MTD 260 Series is a 21" Rotary Mower designed to help you maintain your lawn. This machine has a powerful engine and is equipped with a variety of features to make mowing your lawn easier and more efficient. The MTD 260 Series is perfect for small to medium-sized lawns and is easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces. With its durable construction and reliable performance, the MTD 260 Series is a great choice for homeowners who want a high-quality mower that will last for years to come.
MTD 260 Series is a 21" Rotary Mower designed to help you maintain your lawn. This machine has a powerful engine and is equipped with a variety of features to make mowing your lawn easier and more efficient. The MTD 260 Series is perfect for small to medium-sized lawns and is easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces. With its durable construction and reliable performance, the MTD 260 Series is a great choice for homeowners who want a high-quality mower that will last for years to come.
Safety • Setup • Adjustments • Operation • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
A O A AL
\
\.
\\
21" Rotary Mower- Model Series 260
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.
ForUSCustomers: MTDLLC,P.O.BOX361131CLEVELAND,OHIO44136-0019 772C0797
PRINTEDIN U.S.A. ForCanadianCustomers:MTDProductsLtd.,P.O.Box 1386,KITCHENER,ONTARION2G4J1 10/15/2005
This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new equipment, it will help you assemble,
prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Table of
Slope Gauge ....................................................... 3
Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4
Set-Up & Adjustments ........................................ 6
Operation ............................................................. 8
Contents
Maintenance & Off-Season Storage ................ 10
Trouble Shooting .............................................. 12
Warranty ............................................................ 13
illustrated Parts Lists ....................................... 14
Finding and Recording IVlodel Number
BEFOREYOU STARTASSEMBLING
YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,
please locatethe modelplate onthe equipmentand copythe
themodel numberandthe serialnumber tothe sample model
plate providedto theright.You can locatethe modelplate by
standing atthe operatingposition and looking down atthe rear
of thedeck.
Model Number Serial Number
Num6ro de module Num6ro de s_rie
XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX
__ MTD LLC
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
MTD PRODUCTS LIMITED
KITCHENER, ON N2G 4J1
USA-www.mtdproducts.com 1-800-800-7310
CAN-www.mtdcanada.com 1-800-668-1238
Customer Support
Please do NOTretum the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased,
without first contacting Customer Support.
Ifyou havedifficultyassembling this productor haveany questionsregardingthe controls, operationor maintenanceof this unit,
pleasecall a CustomerSupport Representative.
For US Customers: 1-330-220-4MTD (4683)or 1-800-800-7310
For Canadian Customers: 1-800-668-1238
Pleasehaveyour unit'smodelnumber and serialnumber ready whenyou call. See previoussection to locate this information.
Youwill beasked to enterthe serial numberinorderto processyour call.
The enginemanufacturerisresponsiblefor all enigne-relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-rating,specifications,
warrantyand service. Please referto the engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator'sManual,packedseparatelywith your unit,
for more information.
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WARNING
Thissymbolpoints
out importantsafety
instructionswhich,if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
i safetyand/or property
I ofyourselfand others.
Readandfollowall
instructionsin this
manualbeforeat-
temptingto operate
i this machine.Failure
I to complywith these
instructionsmayresult
i inpersonalinjury.When
youseethis symbol.
HEED iTS WARNING!
i Your Responsibility
i Restrictthe use
i ofthis powermachine
to personswho read,
understand
and follow thewarnings
and instructions
, in this manual
I and on the machine.
WARNING:EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehiclecomponentscontainor
emitchemicalsknowntoStateof Californiatocausecancerand birthdefectsor otherreproduc-
tiveharm.
DANGER:Thismachinewasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingtotherulesforsafeoperationinthismanual.Aswith
anytypeof powerequipment,carelessnessor erroron thepartoftheoperatorcanresultinseriousinjury.This
machineiscapableofamputatinghandsandfeetandthrowingobjects.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafety
instructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryor death.
General Operation
1. Readthisoperator'smanual carefullyinits 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.Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand
understandthe instructionsinthis manualandshould
betrainedand supervisedbya parent.Onlyresponsible
individualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe
operationshouldbeallowedto usethis 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,avoiddischargingmaterialagainsta
wallorobstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterial
toricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury,
stayinthe operatorzonebehindthe handlesandkeep
children,bystanders,helpersand petsatleast75feet
fromthe mowerwhileit isin operation.Stopmachineif
anyoneentersthe area.
6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduring
operationand whileperforminganadjustmentor repair
toprotectyoureyes.Thrownobjectswhichricochetcan
causeseriousinjurytothe eyes.
7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesand close-fitting
slacksandshirts. Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthe arms
and legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended.Never
operatethismachinein barefeet,sandals,slipperyor light
weight(e.g.canvas)shoes.
8. Donotputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsorunderthe
cuttingdeck.Contactwiththe bladecanamputatehands
andfeet.
