Yard-Man 11A-589C401 Lawn Mower User Manual
Contents
1. YAaRD MaN OPERATOR S MANUAL 21 Rear Discharge Rotary Mower Model Number 11A 589C401 ForA For A Growing World World MTD IMPORTANT READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY 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 10111A 12 99 TABLE OF CONTENTS Content Page Maintaining Safety 3 Slope Gage ire oa 6 Assembling Your Lawn MoWer 7 Know Your Lawn Mower ii 9 Operating Your Lawn Mower i 9 Making Adjusiments ae aaa 11 Maintaining Your Lawn Mower nenn 11 Storing Your Lawn Mower iii 13 Troubleshootmg rtil ille 14 E AA LE O2. 749 0438C Upper Handle 55 710 0599 Hew Washer Screw 1 4 20 x 500 12 720 0295 Foam Grip 56 682 3056A Handle Bracket R H 13 749 0907A Lower Handle 682 3057A Handle Bracket L H Not Shown 14 726 0240 Cable Tie 58 782 0310A 21 Deck 16 746 0551 Blade Control Cable 43 59 734 1860 Rear Wheel Assembly 14 x 2 18 747 0995A Grass Catcher Frame 60 734 1978 Front Wheel Assembly 8 x 2 19 664 0085 Grass Catcher Bag 61 747 0996 Chute Door Pivot Rod 20 714 0104 Hairpin Clip 63 682 3058 Handle Bracket Assembly R H 22 732 0809 Door Spring 682 3059 Hdl Bracket Ass y L H Not Shown 23 782 7599A Grass Bag Door 64 750 0434 Spacer 375 O D x 50 I D x 1 02 26 746 0883 Throttle Housing 65 710 0216 Hex Cap Screw 3 8 16 x 75 30 732 0700 Wire Rod 66 782 5007A Rear Mulch Plug 31 731 1236 Rear Flap 67 782 5004 Rear Mulch Baffle 32 748 0376C Blade Adapter 70 736 0182 Wave Washer 33 710 1044 Hex Bolt 3 8 24 x 1 5 71 736 0105 Spring Washer 34 736 0524A Blade Bell Support 72 731 1426 Hub Cap 36 742 0741 21 Mulching Blade 73 738 0481A Rear Axle Bolt 39 736 0356 Bell Washer 39 I D x 1 38 I D 76 736 0456 Flat Washer 40 712 0798 Hex Nut 3 8 16 78 736 0356 Bell Washer 41 15261A Height Adj Plate 79 731 1506 Front End Cover 42 15262B Pivot Bar 80 732 0866 Spring Lever Rear 43 732 0404 Front Wheel Spring Lever 8 720 0312 Foam Grip 44 738 0507B Shoulder Bolt 5 x 357 82 712 3005 Hex Flange Lock Nut 3 8 16
3. Some adjustments will have to be made periodically to maintain your unit properly All adjustments in the Making Adjustments section of this manual should be checked at least once each season Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these are tight e Follow the maintenance schedule under Customer Responsibilities to get quality performance from your lawn mower Customer Responsibilities MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Lubricate wheels SERVICE DATES Lubricate blade control Clean deck E O D Q O DC ai Blade care Change oil Replace air filter Clean engine Check spark plug Check spark arrester if any Lubrication Always stop engine and disconnect spark A plug wire before cleaning lubricating or doing any kind of service work on the lawn mower Blade Control Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control handle at least once a season with light oil The blade control must operate freely in both directions See Figure 13 Lubricate Torsion Spring Figure 13 Wheels Lubricate the wheels at least once a season with light oil or motor oil If the wheels are removed for any reason lubricate the surface of the axle bolt and inner surface of the wheel with light oil See Figure 13 Chute Deflector Lubricate the torsion springs and pivot points on chute deflector using light oil This will insure the deflector which is a safety dev
4. 45 736 0105 Bell Wash 38 1 D x 88 O D 83 710 0896 Hex Washer Screw 1 4 14 x 625 46 738 0102 Front Axle Bolt 87 736 0270 Bell Washer 265 x 75 x 062 47 720 0190 Height Adjuster Knob 90 712 0798 Hex Nut 3 8 16 MANUFACTURER S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR YaRD MaN The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD PRODUCTS INC MTD with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States its possessions and territories MTD warrants this product against defects in material and workmanship for a period of two 2 years commencing on the date of original purchase and will at its option repair or replace free of charge any part found to be defective in material or workmanship This limited warranty shall only apply if this product has been operated and maintained in accordance with the Operator s Manual furnished with the product and has not been subject to misuse abuse com mercial use neglect accident improper maintenance alteration vandalism theft fire water or damage because of other peril or natural disaster Damage resulting from the installation or use of any accessory or attachment not approved by MTD Products Inc for use with the product s covered by this manual will void your warranty as to any resulting damages Normal wear parts or components thereof are subject to separate terms as follows All normal wear part or compo nent failures will be covered on the product for a
