Yard-Man 829 Series User manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips &Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
OF A'rO AL
_lllllll IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII• _,,_=_=L
21" Rotary Mower- Model 829
iMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush-
coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).
If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw
(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester
forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,
Ohio44136-0019.
PRINTEDIN U.S.A. MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 FORMNO.769-01607
1/4/2005

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.
Table of Contents
Slope Gauge ....................................................... 3
Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4
Setup and Adjustment ....................................... 6
Operating Your Lawn Mower .............................. 8
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10
Trouble Shooting .............................................. 14
Safety Labels .................................................... 15
Parts List ........................................................... 16
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREYOU STARTASSEMBLING
YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,
please locatethe modelplate onthe equipmentand copythe
informationtothe sample modelplate providedtothe right.
Youcan locatethe modelplate by standing at the operating
position and lookingdown atthe rear ofthe deck. This
informationwill be necessaryto use the manufacturer'sweb
site and/or obtain assistancefrom theCustomerSupport
Departmentor an authorizedservice dealer.
Model Number Serial Number
P. O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND,OH 44136
www.yardman.com 330-220-4683
800-800-7310
Customer Support
Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
Ifyou have difficultyassemblingthis productor have any
questions regardingthe controls, operationor maintenanceof
this unit,youcanseek help from the experts.Choosefrom the
options below:
1. Visit yardman.corn for many usefulsuggestions.Click
on CustomerSupport buttonand you will get the four
options reproducedin this sampleto the right.Click on the
appropriate buttonand help is immediatelyavailable.
2. Phonea Customer Support Representative
at 1(800)800-7310.
3. The engine manufacturer is responsiblefor all engine-
relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-rating,
specifications,warranty and service. Pleasereferto the
engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packed
separatelywith your unit, for more information.
Click here to search our knowledge base.
Search by product, keyword, or phrase.
Login to check the status of your questions, modify
your inquiries, or update your personal profile.
Need local assistance? Click here to find authorized
service centers in your area.
Need a manual and/or parts list? Download
literature from recent model years.
2

Usethis pageas a guide to determineslopes whereyou may not operatesafely. Do not operate
your lawn moweronsuchslopes.
!
I
!
3
i! i i iii_iii_ _ :iii
WARNING
Do not mow on inclines
with a slope in excess
of 15degrees(a rise
of approximately
2-1/2feet every 10
feet). A riding mower
couldoverturnand
cause seriousinjury.
If operatinga walk-
behindmower onsuch
a slope, it isextremely
difficultto maintain your
footing and youcould
slip, resulting in serious
injury.
Operate RIDING
mowersup and down
slopes, neveracross
the facedslopes.
Operate
WALK-BEHIND
mowersacrossthe
face of slopes, never
upand down slopes.

RNING
This symbol points
i out important safety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed, could
endangerthe personal
i safetyand/or property
I ofyourself and others.
Readand follow all
instructionsinthis man-
ualbeforeattempting to
operatethis machine.
Failureto complywith
these instructionsmay
i resultin personalinjury.
i When youseethis
_symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
i ofthis powermachine
i to personswho read,
understand
andfollow the warnings
and instructions
inthis manual
andon the machine.
WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of its constituents,andcertain vehiclecompo-
nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: Thismachinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operationinthis
manual.As with anytypeof powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operatorcan
result in seriousinjury.This machine iscapable of amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.
Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injuryor death.
Children
Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtomowerand mowing
activity.Theydonot understandthe dangers.Neverassume
thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.
1. Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaandunderwatchful
careofa responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.
2. Bealertandturnmoweroffif achildentersthearea.
3. Beforeand whilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown
forsmallchildren.
4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,
doorways,shrubs,trees,or otherobjectsthatmayobscure
yourvisionofachildwhomayrunintothe mower.
5. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycan
sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.
6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operateapower
mower.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand
understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthis
manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyaparent.
General Operation
1. Readthis operator'smanual carefullyinits entiretybefore
attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,
andfollowall instructionsonthe machineandin the
manual(s) beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith
thecontrolsandthe properuseofthis machinebefore
operatingit. Keepthis manualin a safeplaceforfuture
andregularreferenceandfor orderingreplacementparts.
2. Thismachineisaprecisionpieceof powerequipment,
nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all
times.Yourunithas beendesignedto performonejob: to
mowgrass.Do notuseit for anyotherpurpose.
3. Neverallow childrenunder 14yearsoldto operatethis
machine.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand
understandthe instructionsinthis manualandshould
betrainedand supervisedbya parent.Onlyresponsible
individualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe
operationshouldbeallowedto usethismachine.
4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto
beused.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toysand
otherforeignobjectswhichcouldbetripped overor picked
upandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjectscancause
seriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpatternto avoid
dischargeof materialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystanders
andthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainsta
wallorobstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterial
toricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,
stayinoperatorzonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,
bystanders,helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrom mower
whileit is inoperation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters
area.
6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera-
tionandwhile performinganadjustmentor repairtoprotect
youreyes.Thrownobjectswhich ricochetcancauseserious
injurytothe eyes.
7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesand close-fitting
slacksandshirts. Shirtsandpantsthatcoverthe armsand
legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended.Neveroperate
this machinein barefeet,sandals,slipperyor lightweight
(e.g.canvas)shoes.
8. Do notputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor undercutting
deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.
9. Amissingor damageddischargecovercancause blade
contactor thrownobject injuries.
10.Manyinjuriesoccurasa resultofthe mowerbeingpulled
overthefoot duringa fall causedby slippingor tripping.
Do notholdontothe mowerifyouare falling;releasethe
handleimmediately.
11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare
walking.If youmust backthe mowerawayfroma wallor
obstructionfirstlookdownand behindtoavoidtrippingand
thenfollowthesesteps:
a. Stepbackfrommowertofully extendyourarms.
b. Besureyouarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.
c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,no morethanhalfway
towardyou.
d. Repeatthesestepsas needed.
12.Do notoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof
alcoholordrugs.
13.Do notengage theself-propelledmechanismon unitsso
equippedwhilestartingengine.
14.Thebladecontrolhandleisasafetydevice.Neverattempt
tobypassitsoperation.Doingso makesthe safetydevice
inoperativeandmayresult in personalinjurythrough
contactwiththe rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandle
mustoperateeasily in bothdirectionsandautomatically
returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.
15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbesure of
yourfooting. A slipand fall cancauseseriouspersonal
injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourfooting,releasethe
bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyand the bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthreeseconds.
16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.
18.If theequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineand checkimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis
generallya warningoftrouble.
19.Shutthe engineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto a
completestop beforeremovingthe grasscatcheror unclog-
gingthechute.
4

The cuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefora fewsecondsafter
the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceany partofthe bodyin
the bladearea untilyouaresurethe bladehasstopped
rotating.
20. Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrail shield,discharge
cover,grass catcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafety
protectivedevicesin placeand working.Neveroperate
mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo so,can
resultin personalinjury.
21. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causea burn.Do
nottouch.
22.Only usepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthismachineby
manufacturer.Failuretodo socanresultinpersonalinjury.
23. If situationsoccurwhich arenotcoveredin thismanual,
usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor
assistance.Telephone[phone]for the nameofyour
nearestdealer.
Slope Operation
Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidentswhich
can resultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra
caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyon aslope,do notmowit.Foryour
safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthismanualto
measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunitonaslopedor hilly
area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donot mowit.
Do:
1. Mowacrossthe faceofslopes;neverup anddown.
Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon
slopes.
2. Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks, hiddenobjects,or bumpswhich
can causeyouto slipor trip. Tallgrasscan hideobstacles.
3. Alwaysbesure ofyourfooting.A slip andfall cancause
seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyour
balance,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediately,and
the bladewill stoprotatingwithin3seconds.
Do Not:
1. Donot mowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,you
could loseyourfootingorbalance.
2. Donot mowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownon
the slopegauge.
3. Donot mowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcause
slipping. Service
Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:
1. To avoidpersonalinjury orpropertydamageuseextreme
care inhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable
andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan
occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselforyourclothes
whichcanignite.
2. Washyourskin andchangeclothesimmediately.
3. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
4. Neverfillcontainersinsideavehicleoron a truckor trailer
bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe
groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truck ortrailer
and refuelit onthe ground.Ifthisis notpossible,thenrefuel
suchequipmentonatrailerwitha portablecontainer,rather
thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.
6. Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimofthefueltank or
containeropeningat alltimesuntilfuelingis complete.Do
notuseanozzlelock-opendevice.
7. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
8. Neverfuel machineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswill
accumulatein thearea.
9. Neverremovegascap oradd fuelwhileengineishot or
running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwominutesbefore
refueling.
10.Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch
belowbottomoffiller neckto providefor fuelexpansion.
11.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
12.If gasolineis spilled,wipe itoff theengineand equipment.
Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting
engine.
13.Neverstorethe machineorfuel containernearanopen
flame,sparkor pilotlightasonawaterheater,space
heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.
14.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,
orother debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand
removeanyfuel soakeddebris.
15.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService:
1. Neverrun anengineindoorsorin a poorlyventilatedarea.
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessand
deadlygas.
2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe
sparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe engineto prevent
unintendedstarting.
3. Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent
intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefor
damage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewiththe
originalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listed
inthismanual."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe original
equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformance
andcompromisesafety!"
4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor wear
gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip-
mentis insafeworkingcondition.
6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperopera-
tionregularly.
7. Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stopthe engine,discon-
nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.
Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerfor anydamage.Repairthe
damagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower.
8. Neverattemptto makea wheelor cuttingheightadjustment
whiletheengineis running.
9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail
shieldaresubjecttowearanddamagewhichcould expose
movingpartsor allowobjectsto bethrown.Forsafety
protection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplaceim-
mediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)
partsonly,listedinthis manual."Useofpartswhich do
notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"
10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor overspeedthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating
speedoftheengine.
11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.
12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper
disposaloffluidsand materialscanharmtheenvironment.
5
Practices
WARNING
This symbol points
out importantsafety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safety and/or property
of yourselfand others.
Readand followall
instructions inthis man-
ual beforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failuretocomply with
these instructionsmay
result in personalinjury.
Whenyou see this
symbol.
HEED iTS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read,
understand
and follow the warnings
and instructions
inthis manual
and onthe machine.

