MTD 12AV55DQ713 Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 12AV55DQ713

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

V550 Series

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Adjustments • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty

OF A O A AL

21" Self-Propelled Mulching Mower- Model Series V550

iMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush-

coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).

If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw

(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester

forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,

Ohio44136-0019.

PRINTEDIN U.S.A

MTD PRODUCTS LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

FORMNO.769-02830

11/2/2006

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 Contents

Slope Gauge ........................................................ 3

Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4

Setup and Adjustment ....................................... 6

Operating Your Lawn Mower .............................. 8

Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10

Troubleshooting ................................................ 12

Off-Season Storage and Safety Labels .......... 13

Parts List ........................................................... 14

MTDLLCreservestherighttochangeproductspecifications,designs,andequipmentwithoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation.

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREASSEMBLINGYOURNEWEQUIPMENT,

pleaselocatethe modelplateon theequipmentand

copythe informationto thesamplemodelplatepro-

videdto the right.Youcan locatethe modelplateby

standingat theoperatingpositionand lookingdown

atthe rearofthe deck.Thisinformationwillbe neces-

saryto usethe manufacturer'swebsite,toobtain

assistancefromtheCustomerSupportDepartment,

orwhencontactinganauthorizedservicedealer.

Model Number

www.mtdproducts.com

Serial Number

MTD LLC

PoO= BOX 361131

CLEVELAND, OH 44136

330-220-4683

800-800-7310

Customer Support

Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased, without first

contacting Customer Support.

Ifyou have difficultyassemblingthis productorhave anyquestions regardingthe controls, operation,or maintenanceof this

unit,you canseek help fromthe experts.Choosefrom the options below:

• Visitwww.mtdproducts.com

• Call a CustomerSupport Representativeat 1-800-800-7310.

• The engine manufacturer is responsiblefor all engine-relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-rating,specifica-

tions,warranty and service. Pleasereferto theengine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packedseparatelywith

your unit,for moreinformation.

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Sightandholdthis levelwith a verticaltree...

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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 complywith these

instructionsmayresult

i inpersonalinjury.When

youseethis symbol.

i HEED ITS WARNING!

i Your Responsibility

Restrictthe use

ofthis powermachine

to personswho read.

i understand

andfollow the warnings

and instructions

=nthis manual

and onthe machine.

WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of itsconstituents,and certainvehiclecompo-

nentscontain or emitchemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancer and

birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.

DANGER: Thismachine was builtto be operatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operation in this

manual.As with anytype of powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operator

can resultin serious injury.This machine is capableof amputatinghandsand feet and throwing

objects. Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould result in seriousinjury or death.

Children

Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presence

ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtomowerand mowing

activity.Theydonot understandthe dangers.Neverassume

thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.

1. Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaandunderwatchful

careofa responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.

2. Bealertandturnmoweroffif achildentersthearea.

3. Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown

forsmallchildren.

4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,

doorways,shrubs,trees,orotherobjectsthat mayobscure

yourvisionofachildwhomayrunintothe mower.

5. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycan

sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.

6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operateapower

mower.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand

understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthis

manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyaparent.

General Operation

1. Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyin its entiretybefore

attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,

andfollowall instructionsonthe machineandin the

manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith

thecontrolsandthe properuseofthis machinebefore

operatingit. Keepthis manualina safeplaceforfuture

andregularreferenceandfor orderingreplacementparts.

2. Thismachineisaprecisionpieceof powerequipment,

nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all

times.Yourunithas beendesignedto performonejob: to

mowgrass.Donotuseit foranyotherpurpose.

3. Neverallow childrenunder14yearsoldto operatethis

machine.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand

understandthe instructionsinthis manualandshould

betrainedand supervisedbya parent.Onlyresponsible

individualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe

operationshouldbeallowedto usethis machine.

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-soledworkshoesand close-fitting

slacksandshirts. Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthe armsand

legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended.Neveroperate

thismachineinbarefeet,sandals,slipperyor light-weight

(e.g.canvas)shoes.

8. Do notputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsorundercutting

deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.

9. Amissingor damageddischargecovercancauseblade

contactor thrownobjectinjuries.

