Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips &Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
A O A AL
21" Rotary Mower- Model Series 410 thru 420
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 LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
FORMNO.769-02336A
9/25/2006
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
Safety Labels .................................................... 13
Parts List ........................................................... 14
Warranty ............................................. Back Cover
MTDLLCreservestherighttochangeproductspecifications,designs,andequipmentwithoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation.
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREYOUBEGINTOASSEMBLEYOURNEW
EQUIPMENT,pleaselocatethemodelplateon the
equipmentandcopytheinformationto thesample
modelplateprovidedtothe right.Youcanlocatethe
modelplatebystandingatthe operatingpositionand
lookingdown atthe rearofthedeck.Thisinformation
will benecessaryto usethemanufacturer'sweb
site,to obtainassistancefromtheCustomerSup-
port Department,orwhencontactingan authorized
servicedealer.
f
Model Number Serial Number
MTD LLC
P.O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330-220-4683
, www.mtdproducts.com 800-800-731
Customer Support
Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
Ifyou havedifficultyassemblingthis productorhaveanyquestionsregardingthecontrols,operation,or
maintenanceofthis unit,youcan seekhelpfromtheexperts.Choosefromtheoptionsbelow:
= Visitwww.mtdproducts.com
• CallaCustomerSupportRepresentativeat 1-800-800-7310.
• Theengine manufacturer isresponsibleforall engine-relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-
rating,specifications,warrantyandservice.Pleaserefertothe enginemanufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's
Manual,packedseparatelywithyour 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 thewarnings
and instructions
I.
=nthis manual
and onthe machine.
WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of its constituents,and certainvehiclecompo-
nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: Thismachine was builtto be operatedaccordingto the rulesfor safeoperation in this
manual.As with anytypeof powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operator
can resultin serious injury.This machine is capableof amputatinghandsand feet and throwing
objects. Failureto observethefollowing safety instructionscould result in seriousinjury ordeath.
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. Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyin its entiretybefore
attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,
andfollowall instructionsonthe machineandin the
manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith
thecontrolsandthe properuseofthis machinebefore
operatingit. Keepthis manualin a safeplaceforfuture
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 instructionsinthismanualandshould
betrainedand supervisedby a parent.Onlyresponsible
individualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe
operationshouldbeallowedto usethismachine.
4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto
beused.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toys
andotherforeignobjects,whichcouldbetrippedoveror
pickedupandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjectscan
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. Shirtsandpantsthatcoverthe 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 causedby slippingor 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 fallcancauseseriouspersonal
injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourfooting,releasethe
bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthreeseconds.
16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.
18.Ifthe 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 placeand working.Neveroperate
mowerwith damagedsafetydevices.Failureto dosocan
resultin personalinjury.
21.Mufflerand enginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Do
nottouch.
22.Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthis 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,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthis manualto
measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisuniton aslopedorhilly
area.Ifthe slopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donotmowit.
Do:
1. Mowacrossthefaceofslopes;neverupand down.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
2. Watchfor holes,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 stoprotatingwithin3seconds.
Do Not:
1. Do notmowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments,you
could loseyourfootingor balance.
2. Donotmowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownon
the slopegauge.
3. Donotmowonwet grass.Unstablefootingcouldcause
slipping.
Service
Safe Handling Of Gasoline:
1. Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextreme
carein handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable
andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjury can
occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselfor yourclothes,
whichcanignite.Washyourskin andchangeclothes
immediately.
2. Useonlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.
3. Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehicleor ona truckortrailer
bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe
groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
4. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truckor trailer
andrefueliton theground.Ifthisisnot possible,thenrefuel
suchequipmenton atrailer withaportablecontainer,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 oraddfuelwhileengineishot or
running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwominutesbefore
refueling.
9. Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch
belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.
10.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
11.Ifgasolineis spilled,wipeitoff theengineand equipment.
Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting
engine.
12.Neverstorethemachineorfuel 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 a poorlyventilatedarea.
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
performanceandcompromisesafety!"
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 makeawheelor cuttingheightadjust-
mentwhilethe engineisrunning.
9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail
shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould
exposemovingpartsor allowobjectstobethrown.For
safetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsand re-
placeimmediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's
(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedin this manual."Useofparts
whichdo notmeetthe originalequipmentspecifications
mayleadtoimproperperformanceand compromise
safety!"
10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating
speedoftheengine.
11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,as necessary.
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
i NOTE:ThisOperator's
} Manualcoversseveral
i models.LawnMower
i featuresvaryby
model,Notallfeatures
discussed(orengines
pictured)inthismanual
areapplicabletoall
LawnMowermodels.
