MTD 11A-543B700 Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 11A-543B700

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

11A-546B729

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips &Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty

A O A AL

21" Hi=Wheel Mower- Model Series 540

iMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush-

coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).

If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw

(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester

forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,

Ohio44136-0019.

PRINTEDIN U.S.A.

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

FORMNO.769-00447E

3/17/2006

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new lawn mower, it will help you assemble,

prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.

Table of Contents

Customer Support .............................................. 2

Slope Guage ........................................................ 3

Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4

Setup And Adjustment ....................................... 6

Operating Your Lawn Mower .............................. 8

Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10

Troubleshooting ................................................ 12

Safety Labels .................................................... 13

Parts List ........................................................... 14

Warranty ............................................ Back Cover

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREASSEMBLINGYOUR NEW EQUIPMENT,

please locatethe modelplate onthe equipmentand copy

the informationto thesample modelplateprovidedto the

right.Youcan locatethemodel plate bystandingat the

operatingposition and looking downatthe rear of the

deck.This informationwill be necessarywhen using the

manufacturer'swebsite,to obtainassistancefromthe

CustomerSupport Department,or when contacting an

authorizedservice dealer.

Model Number

www.mtdproducts,com

Serial Number

MTD LLC

P.O. BOX 361131

CLEVELAND, OH 44136

330 -220 -4683

800-800-731 0

Customer Support

Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was

purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.

Ifyou havedifficultyassembling this productor haveany questionsregardingthecontrols, operation,or maintenanceof this

unit,youcan seek helpfrom theexperts. Choosefrom the optionsbelow:

1. Visitmtdproducts.com. Click onthe Service& Support menuoption.

MTD Intem_fic_al Award Wi_n i_ IProd_cf_ i _r Compe_y ct L& _ri'_,ocy Polly

Ser,#ice 8,_Suppe_

Product Registration

2. Phone a Customer Support Representative at 1 (800) 800-7310.

3. Theengine manufacturer isresponsiblefor allengine-related issueswithregards to performance,power-rating,specifica-

tions,warrantyandservice. Pleaserefer tothe 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

instructionsinthis

manualbeforeat-

temptingto operate

i this machine.Failure

I to complywiththese

instructionsmay result

i inpersonalinjury.When

youseethis symbol.

i HEED ITS WARNING!

Your Responsibility

Restrictthe use

ofthis powermachine

to personswho read,

_understand

ano followthe warnings

and instructions

inthis manual

and on the machine.

WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of itsconstituents,andcertain vehiclecompo-

nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand

birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.

DANGER: Thismachinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operationin this

manual.As with anytype of powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operatorcan

result inseriousinjury.This machine iscapable of amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.

Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injury or death.

Children

Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presence

ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtomowerand mowing

activity.Theydonot understandthe dangers.Neverassume

thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.

1. Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaand underwatchful

careofa responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.

2. Bealertandturnmoweroffif achildentersthearea.

3. Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown

forsmallchildren.

4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,

doorways,shrubs,trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscure

yourvisionofa child whomayrunintothemower.

5. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycan

sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.

6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operateapower

mower.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand

understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthis

manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyaparent.

General Operation

1. Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyin its entiretybefore

attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,

andfollowall instructionsonthe machineandin the

manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith

thecontrolsandthe properuseofthis machinebefore

operatingit. Keepthis manualin asafeplaceforfuture

andregularreferenceandfor orderingreplacementparts.

2. Thismachineisaprecisionpieceof powerequipment,

nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all

times.Yourunithas beendesignedto performonejob: to

mowgrass.Do notuseit foranyotherpurpose.

3. Neverallow childrenunder14yearsoldto operatethis

machine.Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand

understandthe instructionsinthismanualandshould

betrainedand supervisedbya parent.Onlyresponsible

individualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe

operationshouldbeallowedto usethis machine.

4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto

beused.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toys

andotherforeignobjects,whichcouldbetrippedoveror

pickedupandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjects can

causeseriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpattern

toavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,sidewalks,

bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial

againsta wallor obstruction,whichmaycausedischarged

materialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.

5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury,

stayinoperatorzonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,

bystanders,helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrom mower

whileit is inoperation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters

area.

6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera-

tionandwhile performinganadjustmentor repairtoprotect

youreyes.Thrownobjectswhich ricochetcancauseserious

injurytothe eyes.

