MTD 11A-429R729 Owner's manual

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

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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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.

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.

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

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.

Step 3 Step 4

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

Using The Mulcher

Toutilizethemulchingfeature,lift thereardischargedoor

on themoweras showninStep7.Liftgrasscatcherup

andout,off ofthepivotrod.Releasereardischargedoor

toallowittocloserearopeningof mower.

Step 6

Step 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.

==,

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.

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

damageto electric

Componentsspindles

pulleys;bearings

the enginel The use

of waterwill resultin

shortened lifeand

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

ii i _iI_ii

\1)

TreadTypes

BarTread

ZagTread

23i

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

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

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

MTD 11A-429R729 Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 11A-429R729

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

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MTD 11A-429R729 Owner's manual

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