MTD Yard Machines 707 User manual

OWNER’S GUIDE
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
This symbol on the product’s nameplate
UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC.
means it is listed by
UL
®
Form No. 770-8830A
18” Side Discharge
ELECTRIC
LAWN MOWER
Model No. 707
1/98

2
SECTION 1: SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
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 your electric lawn mower. Failure to comply with these instructions may
result in personal injury. When you see this symbol—heed its warning.
DANGER: Your electric lawn mower 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. If you violate any of these rules, you may cause serious injury to
yourself or others.
WARNING: When using electric lawn mowers, basic safety precautions should always be followed
to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury. These basic precautions include the
following:
1. TRAINING
•Read all instructions carefully in their entirety before
attempting to assemble or operate this machine. 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.
•Your rotary mower is a precision piece of power
equipment, not a plaything. Therefore, exercise
extreme caution at all times.
•Use Right mower—Do not use lawn mower for any
job except that for which it is intended.
•Never allow children to operate a power mower. Only
persons well acquainted with these rules of safe
operation should be allowed to use your mower.
•No one should operate this unit while intoxicated or
while taking medication that impairs the senses or
reactions.
•Stay Alert—Watch what you are doing. Use common
sense. Do not operate lawn mower when you are
tired.
•Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
particularly small children and pets. Stop motor when
they are in the vicinity of your mower. Although the
area of operation should be completely cleared of
foreign objects, an object may have been overlooked
and could be accidentally thrown by the mower in
any direction and cause serious personal injury to the
operator or any others allowed in the area.
2. PREPARATION
•Prior to each mowing, thoroughly inspect the area
where the equipment is to be used. Remove all
stones, sticks, wire, bones and other foreign objects
which could be picked up and thrown by the mower
in any direction and cause serious personal injury to
the operator or any others allowed in the area.
•Always wear safety glasses or eye shields 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. Always
use face or dust mask if operation is dusty.
•Dress properly. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work
shoes. Never operate a unit in barefoot, sandals or
sneakers. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry.
They can be caught in moving parts. Use of rubber
gloves and footwear is recommended when working
outdoors.
•Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height
adjustment while the motor is running.
•Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
•Avoid Dangerous Environment—Never operate the
equipment in the rain or in damp wet locations.
Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can
cause serious personal injury. Keep a firm hold on
the handle and walk, never run. Do not over-reach—
keep footing and balance at all times.
•To prevent electric shock, use electric mower only
with a UL Listed extension cord set suitable for
outdoor use, such as Type SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A,
STOW-A, SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW-A, or SJTOW-A.
•Extension Cord—Make sure your extension cord set
is in good condition, is heavy enough to carry the
current your mower will draw, and is polarized (one
blade of plug is wider than the other). A 100' length
of 14 AWG extension cord should be used. An
acceptable substitute is a 50' length of 16 AWG cord.
In applications where a longer cord is needed, a 150'
length of 12 AWG cord may be used. An undersized
cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss
of power and overheating. To reduce the likelihood of
disconnection of the extension cord set from the lawn
mower, be sure to use the cord restraint provided or
make a knot as shown in the illustration below
•To reduce the risk of electric shock, this lawn mower
has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the
other) and will require the use of a polarized
extension cord. The mower plug will fit into a
Mower
Extension
Cord Cord
Connect Plug and Receptacle

