Yard Machines 410 Series User manual

YARD
Operator's Manual
21" Rear Discharge
Push Mower
Model Series
410 through 429
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 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-10110A
(9/99)

TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices .................................................................. 3
Slope Gauge ..................................................................................................... 6
Assembling Your Lawn Mower ........................................................................... 7
Know Your Lawn Mower .................................................................................... 10
Operating Your Lawn Mower ............................................................................. 11
Making Adjustments .......................................................................................... 12
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ........................................................................... 14
Off-Season Stoarge ........................................................................................... 15
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 16
Shroud Chart ..................................................................................................... 17
Parts List ............................................................................................................ 18
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. 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 standing at the operating position and looking down at the rear
of the deck. 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.
(Model Number) (Serial Number)
_)f_ MTD PRODUCTS INC
LEVELAND, OHIO 44136
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT
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.

SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES
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 lawn mower. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal
injury, when you see this symbol, heed its warning.
DANGER: Your 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. This
lawn mower is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.
WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
GeneralOperation
•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.
• Your rotary mower is a precision piece of power
equipment, not a plaything. Therefore, exercise •
extreme caution at alltimes. Your unit has been
designed to perform one job: to mow grass. Do not
use it for any other purpose. •
• Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
a power mower. Children 14years old and over
should only operate mower under close parental
supervision. Only responsible individuals who are •
familiar with these rules of safe operation should be
allowed to use your mower.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
particularly small children and pets. Stop engine
when they are in the vicinity of your mower to help
prevent blade contact or thrown object injury.
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 injuryto the operator or any others
allowed in the area.
• 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. Do not wear loose fitting clothes or •
jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts. Never
operate a unit in bare feet, sandals, slippery or light
weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.
• 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. •
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
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. Plan your mowing
pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads,
sidewalks, bystanders and the like. To help avoid a
thrown objects injury, keep children, bystanders
and helpers at least 75 feet from the mower while it
is in operation.
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of discharge opening at all times
as the rotating blade can cause injury.
Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being
pulled over the foot during a fall. Do not hang on to
the mower if you are falling; release the handle
immediately.
Never pull the mower toward you while you are
walking. Ifyou must back the mower away from a
wall or obstruction first look down and behind, 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.
Do notoperate the mower while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on
units so equipped while starting engine.
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.
Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be
sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause

seriouspersonalinjury.Keepafirmholdonthe
handleandwalk,neverrun.Ifyoufeelyouare
losingyourfooting,RELEASETHEBLADE
CONTROLHANDLEIMMEDIATELYandtheblade
willstoprotatingwithinthreeseconds.
Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificiallight.
Stopthebladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walks
orroads.
Iftheequipmentshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,
stoptheengineandcheckimmediatelyforthe
cause.Vibrationisgenerallyawarningoftrouble.
Shuttheengineoffandwaituntilthebladecomes
toacompletestopbeforeremovingthegrass
catcheroruncloggingthechute.Thecuttingblade
continuestorotateforafewsecondsafterthe
engineisshutoff.Neverplaceanypartofthebody
inthebladeareauntilyouaresurethebladehas
stoppedrotating.
Neveroperatemowerwithoutproperguards,grass
catcher,platesorothersafetyprotectivedevicesin
place.
Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea
burn.Donottouch.
Onlyuseaccessoriesapprovedforthismachineby
themanufacturer.Read,understand,andfollowall
instructionsprovidedwiththeapprovedaccessory.
Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis
manual,usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyour
dealerforassistance.Telephone[phone]
forthenameofyournearestdealer.
Donotadjustthethrottlecontrolwhiletheengineis
stillrunning.
SlopeOperation
• For your safety, use the slope gauge
Do:
included as
part of this manual to measure slopes before
operating this unit on a sloped or hilly area. Ifthe
slope is greater than 15 degrees as shown on the
slope gauge, do not operate this unit on that area or
serious injury could result.
Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction
on slopes.
• Watch for holes, ruts, hidden objects, or bumps. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
• 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 in less
than 3 seconds.
DoNot:
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose footing or
balance.
• Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as
shown on the slope gauge.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced 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.
Never assume that children will remain where you
last saw them.
• Keep children out ofthe mowing area and under the
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator.
• Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the
area.
• Before and while moving backwards, look behind
and down for small children or other objects.
• Never allow children under age 14 to operate the
mower. Children 14years of age and above should
read and understand the operation instructions and
safety rules in this manual.
• Use extreme care when approaching blind comers,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
your vision of a child or hazard.
Service
• Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are extremely flammable and the vapors
are explosive.
• Use only an approved gasoline container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine
is running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes
before refueling.
• Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe off any
spilled gasoline before starting the engine as it may
cause a fire or explosion.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
• Never refuel machine indoors because flammable
vapors will accumulate in the area.
• Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame or spark such as a gas
water heater, space heater, or furnace.
• Never run an engine inside a closed area.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass,
leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage. Allow mower to cool at least 5 minutes
before storing.
• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make
certain the blade and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep
the wire away from the spark plug to prevent
accidental starting.
• Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually
inspect blade for damage (e.g., bent, cracked or
worn). Replace with blade which meets original
equipment specifications listed in this manual.

Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstighttobesurethe
equipmentisinsafeworkingcondition.
Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheir
properoperationregularly.
Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,
removethewirefromthesparkplug,and
thoroughlyinspectthemowerforanydamage.
Repairthedamagebeforestartingandoperating
themower.
Neverattempttomakeawheelorcuttingheight
adjustmentwhiletheengineisrunning.
Grasscatchercomponentsaresubjecttowear,
damageanddeterioration,whichcouldexpose
movingpartsorallowobjectstobethrown.For
safetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsand
replacewithmanufacturer'srecommendedparts,
whennecessary.
Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthe
blade(s)orweargloves,anduseextracaution
whenservicingthem.
Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingor
overspeedtheengine.Excessiveenginespeeds
aredangerous.
Restricttheuseofthispowermachinetopersons
whoread,understandandfollowthewarningsand
instructionsinthismanualandonthemachine.

O3
USE THIS PAGE AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SLOPES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY. P=
,,11 SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
!_ A POWER POLE
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_1_ WARNING
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Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10
feet). On steeper inclines, 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.

SECTION3: ASSEMBLINGYOURLAWNMOWER
Unpacking
•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.,
owner's manual, etc.).
• Cut along corners and lay carton down flat.
• Remove packing material.
• Roll or slide unit out of carton. Check carton
thoroughly for loose parts.
ToolsRequired
1. Pair of Pliers
2. Phillips Screwdriver t
3. 7/16" or Adjustable Wrench 1"
t Hardtop grass bags only
NOTE: This operator's manual covers various models
of lawn mowers. Follow only those instructions which
pertain to your unit.
DisconnectSparkPlugWire
• In the case of lawn mowers where engine is
equipped with a rubber boot, attach rubber boot to
a bolt on the engine to ground. See Figure 1.
AssemblingHandle
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the mower
is observed from the operating position.
Remove any packing material which may be
between the upper and lower handles for shipping
purposes.
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.
knob
Tighten
hand knob
Spark Plug Wire
With Rubber Boot
N
Spa
Plu
Engines with rubber boot
V-Slot
_Spark
Wire
Briggs & Stratton Engines
Retaining Spark
Post ug
Spark Plug
Wire
mecumseh engines
Figure 1
Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect the
spark plug wire from the spark plug, and ground it
against the engine. See Figure 1.
Figure 2
Tighten the hand knobs on each side of the handle
(carriage bolts must be seated properly into the
handle). See Figure 2.
NOTE: Your mower is shipped with the handle in the
higher height position. If you wish to lower the height of
the handle, refer to the Adjustment Section at this time.
• Using a pair of pliers, squeeze one leg of the lower
handle against the handle mounting bracket.
Remove the hairpin clips from the outer hole in the
weld pins on the handle mounting brackets. Insert
the hairpin clip into the inner hole on the weld pin.
See Figure 3. Repeat on other side.
_ k_ Handle Mounting
Bracket
Insert hairpin
clip here
Hairpin \ \\ _'_,_'_-,
Clip _ \e=\_._
_._-_.v I,.e© _'.-_ We|d
_Pin
Figure 3

• The rope guide is attached to the right side of upper
handle. Loosen the wing nut which secures the
rope guide.
• With the spark plug wire disconnected and
grounded, hold the blade control handle against the
upper handle, and pull the starter rope out of the
engine. Release the blade control handle. Slip the
starter rope into the rope guide. Tighten the wing
nut. See Figure 4.
• Make certain all nuts and bolts are tightened
securely.
Slip rope into
rope g H__
Guide
Wing Nut
Figure 4
AssemblingGrassCatcher
NOTE: Make certain bag is turned right side out before
assembling (warning label will be on the outside).
A.SoftGrassBag
Parts for Soft Grass Bag:
1. Front Frame
2. Rear Frame
3. Bag
Assemble soft grass bag as follows:
• Join the rear frame and front frame assembly as
shown in Figure 5A.
• Place bag over frame (black plastic side is the
bottom of bag). Slip the openings in the side of the
plastic channel on bag over the hooks on the grass
catcher frame.
• Secure bag to frame by working the plastic
channels on bag over frame as shown in Figure 5B.
All of the plastic channels except center top of bag
attach from the outside of bag. Center top of bag
attaches from the inside of bag.
A
Hook
Bag Channels
Figure 5
B.HardtopGrassBag
Parts for Hardtop Grass Bag:
1. Front Frame
2. Rear Frame (packed inside hardtop cover)
3. Bag
4. Hardtop Cover
5. Mounting Bracket
6. Phillips Screw
7. Hex Lock Nut
Assemble hardtop grass bag as follows:
• Insert one end of the rear frame into the slit in the
cloth channel on the edge of the grass bag (slits are
approximately 6 inches from the end of the bag).
See Figure 6A. Feed all the material on one side of
the frame before working it around frame. Make
certain the other end of rear frame comes out of the
slit in the other side. See Figure 6B.
Slit
Figure 6
Slide the front frame assembly intothe rear frame
as shown in Figure 7. Push the front frame inso
that the cross piece on the front frame contacts the
rear frame.
Front Frame
Figure 7
Slip the openings of the plastic channel on bag over
the grass catcher frame. See Figure 7 inset. Secure
front of bag to front frame by working the five plastic
channels on bottom, sides and top of bag over
frame.

