MTD 12BV829Q755 Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 12BV829Q755

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

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

OF A O AL

21" Rotary Mower- Model Series 820

iMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon 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.769-01607C

1/12/2007

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

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

Table of Contents

Slope Gauge ........................................................ 3

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

Setup and Adjustment ....................................... 6

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

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

Troubleshooting ................................................ 14

Off-Season Storage and Safety Labels .......... 15

Parts List ........................................................... 16

MTDLLCreservestherighttochangeproductspecifications,designs,andequipmentwithoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation.

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREASSEMBLINGYOURNEWEQUIPMENT,

pleaselocatethe modelplateon theequipmentand

copythe informationto thesamplemodelplatepro-

videdto the right.Youcan locatethe modelplateby

standingat theoperatingpositionand lookingdown

atthe rearofthe deck.Thisinformationwillbe neces-

saryto usethe manufacturer'swebsite,toobtain

assistancefromtheCustomerSupportDepartment,

orwhencontactingan authorizedservicedealer.

Model Number

www.mtdproducts.com

Serial Number

MTD LLC

PoO= BOX 361131

CLEVELAND, OH 44136

330-220-4683

800-800-7310

Customer Support

Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased, without first

contacting Customer Support.

Ifyou have difficultyassemblingthis productor have anyquestions regardingthe controls, operation,or maintenanceof this

unit,youcanseek help from the experts.Choosefrom the options below:

• Visit www.mtdproducts.com

• Call a CustomerSupport Representativeat 1-800-800-7310.

• The engine manufacturer is responsiblefor all engine-relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-rating,specifica-

tions,warranty and service. Pleasereferto the engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packedseparatelywith

your unit,for moreinformation.

>:.

G.)

(13

::>.,

G.)

_- (13

o9 .oo

G.) o9

o -_

O9 C:_

G.) O9

C C

_ o

(13

-_ o_

(13

_,_

o9 0

_ a

Sightandh01dthis levelwith a verticaltree...

m_ or acornerof a building...

__ or a fence post

| |

do;

-- fine (repros

I _ _ erlts a 75o

15°

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 complywith these

instructionsmayresult

i inpersonalinjury.When

youseethis symbol.

i HEED ITS WARNING!

i Your Responsibility

Restrictthe use

ofthis powermachine

to personswho read.

i understand

andfollow thewarnings

and instructions

=nthis manual

and onthe machine.

WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of its constituents,and certainvehiclecompo-

nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand

birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.

DANGER: This machine was builtto be operatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operation in this

manual.As with anytypeof powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operator

can resultin serious injury.This machine is capableof amputatinghandsand feet and throwing

objects. Failureto observethefollowing safety instructionscould result in seriousinjury ordeath.

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 whomayrunintothe mower.

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 a safeplaceforfuture

andregularreferenceandfor orderingreplacementparts.

2. Thismachineisa precisionpieceof 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 supervisedby a parent.Onlyresponsible

individualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe

operationshouldbeallowedto usethismachine.

4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto

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

andotherforeignobjects,whichcouldbetrippedoveror

pickedupandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjectscan

causeseriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpattern

toavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,sidewalks,

bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial

againsta wallor obstruction,whichmaycausedischarged

materialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.

5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,

stayinoperatorzonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,

bystanders,helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrom mower

whileit is inoperation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters

area.

6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera-

tionandwhile performinganadjustmentor repairtoprotect

youreyes.Thrownobjectswhich ricochetcancauseserious

injurytothe eyes.

7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fitting

slacksandshirts. Shirtsandpantsthatcoverthe armsand

legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended.Neveroperate

thismachineinbarefeet,sandals,slipperyor light-weight

(e.g.canvas)shoes.

8. Donotputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor undercutting

deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.

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 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. A slipand fallcancauseseriouspersonal

injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourfooting,releasethe

bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe bladewillstop

rotatingwithinthreeseconds.

16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.

17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.

18.Ifthe equipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe

engineandcheckimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis

generallya warningoftrouble.

19.Shutthe engineoffand waituntilthe bladecomestoa

completestopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcherorunclog-

gingthe chute.

Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotateforafewsecondsafter

the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceany partofthe bodyin

the bladeareauntilyouaresurethe bladehasstopped

rotating.

20.Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,discharge

cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleorothersafety

protectivedevicesin placeand working.Neveroperate

mowerwith damagedsafetydevices.Failureto dosocan

resultin personalinjury.

21.Mufflerand enginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Do

nottouch.

22.Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthis machineby

manufacturer.Failuretodoso can resultin personalinjury.

23. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis manual,

usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor

assistance.

Slope Operation

Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedtoslip andfall accidents,which

canresultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra

caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyonaslope,do notmowit. Foryour

safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthis manualto

measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisuniton aslopedorhilly

area.Ifthe slopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donotmowit.

Do:

1. Mowacrossthefaceofslopes;neverupand down.Exercise

extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

2. Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects,or bumps

whichcancauseyouto slipor trip.Tallgrasscan hide

obstacles.

3. Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slipand fallcan cause

seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeel youarelosingyour

balance,releasethebladecontrolhandleimmediately,and

the bladewill stoprotatingwithin3seconds.

Do Not:

1. Do notmowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments,you

could loseyourfootingor balance.

2. Donotmowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownon

the slopegauge.

3. Donotmowonwet grass.Unstablefootingcouldcause

slipping.

Service

Safe Handling Of Gasoline:

1. Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextreme

carein handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable

andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjury can

occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselfor yourclothes,

whichcanignite.Washyourskin andchangeclothes

immediately.

2. Useonlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.

3. Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehicleor ona truckortrailer

bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe

groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

4. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truckor trailer

andrefueliton theground.Ifthisisnot possible,thenrefuel

suchequipmenton atrailer withaportablecontainer,rather

thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.

5. Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimofthe fueltankor

containeropeningatall timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Do

not useanozzlelock-opendevice.

6. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources

ofignition.

7. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill

accumulatein thearea.

8. Neverremovegascap oraddfuelwhileengineishot or

running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwominutesbefore

refueling.

9. Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch

belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.

10.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

11.Ifgasolineis spilled,wipeitoff theengineand equipment.

Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting

engine.

12.Neverstorethemachineorfuel containernearanopen

flame,sparkor pilotlightasona waterheater,space

heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.

13.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,

orother debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand

removeanyfuel soakeddebris.

14.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.

GeneralService:

1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorin a poorlyventilatedarea.

Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorless

anddeadlygas.

2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe

bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.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."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe

originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improper

performanceandcompromisesafety!"

4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor

weargloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.

5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip-

mentis insafeworkingcondition.

6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproper

operationregularly.

7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,discon-

nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.

Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerforanydamage.Repairthe

damagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower.

8. Neverattemptto makeawheelor cuttingheightadjust-

mentwhilethe engineisrunning.

9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail

shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould

exposemovingpartsor allowobjectstobethrown.For

safetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsand re-

placeimmediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's

(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedin this manual."Useofparts

whichdo notmeetthe originalequipmentspecifications

mayleadtoimproperperformanceand compromise

safety!"

10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe

engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating

speedoftheengine.

11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,as necessary.

12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper

disposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.

Practices

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.

Whenyousee this

symbol.

HEED iT'S WARNING!

Your Responsibility

Restrictthe use

of this powermachine

to personswho read.

understand

and followthe warnings

and instructions

in this manua

and onthe machine.

i Standbehindthe

mowerasifyouwere

goingto operate it.Your

right handcorresponds

to the right sideof the

mower;your left hand

correspondsto the left

sideof the mower.

Forshipping purposes

i yourmower issetwith

the wheels ina low

i cutting heightposition.

Forbest resultsraise

thecutting position until

it isdeterminedwhich

i height isbestfor your

lawn.See Adjustment

section.

IMPORTANT

DO NOTcrimp the

cableswhen liftingthe

i handleup.

IMPORTANT

Thisunit isshipped

iwithout gasolineoroil

i inthe engine. Fillup

gasolineand oil as

i instructedin the accom-

panyingenginemanual

BEFORE operatingyour

mower.

