MTD 500 Series Owner's manual

Category
Lawnmowers
Type
Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

MTD 500 Series is a powerful and versatile rotary mower that can handle various mowing tasks. Ideal for slopes and large lawns, it features a durable 22-inch cutting deck, self-propelled operation for effortless mowing, and adjustable cutting heights to suit your lawn's needs. With its safety features and easy-to-use controls, the MTD 500 Series ensures a safe and efficient mowing experience.

MTD 500 Series is a powerful and versatile rotary mower that can handle various mowing tasks. Ideal for slopes and large lawns, it features a durable 22-inch cutting deck, self-propelled operation for effortless mowing, and adjustable cutting heights to suit your lawn's needs. With its safety features and easy-to-use controls, the MTD 500 Series ensures a safe and efficient mowing experience.

Safety Setup Adjustments Operation Maintenance Troubleshooting Parts Lists Warranty
A O AL
\
22" Rotary Mower- Model Series 500
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 772C0796
PRINTEDIN U.S.A. ForCanadianCustomers:MTDProductsLtd.,P.O.Box 1386,KITCHENER,ONTARION2G4J1 10/17/05
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 themachine.
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.
ustments
Tools Requiredfor
Assembly:
9/16,inchWrench
Your moweris shipped
with the handle inthe
higher heightposition.
NOTE: Eachendof
the lowerhandlemust
WARNING
iMPORTANT
Th sunitsh pped
WITHOUT GASOLINE
or OiL Afterassem:
b y;serwceengine
with gasoline
oil as instructed in
the separate engine
manual packed with
unit:
Figure 1
Figure 2
WARNING: Disconnect and
ground the spark plug wire as
instructed inthe 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.Tightenrope
guidewingnut.PositionC.
.
.
Installingtherearwheels,
a. Placetherearofthe mowerdeckon raised
blocks.
b. Removethelocknutfromthepivotarmas-
sembly(onselectmodels,thesemaybe included
separatelyin a plasticbag),slidewheel,with
hollowsidein,ontopivotarmand securewith lock
nut.SeeFigure6.
c. Assembletheothersidein thesamemanner.
Eachwheelhasa heightadjustmentlevertochange
thecuttingheightofthe mower.Tochangetheheight
ofcut,squeezeadjusterlevertowardthewheel,
movingupor downtoselectedheight.SeeFigure7.
If yourmowerisequippedwithan optionalmulching
baffle,installitas shownin Figure8.
a. Lift upandholdtheside-dischargechutedeflector
andinsertbottomlip ofthemulchingbaffleinside
thechuteopening.
b. Pushthehooksonthetopofthebaffleuntilthey
snapoverthehingeon thedischargechute.
Releasethechutedeflector.
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 8 Figure 7
7
Onselect models,the
frontwheels mayalso
needto be installed.
Installthese in the
same mannerasthe
rearwheels.
NOTE: Allwheels must
beplaced inthe same
relativeposition. For
roughor unevenlawns,
movethe heightadjust-
mentleverto a higher
position.This willstop
scalpingof grass.
NOTE: When you
wishto mow instead
of mulch, simplyraise
the chutedeflector,
graspthe handle on
the mulching baffleand
liftupwardto remove
the baffle. It is not
necessaryto remove
the mulching blade.
Mower
!! il ¸¸¸¸¸ 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
tremely 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
BladeControl
Recoil
Starter
Starter
Rope
Mulching
Baffle
\
Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever
(for eachwheel)
/
Figure 9
Blade Control Handle
Thebladecontrolhandleis locatedon theupperhandle
ofthemower.SeeFigure9.Thebladecontrolhandle
mustbedepressedinordertooperatetheunit.Release
thebladecontrolhandletostoptheengineand blade.
Recoil Starter
Therecoilstarterisattachedtotherightupperhandle.
Standbehindtheunitand pullthe recoilstarterropeto
starttheunit.
Mulching Baffle (if so equipped)
Themulchingbaffleisusedtorecircuiategrassclip-
pingsbacktothelawn.Attachitasinstructedonpage7
ofthismanual.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
(If so equipped)
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.
To Start Engine
1. If yourunitisequippedwitha primer,primeengineas
instructedin theseparateenginemanualpackedwith
yourunit.
2. Standingbehindtheunit,depressthe bladecontrol
handleandholditagainsttheupperhandleasshown
in Figure10.
3. Graspthestarterhandleas shownandpullslowlyuntil
resistanceisfelt,thenpull rapidlytostartengineand
avoidkickback.Returnit slowlytothe ropeguide.
