Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips &Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
OF A O AL
_X
21" Rotary Mower- Model Series 410
iMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon 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.770-10124F
09/23/2004
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
Trouble Shooting .............................................. 12
Safety Labels .................................................... 13
Parts List ........................................................... 14
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREYOU STARTASSEMBLING
YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,
please locatethe modelplate onthe equipmentand copythe
informationtothe sample modelplate providedtothe right.
Youcan locatethe modelplateby standing at the operating
position andlookingdown atthe rear ofthe deck. This
informationwill be necessaryto usethemanufacturer'sweb
site and/or obtain assistancefrom the CustomerSupport
Departmentoran authorizedservicedealer.
Model Number
www.mtdproducts.com
Serial Number
MTD LLC
P.O= BOX 361131
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330-220-4683
800-800-7310
Customer Support
Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
Ifyou have difficultyassemblingthis productorhave any
questions regardingthecontrols, operationor maintenanceof
this unit,youcanseek helpfromthe experts.Choosefrom the
options below:
1. Visit mtdproducts.com for manyusefulsuggestions.
Click on CustomerSupport buttonand you willget the four
options reproducedinthis sampleto the right.Click on the
appropriate buttonand helpis immediatelyavailable.
2. Phonea Customer Support Representative
at 1(800) 800-7310.
3. The engine manufacturer isresponsiblefor all engine-
relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-rating,
specifications,warranty and service. Pleasereferto the
engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packed
separatelywithyour unit,for moreinformation.
Click here to search our knowledge base.
Search by product, keyword, or phrase.
Login to check the status of your questions, modify
your inquiries, or update your personal profile.
Need local assistance? Click here to find authorized
service centers in your area.
Need a manual and/or parts list? Download
literature from recent model years.
2
O
o
1=
o
>:.
(13
O3
(13
(13
O-
O
O
(--
O5
E
O
(13
(13
o3
(13
O-
O
o3
(13
E
(]3
(13
o
(13
C5
('5
O3
O5
(13
t"b
(13
O9
o5
(13
O-
O
O3
-5
O3
O
O
E
Sightandholdthis levelwith a verticaltree...
also
I
15°
RNING
This symbol points
i out important safety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed, could
endangerthe personal
i safetyand/or property
I ofyourself and others.
Readand follow all
instructionsinthis man-
ualbeforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failureto complywith
these instructionsmay
i resultin personalinjury.
i When youseethis
_symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
i ofthis powermachine
i to personswho read,
understand
andfollow the warnings
and instructions
inthis manual
andon the machine.
WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of itsconstituents,andcertain vehicle compo-
nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancer and
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: Thismachinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operationin this
manual.As with anytypeof powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operatorcan
result inseriousinjury.This machine iscapableof amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.
Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injuryordeath.
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 whomayrunintothemower.
5. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycan
sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.
6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operateapower
mower.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand
understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthis
manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyaparent.
Operation
Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:
1. Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuse
extremecarein handlinggasoline,Gasolineisextremely
flammableand thevaporsareexplosive,Seriouspersonal
injurycanoccurwhengasolineisspilledon yourselfor
yourclotheswhichcan ignite,
2. Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately,
3. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer,
4. Neverfill containersinsideavehicleoron atruck ortrailer
bedwith aplasticliner,Alwaysplacecontainersonthe
groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck or
trailerandrefuelit onthe ground.Ifthis is notpossible,
thenrefuelsuchequipmenton atrailerwitha portable
container,ratherthanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.
6. Keepthe nozzleincontactwith therimofthefuel tankor
containeropeningatalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Do
notusea nozzlelock-opendevice.
7. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
8. Neverfuel machineindoorsbecauseflammablevapors
willaccumulateinthe area.
9. Neverremovegas caporaddfuel whileengineishotor
running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwominutesbefore
refueling.
10.Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethanV2inch
belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.
11.Replacegasolinecap andtightensecurely.
12.If gasolineis spilled,wipeit offthe engineandequipment.
Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting
engine.
13.Neverstorethe machineor fuelcontainernearanopen
flame,sparkorpilotlightas onawaterheater,space heater,
furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.
14.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,
or otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuel spillageand
removeanyfuel soakeddebris.
15.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.
General Operation:
1. Readthisoperator'smanual carefullyinits entiretybefore
attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,
andfollowall instructionsonthe machineandin the
manual(s) beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith
thecontrolsandthe properuseofthis machinebefore
operatingit. Keepthis manualin a safeplaceforfutureand
regularreferenceandfor orderingreplacementparts.