Figure3-1:Lifthandleandtightenhardware.

Figure3-2:Securehandletohandlemountingbrackets.

1. Removegrasscatcherandanypackingmaterial

whichmaybe betweenupperand lowerhandles.

a. Removehandknobsfromhandlemounting

bracketsand pullupandbackonupperhandle

asshownin Figure3-1.Makecertainthelower

handleisseatedsecurelyintothehandlemounting

brackets.

b. Tightenhandknobstosecureupperhandleto

lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriageboltis

seatedproperlyin thehandle.

Replaceandtightenhandknobsremovedearlierto

securelowerhandletohandlebrackets.SeeFigure

3-2.

Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe

upperhandle.Loosenthewingnutwhichsecuresthe

ropeguide.SeeFigure3-3.

a. Holdthebladecontrolagainstupperhandle.

b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releasethe

bladecontrol.

c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.

d. Tightenwingnut.

Securecablestothelowerhandlewiththecabletie

alreadyonthe lowerhandle.Insertpegoncabletie

intotheholeonthe lowerhandle.Pullcabletiestight

andcutoff excess.

Followthestepsbelow,ifneeded,toassemblethe

grasscatcher.SeeFigure3-4.

a. Placebagoverframesothatits blackplasticside

isatthebottom.

b. Slipplasticchanneloverhooksontheframe.

Alltheplasticchannelsexceptcentertopofbag

attachfromoutsideofbag.

c. Attachcentertopofbagfrominsideof bag.

Thegrass

bagonyour

unitmaybe

assembled.

Figure3-3:Pullrecoilstarterthroughropeguideandtighten. Figure3-4:Grassbagassembly(ifneeded)

Beforeattachingthegrasscatcher,themulching

bafflemustbe removed.SeeFigure3-5.

a. Liftreardischargedoor.

b. Removemulchingbaffle.

Followstepsbelowtoinstallthegrasscatcher.Refer

to Figure3-6.

a. Liftreardischargedoor.

b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod.Letgo

ofdischargedoorsothat itrestson thegrass

catcher.

,_ WARNING: Never operate mowerunless the hooks on the grass catcher

are firmly seated on the pivot rod and

the rear discharge door restsfirmly against top

of the grass catcher.

Figure3-5:The mulchingbaffle

Followstepsbelowtoinstallthemulchingbaffle:

a. Liftthereardischargedoorandlift thegrass

catcherupandoff ofthepivotrod,if installed.

b. Insertthemulchingbaffleasshownin Figure3-5

and releasethereardischargedoor.

Figure3-6:Liftdischargedoorandplacegrasscatcheronrod.

Adjustments

Cutting Height

Thecuttingheightadjustmentleveris locatedabovethe

rearleft wheel.SeeFigure3-7.

a. Pulltheleveroutandawayfromthemower.

b. Movethe leverforwardor backfordesiredcutting

height.

c. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.

Drive Control

Theadjustmentwheelislocatedin thedrivecontrol

handlehousingandis usedtotightenor loosenthe

drivebelt.Youwillneedtoadjustthedrivecontrolif

themowerdoesnotpropelitselfwiththedrivecontrol

engagedor ifthedrivewheelshesitatewiththedrive

controlengaged.

If eitheroftheseconditionsoccur,rotatetheadjustment

wheelclockwisetotightenthecableandcounter-clock-

wiseto loosenthecabletoadjustthedrivecontrol.See

Figure3-8.

setupand

ustment

CUTTINGHEIGHT

For rough oruneven

lawns; move theheight

adjustment leverto a

higher positon.Thiswill

help preventscalping of

thegrass.

DRIVE CONTROL

Forsomepeoplethe

drive contioI maynot

be in a comfortable

position.Youcan adjust

the handlebytightening

the adjustmentwheel:

Figure3-7:Thecuttingheightadjustmentlever. Figure3-8:Theadjustmentwheelonthedrivecontrol.

Never operate mower

unlessthe hooks on

t,egr ,,

are firmly seated on

pivot rod and the rear

d schargedoorrests

firmly against top of

Your LaWn

Mower

WARNING

Thebladecontrolisa

safetydevice. Never

attemptto bypassits

operations.