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 mowerawayfroma wallor
obstructionfirstlookdownand behindtoavoidtripping
andthenfollowthesesteps:
a. Stepbackfromthe mowertofullyextendyourarms.
b. Besureyouarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.
c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,no morethanhalfway
towardyou.
d. Repeatthesestepsasneeded.
12.Do notoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof
alcoholordrugs.
13.Do notengagetheself-propelledmechanismon unitsso
equippedwhilestartingengine.
14.Thebladecontrolhandleisasafetydevice.Neverattempt
tobypassitsoperation.Doingso makesthe safetydevice
inoperativeandmayresultin personalinjurythrough
contactwiththe rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandle
mustoperateeasilyin bothdirectionsandautomatically
returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.
15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwet grass.Alwaysbesureof
yourfooting. A slipand fall cancauseseriouspersonal
injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourfooting,releasethe
bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyand the bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthreeseconds.
16.Mowonlyin daylightor in goodartificiallight.Walk,never
run.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor
roads.
17.If theequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineandcheckimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis
generallya warningoftrouble.
18.Shutthe engineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto
acompletestopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcheror
uncloggingthe chute.Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotate
fora fewsecondsafterthe engineisshutoff. Neverplace
anypartofthe bodyin the bladeareauntilyou aresurethe
bladehasstoppedrotating.
19.Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,discharge
cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafety
protectivedevicesin placeandworking.Neveroperate
mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failureto doso,can
resultinpersonalinjury.
20.Mufflerandenginebecomehotand cancauseaburn.Do
nottouch.
21.Only usepartsand accessoriesmadeforthis machineby
the manufacturer.Failuretodo socan resultin personal
injury.
22.If situationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredin thismanual,use
careandgoodjudgment. Callcustomerassistanceforthe
nameofyournearestservicingdealer.
Slope Operation
Slopesareamajorfactor relatedtoslip andfall accidentswhich
canresultinsevereinjury.Operationon slopesrequiresextra
caution.Ifyoufeel uneasyona slope,do notmowit.Foryour
safety,usethe slopegaugeincludedaspartofthis manualto
measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisuniton aslopedor hilly
area.Ifthe slopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donot mowit.
4
Do:
1. Mowacrossthe faceofslopes;neverup anddown.
Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon
slopes.
2. Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks, hiddenobjects,or bumpswhich
can causeyouto slipor trip. Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
3. Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slip andfall cancause
seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyour
balance,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediately,and
the bladewill stoprotatingwithin3 seconds.
Do Not:
I. Donot mowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,you
could loseyourfootingorbalance.
2. Donot mowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownon
the slopegauge.
3. Donot mowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcause
slipping.
Children
Tragicaccidentscanoccurifthe operatorisnot alertto the
presenceofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtothe mower
andthe mowingactivity.Theydo notunderstandthe dangers.
Neverassumethat childrenwillremainwhereyou lastsaw
them.
1. Keepchildrenout ofthe mowingareaand underthewatch-
ful careofa responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.
2. Bealertandturnmoweroff if achildentersthe area.
3. Beforeand while movingbackwards,lookbehindanddown
forsmallchildren.
4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,
doorways,shrubs,trees,or otherobjectsthatmayobscure
yourvisionof achildwhomayrunintothe mower.
5. Keepchildrenawayfrom hotor runningengines.Theycan
suffer burnsfroma hotmuffler.
6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operateapower
mower.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand
understandthe operationinstructionsandsafetyrules in
this manualandshouldbetrainedand supervisedbya
parent.
Service
Safe Handling Of Gasoline:
1. To avoidpersonalinjury orpropertydamageuseextreme
care inhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable
andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan
occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselforyourclothes
whichcanignite.
2. Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.
3. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
4. Neverfillcontainersinsideavehicleoron atruckor trailer
bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe
groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truckortrailer
andrefuelit onthe ground.Ifthisis notpossible,thenrefuel
suchequipmentona trailerwitha portablecontainer,rather
thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.
6. Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimofthefueltank or
containeropeningat alltimesuntilfuelingis complete.Do
notuseanozzlelock-opendevice.
7. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesand othersourcesof
ignition.
8. Neverfuel machineindoorsbecauseflammablevapors
willaccumulateinthe area.
9. Neverremovegascap oradd fuelwhilethe engineis
hotor running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwominutes
beforerefueling.
10.Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch
belowbottomoffiller neckto providefor fuelexpansion.
11.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
12.If gasolineis spilled,wipeitoff theengineand equipment.
Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting
theengine.
13.Neverstorethe machineorfuel containernearanopen
flame,sparkor pilotlightasona waterheater,space
heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.
14.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,
orother debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand
removeanyfuel soakeddebris.
15.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.
General Service:
1. Neverrunan engineindoorsor in apoorlyventilatedarea.
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorless
anddeadlygas.
2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandallmovingpartshavestopped.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."Useofpartswhichdo notmeetthe
originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadtoimproper
performanceand compromisesafety!"
4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcan cut.Wrapthe bladeor
weargloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.
5. Keepall nuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe
equipmentis insafeworkingcondition.
6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproper
operationregularly.
7. Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stopthe engine,discon-
nectthe sparkplugwireand groundagainstthe engine.
Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerforanydamage.Repairthe
damagebeforestartingandoperatingthemower.
8. Neverattemptto makeawheelor 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 overspeed
theengine.Thegovernorcontrolsthemaximumsafe
operatingspeedoftheengine.
11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.
12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper
disposaloffluidsandmaterialscan harmthe environment.
5
Practices
WARNING
Thissymbolpoints
outimportantsafety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safetyand/orproperty
ofyourselfandothers.
Readandfollowall
instructionsinthis
manualbeforeat-
temptingtooperate
this machine.Failure
to complywith these
instructionsmayresult
in personalinjury.When
youseethis symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING!
Your Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read,
understand
andfollow the warnings
and instructions
in this manual
andon the machine.
set.pand
Yourmowerisshipped
with the handleinthe
higher heightposition.
NOTE: Eachend of
the lowerhandlemust
be placed inthe same
relativeposition.
iMPORTANT
This unit is shipped
WITHOUT GASOLINE
or OiL. After assem-
bly, service engine
with gasolineand
oil as instructedin
the separate engine
manual packedwith
your unit.
!
Figure 1
Figure 2
_ ARNING: Disconnect and
ground the spark plug wireas
instructedin the separate engine
manual.
1. Thechutedeflectoronyourmowermaybe heldinan
uprightpositionbya blockforshippingpurposesonly.
Thisshippingblockmustbe removedanddiscarded
beforethemoweris putintooperation.SeeFigure1.
a. Pullthechutedeflectorup towardsengine.
b. Removetheblockandcarefullylowerthechuteinto
operatingposition,keepingfingersoutoftheway.
2. Performthefollowingsequenceforhandlesetup:
a. Pullupand backon theupperhandletoraisethe
handlefrompositionA intotheoperatingposition
B.SeeFigure2.
b. Makesurethecarriageboltis seatedproperlyin
thehandle.Tightenwingnuts(starknobs)securing
upperhandletothe lowerhandle.
NOTE:Onsomemodelswingnutshavebeenreplaced
withstarknobs.Figuresshowwingnutsonly.
3. If satisfiedwith heightof handle,tightenwingnuts(star
knobs)attheendsofthe lowerhandleshownin Figure
3. Forconvenienceofoperating,youmayadjustthe
handleheightasfollows:
a. Removethewingnuts(starknobs)shownin Figure
3 andremovethelowerhandle.
.
b. Positioneachhandlebracketstudintothetophole
in thelowerhandle.SeeFigure3 inset.
c. Tightenthewingnuts(starknobs).
Insertpostoncabletiesintoholesprovidedon the
lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.See
Figure4.
Figure 3 Figure 4
6
5. RopeguideSetupasfollows,seeFigure5:
a. Holdthebladecontrolagainsttheupperhandle.
PositionA.
b. Slowlypullstarterropeoutofengine.PositionB.
c. Slipstarterropeintotheropeguide.PositionC.
d. Tightenropeguidewingnut. PositionD.
,
Eachwheelhasa heightadjustmentlevertochange
thecuttingheightofthe mower.Tochangetheheight
ofcut,squeezeadjusterlevertowardthewheel,
movingupor downtoselectedheight.SeeFigure6.
7, If yourmowerisequippedwithan optionalmulching
Figure 5
NOTE: Allwheels must
bein the sameheight
of cut.
Whencutting in heavy
or moistgrass,the rear
of the lawnmowermay
beraisedhigher to
allow beter discharge
ofthe grass.
Figure 6
baffle,installitas shownin Figure7.
a. Lift upandholdtheside-dischargechutedeflector
andinsertbottomlip ofthemulchingbaffleinside
thechuteopening.
b. Pushthehooksonthetopofthebaffleuntilthey
snapoverthehingeon thedischargechute.
Releasethechutedeflector.
NOTE: Whenyouwishtomowinsteadof mulch,
simplyraisethechutedeflector,graspthehandleonthe
mulchingbaffleandlift upwardto removethebaffle. It is
notnecessarytoremovethe mulchingblade.
Figure 7
7
Your Lawn
Mower
i
i
WARNING
Read,understand,
and follow all instruc-
tions and warnings
on the machineand
inthis manual before
operating.
This blade control
mechanism is a
safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its
operations.
Useextreme care
when handling
gasoline.Gasoline is
trernely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive.Never fuel
the machine indoors
or while the engine
is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipesand
other so urcesof
ignition.
Know Your Lawn Mower
Blade Control Handle
Drive Control Handle
Recoil Starter
/
Mulching Baffle
Height Adjustment
Levers
Chute Deflector
Figure 8
Blade Control Handle
Thebladecontrolhandleislocatedon theupperhandle
ofthemower.SeeFigure8.Thebladecontrolhandle
mustbedepressedinordertooperatetheunit.Release
thebladecontrolhandletostoptheengineand blade.
Drive Control Handle
Thedrivecontrolhandleislocatedontheupperhandle.
