MTD 11A-429R729 Owner's manual

MTD
Brand
MTD
Model
11A-429R729
Category
Lawnmowers
Type
Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips &Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
OF A O AL
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21=inch Rotary Mower- Model 420 Series
iMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon ornearanyunimprovedforest-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.769-02336
01/11/2006
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
Slope Gauge ....................................................... 3
Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4
Setup and Adjustment ....................................... 6
Operating Your Lawn Mower .............................. 8
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10
Contents
Trouble Shooting .............................................. 12
Safety Labels .................................................... 13
Parts List ........................................................... 14
Warranty ............................................................ 16
Characteristicsandfeaturesdiscussedand/orillustratedinthis manualmaynot beapplicableto all models.MTDLLCreservesthe rightto changeproductspecifications,
designsandequipmentwithoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation.
Finding and Recording Model Number
Beforeyou beginto assemble the mower,please locatethe
modelplate on the equipment andcopy the informationto the
samplemodel plate providedto the right.Youcan locatethe
modelplate by standing at theoperating positionand looking
downat therear of thedeck. This informationwill be neces-
saryto usethe manufacturer'swebsite, to obtainassistance
fromthe CustomerSupport Department,or when contacting
an authorizedservice dealer.
Model Number Serial Number
MTD LLC
P. O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND,OH 44136
330=220=4683
,..www.mtdproducts.com 800-800-731 0..
Customer Support
Please DO NOT return the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased without first
contacting Customer Support.
Ifyou havedifficultyassemblingthis productor haveany questionsregardingthe controls, operation,or maintenanceof this
unit,youcan seek helpfrom the experts. Choosefromthe optionsbelow:
1. Visitwww.mtdproducts.com. Click on the Service & Support menu option.
Ser_dce 8_SuFpo_
Product Registration
Con_ec_ Us _riv_cy Po_y
2. Phone a CustomerSupport Representativeat 1-800-800-7310.
3. Theengine manufacturer isresponsiblefor all engine-relatedissueswith regards to performance,power-rating,specifica-
tions,warrantyand service. Pleaserefer tothe enginemanufacturer'sOwner's/Operator'sManual, packedseparatelywith
your unit,for more information.
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Sightandholdthis levelwith a verticaltree...
also
I
15°
WARNING
Thissymbolpoints
out importantsafety
instructionswhich,if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
i safetyand/or property
I ofyourselfand others.
Readandfollowall
instructionsinthis
manualbeforeat-
temptingto operate
i this machine.Failure
I to complywiththese
instructionsmayresult
i inpersonalinjury.When
youseethis symbol.
i HEED ITS WARNING!
Your Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read,
_understand
ano followthe warnings
and instructions
inthis manual
and on the machine.
WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of itsconstituents,andcertain vehiclecompo-
nentscontain or emitchemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: Thismachinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operationin this
manual.As with anytype of powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operatorcan
result inseriousinjury.This machine iscapable of amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.
Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injury or death.
Children
Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtomowerand mowing
activity.Theydonot understandthe dangers.Neverassume
thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.
1. Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaand underwatchful
careofa responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.
2. Bealertandturnmoweroffif achildentersthearea.
3. Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown
forsmallchildren.
4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,
doorways,shrubs,trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscure
yourvisionofa child whomayrunintothe mower.
5. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycan
sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.
6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operateapower
mower.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand
understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthis
manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyaparent.
General Operation
1. Readthis operator'smanualcarefullyin its entiretybefore
attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,
andfollowall instructionsonthe machineandin the
manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith
thecontrolsandthe properuseofthis machinebefore
operatingit. Keepthis manualinasafeplaceforfuture
andregularreferenceandfor orderingreplacementparts.
2. Thismachineisa precisionpieceof powerequipment,
nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all
times.Yourunithas beendesignedto performonejob: to
mowgrass.Do notuseit foranyotherpurpose.
3. Neverallow childrenunder14yearsoldto operatethis
machine.Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand
understandthe instructionsinthis manualandshould
betrainedand supervisedbya parent.Onlyresponsible
individualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe
operationshouldbeallowedto usethismachine.
4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto
beused.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toys
andotherforeignobjects,whichcouldbetrippedoveror
pickedupandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjects can
causeseriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpattern
toavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,sidewalks,
bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial
againsta wallor obstruction,whichmaycausedischarged
materialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.