7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesand close-fitting

slacksandshirts.Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthe armsand

legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended.Neveroperate

thismachineinbarefeet,sandals,slipperyor light-weight

(e.g.canvas)shoes.

8. Donotputhandsorfeetnearrotatingpartsor undercutting

deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.

9. Amissingor damageddischargecovercancause blade

contactor thrownobjectinjuries.

10.Manyinjuriesoccurasa resultofthe mowerbeingpulled

overthefoot duringafall causedbyslippingor tripping.

Do notholdontothe mowerifyouarefalling;releasethe

handleimmediately.

11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare

walking.Ifyoumustbackthe mowerawayfromawallor

obstructionfirstlookdownand behindtoavoidtrippingand

thenfollowthesesteps:

a. Stepbackfrommowertofully extendyourarms.

b. Besureyouarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.

c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,no morethanhalfway

towardyou.

d. Repeatthesestepsas needed.

12.Do notoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof

alcoholordrugs.

13.Do notengagetheself-propelledmechanismon unitsso

equippedwhilestartingengine.

14.Thebladecontrolhandleisasafetydevice.Neverattempt

tobypassitsoperation.Doingso makesthe safetydevice

inoperativeandmayresultin personalinjurythrough

contactwiththe rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandle

mustoperateeasilyin bothdirectionsandautomatically

returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.

15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwet grass.Alwaysbesureof

yourfooting. Aslipand fall cancauseseriouspersonal

injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourfooting,releasethe

bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyand the bladewillstop

rotatingwithinthreeseconds.

16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.

17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.

18.If theequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe

engineandcheckimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis

generallya warningoftrouble.

19.Shuttheengineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto a

completestopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcheror unclog-

ging thechute.

The cuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefora fewsecondsafter

the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceany partofthe bodyin

the bladearea untilyouaresurethe bladehasstopped

rotating.

20. Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrail shield,discharge

cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafety

protectivedevicesin placeand working.Neveroperate

mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo socan

resultin personalinjury.

21. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causeaburn.Do

nottouch.

22.Only usepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthismachineby

manufacturer.Failuretodo socanresultinpersonalinjury.

23. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredin this manual,

usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor

assistance.Telephone1-800-800-7310forthe nameofyour

nearestdealer.

Slope Operation

Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidents,which

can resultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra

caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyon aslope,do notmowit.Foryour

safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthis manualto

measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunitonaslopedor hilly

area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donot mowit.

Do:

1. Mowacrossthefaceofslopes;neverupanddown.Exercise

extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

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 stoprotatingwithin3seconds.

Do Not:

1. Donot mowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,you

could loseyourfootingorbalance.

2. Donot mowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownon

the slopegauge.

3. Donot mowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcause

slipping.

Service

Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:

1. To avoidpersonalinjury orpropertydamageuseextreme

care inhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable

andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan

occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselforyourclothes,

whichcanignite.

2. Washyourskin andchangeclothesimmediately.

3. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.

4. Neverfillcontainersinsideavehicleoron atruckor trailer

bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe

groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truckortrailer

andrefuelit onthe ground.Ifthisis notpossible,thenrefuel

suchequipmentonatrailerwitha portablecontainer,rather

thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.

6. Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimofthefueltank or

containeropeningat alltimesuntilfuelingis complete.Do

notuseanozzlelock-opendevice.

7. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources

ofignition.

8. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill

accumulatein thearea.

9. Neverremovegascap oradd fuelwhileengineishot or

running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwominutesbefore

refueling.

10.Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch

belowbottomoffiller neckto providefor fuelexpansion.

11.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

12.If gasolineis spilled,wipeitoff theengineand equipment.

Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting

engine.

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.

GeneralService:

1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorin a poorlyventilatedarea.

Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessand

deadlygas.

2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe

bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe

sparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe engineto prevent

unintendedstarting.

3. Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent

intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefor

damage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewiththe

originalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listed

inthismanual."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe original

equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformance

andcompromisesafety!"

4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor wear

gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.

5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip-

mentis insafeworkingcondition.

6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperopera-

tionregularly.

7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,discon-

nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.

Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerfor anydamage.Repairthe

damagebeforestartingandoperatingthemower.

8. Neverattemptto makea wheelor cuttingheightadjustment

whiletheengineis running.

