MTD Yard Machines 200 Series User manual

18” String Trimmer
Mower
Model Series 200
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
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 ofCalifornia 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 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO.
770-10383C.fm
(2/01)

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices...................................................................3
Slope Gauge......................................................................................................6
Assembling Your String Trimmer Mower............................................................7
Know Your String Trimmer Mower.....................................................................8
Operating Your String TrimmerMower...............................................................9
Maintaining Your String Trimmer Mower............................................................9
Troubleshooting.................................................................................................12
Parts List............................................................................................................14
FINDING MODEL NUMBER
This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new string trimmer 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 dealer.
• You can locate the model number by looking down at the rear of the string trimmer 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.
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 (4683) 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.
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
(Model Number) (Serial Number)
MTD PRODUCTS INC
CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136
For more details about this 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 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 cut vegetation and
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 operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual and
should be trained and supervised by an adult. 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
string trimmer mower in any direction which could
cause serious personal injury to the operator or any
others allowed in the area. Plan your trimming
pattern to avoid discharge of material toward
building, walls, roads, sidewalks, bystanders and
the like. To help avoid trimmer line contact or a
thrownobjectinjury,keepchildren,bystanders,and
helpers at least 75 feet from the string trimmer
mower while it is in operation. Stop the string
trimmer mower if anyone enters the area.
5. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles
during operation or while performing an adjustment
or repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects that
may be thrown from the machine in any direction.
6. 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 a unit in bare feet,
sandals, slippery or light weight (e.g. canvas)
shoes.
7. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of discharge area at all times as
the rotating trimmer head and lines can cause
injury.
8. Never pull the string trimmer mower back toward
you while you are walking. If you must back the
string trimmer mower away from a wall or
obstruction first look down and behind, and then
follow these steps:
a. Step back from the string trimmer mower to
fully extend your arms.
b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure
footing.
c. Pullthestringtrimmermowerback slowly,no
more than half way toward you.
d. Repeat these steps as needed.
5. Do not operate the string trimmer mower while
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
6. The trimmer head 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
head or lines. The trimmer head control handle
must operate easily in both directions and
automatically return to the disengaged position
when released.
7. Disengage the trimmer head before starting the
engine.
8. Never operate the string trimmer 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 trimmer head
control handle immediately and the trimmer head
will stop rotating within a few seconds.

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9. Trim or mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
Walk never run.
10. Stop the trimmer head when crossing gravel drives,
walks or roads.
11. If the 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 trimmer head
comes to a complete stop before replacing trimmer
line, making any adjustment or repairs. The trimmer
head continues to rotate for a few seconds after the
engine is shut off. Never place any part of the body
in the trimmer head area until you are sure the
blade has stopped rotating.
13. Never operate the string trimmer mower without
proper shields, guards, trimmer head control
handle or other safety protective devices in place
and working. Never operate the string trimmer
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 string
trimmer mower by the manufacturer. Failure to do
so, can result in personal injury.
16. 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
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
trim or 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 trim or mow it.
Do:
1. Trim or mow across the face of slopes; never up or
down. Exercise extreme caution when changing
direction on slopes.
2. Watch for holes, ruts, hidden objects, or bumps.
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 trimmer head
control handle immediately, and the trimmer head
will stop rotating within a few seconds.
Do Not:
1. Do not trim or mow near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose footing or
balance.
2. Do not trim or mow slopes greater than 15 degrees
as shown on the slope gauge.
3. Do not trim or 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
string trimmer mower and the trimming or 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 trimming or mowing area
and under the watchful care of a responsible adult
other than the operator.
2. Be alert and turn string trimmer 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,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
your vision of a child who may run into the string
trimmer mower.
5. Keep children away from hot or running engines.
They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.
6. Never allow children under age 14 to operate a
string trimmer mower. Children 14 years of age and
over should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual and
should be trained and supervised by an adult.
Service
Safe Handling Of Gasoline:
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. Wash your skin and change clothes
immediately.
1. Use only an approved gasoline container.
2. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
3. Never fuel machine indoors because flammable
vapors will accumulate in the area.
4. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine
is running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes
before refueling.
5. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than 1/2
inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for
fuel expansion.
6. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
7. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.
8. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light as
on a gas water heater, space heater, furnace,
clothes dryer or other gas appliances.
9. To reduce fire hazard, keep the string trimmer
mower free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-