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-soledworkshoesandclose-fitting
slacksandshirts. Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthe armsand
legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended.Neveroperate
thismachineinbarefeet,sandals,slipperyor light-weight
(e.g.canvas)shoes.
8. Donotputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor undercutting
deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.
9. Amissingor damageddischargecovercancause blade
contactor thrownobjectinjuries.
10.Manyinjuriesoccurasa resultofthe mowerbeingpulled
overthefoot duringafall causedbyslippingor tripping.
Do notholdontothe mowerifyouarefalling;releasethe
handleimmediately.
11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare
walking.Ifyoumustbackthe mowerawayfromawallor
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 notengagetheself-propelledmechanismon unitsso
equippedwhilestartingengine.
14.Thebladecontrolhandleisasafetydevice.Neverattempt
tobypassitsoperation.Doingso makesthe safetydevice
inoperativeandmayresultin personalinjurythrough
contactwiththe rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandle
mustoperateeasilyin bothdirectionsandautomatically
returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.
15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwet grass.Alwaysbesureof
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
engineandcheckimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis
generallya warningoftrouble.
4
19.Shuttheengineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto a
completestopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcheror unclog-
ging thechute.
The cuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefor a fewsecondsafter
the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceany partofthe bodyin
the bladearea untilyouaresurethe bladehasstopped
rotating.
20. Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrail shield,discharge
cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafety
protectivedevicesin placeandworking.Neveroperate
mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo socan
resultin personalinjury.
21. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causeaburn.Do
nottouch.
22.Only usepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthismachineby
manufacturer.Failuretodo socanresultinpersonalinjury.
23. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredin thismanual,
usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor
assistance.Telephone1-800-800-7310forthe nameofyour
nearestdealer.
Slope Operation
Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidents,which
can resultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra
caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyon aslope,do notmowit.Foryour
safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthis manualto
measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunitonaslopedor hilly
area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donot mowit.
Do:
1. Mowacrossthefaceofslopes;neverupanddown.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
2. Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks, hiddenobjects,or bumpswhich
can causeyouto slipor trip.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
3. Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slip andfall cancause
seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyour
balance,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediately,and
the bladewill stoprotatingwithin3 seconds.
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. Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehicleoron atruckor trailer
bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe
groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truck ortrailer
andrefuelit onthe ground.Ifthisis notpossible,thenrefuel
suchequipmentonatrailerwitha portablecontainer,rather
thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.
6. Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimofthefueltank or
containeropeningat alltimesuntilfuelingis complete.Do
notusea nozzlelock-opendevice.
7. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
8. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill
accumulatein thearea.
9. Neverremovegascap oraddfuelwhileengineishot or
running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwominutesbefore
refueling.
10.Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch
belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.
11.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
12.If gasolineis spilled,wipeitoff theengineand equipment.
Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting
engine.
13.Neverstorethe machineorfuel containernearanopen
flame,sparkor pilotlightasona waterheater,space
heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.
14.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,
orother debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand
removeanyfuel soakeddebris.
15.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService:
1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorin apoorlyventilatedarea.
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 notmeettheoriginal
equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformance
andcompromisesafety!"
4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor wear
gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip-
mentis insafeworkingcondition.
6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperopera-
tionregularly.
7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,discon-
nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.
Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerforanydamage.Repairthe
damagebeforestartingandoperatingthemower.
8. Neverattemptto makeawheelor cuttingheightadjustment
whiletheengineis running.
9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail
shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould expose
movingpartsor allowobjectsto bethrown.Forsafety
protection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplaceim-
mediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)
partsonly,listedinthis manual."Useofpartswhichdo
notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"
10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating
speedoftheengine.
11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.
12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper
disposaloffluidsand materialscanharmtheenvironment.
5
Operation
WARNING
Thissymbol points
out importantsafety
instructions,which if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safety and/or property
of yourselfand others.
Readand followall
instructions inthis man-
ual beforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failureto comply with
these instructionsmay
result inpersonalinjury.
Whenyou seethis
symbol.
HEED IT'S WARNING!
YourResponsibility
Restrictthe use
of this powermachine
to personswho read.
understand
and followthe warnings
and instructions
in this manua
and onthe machine.