NOTEiStandbehind
themowerasifyou
weregoingtooperate
LYourrighthand€0r:
respondstotheright
sidedthemoWeryour
lefthandcorresp0nds
totheleftsideofthe
purposesyourmower
iSsetWiththewheels
inalowcutting
heightpostionlFor
best resultsraisethe
Cuttingpositionuntilit
isdeterminedwhich
heightiSbestforyour
lawnlsee Step7
detail&
IMPORTANT
DO NOTcr mpthe
Cab esWhen ft ngthe
handleup.
I
Thisunitis shipped
without gasolineor
oil in the engine.Fil!
• ,
up gasolineand oil
as instructedin the
accompanying engine
manual BEFORE
Figure 1
1. Removegrasscatcherandanypackingmaterial
whichmaybe betweenupperand lowerhandles.
a. Removehandknobsfromhandlebracketsand
pullupand backon upperhandleasshownin
Figure1.Makecertainthelowerhandleisseated
securelyintothehandlemountingbrackets.
b. Tightenhandknobssecuringupperhandleto
lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriageboltis
seatedproperlyin thehandle.
2. Replaceandtightenhandknobsremovedearlier
securinglowerhandleto handlebrackets.SeeFigure
2.
.Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe
upperhandle.Loosenthewingnutwhichsecuresthe
ropeguide.SeeFigure3.
a. Holdthebladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releasethe
bladecontrol.
.
c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.Tightenwingnut.
Attachcablestothelowerhandlewiththecableties
alreadyonthe lowerhandle.Insertpegsoncableties
intotheholeson thelowerhandle.Pullcabletiestight
andcutoff theextra.
5. Followstepsbelowtoattachgrasscatcher:
a. Lift reardischargedoorand removemulching
baffle.
b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod.Letgo
ofdischargedoorsothatit restsonthegrass
catcher.See Figure4.
Figure 2
Figure 3Figure 4
6

_ARNING: Never operate mower
unlessthe hooks onthe grass
catcherare firmly seated in the
slotson the handlebracketas-
semblies,and the rear discharge
doorrests firmly against top of
the grass catcher.
6. Followstepsbelowtoinstallthemulchingbaffle:
a. Liftthereardischargedoorandlift thegrass
catcherupandoff ofthepivotrod,if installed.
b. Insertthemulchingbaffleasshownin Figure5
and releasethereardischargedoor.
7. Thecuttingheightadjustmentleveris locatedabove
the rearleftwheel.SeeFigure6.
a. Pulltheleveroutandawayfromthemower.
b. Movethe leverforwardor backfordesiredcutting
height.
c. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.
8. Theadjustmentwheelis locatedinthedrivecontrol
handlehousingandisusedtotightenor loosenthe
drivebelt. Youwillhavetoadjustthedrivecontrolif
anyofthefollowinghappens:
a. Themowerdoesnotpropelitselfwiththedrive
controlengaged.
b. Themower'sdrivewheelshesitatewiththedrive
controlengaged.
Ifeitheroftheseconditionsoccur,rotatetheadjustment
wheelclockwisetotightenthecableandcounter-clock-
wiseto loosenthecabletoadjustthedrivecontrol.See
Figure7.
Figure 5
pand
i _i I
ustment
CU NG.E G"T
'rough oi uneven
lawns; move the heigh!
adjustment levertoa
higher position.This
will helppreventscalp,
ingof thegrass.
V
Forsome people the
drive contiol maynot
tightening
ment wheel.
Figure 6
Figure 7
WARNING
Never operatemower
unless the hooks on
the grass catcherare
firmly seated in the
on the handle
bracket assemblies,
and the rear dis:
e door rests
firmly against top of
the grass catcher,
7