10.Manyinjuriesoccurasa resultofthe mowerbeingpulled

overthefoot duringa fall causedbyslippingor tripping.

Do notholdontothe mowerifyouarefalling;releasethe

handleimmediately.

11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare

walking.Ifyoumustbackthe mowerawayfroma wallor

obstructionfirstlookdownand behindtoavoidtrippingand

thenfollowthesesteps:

a. Stepbackfrommowertofully extendyourarms.

b. Besureyouarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.

c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,no morethanhalfway

towardyou.

d. Repeatthesestepsas needed.

12.Do notoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof

alcoholordrugs.

13.Do 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 slipandfall cancauseseriouspersonal

injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourfooting,releasethe

bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyand the bladewillstop

rotatingwithinthreeseconds.

16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.

17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.

18.If the equipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe

engineandcheckimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis

generallya warningoftrouble.

19.Shutthe engineoffand waituntilthe bladecomestoa

completestopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcherorunclog-

gingthe chute.

Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotateforafewsecondsafter

the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceany partofthe bodyin

the bladeareauntilyouaresurethe bladehasstopped

rotating.

20.Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,discharge

cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleorothersafety

protectivedevicesin placeandworking.Neveroperate

mowerwith damagedsafetydevices.Failureto dosocan

resultin personalinjury.

21.Mufflerand enginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Do

nottouch.

22.Only usepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthis machineby

manufacturer.Failuretodoso can resultin personalinjury.

23. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis manual,

usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor

assistance.

Slope Operation

Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedtoslip andfall accidents,which

canresultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra

caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyonaslope,do notmowit. Foryour

safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthismanualto

measureslopesbeforeoperatingthis uniton aslopedorhilly

area.Ifthe slopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donotmowit.

Do:

1. Mowacrossthefaceofslopes;neverupand down.Exercise

extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

2. Watchforholes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects,or bumps

whichcancauseyouto slipor trip. Tallgrasscan hide

obstacles.

3. Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slipand fallcan cause

seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeel youarelosingyour

balance,releasethebladecontrolhandleimmediately,and

the bladewill stoprotatingwithin3 seconds.

Do Not:

1. Do notmowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments,you

could loseyourfootingor balance.

2. Do notmowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesas shownon

the slopegauge.

3. Do notmowonwetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcause

slipping.

Service

Safe Handling Of Gasoline:

1. Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextreme

carein handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable

andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjury can

occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselfor yourclothes,

whichcanignite.Washyourskin andchangeclothes

immediately.

2. Use onlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.

3. Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehicleor onatruck ortrailer

bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe

groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

4. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truckor trailer

andrefueliton theground.Ifthis isnot possible,thenrefuel

suchequipmenton atrailer witha portablecontainer,rather

thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.

5. Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimofthe fueltankor

containeropeningatall timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Do

not useanozzlelock-opendevice.

6. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources

ofignition.

7. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill

accumulatein thearea.

8. Neverremovegascap oraddfuelwhileengineishotor

running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwo minutesbefore

refueling.

9. Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch

belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.

10.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

11.If gasolineis spilled,wipeitoff theengineand equipment.

Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting

engine.

12.Neverstorethe machineorfuel containernearanopen

flame,sparkor pilotlightasona waterheater,space

heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.

13.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,

orother debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand

removeanyfuel soakeddebris.

14.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.

GeneralService:

1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorin apoorlyventilatedarea.

Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorless

anddeadlygas.

2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe

bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe

sparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe engineto prevent

unintendedstarting.

3. Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent

intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectblade

fordamage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewith

theoriginalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,

listedinthis manual."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe

originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improper

performanceand compromisesafety!"

4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor

weargloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.

5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip-

mentis insafeworkingcondition.

6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproper

operationregularly.

7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,discon-

nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.

Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerforanydamage.Repairthe

damagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower.

8. Neverattemptto makea wheelor cuttingheightadjust-

mentwhilethe engineisrunning.