2. Thismachineisaprecisionpieceof powerequipment,not a
plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionatalltimes.
Yourunithasbeendesignedto performonejob:to mow
grass.Do notuse itfor anyotherpurpose.
3. Neverallow childrenunder14yearsoldto operatethis
machine.Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand
understandthe instructionsinthismanualandshould
betrainedand supervisedby a parent.Onlyresponsible
individualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe opera-
tionshouldbeallowedtousethis machine.
4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto
beused.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toysand
otherforeignobjectswhichcouldbetripped overor picked
upandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjectscancause
seriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpatternto avoid
dischargeof materialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystanders
andthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainstawall
or obstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterialto
ricochetbacktowardthe operator.
5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury,stayin
operatorzonebehindhandlesand keepchildren,bystand-
ers,helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrom mowerwhileit is
in operation.Stop machineif anyoneentersarea.
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 lightweight
(e.g.canvas)shoes.
8. Donotputhandsorfeetnearrotatingpartsor undercutting
deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.
4
9. A missingor damageddischargecovercancauseblade
contactorthrownobject injuries.
10.Manyinjuriesoccurasa resultofthe mowerbeingpulled
overthefoot duringafall causedbyslippingor tripping.
Donot holdontothe mowerif youarefalling;releasethe
handleimmediately.
11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare
walking.Ifyoumustbackthe mowerawayfromawallor
obstructionfirst lookdownandbehindto avoidtrippingand
thenfollowthesesteps:
a. Stepbackfrommowertofully extendyourarms.
b. Besureyouarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.
c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,nomorethanhalfway
towardyou.
d. Repeatthesestepsas needed.
12.Donotoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof
alcoholordrugs.
13.Donotengagethe self-propelledmechanismonunitsso
equippedwhilestartingengine.
14.The bladecontrolhandleis asafetydevice.Neverattempt
to bypassitsoperation.Doingsomakesthe safetydevice
inoperativeandmayresultin personalinjurythrough
contactwiththe rotatingblade.The bladecontrolhandle
mustoperateeasilyin bothdirectionsandautomatically
returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.
15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbesureof
yourfooting. A slipandfall cancauseseriouspersonal
injury.If youfeel youarelosingyourfooting, releasethe
bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyand the bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthreeseconds.
16.Mowonlyin daylightorgoodartificial light.Walk,neverrun.
17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.
18.Ifthe equipmentshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineandcheckimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis
generallyawarningof trouble.
19.Shuttheengineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto
a completestop beforeremovingthe grasscatcheror
uncloggingthe chute.Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotate
fora few secondsafterthe engineis shutoff. Neverplace
any partofthe bodyinthe bladearea untilyouaresurethe
bladehasstoppedrotating.
20. Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrail shield,discharge
cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafety
protectivedevicesin placeandworking.Neveroperate
mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo so,can
resultin personalinjury.
21. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causeaburn.Do
nottouch.
22.Only usepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthismachineby
manufacturer.Failuretodo socanresultinpersonalinjury.
23. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredin this manual,use
careand goodjudgment.Telephone1-800-800-7310for
CustomerSupportandthe nameof yournearestdealer.
Slope Operation:
Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidentswhich
can resultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra
caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyon aslope,do notmowit.Foryour
safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthis manualto
measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunitonaslopedor hilly
area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donot mowit.
Do:
1. Mowacrossthefaceof slopes;neverupanddown.
Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon
slopes.
2. Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects,or bumps
whichcancauseyoutoslip ortrip.Tallgrasscan hide
obstacles.
3. Alwaysbe sureofyourfooting.Aslip andfall cancause
seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyour
balance,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediately,and
thebladewillstop rotatingwithinthree(3) seconds.
Do Not:
1. Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,you
couldloseyourfootingor balance.
2. Donotmowslopesgreaterthan15degreesasshownon
theslopegauge.
3. Donotmowonwetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcause
slipping.
Service
1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorin apoorlyventilatedarea.
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessand
deadlygas.
2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe
sparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe engineto prevent
unintendedstarting.
3. Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent
intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefor
damage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewiththe
originalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listed
inthismanual."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe original
equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformance
andcompromisesafety!"
4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor wear
gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip-
mentis insafeworkingcondition.
6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperopera-
tionregularly.