NOTE:Standbehind
themowerasilyou
weregoingtooperate
it.Yourrighthandcor-
respondstotheright
i sideofthemower;your
lefthandcorresponds
totheleftsideofthe
mower.
NOTE:Yourmower
isshippedwiththe
handleinthehigher
heightposition.
NOTE:Eachendof
ithelowerhandlemust
beplacedinthesame
i relativeposition.
iMPORTANT
I
This unitisshipped
i without gasolineor
i oil inthe engine. Fill
!iupgasolineand oil
as instructedinthe
i accompanyingengine
manual BEFORE
operatingyour mower.
Yourmowermaydifferslightlyfromthe illustrations
shown.
Step 1
Hardware Pack
Wing Nuts (2) Carriage Bolts (2)
1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetween
upperandlowerhandles.
a. Pullupand backon upperhandleasshownin
Step1.Makecertainthe lowerhandleis seated
securelyintothehandlemountingbrackets.
b. Tightenhandknobssecuringupperhandleto
lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriageboltis
seatedproperlyin thehandle.
2. Locatehairpinclipfoundin holeon theweldpinon
eachsideoflowerhandle.
.
a. Removehairpinclipfromthis hole.Usinga pairof
pliers,inserthairpinclipintotheotherholeon the
weldpin.Repeaton otherside.
b. Inserta carriageboltfromthehardwarepackinto
theupperholeonthehandlemountingbracket.
Securewithone plasticwingnut,alsoincluded
inthehardwarepack.Repeatonothersidewith
remainingitemsfromhardwarepack.
Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe
upperhandle.Loosenthewingnutwhichsecuresthe
ropeguide.
a. Holdbladecontrolhandleagainstupperhandle.
b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releaseblade
controlhandle.
.
c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.
d. Tightenwingnut.
Insertpostoncabletiesintoholesprovidedon the
lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.
F
Step 3 Step 4
6
5. An adjustingplateandthumbleverateachwheel
providescuttingheightadjustment.
a. Depresslevertowardswheel.
b. Moveittoanyof theninepositionsfordesired
cuttingheight.SeeStep5.
c. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.
6. Followstepsbelowtoassemblethegrasscatcher:
a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside
is atthebottom.
b. Slip plasticchannelofgrassbagoverhooksonthe
frame.SeeStep6.All theplasticchannelsexcept
centertopofbagattachfromoutsideofframe.
c. Attachcentertopofbagfrominsideofframe.
7. Followstepsbelowtoattachgrasscatcher:
a. Liftreardischargedoor.
b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod.Letgo
ofdischargedoorsothat itrestson thegrass
catcher.SeeStep7.
Toremovegrasscatcher,lift reardischargedooron the
mowerasshownin Step7.Liftgrasscatcherupandout,
off ofthepivotrod. Releasereardischargedoortoallow
it tocloserearopeningofmower.
,_ WARNING:Neveroperate mowerunless the
hookson thegrass catcherarefirmly seated
on the pivotrod and the rear dischargedoor rests
firmly against top of thegrass catcher.
Step 5
f
Using The Mulcher
Toutilizethemulchingfeature,lift thereardischargedoor
on themoweras showninStep7.Liftgrasscatcherup
andout,off ofthepivotrod.Releasereardischargedoor
toallowittocloserearopeningof mower.
Step 6
J
Step 7
7
uStment
CUTTING HEIGHT
Step5
All wheelsmust be
placedin thesame
relative positionl
GRASSCATCHER
Stepe
Makecertain bag is
turned right side out
before assembling
(warninglabelWillbe
onthe outside):
WARNING
Never operate mower
unless the hooks on
the grasscatcher are
firmly seated on the
_ivot rod, and the
rear discharge door
rests firmly against
top of the grass
catcher.
WARNING
The blade control
mechanism is a
safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its
operations.
I Useextreme 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
Blade Control
Recoil
Starter
Upper Handle
Lower Handle
Starter Rope
Oil Fill
Grass Catcher
Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever
(for each wheel)
Gasoline Fill
Yourmowermaydifferslightly.
Figure 1
Now that you have set up your lawn mower for Recoil Starter
operation, get acquainted with its controls and fea- The recoil starter is attached to the right upper
tures. These are described below and illustrated on handle. Stand behind the unit, depress blade control,
this page. This knowledge will allow you to use your and pull the recoil starter rope to start the unit.