5. and instructions in this manual and on the machine NOTE Not all safety labels shown may apply to your lawn mower TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY DO NOT OPERATE MOWER UNLESS DISCHARGE CHUTE COVER OR GRASS RE A CATCHER IS IN ITS PROPER PLACE nnn1 DANGER A DANGER AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEAT KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FROM ROTATING PARTS THE REMOVE OBJECTS THAT CAN BE THROWN BY Tor e BLADE IN ANY DIRECTION WEAR SAFETY GUASSES DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE MONA USE EXTRA CAUTION ON SLOPES DO NOT MOW SLOTEN GREATER THAN 15 MOW ACROSS NEVER UR NI a VER PULL MOWER CLOSE TO YOUR FEET LOOK DS T L AD Op IND BEFORE AND WHILE MOVING TRAILINERATOR S MA AFETY D ING D DISCHARGE COVER ETC IN PLACE _AWARNING TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY DO NOT OPERATE MOWER UNLESS KEEP HANDS and FEET AWAY THIS GUARD IS IN IT S PROPER PLACE SLOPE GAUGE SECTION 2 Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes E 3 SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE I ref A POWER POLE ie ACORNER OF A BUILDING SA l au ORAFENCE POST 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
6. grass Engine Adjustments See the separate engine manual packed with your unit for adjustments to the engine Handle Height Adjustment Your mower is shipped with the handle in the higher height position To lower the height proceed as follows e Remove the starter rope from the rope guide Remove the upper handle by removing the hand knobs and carriage bolts Lay the upper handle out of the way being careful not to bend or kink the cables Remove the hairpin clips from the weld pins on the handle brackets Press out on the legs of the lower handle Remove lower handle from the mower Turn lower handle around so the notch on the bottom of the lower handle is facing forward Reassemble placing the bottom holes in the handle over the weld pins in the handle mounting bracket See Figure 12 e Reassemble the upper handle to the lower handle e Place the hairpin clips in the inner holes in the weld pins and attach the starter rope as instructed in the Assembly Section Lower Handle S O Figure 12 SECTION 7 MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN MOWER General Recommendations Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence To receive full value from the warranty operator must maintain the lawn mower as instructed in this manual e Changing of engine governed speed will void engine warranty
7. 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 SECTION 3 ASSEMBLING YOUR LAWN MOWER IMPORTANT This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine Be certain to service engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual before operating your mower NOTE Reference to right or left hand side of the mower is observed from the operating position Removing Unit From Carton e 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 etc e Cutalong corners lay carton down flat and remove packing material e Roll or slide unit out of carton and check carton thoroughly for loose parts Disconnecting Spark Plug Wire Before setting up your lawn mower disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug and ground to a bolt on the engine See Figure 1 Spark Plug Wire Spark Plug Figure 1 Setting Up Your Lawn Mower Assembling Handle e Lift up and pull back on the upper handle to raise the handle into the operating position Make certain the lower handle is seated securely into the handle bracket assemblies Tighten the wing nuts on each side of
8. spark plug wire before trying to start the engine Add engine oil to the oil fill on the mower engine Check the dipstick and add more if necessary Remember that the oil level has to touch the fill line Locate the primer decal near the primer bulb on the engine and read its instruction Using your thumb press the primer bulb slowly as many times as the decal advises 7 Hold control handle down and pull rope firmly to start the engine Set cutting height adjustment lever to middle setting and mow a single pass on your lawn then adjust to desired height for a closer cut When bagging the grass clippings remove mulch plug cover and store To mulch insert the mulch plug cover on the mower In heavy growing season it may be necessary to mow lawn twice weekly Clumps of grass clippings left behind on the lawn usually means that the grass is too high to mulch Before storing the lawn mower for the winter use stabilizer treated fuel and run the tank dry Thirty days before start of the new season check the air filter spark plug and blade on the lawn mower and replace if needed For more details about proper lawn care visit our website at www mtdproducts com machines tips Starting Engine Attach spark plug wire to spark plug Make certain the metal cap on the end of the spark plug is fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark plug Prime engine as instructed in the separate engine manual packed w
9. PA O nina iena ee een 16 FINDING MODEL NUMBER 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 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 Copy the model number here Copy the serial number here MTD PRODUCTS INC YARD YaRD MaN CLEVELAND OHIO 44136 SS rv CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT 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 SECTION MAINTAINING SAFET
10. Y This Warning 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 e 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 GENERAL OPERATION 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 t