3
polarized extension cord only one way. If the plug
does not fit fully into the extension cord, reverse the
plug. If the plug still does not fit, obtain a correct
polarized extension cord. A polarized extension cord
will require the use of a polarized wall outlet. This
plug will fit into the polarized wall outlet only one
way.If the plug still does not fit into the wall outlet,
reverse the plug. If the plug still does not fit, contact
a qualified electrician to install the proper wall outlet.
Do not change the equipment plug, extension cord
receptacle, or extension cord in any way.
•Inspect lawn mower cord periodically and if
damaged, have it repaired by an authorized service
facility. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil
and grease. Inspect extension cord periodically and
replace if damaged.
•Fuses—The mower should be operated on a 15 or
20 AMP circuit. If you experience difficulty in starting
with a standard 15 AMP fuse or circuit breaker,
contact your nearest authorized service location. Do
not use a higher rated fuse without consulting your
power company.
•Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection
should be provided on the circuit(s) or outlet(s) to be
used for the lawn mower. Receptacles are available
having built-in GFCI protection and may be used for
this measure of safety.
•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° as shown on the slope gauge, do
not operate this unit on that area or serious injury
could result.
3. OPERATION
•Do not abuse cord—never pull lawn mower by cord
or yank it to disconnect from receptacle. Keep cord
from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
•If extension cord is damaged in any manner while
plugged in, disconnect extension cord from house
receptacle.
•Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times as
the rotating blade can cause injury.
•Stop the motor when you leave the mower and
before crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
•After striking a foreign object, shut off the motor,
make absolutely sure the blade and all moving parts
have completely stopped, disconnect the power cord
to prevent accidental starting, then thoroughly
inspect the mower for any damage. Such damage
must be repaired before restarting and operating the
mower.
•If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the motor and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
•Stop the motor, unplug the power cord, and wait for
the blade and all moving parts to stop before
cleaning or unclogging, repairing or inspecting the
mower. The cutting blade continues to rotate for a
few seconds after the motor is shut off.
•Do not force lawn mower. It will do the job better and
safer at the rate for which it was designed.
•Mow across the face of slopes, never up-and-down.
Never cut grass by pulling mower toward you.
Exercise extreme caution when operating mower on
uneven terrain or changing direction on slopes. Do
not mow excessively steep slopes. Don’t overreach—
Keep proper footing and balance at all times. A slip
and fall can cause serious personal injury.
•Never operate mower without proper guards, and
other safety protective devices in place and in
working order.
•The blade/motor control on this mower is installed to
minimize the risk of blade contact injury and is
required by federal regulations. Do not under any
circumstances attempt to defeat the function of the
blade/motor control.
•To avoid electric shock hazard, never push mower
over cord. Do not mow around the lawn in circles.
Always travel back and forth across the lawn,
beginning at the point nearest the electric outlet to
which the extension cord is connected. This will keep
the cord on the mowed area of the lawn and out of
the way.
•Do not operate mower after it has been dropped or
damaged in any manner. Return mower to nearest
authorized service location.
•The use of accessory attachments not recommended
by the mower manufacturer may cause hazards.
•Do not operate this mower with the chute door open,
unless the complete grass catcher or side chute
deflector is properly mounted on the mower.
4. MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
Warning: Disconnect lawn mower from
electrical outlet when not in use, before
performing any maintenance or service on
mower and when changing accessories
such as blades and the like.
•Check the blade and motor mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness. Keep all nuts,
bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in
safe working condition.
•Keep blade sharp.
•Use identical replacement blades only. Replace
damaged cord.
•To reduce fire hazard, keep the motor free of grass,
leaves, or excessive grease.
•Store idle lawn mower indoors when not in use.
Allow motor to cool before storing in any enclosure.
Lawn mower should be stored indoors in dry, high or
locked-up place, out of reach of children.

4
•Maintain lawn mower with care. Keep blade sharp
and clean for best and safest performance. Follow
instructions for lubricating and changing
accessories.
•Check the grass catcher bag frequently for wear or
deterioration. Replace a worn or damaged bag
immediately. Be sure replacement bag meets
original equipment specifications.
5. DOUBLE INSULATED LAWN MOWER
Double insulation is a concept in safety in electric lawn
mowers, which eliminates the need for the usual three-wire
grounded power cord and grounded supply system.
Wherever there is electric current in the mower, there are
two complete sets of insulation to protect the user. All
exposed metal parts are isolated from the internal metal
motor components with protecting insulation.
IMPORTANT: Servicing of a lawn mower with double
insulation requires extreme care and knowledge of the
system and should be performed only by a qualified service
technician. For repair service we suggest you return the
lawn mower to your nearest authorized service dealer.
Always use original factory replacement parts when
servicing.
Figure 1
You will find the two safety labels reproduced below, on your mower. Please follow
instructions on these safety labels for safe operation of the mower.

5
SECTION 2: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER
This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new walk behind. It will help you assemble, prepare and
maintain your walk behind. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start to prepare your walk behind for its first use, please locate the model plate and copy the
information from it in this Operator’s Manual. The information on the model plate is very important if you need
help from your dealer or the MTD customer support department.
•Every walk behind has a model plate. You can locate it by standing behind the unit in the operating
position and looking down at the rear of the deck.
•The model plate will look like Figure 2.
Figure 2
SECTION 3: CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT
If you are having difficulty assembling this product or if you have any question regarding the controls,
operation or maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department. You can reach them by
calling:
1-800-800-7310
Before you call, make sure that you have your model and serial numbers ready. By having the model and
serial numbers ready, you help the Customer Support Representative give you faster service. To find your
unit’s model and serial number, see SECTION 2: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER.
MTD PRODUCTS INC
CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136
XXX-X-XXX-X-XXX XXXXXXXXXXX
This is where your model number will be.
This is where your serial number will be.
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:

6
SECTION 4: SLOPE GAUGE
15°
SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
A POWER POLE
A CORNER OF A BUILDING
OR A FENCE POST
FOLDONDOTTEDLINE,REPRESENTINGA15°SLOPE
USE THIS PAGE AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SLOPES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY.
Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower
could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is extremely difficult to maintain your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes. Operate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.
WARNING

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SECTION 5: ASSEMBLY
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the
mower is observed from the operating position.
You will have to use an extension cord,
purchased separately, to run this unit. Please
refer to page 10 for appropriate cord selection.
REMOVING UNIT FROM CARTON
1. Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut
tape at carton end and peel along top flap to
open carton.
2. Remove loose parts if included with unit (i.e.,
owner’s manual, etc.).
3. Cut along dotted lines and lay carton down flat.
4. Remove packing material.
5. Roll or slide unit out of carton. Check carton
thoroughly for loose parts.
TOOLS REQUIRED
A pair of pliers
ASSEMBLING HANDLE
1. Remove any packing material which may be
between the upper and lower handles for
shipping purposes.
2. Pull up and back on the upper handle to raise
the handle into the operating position. Make
certain the lower handle is seated securely into
the handle mounting brackets.
3. The upper handle may be adjusted to three
different height positions. To adjust the handle
at the desired position, align one of the three
marks on the top of the lower handle insulators
with the mark on the upper handle insulators.
See Figure 3.
4. Tighten the hand knobs on each side of the
handle. Make sure that carriage bolts are
seated properly into the handle insulators
5. Remove the hairpin clips from the outer hole in
the weld pins on the handle mounting brackets.
6. Using a pair of pliers, squeeze one leg of the
lower handle against the handle mounting
bracket. Insert the hairpin clip into the inner hole
on the weld pin. Repeat on the other side. See
Figure 4.
7. Make certain all nuts and bolts are tightened
securely.
Figure 3
Figure 4
Converting from Mulching to Side
Discharge
1. To convert your mower from a mulcher to a side
discharge mower, lift the mulching plug. Slide
the two hooks on the side discharge deflector
under the hinge pin on the mulching plug
assembly. Lower the mulching plug. Do not
remove the mulching plug at any time, even
when you are not mulching. See Figure 5.
.
Figure 5
Upper
Handle
Lower Handle
Insulator
Hand
Knob
(Align marks here)
Lower Handle
clip here
Mulching Plug
Hinge Pin
Side
Discharge
Deflector
Hook
(Slide hooks under the two
sides of hinge pin)

8
SECTION 6: OPERATION
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER’S MANUAL AND SAFETY
RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN
MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn
mower to familiarize yourself with the location of
various controls and adjustments. Save this manual
for future reference.
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Your rotary walk-behind power lawn mower
conforms to the safety standards of the American
National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission. The blade turns when
the motor is running.
Figure 6
Motor/Blade Control Assembly
WARNING: :Federal regulations require
a motor/blade control to be installed on
lawn mower in order to minimize the risk of
blade contact injury. DO NOT under any
circumstances attempt to defeat the
function of the motor/blade control. Never
attempt to bypass its operations.
NOTE: Your lawn mower is equipped with a motor/
blade control which requires the operator to be
positioned behind the lawn mower handle to start
and operate the lawn mower.
The motor/blade control is located on the upper
handle of the mower. See Figure 6. The motor/
blade control engages and disengages the motor
and blade.
Circuit Breaker
Your mower is equipped with a circuit breaker,
located near under the motor/blade control
assembly. This circuit breaker may trip when too
much stain is placed on the mower.
Starter Control Lever
The starter control lever is located on the motor/
blade control assembly. Standing behind the unit,
press the upper control lever with your left hand and
squeeze the lever with your right hand against the
upper handle. The motor will start.
Stopping the mower
Release the starter control lever to stop the
motor and the blade.
Side
Discharge
Deflector
Motor/Blade
Control Assembly
Motor
Cord
Restraint
Hand
Knob
Hand Knob Height
Lever
Adjustment
Upper Handle
Lower Handle
Mulching
Plug
Insulator
Height
Lever
Adjustment