Use extreme care

when handling

gasoline.Gasoline is

extremelyflammable

and thevapors are

I explosive.Never fuel

I the machine indoors

or while the engine

is hot or running.

Extinguish cigarettes,

cigars, pipes, and

other sources of

ignition.

Keephandsandfeet

awayfrom thecutting

deck.Referto warning

labelonthe unit.

Know Your Lawn Mower

BladeConlrol

Drive

Recoil Starter--÷

HeightAdjustmenl Lever

Figure4-1:Themajorpartsonthelawnmower.

Nowthatyouhavesetupyourlawnmower,it's

importanttobecomeacquaintedwith itscontrolsand

features.

Blade Control

Thebladecontrolisattachedtothe upperhandle.

Depressandsqueezeit againstthe upperhandleto

operatetheunit.Releaseittostopengineandblade.

Recoil Starter

Therecoilstarteris attachedtotherightupperhandle.

Standbehindtheunitand pullthe recoilstarterropeto

startthe unit.

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

1. Checkoillevelandaddoil ifnecessary.Followengine

manualforthis.

,_,_ WARNING:This blade controlis

a safety device. Donot bypass its

operations.

2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe

enginemanual.SeeEnginemanualforlocationofgas

andoilfill.

Drive Lever

Thedriveleverislocatedon theupperhandle.Squeeze

thedrivelevertoengagethedrivesystem.Release

ittodisengagethedrivesystem.Toslowdownwhen

approachinganobstacle,makinga turn,or stopping,

releasethelever.

Height Adjustment Lever

Thecuttingheightadjustmentleverislocatedabovethe

leftrearwheel.Toadjustthecuttingheight,refertothe

AdjustmentSection.

,d_Ll_lkk,, WARNING:Useextremecarewhenhan-

dling gasoline.Gasolineisextremely

flammable and thevapors are explosive.

Neverfuel the machineindoorsor while

the engineishotor running.Extinguish cigarettes,

cigars, pipes,and other sourcesof ignition.

,d_, WARNING:Theoperation of anylawn

mower can result inforeign objects

being thrown intothe eyes,whichcan

damageyour eyesseverely. Always

wearsafety glasses while operating the mower or

while performinganyadjustments orrepairson it.

Starting Engine

__lk ARNING:Besureno one otherthan

theoperatorisstandingnearthe lawn

mowerwhilestartingengineor operat-

ing mower.Neverrun engine indoorsor

in enclosed,poorlyventilatedareas.Engineexhaust

containscarbon monoxide,anodorlessand deadly

gas. Keephands, feet, hairand looseclothingaway

from any movingpartsonengineand lawnmower.

Followtheset ofinstructionspertainingto yourunit.

Referto enginemanualfor helpwith theengine.

Honda Engine:

1. Placethefuelvalveleverfoundontheleft sideofthe

engineintotheON(OPEN)position.

2. Movethechokelever(ifequipped)all theway

backwardintothechokeposition.SeeFigure4-2.

3. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol

againstupperhandleasshownin Figure4-2.The

chokewill nowbeginto slowlyreturntotheoffchoke

positionafteractivatingthebladecontrol.Therefore,

quicklymoveontostepfourbelow.

4. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil

starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-

ous,fullarmstroke.Keepingafirm griponthestarter

handleletthe roperewindslowly.Repeatuntilengine

cranks.Lettheroperewindeachtimeslowly.

Briggs & Stratton:

1. Ifequipped,pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabout

two secondsbetweeneachpush.SeeFigure4-3. In

temperaturearound550For below,primefivetimes.

Donotprimetorestarta warmengine.

2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol

againstupperhandleasshowninFigure4-3.

3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil

starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-

ous,fullarmstroke.Keepingafirm griponthestarter

handle,lettheroperewindslowly.Repeatuntilengine

cranks.Lettheroperewindeachtimeslowly.

_ WARNING:Waitfor the blade to stop

completelybeforeperforming anywork

on the mower or to remove thegrass

catcher.

Figure4-2:Startingthe Hondaengine.

