MTD Yard-Man 12A-449T401 User manual

YaRD-MaN)//
Operator's Manual
21" Self Starter
Rear-Discharge
Lawn Mower
Model Series
IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.
Warning: This unit isequipped withan internal combustionengine and should notbe used on or near any unimproved forest-
covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unlessthe engine's exhaust system is equipped witha spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (ifany). If a spark arrester isused, it shouldbe maintainedin effective workingorder by the operator.
In the State of Californiathe above is requiredby law (Section4442 of the California PublicResources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply onfederal lands. A sparkattester for the muffler is available throughyour nearestengine authorized
service dealer or contactthe service department, P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
ECO#
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-10478.fm
(1/2001)

TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content Page
ImportantSafe OperationPractices ................................................................... 3
Slope Gauge ...................................................................................................... 6
Unpacking .......................................................................................................... 7
Assembling Your Lawn Mower ........................................................................... 7
Know Your Lawn Mower .................................................................................... 10
Operating Your Lawn Mower ............................................................................. 10
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ........................................................................... 13
Servicing Your Lawn Mower .............................................................................. 14
Making Adjustments .......................................................................................... 16
Off- Season Storage .......................................................................................... 17
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 18
Parts List............................................................................................................ 20
FINDINGMODELNUMBER
This Operator'sManual is an important part ofyour newLawn Mower. It willhelpyou 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 onthe
equipmentand copythe informationfromit inthe space providedbelow.The informationon
the model plate isvery importantifyouneed helpfromourCustomerSupportDepartmentor
an authorized dealer.
You can locatethe model number by standingbehind the unitinthe operatingposition and looking
down at the rear of the deck. A sample model plate is explained below. For future reference, please
copy the modesnumber and the serial number of the equipment in the space below.
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT
Ifyou have difficulty assemblingthis product or have anyquestions regardingthe controls, operationor
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 haveyourunit'smodelnumberand serialnumber readywhen you
call.See previoussectiontolocatethisinformation,You willbeaskedto enterthe serial
numberin ordertoprocessyourcall.
2

SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES
WARNING: This symbol pointsout importantsafety instructionswhich, if not followed, couldendanger
the personalsafetyand/or propertyofyourselfand others. Read and followall instructionsinthis manual
beforeattemptingto operatethismachine.Failuretocomplywiththeseinstructionsmay resultin personal
injury.Whenyou see this symbol--HEED ITS WARNING.
WARNING: Engine exhaust, someof itsconstituents,and certainvehiclecomponentscontainor emit
chemicalsknowntoState of Californiatocausecancerand birthdefectsor otherreproductiveharm.
WARNING: Thismachine was builtto beoperated accordingtothe rulesfor safe operationinthis manual.As with
any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in sedous injury. This
machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the followingsafety
instructionscould result in sedousinjuryor death.
GeneralOperation
1. Read this operator's manual carefully in its entirety
before attempting to assemble this machine. Read,
understand, andfollow all instructions on the machine
and in the manual(s) before operation. Ba completely
familiar with the controls and the proper use of this
machine before operating it.Keep this manual in asafe
place for future and regular reference andfor ordedng
replacament parts.
2. This machine is a precision piece of power equipment,
not aplaything. Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all
times. Your unithasbeen designedto performonejob:to
mow grass.Do notuse itfor any other purpose.
3. Never allow childrenunder 14 years oldtooperate this
machine. Children 14years oldand overshouldread and
understandthe operation instructionsand safety rulesin
this manual and shouldbe trained and supervisedby a
parent,Only responsibleindividualswho are famUiarwith
these safe operationrulesshoulduse thismachine.
4. Thoroughlyinspectthe area where the equipmentisto
be used. Remove all stones,sticks,wire, bones,toys and
otherforeign objectswhichcould be tdppedoveror
pickedup andthrown bythe blade. Thrown objectscan
cause sehous personalinjury.Plan your mowingpattern
to avoiddischargeof matedal toward reeds, sidewalks,
bystandersand the like. Also, avoid dischargingmatedal
againsta wallorobstructionwhichmay cause discharged
matedal toricochetbacktoward the operator.
5. To helpavoidblade contact ora thrownobjectinjury,stay
inthe operatorzone behind the handles and keep
bystanders,helpers,childrenand petsat least 75 feet
from the machine while itisin operation.Stopmachine if
anyone enters the area.
6. Always wear safetyglasses or safety gogglesduring
operationandwhile performingan adjustmentorrepairto
protectyoureyes. Thrownobjects whichdcochetcan
cause sedous injurytothe eyes.
7. Wear sturdy,rough-soledworkshoes and close-fitting
slacks and shirts.Shirtsand pants thatcover the arms
and legsand steel-toedshoes are recommended. Never
operate this machine inbare feet, sandals, slipperyor
lightweight (e.g. canvas) shoes.
8. Do notput hands orfeet near rotatingpartsor underthe
cuttingdeck. Contactwiththe blade can amputatehands
and feet.
9. Amissingor damaged dischargecover can cause blade
contact or thrownobjectinjudes.
10. Many injuriesoccuras a resultof the mower being pulled
overthe footdudog a fall caused byslippingortripping.
Do notholdon to the mower ifyou are falling; release the
handleimmediately.
11. Never pullthe mower backtoward youwhile you are
walking. Ifyou mustback the mowerawayfroma wail or
obstructionfirstlookdown and behind toavoidtripping
and thenfollowthese steps:
a. Step back from the mower tofully extendyour
alTRS,
b. Be sureyou are well balancedwithsurefooting.
c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,nomore than halfway
towardyou.
d. Repeat these stepsas needed.
12. Donot operate the mowerwhileunder the influenceof
alcoholor drugs.
13. Do not engage the self-propeUedmechanism onunitsso
equippedwhilestartingengine.
14. The blade control handle isa safetydevice, Never
attemptto bypass itsoperation.Doingso makesthe
safety device inoperativeand may resultinpersonal
injury throughcontact withthe rotatingblade.The blade
controlhandlemustoperate easily in both directionsand
automaticallyreturntothe disengagedposition when
released.
15. Never operatethe mowerin wet grass.Always be sureof
yourfooting. A slipandfall cancause seriouspersonal
injury.Ifyou feel you are losingyourfooting, release the
blade controlhandle immediately and the bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthree seconds.
16. Mow in daylightorgood artificiallight.Walk, never ran.
17. Stopthe bladewhen crossinggravel drives,walkways
orroads.
18. If the equipment shouldstart to vibrate abnormally, stop
the engine and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration isgenerally a warning of trouble.
19. Shut the eogine off and wait untilthe blade comes to a
completestop before removing the grass catcher or
unclogging the chute. The cutting blade continues to
rotate for afew seconds after the engine is shut off.
Never place any part of the body in the blade area until
you are sure the blede has stopped rotating.

