Yard-Man 247.385010 User manual

Operator's Manual
21" Mulching
Push Mower
Model 247.385010
Factory No. 11A-596C402
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 =srequired by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
MTD LLC,P.O.BOX361131CLEVELAND,OHIO44136-0019
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 769-00064
(2/02)

TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices ........................................................................ 3
Slope Gauge ........................................................................................................... 6
Assembling Your Lawn Mower ................................................................................ 7
Know Your Lawn Mower .......................................................................................... 9
Operating Your Lawn Mower ................................................................................... 10
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ................................................................................ 12
Making Adjustments ................................................................................................ 14
Off-Season Storage ................................................................................................. 15
Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................... 16
Parts List ................................................................................................................. 17
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. This information is very important if you
need help from our Customer Support Department or an authorized dealer.
You can locate the model number by looking at the rear portion of the deck's surface. 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.
•MTD LLC
O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND,OH 44136
www.yardman.com 330-220-4683
800-800-731121
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
ENGINEINFORMATION
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to performance, power-rating,
specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer's Owner's/Operator's Manual packed
separately with your unit for more information.
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- [phone] 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.
_ARNING: 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 all times. Your unit has been
designed to perform one job: to mow grass. Do not
use itfor any other purpose.
Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
a power mower. Children 14 years 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 injury to 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. If you 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 not operate the mower while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on
units so equipped while starting engine.

Thebladecontrolhandleisasafetydevice.Never
attempttobypassitsoperation.Doingsomakes
thesafetydeviceinoperativeandmayresultin
personalinjurythroughcontactwiththerotating
blade.Thebladecontrolhandlemustoperate
easilyinbothdirectionsandautomaticallyreturnto
thedisengagedpositionwhenreleased.
Neveroperatethemowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbe
sureofyourfootingtoavoidseriousinjury.
Keepafirmholdonthehandleandwalk,never
run.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyourfooting,
RELEASETHEBLADECONTROLHANDLE
IMMEDIATELYandthebladewillstoprotating
withinthreeseconds.
Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificiallight.Stop
bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksorroads.
Iftheequipmentshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,
stoptheengineandcheckimmediatelyforthe
cause.Vibrationisgenerallyawarningoftrouble.
Shuttheengineoffandwaituntilthebladecomes
toacompletestopbeforeremovingthegrass
catcheroruncloggingthechute.Thecuttingblade
continuestorotateforafewsecondsafterthe
engineisshutoff.Neverplaceanypartofthebody
inthebladeareauntilyouaresurethebladehas
stoppedrotating.
Neveroperatemowerwithoutproperguards,
grasscatcher,platesorothersafetyprotective
devicesinplace.
Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea
burn.Donottouch.
Onlyuseaccessoriesapprovedforthismachine
bythemanufacturer.
Read,understand,andfollowallinstructions
providedwiththeapprovedaccessory.
Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis
manual,usecareandgoodjudgment.Contact
yourdealerforassistance.Telephone[phone]-
7310forthenameofyournearestdealer.
SlopeOperation
• 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 as shown on the
slope gauge, do not operate this unit on that area
or serious injury could result.
Do:
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 of the 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 14 years of age and above
should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual.
Use extreme care when approaching blind
corners, 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.

Toreducefirehazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass, •
leaves,orotherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoilor
fuelspillage.Allowmowertocoolatleast5
minutesbeforestoring.
Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspecting,make
certainthebladeandallmovingpartshave •
stopped.Disconnectthesparkplugwire,andkeep
thewireawayfromthesparkplugtoprevent •
accidentalstarting.
Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsat
frequentintervalsforpropertightness.Also,
visuallyinspectbladefordamage(e.g.,bent,
crackedorworn).Replacewithbladewhichmeets
originalequipmentspecificationslistedinthis •
manual.
Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstighttobesurethe
equipmentisinsafeworkingcondition. •
Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheir
properoperationregularly.
Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,
removethewirefromthesparkplug,and
thoroughlyinspectthemowerforanydamage.
Repairthedamagebeforestartingandoperating
themower.
Neverattempttomakeawheelorcuttingheight
adjustmentwhiletheengineisrunning.
Grasscatchercomponentsaresubjecttowear,
damageanddeterioration,whichcouldexpose
movingpartsorallowobjectstobethrown.For
safetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponents
andreplacewithmanufacturer'srecommended
parts,whennecessary.
Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthe
blade(s)orweargloves,anduseextracaution
whenservicingthem.
Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingor
overspeedtheengine.Excessiveenginespeeds
aredangerous.
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.
DISCHARGECOVER,ETC.)INPLACEANDWORKING.IF DAMAGED,REPLACEIMMEDIATELY.