WARNING
The blade control
mechanism is a
safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its
operations.
IUseextreme care
when handling
gasoline.Gasoline is
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive. Never fuel
the machine indoors
or while the engine
is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes and
other sources of
ignition.
Keep hands and feet
away from the chute
area on cutting deck.
Referto warning
label onthe unit.
Know Your Lawn Mower
C0ntr01
Drive C0ntr01
Recoil
Height Adjustment Lever
Grass
GasolineFill
Figure 8
Now that you have set up your lawn mower for
operation, get acquainted with its controls and fea-
tures. These are described below and illustrated on
this page. This knowledge will allow you to use your
new equipment to its fullest potential.
Blade Control
The blade control is attached to the upper handle
of the mower. Depress and squeeze it against the
upper handle to operate the unit. Release it to stop
engine and blade.
_ WARNING:Thisbladecontrolmecha-
nism isasafetydevice. Neverattempt
to bypass itsoperations.
Drive Control
The drive control is located on the upper handle.
Squeeze the drive control to engage the drive
system. Release it to disengage the drive system.
Release the drive control to slow down when ap-
proaching an obstacle, making a turn, or stopping.
See Figure 8.
Cutting Height Adjustment Lever
The cutting height adjustment lever is located above
the left rear wheel. To adjust the cutting height, refer
to the Adjustment Section on page 7.
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter is attached to the right upper
handle. Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil
starter rope to start the unit.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
1. Check oil level and add oil if necessary. Follow engine
manual for this. See Figure 8 above for location of the
oil fill.
2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe
enginemanual. SeeFigure8 aboveforlocationof
gasfill.
_ARNING:Useextremecarewhenhan-
dling gasoline.Gasolineis extremely
flammableand the vapors areexplosive.
Neverfuel the machine indoorsor while
the engine ishot or running. Extinguish
cigarettes, cigars, pipesand other
sources of ignition.
8

w
/_ WARNING:The operationof any lawn
being thrownintothe eyes,whichcan
mowercanresult inforeign objects
damageyoureyesseverely.Always
wearsafetyglasseswhile operating
the mower,or whileperformingany
adjustments or repairson it.
Starting Engine
,__ WARNING:Besure no one otherthan
theoperatorisstanding nearthe lawn
mowerwhilestarting engine or operat-
ingmower.Neverrun engine indoors
or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas.
Engine exhaustcontains carbon monox-
ide,an odorless and deadly gas. Keep
hands, feet,hair and loose clothing
awayfrom any moving partson engine
and lawnmower.
1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwoseconds
betweeneachpush.SeeFigure9. Intemperature
around550For below,primefive times.Donotprime
to restarta warmengine.
2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol
againstupperhandle.SeeFigure9.
3. Grasprecoilstarterhandleand pullropeoutwith
a rapid,continuous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure9.
Keepinga firmgriponthestarterhandle,letthe rope
rewindslowly.Repeatuntilenginecranks.Letthe rope
rewindeachtimeslowly.
Stopping Engine
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineand blade.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainsttheengine.
_ARNING:Waitfor the blade to stop
completelybeforedoing anywork
on the mower or to removethegrass
catcher.
UsingYour Lawn Mower
_ARNING:Neveroperateyour mower
without either the rear door or the entire
grass catcher assembly firmly secured.
Besurelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other
objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine.
Suchobjectscouldbe accidentlythrownbythemower
in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytothe
operatorandothers.
Figure 9
_ARNING:ifyou strikeaforeign
object, stop the engine.Remove
.wirefrom thespark plug,thoroughly
respect mowerfor anydamage,and
repairdamagebeforerestarting and
operating. Extensive vibration of
mower during operation isan indica-
tion of damage.The unit should be
promptly inspectedand repaired.
1. Oncetheengineis running,squeezethedrive
controlagainsttheupperhandleto propelmower.
2. Forbest results,do notcut wetgrass.
3. Fora healthierlawn,nevercut offmorethanone-
thirdofthetotallengthofthegrass.
Using as Mulcher
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherfromthe
mower.Thereardischargedoorshouldbeclosed.
1. Foreffectivemulching,do notcut wetgrass.
2. Newor thickgrassmayrequirea narrowercut.
Adjustgroundspeedaccordingtoconditionoflawn.
3. If thegrasshasbeenallowedto growinexcessof
4 inches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethe
grasscatchertobagclippingsinstead.
Using Grass Catcher
Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile
youareoperatingthemower.
1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionson page
7.Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectinbagas
yourunmower.Operatemowertillgrassbagisfull.
2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingtheblade
control.Makesurethattheunithascometoa
completestop.
3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagup andaway
fromthe mowertodisposeofthegrassclippings.
Mower
WARNING
The operation of any
lawn mower can result
inforeign objects
being thrown into
the eyes, whichcan
damage your eyes
severely. Always wear
safety glasseswhile
operating the mower,
or while performing
any adjustments or
repairs on it.
Be sureno one other
than the operator is
standing near the lawn
mower while starting
engine or operating
mower. Never run
engine indoorsor
n enclosed, poorly
ventilated areas. En-
gineexhaust contains
carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly
gas. Keep hands,feet,
hair and loose clothing
away from any moving
partson engine and
lawn mower.
9