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up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel
soaked debris.
10. Allow mower to cool at least 5 minutes before
storing.
General Service:
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 trimmer head and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground against the engine to prevent unintended
starting.
3. Check the trimmer head and engine mounting bolts
at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also,
visually inspect trimmer head for damage. Replace
with the original equipment manufacture’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!”
4. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
5. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.
6. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against
the engine. Thoroughly inspect the string trimmer
mower for any damage. Repair the damage before
starting and operating.
7. Never attempt to replace the trimmer line or make a
cutting height adjustment while the engine is
running.
8. Never use other lengths, diameters, or materials as
trimmer line. Doing so can result in personal injury.
9. Trimmer head components, guards, and shields
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.
11. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
12. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations.
Improper disposal of fluids and materials can harm
the environment.
WARNING - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict theuse of this power machineto persons who read,
understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.
NOTE: Not all safety labels shown may apply to your string trimmer mower.

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SECTION 2: SLOPE GAUGE
Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely. Do not operate your lawn mower
or string trimmer mower on such slopes.
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
WARNING
Do not trim or 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 or string trimmer 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 or string trimmer mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.

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SECTION 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR STRING TRIMMER MOWER
IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil
in the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline
and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual
before operating your mower.
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the string
trimmer mower is observed from the operating position.
Removing Unit FromCarton
•Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut
tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open
carton.
•Remove loose parts if included with unit (i.e.,
operator’s manual, safety glasses, etc.)
•Cut alongcorners, laycarton downflat,and remove
packing material.
•Roll or slide unit out of carton and check carton
thoroughly for loose parts.
Disconnecting Spark Plug Wire
WARNING: Before setting up your string
trimmer mower, disconnect the spark plug
wire from the spark plug and ground
against the engine. See Figure 1.
Figure 1
Setting Up Your String Trimmer Mower
•Lift up and pull back on the upper handle to raise
the handle into the operating position. To secure
the upper and lower handle, tighten the wing nuts
near the top of lower handle (carriage bolts must be
seated properly into the handle). See Figure 2.
Figure 2
•Loosen the wing nut that secures rope guide to
handle. With the spark plug wire disconnected and
grounded, hold the control lever against the upper
handle, and pull the starter rope out of the engine.
Release the control handle, slip the starter rope into
the rope guide, and tighten the wing nut.
See Figure 3.
•Tighten the cable tie on lower left side of handle,
making sure the round tab on tie seats nicely into
the hole in handle.
Figure 3
Spark
Plug Wire
Stud
Spark Plug
Spark Plug
Wire
Wing Nuts
Wing Nut
Rope
Guide
Control
Lever

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SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR STRING TRIMMER MOWER
Figure 4
WARNING: Be familiar with all controls
and their proper operation. Know how to
stop the machine and disengage them
quickly.
Control Lever
The control lever must be depressed to start the engine
and rotation of trimmer spindle assembly. Releasing
the control lever stops the engine and trimmer spindle
assembly. See Figure 4.
StarterHandle
The starter handle is attached to the right upper handle.
Stand behind unit and pull the starter handle to start
engine. See Figure 4.
String Cutting Blade Bracket
The string cutting blade bracket is attached to the
trimmer deflector. It is used to cut the trimmer line if it is
too long. See Figure 4.
Trimmer Deflector
The trimmer deflector is connected to the trimmer base
and it is used to prevent yard debris from being thrown.
See Figure 4.
Spindle Assembly
The spindle assembly rotates the trimmer line.
Trimmer Line
The trimmer line is attached to the spindle assembly
and it is used to trim grass or weeds.
Engine Controls
See the separate engine manual for the location and
function of the controls on the engine.
Stopping Engine
•Release control lever to stop the engine and
spindle assembly.
•Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and
ground against the engine.
Starter Handle
Trimmer
Line
Spindle Assembly
String Cutting
Blade Bracket
Control Lever
Trimmer
Deflector