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.
__1 WARNING:Thisbladecontrolmecha-
nism isa safetydevice. Neverattempt
to bypass itsoperations.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
One adjustment lever is located on each wheel and
is used to adjust the cutting height. All four levers
have to be at the same relative position to ensure a
uniform cut.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
1. Check oil level and add oil if necessary. Follow engine
manual for this. See Figure 1above for location of the
oil fill.
2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe
enginemanual. SeeFigure1aboveforlocationof
gasfill.
_ ARNING:Useextremecarewhen
handlinggasoline. Gasolineis
extremely flammableand the vapors
are explosive. Neverfuel the machine
indoorsor while the engine ishot or
running.Extinguish cigarettes, cigars,
pipesandother sources of ignition.
8
==,
WARNING:The operationof any lawn
mowercan result inforeign objects
being thrownintothe eyes,whichcan
damageyoureyesseverely.Always
wearsafetyglasseswhileoperating
the mower,or whileperforming any
adjustmentsor repairson it.
Starting Engine
WARNING:Besureno one otherthan
theoperatorisstandingnearthe lawn
mowerwhilestartingengine 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,hairand loose clothing
awayfrom any moving partson engine
and lawnmower.
1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwoseconds
betweeneachpush.SeeFigure2. Intemperature
around550For below,primefive times.Donotprime
to restarta warmengine.
2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol
againstupperhandle.SeeFigure2.
3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil
starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-
ous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure2.Keepinga firm
grip onthestarterhandle,lettheroperewindslowly.
Repeatuntilenginecranks.Letthe roperewindeach
timeslowly.
_L_kl ARNING:Waitfor the blade to stop
completelybeforedoing anywork
on the mower or to removethegrass
catcher.
Stopping Engine
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineand blade.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainsttheengine.
UsingYour Lawn Mower
_kl= WARNING:Neveroperateyour mower
without eitherthe rear door or the entire
grass catcher assembly firmly secured.
Besurelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other
objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine.
Suchobjectscouldbe accidentlythrownbythemower
in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytothe
operatorandothers.
Figure 2
_klL ARNING:If you strikeaforeign
object, stopthe engine.Remove
wire from thespark plug,thoroughly
inspectmowerfor anydamage,and
repairdamagebeforerestarting and
operating. Extensive vibration of
mower during operation isan indica-
tion of damage.The unit should be
promptlyinspectedand repaired.
1. Forbest results,do notcut wetgrass.
2. 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. Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectinthe
bagasyourunthe mower.Operatethemowertillthe
grassbagisfull.
2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingtheblade
controlhandle.Makesurethattheunithascometo
a 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 whileperforming
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
WARNING
A waysstope,g ne;
disconnect spark
plugl andground
against enginebefore
cleaning,lubricating
Wedo notrecommend
the useof pressure
washersorgarden
hoseto cleanyour
unit. These may cause
i
damageto electric
Componentsspindles
pulleys;bearings
the enginel The use
of waterwill resultin
shortened lifeand
f
6
Figure 3
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.
,_ WARNING: Alwaysstop engine,
disconnect spark plug, and
groundagainst engine before
cleaning, lubricating or doing
any kind of maintenanceon your
machine.
Lubrication
1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolhandleat
leastoncea seasonwith lightoil.Thebladecontrol
mustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure3.
2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatesurfaceofthepivotarmandinner
surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure3.
3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointonthe
reardischargedoorperiodicallywithlightoil to
preventrust.SeeFigure3.
4. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-
tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.
Deck Care
Clean underside of the mower deck after each use
to prevent build-up of grass clippings or other debris.
Follow steps belowfor this job.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn
mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.
2. Tipmowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe
sidewiththeaircleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.
_ ARNING"Never tip the mower
more than 90 degrees inany
directions and do not leave the
mower tipped for any length of
time. Oil can drain intothe upper
part ofthe engine causing a
starting problem.
3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwitha
suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.
4. Putthemowerbackonitswheelsontheground.If
youhadputplasticunderthegascapearlier,make
sureto removeitnow.
Engine Care
A listofkeyenginemaintenancejobs requiredforgood
performancebythemowerisgivenbelow.Followthe
accompanyingenginemanualforadetailedlistand
instructions.
