MTD 12A-566Q795 Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 12A-566Q795

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

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

OF A O AL

21" Rotary Mower- Model 566Q

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.769-01770

3/24/2005

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

Trouble Shooting .............................................. 12

Off-Season Storage and Safety Labels .......... 13

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

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREYOU STARTASSEMBLING

YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,

please locatethe modelplate onthe equipmentand copythe

informationtothe sample modelplate providedtothe right.

Youcan locatethe modelplateby standing at the operating

position andlookingdown atthe rear ofthe deck. This

informationwill be necessaryto usethemanufacturer'sweb

site and/or obtain assistancefrom the CustomerSupport

Departmentoran authorizedservicedealer.

Model Number

www.mtdproducts.com

Serial Number

MTD LLC

P.O= BOX 361131

CLEVELAND, OH 44136

330-220-4683

800-800-7310

Customer Support

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

purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.

Ifyou have difficultyassemblingthis productorhave any

questions regardingthecontrols, operationor maintenanceof

this unit,youcanseek helpfromthe experts.Choosefrom the

options below:

1. Visit mtdproducts.com for manyusefulsuggestions.

Click on CustomerSupport buttonand you willget the four

options reproducedinthis sampleto the right.Click on the

appropriate buttonand helpis immediatelyavailable.

2. Phonea Customer Support Representative

at 1(800) 800-7310.

3. The engine manufacturer isresponsiblefor all engine-

relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-rating,

specifications,warranty and service. Pleasereferto the

engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packed

separatelywithyour unit,for moreinformation.

Click here to search our knowledge base.

Search by product, keyword, or phrase.

your inquiries, or update your personal profile.

Need local assistance? Click here to find authorized

service centers in your area.

Need a manual and/or parts list? Download

literature from recent model years.

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RNING

This symbol points

i out important safety

instructionswhich, if

notfollowed, could

endangerthe personal

i safetyand/or property

I ofyourselfand others.

Readand follow all

instructionsinthis man-

ualbeforeattemptingto

operatethis machine.

Failureto complywith

these instructionsmay

i resultin personalinjury.

i When youseethis

_symbol.

HEED ITS WARNING

Your

Responsibility

Restrictthe use

i ofthis powermachine

i to personswho read,

understand

andfollow the warnings

and instructions

inthis manual

andon the machine.

WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of itsconstituents,andcertain vehicle compo-

nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancer and

birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.

DANGER: Thismachinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operationin this

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

result inseriousinjury.This machine iscapableof amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.

Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injuryordeath.

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'smanual carefullyinits entiretybefore

attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,

andfollowall instructionsonthe machineandin the

manual(s) beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith

thecontrolsandthe properuseofthis machinebefore

operatingit. Keepthis manualin a safeplaceforfuture

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 supervisedby a 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,

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 lightweight

(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 notengage theself-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.Shutthe engineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto a

completestop beforeremovingthe grasscatcheror unclog-

gingthechute.

The cuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefora fewsecondsafter

the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceany partofthe bodyin

the bladearea untilyouaresurethe bladehasstopped

rotating.

20. Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrail shield,discharge

cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafety

protectivedevicesin placeandworking.Neveroperate

mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo so,can

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 slipandfallaccidentswhich

can resultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra

caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyon aslope,do notmowit.Foryour

safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthis manualto

measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunitonaslopedor hilly

area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donot mowit.

Do:

1. Mowacrossthe faceofslopes; neverup anddown.

Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon

slopes.

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

can causeyouto slipor trip.Tallgrasscan hideobstacles.

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 machineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswill

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 apoorlyventilatedarea.

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 mowerforanydamage.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 overspeedthe

engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating

speedoftheengine.

11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.

12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper

disposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.

Practices

WARNING

Thissymbol points

out importantsafety

instructionswhich, if

notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal

safety and/or property

of yourselfand others.

Readand followall

instructions inthis man-

ual beforeattemptingto

operatethis machine.

Failuretocomply with

these instructionsmay

result inpersonalinjury.

Whenyou see this

symbol.

HEED iTS WARNING

Your

Responsibility

Restrictthe use

ofthis powermachine

to personswho read,

understand

and follow thewarnings

and instructions

inthis manual

and onthe machine.

NOTE:Standbehind

themowerasifyou

weregoingtooperate

it.Yourrighthandcor-

respondstotheright

sideofthemower;your

lefthandcorresponds

totheleftsideofthe

mower.

NOTE:Yourmower

i isshippedwiththe

handleinthehigher

I heightposition.

NOTE:Eachendof

thelowerhandlemust

beplacedinthesame

relativeposition.

iMPORTANT

DO NOTcrimp the

cableswhen liftingthe

handleup.Makesure

to routethe cables

i insidethe lowerhandle.

iMPORTANT

Thisunit isshipped

} without gasolineor

oil inthe engine. Fih

up gasolineandoil

as instructedin the

accompanyingengine

manual BEFORE

operatingyour mower.