20. Never operate mowerwithout preper trail shield, 5.
discharge cover, grass catcher, blade control handle or
other safety protective devices in place and working. 6.
Never operate mower with damaged safety devices.
Failure to do so, can result in personal injury.
21. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a bum. Do
not touch.
22. Only use parts and accessories made for this machine by
the original equipment manufacturer(O.E.M). Failureto Service
do so can result in personal injury.
23. Ifsituations occur which are not covered in this manual,
use care and good judgment. Contact your dealer for
assistance.Telephone [phone] forthe name of
your nearest dealer.
SlopeOperation
Slopes are a major factor related to slipand fall accidents
whichcan resultin severe injury.Operationon slopes
requiresextra caution.Ifyou feel uneasy on aslope, donot
mow it.Before operating thisunit ona slope orhillyarea, use
the slopegauge on page 6 to measure slopes. Ifthe slope is
greaterthan 15degrees, do notmow it.
Do:
1. Mow acrossthe face of slopes; never up and down.
Exercise extreme caution when changingdirection on
slopes.
2. Watchfor holes, ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects, or bumps
whichcan cause you toslipor tdp.Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
3. Always be sureof your fuofing. A slipand fall cancause
seriouspersonal injury.If youfeel youare losingyour
balance, releasethe bladecontrolhandle immediately,
andthe bladewillstoprotatingwithin3 seconds.
DoNot:
1. Do not mow neardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments,
you could loseyourfooting or balance.
2. Do not mow slopssgreater than 15 degrees as shownon
the slope gauge.
3. Do not mowon wet grass. Unstablefootingcould cause
slipping.
Children
Tragic accidentscan occurifthe operator isnotalerttothe
presence ofchildren.Children are oftenattractedto the
mowerand the mowingactivity.They do not understandthe
dangers. Never assume that childrenwillremain where you
lastsaw them.
1. Keep childrenout ofthe mowing area and underthe
watchfulcare ofa responsibleadultother thanthe
operator.
2. Be alert and turn moweroff ifa childentersthe area.
3. Before and whilemoving backwards,look behindand
downfor smallchildren.
4. Use extreme care when approachingblindcomers,
doorways,shrubs,trees, orotherobjectsthat may
obscureyourvisionofa childwho may runintothe
mower.
Keep childrenaway from hotor running engines. They
can suffer bums from ahot muffler.
Never allow children under 14years 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 betrained and
supervised bya 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.Sedous
personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on
yourself or your clothes which can ignite.
2. Wash your skinand change clothes immediately.
3. Use only an approvedgasoline container.
4. Never fill containersinside avehicle or on atruck or
trailer bed with aplastic liner. Always place containers on
the ground away from your vehicle before filling.
5. If possible, remove gas-powered equipment from the
truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. Ifthis is not
possible, then refuel such equipmenton atrailer with a
portable container, rather than from agasoline dispenser
nozzle.
Keep the nozzle in contact with the dm of the fuel tankor
container opening atall times untilfueling iscomplete. Do
not use anozzle lock-open device.
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources
of ignition.
Never fuel machine indoors because flammable vapors
will accumulate in the area.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot
or running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes
before refueling.
Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch
below bottom offiller neck to providespace for fuel
expansion.
Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
Ifgasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5 minutes
before starting the engine.
Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is 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 debds build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and
remove any fuel soaked debds.
15. Allow a mower to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.
GeneralService:
6,
7.
8.
9.
1(3.
11.
12.
13.
1. Never runan engine indoorsorin a poody ventilated
area. Engine exhaust containscarbon monoxide,an
ododessand deadly gas.
2. Before cleaning, repairing,orinspecting,make certain
the blade and all movingpartshave stopped. Disconnect
the spark plugwireand groundagainstthe engineto
prevent unintendedstarting.

3. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent
intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade
for damage (e.g., bent, cracked, worn) Replace blade
with the original equipment manufacture's (O.E.M) 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 regulady.
7. After sthking aforeign object, stop the engine, disconnect
the spark plug wire and de-energize the starter. (See
section "To De-energize Self Starter". 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
10.
11.
12.
13,
shield are subjectto wear and damage whichcould
expose moving parts or allowobjects to be thrown.
For safety protection, frequently check components and
replace immediately with odginal equipment
manufacturer's (O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this manual.
"Use of parts which do not meet the odginal equipment
specifications may lead to improper performance and
compromise safety!"
Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of the engine.
Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
Observe properdisposallaws and regulations.Improper
disposal offluidsand materials can harm the
environment.
ALWAYS de-energize selfstarterpriorto performingany
maintenance or serviceto the engine and or mower,
Followinstructionsboth in the manualand on the engine
and ormachine to de-enen:jizestarter.
YourResponsibility
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.
DANGER
5

9SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
A POWER POLE
A CORNER OF A BUILDING
OR A FENCE POST
15°
Q_
° A
o_ 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
Z
O 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.
(_f) Operate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.