1. Maintainoil levelasinstructedinenginemanual.
2. Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal
conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely
dustyconditions.Poorengineperformanceand
floodingusuallyindicatesthattheaircleanershould
beserviced.Toservicetheaircleaner,refertothe
enginemanual.
3. Cleansparkplugand resetthegaponcea season.
Sparkplugreplacementisrecommendedatthestart
ofeachmowingseason.Checkenginemanualfor
correctplugtypeand gapspecifications.
4. Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe
coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleantopermit
properaircirculation.Removeall grass,dirtand
combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.
10
Blade Care " "
_ ARNING: 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.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,
especiallyif youstrikea foreignobject.Replacewhen
necessary.Followthe stepsbelowforbladeservice.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn
moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand
thecarburetorareup.
2. Removetheboltandthe bladebellsupportwhich
holdthebladeand thebladeadaptertotheengine
crankshaft.See Figure4.
3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.
4. Thebladecanbe sharpenedwitha fileor ona grind-
ingwheel.Donotattempttosharpenthebladewhileit
isstillonthemower.
5. Whensharpeningtheblade,followtheoriginalangle
ofgrind.Grindeachcuttingedgeequallyto keepthe
bladebalanced.
.
7.
Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.
Balancethebladeona roundshaftscrewdriverto
check.Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntilit
balancesevenly.
,__ WARNING: An unbalanced blade
will cause excessive vibration
when rotating at high speeds, it
may cause damage to mower, and
could break causing personal
injury.
8. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandslidetheblade
adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.
9. Placethebladeon theadaptersuchthattheside
oftheblademarked"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)
facesthegroundwhenthemowerisintheoperating
position.Makesurethatthebladeisalignedand
seatedon thebladeadapterflanges.
10.Placebladebellsupportonthe blade.Alignnotches
on thebladebell supportwith smallholesinblade.
11.Replacehexboltandtightenhexboltto torque:450
in.Ibs.rain.,600 in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically
checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.
Replacing Rear Flap
Figure 4
J
Figure 5
1. Toremoverearflap,cutoff theflatendofthewire
rodwhichsecuresittothedeck.See Figure5.
2. Attachthenewflapand newrodtodeck,bending
theendsofthenewrodoverto securetodeck.
Off-Season Storage
Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakento prepareyour
lawnmowerforstorage.
1. Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribed
inthe lubricationinstructions.
2. Wedo notrecommendtheuseofa pressurewasher
orgardenhosetocleanyourunit.
3. Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine
storageinstructions.
4. Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto
preventrusting.
5. Storemowerina dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenext
tocorrosivematerials,suchas fertilizer.
Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipmentin a poorly
ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetaken
torust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoil or silicone,
coattheequipment,especiallycablesandall moving
partsofyourlawnmowerbeforestorage.
Maintaining
Yo ur LaWn
ower
WARNING
When removing
the cutting blade
for sharpening or
replacement, protect
your handswith a
pair of heavy gloves
or use a heavy ragto
holdthe blade.
An unbalanced blade
will causeexcessive
vibration when rotat-
ing at high speeds, it
may cause damage
to mower, and could
break causing per-
sonal injury.
11
repairsbeyond
theminoradjustments
listed here, contact
an authorizedservice
_iiii _ ii _ _ i _ _i _ i
i i i ¸ ! !
i_ i_ _i!: _ i ii _ii__ii_I iiiii_
Problem Cause Remedy
Engine fails to Start i. Blade controldisengaged. Engagebiadecontrol
sparkp!ugwiredisconnected: I conBect WiretoSparkp!ug_
3. Fueltankemptyorstalefuel. 3. FiItankwith clean,freshgasoline.
4. Enginenotchoked. 4. Chokeengineas instructedinthe
OPe[atingYOU[LawnMower section•
5: Faultysparkp ug 5, Clean,adjustgap,or replace.
6. BlOCkedfuel linel 6, cieanfueliinel
7: Engineflooded. 7: Wait afew minutesto iestart,but do
I notprime:
Enginerunserratic 1. Sparkplugwireloose.
2. Blockedfuel lineor stalefuel.
3. Ventingascap plugged.
4. Wateror dirt infuel system.
5. Dirtyair cleaner.
6. Carburetorout ofadjustment.
1. Connectandtightensparkplugwire.
2. Cleanfuelline;filltank withclean,
freshgasoline.