Step 1

HardwarePack

Wing Nuts (2) CarriageBolts(2)

Step 2

1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetween

upperandlowerhandles.

a. Pullupand backon upperhandleasshownin

Step1.Makecertainthe lowerhandleis seated

securelyintothehandlemountingbrackets.

b. Tightenhandknobssecuringupperhandleto

lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriageboltis

seatedproperlyin thehandle.

2. Locatehairpinclipinone holeon theweldpinon each

sideof lowerhandle.

a. Removehairpinclipfromthis hole.Usinga pairof

pliers,inserthairpinclipintotheotherholeon the

weldpin.Repeaton otherside.

b. Inserta carriageboltfromthehardwarepackinto

theupperholeonthehandlemountingbracket.

Securewithone plasticwingnut,alsoincluded

inthehardwarepack.Repeatonothersidewith

remainingitemsfromhardwarepack.

Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe

upperhandle.Loosenthewingnutwhichsecuresthe

ropeguide.

a. Holdthebladecontrolagainstupperhandle.

b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releasethe

bladecontrol.

c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.Tightenwingnut.

Insertpostoncabletiesintoholesprovidedon the

lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.

Anadjustingplateandthumbleverateachwheel

positionprovidescuttingheightadjustment.

a. Depresslevertowardswheel.

b. Moveitto anyoftheninepositionsfordesired

cuttingheight.SeeStep5.

c. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.

Step 3 Step 4

6. Followstepsbelowtoassemblethegrasscatcher:

a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside

is atthebottom.

b. Slip plasticchannelofgrassbagoverhooksonthe

frame.SeeStep6.All theplasticchannelsexcept

centertopof bagattachfromoutsideofbag.

c. Attachcentertopofbagfrominsideofbag.

7. Followstepsbelowtoattachgrasscatcher:

a. Liftreardischargedoor.

b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod.Letgo

ofdischargedoorsothat itrestson thegrass

catcher.SeeStep7.

Toremovegrasscatcherorconverttoa mulcher(if

equipped),lift reardischargedooronthe moweras

showninStep8. Liftgrasscatcherupandoutofthepivot

rod.Releasereardischargedoortoallowittocloserear

openingofmower.

_ ARNING: Never operate mower

unless the hooks on the grass

catcherare firmly seated in the

slotson the handle bracket as-

semblies, and the rear discharge

door rests firmly against top of

the grass catcher.

8. Ifcovertingtosidedischarge,makesuregrass

catcherisoff unitand reardischargedoorisclosed.

a. Liftmulchingplugon therightsideof mower.

b. Slidetwohooksofsidedischargechuteunder

thehingepinonthe mulchingplugassemblyand

lowerthesidemulchingplug.SeeStep8.

NOTE:Donotremovethesidemulchingplugat anytime,

evenwhenyouarenotmulching.

Step 5

Step 6

Step 8 Step 7

uStment

CUTTING HEIGHT

Step5

All wheels mustbe

placedin the same

relative positionl

GRASSCATCHER

Stepe

Makecertain bag is

turned right side out

before assembling

(warninglabelWillbe

onthe outside):

WARNING

Never operate mower

unlessthe hooks on

the grasscatcher are

firmly seated in the

slots on the handle

bracket assemblies,

and the rear dis-

charge door rests

firmly against top of

the grasscatcher.

WARNING

The blade control

mechanism is a

safety device. Never

attempt to bypass its

operations.

I Useextreme care

when handling

gasoline.Gasoline is

extremely flammable

and the vapors are

explosive. Never fuel

the machine indoors

or while the engine

is hot or running.

Extinguish cigarettes,

cigars, pipes and

other sources of

ignition.

Keep hands and feet

away from the chute

area on cutting deck.

Referto warning

label onthe unit.

Know Your Lawn Mower

BladeControl

Control

Recoil

GrassBag

GasolineFill

Oil Fill

Mulching Plug

HeightAdjustment

Levers

Figure 1

Now that you have set up your lawn mower for op-

eration, get aquainted with its controls and features.

These are described below and illustrated on this

page. 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

of the mower. Depress and squeeze it against the

upper handle to operate the unit. Release it to stop

engine and blade.

__k WARNING:Thisbladecontrolmecha-

nism isa safetydevice. Neverattempt

to bypass itsoperations.

Drive Control

The drive control is located on the underside of

the upper handle and is used to engage the drive.

Squeeze it against the upper handle to engage the

drive; release it to slow down or stop mower from

propelling. See Figure 1.

Mulching Plug

The mulching plug is used only for mulching

purposes. Instead of collecting the grass clippings

in the grass catcher, your mower has the option of

recirculating the clippings back to the lawn. Make

sure that the rear discharge door is closed and the

grass catcher is removed from unit while mulching.

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

One adjustment lever is located on each wheel and

is used to adjust the cutting height. All four levers

have to be at the same relative 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.

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

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

manual for this. See Figure 1above for location of the

oil fill.

2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe

enginemanual. SeeFigure1aboveforlocationof

gasfill.

_ ARNING:Useextremecarewhen han-

dling gasoline.Gasolineisextremely

flammableand the vapors areexplosive.