7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,discon-
nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.
Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerforanydamage.Repairthe
damagebeforestartingandoperatingthemower.
8. Neverattemptto makea wheelor cuttingheightadjustment
whiletheengineis running.
9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail
shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould expose
movingpartsor allowobjectsto bethrown.Forsafety
protection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplaceim-
mediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)
partsonly,listedinthis manual."Useofpartswhich do
notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"
10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor overspeedthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating
speedoftheengine.
11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.
12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper
disposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
Practices
WARNING
Thissymbol points
out importantsafety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safety and/or property
of yourselfand others.
Readand followall
instructions inthis man-
ual beforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failuretocomply with
these instructionsmay
result inpersonalinjury.
Whenyou see this
symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read,
understand
and follow thewarnings
and instructions
inthis manual
and onthe machine.
5
NOTE:Stand behind
the mower as il you
were goingto operate
it. Yourrighthand cor-
respondsto the right
i sideof the mower;your
left handcorresponds
to the left sideof the
mower.
NOTE:"(ourmower
isshippedwith the
handlein the higher
heightpositicn,
NOTE: Eachend of
i the lower handlemust
be placedin the same
i relativeposition.
iMPORTANT
I
This unitisshipped
i without gasolineor
i oil inthe engine. Fill
!iupgasolineand oil
as instructedinthe
i accompanyingengine
manual BEFORE
operatingyour mower.
Step 1
ardwarePack
Wing Nuts(2) CarriageBolts(2)
Step 2
1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetween
upperandlowerhandles.
a. Pullupand backon upperhandleasshownin
Step1.Makecertainthe lowerhandleis seated
securelyintothehandlemountingbrackets.
b. Tightenhandknobssecuringupperhandleto
lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriageboltis
seatedproperlyin thehandle.
2. Locatehairpinclipinone holeon theweldpinon each
sideof lowerhandle.
.
a. Removehairpinclipfromthis hole.Usinga pairof
pliers,inserthairpinclipintotheotherholeon the
weldpin.Repeaton otherside.
b. Inserta carriageboltfromthehardwarepackinto
theupperholeonthehandlemountingbracket.
Securewithone plasticwingnut,alsoincluded
inthehardwarepack.Repeatonothersidewith
remainingitemsfromhardwarepack.
Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe
upperhandle.Loosenthewingnutwhichsecuresthe
ropeguide.
a. Holdbladecontrolhandleagainstupperhandle.
b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releaseblade
controlhandle.
c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.Tightenwingnut.
4. Insertpostoncabletiesintoholesprovidedon the
lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.
Step 3 Step 4
6
5. An adjustingplateandthumbleverateachwheel
positionprovidescuttingheightadjustment.
a. Depresslevertowardswheel.
b. Moveittoanyof theninepositionsfordesired
cuttingheight.SeeStep5.
c. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.
6. Followstepsbelowtoassemblethegrasscatcher:
a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside
is atthebottom.
b. Slip plasticchannelofgrassbagoverhooksonthe
frame.SeeStep6.All theplasticchannelsexcept
centertopof bagattachfromoutsideofbag.
c. Attachcentertopofbagfrominsideofbag.
7. Followstepsbelowtoattachgrasscatcher:
a. Liftreardischargedoor.
b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod.Letgo
ofdischargedoorsothat itrestson thegrass
catcher.SeeStep7.
Toremovegrasscatcherorconverttoa mulcher,lift rear
dischargedooron themowerasshowninStep8. Lift
grasscatcherupandoutofthepivotrod.Releaserear
dischargedoortoallowittocloserearopeningof mower.
WARNING: Neveroperate mower unless
the hookson the grass catcherare firmly
seated inthe slots on the handle bracket as-
semblies, and the rear discharge door rests
firmly against top of the grass catcher.
Step 5
_ )
Step 6
Step 7
uStment
CUTTING HEIGHT
Step5
All wheelsmust be
placedin thesame
relative positionl
GRASSCATCHER
Stepe
Makecertain bag is
turned right side out
before assembling
(warninglabelWillbe
onthe outside):
WARNING
Never operatemower
unlessthe hooks on
the grasscatcher are
firmlyseatedin
slots on thehandle
bracket assemblies,
and therear dis,
charge doorrests
f rm yagainsttOpof
the grasscatcher:
7
WARNING
The blade control
mechanism is a
safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its
operations.