{3b
USE THIS PAGE AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SLOPES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY.
SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
t
,_ WARNING
Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A
riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is
extremely difficult to maintain your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.
Operate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.

SECTION3: ASSEMBLINGYOURLAWNMOWER
RemovingUnitFromCarton
• Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut
tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open
carton.
• Remove all loose parts, (hardware pack, grass bag,
oil bottle, bag adapter & side discharge chute).
DisconnectingSparkPlug
• Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect the
spark plug wire from the spark plug, and ground it
against the engine. See Figure 2.
• Attach rubber boot to a bolt on the engine in order
to ground.
Spark Plug
Wire
Figure 1
• Cut along dotted lines and lay carton down flat.
Remove packing material.
• Roll or slide unit out of carton. Check carton
thoroughly for loose parts. See Figure 1.
NOTE: Make sure not to crimp the cable while
removing loose parts or the entire unit from the carton.
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the mower
and/or front or behind the mower is observed from the
operating position.
ToolsRequired
1. Pair of Pliers
2. Funnel
HardwarePack
Identify each piece of the hardware pack as shown in
Figure 1. Part numbers shown in parentheses.
Figure 2
AssemblingHandle
• Raise the lower handle in the direction shown in
Figure 3A till it snaps into place. Do not move it to
the B position yet.
NOTE: Make sure to route the cable inside the lower
handle. Also do not crimp the cable while lifting the
handle up.
A
B
Wing Knob (712-0397) Carriage Bolt (710-0703)
1/4-20 (2) 1/4-20 (2)
Figure 1
Figure 3
For shipping 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.
Using a pair of pliers, insert the hairpin clip into the
inner hole in the weld pin. Insert the carriage bolt
included in the hardware pack as illustrated below
and secure with wing knob. See Figure 4.
\ _ Right-Hand
___ Lower Handle
k_ _i_rriage Bolt
Wing Knob _ _, ._
_'___ Hairpin Clip
Weld Pin _ '_
Figure 4
•Repeat on other side.
• Raise the upper handle in the direction shown in
Figure 3B. Tighten the wing knobs which are
already on the handle.
• Attach the cable to the lower handle with the two
cable ties already on the lower handle. Place posts
in holes on lower handle and pull tight on the cable
ties; cut off the extra.
AttachingStarterRope
The rope guide is already attached to the right side of
the upper handle of your mower. See Figure 5.
• 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. See Figure 5.
Lower
Starter
Rope
Rope
Guide
Support
Rod
AttachingDischargeChute
Your lawn mower was shipped as a mulcher. Remove
the mulching cover and attach the side-discharge chute
for discharging grass clippings.
• Remove three plastic wing knobs holding the
mulching cover to the deck. See Figure 6. Keep the
cover in a safe place for future use. Save wing
knobs.
Mulching
Cover
Figure 6
Place the side-discharge chute on the deck (in
place of the mulching cover) so that the top flange
on the discharge chute goes under the top edge of
the opening on the deck. See Figure 7.
Side-Discharge
Top Flange
goes unaer Ai]gn the slot
top edge of nere [only two
opening on deck snown)
Figure 7
• Align the three slots on the chute with the hardware
slots on the deck. See Figure 7.
• Secure with the wing knobs earlier removed.
Tighten the wing knobs.
IMPORTANT:Thisunit is shipped WITHOUT GASOLINE
or OIL. Be certain to service engine with gasoline and
oil as instructed in the separate engine manual before
operating your mower.
Figure 5

