can result in personal injury.
16. Ifsituations 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.

SlopeOperation
Slopes are a major factor 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 For your safety, use the
slope gauge included as part of this manual to measure slopes before
operating this unit on a sloped or hilly area If the slope is greater than
15 degrees, do not mow it
Do:
1 Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down Exercise
extreme caution when changing direction on slopes
2 Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or bumps which can
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 If you feel you are losing your balance, release
the blade control handle immediately, and the blade will stop
rotating within 3 seconds
DoNot:
1 Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments, you could
lose your footing or balance
2 Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as shown on the
slope gauge
3 Do not mow on wet grass Unstable footing could cause slipping
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence
of children Children are 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 mowing area and under the watchful
care of a responsible adult other than 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 of a
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 children under 14 years old to operate a power
mower Children 14 years old and over should read and
understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this
manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent
SafeHandlingOfGasoline:
1 To avoid personal injury or property damage 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 or your clothes which can ignite
2 Wash your skin and change clothes immediately
3 Use only an 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 Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and
refuel it on the ground Ifthis is not possible, then refuel such
equipment on a trailer with a portable container, rather than from
a gasoline dispenser nozzle
6 Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is complete Do not
use a nozzle lock-open device
7 Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of
ignition
8 Never fuel machine indoors because flammable vapors will
accumulate in the area
9 Never remove gas cap or add 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 ½ inch below
bottom of filler neck to provide for fuel expansion
11 Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely
12 Ifgasoline 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 near an open flame,
spark or pilot light as on 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 or fuel spillage and remove any fuel
soaked debris
15 Allow a mower to cool at least 5 minutes before storing
GeneralService:
1 Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and
deadly gas
2 Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the blade
and all moving parts have stopped Disconnect the spark plug
wire and 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 for damage
(eg, bent, cracked, worn) Replace blade with the original
equipment manufacture's (OEM) blade only, listed in this
manual "Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment
specifications may lead to improper performance and
compromise safety!"
4 Mower blades are sharp and can cut Wrap the blade or wear
gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them
5 Keep all nuts, 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 After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the
spark plug wire and ground against the engine Thoroughly
inspect the mower for any damage Repair the damage before
starting and operating the mower
8 Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height adjustment
while the engine is running
9 Grass catcher components, discharge cover, and trail shield are
subject to wear and 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 (OEM) parts only, listed in this
manual "Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment
specifications may lead to improper performance and
compromise safety!"
10 Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the
engine The governor controls the maximum safe operating
speed of the engine
11 Maintain or replace safety labels, as necessary
12 Observe proper disposal laws and regulations Improper
disposal of fluids and materials can harm the environment
YourResponsiNiity
• Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read,
understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this
manual and on the machine

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,_ WARNING
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.

SECTION3: SETTINGUP
SparkPlugWire
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from the spark
plug, and ground it against the engine.
2. If engine is equipped with a rubber boot,
attach rubber boot to a bolt on the engine to
ground. See Figure 1.
rk
Plug
Wire
Fig
//Spark Plug /
Wire_
ire 1
ChuteRetainer
For shipping purposes, the chute deflector on your
mower is held in an upright position by a retainer.
Remove the retainer by following the steps below.
1. Push the chute deflector up towards the
engine. Holding the deflector in this position,
remove the retainer. See Figure 2. Discard the
retainer.
2. Lower the chute deflector carefully keeping
your fingers out of the way.
Raise chute
deflector
Retainer
Figure 2
Remove
Upper&LowerHandles
1. Lift the upper handle up from position A and
pull it to to position B following the arrow in
Figure 3. The handle should click into this
position.
2. Tighten wing nut A securing the upper handle
to the lower handle. Make sure that the
carriage bolt is seated properly in the handle.
Repeat on the other side with wing nut B. See
Figure 3.
3. Tighten wing nuts C and D at the end of the
lower handle to secure the handle to the
handle bracket. See Figure 3.
4. Fasten the cable to the lower handle with the
cable tie on the lower handle. Pull the cable tie
tight and trim off the excess.
Position B
Wing"__
Nut A '
i
Wing Nut C
•,_ Upper Handle
_Wing Nut B
Wing Nut D
Figure 3

RopeGuide
1. Insert rope guide into the hole on the upper
handle indicated in Figure 4. Secure with wing
nut E, but do not tighten.
NOTE: Follow this step only if the rope guide is not
attached to the mower. Otherwise move to step 2.
2. Hold the blade control handle against the
upper handle (marked 1 in Figure 4) and pull
the starter rope out of the engine (marked 2 in
Figure 4).
3. Release the blade control handle. Slip the
starter rope into the rope guide (marked 3 in
Figure 4).
4. Tighten the wing nut E. See Figure 4.
ueeze
handles
this way
Wing Nut E
Starter Rope
/
/
/
Slip rope through
rope guide
this way
MuJchingBaffle
If your mower is equipped with a mulching baffle,
install it on the right side of the deck. Follow the
sequence indicated here.
1. Lift up and hold the side-discharge chute
deflector.
2. Insert bottom lip of the mulching baffle inside
the chute opening (marked 1 in Figure 5).
3. Snap hooks of the mulching baffle over the
hinge pin of the chute deflector (marked 2 in
Figure 5). The hooks must snap into place on
the hinge pin, locking the mulching baffle firmly
onto the mower. Release the chute deflector.
NOTE: For proper assembly, install bottom lip
inside chute opening before placing hooks over
the hinge pin.
IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped without gasoline
or oil in the engine. Fill up gasoline and oil as
instructed in the accompanying engine manual
before operating your mower.
Chute
Mulching
Baffle
Figure 4
Lip of Mulching Baffle
(install inside chute opening)
Figure 5
Opening