9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail

shieldaresubjecttowearanddamagewhichcould

exposemovingpartsor allowobjectstobethrown.For

safetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsand re-

placeimmediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's

(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedin thismanual."Useofparts

whichdo notmeetthe originalequipmentspecifications

mayleadtoimproperperformanceandcompromise

safety!"

10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe

engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating

speedoftheengine.

11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.

12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper

disposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.

Practices

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.

Whenyousee this

symbol.

HEED iT'S WARNING!

Your Responsibility

Restrictthe use

of this powermachine

to personswho read.

understand

and followthe warnings

and instructions

in this manua

and onthe machine.

NOTE:Standbehind

themowerasifyou

weregoingtooperate

it.Yourrighthandcor-

respondstotheright

sideofthemower;your

lefthandcorresponds

totheleftsideofthe

mower.

iMPORTANT

DO NOTcrimp the

cables whenliftingthe

handleup. Makesure

to routethe cables

insidethe lowerhandle.

iMPORTANT

Thisunit isshipped

i without gasolineor

oil inthe engine. Fill

up gasolineand oil

as instructedin the

accompanyingengine

manual BEFORE

operatingyour mower.

Figure 3=1

Figure 3=2

1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetween

upperandlowerhandles.

a. Pullupand backon upperhandleasshownin

Figure3-1.Makecertainthelowerhandleisseated

securelyintothehandlemountingbrackets.

b. Tightenstarknobssecuringupperhandleto

lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriageboltis

seatedproperlyin thehandle.

2. Locatehairpinclipinone holeon theweldpinon each

sideof lowerhandle.SeeFigure3-2.

a. Removehairpinclipfromthis hole.Usinga pairof

pliers,inserthairpinclipintotheotherholeon the

weldpin.Repeaton otherside.

b. Inserta carriageboltfromthehardwarepackinto

theupperholeonthehandlemountingbracket.

Securewithone plasticwingnut,alsoincluded

inthehardwarepack.Repeatonothersidewith

remainingitemsfromhardwarepack.

3. Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe

upperhandle.Loosenthewingnutwhichsecuresthe

ropeguide.SeeFigure3-3.

a. Holdthebladecontrolagainstupperhandle.

b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releasethe

bladecontrol.

c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.

d. Tightenwingnut.

Insertpostoncabletiesintoholesprovidedon the

lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.

Anadjustingplateandthumbleverateachwheel

positionprovidescuttingheightadjustment.

a. Depresslevertowardswheel.

b. Moveitto anyoftheninepositionsfordesired

cuttingheight.SeeFigure3-5.

c. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.

Figure 3=3 Figure 3=4

6. Followstepsbelowtoassemblethegrasscatcher:

a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside

is atthebottom.

b. Slip plasticchannelofgrassbagoverhookson

theframe.SeeFigure3-6.All theplasticchannels

exceptcentertopofbagattachfromoutsideof

bag.

c. Attachcentertopofbagfrominsideofbag.

7. Followstepsbelowtoattachgrasscatcher:

a. Liftreardischargedoor.

b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod.Letgo

ofdischargedoorsothat itrestson thegrass

catcher.SeeFigure3-7.

Toremovegrasscatcherorconverttoa mulcher(if

equipped),lift reardischargedooronthemoweras

showninFigure3-7.Liftgrasscatcherupandoutofthe

pivotrod.Releasereardischargedoortoallowit toclose

rearopeningofmower.

8. Theadjustmentwheelis locatedinthedrivecontrol

handlehousingandisusedtotightenor loosenthe

drivebelt.Youwillneedtoadjustthedrivecontrolif

themowerdoesnotpropelitselfwith thedrivecontrol

engagedor ifthemower'swheelshesitatewiththe

drivecontrolengaged.Ifeitheroftheseconditions

occur,rotateadjustmentwheelclockwisetotighten

cableorcounterclockwisetoloosenthecable.See

Figure3-8.

,L_hlL WARNING: Never operatemower

unlessthe hookson the grass

catcher are firmly seated onthe

pivot rod, and the rear dischargedoor rests

firmly against top of the grass catcher.