NOTE:Standbehind
themowerasifyou
weregoingtooperate
it.Yourrighthand
correspondstotheright
sideofthemower;your
lefthandcorresponds
I totheleftsideofthe
mower.
i NOTE:Yourmower
isshippedwiththe
handleinthehigher
heightposition.
NOTE:Eachendof
; thelowerhandlemust
i beplacedinthesame
I relative position.
IMPORTANT
i Thisunt isshipped
i withoutgasolineor
oil inthe engine. Fill
up gasolineand oil
as instructedinthe
accompanyingengine
manual BEFORE
operatingyour mower.
Figure3-1: Unfoldhandleandtightenhardware.
HardwarePack
CarriageBolts (2)
Figure3-2:Securelowerhandletomountingbrackets.
Figure3-3:Pullrecoilstarterthroughropeguideandtighten.
IMPORTANT:Thisunit isshipped without gasolineor
oil inthe engine.Fillup gasoline and oil as instructed
inthe accompanying enginemanualBEFOREoperat-
ingyourmower.
1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetween
upperandlowerhandles.
a. Pullupand backon upperhandleasshownin
Figure3-1.Makecertainthelowerhandleisseated
securelyintothehandlemountingbrackets.Donot
crimpcablewhileliftingthehandleup.
b. Tightenstarknobssecuringupperhandleto lower
handle.See Figure3-1.Makesurethateach
carriageboltisseatedproperlyinthehandle.
2. Locatethehairpinclipon theweldpinon eachside
lowerhandle.
a.
Removehairpinclipfromthis hole.Usinga pair
ofpliers,inserthairpinclipintotheholeon pin
closesttothebracket.SeeFigure3-2.Repeaton
otherside.
b.
Inserta carriageboltfromthehardwarepackinto
theupperholeonthehandlemountingbracketas
shownin Figure3-2.Securewithone plasticwing
nut,alsoincludedinthehardwarepack.Repeaton
otherside.
.
Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe
upperhandle.Loosenthewingnutwhichsecuresthe
ropeguide.SeeFigure3-3.
a. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releaseblade
controlhandle.
.
c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.
d. Tightenwingnut.
Insertpostoncabletiesintoholesprovidedon the
lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.See
Figure3-4.
Figure3-4:Securecabletohandleusingcableties.
J
6
Followstepsbelowtoassemblethegrasscatcher
(if needed).Makecertainbagisturnedrightside
outbeforeassembling(warninglabelwill beonthe
outside).
a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside
is atthebottom.
b. Slip plasticchannelofgrassbagoverhookson
theframe.SeeFigure3-5.All theplasticchannels
exceptcentertopofbagattachfromoutsideof
bag.
c. Attachcentertopofbagfrominsideofbag.
6. Followstepsbelowtoattachgrasscatcher:
a. Liftreardischargedoor.
b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod.Letgo
ofdischargedoorsothat itrestson thegrass
catcher.SeeFigure3-6.
Toremovegrasscatcher,lift reardischargedooron the
mower.Liftgrasscatcherupandout,off ofthepivot
rod.Releasereardischargedoortoallowittocloserear
openingofmower.
,_ WARNING:Neveroperate mowerunless the
hookson thegrass catcherarefirmly seated
on the pivotrod and the rear dischargedoor rests
firmly against top of thegrass catcher.
Adjustments
An adjustingplateandthumbleverateachwheel
providescuttingheightadjustment.
1. Depresslevertowardswheel.
2. Moveittoanyone ofthepositionsfordesiredcutting
height.SeeFigure3-7.Makesurethateachwheelis
positionedatthesameheight.
3. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.
7 _J
Figure3-5:Assemblethegrasscatcher(ifneeded).
Figure3-6:Attachthegrasscatcher.
,,, J
Figure3-7:Useadjustmentleversateachwheeltochangethe
cuttingheight.
7
Adju t,,,onl
WARNING
Neveroperatemower
unless the hooks on the
grasscatcherare firmly
seatedonthe pivotrod
and the reardischarge
door restsfirmly against
top ofthegrass catcher.
WARNING
The bladecontrolisa
safetydevice. DONOT
bypassitsoperations.
Useextremecarewhen
handlinggasoline.
Gasolineisextremely
I flammable andthe vapors
; areexplosive.Neverfuel
; the machine indoorsor
i whilethe engineishot
i or running.Extinguish
c=garettes,e=gars,pipes
and othersourcesof
ignition.
i Keep handsand feet
awayfrom the chutearea
oncutting deck. Referto
warninglabelontheunit.