SECTION4: OPERATINGYOURLAWNMOWER
Knowyourlawn mower
Now that you have set up your lawn mower for
operation, get aquainted with its controls and
features. These are described below and
illustrated in Figure 6. This knowledge will allow
you to use your new equipment to its fullest
potential.
BladeControlHandle
The blade control handle is attached to the upper
handle of the mower. Depress the blade control
handle to operate the unit. Release it to stop
engine and blade.
WARNING: This blade control
_i mechanism is a safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its operations.
CuttingHeightAdjustmentLevers
One adjustment lever is located on each wheel
and is used to adjust the cutting height. All four
levers have to be at the same relative position to
ensure uniform cut.
RecoilStarter
The recoil starter is attached to the right upper
handle. Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil
starter rope to start the unit.
MulchingBaffle
Blade Control Handle
Starter
"'_ "_9 _ Starter Rope
Lever
/mOil Fill
fHeight Adj.
Lever
Gas Ca
MaUlffi;ing__
Figure 6
The mulching baffle is used to recirculate grass clippings back to the lawn. Attach it as instructed on page 7 of this
manual.
ChuteDeflector/DischargeChute
This chute discharges grass clippings beside each cutting lap. In tall grass, use this chute first to cut, and then use
the mulching baffle to mulch.
Gag& 0il Fill-Up
•Check oil level and add oil if necessary. Follow engine manual for this. See Figure 6 above for location of oil fill.
• Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in the engine manual. See Figure 6 above for location of gas cap.
_ WARNING: Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors
_are Never fuel the machine indoors while the is hot
explosive. or engine or running. Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.
BeforeStarting
• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire (inside the
rubber boot) is fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark plug.
WARNING: The operation of any lawn mower can result inforeign objects being thrown into the eyes,
which can damage your eyes severely. Always wear safety glasses while operating the mower, or while
performing any adjustments or repairs on it.

StartingEngine
d_k WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower while starting
engine or operating mower. Never run engine indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing
away from any moving parts on engine and lawn mower.
1. Push primer three times. Wait about two
seconds between each push. See Figure 7A.
In temperature around 55° F or below, prime
five times. Do not prime to restart a warm
engine.
2. Standing behind the mower, squeeze the
blade control handle against the upper
handle. See Figure 7B.
3. Holding these two handles together firmly,
grasp recoil starter handle and pull rope out
with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. See
Figure 7C. Keeping a firm grip on the starter
handle, let the rope rewind slowly. Repeat
until engine cranks. Let the rope rewind each
time slowly.
StoppingEngine
1. Release blade control handle to stop the
engine and the blade.
2. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug
and ground against the engine.
_ usa an_-__
_release to
prime
Squeeze these
two handles B
Pull
starter
Fiqure 7
A
C
#sing YourLawnMower
IMPORTANT: Be sure the lawn is clear 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
injury to the operator and others.
d_l WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove wire from the spark plug, thoroughly
inspect the mower for any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and operating the mower.
Extensive vibration of the mower during operation is an indication of damage. The unit should be promptly
inspected and repaired.
0#cratingTi#s
• For best results, do not cut wet grass.
• New grass, thick grass, or wet grass may require a narrower cut.
• For a healthier lawn, never cut off more than one-third of the total length of the grass.
• Your lawn should be cut in the fall as long as there is growth.
• For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass.
• Adjust ground speed according to the condition of the lawn.
• If the grass has been allowed to grow in excess of 4 inches, mulching is not recommended.
Mow using the side discharge to reduce the grass height to 3-1/4 inches or less before
mulching.

SECTION5: MAKINGADJUSTMENTS
WARNING: Always stop engine, disconnect spark plug, and ground against engine before performing
_1_ adjustments.
Cu ing Height
Each wheel has a height adjustment leverto
change the cutting height of the mower.
1. Depress the lever towards the wheel and
slide the lever assembly to desired position
for a change in cutting height. See Figure 8.
IMPORTANT: All wheels must be placed in the
same relative position. For rough or uneven
lawns, move the height adjustment lever to a
higher position. This will stop scalping of grass.
Height Adjustment
Figure 8
HandleHeight
Your mower is shipped with the handle in the
higher height position. For convenience of
operating, you may lower the handle height as
follows:
1. Remove the starter rope from the rope guide.
2. Remove the wing nuts shown in Figure 9 and
remove the lower handles.
3. Position each handle bracket assembly stud
into the top hole in the lower handle.
NOTE: Each end of the lower handle must be
placed in the same relative position.
4. Re-attach the lower handle to the handle
bracket on each side and tighten the wing
nuts. Re-insert starter rope into rope guide.
For instructions, refer to page 7.
•Remember to attach the spark plug wire after
completing the adjustments and before
operating your mower.
Wing
Nuts
Handle"
Bracket
Figure 9
Lower
Handle
10