Figure4-3:Startingthe Briggs&Strattonengine.

_ ARNING:If you strikeaforeign

object, stopthe engine.Remove

wire from thespark plug,thoroughly

inspectmowerfor anydamage,and

repairdamagebefore restarting andoperating.

Extensive vibration of mowerduring operation isan

indicationof damage.The unit should be promptly

inspectedand repaired.

Stopping Engine

1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineand blade.

2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand

groundagainsttheengine.

UsingYour Lawn Mower

Besurelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other

objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine.

Suchobjectscouldbe accidentlythrownbythemower

in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytothe

operatorandothers.

Using as Mulcher

Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherandside

dischargechutefromthemower.Foreffectivemulching,

do notcutwetgrass.If thegrasshasbeenallowedto

growin excessof fourinches,mulchingisnotrecom-

mended.Usethegrasscatchertobagclippingsinstead.

Using Grass Catcher

Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile

youareoperatingthemower.Refertosetupsectionfor

instructionson attachingthegrasscatcher.

Operating

r Lawn

M0wer

WARNING

The operationof any

lawn mower can re-

suit inforeign objects

being thrown into

the eyes, which can

damage your eyes se-

verely. Always wear

safety glasseswhile

operatingthe mower,

or while performing

any adjustments or

repairs on it.

Be sure no one other

than the operator is

standing near lawn

mower while starting

engine or operating

mower. Never run

engine indoors or in

enclosed, poorlyven-

tilated 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.

i ¸

Maintaining

WARN! NG

Alwaysstopengine,

disconnectspark

p ugiandground

against engine before

cleaning;lubricating

or do "ganyk ndof

IMPORTANT:We

do not recommend

the use of pressure

washersor a garden

hose to clean your

uniti These may cause

damage to electric

Components;sp nd es,

pulleys, bearingsl or

the engine, The use

ofwaterwillresult

inshortened lifeand

reduce serviceability,

Lubrication

1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolatleast

oncea seasonwithlightoil.Thebladecontrolmust

operatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure5-1.

2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith

lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany

reason,lubricatesurfaceoftheaxleand innersurface

ofthewheelwith lightoil.SeeFigure5-1.

3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointontherear

dischargedoorperiodicallywithlightoil toprevent

rust.See Figure5-1.

4. Thetransmissionis pre-lubricatedand sealedatthe

factoryanddoesnotrequirelubrication.

5. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-

tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.

Figure5-1:Lubricationareasonthe mower.

Deck Care

1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn

mowerorplacea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.

2. Tipmowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe

sidewiththeair cleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.

__ WARNING:Nevertip the mower more

than 90degrees inany directions and

do not leavethe mower tipped for any

length of time. Oil candrainintothe

upper partof the engine causinga startingproblem.

3. Scrapeand cleantheundersideofthedeckwitha

suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.

4. Putthemowerbackonitswheelsontheground.If

youhad putplasticunderthegascapearlier,make

sureto removeitnow.

Figure5-2:Replacingtherearflap.

General Recommendations

• Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming

anymaintenance.

• Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover

itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse

ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,

operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras

instructedhere.

• Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid

enginewarranty.

• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce

eachseason.

• Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese

aretight.

__IL ARNING:Alwaysstopengine,

disconnectsparkplug, and ground

against engine beforeservicingthe

unit.

Engine Care

1. Maintainoil levelasinstructedin enginemanual.

2. Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal

conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely

dustyconditions.Refertoenginemanual.

3. Cleansparkplugand resetthegaponcea season.

Checkenginemanualforcorrectplugtype andgap

specifications.

4. Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe

coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleantopermit

properaircirculation.Removeall grass,dirt, and

combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.

Replacing Rear Flap

1. Lift upreardoor.

2. Bend(bow)therearflapinwardon eachsideto

releasetabsfromtheholesinthehandlemounting

brackets.SeeFigure5-2.

3. Replacewithnewflapbybendingtherearflapand

slidingintoplace.

Blade Care f

__k ARNING:Whenremovingcutting

bladefor sharpeningor replacement,

protectyourhandswitha pairof heavy

gloves or usea heavy ragto hold blade.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn

moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand

thecarburetorareup.