Figure 3=5

Figure 3-6

\ Y J

Figure 3-8 Figure 3-7

setupand

cuTnNGHEIGHT

AllWheelsmust be

plaCedin thesame

relativepositionl

GRASS CATCHER

Makecertain bag is

turned right side out

before assembling

(warninglabelWillbe

onthe outside)i

Never operate mower

the hooks on

the grass catcherare

firmly seated onthe

pivot rod, and the

reardischarge door

rests firmly against

top of the grass

Catcherl

WARNING

The bladecontrol

mechanismisa

safety device. Never

attemptto bypassits

operations.

; Useextreme care

when handling

gasoline.Gasolineis

extremely flammable

and the vapors are

explosive. Never fuel

the machine indoors

or while the engine

is hot or running.

I 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

Drive Control

X, ._--- BladeControl

Recoil

Starter

Cutting Height

AdjustmentLevers

Figure 4-1

Nowthatyouhavesetupyourlawnmowerforopera-

tion,getaquaintedwithits controlsandfeatures.These

aredescribedbelowandillustratedonthis page.This

knowledgewillallowyoutouseyournewequipmentto

itsfullestpotential.

Blade Control

Thebladecontrolisattachedtothe upperhandleof

themower.Depressand squeezeitagainsttheupper

handletooperatetheunit. Releaseittostopengineand

blade.

,_ WARNING:Thisblade control mecha-

nism isa safetydevice. Neverattempt

to bypass itsoperations.

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

Oneadjustmentleverislocatedon eachwheelandis

usedtoadjustthecuttingheight.All fourlevershaveto

beatthesamerelativepositiontoensurea uniformcut.

Recoil Starter

Therecoilstarterisattachedtotherightupperhandle.

Standbehindtheunitand pullthe recoilstarterropeto

startthe unit.

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

1. Checkoillevelandaddoil if necessary.Followengine

manualforthis.

2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe

enginemanual. SeeEnginemanualforlocationofoil

andgasfill.

Drive Control

Thedrivecontrolislocatedontheundersideofthe

upperhandleand isusedtoengagethedrive.Squeeze

itagainsttheupperhandleto engagethedrive; release

ittoslowdownor stopmowerfrompropelling.See

Figure4-1.

,_ WARNING:Useextremecarewhen han-

dling gasoline.Gasolineisextremely

flammable and thevapors are explosive.

-- Neverfuel the machineindoorsor while

the engine ishot or running.Extinguish cigarettes,

cigars, pipesand other sources of ignition.

,_ WARNING:Theoperation of anylawn

mower can result inforeign objects

being thrown intothe eyes,which can

damageyour eyesseverely. Always

wearsafety glasses while operating the mower,or

while performinganyadjustments or repairson it.

Starting Engine

__k ARNING:Besurenoone otherthan

the operatorisstandingnearthe lawn

mower whilestarting engineor operat-

ing mower.Neverrun engineindoorsor

in enclosed,poorly ventilatedareas.Engineexhaust

contains carbon monoxide,an odorlessand deadly

gas. Keephands,feet, hairand looseclothing away

from any moving partsonengineand lawnmower.

Followtheset ofinstructionspertainingto yourunit.

Referto enginemanualfor helpwith theengine.

Honda Engine:

1. Placethefuelvalvelever(ifequipped)foundon the

left sideof theengineintotheON(OPEN)position.

2. Movethechokelever(ifequipped)all theway

backwardintothechokeposition.SeeFigure4-2.

3. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol

againstupperhandleasshownin Figure4-2.The

chokewill nowbeginto slowlyreturntotheoffchoke

positionafteractivatingthebladecontrol.Therefore,

quicklymoveontostepfourbelow.

4. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil

starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-

ous,fullarmstroke.Keepingafirm griponthestarter

handleletthe roperewindslowly.Repeatuntilengine

cranks.Lettheroperewindeachtimeslowly.

Briggs & Stratton/Tecumseh Engine:

1. ifequipped,pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabout

two secondsbetweeneachpush.SeeFigure4-3. In

temperaturearound550For below,primefivetimes.

Donotprimetorestarta warmengine.

2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol

againstupperhandleasshownin Figure4-3.