9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail

shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould expose

movingpartsor allowobjectsto bethrown.Forsafety

protection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplaceim-

mediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)

partsonly,listedinthis manual."Useofpartswhich do

notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto

improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"

10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe

engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating

speedoftheengine.

11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.

12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper

disposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.

Operation

WARNING

Thissymbol points

out importantsafety

instructions,which if

notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal

safety and/or property

of yourselfand others.

Readand followall

instructions inthis man-

ual beforeattemptingto

operatethis machine.

Failureto comply with

these instructionsmay

result inpersonalinjury.

Whenyou seethis

symbol.

HEED IT'S WARNING!

YourResponsibility

Restrictthe use

of this powermachine

to personswho read.

understand

and followthe warnings

and instructions

in this manua

and onthe machine.

Standbehindthe

mowerasifyouwere

goingtooperateit.

Yourrighthandcor-

respondstotheright

sideofthemower;your

lefthandcorresponds

totheleftsideofthe

mower.

I Makesureto route

i cable outsidethe lower

handle. Do not crimp

cablewhile liftingthe

handleup.

IMPORTANT

i This unitis shipped

without gasolineor

oil in the engine. Fill

upgasolineand oil

as instructedinthe

accompanyingengine

i manual BEFORE

operatingyour mower.

Figure3-1:Unfoldhandle,tightenhardwareandattachwheel.

Hardware Pack

Wing Nuts (2) Carriage Bolts (2)

Figure3-2:Securelowerhandleto mountingbrackets.

1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetween

upperandlowerhandles.

a. Pullupand backon upperhandleasshownin

Figure3-1.Makecertainthelowerhandleisseated

securelyintothehandlemountingbrackets.Donot

crimpcablewhileliftingthe handleup.

b. Tightenstarknobstosecureupperhandleto

lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriageboltis

seatedproperlyin thehandle.

c. Placea blockunderthemowerdecktoraisethe

unitoffofthegroundandremovetheflangelock

nutfromtheaxle.Installrearwheelandreplaceand

tightentheflangelocknut.Repeatontheotherside.

2. Locatethehairpinclipon theweldpinon eachsideof

lowerhandle.

Removehairpinclipfromthis hole.Usinga pair

ofpliers,inserthairpinclipintothe holeon pin

closesttothebracket,Figure3-2.Repeaton other

side.

b. Inserta carriageboltfromthehardwarepackinto

theupperholeonthehandlemountingbracket.

Securewithone plasticwingnut,alsoincluded

inthehardwarepack.Repeatonothersidewith

remainingitemsfromhardwarepack.

Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe

upperhandle,Figure3-3.Loosenthewingnutwhich

securestheropeguide.

a. Holdbladecontrolhandleagainstupperhandle.

b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releaseblade

controlhandle.

c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.

d. Tightenwingnut.

Insertpostoncabletiesintoholesprovidedon the

lowerhandle.Pullcabletiestightandtrimexcess,

Figure3-4.

Figure3-3:Pullrecoilstarterthroughropeguideandtighten.

Figure3-4:Securecablestohandleusingcableties.

5. 7. Yourmowerisshippedasa mulcher.Toconvertto

Followstepsbelowtoassemblethegrasscatcher.

Makecertainbagisturnedrightsideoutbefore

assembling(warninglabelwillbe ontheoutside)

a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside

is atthebottom.

b. Slip plasticchannelofgrassbagoverhooksonthe

frame,Figure3-5.All theplasticchannelsexcept

centertopofbagattachfromoutsideofbag.

c. Attachcentertopofbagfrominsideofbag.

'_ .y

Figure3-5:Assemblethegrasscatcher.

6. Followthestepsbelowtoattachthegrasscatcher:

a. Liftreardischargedoor,Figure3-6.

b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod.Letgo

ofdischargedoorsothat itrestson thegrass

catcher.

_ WARNING:Neveroperate mower unless the

hookson the grasscatcherare firmly seated

on the pivotrod and the reardischargedoor rests

firmly against top of thegrasscatcher.

j'i

Figure3-6:Attachthegrasscatcher.

sidedischarge,makesuregrasscatcherisoff ofthe

unitand reardischargedoorisclosed.

a. Onthesideofthe mower,lift themulchingplug,

Figure3-7.

b. Slidetwohooksofsidedischargechuteunder

hingepinonmulchingplugassembly.Lowerthe

mulchingplug.Donotremovesidemulchingplug

atanytime,evenwhenyouarenotmulching.