SECTION3: UNPACKING
RemovingUnitFromCarton
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, hardware pack etc.).
Cut corners and lay cartondown flat. Remove
packing material.
Roll orslideunitout ofcarton.Check carton
thoroughlyfor looseparts.
SECTION4: ASSEMBLINGYOURLAWNMOWER
NOTE; Make sure not to crimp the cables while
removing the loose parts or the entire unit from the
carton.
NOTE: Reference to rightor left hand sideof the mower
isobserved from the operating position.
Tools Required
PairofPliers
Funnel
Set ofadjustablewrenches
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug
wire and ground it against the engine to
preventunintendedstarting.Leave safety key
in lockedposition.
DisconnectingSparkPlug
Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect the
spark plugwire from the spark plug, and ground itto
a bolt, retaining post or V-slot on the engine. See
Figure 1.
Spark Plug
Figure 1
AssemblingHandle
For shipping purposes, the grass bag was placed
on top ofthe unit. Remove it from the unit and set it
out of the way. See Figure 2.
Lift lowerhandle
GrassBag
UpperHandle
Liftu
handle
Figure 2
Raise the lower handle, as shown in Figure 2, until
it snaps into place.
Raise the upper handle as shown in Figure 2.
Tighten the two wing nuts which are already on the
handle. See Figure 3.
UpparHandle
LowerHandle
n
Nut
Figure 3
NOTE: Make sure toroute thecables outside thelower
handle. Also do not crimp the cables while lifting the
handle up.
Forshipping purposes, the hairpin clip is placed in
the outer hole of the weld pin on the lower handle.
Remove the hairpin clip from the outer hole of the
weld pin.

Usingapair of pliers, insert the hairpin clip into the
inner hole in the weld pin. Repeat on the other side.
See Figure 4.
Move hairpin clipto
this hole --
f
Weld Handle
Pin
Figure 4
Insertpost ofcable tiesthat are on lower handle
into the holes provided on the lower handle. The
holes may be on the inside or outside. Pull cable
ties tight and cut offthe extra. See Figure 5 below.
Cable Tie
Post on
Figure 5
Attaching Starter Rope
The rope guide is already attached to the right side of
the upper handle ofyour mower. See Figure 6.
With the spark plug wire disconnected and
grounded, and with the safety key in the locked
position, pull the starter rope up to the rope guide.
See Figure 6.
Slip the rope through the rope guide as shown
below. Tighten the wing nut holding the rope guide
to the upper handle. BladeControl
Handle
GrassCatcherAssembly
NOTE: Make certain the grass bag is tumed fight side
out before assembling (warning label will be on the
outside).
SoffGrass Bag
Parts for soft grass bag:
1. Front Frame
2. Rear Frame
3. Bag
Assembling soft grass bag:
Jointherear frame and front frame assemblyas
showninFigure7A.
Place thebag over theframe (blackplasticside is
the bottomofbag).Sliptheopeningsintheside of
the plasticchannels onthe bagover thehookson
the grasscatcherframe.
Secure bag toframe byworkingthe plastic
channelson bagoverframe as showninFigure7B.
All ofthe plasticchannelsexceptthecentertop of
the bag attachfrom theoutsideof bag.The center
top ofthe bag attachesfrom insidethe bag.
[] []
Front Hook
rame
sembly
Rear
Frame Plastic
Channels
Figure 7
AttachingGrassCatcher
Ifyour mowerisequipped witha mulchingplug,
and it is inplace onthe mower, lift the rear
discharge door and remove the rear mulching plug
from the mower. See Figure 8.
Recoil Rear
Mulching
Plug
RopeGude
Figure 6
Figure 8
NOTE: Make sure that the cables are muted to the
outside of the handle when attaching the grass catcher.