Maintaining
iYour LaWn
i
_edo not recommend
ihe useof pressuie
bashers or gardenhose
i0 clean yourunitl These
_ay cause damage to
_lectriccomponents;
_pindes; puleys,beai:
!ngs or the engine:The
bse0fWaterWillresultin
}hortened life andreduce
Lubricate these
points before
Figure 10
Lubrication
1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolatleast
oncea seasonwithlightoil.Thebladecontrolmust
operatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure10.
2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatesurfaceoftheaxleand innersurface
ofthewheelwith lightoil.SeeFigure10.
3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointontherear
dischargedoorandsidemulchplugperiodicallywith
lightoil topreventrust.SeeFigure10.
4. Thetransmissionis pre-lubricatedandsealedatthe
factoryanddoesnotrequirelubrication.
5. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-
tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.
Deck Care
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn
mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.
2. Tipmowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe
sidewiththeaircleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.
WARNING:Nevertip the mowermore
than 90 degreesin anydirections and
do not leavethe mower tipped for any
length of time. Oil can drain intothe
upper part of the enginecausing a
starting problem.
Figure 11
General Recommendations
1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
anymaintenance.
2. Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse
ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras
instructedhere.
3. Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid
enginewarranty.
4. Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.
5. Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese
aretight.
,_hllL WARNING:Alwaysstopengine,
disconnect spark plug, and ground
against engine beforecleaning,
lubricatingor doing any kind of
maintenanceon your machine.
3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwitha
suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.
4. Putthemowerbackonitswheelsontheground.If
youhadputplasticunderthegascapearlier,make
sureto removeitnow.
Engine Care
1. Maintainoil levelasinstructedin enginemanual.
2. Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal
conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely
dustyconditions.Refertoenginemanual.
3. Cleansparkplugand resetthegaponcea season.
Checkenginemanualforcorrectplugtype andgap
specifications.
4. Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe
coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleantopermit
properaircirculation.Removeall grass,dirtand
combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.
Replacing Rear Flap
1. Toreplacerearflap,lift up reardoor.
2. Removetwoself-tappingscrewswhichsecurerear
flapto thedeck.SeeFigure11.
Replacewith newflapand secureto deckwiththetwo
self-tappingscrewsremovedearlier.
10

Blade Care f
__k ARNING:Whenremovingcutting
bladefor sharpeningor replacement,
protectyourhandswithapairof heavy
gloves or usea heavy ragto hold blade.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn
moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand
thecarburetorareup.
2. Removebolt,bladebellsupport,blade,andblade
adapterfromtheenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure12.
NOTE:Whenremovingtheblade,bladeadapter,etc.,be
carefulnotto removeorlosepartsaboveit associated
withtheenginepulley.
3. Thebladecanbe sharpenedwitha fileor on a grind-
ing wheel.Donotattempttosharpenthebladewhile
it isstillon themower.Whensharpeningblade,follow
originalangleofgrind.Grindcuttingedgesequallyto
keepbladebalanced.
4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.
Balancethebladeona roundshaftscrewdriverto
check.Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntilit
balancesevenly.
Figure 12
_ WARNING:Anunbalanced bladewill
causeexcessivevibration whenrotating
athigh speeds. It may causedamage
to mower,and could breakcausing
personalinjury.
5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurface
ofthebladeadapterwithlightoil.Slidetheblade
adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.Placetheblade
on theadaptersuchthatthesideoftheblademarked
"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)facesthegroundwhen
themowerisin theoperatingposition.Makesurethat
bladeisalignedandseatedon bladeadapterflanges.
6. Placebladebellsupportonthe blade.Alignnotches
on thebladebell supportwith smallholesin blade.
Replacehexboltandtightenhexboltto torque:450
in.Ibs. min.,600 in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically
checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.
Belt Care
1. Disconnectthesparkplugwireandgrounditagainst
theengine.
2. Drainthefueltankorplacea pieceof plasticbeneath
thecaptopreventgasolineleakage.
3. Tipmoweron itsside(aircleanersideofengineup).
4. Removeblade,bladeadapter,and relatedhardware
asinstructedin BladeCareabove.
Figure 13
Figure 14
5. Loosenself-tappingscrewthatsecuresdeckbaffle
tothedeck.SeeFigure13.
6. Workingfromtherearofthemowercarefullyremove
beltfromtransmissionpulley.
7. Oncebeltisofftransmissionpulley,pushdownon
deckbaffletoaccessenginepulleyandslidebeltoff
thispulleyandoutfromunderdeck.SeeFigure14.
8. Replacewith newbelt,workingitbetweenthedeck
andbaffle,firstaroundthetransmissionpulleyand
thentheenginepulley.
11
Your LaWn
ower
WARNING
When removing
the cutting blade
for sharpening or
replacement or
when slidingthe belt
around it, protect
your hands with a
pair of heavy gloves
or use aheavy rag to
hold the blade.
An unbalanced blade
will cause excessive
vibrationwhen rotat-
ing at high speeds, it
may cause damage
to mower, and could
break causing per-
sonal injury.