Figure3-7:Liftmulchplugandinstallsidedischargechute.

Adjustments

Anadjustingplateandthumbleverateachwheel

providescuttingheightadjustment.

1. Depresslevertowardswheel.

2. Moveittoanyoneofthepositionsfordesiredcutting

height,Figure3-8.Makesurethateachwheelis

positionedatthesameheight.

3. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.

Figure3-8:Useleverstoadjustcuttingheight.

Adjustment

When adjustingthe

cutting height, all wheels

must be positioned at

the sameheighL

WARNING

Neveroperate mower

w thootthem,,o, og

plug, the grasscatcher,

or the discharge chute

properly installed'

Mower

WARNING

The blade control isa

safety device. Never

attempt to bypass its

operations.

i Useextreme carewhen

; handling gasoline.

Gasoline is extremely

flammable and the

vapors are explosive.

Neverfuel the machine

i indoors or while the

; engine is hot or running.

; Exhngwsh c_garettes,

cigars, pipes, and other

sources of ignition.

Keep hands and feet

away from the cutting

deck. Referto warning

label on the unit.

Know Your Lawn Mower

f BladeControl

Recoil Starter=====_,

GrassCatcher_

MulchPlug--

Side Discharge Chute _,.__

Figure4-1:Themajorpartsonthelawnmower.

Now that you have set up your lawn mower for

operation, read this section to become acquainted

with its controls and features. This knowledge will

allow you to use your new equipment to its fullest

potential.

Blade Control

The blade control is attached to the upper handle.

Depress and squeeze it against the upper handle

to operate the unit. Release it to stop engine and

blade.

_1_11=WARNING:Thisbladecontrolisa safety

device.Donot bypass itsoperations.

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

One adjustment lever is located on each wheel and

is used to adjust the cutting height. All four wheels

must be at the same position to ensure a uniform

cut.

Recoil Starter

The recoil starter is attached to the right upper

handle. Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil

starter rope to start the unit.

Mulch Plug

The mulch plug is used for mulching purposes.

Instead of collecting the grass clippings in a grass

catcher or using the side discharge chute, some

mower models have the option of recirculating the

clippings back to the lawn. This is called mulching.

Grass Catcher

The grass catcher, located at the rear of the mower,

is used to bag the grass clippings for disposal at an-

other site. Once the bag is full, it has to be removed

from the mower and emptied before any further

mowing.

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

1. Check oil level and add oil if necessary. Follow engine

owner's manual for this.

2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe

engineowner'smanual.

_b ARNING:Useextremecarewhenhandling

gasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable

and thevapors are explosive. Neverfuel the machine

indoorsor while the engineishotor running.Extin-

guish cigarettes,cigars,pipes,and other sourcesof

ignition.

_ ARNING:Theoperationof any lawn

mowercan result inforeign objects being

thrownintothe eyeswhichcandamage

youreyesseverely.Alwayswearsafetyglasses

whileoperatingthemoweror whileperformingany

adjustmentsor repairson it.

Starting Engine

,4_i_ WARNING:Besurenoone otherthan the

operatorisstandingnearthe lawnmower

whilestartingengineor operatingmower.

Neverrunengineindoorsorin enclosed,poorly

ventilatedareas.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon

monoxide, an odorlessand deadlygas. Keephands,

feet,hairand looseclothingawayfromanymoving

partsonengineand lawnmower.

NOTE:Referto the enginemanualfor help with

enginerelatedoperations.

1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwoseconds

betweeneachpush.SeeFigure4-2.Intemperature

around550For below,primefive times.Donotprime

to restarta warmengine.

2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol

againstupperhandle.SeeFigure4-2.

3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil

starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-

ous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure4-2.Keepinga firm

grip onthestarterhandle,lettheroperewindslowly.

Repeatuntilenginecranks.Letthe roperewindeach

timeslowly.

Stopping Engine

1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineand blade.

2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand

groundagainsttheengine.

_ ARNING:Wait for the blade to stop

completely before performinganywork

on the mower or to removethe grass

catcher.

UsingYour Lawn Mower

,__ WARNING:Neveroperateyourmower

without eitherthe reardoor or theentire

__ grasscatcher assembly firmly secured.

Besurelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other

objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine.