Liftthe rear discharge door.
Place the hooks of the grass catcher into the slots
in the handle bracket assemblies on both sides.
See Figure 9. Release the rear discharge door.
Figure 9
RemovingGrassCatcher
Lift the rear discharge door on the mower.
Lift the grass catcher up, out of the slots in the
handle bracket assemblies.
Reinstall the plastic rear mulching baffle.
Release the rear discharge door.
WARNING: Never operate the mower
unless the hooks on the grass catcher are
seated in the slots on the handle bracket
assemblies, and the rear discharge door
rests firmly against the top of the grass
catcher.
ChuteDeflector(ifequipped)
If your mower is equipped with the chute deflector,
assemble asfollows:
Rod
Chute
Slide the rod intothe upper edge of the chute
deflector so the tab on the rod istoward the left side
of the chute deflector. When assembled correctly,
the rod will extend further to the ]eftside than the
right side. See Figure 10.
Slide the push nut onto the right side of the rod to
secure.
AttachingChuteDeflector
Lift the rear discharge door on the mower.
Placethe ends of the rod into the slots in the handle
bracket assemblies. See Figure 11.
Release the rear discharge door.
/Rear
Discharge
_,,/ -Door
HandleBracket
Assemblies
Figure 11
Convertingto Mulcher
Liftthe rear discharge door.
Removethe grass bag or chute deflector.
Insert the mulch plug. See Figure 8.
Release the rear discharge door. See Figure 9.
Push
Nut
Figure 10

SECTION5: KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER
WARNING: Be familiar with all controls dl&
and theirproperoperation.Knowhow tostop
the machineand disengagethem quickly.
DriveControl BladeControlHandle
Start Control Button
Recoil
Starter Upper Handle
Lower Handle
Grass Bag Rear Discharge Door
Cutting Height
Adjustment
Figure 12
RecoilStarter
The recoil starterhandle isattached to the upper
handle. See Figure12.The recoilstarterisusedto start
the engine when theselfstarterisin thede-energized
mode.
Primer
The primer isusedto pump gas intothe carburetor.Use
it to assist in starting e cold engine, but do not use it
when restarting a warm engine after a short shutdown.
Refer to engine manual for location of the primer.
BladeControlHandle
The blade controlhandleis located on the upper handle
ofthe mower.The bladecontrolhandleand starter
controlbuttonmust bedepressedin ordertooperate
the unit.Release the bladecontrolhandletostopthe
engine and the bladeandto energizetheselfstarter.
WARNING: The blade controlhandle is a
safety device. Never attempt to bypass its
operations. Doing so, may result in personal
injurythroughcontactwith the rotatingblade.
The blade rotates whenever the engine is
running and when the self starter is de-
energized.
DriveClutchControl
The ddve control lever is located on the upper handle
and is used to engage the drive. Squeeze the lever
against the upper handle to engage the drive; release
the drive control lever toslow down or stop the mower
from propelling.
SafetyKey
The safety key is located on the engine. See Figure 12.
The safety key is a safety device used to activate and
deactivate the self starter system. The self starter
system will not work without the key in its proper
position. See engine manual for further information
pertaining to the safety key.
NOTE: The safety key must be in the run position to
start the mower for both systems, either the self starter
or recoil starter.
StartControlButton
The startcontrol buttonislocatedon theupper leftside
of the handle. See Figure 12.The start control button
must be depressed fully while pulling the blade control
handle toward the upper handle for the engine to start.
The startercontrolbuttonwillautomaticallyreturntothe
off/up position once the blade control handle is
released,
NOTE: The starter button must be depressed to start
the engine with either the serf starter or recoil starting
system.
SECTION6: OPERATINGYOURLAWN
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow
all instructions and warnings on the machine
and in this manual before operating.
Keep hands and feet away from the discharge area on
and from underthe cutting deck. See safety labels on
page 5.
MOWER
The operationof anylawn mowercan resultinforeign
objects being thrown into the eyes, which can result in
severe eyedamage. Always wear safety glasses oreye
shields.
NOTE: For bestresults raise the cutting position until it
is determined whichheight is best for your lawn. See
CuttingHeightAdjustmentSection.
lO