iF'-'--q NOTE: Makecertainthatbeltisseatedcorrectlyand Off-Season Storage
} ! _ thatitis ridingsmoothlyon theenginepulleyandisnot Thefollowingstepsshouldbe takentoprepareyourlawn
iL_ _ pinchedbetweenthelowerand upperpulleyhalves, mowerforstorage.
_)1. Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin
9. Tightenself-tappingscrewsecuringdeckbaffle thelubricationinstructions.
Maintaining
Your Lawn
Mower
loosenedearlier.
10.Replaceblade,bladeadapter,andassociated
hardware.Followinstructionsin BladeCaresection
forproperassembly.
11.Tipmowerbackontoitswheelsand removepieceof
plasticfromundergascap(if applicable).
2. Wedo notrecommendtheuseofa pressurewasher
orgardenhosetocleanyourunit.
3. Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine
storageinstructions.
4. Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto
preventrusting.
5. Storemowerina dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenextto
corrosivematerials,suchasfertilizer.
Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipmentin a poorly
ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetakento
rust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoil or silicone,coat
theequipment,especiallycablesandall movingpartsof
yourlawnmowerbeforestorage.
12

Notes
13
Maintaining
ii i ii i
ii i_ _i_ii_ii!ii_ _!_
i i i i i i ii
ii i _i I_ ii

Shooting
For repairs beyond
thembor
ments fisted here,
contact an authorized
service dealer.
i_i/_ii!_iiii_i iii_i_iii!iiii !iii! i_i!
i_i i i ii i i i
_ - _ -]
Problem Cause Remedy
Enginefails to start 1. Bladecontrolhandledisengaged• 1. Engagebladecontrolhandle•
2. Sparkplugwiredisconnected, 2. Connectwireto sparkplug•
3. Fueltankemptyorstalefuel• 3. Fil tankwthclean,freshgasoline•
4. Engne notprimed• 4. Primeengineasinstructedin
"OperatngYourLawnMower"•
5. Faultysparkplug. 5. Cean adjustgap or repace.
6. Bockedfuelline, 6. Cleanfuel ine.
..... 7 Wat afew mnutestorestart but
/t-ngne Tooaea. 1 do notprime.
Engineruns erratic 1. Sparkplugwireloose. 1. Connectandtightenspark
plugwire.
2. Blockedfuellineor stalefuel. 2. Cleanfuelline;filltankwithclean,
freshgasoline.
3. Ventingascapplugged. 3. Clearvent.
4. Waterordirt infuelsystem. 4. Drainfueltank.Refillwith
freshfuel.
5. Dirtyaircleaner. 5. Refertoenginemanual.
6. Carburetoroutofadjustment. 6. Refertoenginemanual.
Engineoverheats 1. Engineo level low 1. Fillcrankcasewth properoil.
2. Airflow restrcted. 2. Removeblowerhousing
I I andclean.
• 3. Carburetornotadjustedproperly. 3. Referto enginemanual.
Occasionalskips 1. Sparkpluggaptooclose. 1. Adjustgap to.030".
(hesitates)at 2. Carburetoridlemixtureadjustment 2. Refertoenginemanual.
highspeed improperlyset.
Idlespoorly 1 Sparkplugfouled,faultyorgap 1. Resetgapto 030"or replace
toowide. sparkplug.
2. Carburetorimproperlyadjusted 2. Referto enginemanual
'3 (Dr'ty:;c re_ne; -;3 _efer:o en_n: m:nnua
Excessive 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.
Vibration Balanceblade.
2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. Seean authorizedservicedealer.
Mower will not 1. Wetgrass. 1. Donotmowwhengrassiswet;
mulch grass wait untillatertocut.
I 2 Excessivel h-h _rass 2. Mowonceata highcuttingheight
• y u u thenmowagainatdesiredheight
or makea narrowercuttingpath.
I 3 Dullblade I
•"3. Sharpenor replaceblade.
Unevencut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeall fourwheelsin same
heightposition.
2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.
Mowerwi not 1. Beltnotinstalledpropery. 1 Checkbeltforproperpulleyinstal-
f r aton and movement
se pope I I . . "
2 Stopengine disconnectsparkpluc
2. Debriscloggingdriveoperation. •. .
3. Damagedorwornbelt. Iw reanaceanou,aeDrs
3. InspectanarepaceDet.
14