I Useextreme care
when handling
gasoline.Gasoline is
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive. Never fuel
the machine indoors
or while the engine
is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes and
other sources of
ignition.
Keep hands and feet
away from the chute
area on cutting deck.
Referto warning
label onthe unit,
Know Your Lawn Mower
Blade Control Handle
Recoil
Startc
pper Handle
ower Handle
Starter
Rope
Grass
Catcher
Oil Fill/Dipstick
Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever
(for eachwheel)
Gasoline Fill
Spark Plug
Figure 1
Now that you have set up your lawn mower for op-
eration, get aquainted with its controls and features.
These are described below and illustrated on this
page. This knowledge will allow you to use your
new equipment to its fullest potential.
Blade Control Handle
The blade control handle is attached to the up-
per handle of the mower. Depress and squeeze
it against the upper handle to operate the unit.
Release it to stop engine and blade.
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter is attached to the right upper
handle. Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil
starter rope to start the unit.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
1. Checkoillevelandaddoil if necessary.Followengine
manualforthis.SeeFigure1abovefor locationofoil
fill.
2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe
enginemanual. SeeFigure1aboveforlocationof
gasfill.
WARNING: This blade control mechanism
is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass
its operations.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
One adjustment lever is located on each wheel and
is used to adjust the cutting height. All four levers
have to be at the same relative position to ensure a
uniform cut.
WARNING: Use extreme care when handling
gasoline. Gasoline isextremelyflammable
and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel the
machine indoorsor while the engine is hot or
running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes
and other sources of ignition.
8
WARNING:The operation of any lawnmower
can result inforeign objects being thrown
intothe eyes, which can damageyour eyes
severely.Alwayswear safety glasses while
operatingthe mower, or while performing
any adjustments or repairson it.
Starting Engine
WARNING: Be sure no one other than the
operator is standing near the lawnmower
while startingengine or operating mower.
Neverrun engine indoors or in enclosed,
poorly ventilatedareas. Engineexhaust
containscarbon monoxide, an odorless and
deadly gas. Keep hands,feet, hairand loose
clothing awayfrom any movingparts on
engine and lawnmower.
1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwoseconds
betweeneachpush.SeeFigure2. Intemperature
around550For below,primefive times.Donotprime
to restarta warmengine.
2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol
handleagainstupperhandle.See Figure2.
3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil
starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-
ous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure2.Keepinga firm
grip onthestarterhandle,lettheroperewindslowly.
Repeatuntilenginecranks.Letthe roperewindeach
timeslowly.
Figure 2
WARNING: Waitfor the blade to stopcom-
pletely before doing any work on the mower
or to removethe grass catcher.
Stopping Engine
1. Releasebladecontrolhandleto stoptheengineand
theblade.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainsttheengine.
Using Your Lawn Mower
WARNING" Neveroperate your mower
without either the rear door or the entire
grass catcherassembly firmly secured.
Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orother
objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmoweror engine.
Suchobjectscouldbeaccidentlythrownbythemower
inanydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytothe
operatorandothers.
WARNING: ifyou strike a foreign object,
stopthe engine. Removewire from the
spark plug,thoroughly inspect mower for
any damage, and repair damage before re-
starting and operating. Extensive vibration
of mower during operation is an indication
of damage. The unit should be promptly
inspectedand repaired.
1. Forbest results,do notcut wetgrass.
2. Fora healthierlawn,nevercut offmorethanone-
thirdofthetotallengthofthegrass.
Using as Mulcher
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherfromthe
mower.Thereardischargedoorshouldbeclosed.
1. Foreffectivemulching,do notcut wetgrass.
2. Newor thickgrassmayrequirea narrowercut.
Adjustgroundspeedaccordingtoconditionoflawn.
3. ifthegrasshasbeenallowedto growinexcessof
4 inches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethe
grasscatchertobagclippingsinstead.
Using Grass Catcher
Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile
youareoperatingthemower.
1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionson page
7. Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectinthe
bagasyourunthe mower.Operatethemowertillthe
grassbagisfull.
2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingtheblade
controlhandle.Makesurethattheunithascometo
a completestop.
3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagup andaway
fromthe mowertodisposeofthegrassclippings.
Mower
WARNING
The operation of any
lawn mower can result
inforeign objects
being thrown into
the eyes, whichcan
damage your eyes
severely. Always wear
safety glasseswhile
operating the mower,
or whileperforming
any adjustments or
repairs on it.