Squeezethedrivecontrolhandleagainsttheupper
handletoengagedrivesystem.Releasethecontrol
handletodisengagethedrivesysteminordertostop,
slowdown,or backup.
Recoil Starter
Therecoilstarterisattachedtotherightupperhandle.
Standbehindtheunitand pullthe recoilstarterropeto
starttheunit.
Mulching Baffle
Themulchingbaffleisusedtorecirculategrassclip-
pingsbacktothelawn.Attachitasinstructedonpage7
ofthismanual.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
Oneadjustmentleveris locatedoneachwheelandis
usedtoadjustthecuttingheight.All fourlevershaveto
beatthesamerelativepositiontoensureuniformcut.
Before Starting
1. Servicetheenginewithgasolineandoil asinstructed
in theseparateenginemanual.
2. Attachsparkplugwireto sparkplug. If unitis
equippedwitha rubberbootovertheend ofthespark
plugwire,makecertainthemetalloopon theend of
thesparkplugwire(insidetherubberboot)isfastened
securelyoverthemetaltipon thesparkplug.
3. Beforeeachuse,checkforproperdriveclutchopera-
tionbyperformingthefollowingbeforestartingthe
engine:
a. Withthedrivecontrolreleased,pushmower
forward.Itshouldmovefreely.Pullmowerback-
ward.Itshouldmovewithonlya smallamountof
resistance.
If itdoesnottheclutchmaynotbereleasing
completely.Donotstarttheengineuntilcorrections
havebeenmade.Checkthecontrolcablefor
severebend,kinksandbinding.Alsocheckfor
grassbuild-uparoundthebelt.
8
f
Figure 9
To Start Engine
1. If yourunitisequippedwitha primer,primeengineas
instructedintheseparateenginemanualpackedwith
yourunit.
2.
2. Standingbehindtheunit,depressthebladecontrol
handleandholditagainsttheupperhandleasshown
inFigure9. 3.
3. Graspthe starterhandleas shownand pullslowly
untilresistanceisfelt,thenpullrapidlytostartengine 4.
andavoidkickback.Returnitslowlyto theropeguide.
ToStop Engine 5.
1. Releasethebladecontrolhandletostoptheengine
andblade. 6.
__k WARNING: The blade continues
to rotate for a few seconds after
the engine isshut off.
2. Disconnectandgroundthesparkplugwireas
instructedin theseparateenginemanualto prevent
accidentalstartingwhileequipmentisunattended.
Using Your Lawn Mower
Besurethelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other
objectswhichcoulddamagethelawnmoweror the
engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidentlythrownbythe
mowerin anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjury
totheoperatorandothers.
WARNING: if you strike a foreign
object, stop the engine. Remove
wire from the spark plug, thor-
oughly inspectthe mower for any
damage, and repair the damage
before restarting and operating
the mower. Extensive vibration
of the mower during operation is
an indicationof damage. The unit
should be promptly inspected
and repaired.
Toengagethedrive,squeezethedrivecontrolhandle
towardstheupperhandle.Releasethedrivecontrol
toslowdownwhennegotiatinganobstacle,makinga
turn,or stopping.
Forbestresultsandeffectivemulching,do notcut wet
grass.
Newgrass,thickgrass,orwet grassmayrequirea
narrowercut.
Fora healthierlawn,nevercutoff morethanone-third
ofthetotallengthofthegrass.
Yourlawnshouldbecut inthefallaslongasthere
isgrowth.
Ifthegrasshasbeenallowedtogrowin excessof 4
inches,mulchingis notrecommended.Mowusing
thesidedischargetoreducethegrassheightto3-1/4
inchesor lessbeforemulching.
General Recommendations
1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
anymaintenance.
2. Thewarrantyonthis lawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedto operatorabuse
or negligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras
instructedhere.
3. Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid
enginewarranty.
4. All adjustmentsshouldbe checkedatleastonceeach
season.
5. Periodicallycheckallfastenersandmakesurethese
aretight.
9
Operating
WARNING
The operation of any
lawn mower can result
inforeign objects
being thrown into
the eyes,which can
damage your eyes
severely. Always wear
safety glasses while
operating the mower,
or while performing
any adjustments or
repairs on it.
Besure no one other
than the operator is
standing near the lawn
mower while starting
engine or operating
mower. Never run
engine indoorsor
in enclosed,poorly
ventilated areas. En-
gine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly
gas. Keep hands, feet,
hair and looseclothing
away from any moving
parts on engine and
lawn mower.
:wARN!NG
Always stopengine,
disconnectspark
plug,andground
againstenginebefore
cleaning,lubricating
or doing any kindof
maintenanceonyour
machine!
if unit istipped for
easieraccessto
bladeorbeltltip
mowerasspecified
inseparateengine
manual,if itdoesnot
specifyturnmower
on its side making
sure that the air filter
and the carburetor
cuttinggrassin
sandy soil Condition
causes abrasive wear
to the bladei
Lubricate
thesepoints
before
reasembly.