3. Clearvent.
4. Drainfueltank. Refillwithfreshfuel.
5. Refertoenginemanual.
6. Refertoenginemanual.
Engine overheats 1 Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil.
2....A rf ow restrcted I 2 Removebower housngand cean
3. Carburetornotadjustedpropery. 3• Refertoengne manua.
Occasional skips 1. Sparkpluggap tooclose. 1. Adjust gapto .030-inch.
(hesitates) at high speed 2. Carburetoridlemixtureadjustment 2. Referto enginemanual.
improperlyset.
Idles poorly 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gaptoo wide. 1. Resetgapto .030-inchor replace
sparkpug.
2 Carburetorimproperlyadjusted 2. Refertoenginemanual.
. 3. Dirtyair cleaner. 3. Referto enginemanual.
Excessive Vibration 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.Balance
blade.
2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. Seeanauthorizedservicedealer.
Mower will not mulch grass 1 Wetgrass• 1. Donot mowwhengrassiswet wait
untillatertocut.
2. Excessivelyhighgrass. 2. Mowonceata highcuttingheight,
then mowagainatdesirecJheightor
I makeanarrowerCuttingpath.
, 3. Du bade. , 3• Sharpenor replaceblade.
Uneven cut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsin same
heightposition.
2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.
12
13
ii i _iI_ii
\
\1)
TreadTypes
BarTread
ZagTread
23i
I
i
14
1 747-1161A BladeControlHandle
2 749-1092A UpperHandle
3 710-1205 RopeGuide
4 720-0279 WingNut,1/4-20
5 710-1174 CarriageBolt,5/16-18x 2
6 720-04072 HandStarKnob
7 749-0928A LowerHandle
8 712-0397 WingNut,1/4-20
9 746-0957 ControlCable- 37.25"
746-1130 ControlCable- 40"
746-0554 ControlCable- 40.5"
746-1137 ControlCable- 53"
10 726-0240 CableTie
11 664-04007A GrassBagAssembly
12 747-04080 GrassBagFrame
13 732-0700 TrailshieldWire
14 731-04998 Trailshield
15 747-04035 RearDoorPivotRod
16 732-04089A TorsionSpringLH
17 731-04134A RearDischargeDoor
18 750-04162 Spacer
19 732-04090A TorsionSpringRH
20 710-04371 Screw,1/4-15x 1.25
21 787-01276 Deck21inch
22 687-02068 HandleBracketAssy- RH
687-02069 HandleBracketAssy- LH
23 687-02075A Height.Adj.Assy.Front- LH
687-02074A HeightAdj.Assy.Front- RH
24 782-5002B FrontBaffle
25 748-0377C BladeAdapter
26 742-0741 Blade
27 736-0524B BladeBellSupport
28 710-1257 Screw,3/8-24x 2.50
29 712-04065 FlangeLockNut,3/8-16
30 787-01290 HeightAdjustmentPlate
31 687-02076A PivotArmAssembly-RH
687-02077A PivotArmAssembly-LH
32 _ FrontWheel
33 738-0507B ShoulderScrew
34 732-0404 SpringLever
35 720-0426 HeightAdjustmentKnob
36 687-02071A PivotArmAssembly-RH
687-02070A PivotArmAssembly-LH
37 732-04175 SpringLever
38 738-04136 ShoulderScrew
39 _ RearWheel
40 710-1652 Screw,1/4-20x.625
HairpinClip
RearHandleBracket-RH
RearHandleBracket-LH
CarriageBolt,1/4-20
RearBaffle
TT Screw,3/8-16x 1
41 714-0104
42 787-01292
787-01291
43 710-0703
44 731-04150C
45 710-0654A
1 ifequipped
RefertoWheelChart
Type Tread
Wheelsw/o bearing Bar
Bar
Bar
Wheelsw/BB Zag
Zag
_:WheelChart
PartNo.
734-1781,8 x 1.8SlotHubGray
734-1987,8 x 1.8SpokeGray
734-1988,7 x 1.8SpokeGray
734-2004A,8 x2 DiscHub
734-2005A,8 x2
15
PartS List
iii_ii_ii_iiI_ii_i ii_i_i_ _i iii_
To order replacement
parts;contact
1_800_800'7310
or visit
www,rntdproducts,com
MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR
ThelimitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenbyMTDLLCwithrespect
tonewmerchandisepurchasedandusedin theUnitedStates,its
possessionsandterritories.
"MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsinmaterialandworkman-
shipfora periodoftwo (2)yearscommencingonthedateoforiginal
purchaseandwill,at itsoption,repairor replace,freeofcharge,any
partfoundto bedefectiveinmaterialsorworkmanship.Thislimitedwar-
rantyshallonlyapplyifthisproducthasbeenoperatedand maintained
inaccordancewiththeOperator'sManualfurnishedwiththeproduct,
andhasnotbeensubjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,
accident,impropermaintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft,fire,water,
ordamagebecauseofotherperilor naturaldisaster.Damageresulting
fromthe installationor useofanypart,accessoryor attachmentnot
approvedby MTDforusewiththeproduct(s)coveredbythis manual
willvoidyourwarrantyastoanyresultingdamage.
Normalwearpartsarewarrantedto befreefromdefectsinmaterialand
workmanshipfora periodofthirty(30)daysfromthedateof purchase.
Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuchas: batter-
ies,belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,
snowthrowerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.
NOW TO OBTAINSERVICE: Warrantyservice isavailable,WITH
PROOFOF PURCHASE,throughyour localauthorized service
dealer.Tolocate the dealer in yourarea, check yourYellowPages,
or contact MTDLLCat RO. Box361131,Cleveland,Ohio 44136-
0019,or call 1-800-800-7310or 1-330-220-4683 orlog onto our
Website at www.mtdproducts.com.
Thislimitedwarrantydoesnotprovidecoverageinthefollowingcases:
a. Theengineor componentpartsthereof.Theseitemsmaycarrya
separatemanufacturer'swarranty.Refertoapplicablemanufacturer's
warrantyfortermsandconditions.
b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershavea separateoneyear
warranty.
c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchaslubricants,filters,blade
sharpening,tune-ups,brakeadjustments,clutchadjustments,deck
adjustments,andnormaldeteriorationoftheexteriorfinishdueto
useor exposure.
d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthananauthorizedservice
dealer.
e. MTDdoesnotextendanywarrantyforproductssoldor exported
outsideoftheUnitedStates,its possessionsandterritories,except
thosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorizedchannelsofexportdistribution.
f. ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts.
g. Transportationchargesandservicecalls.
Noimpliedwarranty,includingany impliedwarrantyof mer-
chantabilityof fitness for a particular purpose,applies after the
applicable periodof expresswritten warranty aboveasto the
partsasidentified.Nootherexpresswarranty, whetherwritten or
oral, exceptas mentioned above,givenby anypersonor entity,
includinga dealeror retailer, withrespect to any product,shall
bindMTD.Duringthe periodof the warranty,the exclusiveremedy
isrepairor replacementof the productas setforth above.
Theprovisionsasset forth inthis warrantyprovidethesoleand
exclusiveremedy arising from the sale.MTDshallnot be liable
for incidentalor consequentiallossor damageincluding,without
limitation, expensesincurredfor substituteor replacementlawn
careservicesor for rentalexpensesto temporarily replacea
warranted product.
Somestatesdo notallowtheexclusionor limitationofincidentalor
consequentialdamages,or limitationsonhowlongan impliedwarranty
lasts,sotheaboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplytoyou.
Innoeventshallrecoveryofanykindbegreaterthantheamountofthe
purchasepriceof theproductsold.Alterationof safetyfeaturesof
the product shallvoid this warranty. Youassumetheriskand liability
forloss,damage,or injurytoyouandyourpropertyand/ortoothersand
theirpropertyarisingoutofthemisuseor inabilitytousethe product.
Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendtoanyoneotherthantheoriginal
purchaserorto thepersonforwhomitwas purchasedasa gift.
HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHISWARRANTY:This limited
warrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,and youmayalsohaveother
rightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofof Purchasetoobtain
warrantycoverage.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136=0019; Phone: 1=800=800=7310, 1=330=220=4683
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MTD 11A-429R729 Owner's manual

MTD
Brand
MTD
Model
11A-429R729
Category
Lawnmowers
Type
Owner's manual
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