Suchobjectscouldbe accidentlythrownbythemower

in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytothe

operatorandothers.

Figure4-2:Startingthe mower.

_ ARNING:ifyou strikea foreign object,

stop the engine.Removewirefrom the

sparkplug,thoroughly inspectmower

for any damage,and repair damagebefore restart-

ingand operating. Extensive vibration of mower

during operation isan indicationof damage.The

unit should be promptlyinspectedand repaired.

1. Oncetheengineis running,squeezetheblade

controlagainsttheupperhandletoengagethe

blade.

• Forbest results,do notcut wetgrassand never

cutoff morethanone-thirdofthetotallengthofthe

grass.

Using as Mulcher

Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcheror side

dischargechutefromthemower.Thereardischarge

doorshouldbeclosed.

Foreffectivemulching,do notcut wetgrass.New

orthickgrassmayrequirea narrowercut.Adjust

groundspeedaccordingtoconditionoflawn.

• If thegrasshasbeenallowedto growinexcessof

fourinches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethe

grasscatchertobagclippingsinstead.

Using Grass Catcher

Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile

youareoperatingthemower.

AttachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsinSetup

section.Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectin

bagasyourunmower.Operatemowertillgrassbag

isfull.

2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingtheblade

control.Makesurethattheunithascometoa

completestop.

3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagup andaway

fromthe mowerto removethebag.Disposeofthe

grassclippingsand reinstallthebagwhencomplete.

You r LaWn

Mow

WARNING

The operation of any

lawn mower can result

inforeign objects being

thrown intothe eyes,

which can damage your

eyes severely. Always

wear safety glasses

while operating the

mower or while perform-

ingany adjustments or

repairs on it.

Be sure no one other

than the operator is

standing near the

lawn mower while

starting engine or

operating mower. Never

run engine indoors or

in enclosed, poorly

ventilated areas. Engine

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....

A vays

disconnectspark

plugl and ground

againsten- nebefore

performingany type

ofmaintenanceon

your macNnel

I iii i _ i

Do not usea pressure

WaSheror garden

hose to clean your

uniLThese may cause

damage to electriC

componentS;s indlesl

pulleys; bearings,or

the engine:The use

of waterwill resut in

shortened lifeand

reduceserviceability:

Lubricate these

points before

reassembly.

Figure5-1:Areasto lubricateonmower.

Deck Care

Cleanundersideofthe mowerdeckaftereachuseto

preventbuild-upofgrassclippingsorotherdebris.Follow

stepsbelowforthisjob.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn

mowerorplacea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.

2. Tipmowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe

sidewiththeaircleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.

,_ WARNING:Nevertip the mower more

than 90° in anydirection anddo not

leavethe mower tipped for any length of

time. Oil candrain intothe upper partof theengine

causing a starting problem.

3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwitha

suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.

4. Putthemowerbackonitswheelsontheground.If

youhadputplasticunderthegascapearlier,make

sureto removeitnow.

General Recommendations

• Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming

anymaintenance.

• Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover

itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse

ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,

operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras

instructedhere.

• Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid

enginewarranty.

• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce

eachseason.

• Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese

aretight.

_kl= ARNING:Alwaysstop engine,discon-

nect spark plug, and groundagainst

engine before performinganytype of

maintenanceon your machine.

Lubrication

1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolatleast

oncea seasonwithlightoil.Thebladecontrolmust

operatefreelyinbothdirections,Figure5-1.

2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith

lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany

reason,lubricatesurfaceofthepivotarmandinner

surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil,Figure5-1.

3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointonthe

reardischargedoorandsidemulchplugperiodically

withlightoil topreventrust,Figure5-1.

4. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-

tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.

Engine Care

A listofkeyenginemaintenancejobs requiredforgood

performancebythemowerisgivenbelow.Followthe

accompanyingenginemanualforadetailedlistand

instructions.

• Maintainoillevelasinstructedin enginemanual.

• Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal

conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely

dustyconditions.Poorengineperformanceand

floodingusuallyindicatesthattheaircleanershould

beserviced.Toservicetheaircleaner,refertothe

enginemanual.

• Cleansparkplugand resetthegaponcea season.

Sparkplugreplacementisrecommendedatthestart

ofeachmowingseason.Checkenginemanualfor

correctplugtypeand gapspecifications.

• Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe

coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleantopermit

properaircirculation.Removeall grass,dirt, and

combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.

Blade Care

_ ARNING:Whenremovingthe cutting

bladefor sharpeningor replacement,

protectyourhandswith a pairof heavy

gloves or usea heavy ragto hold the

blade.

Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,

especiallyifyoustrikea foreignobject.Replacewhen

necessary.Followthe stepsbelowforbladeservice.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn

moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand

thecarburetorarefacingup.

2. Removetheboltandthe bladebellsupportwhich

holdthebladeand thebladeadaptertotheengine

crankshaft,Figure5-2.

3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft,

Figure5-2.

4. Thebladecanbe sharpenedwitha fileor on a grind-

ingwheel.Donotattempttosharpenthebladewhileit

isstillonthemower.

Blade Bell Support / _,_ Bolt .........................

Figure5-2:Removethebolt,support,andadaptertoaccess

theblade.

Whensharpeningtheblade,followtheoriginalangle

ofgrind.Grindeachcuttingedgeequallyto keepthe

bladebalanced.

5. Totestforbalance,removebladeand balanceon

a roundshaftscrewdriver.Removemetalfromthe

heavysideuntilitbalancesevenly.

_ ARNING:Anunbalanced bladewill

causeexcessivevibration when rotating

at high speeds. It maycausedamageto

mower and could breakcausing personal

injury.

6. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurface

ofthebladeadapterwithlightoil.Slidetheblade

adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.

7. Placethebladeon theadaptersuchthattheside

oftheblademarked"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)

facesthegroundwhenthemowerisintheoperating

position.Makesurethatthebladeisalignedand

seatedon thebladeadapterflanges.

8. Placebladebellsupportonthe blade.Alignnotches

on thebladebell supportwith smallholesinblade.

9. Replacehexboltandtightenhexboltto torque:450

in.Ibs.rain.,600 in.Ibs.max.

Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically

checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.

Replacing Rear Flap

1. Toremoverearflap,cutoff theflat endofthewirerod

whichsecuresitto thedeck,Figure5-3.

2. Attachthenewflapandnewrodto deck,bendingthe

endsofthenewrodovertosecuretodeck.

Figure5-3:Cutwireto removerearflap.

Off-Season Storage

Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakento prepareyour

lawnmowerforstorage.

• Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribed

inthe lubricationinstructions.

• Donotusea pressurewasherorgardenhoseto

cleanyourunit.

Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine

storageinstructions.

Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto

preventrusting.

Storemowerina dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenext

tocorrosivematerials,suchas fertilizer.

Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipmentina poorly

ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetaken

torust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoil or silicone,

coattheequipment,especiallycablesandall moving

partsofyourlawnmowerbeforestorage.

Your LaWn

MoWer

WARNING

When removing

the cuttingblade

for sharpening or

replacement, protect

your handswith a pair

of heavy glovesor use

a heavy rag to hold

the blade.

An unbalanced blade

will causeexcessive

vibrationwhen rotat=

ing at high speeds, it

may causedamage

to mower and could

break causing per-

sonal injury.

_iiii _ ii _ _ i _ _i _ i

i i i ¸ ! !

i_ i_ _i!: _ i ii _ii__ii_I iiiii_

Problem Cause Remedy

Engine fails to Start i adecontroldisengagedl b!adecontro!,

21 sparkplugWiredisconnected• connect wiretosparkp!ug•

31 FueltankemptyOrStalefuel• Ell!tankWithclean,!reshgasoline•

4. Enginenot prreed. 4. Primeengineasinstructedin 'fOperat,

ingyour LawnMowei!I,

5: Faultysparkpug 5, Clean,adjustgap,or replace.

6. BloCkedfuel linel 6, cieanfueliinel

7: Engineflooded. 7: Wait afew minutesto restart,but do

I netprime:

Enginerunserratic 1. Sparkplugwireloose.

2. Blockedfuel lineor stalefuel.

3. Ventingascap plugged.

4. Wateror dirt infuel system.

5. Dirtyair cleaner.

6. Carburetorout ofadjustment.

1. Connectandtightensparkplugwire.

2. Cleanfuelline;filltank withclean,

freshgasoline.

3. Clearvent.

4. Drainfueltank. Refillwithfreshfuel.

5. Refertoenginemanual.

6. Refertoenginemanual.

Engine overheats 1 Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil.