11. and good judgment Contact your dealer for assistance Telephone 1 800 800 7310 for the name of your nearest dealer SLOPE OPERATION 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 e 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 DO NOT 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 of
12. corrosion and may prevent proper mulching discharge or bagging The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and scraping clean with a suitable tool make certain the spark plug wire is disconnected IMPORTANT We do not recommend the use of a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit The use of water will result in shorten life and reduce serviceability Cutting Blade Removal Replacement and Sharpening When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine crankshaft See Figure 14 e Remove the blade and the adapter from the crankshaft Blade Adapter Blade Bell E Support Hex Bolt Figure 14 adapter for cracks especially if you strike WARNING Periodically inspect the blade A a foreign object Replace when necessary When sharpening the blade follow the original angle of grind as a guide It is extremely important that each cutting edge receives an equal amount of grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds lt may cause damage to the mower and could break causing personal injury The blade can be tested by balancing it on a round shaft screwdriver Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly It is recom
13. e plug 2 Carburetor improperly adjusted 2 Adjust carburetor 3 Dirty air cleaner 3 Clean air cleaner Excessive vibration 1 Cutting blade loose or unbalanced 1 Tighten blade and adapter Balance blade 2 Bent cutting blade 2 Replace blade Mower will not mulch grass 1 Wet grass 1 Do not mow when grass is wet wait until later to cut 2 Excessively high grass 2 Mow once at a high cutting height then mow again at desired height or make a narrower cutting path 3 Dull blade 3 Sharpen or replace blade Uneven cut 1 Wheels not positioned correctly 1 Place all four wheels in same height position 2 Dull blade 2 Sharpen or replace blade NOTE For repairs beyond the minor adjustments listed above contact your nearest authorized service dealer NOTES Model 11A 589C401 Model 11A 589C401 n Part No Part Description fas Part No Part Description 1 747 0824 Control Handle Assembly 48 736 0504 Wave Washer 510 x 750 2 710 1205 Rope Guide 49 14578 Height Adjuster Assembly R H 3 720 0279 Handle Knob 14579 Hgt Adj Assembly L H Not Shown 4 710 1174 Carriage Bolt 5 16 18 x 2 50 17488A Pivot Bar R H 5 710 0654A Hex Washer Screw 3 8 16 x 1 00 17489A Pivot Bar L H 6 720 0314 Hand Knob 51 782 5002 Front Baffle 7 710 1270 C Sunk Screw 1 4 20 x 1 3 53 782 5003 Rear Baffle 9 712 0324 Hex Lock Nut 1 4 20 54 710 1017 Tap Screw 1 4 14 x 625 11
14. eatures of the product shall void this War ranty You assume the risk and liability for loss damage or injury to you and your property and or to others and their property arising out of the use or misuse or inability to use the product This limited warranty shall not extend to anyone other than the original purchaser original lessee or the person for whom it was purchased as a gift How State Law Relates to this Warranty This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state
15. ed States of America its possessions and territories except those sold through MTD s authorized channels of export distribu tion No implied warranty including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose applies after the applicable period of express written warranty above as to the parts as identified No other express warranty or guaranty whether written or oral except as mentioned above given by any person or entity including a dealer or retailer with respect to any product shall bind MTD During the period of the War ranty the exclusive remedy is repair or replacement of the product as set forth above Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts so the above limitation may not apply to you The provisions as set forth in this Warranty provide the sole and exclusive remedy arising from the sales MTD shall not be liable for incidental or consequential loss or damages including without limitation expenses incurred for substitute or replacement lawn care ser vices for transportation or for related expenses or for rental expenses to temporarily replace a warranted product Some states do not allow the exclusion or limita tion of incidental or consequential damages so the above exclusion or limitation may not apply to you In no event shall recovery of any kind be greater than the amount of the purchase price of the product sold Alteration of the safety f
16. f 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 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 part