3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil

starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-

ous,fullarmstroke.Keepingafirm griponthestarter

handle,lettheroperewindslowly.Repeatuntilengine

cranks.Lettheroperewindeachtimeslowly.

_ ARNING:Waitfor the bladeto stop

completelybeforeperforming anywork

on the mower or to remove thegrass

catcher.

Stopping Engine

1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineand blade.

2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand

groundagainsttheengine.

Figure 4=2

,,\

Figure 4-3

_ ARNING:If you strikeaforeign

object, stopthe engine.Remove

wire from thesparkplug,thoroughly

respect mowerfor anydamage,and

repairdamagebefore restarting andoperating.

Extensive vibration of mowerduring operation isan

indicationof damage.The unit should be promptly

inspectedand repaired.

Using as Mulcher

Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherfromthe

mower.Foreffectivemulching,do notcutwet grass.If

thegrasshasbeenallowedto growinexcessoffour

inches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethegrass

catchertobagclippingsinstead.

UsingYour Lawn Mower

Besurelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other

objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine.

Suchobjectscouldbe accidentlythrownbythemower

in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytothe grasscatcher.

operatorandothers.

Using Grass Catcher

Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippings

whileyouareoperatingthemower.RefertoSetupand

Adjustmentsectionforinstructionson attachingthe

perating

MoWer

The operation of any

lawnmower can result

inforeign objects

being thrown into

the eyes,which can

damage your eyes

severely. Always wear

safety glasseswhile

operatingthe mower,

or while performing

any adjustments or

repairs on it.

Be sure no one other

than the operator is

standing nearthe lawn

mower while starting

engine or operating

mower. Never run

engine indoors or

in enclosed,poorly

ventilated areas. En-

gine exhaust contains

carbon monoxide, an

odorless and deadly

;tas.Keep hands, feet,

lair and loose clothing

_wayfrom any moving

partson engine and

lawn mower.

Your Lawn

WARNING

A vaysstopeng,"e;

disconnectspark

plug, andground

against enginebefore

cleaning, lubricating

maintenance onyour

I ii i i

We do notrecommend

the useof pressure

washersorgarden

hose to clean your

unitl Thesemay cause

damage to electric

compOnentsi SpindleS;

pulleys,bea ings,or

theeng ne:The use

of WaterWillresult in

shortened lifeand

i reduceserViceabilityl

Figure 5-1

Figure 5=2

General Recommendations

1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming

anymaintenance.

2. Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover

itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse

ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,

operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras

instructedhere.

3. Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid

enginewarranty.

4. Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce

eachseason.

Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese

aretight.

Lubrication

1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolatleast

oncea seasonwithlightoil.Thebladecontrolmust

operatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure5-1.

2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith

lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany

reason,lubricatesurfaceofthepivotarmandinner

surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure5-1.

3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointontherear

dischargedoorperiodicallywithlightoil toprevent

rust.See Figure5-1.

4. Thetransmissionis pre-lubricatedand sealedatthe

factoryanddoesnotrequirelubrication.

5. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-

tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.

Deck Care

Theundersideofthemowerdeckshouldbecleaned

aftereachuseto preventanybuild-upofgrassclippings,

leaves,dirt,or otherdebris.Ifthisdebrisisallowedto

accumulate,itwillresultinrustandcorrosion.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn

mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.

2. Tipmowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe

sidewiththeair cleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.

_L WARNING:Nevertip the mowermore

than 90degreesinany directionsand

do not leavethe mowertipped for any

lengthoftime. Oil candrainintothe

upper partofthe enginecausinga startingproblem.

3. Scrapeand cleantheundersideofthedeckwitha

suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.

4. Putthemowerbackonitswheelsontheground.If

youhad putplasticunderthegascapearlier,make

sureto removeitnow.

Engine Care

A listofkeymaintenancejobsrequiredforgood

performancebythemowerisgivenbelow.Followthe

accompanyingenginemanualfordetailedlistand

instructions.

1. Maintainoil levelasinstructedinenginemanual.

2. Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal

conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely

dustyconditions.Refertoenginemanual.