• baffle,liftthereardischargedooronthemower.
Removethemulchingbaffle.SeeFigure10inset.
Holdthebagandframesothebaghangsfromthe
frame(isnotbunchedaroundtheframe).Slidethe
handleofthegrasscatcherframethroughtheslot
inthehardtopcoverasshowninFigure8. Mulch
Grass
Handle through this
slot
Hardtop
Cover
Figure 8
Press the rear frame intothe two tabs at the back of
the hardtop cover and the cross bar on the front
frame into the channel on the front of the hardtop
cover.
ps Head
Screw
bg
Bracket
Lock
Nut
Figure 9
Place the mounting bracket under the front of the
handle, with the tabs on the bracket facing up.
Insert phillips head screw down through the hardtop
cover and mounting bracket. Secure with hex lock
nut. See Figure 9.
AttachingGrassCatcherToMower
NOTE: Make certain cables are muted to the outside of
the handle so they are not in the way when attaching
the grass catcher.
• If your mower is equipped with a mulching baffle, it
is in place on the mower. To remove the mulching
on _Door
Figure 10
To attach the grass catcher: Liftthe rear
discharge door on the mower. Place the hooks on
the grass catcher into the slots in the handle
bracket assemblies. Release the rear discharge
door. See Figure 10.
To remove the grass catcher: Lift the rear
discharge door on the mower as shown in Figure
10. Lift the grass catcher up, out of the slots in the
handle bracket assemblies. Release the rear
discharge door.
WARNING: Never operate the mower
unless the hooks on the grass catcher are
firmly seated in the slots on the handle
bracket assemblies, and the rear
discharge door rests firmly against the
top of the grass catcher.
AssemblingChuteDeflector
(Optional equipment)
If your mower is equipped with the optional chute
deflector, assemble as follows.
Tab
Push
Nut
_efhute
lector
Figure 11
Slide the rod into the upper edge of the chute
deflector so the tab on the rod is toward the left side
of the chute deflector. When assembled correctly,

therodwiltextendfurthertotheleftside.See
Figure11.
Slidethepushnutontotherightsideoftherodto
secure. Rear
Door
/
AttachingChuteDeflectorToMower
• To attach chute deflector: Lift the rear discharge
door on the mower. Place the ends of the rod into
the slots in the handle bracket assemblies. See
Figure 12. Release the rear discharge door.
• To remove chute deflector: Lift the rear discharge
door on the mower. Lift the chute deflector up and
out of the slots inthe handle bracket assemblies.
Release the rear discharge door. See Figure 12.
Slots
Figure 12
IMPORTANT:This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil
in the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline
and oil before operating your mower.
SECTION4: KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER
Compare the illustrationsin Figure 13 with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various
controls and adjustments. The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the
operator's eyes, causing severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses while operating the mower, or while
performing any adjustments or repairs on it.
Blade Control Handle
(if equipped)
Recoil
Grass Catcher
Gas Cap--
Lower Handle
Height Adjustment Lever
Figure 13
BladeControlHandle ThrottleControl
WARNING: This control mechanism is a
safety device. Never attempt to bypass its
operations.
The blade will be rotating whenever the
engine is running. Keep your hands and
feet away from a rotataing blade.
The blade control handle is located on the upper handle
of the mower. The blade control handle must be
depressed in order to operate the unit. Release the
blade control handle to stop the engine and blade.
Your lawn mower may be equipped with one of three
types of throttle controls described below. Follow
instructions which pertain to your unit.
1. The throttle control is located on the left side of the
upper handle. It is used to regulate engine speed.
2. The throttle control is located on the engine. It is
used to regulate the engine speed.
3. Your mower engine is equipped with a constant
speed throttle, which is set at full throttle for best
performance.
10