2. Removebolt,bladebellsupport,blade,andblade

adapterfromtheenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure5-3.

NOTE:Whenremovingtheblade,bladeadapter,etc.,be

carefulnotto removeorlosepartsaboveit associated

withtheenginepulley.

3. Thebladecanbe sharpenedwitha fileor on a grind-

ing wheel.Donotattempttosharpenthebladewhile

it isstillon themower.Whensharpeningblade,follow

originalangleofgrind.Grindcuttingedgesequallyto

keepbladebalanced.

4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.

Balancethebladeona roundshaftscrewdriverto

check.Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntilit

balancesevenly.

Figure5-3:Removeboltand bellsupporttogainaccesstothe

blade.

__k WARNING:Anunbalanced bladewill

causeexcessivevibration whenrotating

athigh speeds, itmay causedamage

to mower,and could breakcausing

personalinjury.

5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurface

ofthebladeadapterwithlightoil.Slidetheblade

adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.Placetheblade

on theadaptersuchthatthesideoftheblademarked

"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)facesthegroundwhen

themowerisin theoperatingposition.Makesurethat

bladeisalignedandseatedon bladeadapterflanges.

6. Placebladebellsupportonthe blade.Alignnotches

on thebladebell supportwith smallholesin blade.

Replacehexboltandtightenhexboltto torque:450

in.Ibs.min.,600 in.Ibs.max.

Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically

checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.

Figure5-4:A.Removethe screwsthatholdthe enginebaffle

ontothe deck.B.Loosenthescrewthat holdsdeckbaffleonto

deck.

Belt Care

1. Disconnectthesparkplugwireandgrounditagainst

theengine.

2. Drainthefueltankor placea pieceofplastic

beneaththecapto preventgasolineleakage.

3. Tipmoweronitsside(aircleanersideofengineup).

4. Removeblade,adapter,and relatedhardwareas

instructedunder"BladeCare"above.SeeFigure

5-3.

a. Removetheself-tappingscrewsthatsecures

theenginebaffletothedeck. SeeFigure5-4.

Removeenginebaffle.

b. Loosenself-tappingscrewthatsecuresdeck

baffletothedeck.SeeFigure5-4.

WARNING

When removing

the cutting blade

for sharpening or

replacement or

when slidingthe belt

around it, protect

your hands with a

pair of heavy gloves

or usea heavy rag to

hold the blade.

An unbalanced blade

will cause excessive

vibration when rotat-

ing at high speeds, it

may cause damage

to mower, and could

break causing per-

sonal injury.

Mower

NOTE:Whenreplacing

the belt,checkthatthe

newlyinstalledbeltis

seatedcorrectlyand is

ridingsmoothlyonthe

enginepulley.

Figure5-5:Removebeltfromtransmissionandenginepulley.

6. a. Workingfromtherearofthemower,carefully

removebeltfromtransmissionpulley.

b. Oncebeltisoff transmissionpulley,pushdownon

deckbaffletoaccessenginepulleyandslidebelt

offthis pulleyandoutfromunderthedeck.See

Figure5-5.

7. Replacewithnewbelt,workingitbetweenthedeck

andbaffle,firstaroundthetransmissionpulleyand

thentheenginepulley.

NOTE: Makecertainthatbeltis seatedcorrectlyand

thatitis ridingsmoothlyon theenginepulleyandisnot

pinchedbetweenthelowerand upperpulleyhalves.

8. Tightenself-tappingscrewsecuringdeckbaffle

loosenedearlier.

9. Replaceenginebaffleand securewith selftapping

screws.

10.Replaceblade,bladeadapter,andassociated

hardware.Followinstructionsin BladeCaresectionfor

properassembly.

11.Tipmowerbackontoitswheelsand removepieceof

plasticfromundergascap(if applicable).

Off-Season Storage

Thefollowingstepsshouldbe takentoprepareyourlawn

mowerforstorage.

• Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin

thelubricationinstructions.

• Wedo notrecommendtheuseofa pressurewasher

orgardenhoseto cleanyourunit.

• Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine

storageinstructions.

Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto

preventrusting.

Storemowerina dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenextto

corrosivematerials,suchasfertilizer.

Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipmentin a poorly

ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetakento

rust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoil or silicone,coat

theequipment,especiallycablesandall movingpartsof

yourlawnmowerbeforestorage.

NOTES

Problem Cause Remedy

Ena nefa sto start 1. Bladecontroldisengaged, i. Engagebladecontro!.

sParkPiugwiie disconnected: conneO!wiretOsparkplugl

3. Fueltankemptyorstalefuel. & Filltankwith clean,freshgasolinel

4. Enginenot piimed(if equippedwth 4. primeengineaSinstr,u,ctedin Operat,

primer)i ing YourLawnMower.

Faultysparkp ugl c ean adjustgap or repiacel

61 BloCkedfuel linel clean fuellinel

7: Engineflooded. 7. Wait afewminutesto restait,but do

I notprimel

" 8. Fue!valve(ifequipped)closed, & Openfuelva!ve:See enginemanuaI.

........... 91 Enginenotchoked(ifequippedw/choke). 9. Chokeengine:Seeenginemanual.

For repairsbeyond

minor adjustments

listed here, contact

an authorized service

dealer.

Engineruns erratic

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.

Engne overheats 1. Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil.

2. Airflow restricted. 2. Removeblowerhousing

andc ean.

3. Carburetornotadjustedproperly. 3. Referto enginemanual.

Occasionalskips 1. Sparkpluggap tooclose. 1. Adjustgap to .030".

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

highspeed improperlyset.

Idlespoorly 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gap 1. Resetgapto .030"or replace

- - too wide. _ sparkplug.

I 2. Carburetorimproperlyadjusted. 2. Referto enginemanual.

3 Dirtyair cleaner. 3. Refertoenginemanual.

Excessive 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.Balance

Vibration blade.

2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. Seeanauthorizedservicedealer.

Mowerwill not 1. Wetgrass. 1. Donot mowwhengrassLswet;walt

mulch clrass/If I I untillatertocut.

._ ,_" I 2 Excessvey hghgrass 2. Mowonceata highcuttingheight

_-qulppea_ then mowagainatdesiredheight'or

I makeanarrowercuttingpath.

I 3. Dullblade. I 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.

Unevencut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsin same

heightposition.

2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

1. Beltnotinsialledproperly. 1. Checkbeltfor properpulleyinstallation

Mowerwill not

seIfpropeI ' , andmovement.

2. Debrsclogg ngdriveoperation 2. Stopengine,disconnectsparkplug

wireand cleanoutdebris.

3. Damagedor wornbelt. 3. Inspectand replacebelt.

Safety Labels Found On Your Lawn Mower

Label

WARNING

DONOTremove safety

(or any) labels from

mower for any reason.

Model Series 820

Fief. PartNo. Description

No.

1 746-04265A DriveCable

2 735-04059 RubberGrommet

3 753-05096A DriveControlAssernbly

4 747-1161A BladeControl

5 746-04213 ControlCable

6 749-04037 LowerHandle

7 725-0157 CableTie

8 732-04265 TorsionSpring,LH

9 710-0599 TTScrew,1/4-20x .500

10 787-01343A 21-inchDeck

11 710-0654A TTScrew,3/8-16x 1.00

12 787-01346 DeckBaffle

13 756-04157Bt UpperEnginePulley

756-04273tt UpperEnginePulley

14 756-04156Bt LowerEnginePulley

756-04272tt LowerEnginePulley

15 736-0514t FiatWasher,.885x 1.850x .060

16 748-0376Ct BladeAdapter

748-04096tt BladeAdapter

17 710-1044 Screw,3/8-24x 1.50

18 736-0524B BladeBellSupport

19 742-0741 21"MulchingBlade

Fief. PartNo. Description

No.