3. Cleansparkplugand resetthegaponcea season.

Checkenginemanualforcorrectplugtype andgap

specifications.

4. Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe

coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleantopermit

properaircirculation.Removeall grass,dirtand

combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.

_ WARNING:Alwaysstopengine,

disconnect sparkplug,and ground

against enginebeforecleaning,

lubricating ordoing any kindof

maintenanceonyourmachine.

Replacing Rear Flap

1. Toremoverearflap,lift reardoor,and pressflapinon

eithersideto removefromhole.SeeFigure5-2.

2. Removeflapfromoppositeholeand replacewithnew

flapintheoppositeorderandmannerof removal.

Blade Care /

WARNING:Whenremovingcutting

blade for sharpeningor replacement,

protectyourhandswitha pairof heavy

glovesor usea heavyragtoholdblade.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn

moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand

thecarburetorareup.

2. Removebolt,bellwasher,blade,andbladeadapter

fromtheenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure5-3.

NOTE:Whenremovingtheseitems,thepulleysand

washersmayalsobreakfreefromthecrankshaft.Be

sureto makenoteoftheorientationoftheseitemsfor

reassembly.

Figure 5-3

3. Thebladecanbe sharpenedwitha fileor on a grind-

ing wheel.Donotattempttosharpenthebladewhile

it isstillon themower.Whensharpeningblade,follow

originalangleofgrind.Grindcuttingedgesequallyto

keepbladebalanced.

4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.

Balancethebladeona roundshaftscrewdriverto

check.Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntilit

balancesevenly.

__IL WARNING:An unbalancedbladewill

causeexcessivevibrationwhen rotating

at highspeeds.It maycausedamage

to mower,and couldbreakcausing

personalinjury.

Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurface

ofthebladeadapterwithlightoil.Slidetheblade

adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.Placetheblade

on theadaptersuchthatthesideoftheblademarked

"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)facesthegroundwhen

themowerisin theoperatingposition.Makesurethat

bladeisalignedandseatedon bladeadapterflanges.

6. Placebellwasheronthe blade.Alignnotchesonthe

bladebellsupportwithsmallholesinblade.Replace

hexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450in.Ibs.

rain.,600 in.Ibs.max.

Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically

checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.

Belt Care

1. Removetwoshoulderscrewssecuringfrontdrive

covertomowerdeck.SeeFigure5-4. Pressinwardon

sidesoffrontdrivecoverand releasetabsthat secure

ittotheheightadjusterbrackets.Removedrivecover

frommower.

2. Pulluponthebeltkeeperwireand pivotitoutaway

fromthedrivepulley.SeeFigure5-4 inset.

3. Rollthebeltoff thetransmissionpulley.Tipmower

on its sidewiththeairfilteruptoaccessbeltfrom

undersideofmower.Slidebeltoff ofenginepulleyand

threadthroughtheopeninginthebeltkeeperbracket.

Figure 5-4

Figure 5-5

Thenremovethebeltfromaroundthe bladeby

removingoveroneendata time.SeeFigure5-5.

4. Replacewith newbelt,workingaroundbladeand

upthroughthebeltkeeperbracket.Makesurebelt

isfirmlyseatedonenginepulleywhilepullingfrom

theothersideandslidingit aroundthetransmis-

sionpulley.Pivotthebeltkeeperwirebackintoits

operatingpostionandsnapintothe slotprovided.

Reassemblefrontdrivecover.

WARNING

When removing

the cutting blade

for sharpening or

replacementor

when sliding the belt

around it, protect

your hands with a

pairof heavy gloves

or use a heavy rag to

hold the blade.

An unbalanced blade

will cause excessive

vibration when rotat-

ing at high speeds. It

may cause damage

to mower, and could

break causing per-

sonal injury.

Problem Cause Remedy

Ena nefa sto start 1. Bladecontroldisengaged, i. Engagebladecontro!.

sParkPiugwiie disconnected: conneO!wiretOsparkplugl

3. Fueltankemptyorstalefuel. & Filltankwith clean,freshgasolinel

4. Enginenot piimed(if equippedwth 4. primeengineaSinstr,u,ctedin Operat,

primer)i ing YourLawnMower.