17. h 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 serious personal injury Keep a firm hold on the handle and walk never run If you feel you are losing your footing RELEASE THE BLADE CONTROL HANDLE IMMEDIATELY and the blade will stop rotating within three seconds Mow only in daylight or good artificial light Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives walks or roads If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally stop the engine and check immediately for the cause Vibration is generally a warning of trouble Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to a complete stop before removing the grass catcher or unclogging the chute The cutting blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the engine is shut off Never place any part of the body in the blade area until you are sure the blade has stopped rotating Never operate mower without proper guards grass catcher plates or other safety protective devices in place Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn Do not touch Only use accessories approved for this machine by the manufacturer Read understand and follow all instructions provided with the approved accessory If situations occur which are not covered in this manual use care
18. horoughly inspect the mower for any damage and repair the damage before restarting and operating the mower Extensive vibration of the mower during operation is an indication of damage The unit should be promptly inspected and repaired Mulching For effective mulching do not cut wet grass because it tends to stick to the underside of the deck preventing proper mulching of grass clippings New or thick grass may require a narrower cut The ground speed should be adjusted to the condition of the lawn If mowing has been delayed and the grass has been allowed to grow in excess of 4 mulching is not recommended Mow using the side discharge to reduce the grass height to 3 1 4 maximum before mulching SECTION 6 MAKING AD USTMENTS WARNING Do not at any time make any A adjustments without first stopping engine and disconnecting spark plug wire Cutting Height Adjustment Height Adjustment Figure 11 An adjusting plate and spring lever at each wheel position provides cutting height adjustment Each adjusting plate has assorted height positions When the spring lever is moved from one location to another the height of cut will be changed Simply depress the lever towards wheel and move lever assembly to desired position See Figure 11 IMPORTANT All wheels must be placed in the same relative position For rough or uneven lawns move the height adjustment lever to a higher position This will help stop scalping of the
19. ice can always work properly See Figure 13 Engine Follow the separate engine manual packed with you unit for lubrication instructions Maintenance NOTE When tipping the unit empty the fuel tank and keep the spark plug side of engine up Never tip the mower more than 90 degrees and do not leave the mower tipped for any length of time Oil can drain into the upper part of the engine causing a starting problem Engine Refer to the separate engine manual for all engine maintenance instructions e Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your unit e Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal conditions Poor engine performance and flooding usually indicate that the air cleaner should be serviced To service the air cleaner refer to the separate engine manual packed with your unit The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset once a season Spark plug replacement is recommended at the start of each mowing season Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush Keep the cooling system blower housing area clean to permit proper air circulation which is essential to engine performance and life Be certain to remove all grass dirt and combustible debris from muffler area Deck The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after each use to prevent a buildup of grass clippings leaves dirt or other matter If this debris is allowed to accumulate it will invite rust and
20. imes 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 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 e Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used Remove all stones stick
21. ith your unit Your lawn mower may be equipped with a constant speed throttle which is set at full throttle for best performance e Stand behind the mower and squeeze the blade control handle against the upper handle e Grasp recoil 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 Using Your Lawn Mower Be sure that the lawn is clear of stones sticks wire or other objects which could damage the lawn mower or the engine Such objects could be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator and others For best results do not cut wet grass because it tends to stick to the underside of the mower preventing proper discharge of grass clippings and could cause you to slip and fall New grass thick grass or wet grass may require a narrower cut For a healthier lawn never cut off more than one third of the total length of the grass Your lawn should be cut in the fall as long as there is growth This mower is designed to be operated at full throttle to give you the best cut and do the most effective job of mowing or mulching A WARNING If you strike a foreign object stop the engine Remove wire from the spark plug t