Figure 10
Lubrication
1. Lubricatethepivotpointsonthebladecontrolhandle
atleastoncea seasonwithlightoil.Theblade
controlmustoperatefreelyin bothdirections.See
Figure10.
2. If yourmowerisequippedwithballbearingwheels,
lubricateat leastoncea seasonwitha lightoil,all
othertypesrequireno lubrication.However,ifthe
wheelsareremovedforanyreason,lubricatethe
surfaceoftheaxleboltandtheinnersurfaceofthe
wheelwithlightautomotiveoil.
3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointperiodi-
callywithlightoil topreventrust.SeeFigure10.
4. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-
tionscheduleandinstruction.
.
2.
Engine
Refertotheseparateenginemanualforengine
maintenanceinstructions.
.
Maintainengineoil asinstructedin theseparate
enginemanualpackedwithyourunit. Readand
followinstructionscarefully.
Undernormalconditionsserviceaircleanerasin-
structedintheseparateengine manualpackedwith
yourunit. Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely
dustyconditions. Poorengineperformanceand
floodingusuallyindicatesthattheaircleanershould
be serviced.
4. Thesparkplugshouldbecleanedandthegap
resetoncea season.Sparkplugreplacementis
recommendedatthestartof eachmowingseason;
checkenginemanualforcorrectplugtypeandgap
specifications.
NOTE:Thissparkignitionsystemmeetsall require-
mentsof theCanadianInterference-CausingEquipment
Regulations.
.
Cleantheengineregularlywithaclothor brush.
Keepthecoolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)clean
topermitproperair circulationwhichisessentialto
engineperformanceandlife.Becertaintoremoveall
grass,dirtandcombustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.
Deck
Theundersideofthemowerdeckshouldbecleanedafter
eachuseto preventa buildupofgrassclippings,leaves,
dirtorothermatter.If thisdebrisisallowedtoaccumulate,
itwillinviterustandcorrosion,and maypreventproper
mulching.
Thedeckmaybecleanedbytiltingthemowerandscrap-
ingcleanwitha suitabletool(makecertainthesparkplug
wireisdisconnected).
Blade Care
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,especial-
lyifyoustrikea foreignobject.Replacewhennecessary.
Followthestepsbelowforbladeservice:
1. Removetheboltandthebladebellsupportwhich
holdthebladeandthebladeadaptertotheengine
crankshaft.SeeFigure11.
2. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.
3. Theblademayberesharpenedbyremovingitand
eithergrindingorfilingthecuttingedgekeepingas
closetotheoriginalbevelaspossible.Donotattempt
tosharpenthebladewhileitisstill onthemower.
4. it isextremely important thateachcuttingedge
receivesanequalamountof grindingto preventan
unbalancedblade.
NOTE:improperbladebalancewillresultin excessive
vibrationcausingeventualdamagetotheengineand
mower.Besuretocarefullybalancebladeafter sharpen-
ing.Possibledamageresultingfrombladeunbalance
conditionisnotthe responsibilityofthemanufacturer.
NOTE:Alwaysremovebladefromtheadapterfortesting
balance.
5. Thebladecanbetestedforbalancebybalancingit
ona roundshaftscrewdriver.Removemetalfromthe
heavysideuntilit balancesevenly.
6 Beforereassemblingthebladeandthebladeadapter
totheunit,lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandthe
innersurfaceofthebladeadapterwithlightoil.
7. Installthebladeadapteron thecrankshaftwiththe
"star"awayfromtheengine.SeeFigure11.Place
thebladewiththesidemarked"bottom"(orwithpart
number)facingawayfromtheadapter.Aligntheblade
bellsupportoverthebladewiththetabsin theholesof
thebladeandinsertthehexbolt.
8. Tightenthehexbolttothetorquelistedbelow:
Blade Mounting Torque
CenterBolt450 in.lb.rain.,600 in.lb,max.
Toinsuresafeoperationofyourunit,ALLnutsand bolts
mustbecheckedperiodicallyforcorrecttightness.
10
/
J
Figure 11
,J
Drive Belt RemovalAnd Replacement
1. Drainthefueltankor placea pieceofplasticbeneath
thecapto preventgasolineleakage.
2. Togeteasieraccesstothebelt,just securelyplace
themoweron raisedblocks.
3. Removethetransmissioncoverbyslidingoff thetwo
plasticrivetswitha screwdriveroneachsideofcover.
SeeFigure12.
4. Removethe belttensionspringfromthefrontheight
adjustmentplatetoreleasethetensiononthebelt.
5. Pushthetransmissionupa littleandslidethebelt
offthetransmissionpulley.Liftthemowertoaccess
thebeltfromtheundersideofthemower.Slidethe
beltoff theenginepulleyandaroundtheblade.See
Figure13.
6. Replacewiththenewbelt,workingaroundtheblade.
Makesurethebeltisfirmlyseatedontheengine
pulleywhilepullingfromtheothersideandslidingit
aroundthetransmissionpulley.
7. Putthemowerdownwithallfourwheelsfirmlyplaced
onone level.Tightenthescrew,loosenedearlier,to
securethebelttensionspringtothetransmission,
andreassemblethefrontdrivecover.