Know Your Lawn Mower
BladeControl
CuttingHeightAdjustment
Levers(oneateachwheel)
Figure4-1:Themaincomponentsonthemower.
Nowthatyouhavesetupyourlawnmower,itsimportanttobecomeacquaintedwithitscontrolsandfeatures.
Blade Control
Thebladecontrolisattachedtothe upperhandleof
themower.Depressand squeezeitagainsttheupper
handletooperatetheunit. Releaseittostopengineand
blade.
,_ WARNING:Thisbladecontrolisa safety
device.Neverattempt to bypass itsopera-
tions.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
Referto the enginemanualfor instructions.
1. Checkoillevelandaddoil if necessary.Followengine
manualforthis.
2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe
enginemanual.Refertotheenginemanualforthe
locationofthegasandoil fill.
Cutting HeightAdjustment Levers
Oneadjustmentleverislocatedat eachwheelandis
usedtoadjustthecuttingheight.All fourwheelsmust
bepositionedatthe sameheighttoensurea uniform
cut.
Recoil Starter
Therecoilstarteris attachedtotherightupperhandle.
Standbehindtheunitand pullthe recoilstarterropeto
startthe unit.
,_ WARNING:Useextremecarewhenhandling
gasoline.Gasolineisextremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive. Neverfuel the
machine indoorsor whilethe engineishotor run-
ning.Extinguish cigarettes,cigars,pipesand other
sourcesof ignition.
8
Starting Engine
_IL ARNING:Besure no one otherthan the
operatorisstanding near the lawn mower
while starting engine or operatingmower.Never
runengineindoorsor in enclosed,poorly ventilated
areas. Engine exhaustcontains carbon monoxide,an
odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands,feet, hair and
looseclothing awayfrom any moving partson engine
and lawnmower.
Follow theset of instructionspertainingto your unit.
MowerReferto enginemanualfor helpwith theengine.
Briggs & Stratton/Tecumseh Engine:
1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwoseconds
betweeneachpush.SeeFigure4-2.Intemperature
around550For below,primefive times.Donotprime
to restarta warmengine.
2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol Figure4-2:StartingtheBriggs&Stratton/Tecumsehengine.
againstupperhandle.
3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil
starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-
ous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure4-2.Keepinga firm
gripon thestarterhandle,lettheroperewindslowly.
Repeatuntilenginecranks.Letthe roperewindeach
timeslowly. Theoperation ofanylawn
mowercanresult inforeign
Honda Engine: objects being thrown into
1. Placethefuelvalveleverfoundontheleft sideofthe theeyes,whichcandamage
engineintotheON(OPEN)position.See Figure4-3. youreyes severely.Always
2. Movethechokeleverall thewaybackwardintothe wearsafety glasseswhile
chokeposition, operatingthe mower or
3. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol whileperformingany
againstupperhandle.Thechokewillnowbeginto adjustments or repairs on it
slowlyreturntotheoffchokepositionafteractivating
thebladecontrol.Therefore,quicklymoveontostep Be sure no one other than
fourbelow, the operatoris standing
4. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil Figure4-3:StartingtheHondaengine, nearthe lawnmower while
starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu- starting engine or operating
ous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure4-3.Keepinga firm _ WARNING:If you strike a foreign object, mower.Neverrun engine
gripon thestarterhandlelettheroperewindslowly, indoorsor inenclosed,
Repeatuntilenginecranks.Letthe roperewindeach _ stop the engine. Removewire from the poorlyventilated areas.
spark plug, thoroughly inspectmower for Engineexhaust contains
timeslowly, anydamage,and repairdamagebeforerestarting
carbonmonoxide,an
WARNING:Wait for the blade to stop com- and operating. Extensivevibration of mower during odorlessand deadlygas.
pletely before performinganywork on the operation isan indicationof damage.Theunit Keephands,feet, hairand
mower or to removethe grass catcher, should be promptlyinspectedand repaired.
loose clothingawayfrom
Stopping Engine any moving partson engine
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineand blade. Using as Mulcher and lawnmower.
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherandside
2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainsttheengine, dischargechutefromthemower.Foreffectivemulching,
do notcutwetgrass.If thegrasshasbeenallowedto Neveroperate your mower
Using Your Lawn Mower growinexcessof fourinches,mulchingisnotrecom- withouteither the rear door
Besurelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other mended.Usethegrasscatchertobagclippingsinstead, or theentire grass catcher
objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine. Using Grass Catcher assemblyfirmly secured.
