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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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
I.
=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.
4
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.
5
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.
.
5.
c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.
d. Tightenwingnut.
Insertpostoncabletiesintoholesprovidedon the
lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.
Anadjustingplateandthumbleverateachwheel
positionprovidescuttingheightadjustment.
a. Depresslevertowardswheel.
b. Moveitto anyoftheninepositionsfordesired
cuttingheight.SeeFigure3-5.
c. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.
f
Figure 3=3 Figure 3=4
6
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
J
Figure 3-6
\ Y J
Figure 3-8 Figure 3-7
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.
8
u
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.
9
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
of
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;
i'
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.
5.
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.
10
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
J
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.
f
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.
11
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.
I
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.
H
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.
M
12
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.
13
Model Series V550
)
14
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
15
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
/