Faultysparkp ugl c ean adjustgap or repiacel

61 BloCkedfuel linel clean fuellinel

7: Engineflooded. 7. Wait afew minutesto restait,but do

I notprimel

" 8. Fue!valve(ifequipped)closed, & Openfuelva!ve:SeeenginemanuaI.

........... 91 Enginenotchoked(ifequippedw/choke). 9. Chokeengine:Seeenginemanual.

For repairsbeyond

minor adjustments

listed here, contact

an authorized service

dealer.

Engineruns erratic

1. Sparkplugwireloose.

2. Blockedfuel lineor stalefuel.

3. Ventingascap plugged.

4. Wateror dirt infuel system.

5. Dirtyair cleaner.

6. Carburetoroutofadjustment.

1. Connectandtightensparkplugwire.

2. Cleanfuelline;filltank withclean,

freshgasoline.

3. Clearvent.

4. Drainfueltank. Refillwithfreshfuel.

5. Referto enginemanual.

6. Referto enginemanual.

Engne overheats 1. Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil.

2. Airflowrestricted. 2. Removeblowerhousing

andc ean.

3. Carburetornotadjustedproperly. 3. Referto enginemanual.

Occasionalskips 1. Sparkpluggaptooclose. 1. Adjustgap to .030".

(hesitates)at 2. Carburetoridlemixtureadjustment 2. Referto enginemanual.

highspeed improperlyset.

Idlespoorly 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gap 1. Resetgapto .030"or replace

- - too wide. _ sparkplug.

I 2. Carburetorimproperlyadjusted. 2. Referto enginemanual.

3 Dirtyair cleaner. 3. Referto enginemanual.

Excessive 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.Balance

Vibration blade.

2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. See anauthorizedservicedealer.

Mowerwill not 1. Wetgrass. 1. Donot mowwhengrassLswet;walt

mulch clrass/If I I untillatertocut.

._ ,_" I 2 Excessvey hghgrass 2. Mowonce atahighcuttingheight

_-qulppea_ then mowagainatdesiredheight'or

I makeanarrowercuttingpath.

I 3. Dullblade. I 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.

Unevencut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsinsame

heightposition.

2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

1. Beltnotinsialledproperly. 1. Checkbeltfor properpulleyinstallation

Mowerwill not

seIfpropeI ' , andmovement.

2. Debrsclogg ngdriveoperation 2. Stopengine,disconnectsparkplug

wireandcleanoutdebris.

3. Damagedor wornbelt. 3. Inspectandreplacebelt.

S".............

Off=Season Storage 4. Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto

Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakentoprepareyourlawn

mowerforstorage.

1. Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin

thelubricationinstructions.

2. Wedonotrecommendtheuseofa pressurewasher

or gardenhosetocleanyourunit.

3. Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine

storageinstructions.

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.

Safety Labels Found On Your Lawn Mower

WARNING

DO NOTremove safety

(or any) labelsfrom

mower for any reason.

Model Series V550

)

Fief. PartNo. Description

No.

1 731-2626 BailCover

2 747-1161A BladeControl

3 746-0957 ControlCable37.25-inch

4 726-0240 CableTie

5 664-04065 GrassBagAssembly

6 747-04080 GrassBagFrame

7 746-04206A VariableSpeedCable

8 731-05642 Trailshield

9 731-05865 RearDoor

Fief. PartNo. Description

No.