20 736-0513t SprgWasher,.890x 1.70x .048

21 750-1071t SleeveSpacer

750-04818tt SIv.Spcr.,25rnrnx 1.375x.375

22 750-04825tt SleeveSpacer

23 731-05463A DeckBaffle

24 710-0260A CarriageBolt,5/16-18x.62

25 712-04063 FlangeLockNut,5/16-18

26 731-05462A Trailshield

27 731-05157 MulchPlug

28 731-05017A RearDoor

29 710-1241 Screw,1/4-15x 1.00

30 720-04072 StarKnob

31 732-04264 TorsionSpring,RH

32 711-04374 DoorPivotRod

33 647-04051 GrassCatcherFrame

34 664-04047 GrassCatcher

35 710-1174 CarriageBolt,5/16-18x2.00

36 720-0279 WingNut

37 710-1205 EyeBolt

38 749-04206 UpperHandle

39 731-05903 EngineBaffle

40 736-0447tt Washer,Wave,1.5x 1.0x.029

t Equippedon Unitswith Briggs&StrattonEngine

tt Equippedon UnitswithHondaEngine

PARTS

To order replacement

i,8oo:8oo: 31o

orvisit

www.mtdproducts,com

ii i _iI_ ii

Model Series 820

shown

reference

shown for

reference

Ref. PartNo. Description

No.

1 754-04093 V-Belt

2 732-04338 SpringLever

3 720-0230 FoamGrip

4 717-04184A SpurGear,14T- LH

5 710-0599 TT Screw,1/4-20x0.50

6 750-04305A Spacer

7 749-04267A CrossBracket

8 687-02204 FrontBracketAssembly

9 731-05470 ClipSpacer

10 741-04136B SplitHexFlangeBearing

11 734-1987 FrontWheel

12 712-04065 FlangeLockNut,3/8-16

13 634-04363 RearWheel

14 710-04531 Screw,1/4-20x .39

15 717o04192A SpurGear,14ToRH

16 736-3084 FlatWasher

17 782-7551A WheelDustCover

18 748-04159 TransmissionBearingSupport

19 731-05872 ClipSpacer

20 716-0198 RetainingRing.875

21 687-02314 RearBracketAssembly

22 732-0320 ExtensionSpring

23 756-04237 Pulley,3.36OD

24 736-0258 FiatWasher,.385x 1.0x.135

25 712-04063 FlangeLockNut,5/16-18

26 687-02205 HandleBracketAssemblyLH

27 715-0221 DowelPin

28 618-04492 TransmissionAssembly

29 687-02206 HandleBracketAssemblyRH

30 748-0390 Spacer,BearingSupport

31 750-04640 Spacer,.375IDx .255Lg.

PARTS

To order replacement

i,8oo:8oo:731o

orvisit

www.mtdproducts,com

ii i _iI_ ii

iMPORTANT

Fora proper working

machine,use Factory

Approved Parts.

V-BELTS are specially

designedto engage

and disengagesafely.

A substitute (non OEM)

V-Belt canbe danger-

ous by notdisengaging

completely.

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.

HOW 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.

Thislimitedwarrantydoesnot providecoverageinthefollowingcases:

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 impliedwarranty of mer-

chantabilityof fitness for a particular purpose,applies after the

applicable periodof expresswritten warranty aboveasto the

partsasidentified.Nootherexpresswarranty, whetherwrittenor

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,sotheaboveexclusionsorlimitationsmaynotapplytoyou.

Innoeventshallrecoveryofanykindbegreaterthantheamountofthe

purchasepriceof theproductsold.Alterationof safetyfeaturesof

the productshallvoid this warranty. Youassumetheriskandliability

forloss,damage,or injurytoyouandyourpropertyand/ortoothersand

theirpropertyarisingoutofthemisuseor inabilitytousethe product.

Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendtoanyoneotherthantheoriginal

purchaserorto thepersonforwhomitwas purchasedasa gift.

HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHISWARRANTY:This limited

warrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,and youmayalsohaveother

rightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.

IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofof Purchasetoobtain

warrantycoverage.

IViTDLLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136-0019; Phone: 1=800=800-7310, 1-330=220-4683

MTD 12BV829Q755 Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 12BV829Q755

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

Download PDF

report

MTD 12BV829Q755 Owner's manual

MTD 12BV829Q755 Owner's manual

Related papers

Other documents