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SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR STRING TRIMMER MOWER
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow
all instructions and warnings on the
machine and in this manual before
operating.
WARNING: Always wear the safety
glasses provided with this machine during
operation or while performing any adjust-
ments or repairs. Thrown objects which
ricochet can cause serious injury to the
eyes.
Gas And Oil Fill-Up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in
the separate engine manual packed with your string
trimmer mower. Read instructions carefully.
WARNING: Use extreme care when han-
dling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Never fuel machine indoors or while the
engine is hot or running. Extinguish ciga-
rettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of
ignition.
Starting Engine
•Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain
the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire is
fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark
plug. See engine operator’s manual.
•Before each use, remove any debris from the
engine’s air intake screen on top of engine. Debris
can cause engine to overheat.
•Prime engine as instructed in the separate engine
manual packed with your unit.
•Your string trimmer mower is equipped with a
constant speed throttle, which is set at full throttle
for best performance.
•Stand behind the string trimmer mower and
squeeze the control lever against the upper handle.
•Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until
engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope
will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the rope
rewind slowly. Pull rope with a rapid, continuous,
full arm stroke. Keeping a firm grip on the starter
handle, let the rope return to the starter slowly.
Repeat until engine starts.
WARNING: Do not attempt to bypass the
control lever. Doing so could result in
serious personal injury or death.
Using YourString Trimmer Mower
•The string trimmer mower is designed with a per-
manent off-set on the left side, in which the trimmer
line is off-set from the trimmer base. This allows the
operator to trim along a fence, landscaping, or a
house without having to make any adjustments to
the spindle assembly. Refer to Figure 4.
•If the weeds or grass are tall and thick, operate the
string trimmer mower at a slower walking speed.
•With the engine off and spark plug disconnected,
clean the underside of the trimmer before and after
each use to remove any grass or weed build up.
•If the trimmer lines become too short, approxi-
mately half the original length, or worn, it will take
longer to complete the job. To change trimmer line
see MAINTAINING YOUR STRING TRIMMER
MOWER.
•Do not trim on excessively steep slopes. If a slope
is difficult to stand on, do not trim. Do not trim on
slopes when the ground is slippery or wet. Trim
across the face of a slope, not up and down.
•Avoid spindle assembly contact to concrete,
asphalt, or gravel.
SECTION 6: MAINTAINING YOUR STRING TRIMMER MOWER
WARNING: Before performing any mainte-
nance or repairs, stop the engine, wait
until the machine comes to a complete
stop, disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground against the engine to prevent unin-
tended starting.
Lubrication
Control Lever: Lubricate the pivot points on the
control lever at least once a season with light oil.
See Figure 4.
Wheels: Lubricate the wheels at least once a season
with light oil. See Figure 4.
Engine: Follow the separate engine manual packed
with you unit for lubrication instructions.
Maintenance
NOTE: When tipping the unit or emptying the fuel tank,
keep the air filter side of engine up. Never tip the string
trimmer mower more than 90 degrees and do not leave
the unit tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain into
the upper part of the engine causing a starting problem.