Suchobjectscouldbe accidentlythrownbythemower Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile
in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytothe
youareoperatingthemower.Refertosetupsectionfor
operatorandothers, instructionson attachingthegrasscatcher.
WARNING
9
F _" Lubrication
IMPORTANT:Donotusea
pressurewasheror garden
hoseto cleanyourunit,
Thesemaycausedamage
to electriccomponents;
spindles, pulleys,bear,
ings,orthe engine.The
useofwaterwill resultin
shortenedlifeand reduce
\
,,... - j
Figure5-1:Areastolubricateonthemower.
General Recommendations
• Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
anytypeof maintenance.
• Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse
ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras
instructedhere.
• Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid
enginewarranty.
• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.
• Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese
aretight.
_b ARNING:Alwaysstopengine,disconnect
spark plug,and groundagainst engine
beforecleaning, lubricating,or performinganytype
of maintenance.
• Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolatleast
oncea seasonwithlightoil.Thebladecontrolmust
operatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure5-1.
• Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatesurfaceofthepivotarmandinner
surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure5-1.
• Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointontherear
dischargedoorperiodicallywithlightoil toprevent
rust.See Figure5-1.
• Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforengine
lubricationscheduleand instructions.
Deck Care
,_ib WARNING:Nevertip the mowermorethan
90° in anydirection and do not leavethe
mower tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain
intothe upper partof theengine causing a starting
problem.
Cleanundersideofthe mowerdeckaftereachuseto
preventbuild-upofgrassclippingsorotherdebris.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn
mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.
2. Tipmowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe
sidewiththeair cleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.
3. Scrapeand cleantheundersideofthedeckwitha
suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.
4. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsontheground.If
youhad putplasticunderthegascapearlier,make
sureto removeitnow.
Engine Care
A listofkeyenginemaintenancejobs requiredforgood
performancebythemowerisgivenbelow.Followthe
accompanyingenginemanualforadetailedlistand
instructions.
• Maintainoil levelasinstructedin enginemanual.
• Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal
conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely
dustyconditions.Poorengineperformanceand
floodingusuallyindicatesthattheaircleanershould
beserviced.Toservicetheaircleaner,refertothe
enginemanual.
• Cleansparkplugand resetthegaponcea season.
Sparkplugreplacementisrecommendedatthestart
ofeachmowingseason.Checkenginemanualfor
correctplugtypeand gapspecifications.
• Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe
coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleantopermit
properaircirculation.Removeall grass,dirtand
combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.
10
_kL ARNING:Whenremovingthecuttingblade
for sharpeningor replacement,protectyour
handswitha pairof heavyglovesor usea heavyrag
to hold theblade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,
especiallyif youstrikea foreignobject.Replacewhen
necessary.Followthe stepsbelowforbladeservice.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn
moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand
thecarburetorareup.
2. Removetheboltandthe bellbladesupportwhich
holdthebladeand thebladeadaptertotheengine
crankshaft.See Figure5-2.
3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.
4. Thebladecanbe sharpenedwitha fileor on a grind-
ingwheel.Donotattempttosharpenthebladewhile
itisstillon themower.Whensharpeningtheblade,
followtheoriginalangleofgrindandgrindeachcut-
tingedgeequallyto keepthebladebalanced.Balance
thebladeona roundshaftscrewdriver.Removemetal
fromtheheavysideuntilitbalancesevenly.
_ ARNING:Anunbalancedblade will cause
excessivevibrationwhen rotating at high
speeds.It may causedamageto mower,and could
break causingpersonalinjury.
5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandslidetheblade
adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.
6. Placethebladeon theadaptersuchthattheside
oftheblademarked"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)
facesthegroundwhenthemowerisintheoperating
position.Makesurethatthebladeisalignedand
seatedon thebladeadapterflanges.
7. Placebladebellsupportonthe blade.Alignnotches
on thebladebell supportwith smallholesinblade.
8. Replacehexboltandtightenhexboltto torque:450
in.Ibs.rain.,600 in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically
checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.
Replacing Rear Flap
1. Toremoverearflap,cutoff theflat endofthewirerod
whichsecuresitto thedeck.SeeFigure5-3.
2. Attachthenewflapandnewrodto deck,bendingthe
endsofthenewrodovertosecuretodeck.
Figure5-2:Removebladeandhardware.
f
_, ,J
Figure5-3:Cutwirerodtoremovetherearflap.
Off-Season Storage
Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakento prepareyour
lawnmowerforstorage.
• Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribed
inthe lubricationinstructions.
• Wedo notrecommendtheuseofa pressurewasher
orgardenhosetocleanyourunit.
Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine
storageinstructions.
Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto
preventrusting.
Storemowerina dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenext
tocorrosivematerials,suchas fertilizer.
Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipmentina poorly
ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetaken
torust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoil or silicone,
coattheequipment,especiallycablesandall moving
partsofyourlawnmowerbeforestorage.
11
WARNING
When removing
the cutting blade
for sharpening or
replacement, protect
your hands with a
pairof heavy gloves
or use a heavy rag to
holdthe blade.
An unbalanced blade
will causeexcessive
vibrationwhen rotat-
ing at high speeds. It
may cause damage
to mower, and could
break causing per-
sonal injury.
i i i_iii _i_'i__ii i/ ii _i_
Forrepairsbeyond
the minoradjustments
listedhere; contact
an authorized service
dealer'
ii ii i _ i i iii i !i_ ii _i
Problem Cause Remedy
I
Eng=nefalls to start 1. Biadecontroldlsengaged. 1, Engagebladecontrol.
21 sparkplugWiredisconnected. 2, ConnectwiretOsparkplug.
Fue!tankempty0rsta!e!ueL Fil!tankwith C!eanl!reshgaso!inel
Enginenotchoked. & ,Chokeengineasinstructedinthe
I I Operatingyour LawnMower section,
5. Faultysparkp!ug, 5. Clean adjustgap orreplace.
Blockedfuel iinel 61 clean fue!iinel
7 EngineflOoded:. 7 watafewmnutestOrestart butdo
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.
I
Eng ne overheats 1. Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil.
2. Airflow restricted. 2. Removeblowerhousingand clean.
r
3. Caburetornotadjustedproperly. 3. Referto enginemanual
Occasional skips 1. Sparkpluggap tooclose. 1. Adjustgap to .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. Refertoenginemanual•
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
makeanarrowercurtngpath.
' 3. Dullblade. 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.
I
Uneven cut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsin same
heightposition.
2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.
Subject tochangewithout
notificationor obligation,
Images my not reflect your
exact model and are for
refe[ence purposes oniyl
12
Safety Label Found On Your Lawn Mower
13
Model Series 410 & 420
_2_
ZagTread Pin BarTread S-WaveTread K2Tread
14
1 747-1161A BladeControl
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
14 731-05642 Trailshield
15 747-04587 RearDoorPivotRod
16 710-0654A TTScrew,3/8-16x 1
17 731-05865 RearDischargeDoor
18 731-04150C RearBaffle
19 732-04090A TorsionSpringRH
20 710-1241 Screw,1/4-15x 1.00
21 787-01276 Deck21inch
22 687-02271 HandleBracketAssy- RH
687-02270 HandleBracketAssy- LH
23 687-02075A Ht.Adj.Assy.Front- LH(8" Wheel)
687-02074A Ht.Adj.Assy.Front- RH(8"Wheel)
687-02099A Ht.Adj.Assy.Front- LH(7" Wheel)
687-02100A Ht.Adj.Assy.Front- RH(7"Wheel)
24 782-5002B FrontBaffle
25 748-0377C BladeAdapter
26 742-0641 StandardBlade
742-07411- MulchBlade
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 PivotArmAssyRH(7" wheel)
687-02077A PivotArmAssyLH(7"wheel)
687-02076A PivotArmAssyLH(8"wheel)
687-02077A PivotArmAssyRH(8" wheel)
32:1: 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
38 710-0703 CarriageBolt,1/4-20
39:1: RearWheel
40 710-1652 Screw,1/4-20x.625
41 714-0104 HairpinClip
1 ifequipped
RefertoWheelChart
Type Tread
Wheelsw/o bearing Bar
K2 Bar
K2 Bar
Wheelsw/BB Zag
Zag
WheelChart
PartNo.
734-1781,SlotHub
734-04215,8x 1.8
734-04213,7 x 1.8
734-2004A,DiscHub
734-2005A
ThisOperator'sManualcoversarangeofproductspecificationsforvariousmodels.Characteristicsand features
discussedand/orillustratedinthis manualmaynotbeapplicableto allmodels.MTDLLCreservestherightto
changeproductspecifications,designs,andequipmentwithoutnoticeand withoutincurringobligation.
15
i _iii ii i
Toorder replacement
parts, contact
.800=7310
or visit
www:mtdproducts: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.
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 1-330-220-4683 or 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,sotheaboveexclusionsorlimitationsmaynotapplytoyou.
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
/