Be sureno one other
than the operator is
standing near the lawn
mower while starting
engine or operating
mower. Never run
engine indoorsor
n enclosed, poorly
ventilated areas. En-
gineexhaust contains
carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly
gas. Keep hands,feet,
hair and loose clothing
away from any moving
partson engine and
lawn mower.
9
Maintaining
WARNING
A waysstope,g ne;
disconnect spark
plugl andground
against enginebefore
cleaning,lubricating
Wedo notrecommend
the useof pressure
washersorgarden
hoseto cleanyour
unit. These maycause
i
damageto electric
Componentsspindles
pulleys;bearings
the enginel The use
of waterwill resultin
shortened lifeand
Lubricatethese
points before
reassembly.
General Recommendations
1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
anymaintenance.
2. Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse
ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras
instructedhere.
3. Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid
enginewarranty.
4. Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.
5. Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese
aretight.
WARNING: Alwaysstop engine, disconnect
spark plug,and groundagainst engine
before cleaning,lubricating or doing any
kind of maintenanceon your machine.
Lubrication
1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolhandleat
leastoncea seasonwith lightoil.Thebladecontrol
mustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure3.
2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatesurfaceofthepivotarmandinner
surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure3.
3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointonthe
reardischargedoorperiodicallywithlightoil to
preventrust.SeeFigure3.
4. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-
tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.
Deck Care
Clean underside of the mower deck after each use
to prevent build-up of grass clippings or other debris.
Follow steps belowfor this job.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn
mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.
2. Tipmowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe
sidewiththeaircleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.
WARNING: Never tip the mower more than
90 degrees in any directions and do not
leave the mower tipped for any length of
time, Oil can drain intothe upper part of the
engine causing a starting problem.
3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwitha
suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.
4. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsontheground.If
youhadputplasticunderthegascapearlier,make
sureto removeitnow.
Engine Care
A listofkeyenginemaintenancejobs requiredforgood
performancebythemowerisgivenbelow.Followthe
accompanyingenginemanualforadetailedlistand
instructions.
1. Maintainoil levelasinstructedin enginemanual.
2. Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal
conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely
dustyconditions.Poorengineperformanceand
floodingusuallyindicatesthattheaircleanershould
beserviced.Toservicetheaircleaner,refertothe
enginemanual.
3. Cleansparkplugand resetthegaponcea season.
Sparkplugreplacementisrecommendedatthestart
ofeachmowingseason.Checkenginemanualfor
correctplugtypeand gapspecifications.
4. Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe
coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleantopermit
properaircirculation.Removeall grass,dirtand
combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.
10
Blade Care
WARNING:Whenremovingthecuttingblade
forsharpeningor replacement, protect your
hands witha pair of heavy glovesor use a
heavy rag to hold the blade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,
especiallyif youstrikea foreignobject.Replacewhen
necessary.Followthe stepsbelowforbladeservice.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn
moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand
thecarburetorareup.
2. Removetheboltandthe bladebellsupportwhich
holdthebladeand thebladeadaptertotheengine
crankshaft.See Figure4.
3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.
4. Thebladecanbe sharpenedwitha fileor on a grind-
ing wheel.Donotattempttosharpenthebladewhileit
is stillonthemower.
5. Whensharpeningtheblade,followtheoriginalangle
ofgrind.Grindeachcuttingedgeequallyto keepthe
bladebalanced.
6. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.
7. Balancethebladeona roundshaftscrewdriverto
check.Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntilit
balancesevenly.
WARNING:An unbalanced bladewill cause
excessive vibration when rotating at high
speeds, it may cause damage to mower, and
could break causing personal injury.
8. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurface
ofthebladeadapterwithlightoil.Slidetheblade
adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.
Off-Season Storage
Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakento prepareyour
lawnmowerforstorage.
1. Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribed
inthe lubricationinstructions.
2. Wedo notrecommendtheuseofa pressurewasher
orgardenhosetocleanyourunit.
3. Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine
storageinstructions.
4. Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto
preventrusting.
5. Storemowerina dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenext
tocorrosivematerials,suchas fertilizer.
Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipmentin a poorly
ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetaken
torust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoil or silicone,
coattheequipment,especiallycablesandall moving
partsofyourlawnmowerbeforestorage.