Figure 12
Figure 13
Off-Season Storage
Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakento prepareyourlawn
mowerforstorage.
1. Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin
thelubricationinstructions.
2. Wedo notrecommendtheuseofa pressurewasher
or gardenhosetocleanyourunit.
3. Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine
storageinstructions.
4. Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto
preventrusting.
5. Storemowerin adry,cleanarea.Donotstorenextto
corrosivematerials,suchasfertilizer.
NOTE:Whenstoringanytypeofpowerequipmentin
a poorlyventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshould
betakentorust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoilor
silicone,coattheequipment,especiallycablesandall
movingpartsofyourlawnmowerbeforestorage.
WA=.I.G
When removing the
cutting blade or belt,
protect your hands
With a pair of heavy
glovesor use a heavy
rag to hold the blade,
An unbalanced blade
will cause excessive
vibrationwhen rotat'
at highspeeds:It
may cause damage
to mower, and could
break causing per,
sonal injuryl
We do not recommend
the Used pressure
washers or garden
hose tOCleanyour
unit These maycause
damage toe ectrical
components,spindles;
pulleys,bearings;or
the engi!e:The use
of waterwill resultin
Shortened life and
reduceSerViceabilityl
11
Shooting
For repairs beyond
theminor adjust-
ments listed here;
contactanautho;ized
service dealer.
i i/_II!IIIIi iil iiii!iiii !iii! i_i!
i_i i i ii i i i
Problem Cause Remedy
Enginefails tostart i BladeControlhandledisengaged. !. Engagebladecontrolhandlel
2. Sparkplugwiredisconnected, connect wiretoSpaAplugl
3 Fueltank emptyor stalefuei. & Filltank Withcleanlfreshgasolinel
Enginenotprimed 4. Refertoenginemanual
& FaUitYsparkpugl clean adjustgaP oi replacel
Bockedfue ne 61 ceaniue iinel
7. Engine f!ooding_
1. Sparkplugwireloose.
2. Blockedfuel lineor stalefuel.
3. Gascapventplugged.
4. Wateror dirt infuel system.
5. Dirtyaircleaner.
6. Carburetorout ofadjustment.
Enginerunserratic
7: Waitafew minutesto restart,butdonot prime.
1. Connectandtightenspark
plugwire.
2. Cleanfuel line;fill tankwithclean,fresh
gasoline.
3. Clearvent.
4. Drainfuel tankand carburetor.Refillwithfresh
fuel.
5. Refertoenginemanual.
6. Refertoenginemanual.
Engineoverheats 1. Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewithproperoil.
2. Drty airfilter 2. Refertothe enginemanualpackedwithyour
unit.
I 3. Airflowrestricted. I 3. Removeblowerhousingandclean.
4. Carburetornotadjustedproperly. 4. Refertoenginemanual.
Occasionalskip(hesitates) 1. Sparkpluggaptoo close. 1. Adjustgapto .030".Referto enginemanual.
at highspeed 2. Carburetoridle mixtureadjustment 2. Refertoenginemanual.
improperlyset.
!
1. Sparkpug fouled faulty or gaptoo 1 Resetgapto .030"or replacesparkplug.
wide. Refertoenginemanual.
2. Carburetorimproperlyadjusted. 2. Refertoenginemanual.
3. Dirtyair cleaner. _3. Refertoenginemanual.
Excessivevibration 1. CuttingBlade looseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeand adapter.Balanceblade
2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. Replaceblade.
Mowerw notmuch 1 Wetgrass 1. Donotmowwhengrassiswet
grass waituntillatertocut.
2. Excessivehighgrass. 2. Mowonceatahigh cuttingheight,then mow
againatdesiredheightormakea narrower
I I cuttngpath.
" 3. Dullblade. 3. Sharpenorreplace blade.
Unevencut 1. Wheelsnot positionedcorrectly. 1. Raceall fourwheelsinsameheightposition.
2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.
WheelswIInotpropel 1. Beltnot installedproperly. 1. Checkingbeltfor properpulleyinstallationand
I ' movement
2. Debriscloggingdriveoperation. 2. Cleanout debris.
MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR
ThelimitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenbyMTDLLCwith respecttonewmerchandisepurchasedandusedin theUnitedStatesand/orits territories
and possessions,and byMTDProductsLimitedwithrespecttonewmerchandisepurchasedandusedin Canadaand/oritsterritoriesandpossessions
(eitherentityrespectively,"MTD").
MTDwarrantsthis product(excludingitsnormalwearpartsasdescribedbelow)againstdefectsinmaterialandworkmanshipfora periodoftwo(2)
yearscommencingonthedateof originalpurchaseandwill,atits option,repairor replace,freeofcharge,anypartfoundtobedefectivein materials
or workmanship.Thislimitedwarrantyshallonlyapplyifthis producthasbeenoperatedandmaintainedinaccordancewiththeOperator'sManual
furnishedwiththeproduct,andhasnotbeensubjecttomisuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,accident,impropermaintenance,alteration,vandalism,
theft,fire,water,or damagebecauseofotherperilornaturaldisaster.Damageresultingfromtheinstallationor useofanypart,accessoryor attachment
notapprovedbyMTDforusewiththeproduct(s)coveredbythis manualwillvoidyourwarrantyastoanyresultingdamage.