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Engine
Refer to the separate engine manual for all engine
maintenance instructions.
•Check engine oil level before each use as
instructed in the separate engine manual packed
with your unit. Read and follow instructions
carefully.
•Replace air cleaner every 25 hours under normal
conditionsor once a season. Cleanevery few hours
under extremelydustyconditions.Toservicetheair
cleaner, refer to the separate engine manual
packed with your unit.
•The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap
reset once a season. Check engine manual for
correct plug type and gap specifications.
Threading Trimmer Line
WARNING: Always stop engine, discon-
nect spark plug wire, and ground against
the engine before threading trimmer line
on your string trimmer mower. Wait for the
trimmer line to stop rotating.
When the trimmer line becomes too short or worn,
change to a new trimmer line as follows:
•Remove the worn trimmer line and replace with
new trimmer line packed with your string trimmer
mower. Always use OEM-743-0113 when
purchasing additional trimmer line.
•Fold new trimmer line in half and thread the ends of
line through the loop from the inside out without
going all the way through the loop. See Figure 5. Figure 5
Customer Responsibilities
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULE
PRODUCT
ENGINE
SERVICE
DATES
Beforeeachuse
Every25hours
Every50hours
Beforestorage
Every100hours
Onceaseason
Lubricate Wheels
Clean Trimmer Deflector
Check Trimmer Line
Change Oil
Clean Engine Intake Screen
Replace Air Filter
Check Spark Plug
Check Spark Arrester (if any)
Check Belt Tension
Check Oil
Trimmer
Line
Loop
Metal Tab

11
•Slide the loop end of the trimmer line under the
metal tab and secure in place by crossing and
pulling tight on the ends of the line.
Drive Belt Removal And Replacement
•Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine.
•Drain the fuel tank or place a piece of plastic
beneath the cap to prevent gasoline leakage.
•If unit is tipped for easier access to belt, tip the
string trimmer mower back on its side to keep the
engine’s spark plug up.
•Remove carriage screws, washers, and hex nuts
that secure the trimmer deflector to the trimmer
base. See Figure 6.
•Slide trimmer deflector off so spindle assembly
goes through hole in deflector.
Figure 6
•Remove the three hex lock nuts and cap screws
from the base of the spindle and remove the skid.
•To remove belt tension, disconnect extension
spring that is connected from base to idler bracket
assembly. See Figure 7.
•Remove lock nut that secures idler bracket keeper
to idler bracket assembly and remove keeper.
•Slip the belt around spindle pulley first and then
engine pulley.
•Slide belt into one of the slots of the engine flywheel
and rotate to remove belt around flywheel and
spindle assembly.
Figure 7
•Reinstall new belt around spindle assembly and
then slip rear of belt into one of the slots on
flywheel. Rotate flywheel until belt is around
completely around flywheel.
•Secure belt around engine pulley and then around
the spindle pulley.
•Reconnect idler bracket keeper to the idler bracket
assembly.
•Reconnect extension spring from idler bracket
assembly to trimmer base.
•Reattach the skid and cap screws and secure with
new lock nuts.
NOTE: Do not use the previous lock nuts
•Reattach trimmer deflector to trimmer base.
•Reattach spark plug wire to spark plug.
Storing YourString Trimmer Mower
•Clean the equipment thoroughly.
•Wipe equipment with a oiled rag to prevent rust.
•Refer to engine manual for correct engine storage
instructions.
•Store unit in a clean, dry area. Do not store next to
corrosive materials such as fertilizer.
•For more compact storage, store unit in the
shipping position with the upper handle folded
toward engine. See ASSEMBLY section for details.
WARNING: Never store the machine or
fuel container indoors where there is an
open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on
a water heater, furnace, clothes dryer, or
other gas appliance.
Carriage Screws Carriage Screws
Trimmer
Deflector Spindle
Assembly
Hex Lock
Nut
Skid
Extension Spring
Idler Bracket
Keeper Lock Nut
Idler Bracket
Assembly