22. mended that the blade always be removed from the adapter when testing for balance Before reinstalling the blade and the blade adapter to the unit lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil e Be sure to install the blade with the side of the blade marked Bottom or with part number facing the ground when the mower is in the operating position e Slide the blade adapter onto the engine crankshaft e Place the blade on the adapter Be certain the blade is aligned and seated on the blade adapter flanges Place blade bell support on blade Make sure the notches on the blade bell support are aligned with small holes in the blade Replace hex bolt and tighten hex bolt to torque 450 in lbs min 600 in lbs max NOTE To ensure safe operation of your mower the blade bolt must be checked periodically for correct torque SECTION 8 STORING YOUR LAWN MOWER The following steps should be taken to prepare your lawn mower for storage e Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in the lubrication instructions IMPORTANT We do not recommend the use of a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit e Refer to engine manual for correct engine storage instructions Coat mower s cutting blade with chassis grease to prevent rusting e Store mower in a dry clean area Do not store next to corrosive materials such as fertilizer NOTE When storing any type
23. of power equipment in a poorly ventilated or metal storage shed care should be taken to rust proof the equipment Using a light oil or silicone coat the equipment especially cables and all moving parts SECTION 9 TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Cause Remedy Engine fails to start 1 Blade control handle disengaged 1 Engage blade control handle 2 Spark plug wire disconnected 2 Connect wire to spark plug 3 Fuel tank empty or stale fuel 3 Fill tank with clean fresh gasoline 4 Blocked fuel line 4 Clean fuel line 5 Faulty spark plug 5 Clean adjust gap or replace 6 Engine flooded 6 Wait afew minutes to restart but do not prime Engine runs erratic 1 Spark plug wire loose 1 Connect and tighten spark plug wire 2 Blocked fuel line or stale fuel 2 Clean fuel line fill tank with clean fresh gasoline 3 Ventin gas plugged 3 Clear vent 4 Water or dirt in fuel system 4 Drain fuel tank Refill with fresh fuel 5 Dirty air cleaner 5 Clean air cleaner 6 Carburetor out of adjustment 6 Adjust carburetor Engine overheats 1 Engine oil level low 1 Fill crankcase with proper oil 2 Air flow restricted 2 Remove blower housing and clean 3 Carburetor not adjusted properly 3 Adjust carburetor Occasional skip hesitates 1 Spark plug gap too close 1 Adjust gap to 030 at high speed Idles poorly 1 Spark plug fouled faulty or gap too 1 Reset gap to 030 or replace spark wid
24. on the engine again refer to the Safety Section in this WARNING Before using your lawn mower A manual Always be careful SECTION 5 OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER chute area on the cutting deck The Operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes which can result in severe eye damage Always wear safety glasses or eye shields WARNING Keep hands and feet away from NOTE For shipping purposes your mower is set with the wheels in a low cutting height position For best results raise the cutting position until it is determine which height is best for your lawn See the Adjustment Section for details Gas and Oil Fill Up Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your mower Read instructions carefully engine running or until the engine has been allowed to cool for at least two minutes after running 1 WARNING Never fill fuel tank indoors with Towards Better Mower Performance Read this manual in its entirety before you start the lawn mower Instructions given here have been designed for maintaining safety while getting the best performance from your mower Follow the instructions closely Pour fresh clean gasoline into the mower s gas tank until the tank is full Do not use gasoline that is more than 30 days old Always use a fuel stabilizer It will double the life of the gasoline used Make sure to connect the mower s
25. period of 90 days regardless of cause After 90 days but within the two year period normal wear part failures will be covered ONLY IF caused by defects in material or workmanship of OTHER component parts Normal wear parts and compo nents include but are not limited to belts blades blade adapters grass bags rider deck wheels seats snow thrower skid shoes shave plates and tires Batteries are covered by a 90 day limited replacement warranty HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE Warranty service is available WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE THROUGH YOUR LOCAL AUTHORIZED SERVICE DEALER To locate the dealer in your area please check for a listing in the Yellow Pages or contact the Customer Service Department of MTD PROD UCTS INC by calling 1 800 800 7310 or writing to RO Box 368022 Cleveland Ohio 44136 9722 This limited warranty does not provide coverage in the following cases a The engine or component parts thereof These items carry a separate manufacturer s warranty Please refer to the applicable manufacturers warranty on these items b Log splitter pumps valves and cylinders have a sepa rate one year warranty c Routine maintenance items such as lubricants filters blade sharpening and tune ups or adjustments such as brake adjustments clutch adjustments or deck adjustments and normal deterioration of the exterior finish due to use or exposure d MTD does not extend any warranty for products sold or exported outside of the Unit