Normalwearpartsarewarrantedtobefreefromdefectsin materialandworkmanshipforaperiodofthirty(30) daysfromthedateofpurchase.Normal
wearpartsinclude,butarenotlimitedtoitemssuchas:batteries,belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,snowthrowerskid
shoes,frictionwheels,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.
HOWTOOBTAINSERVICE:Warrantyserviceisavailable,WITHPROOFOFPURCHASE,throughyourlocalauthorizedservicedealer.Tolocatethe
dealerinyourarea;
In the U.S.A.:CheckyourYellowPages,orcontactMTDLLCatRO.Box361131,Cleveland,Ohio44136-0019,orcall 1-800-800-7310or
1-330-220-4683or logon toourWebsiteatwww.mtdproducts.com.
In Canada: ContactMTDProductsLimited,Kitchener,ONN2G4J1,orcall 1-800-668-1238or logon toourWebsiteatwww.mtdcanada.com.
Thislimitedwarrantydoesnotprovidecoverageinthefollowingcases:
a. Theengineorcomponentpartsthereof.Theseitemsmaycarrya separatemanufacturer'swarranty.Referto applicablemanufacturer'swarrantyfor
termsandconditions.
b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershavea separateone-yearwarranty.
c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchas lubricants,filters,bladesharpening,tune-ups,brakeadjustments,clutchadjustments,deckadjustments,and
normaldeteriorationoftheexteriorfinishdue touseor exposure.
d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthananauthorizedservicedealer.
e. MTDdoesnotextendanywarrantyforproductssoldor exportedoutsideoftheUnitedStatesand/orCanada,andtheirrespectivepossessionsand
territories,exceptthosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorizedchannelsofexportdistribution.
f. ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts.
g. Transportationchargesand servicecalls.
h. If Productsare usedcommercially.(MTDmayseparatelyoffer LimitedCommercialWarrantiesoncertainselectproducts.Askyourdealeror retailer
fordetailsor contactMTDServiceformoreinformation.)
No impliedwarranty, includinganyimpliedwarrantyof merchantability of fitness for a particular purpose,appliesafter the applicable period
of expresswritten warranty above asto the partsasidentified.Noother expresswarranty,whetherwritten or oral, exceptas mentioned
above, givenbyany personor entity,includinga dealer or retailer, withrespect to any product,shallbind MTD.Duringthe period of the
warranty, the exclusive remedyisrepairor replacementof the productassetforth above.
Theprovisions as setforth inthis warrantyprovidethe soleand exclusive remedy arising from thesale. MTDshallnot be liablefor incidental
or consequential lossor damageincluding,without limitation,expensesincurredfor substituteor replacementlawncareservicesor for
rentalexpensesto temporarily replacea warranted product.
Somejurisdictionsdo notallowtheexclusionorlimitationof incidentalorconsequentialdamages,or limitationson howlongan impliedwarrantylasts,
sotheaboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplytoyou.
Innoeventshallrecoveryofanykindbegreaterthantheamountofthepurchasepriceoftheproductsold.Alterationof safetyfeatures of the
productshallvoid this warranty. Youassumetheriskandliabilityfor loss,damage,or injurytoyouandyourpropertyand/ortoothersandtheir
propertyarisingoutofthemisuseor inabilitytousetheproduct.
Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendto anyoneotherthantheoriginalpurchaseror tothepersonforwhomitwaspurchasedasa gift.
NOWLOCALLAWSRELATETOTHISWARRANTY:Thislimitedwarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightsthatvary
in differentjurisdictions.
iMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofofPurchasetoobtainwarrantycoverage.
MTDLLC,P.O.BOX361131CLEVELAND,OHiO44136-0019;Phone:1-600-600-7310,1-330-220-4683
MTDProducts Ltd., P.O.BOX1386,KITCHENER,ONN2G4J1; Phone: 1-800-668-1238
13
\
\\\\\
\
\
14
REF
NO,
N° DE
REF
I
PART
NO.
N° DE
PIECE
747-1214
747-1161A
746-1114
746-04274
749-1092A
710-1205
720-0279
732-1026
687-02139
710-1174
736-0451
720-0284
749-04037
725-0157
17098
731-04019
710-0599
682-3064
736-0741
712-04065
682-3065
887-02046
710-0654A
754-04100
782-0585A
728-0199
750-04407
716-0198
618-04375
750-04406A
731-0073
748-04016A
742-0742A
736-0524B
710-1044
782-0584
741-0710
710-0216
720-0426
748-0455
731-04643
715-0221
717-1762
717-1761
732-04049
634-0190
747-0710
732-1014
731-1034B
736-0270
17032A
741-0751
687-02051
687-02140
687-02141
887-02094
738-1173
716-0865
734-1987
731-04045
748-0390
731-1035B
720-04072
DESCRIPTION
Drive Control Handle
Blade Control Handle
Blade Control Cable 50.56" Lg.