Safety Labels Found On Your Lawn Mower
15
Labels
WARNINC
DONOT remove safety
(or any)labels from
mowerfor any reason,

Shown For Reference !
/
Shown For Reference
j j/
'\ •7)
1 618-04229 TransmissionAssembly
2 710-04223 Screw,M6x 1.0
3 715-0221 DowelPin
4 717-04184 SpurGear,14T-LH
5 717-04192 SpurGear,14T-RH
6 732-0611 ExtensionSpring,.38ODx3.6
7 736-0414 FiatWasher,.570x 1.120x .062
8 741-0710 SleeveBearing,.502x.627x 1.00
9 748-04073 TransmissionBearingSupport
10 750-04317 ClipSpacer
11 754-04078A V-Belt,3Lx35.5
12 782-7551A WheelDustCover
13 787-01262 TransmissionCableBracket
14 634-04209 RearWheel
15 734-04087 FrontWheel
16 687-02133 FrontBracketAssembly
17 687-02134 RearBracketAssembly
18 687-02148 HandleBracketAssembly-RH
19 687-02149 HandleBracketAssembly-LH
20 710-0599 TT Screw,1/4-20x.500
21 712-0431 FlangeLockNut,3/8-16
22 714-0174 CotterPin
23 720-0223 Grip
24 732-04261 SpringLever
25 732-04271 ExtensionSpring,.500IDx 6.85Lg
26 741-04136 SplitHexFlangeBearing
27 750-04305 Spacer
28 787-01235 CrossBracket
29 787-01251 StopBracket
16

1 721-04107 OilSeal
2 741-04106 PlasticBushing
3 707-04409 ShiftFork
4 707-04540 TransmissionBracket
5 710-04329 Screw,.159ODx.610
6 710-04374 HexScrew,.159ODx.43
7 711-04386 OutputShaft
8 711-04394 inputShaft
9 712-0411 HexLockNut,5/16-24
10 715-0129 SpirolPin
11 715-04030 DowelPin
12 717-04194 PlasticGear,28T
13 756-04151 Pulley,3.36OD
14 721-04110 O-Ring
15 726-04043 PushNut,3/8 IDx3/40D
16 731-04883 LowerHousing
17 731-05099 UpperHousing
18 731-05100 ClutchLever
19 732-04278 CompressionSpring,.525IDx.588
20 736-0105 BeilWasher,.375x.870x.063
21 736-04170 FiatWasher,.508IDx 1.00OD
22 736-04178 FeltSIottedWasher
23 736-0572 FiatWasher,.510x 1.00x .060
24 736-0864 ThrustWasher,.375x.812x.060
25 741-04116 BaliBearing
17
Parts List
To order replacement
parts, contact 1-800-
800-7310 or visit www.
mtdproducts.com.

\
18

1 747-1161A BladeControl
2 746-04195 DriveCable
3 746-04213 ControlCable
4 710-1667 Screw,#10-16x .625
5 731-0620 DriveControlLever
6 731-1057 UpperControlCover
7 731-1058 LowerControlCover
8 731-1059 MountingCap
9 710-1174 CarriageBolt,5/16-18x 2.0
10 710-1205 EyeBolt
11 720-0279 WingNut
12 720-0284 HandleKnob
13 725-0157 CableTie
14 736-0451 SaddleWasher,.320x.93x.060
15 749-04202 LowerHandle
16 749-04209 UpperHandle
17 787-01230 21"Deck
18 647-04048 GrassCatcherFrame
19 664-04038 GrassCatcher
20 731-05017 RearDoor
21 710-0260A CarriageBolt,5/16-18x.62
22 710-1241 Screw,1/4-15x 1.00
23 710-0599 TTScrew,1/4-20x.500
24 710-0653 TTScrew,1/4-20x.375
25 710-0654A Screw,3/8-16x 1.00
26 710-0703 CarriageScrew,1/4-20x.75
27 710-1044 Screw,3/8-24x 1.50
28 710-1802 Screw,1/4-20x2.00
29 711-04374 DoorPivotRod
30 711-0993 BeltGuardPin
31 712-04064 FlangeLockNut,1/4-20
32 712-3004A FlangeLockNut,5/16-18
33 712-3027 FlangeLockNut,1/4-20
34 731-05154 DeckBaffle
35 731-05157 MulchPlug
36 731-05185 Trailshield
37 732-04264 DoorTorsionSpring- RH
38 732-04265 DoorTorsionSpring- LH
39 736-0463 FiatWasher,.25x.630x.0515
40 736-0513 SpringWasher,.890x 1.70x .048
41 736-0514 FiatWasher,.885x 1.850x.060
42 736-0524B BladeBellSupport
43 742-0741 21"MulchingBlade
44 748-0358 EngineSpacer
45 748-0376C BladeAdapter
46 756-04156 LowerEnginePulley
47 756-04157 UpperEnginePulley
48 787-01224 FrontDeckBaffle
49 735-0226 RubberGromet
Parts List
Toorder replacement
parts, contact 1-800-
800-7310or visit www.
mtdproducts.com.
iMPORTANT
Fora properworking
machine,use Factory
ApprovedParts.
V-BELTSare specially
designedto engage
anddisengagesafely.
Asubstitute (non OEM)
V-Beltcanbe danger-
ousby not disengaging
completely.
19

MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR
ThelimitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenbyMTDLLCwithrespectto
newmerchandisepurchasedandusedin theUnitedStates,itsposses-
sionsandterritories.
"MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsin materialandworkmanship
fora periodoftwo(2) yearscommencingonthedateoforiginalpurchase
andwill,atits option,repairor replace,freeofcharge,anypartfoundto
bedefectiveinmaterialsor workmanship.Thislimitedwarrantyshallonly
applyifthis producthasbeenoperatedandmaintainedinaccordance
withtheOperator'sManualfurnishedwiththeproduct,andhasnotbeen
subjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,accident,improper
maintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft,fire,water,ordamagebecause
ofotherperilor naturaldisaster.Damageresultingfromtheinstallationor
useofanypart,accessoryorattachmentnotapprovedbyMTDforuse
withtheproduct(s)coveredbythis manualwillvoidyourwarrantyasto
anyresultingdamage.
Normalwearpartsarewarrantedto befreefromdefectsinmaterialand
workmanshipfora periodofthirty(30)daysfromthedateof purchase.
Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuchas: batteries,
belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,snow
throwerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.
HOWTOOBTAINSERVICE:Warrantyserviceisavailable,WITH
PROOFOFPURCHASE,throughyourlocalauthorizedservicedealer.To
locatethedealerin yourarea,checkyourYellowPages,orcontactMTD
LLCatRO.Box361131,Cleveland,Ohio44136-0019,or call1-800-800-
7310or logon toourWebsiteatwww.mtdproducts.com.
Thislimitedwarrantydoesnot providecoverageinthefollowingcases:
a. Theengineor componentpartsthereof.Theseitemsmay
carrya separatemanufacturer'swarranty.Refertoapplicable
manufacturer'swarrantyfortermsandconditions.
b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershavea separateone
yearwarranty.
c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchaslubricants,filters,blade
sharpening,tune-ups,brakeadjustments,clutch adjustments,
deckadjustments,andnormaldeteriorationoftheexteriorfinish
duetouseorexposure.
d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthananauthorizedservice
dealer.
e.
f.
g.
MTDdoesnotextendanywarrantyforproductssoldor
exportedoutsideoftheUnitedStates,its possessionsand
territories,exceptthosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorized
channelsofexportdistribution.
ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts.
Transportationchargesand servicecalls.
No impliedwarranty, includinganyimpliedwarranty of merchant-
ability of fitness for a particularpurpose,applies after the applicable
periodof expresswritten warranty aboveas to the partsas identi-
fied. Noother expresswarranty, whether written or oral, exceptas
mentionedabove,given by anypersonor entity,includingadealer
or retailer,with respect to anyproduct,shallbind MTD.Duringthe
periodof the warranty, the exclusiveremedyisrepairor replacement
of the productas setforth above.
Theprovisionsas setforth inthis warrantyprovidethe soleand
exclusiveremedyarising from the sale.MTDshallnot be liable
for incidentalor consequentialloss or damageincluding,without
limitation, expensesincurredfor substituteor replacement lawncare
servicesor for rentalexpensesto temporarily replacea warranted
product.
Somestatesdo notallowtheexclusionor limitationofincidentalor
consequentialdamages,or limitationson howlonganimpliedwarranty
lasts,sotheaboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplytoyou.
Innoeventshallrecoveryofanykindbegreaterthantheamountofthe
purchasepriceoftheproductsold.Alterationof safety features of the
productshallvoid this warranty. Youassumetheriskandliabilityfor
loss,damage,or injurytoyouandyourpropertyand/ortoothersandtheir
propertyarisingoutofthemisuseor inabilitytousetheproduct.
Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendto anyoneotherthantheoriginal
purchaseror tothepersonforwhomitwaspurchasedasa gift.
HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHISWARRANTY: Thislimitedwar-
rantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrights
whichvaryfromstatetostate.
IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofofPurchasetoobtain
warrantycoverage.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136=0019; Phone: 1=800=800=7310