2....A rfow restrcted I 2 Removebower housngandcean

3. Carburetornotadjustedpropery. 3• Refertoengne manua.

Occasional skips 1. Sparkpluggap tooclose. 1. Adjust gapto .030-inch.

(hesitates) at high speed 2. Carburetoridlemixtureadjustment 2. Referto enginemanual.

improperlyset.

Idles poorly 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gaptoo wide. 1. Resetgapto .030-inchor replace

sparkpug.

2 Carburetorimproperlyadjusted 2. Refertoenginemanual•

. 3. Dirtyair cleaner• 3. Refertoenginemanual•

Excessive Vibration 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.Balance

blade.

2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. Seeanauthorizedservicedealer.

Mower will not mulch grass 1 Wetgrass• 1. Donot mowwhengrassiswet wait

untillatertocut.

2. Excessivelyhighgrass. 2. Mowonceata highcuttingheight,

then mowagainatdesirecJheightor

I makeanarrowerCuttingpath.

, 3• Du bade. , 3• Sharpenor replaceblade•

Uneven cut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsin same

heightposition.

2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

WARNING

DO NOT remove safety

(or any)labels from

mower for any reason:

ii i _iI_ ii

747-1161A BladeControl 732-0404 FrontSpringLever

2 749-1092A UpperHandle 30 720-0426 HeightAdjustKnob

3 746-1130 Cntrl.Cable,40"Model546&549 31 710-0599 TTScrew,1/4-20x .500

746-1137 CntrlCable,53"Model543 32 736-0270 BellWasher

4 726-0240 CableTie 33 710-0654A TTScrew,3/8-16x 1.0

5 664-04080 GrassBagAssembly 34 710-0216 HexScrew,3/8-16x .75

6 747-04080 GrassBagFrame 35 710-1652 TTScrew,1/4-20x .625

7 732-0700 TrailshieldWire 36 720-0312 FoamGrip

8 731-04998 Trailshield 37 734-04082 RearWheel,12x 1.8GrayBar

9 747-0996 PivotRod 38 710-1205 EyeBolt

10 731-04134A RearDischargeDoor 39 732-0866 RearHi-WheelSpringLever

11 687-02057 RearHandleBracketAssy.- LH 40 687-02039A RearPivotArmAssy- RH

687-02056 RearHandleBracketAssy.- RH 687-02040A RearPivotArmAssy- LH

12 787-01279 Deck21-inch 41 714-0104 HairpinClip

13 687-02075A FrontHeightAdj.Assy-LH 42 687-02192 HandleBracketAssy- RH

687-02074A FrontHeightAdj.Assy-RH 687-02191 HandleBracketAssy- LH

14 782-5002B FrontBaffle 43 710-0703 CarriageBolt,1/4-20x.75

15 748-0377C BladeAdapter 44 731-04150C RearBaffle

748-04082 BladeAdapterw/Star t 45 710-04371 ScrewHL, 1/4-15x 1.00

16 742-0741 21-inchMulchingBlade 46 732-04090A TorsionSpring- RH

17 736-0524B Bell BladeSupport

18 710-1257 HexScrew,3/8-24x 2.5 47

19 731-04177 SideDischargeChute 48

20 17032A DeflectorChuteAdaptor 49

21 732-1014 TorsionSpring 50

22 747-0710 HingePin 51

23 687-02055 HingedMulchPlugAssembly 52

24 712-04065 FlangeLockNut3/8-16

25 787-01290 HeightAdjustmentPlate

26 687-02077A FrontPivotArmAssembly- RH

687-02076A FrontPivotArmAssembly- LH

27 734-1987 FrontWheel,8 x 1.8GrayBar

734-1988 FrontWheel,7x 1.8GrayBart

28 738-0507B ShoulderScrew,.5Dx.434

732-04089A TorsionSpring- LH

750-04162 Spacer

712-0397 WingNut

749-0928A

710-1174

720-04072

720-0279

751B281440

710-1256

751A1432613

7510042823

LowerHandle

CarriageBolt,5/16-18x2

StarKnob

HandleKnob

EngineShroudModel549Rt

Screw#8-18 x 1.250549Rt

EngineShroudModel543Bt

ScrewModel543Bt

751B790880 EngineShroudModel546Bt

751B095050 ScrewModel546Bt

t NotShown

Parts List

To order replacement

parts, call

1o330'220'4683,

1'800.800-7310

orvisit

www,rntdproducts.com

ii i _iI_ ii

MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR

ThelimitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenbyMTDLLCwithrespect

tonewmerchandisepurchasedandusedin theUnitedStates,its

possessionsandterritories.

"MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsinmaterialandworkman-

shipfora periodoftwo (2)yearscommencingonthedateoforiginal

purchaseandwill,at itsoption,repairor replace,freeofcharge,any

partfoundto bedefectiveinmaterialsorworkmanship.Thislimitedwar-

rantyshallonlyapplyifthisproducthasbeenoperatedand maintained

inaccordancewiththeOperator'sManualfurnishedwiththeproduct,

andhasnotbeensubjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,

accident,impropermaintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft,fire,water,

ordamagebecauseofotherperilor naturaldisaster.Damageresulting

fromthe installationor useofanypart,accessoryor attachmentnot

approvedby MTDforusewiththeproduct(s)coveredbythis manual

willvoidyourwarrantyastoanyresultingdamage.

Normalwearpartsarewarrantedto befreefromdefectsinmaterialand

workmanshipfora periodofthirty(30)daysfromthedateof purchase.

Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuchas: batter-

ies,belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,

snowthrowerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.

NOW TO OBTAINSERVICE: Warrantyservice isavailable,WITH

PROOFOF PURCHASE,throughyour localauthorized service

dealer.Tolocate the dealer in yourarea, check yourYellowPages,

or contact MTDLLCat RO. Box361131,Cleveland,Ohio 44136-

0019,or call 1-800-800-7310or 1-330-220-4683 or log on to our

Website at www.mtdproducts.com.

Thislimitedwarrantydoesnotprovidecoverageinthefollowingcases:

a. Theengineor componentpartsthereof.Theseitemsmaycarrya

separatemanufacturer'swarranty.Refertoapplicablemanufacturer's

warrantyfortermsandconditions.

b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershavea separateoneyear

warranty.

c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchaslubricants,filters,blade

sharpening,tune-ups,brakeadjustments,clutchadjustments,deck

adjustments,andnormaldeteriorationoftheexteriorfinishdueto

useor exposure.

d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthananauthorizedservice

dealer.

e. MTDdoesnotextendanywarrantyforproductssoldor exported

outsideoftheUnitedStates,its possessionsandterritories,except

thosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorizedchannelsofexportdistribution.

f. ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts.

g. Transportationchargesandservicecalls.

Noimpliedwarranty,includingany impliedwarrantyof mer-

chantabilityof fitness for a particular purpose,applies after the

applicable periodof expresswritten warranty aboveasto the

partsasidentified.Nootherexpresswarranty, whetherwritten or

oral, exceptas mentioned above,givenby anypersonor entity,

includinga dealeror retailer, withrespect to any product,shall

bindMTD.Duringthe periodof the warranty,the exclusiveremedy

isrepairor replacementof the productas setforth above.

Theprovisionsasset forth inthis warrantyprovidethesoleand

exclusiveremedy arising from the sale.MTDshallnot be liable

for incidentalor consequentiallossor damageincluding,without

limitation, expensesincurredfor substituteor replacementlawn

careservicesor for rentalexpensesto temporarily replacea

warranted product.

Somestatesdo notallowtheexclusionor limitationofincidentalor

consequentialdamages,or limitationsonhowlongan impliedwarranty

lasts,sotheaboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplytoyou.

Innoeventshallrecoveryofanykindbegreaterthantheamountofthe

purchasepriceof theproductsold.Alterationof safetyfeaturesof

the product shallvoid this warranty. Youassumetheriskand liability

forloss,damage,or injurytoyouandyourpropertyand/ortoothersand

theirpropertyarisingoutofthemisuseor inabilitytousethe product.

Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendtoanyoneotherthantheoriginal

purchaserorto thepersonforwhomitwas purchasedasa gift.

HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHISWARRANTY:This limited

warrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,and youmayalsohaveother

rightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.

IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofof Purchasetoobtain

warrantycoverage.

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136=0019; Phone: 1=800=800=7310, 1=330=220=4683

MTD 11A-543B700 Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 11A-543B700

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

11A-546B729

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MTD 11A-543B700 Owner's manual

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MTD 11A-543B700 Owner's manual

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