8
,/+,
"_ UsingYour Lawn Mower
Besurethelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other //_
objectswhichcoulddamagethelawnmoweror the ¢//'1
engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidentlythrownbythe
mowerinanydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjury
totheoperatorandothers.
Figure 10
To Stop Engine"
1. Releasethebladecontrolhandletostoptheengine
andblade.
_/ WARNING: The blade continues
to rotate for a few seconds after
the engine isshut off.
2. Disconnectandgroundthesparkplugwireas
instructedin theseparateenginemanualto prevent
accidentalstartingwhileequipmentisunattended.
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.
Operating Tips
1. Forbestresultsandeffectivemulching,do notcut wet
grass.
2. Newgrass,thickgrass,orwet grassmayrequirea
narrowercut.
3. Fora healthierlawn,nevercutoff morethanone-third
ofthetotallengthofthegrass.
4. Yourlawnshouldbecut inthefallaslongasthere
isgrowth.
5. Adjustgroundspeedaccordingto conditionof lawn.
6. Ifthegrasshasbeenallowedtogrowin excessof 4
inches,mulchingis notrecommended.Mowusing
thesidedischargetoreducethegrassheightto3-1/4
inchesor lessbeforemulching.
Your LaWn
WARNING
The operation of any
lawn mower can result
in foreign 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 loose clothing
away from any moving
parts on engine and
lawn mower.
9
i_i ii i ii _i i i i i _i
We donot recommend
the useof pressure
hoseto clean your
Unitl These mayCause
damagetoelectrical
components,spindles,
pulleys, bearings,or
the engine: Theuse
of water willresuItin
shortened life and
reduce serViceabilityl
Lubricate
these points
before
reassembly.
Figure 11
General Recommendations
.
2.
Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
anymaintenance.
Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse
or negligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthe lawnmoweras
instructedhere.
3. Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoid
enginewarranty.
4. Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.
5.
Periodicallycheckall fastenersand makesurethese
aretight.
Lubrication
1. Lubricatethepivotpointsonthebladecontrolhandle
atleastoncea seasonwithlightoil.Theblade
controlmustoperatefreelyin bothdirections.See
Figure11.
2. If yourmowerisequippedwithballbearingwheels,
lubricateat leastoncea seasonwitha lightoil,all
othertypesrequireno lubrication.However,ifthe
wheelsareremovedforanyreason,lubricatethe
surfaceoftheaxleboltandtheinnersurfaceofthe
wheelwithlightautomotiveoil.
3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointperiodi-
callywithlightoil topreventrust.SeeFigure11.
4. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-
tionscheduleandinstruction.
.
2.
Engine
Refertotheseparateenginemanualforengine
maintenanceinstructions.
.
.
Maintainengineoil asinstructedintheseparate
enginemanualpackedwithyourunit. Readandfollow
instructionscarefully.
Undernormalconditionsserviceaircleaneras
instructedin theseparateengine manualpackedwith
yourunit. Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely
dustyconditions. Poorengineperformanceand
floodingusuallyindicatesthattheair cleanershouldbe
serviced.
Thesparkplugshouldbecleanedandthegapreset
oncea season. Sparkplug replacementis recom-
mendedatthestartofeachmowingseason;check
enginemanualforcorrectplugtypeandgapspecifica-
tions.
NOTE:Thissparkignitionsystemmeetsall require-
mentsof theCanadianInterference-CausingEquipment
Regulations.
5. 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
,_ WARNING: When removing the
cutting blade for sharpening or
replacement, protect your hands
with a pair of heavy glovesor use
a heavy rag to hold the blade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,especial-
lyifyoustrikea foreignobject.Replacewhennecessary.
Followthestepsbelowforbladeservice:
1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.
2. Tipmoweras specifiedinseparateenginemanual.If
itdoesnotspecifyturnmoweron itssidemakingsure
thattheairfilterandthecarburetorareup.
3. Removetheboltandthebladebellsupportwhich
holdthebladeandthebladeadaptertotheengine
crankshaft.SeeFigure12.
10
Figure 12
4, Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft,
5, Theblademayberesharpenedbyremovingitand
eithergrindingor filingthecuttingedgekeepingas
closetotheoriginalbevelaspossible.Donotattempt
tosharpenthebladewhileitis stillon themower,
6. It isextremely important thateachcuttingedge
receivesanequalamountof grindingtopreventan
unbalancedblade.
NOTE:improperbladebalancewillresultinexcessive
vibrationcausingeventualdamagetotheengineand
mower.Besureto carefullybalancebladeaftersharpen-
ing.Possibledamageresultingfrom bladeunbalance
conditionisnotthe responsibilityofthemanufacturer.