SECTION4: KNOWINGYOURLAWNMOWER
Read this operator's manual and safety rules before operating your lawn mower. Compare the illustrations in Figure
8 with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this
manual for future reference.
_WARNING: The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the
operator's eyes thus causing severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses while operating the
mower, or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it.
Recoil Starter
Blade Control Handle
Grass Bag
J
J
Spark Plug
fOil Fill Gas Tank
Plu
Primer
Cutting Height _ j
Adjustment Rod
Grass Bag Adapter
Side DischargeChute \
Mulching Cover
Caster Locks
Figure 8
BladeControlHandle
_WARNING: This control mechanism is a
safety device. Never attempt to bypass its
operations.
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 the blade.
CuttingHeightAdjustmentRod
The cutting height adjustment rod is located between
the two rear high wheels.The front wheel cutting height
is determined by placing the axle rod in one of the six
height adjustment positions in each caster assembly on
the front wheels. All wheels must be placed in the same
relative position.
RecoilStarter
The recoil starter is attached to the handle. Stand
behind the unit and pull the recoil starter to start the
unit.
Primer
The primer isused to pump gas intothe carburetor. Use
itto start a cold engine, but do not use itto restart a
warm engine after short shutdown.
CasterWheels
Your mower isequipped with caster wheels in front.
The casters can be locked in a straight ahead position
for mowing on hills,or can be left unlocked to swivel
freely on level ground.
GrassBag
The grass bag is equipped with a bag-fill indicator to
add convenience to your work. While the mower is
running, air willflow through the bag and intothe "sail."
Ifthe grass catcher isempty, air flows through easily
pushing the sail up. If the grass catcher isfull, air does
not flow through it allowing the sail to fall. So the
position of the sail acts as a bag-fill indicator signifying
when to empty the grass bag.

GrassBagAdapter
When installed, it allows the mower to collect clippings
in the grass bag.
SideDischargeChute
When installed allows the mower to discharge clippings
out the side of the deck.
MulchingCover
When installed, the mulching cover aids in a process of
recirculating grass clippings repeatedly beneath the
cutting deck. The ultra-fine clippings are then forced
back into the lawn where they act as a natural fertilizer.
SECTION5: OPERATINGYOURLAWNMOWER
GasAndOilFill-Up
Oil:
• Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API
service classification SF, SG or SH. Use SAE30 oil;
do not use 10W40 oil.
• Fill oil sump and check the oil level following steps
below. See Figure 9.
a. Position the mower on level ground and
clean area around oil fill plug.
b. Remove oil fill plug and dipstick. Wipe
dipstick clean, insert it into oil fill hole and
tighten securely.
c. Remove dipstick and check oil level. If the oil
is not up to FULL mark on the dipstick, pour
recommended oil through the oil fill and
check the level again.
• Install oil fill plug and dipstick, tighten securely.
Fill oil here
Fill g
Figure 9
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30,
etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these multivis-
cosity oils will result in increased oil consumption when
used above 32°F. Check oil level more frequently to
avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil.
Gasoline
_WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors, or
when engine is running or hot. Do not
smoke when filling fuel tank.
• Clean area around fuel cap. Remove cap. See
Figure 9. Use a funnel to prevent spillage.
• Pour approximately 1.5 quarts of fresh, regular
grade, unleaded gasoline slowly to the fuel tank.
IMPORTANT:Never mix engine oil with gasoline.
• Fill tank to 1/2" below the bottom of the filler neck.
Wipe any fuel spillage. Do not fill fuel tank
completely. Provide space for fuel expansion.
StartingEngine
WARNING: Be sure no one other than the
operator is standing near the lawn mower
while starting or operating.
Never run engine indoors or in enclosed,
poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas.
Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing
away from any moving parts on engine
and lawn mower.
• To prevent the unit from sliding, place your foot
firmly against the tire.
• 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.
• Push primer three times. Wait about two seconds
between each push. In cold weather around 55o F
or below, prime five times. Do not prime to restart a
warm engine after a short shutdown.
• Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until
engine reaches the 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.
10