Crankshaft
ti
,. .J
Figure 4
9. Placethebladeon theadaptersuchthattheside
oftheblademarked"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)
facesthegroundwhenthemowerisin theoperating
position.Makesurethatthebladeisalignedand
seatedon thebladeadapterflanges.
10.Placebladebellsupportonthe blade.Alignnotches
on thebladebell supportwith smallholesin blade.
11.Replacehexboltandtightenhexboltto torque:450
in.Ibs.rain.,600 in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically
checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.
Replacing Rear Flap
1. Toremoverearflap,cutoff theflat endofthewirerod
whichsecuresitto thedeck.SeeFigure5.
Figure 5
2. Attachthenewflapandnewrodto deck,bendingthe
endsofthenewrodovertosecuretodeck.
Maintaining
Yo ur LaWn
ower
WARNING
When removing
the cutting blade
for sharpening or
replacement, protect
your handswith a
pair of heavy gloves
or use a heavy ragto
holdthe blade.
An unbalanced blade
will causeexcessive
vibration when rotat-
ing at high speeds, it
may cause damage
to mower, and could
break causing per-
sonal injury.
11
,!_i_iii_iii!ii_ii_iii_i__i_i ii _ _/_ _i
Trou
For repairs beyond
thembor
ments listed here,
contact anauthorized
service dealer.
iii _iiiiii_iii_i iii _ _/_i _i_
i_i i ii i i i
Problem Cause Remedy
Enginefails tOstart Engageb!adecontro!hand!el
spark plugWiredisconnected. ConnectwiretoSParkplug.
Fue!tankemptyo[Sta efue! 3 Fi!!tankwith€ieanl
13
iii_ _i_ii_ii!ii_ _!_
i i i i i i ii
ii i _i I_ ii
ZagTreadWh_eel I
BarTreadWheell
14
1 747-1161A BladeControlHandle
2 749-1092A UpperHandle
3 747-04080 GrassCatcherFrame
4 749-0928A LowerHandle
5 720-0279 WingNut
6 710-1205 RopeGuide
7 710-1174 CarriageBolt,5/16-18x 2
8 664-04007 GrassBagAssembly
9 720-0284 HandKnob
10 736-0451 SaddleWasher
11 726-0240 CableTie
12 710-0703 CarriageBolt,1/4-20
13 731-04134 RearDischargeDoor
14 750-04162 Spacer
15 732-04089 TorsionSpring- LH
16 732-04090 TorsionSpring- RH
17 _ RearWheel
18 731-04150 RearBaffle
19 731-0981A Hubcapl- (NotShown)
20 787-01208 Deck-21"
21 710-0286 ABScrew,10-16x.500"
22 782-5002B FrontBaffie
23 748-0376C BladeAdapter
24 742-0741 MulchingBlade
25 710-1044 HexBolt, 3/8-24x 1.5
26 687-02077 PivotArmAssembly-RH(8"wheel)
687-02077 PivotArmAssembly-LH(7"wheel)
687-02076 PivotArmAssembly-LH(8"wheel)
687-02076 PivotArmAssembly-RH(7" wheel)
27 736-0524B BladeBellSupport
28 15261C FrontAdjustmentPlate
29 720-0426 AdjustmentLeverKnob
30 732-0404 SpringLeverAssembly
31 738-0507B ShoulderScrew
32 _ FrontWheel
33 710-04371 Screw,1/4-15x1.250
34 746-0957 ControlCable-37.25"
746-1130 ControlCable- 40"
746-0554 ControlCable- 40.5"
746-1137 ControlCable- 53"
35 712-04064 FlangeLockNut,1/4-20
36 731-1236A Trailshield
37 732-0700 TrailshieldWire
38 712-0397 WingNut,1/4-20
39 747-04035 RearDoorPivotRod
40 732-04175 SpringLever
41 687-02071 PivotArmAssembly-RH
687-02070 PivotArmAssembly-LH
42 710-1652 ABScrew
43 712-0431 FlangeLockNut,3/8-16
44 714-0104 HairpinClip
45 710-0654A TT SeresScrew,3/8-16x 1.0
46 687-02074 Ht.Adj.Assy.Front- RH(8"Wheel)
Ht.Adj.Assy.Front- RH(7"Wheel)
Ht.Adj.Assy.Front- LH(8" Wheel)
Ht.Adj.Assy.Front- LH(7" Wheel)
RearHandleBracketAssy.- LH
RearHandleBracketAssy.- RH
687-02100
687-02075
687-02099
47 687-02069
687-02068
flfequipped
RefertoWheelChart
Type Tread
Wheelsw/o bearing Bar
Bar
Bar
Wheelsw/BB Zag
Zag
_:WheelChart
PartNo.