9
WARNING: :The operation of any lawn
mower can result in foreign objects being
thrown into the eyes, which can result in
severe eye damage. Always wear safety
glasses or eye shields.
NOTE: : The wheels on your unit are set in a low
cutting height position for shipping purposes. For
best results, raise the cutting position until it is
determined which height is best for your lawn. See
cutting height adjustment.
CORD CONNECTION
Cord Selection
IMPORTANT: A 100 feet length of 14 AWG
extension cord should be used. An acceptable
substitute is a 50 feet length of 16 AWG cord. In
applications where a longer cord is needed, a 150 -
feet long 12 AWG cord may be used. Using any
other length or rating of cord will diminish the
performance and possibly the life of the electric
motor. In all cases, the extension cord should be a
UL listed cord set suitable for outdoor use.
Cord Restraint
1. Attach extension cord (not provided with unit) to
the cord restraint as follows.
2. Form a small loop in the extension cord. Allow
enough excess cord to make the connection to
the motor/blade control (approximately 20
inches).
3. Slip the loop through the slot on the bottom of
the cord restraint, and up over the tab, to
prevent disconnection from the motor/blade
control during operation.
Keep the cord restraint as close to the motor/blade
control as possible. See Figure 7
Figure 7
Connection to the Blade Control Assembly
•Connect the plug on the extension cord fully
onto the plug on the mower. The mower is
equipped with a polarized AC power plug
(one blade of the plug is wider than the
other), which will fit into the plug on the
extension cord only one way. If unable to
make a full connection, try reversing the plug
on the extension cord. Should the plugs still
fail to fit, contact your service dealer for
assistance. Do not defeat the safety purpose
of the polarized plug.
Connection to the Electric Power Source
•Plug the extension cord into any convenient
110-120 volt 60 cycle A.C. outlet or
receptacle for your source of power. This
outlet may be located either out-of-doors or
indoors. To avoid blowing fuses, pick an
outlet that is not overloaded. Your mower will
operate satisfactorily on a circuit that is fused
for 15 amperes. Do not use oversize fuses
without consulting your power company. If an
inside receptacle is used, the extension cord
can be taken out either through the doorway
or a window.
TO START MOTOR AND BLADE
1. Standing behind the unit, depress the upper
starter control lever with your left hand and
squeeze the lever with your right hand against
the upper handle. The motor will start. See
Figure 8.
Motor/Blade
Control
Assembly
Circuit Breaker
Reset Button
Cord
Restraint

10
Figure 8
IMPORTANT: : Your mower is equipped with a
circuit breaker, located under the blade control
assembly. See Figure 7. If the circuit breaker trips,
reset as instructed in the Maintenance section.
TO STOP MOTOR AND BLADE
1. Release the starter control lever to stop the
motor and blade. A high pitched noise will
result, due to deceleration of the electric motor.
Sparking at the top of motor is also normal
during deceleration.
WARNING: The blade continues to
rotate for a few seconds after the
motor is shut off. If motor does not
come to an immediate stop when the
motor/blade control handle is released,
contact an authorized service dealer.
2. Disconnect the power source to prevent
accidental starting while equipment is
unattended.
USING YOUR ROTARY MOWER
WARNING: Do not operate this
mower with the chute door open,
unless the complete grass catcher is
properly mounted on the mower.
1. Be sure that lawn is clear of stones, sticks,
wires, or other objects which could damage
lawn mower or motor. Such objects could be
accidentally thrown by the mower in any
direction and cause serious personal injury to
the operator and others.
2. To prevent electric shock, do not operate the
mower in damp or wet locations.
Mowing Pattern:
1. Always start from the point closest to the
power source where the cord is connected.
Never mow around the lawn in circles; travel
back and forth across the lawn, starting from the
point closest to the outlet and then moving away
from the outlet so the cord lies in the cut portion
of the lawn, out of the way. See Figure 9.
Figure 9
2. Do not allow extension cord to wrap around
trees, shrubs or other obstacles. When picking
up the extension cord, wind the cord in a series
of equal loops on each side of your hand to
prevent snarling.
3. When cutting heavy grass, reduce walking
speed to allow more effective cut and proper
discharge of the clippings. For a healthy lawn,
always cut off one-third or less of the total
length of the grass. The average lawn should be
approximately 1-1/2 to 2 inches during the cool
season, and over 2 inches during hot months.
For a healthier and better looking lawn, cut
more often and after moderate growth. The
lawn should be cut in the fall as long as there is
growth.
A
B T = Obstacles
Outlet
(Start here)