MTD 500 Series Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 500 Series

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

11A-503A800

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

,/+,

"_ 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.

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

Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming

anymaintenance.

Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover

itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse

or negligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,

operatormustmaintainthe lawnmoweras

instructedhere.

3. Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoid

enginewarranty.

4. Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce

eachseason.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

MTD 500 Series Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 500 Series

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

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11A-503A800

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MTD 500 Series Owner's manual

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MTD 500 Series Owner's manual

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