Drive Control Cable
Upper Handle
Rope Guide Bolt
Knob - ERS Guide 1/4-20
Spring Lever
Pivot Arm Assembly
Carriage Bolt 5/16-18 x 2.0
Saddle Washer .320 ID x .93 OD x .06
Wing Nut
Lower Handle
Cable Tie
Hinge Clip
Trail Shield
Hex Wash S-Tapp Scr 1/4-20 x .50
Handle Bracket Ass'y RH
Cupped Washer .760 ID x 1.25 OD x .041
Flanged Lock Nut 3/8-16
Handle Bracket Ass'y LH
Deck Ass'y
Hex Wash HD Tap Scr 3/8-16 x .88
V-Belt
Forward Height Adjustment plate - LH
Plastic Rivet
Sleeve Spacer .550 ID x 2.22 OD
Retainer Ring
Transmission Assembly Complete
Sleeve Spacer .550 ID x 8.51 OD
Transmission Cover
Blade Adapter
Mulching Blade 22"
Bell Blade Support
Hex Bolt 3/8-24 x 1.5" Lg. (Grade 8)
Forward Height Adjustment plate - RH
Sleeve Brg..502 x .627 x 1.0
Hex Cap Screw 3/8-16 x .75
Knob
Bearing Support
Dust Wheel Cover
Pin
Spur Gear 14T RH
Spur Gear 14T LH
Ext. Spring .47 OD x 2.50
Wheel Ass'y Comp. 8 x 1.8 Spoke Bar
Hinge Pin
Torsion Spring
',Side Discharge Assembly
Cupped Washer .25 ID x .88 OD X .062
Chute Adapter
Height Adjuster Bearing
Lever Ass'y
Spring Lever Assembly (LH)
Spring Lever Assembly (RH)
Pivot Arm Assembly
Shoulder Screw 3/8-16
Snap Ring
Wheel Ass'y Comp. 8 x 1.8
Snap Mulching Plug
Bearing Spacer
Chute Deflector
Knob - Star 5/16-18
DESCRIPTION
Poignee de commande d'embrayage de I'entrafnment
Poignee de commande de la lame
C&ble de commande de la lame 50,56 po de Ig.
C&ble de commande d'embrayage de I'entrainement
Guidon superieur
Boulon de guidage de cordon
Bouton - 1/4-20
Levier de ressort
Bras de pivot
Boulon ordinaire 5/16-18 x 2.0
Rondelle selle 0,320 DI x 0,93 DE x 0,06
€:crou & oreilles
Guidon inf@ieur
Attache c&ble
Attache
Abattant de protection arriere
Vis autotaraudeuse & rondelle hex. 1/4-20 x 0,50
Support-droite
Rondelle creuse 0,760 x 1,25 x 0,041
Ecrou de blocage 3/8-16
Support de montage du guidon CG
Plateau de coupe
Vis autotaraudee 3/8-16 x 0,88
Courroie trapezoidale
Plaque de reglage avant - CG
Rivet en plastique
Entretoise 0,550 DI x 2,22 DE
Bague
Transmission
Entretoise 0,550 DI x 8,51 DE
Couvercle de la transmission
Adaptateur de la lame
Lame dechiqueteuse 22 po
Support
Vis & t_te hex. 3/8-24 x 1,50 po de Ig (Qual. 8)
Plaque de reglage avant - CD
Roulement 0,502 x 0,627 x 1,0
Vis & chapeau & six pans de 3/8-16 x 0,75
Bouton
Support
Couvercle
Goupille
Engrenage 14 dents droite
Engrenage 14 dents gauche
Ressort d'extension 0,47 x 2,50
Ensemble de roue complet 8 x 1,80
Axe fixe
Ressort de torsion
Deflecteur lat@ale
Rondelle creuse 0,25 DI x 0,88 DE x 0,062
Adaptateur de la deflecteur
Roulement
Levier
Levier de ressort (CG)
Levier de ressort (CD)
Bras de pivot
Vis & epaulement 3/8-16
Joint
Ensemble de roue complet 8 x 1,80
Deflecteur de dechiquetage
Entretoise
Deflecteur
Bouton - etoile 5/16-18
12A-263
10.25.05
d6tach es
Forparts and/or
accessories referto
customersupport on
page 2.
Adressez-vous au
,_Serviceapr_s-vente_,
&la page 2 pource qui
concerneles pi_ces
et/ou accessoires.
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MTD 260 Series is a 21" Rotary Mower designed to help you maintain your lawn. This machine has a powerful engine and is equipped with a variety of features to make mowing your lawn easier and more efficient. The MTD 260 Series is perfect for small to medium-sized lawns and is easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces. With its durable construction and reliable performance, the MTD 260 Series is a great choice for homeowners who want a high-quality mower that will last for years to come.
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