NOTE:Alwaysremovebladefromtheadapterfortesting
balance.
7. Thebladecanbetestedfor balancebybalancingit
ona roundshaftscrewdriver.Removemetalfromthe
heavysideuntilitbalancesevenly.
8. Beforereassemblingthebladeandthebladeadapter
totheunit,lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandthe
innersurfaceofthebladeadapterwithlightoil.
9. installthebladeadapteron thecrankshaftwiththe
"star"awayfromtheengine.SeeFigure12.Place
thebladewiththesidemarked"bottom"(orwithpart
number)facingawayfromtheadapter.Alignthe
bladebellsupportoverthebladewiththetabsinthe
holesofthebladeand insertthehexbolt.
10.Tightenthehexbolttothetorquelistedbelow:
Blade MountingTorque
CenterBolt450 in.lb.rain.,600 in.lb,max.
Toinsuresafeoperationofyourunit,ALLnutsandbolts
mustbecheckedperiodicallyforcorrecttightness.
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.
11
WARNING
When removing
the cutting blade
for sharpening or
replacement, protect
your hands with a
pair of heavy gloves
or usea heavy ragto
hold the blade, ...........;
An unbalanced blade
will cause excessive
vibration when rotat.
ing at high speeds:it
may cause damage
to mower, and could
brea,Causing
sonal injury,
soil condition causes
abrasive wear tothe
Shooting
For repairs beyond
theminor adjust-
ments listed here;
contactanautho;i=ed
service dealer.
\_i 3J
Problem Cause Remedy
Enginefai!stostart 11Blade controlhandledisengaged, EngagebladeControlhandlel
21spaik plugwiredisconneCtedl Connect WiretoSparkp!ugl
3 Fueltankemptyor stalefuel, 3i Fil!tankwith Clean,fieshgasoline,
4. Enginenotprimed, Refertoenginemanual.
51 Fau!tysparkpiUgl clean, adjustgap;orreplacei
6 BloCkedfuelline: 61 clean fuelline:
7. Engineflooding. 7. wait a fewminutesto restart,butdo not
1. Sparkplugwireloose.
2. Blockedfuellineor stalefuel.
3. Gascapventplugged.
4. Wateror dirtinfuelsystem.
Enginerunserratic 1. Connectandtightenspark
plugwire.
2. Cleanfuelline;filltankwithclean,fresh
gasoline.
3. Clearvent.
4. Drainfueltankandcarburetor.Refillwith
freshfuel.
5. Dirtyaircleaner. 5. Refertoenginemanual.
6. Carburetoroutof adjustment. 6. Refertoenginemanual.
Engineoverheats 1. Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewithproperoil.
2. Drty airf lter 2. Refertotheenginemanualpackedwith
yourunit.
3. Airflow restricted. 3. Removeblowerhousingandclean.
Occasionalskip
(hesitates)at highspeed
.4. Carburetornotadjustedproperly.
1. Sparkpluggaptooclose.
2. Carburetoridlemixtureadjustment
improperlyset.
4, Refertoenginemanual.
1. Adjustgapto .030".Refertoengine
manual.
2. Refertoenginemanual.
Idlespoorly 1. Sparkplugfouled faultyor gaptoo 1. Resetgapto .030"orreplacesparkplug.
wide. Refertoenginemanual.
2. Carburetorimproperlyadjusted. 2. Refertoenginemanual.
3, Dirtyaircleaner. 3. Refertoenginemanual.
Excessivevibration
1. CuttingBladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.Balanceblade
2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. Replaceblade.
3. Dullblade. 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.
Unevencut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfourwheelsinsameheight
position.
2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.
12
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 1-800-668-1238orlogon 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 person or entity,includinga dealer or retailer, withrespect to any product, shallbind MTD.Duringthe period of the
warranty, the exclusive remedyisrepairor replacementof the productassetforth above.
Theprovisionsas 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
\\
\
¼
14
REF PART
NO. NO.
N° DE N° DE
REF PIECE
1 747-1161A
2 749-1092A
3 746-0946
4 710-1205
5 720-0279
6 720-0284
7 736-0451
8 710-1174
9 725-0157
10 749-04037
11 731-0981A
12 17098
13 731-2537
14 682-3062A
15 682-3063A
16 712-04065
17 710-0654A
18 687-02048
19 736-0270
20 741-0751
21 687-02094
22 748-04096
23 742-0742A
24 710-1044
25 736-0524B
26 738-1172
27 736-0741
28 734-1988
29 720-0426
30 732-1026
31 747-0710
32 732-1014
33 17032A
34 731-1034B
35 710-0216
36 741-0717
37 687-02080
38 687-02079
39 732-0984B
40 738-1127
41 710-0599
42
43
44
45
46
47
734-04082
631-04045
720-04072
731-1035B
687-02052
687-02051
DESCRIPTION
Blade Control Handle
Upper Handle
Control Cable 48.25" Lg.