37 782-7551A WheelCover

38 717-1762 SpurGear14TRH

717-1761 SpurGear 14TLH

39 710-04531 Screw1/4-20x.39

40 734-2042 FrontWheel8x 2.125Zag

41 731-0981A Hubcap

42 710-0216 Screw3/8-16x .75

43 720-0426 Knob

44 736-0447 WaveWasher1.5x 1x .029

10 687-02280

687-02279

11 787-01537

12 732-04317

13 687-02193

687-02194

14 750-04405

15 715-0221

16 618-04377A

17 710-1650

18 731o05013A

19 782-5002B

20 750-04164A

21 754-04082A

22 787o01258A

23 748-04082

HeightAdj.BracketAssy- LH

HeightAdj.BracketAssy- RH

21-inchDeck

ExtensionSpring

FrontHeightAdj.Assy- LH

FrontHeightAdj.Assy- RH

SleeveSpacer.52IDx 1.8Lg

DowelPin

SNUIN£

45 710-1008 ScrewTT3/8-16x 1.875 _FACTORYPARTS

Transmission

ShoulderScrew

DeckCover

FrontBaffle

Spacer

V-TypeBelt

CableMountBracket

BladeAdapter

46 712-04065

47 782-5004B

48 710-1652

49 720-0312

50 738o0507B

51 734-04093

52 732-0866

FlangeLockNut3/8-16

RearRHBaffle

ScrewTT 1/4-20x .625

FoamGrip

ShoulderScrew

RearWheel12x 2.125IdleZag

SpringLever

24 742-0741 21-inchMulchingBlade

25 736-0452 BellWasher,.396x 1.140x.095

26 710-1257 Sc_w3/8-24 x2.5

27 736-0277

28 756-04160

29 756-04161

30 750-04404

31 682-0015

FiatWasher,1.031x1.620x .095

KeyHalfPulley

UpperHalfPulley

SleeveSpacer,.52Lgx9.10

FrontBearingAssembly

53 687o02039A

687o02040A

54 753-05096A

55 714-0104

56 749-04206

57 710-0703

58 631-0075B

59 732-04090A

PivotArmAssemblyRH

PivotArmAssemblyLH

SpeedControlAssembly

HairpinClip

UpperHandle

Screw1/4-20x.75

EngineSpacer

TorsionSpringRH

60 710-1205 EyeBolt

61 747°04588 PivotRod

62 782-5003A RearBaffleLH

32 787-01298 AdjustmentPlateRH

787-01299 AdjustmentPlateLH

33 687-02044 PivotPlateAssembly

34 732-0706 SpringLeverRH

732-0707 SpringLeverLH

35 736-0474 FlatWasher1.01x 1.5x .035

36 716-0102 SnapRing

63 710-1017

64 712-0397

65 749-0928A

66 710-1174

67 720-04072

ScrewAB 1/4-14x .625

WingNut

LowerHandle

CarriageBolt5/16-18x2

StarKnob

68 720-0279

69 710-04329

70 710-0896

71 732-04294

72 750-04020

73 736-0182

parts, Call

1'800,800.7310

or visit uson

the web

,ww:mtdp,od,,ots:oo,,,

ii i _iI_ ii

IMPORTANT

Fora properworking

machine,useFactory

Approved Parts.V-BELTS

are specially designedto

engageanddisengage

safely.Asubstitute

(non OEM) V-Belt can

be dangerous by not

disengaging completely.

HandleKnob

TorxScrew

Screw,1/4-14x.625

BeltKeeperWire

Spacer,1.004x 1.375x .25

SpringWasher,.500x 1.00x .022

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.

HOW 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 1-330-220-4683or log on to our

Website at www.mtdproducts.com.

Thislimitedwarrantydoesnot providecoverageinthefollowingcases:

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 impliedwarranty of mer-

chantabilityof fitness for a particular purpose,applies after the

applicable periodof expresswritten warranty aboveasto the

partsasidentified.Nootherexpresswarranty, whetherwrittenor

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 productshallvoid this warranty. Youassumetheriskandliability

forloss,damage,or injurytoyouandyourpropertyand/ortoothersand

theirpropertyarisingoutofthemisuseor inabilitytousethe product.

Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendtoanyoneotherthantheoriginal

purchaserorto thepersonforwhomitwas purchasedasa gift.

HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHISWARRANTY:This limited

warrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,and youmayalsohaveother

rightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.

IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofof Purchasetoobtain

warrantycoverage.

IViTDLLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136-0019; Phone: 1=800=800-7310, 1-330=220-4683

MTD 12AV55DQ713 Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 12AV55DQ713

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

V550 Series

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MTD 12AV55DQ713 Owner's manual

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MTD 12AV55DQ713 Owner's manual

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