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SECTION 7: TROUBLESHOOTING
NOTE: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments listed above, contact your nearest authorized service dealer.
Problem Cause Remedy
Engine fails to start 1. Spark plug wire disconnected.
2. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
3. Throttle control lever not in correct
starting position. (If Equipped)
4. Blocked fuel line.
5. Faulty spark plug.
6. Engine flooded
1. Connect wire to spark plug.
2. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
3. Move throttle lever to start position.
4. Clean fuel line.
5. Clean, adjust gap, or replace.
6. Wait a few minutes to restart, but do not
prime.
Engine runs erratic 1. Spark plug wire loose.
2. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
3. Vent in gas cap plugged.
4. Water or dirt in fuel system.
5. Dirty air cleaner.
6. Carburetor out of adjustment.
1. Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
2. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh
gasoline
3. Clear vent.
4. Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
5. Replace air cleaner.
6. See authorized service dealer.
Engine overheats 1. Engine oil level low.
2. Dirty air cleaner.
3. Air flow restricted.
4. Carburetor not adjusted properly.
1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Replace air cleaner.
3. Remove blower housing and clean.
4. See authorized service dealer.
Occasionalskip(hesitates)
at high speed 1. Spark plug gap too close. 1. Adjust gap to .030”.
Idles poorly 1. Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too
wide.
2. Carburetor improperly adjusted.
3. Dirty air cleaner.
1. Reset gap to .030”or replace spark
plug.
2. See authorized service dealer.
3. Replace air cleaner.
Poor trimming
performance 1. Trimmer string too short. 2. Trimmer string lengths are
substantially different.
3. Dirty air cleaner.
4. Engine not at FULL throttle.
5. Belt does not have enough tension.
1. Replace trimmer string.
2. Adjust trimmer string to equal lengths.
3. Replace air cleaner.
4. Set engine to FULL throttle.
(If Equipped)
5. Check idler for proper belt tension.

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Notes

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Model Series 200
1
2
3
4567
8
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10
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12 13
11
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26
28
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48
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51

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Model Series 200
Ref.
No. Part No. Part Description
1. 747-0824 Control Lever
2. 710-1270 Oval C-Screw 1/4-20 x 1.31
3. 720-0279 Knob 1/4-20
4. 710-1205 Eye Bolt 1/4-20
5. 712-0324 Hex Lock Nut
6. 746-0883 Throttle Housing
7. 746-0551 Throttle Cable
8. 749-1255 Upper Handle
9. 749-1254 Lower Handle
10. 725-0240 Cable Tie
11. 710-1174 Carriage Screw 5/16-18 x 2.0
12. 720-0284 Wing Nut 5/16-18
13. 736-0451 Saddle Washer .320 ID x .93 OD
16. 710-0216 Hex Cap Screw 3/8-16 x .750
17. 710-0896 Hex Washer Screw 1/4-14 x .625
18. 782-9065 Trail Shield Clip
19. 731-2329 Trail Shield
20. 681-0159 Axle Assembly
21. 710-0502A Hex Washer Screw 3/8-16 x .250
22. 750-1240 Spacer .51 ID x 1.00 OD x .38
23. 736-0182 Spacer Washer .50 ID x 1.0 OD
24. 736-0270 Bell Washer .265 ID x .75 OD
25. 710-3015 Hex Cap Screw 1/4-20 x .75
26. 734-1864 Wheel 14 x 1.8
27. 710-1694 Screw 5/16-18 x 1.25
28. 710-1307 Screw 5/16-18 x .75
29. 710-0237 Hex Cap Screw 5/16-24 x .625
30. 736-0425 Bell Washer .325 ID x .930 OD
31. 681-0165 Trimmer Base Assembly
32. 710-0703 Hex Cap Screw 1/4-20 x .75
33. 781-1020 Belt Keeper Bracket
34. 712-3004A Flange Lock Nut 5/16-18
35. 712-3005 Flange L-Nut 3/8-16
36. 756-1223 Flywheel Pulley
37. 756-1198 Idler Pulley
38. 732-1022 Extension Spring .50 ID x 3.375
39. 681-0181 Idler Bracket Assembly
40. 750-1275 Idler Spacer
41. 631-0096 Trimmer Deflector Assembly
42. OEM-743-0113 Trimmer Line .130 Dia
43. 736-0173 Flat Washer .28 ID x .74 OD
44. 781-1028 Idler Bracket Keeper
45. 736-0452 Bell Washer .396 ID x 1.140 OD
46. 710-1044 Hex Cap Screw 3/8-24 x 1.50
47. 754-0489 V-Belt
48. 618-0578 Spindle Assembly
49. 712-0291 Hex Lock Nut 1/4-20
50. 710-3013 Hex Cap Screw 1/4-20 x .50
51. 782-0143 Skid
Ref.
No. Part No. Part Description
IMPORTANT: For a proper working machine, use Factory Approved Parts.
V-Belts are specially designed to engage and disengage safely. A substitute (non OEM) V-belt can be dangerous
by not disengaging completely.

MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR:
The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD
PRODUCTS INC (“MTD”) with respect to new merchandise
purchased and used in the United States, its possessions
and territories.
MTD warrants this product against defects in material and
workmanship for a period of two (2) years commencing on
the date of original purchase and will, at its option, repair or
replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective in
material or workmanship. This limited warranty shall only
apply if this product has been operated and maintained in
accordance with the Operator’s Manual furnished with the
product, and has not been subject to misuse, abuse, com-
mercial use, neglect, accident, improper maintenance,
alteration, vandalism, theft, fire, water or damage because
of other peril or natural disaster. Damage resulting from the
installation or use of any accessory or attachment not
approved by MTD Products Inc. for use with the product(s)
covered by this manual will void your warranty as to any
resulting damages.
Normal wear parts or components thereof are subject to
separate terms as follows: All normal wear part or compo-
nent failures will be covered on the product for a period of
90 days regardless of cause. After 90 days, but within the
two year period, normal wear part failures will be covered
ONLY IF caused by defects in material or workmanship of
OTHER component parts. Normal wear parts and compo-
nents include, but are not limited to, belts, blades, blade
adapters, grass bags, rider deck wheels, seats, snow
thrower skid shoes, shave plates and tires. Batteries are
covered by a 90-day limited replacement warranty.
HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE: Warranty service is available,
WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE THROUGH YOUR LOCAL
AUTHORIZED SERVICE DEALER. To locate the dealer in
your area, please check for a listing in the Yellow Pages or
contact the Customer Service Department of MTD PROD-
UCTS INC by calling 1-800-800-7310 or writing to P.O. Box
368022, Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
This limited warranty does not provide coverage in the
following cases:
a.The engine or component parts thereof. These items
carry a separate manufacturer’s warranty. Please refer
to the applicable manufacturer’s warranty on these
items.
b. Log splitter pumps, valves and cylinders have a sepa-
rate one year warranty.
c. Routine maintenance items such as lubricants, filters,
blade sharpening and tune-ups, or adjustments such
as brake adjustments, clutch adjustments or deck
adjustments; and normal deterioration of the exterior
finish due to use or exposure.
d.MTD does not extend any warranty for products sold
or exported outside of the United States of America,
its possessions and territories, except those sold
through MTD’s authorized channels of export distribu-
tion.
No implied warranty, including any implied warranty of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose,
applies after the applicable period of express written
warranty above as to the parts as identified. No other
express warranty or guaranty, whether written or oral,
except as mentioned above, given by any person or
entity, including a dealer or retailer, with respect to any
product shall bind MTD. During the period of the War-
ranty, the exclusive remedy is repair or replacement of
the product as set forth above. (Some states do not
allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so
the above limitation may not apply to you.)
The provisions as set forth in this Warranty provide the
sole and exclusive remedy arising from the sales. MTD
shall not be liable for incidental or consequential loss
or damages including, without limitation, expenses
incurred for substitute or replacement lawn care ser-
vices, for transportation or for related expenses, or for
rental expenses to temporarily replace a warranted
product. (Some states do not allow the exclusion or limita-
tion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
exclusion or limitation may not apply to you.)
In no event shall recovery of any kind be greater than the
amount of the purchase price of the product sold. Alteration
of the safety features of the product shall void this War-
ranty. You assume the risk and liability for loss, damage, or
injury to you and your property and/or to others and their
property arising out of the use or misuse or inability to use
the product.
This limited warranty shall not extend to anyone other than
the original purchaser, original lessee or the person for
whom it was purchased as a gift.
How State Law Relates to this Warranty: This limited
warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also
have other rights which vary from state to state.