Rope Guide Bolt
Knob - ERS Guide 1/4-20
Handle Knob Assembly
Saddle Wash..320 ID x .937 OD
Carriage Bolt 5/16-18 x 2.0
Cable Tie
Lower Handle
Hub Cap Grey Radial
Hinge Clip
Trail Shield
RH Handle Bracket Assembly
LH Handle Bracket Assembly
Flanged Lock Nut 3/8-16
Hex Wash HD Tap Scr 3/8-16 x .88
Deck Assembly 22" (without logo)
Cupp. Wash..265 ID x .75 OD x .062
Height Adjuster Bearing
Pivot Bar
Blade Adapter
Mulching Blade 22"
Hex Screw 3/8-24 x 1.5" Lg. (Gr. 8)
Blade Bell Support
Shoulder Screw 3/8-16
Cupped Washer .401 ID x .870 OD
Wheel Assembly Complete 7 x 1.8
Height Adjuster Knob
Spring Lever
Hinge Pin
Torsion Spring
Deflector Chute Adapter
Side Dis. Chute Ass'y
Hex Cap Screw 3/8-16 x .75
Thrust Bearing .688 ID x 1.938 OD
RH Rear Pivot Arm Assembly
LH Rear Pivot Arm Assembly
Rear Spring Lever
Shoulder Screw 3/8-16 x .442
Hex Wash S-Tapp Scr 1/4-20 x .50
Wheel Assembly 12 x 1.8 Bar Grey
Mulch Plug
Knob - Star 5/16-18
Chute Deflector
Rear Height Lever Ass'y
Front Height Lever Ass'y
DESCRIPTION
Poignee de commande de la lame
Guidon sup@ieur
C&ble de la commande 48,25 po de Ig.
Boulon de guidage de cordon
Bouton - 1/4-20
Bouton
Rondelle selle 0,320 DI x 0,937 DE
Boulon ordinaire 5/16-18 x 2,0
Attache-c&ble
Guidon inferieur
Moyeu de chapeau - gris
Attache
Abattant de protection arriere
Support de montage du guidon CD
Support de montage du guidon CG
12crou de blocage 3/8-16
Vis autotaraudee 3/8-16 x 0,88
Plateau de coupe de 22 po (sans logo)
Rondelle creuse 0,265 DI x 0,75 DE x 0,062
Roulement
Barre de pivot
Adaptateur de la lame
Lame dechiqueteuse 22 po
Visa t_te hex. 3/8-24 x 1,50 po de Ig (Qual. 8)
Support de la lame
VJs & epaulement 3/8-16
Rendelle creuse 0,401 DI x 0,870 DE
Ensemble de reue complet 7 x 1,80
Beuton
Levier de ressort
Axe de charniere
Ressort de torsion
Adaptateur de defiecteur de la geulette
Deflecteur lateral complet
Vis & chapeau b,six pans de 3/8-16 x 0,75
Palier de butee 0,688 DI x 1,938 DE
Bras de pivot arriere CD
Bras de pivot arriere CG
Levier & ressort arriere
Vis & epaulement 3/8-16 x 0,442
Vis autotaraudeuse & rendelle hex. de
1/4-20 x 0,5
Ensemble de reue 12 x 1,80 barre gris
Plaque de dechiquetage
Bouton - etoile 5/16-18
Adaptateu r de defiecteu r
Ensemble d'levier arriere
Ensemble d'levier avant
11A-500
10.18.05
Parts List
Forparts and/or
accessories refer to
customersupport on
page 2.
Adressez-vous au
,<Serviceaprbs-vente>,
la page 2 pource qui
concerneles pi_ces
et/ou accessoires.
15
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MTD 500 Series Owner's manual

Category
Lawnmowers
Type
Owner's manual
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MTD 500 Series is a powerful and versatile rotary mower that can handle various mowing tasks. Ideal for slopes and large lawns, it features a durable 22-inch cutting deck, self-propelled operation for effortless mowing, and adjustable cutting heights to suit your lawn's needs. With its safety features and easy-to-use controls, the MTD 500 Series ensures a safe and efficient mowing experience.

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