734-1781,SlotHub
734-1987,8x 1.8
734-1988,7x 1.8
734-2004A,DiscHub
734-2005A
15
ii i _iI_ ii
MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR
ThelimitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenbyMTDLLCwithrespectto
newmerchandisepurchasedandusedin theUnitedStates,itsposses-
sionsandterritories.
"MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsin materialandworkmanship
fora periodoftwo(2) yearscommencingonthedateoforiginalpurchase
andwill,atits option,repairor replace,freeofcharge,anypartfoundto
bedefectiveinmaterialsor workmanship.Thislimitedwarrantyshallonly
applyifthis producthasbeenoperatedandmaintainedinaccordance
withtheOperator'sManualfurnishedwiththeproduct,andhasnotbeen
subjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,accident,improper
maintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft,fire,water,ordamagebecause
ofotherperilor naturaldisaster.Damageresultingfromtheinstallationor
useofanypart,accessoryorattachmentnotapprovedbyMTDforuse
withtheproduct(s)coveredbythis manualwillvoidyourwarrantyasto
anyresultingdamage.
Normalwearpartsarewarrantedto befreefromdefectsinmaterialand
workmanshipfora periodofthirty(30)daysfromthedateof purchase.
Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuchas: batteries,
belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,snow
throwerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.
HOW TO OBTAINSERVICE: Warrantyservice isavailable,WITH
PROOFOF PURCHASE,throughyour localauthorized service
dealer.Tolocate the dealer in yourarea, check yourYellowPages, or
contact MTD LLCat RO. Box361131,Cleveland,Ohio 44136-0019,or
call 1-800-800-7310or 1-330-220-4683or log on to our Web site at
www.mtdproducts.com.
Thislimitedwarrantydoesnot providecoverageinthefollowingcases:
a. Theengineor componentpartsthereof.Theseitemsmay
carrya separatemanufacturer'swarranty.Refertoapplicable
manufacturer'swarrantyfortermsandconditions.
b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershavea separateone
yearwarranty.
c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchaslubricants,filters,blade
sharpening,tune-ups,brakeadjustments,clutch adjustments,
deckadjustments,andnormaldeteriorationoftheexteriorfinish
duetouseorexposure.
d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthananauthorizedservice
dealer.
e.
f.
g.
MTDdoesnotextendanywarrantyforproductssoldor
exportedoutsideoftheUnitedStates,its possessionsand
territories,exceptthosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorized
channelsofexportdistribution.
ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts.
Transportationchargesand servicecalls.
No impliedwarranty, includinganyimpliedwarranty of merchant-
ability of fitness for a particularpurpose,applies after the applicable
periodof expresswritten warranty aboveas to the partsas identi-
fied. Noother expresswarranty, whether written or oral, exceptas
mentionedabove,given by anypersonor entity,includinga dealer
or retailer,with respect to anyproduct,shallbind MTD.Duringthe
periodof the warranty, the exclusiveremedyisrepairor replacement
of the productas setforth above.
Theprovisionsas setforth inthis warrantyprovidethe soleand
exclusiveremedyarising from the sale.MTDshallnot be liable
for incidentalor consequentialloss or damageincluding,without
limitation, expensesincurredfor substituteor replacement lawncare
servicesor for rentalexpensesto temporarily replacea warranted
product.
Somestatesdo notallowtheexclusionor limitationofincidentalor
consequentialdamages,or limitationson howlonganimpliedwarranty
lasts,sotheaboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplytoyou.
Innoeventshallrecoveryofanykindbegreaterthantheamountofthe
purchasepriceoftheproductsold.Alterationof safety features of the
productshallvoid this warranty. Youassumetheriskandliabilityfor
loss,damage,or injurytoyouandyourpropertyand/ortoothersandtheir
propertyarisingoutofthemisuseor inabilitytousetheproduct.
Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendto anyoneotherthantheoriginal
purchaseror tothepersonforwhomitwaspurchasedasa gift.
HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHISWARRANTY: Thislimitedwar-
rantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrights
whichvaryfromstatetostate.
IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofofPurchasetoobtain
warrantycoverage.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136=0019; Phone: 1=800=800=7310, 1=330=220=4683
/