26. s in Figure 10 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 A mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the operator s eyes and causing severe eye damage Always wear safety glasses while operating the mower or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it Blade Control Handle Starter Cutting Height Adjustment Levers Catcher Figure 10 Recoil Starter The recoil starter is attached to the right handle Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil starter to start the unit See Figure 10 Blade Control Handle 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 blade control handle to stop engine and blade See Figure 10 WARNING This blade control mechanism A is a safety device Never attempt to bypass Cutting Height Adjustment Levers its operations These levers are located on each wheel and are used to adjust the cutting height These levers have to be at the same relative position to ensure uniform cut See Figure 10 Engine Controls See the separate engine manual for the location and function of the controls on the engine Stopping Engine e Release blade control handle to stop the engine and the blade e Disconnect spark plug wire and ground it to a bolt
27. s 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 e Step back from the mower to fully extend your arms Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing e Pull the mower back slowly no more than half way toward you e 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 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 throug
28. s 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 Keep all nuts bolts and screws tight to be sure the e Grass catcher components are subject to wear equipment is in safe working condition damage and deterioration which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown For safety protection frequently check components and replace ead f i with manufacturer s recommended parts when After striking a foreign object stop the engine necessary remove the wire from the spark plug and thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage Repair the damage before starting and operating the mower e Never tamper with safety devices Check their proper operation regularly Mower blades are sharp and can cut Wrap the blade s or wear gloves and use extra caution when i servicing them e Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height adjustment while the engine is running Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine Excessive engine speeds are dangerous Y WARNING YOUR RESPONSIBILITY Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read understand and follow the warnings
29. shipped unassembled follow the steps below e Insert frame into grass bag with the black plastic side on the bottom of bag See Figure 6 Insert Frame Into Bag Grass Catcher Frame Grass Bag Figure 6 e Slip the openings in the side of the plastic channel on bag over the hooks on the grass catcher frame Secure bag to the frame by working the six plastic channels on bag over frame All the plastic channels attach from the outside of bag See Figure 7 Grass Catcher Assembly Complete Plastic Channel Figure 7 Attaching Grass Catcher To Mower Remove the mulching baffle in order to install and use the grass catcher Lift the rear discharge door and remove the rear mulching baffle from the mower See Figure 8 Rear Mulching _ gt Baffle Figure 8 e Holding open the rear discharge door place the grass catcher on the pivot rod Let go of discharge door so that it rests on the grass catcher See Figure 9 Discharge Door L Catcher Figure 9 To remove the grass catcher lift the rear discharge door on the mower and lift the grass catcher up Reinstall the rear mulching baffle and release the rear discharge door again refer to the Safety Section in this WARNING Before using your lawn mower manual Always be careful SECTION 4 KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER Read this owner s manual and safety rules before operating your lawn mower Compare the illustration
30. 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 position If you wish to lower the height of the handle refer to the Adjustment Section at this time Lower x Handle S Figure 2 Remove the hairpin clips from the outer hole in the weld pins on the handle bracket assemblies Using a pair of pliers squeeze one leg of the lower handle against the handle bracket assemblies Insert the hairpin clip into the inner hole on the weld pin Repeat on other side See Figure 3 AAN Handle Bracket Assembly Figure 3 Fasten the cable to the lower handle with the two cable ties found on the lower handle Pull the cable ties tight and trim off the excess See Figure 4 Cable Tie Lower Pe Handle Figure 4 Attaching Starter Rope The rope guide is attached to the right side of upper handle Loosen the wing nut which secures the rope guide See Figure 5 Upper Handle Starter Rope Wing Nut Handle 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 Tighten the wing nut Assembling Grass Catcher NOTE f your mower s grass catcher has been already assembled before shipping proceed to the next section If it has been
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