Neverfuel the machine indoorsor while

the engine ishot or running. Extinguish

cigarettes, cigars, pipesand other

sources of ignition.

WARNING:Theoperation of any lawn

mower can result in foreign objects

being thrown into theeyes,which can

damageyour eyesseverely. Always

wearsafety glasseswhile operating

the mower,or while performing any

adjustments or repairs on it.

Starting Engine

WARNING:Besureno one otherthan

theoperatorisstandingnearthe lawn

mowerwhilestartingengineor operat-

ingmower.Neverrun engine indoors

or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas.

Engine exhaustcontains carbon monox-

ide,an odorless and deadly gas. Keep

hands,feet,hairand loose clothing

awayfrom any moving partson engine

and lawnmower.

1. Placethefuelvalveleverfoundontheleft sideofthe

engineintotheONposition.SeeFigure2 inset.

2. Movethechokeleverall thewaybackwardintothe

chokeposition.Oncetheengineiswarm,theleverwill

automaticallyreverttothe RUNposition.Refertothe

enginemanualforfurtherdetails.

3. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol

againstupperhandle.SeeFigure2.

4. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil

starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-

ous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure2.Keepinga firm

grip onthestarterhandle,lettheroperewindslowly.

Repeatuntilenginecranks.Letthe roperewindeach

timeslowly.

Stopping Engine

1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineand blade.

2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand

groundagainsttheengine.

_ ARNING:Waitfor the blade to stop

completelybeforedoing anywork

on the mower or to remove thegrass

catcher.

UsingYour Lawn Mower

__IL ARNING:Neveroperateyour mower

without either the rear door or the entire

grass catcher assembly firmly secured.

Besurelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other

objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine.

Suchobjectscouldbe accidentlythrownbythemower

in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytothe

operatorandothers.

Figure 2

_ ARNING:ifyou strikeaforeign

object, stop the engine.Remove

wire from thespark plug,thoroughly

inspect mowerfor anydamage,and

repair damagebeforerestarting and

operating. Extensive vibration of

mower during operation isan indica-

tion of damage.The unit should be

promptlyinspectedand repaired.

1. Oncetheengineis running,squeezethedrive

controlagainsttheupperhandleto propelmower.

2. Forbest results,do notcut wetgrass.

3. Fora healthierlawn,nevercut offmorethanone-

thirdofthetotallengthofthegrass.

Using as Mulcher

Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherfromthe

mower.Thereardischargedoorshouldbeclosed.

1. Foreffectivemulching,do notcut wetgrass.

2. Newor thickgrassmayrequirea narrowercut.

Adjustgroundspeedaccordingtoconditionoflawn.

3. ifthegrasshasbeenallowedto growinexcessof

4 inches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethe

grasscatchertobagclippingsinstead.

Using Grass Catcher

Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile

youareoperatingthemower.

1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionson page

7.Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectinbagas

yourunmower.Operatemowertillgrassbagisfull.

2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingtheblade

controlhandle.Makesurethattheunithascometo

a completestop.

3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagup andaway

fromthe mowertodisposeofthegrassclippings.

Mower

WARNING

The operation of any

lawn mower can result

inforeign objects

being thrown into

the eyes, whichcan

damage your eyes

severely. Always wear

safety glasseswhile

operating the mower,

or whileperforming

any adjustments or

repairs on it.

Be sureno one other

than the operator is

standing near the lawn

mower while starting

engine or operating

mower. Never run

engine indoorsor

n enclosed, poorly

ventilated areas. En-

gineexhaust contains

carbon monoxide, an

odorless and deadly

gas. Keep hands,feet,

hair and loose clothing

away from any moving

partson engine and

lawn mower.

Maintaining

WARNING

A vaysstope,g ne;

disconnect spark

pluglandground

againstenginebefore

cleaning,lubricating

ordoinganyk ndof

maintenanceonV0ur

machine!

We do notrecommend

the used pressure

washers or garden

hoseto cleanyour

uniL These maycause

damage to electric

componentsspindles

pu eys;bear ngs, or

the engine. The use

of waterwill result in

shortened lifeand

i reduceserViceabilityl

Lubricate these

points before

reassembly.

Figure 4

General Recommendations

1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming

anymaintenance.

2. Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover

itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse

ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,

operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras

instructedhere.

Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid

enginewarranty.

Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce

eachseason.

Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese

aretight.

WARNING:Alwaysstop engine,

disconnect spark plug,and ground

against engine beforecleaning,

lubricatingor doing any kind of

maintenanceon your machine.

Lubrication

1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolatleast

oncea seasonwithlightoil.Thebladecontrolmust

operatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure3.

2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith

lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany

reason,lubricatesurfaceofthepivotarmandinner

surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure3.

3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointoneach

endofthereardischargedoorandthesidemulching

plugperiodicallywithlightoil topreventrust.See

Figure3.

4. Thetransmissionis pre-lubricatedandsealedatthe

factoryanddoesnotrequirelubrication.

5. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-

tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.

Deck Care

1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn

mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.

2. Tipmowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe

sidewiththeaircleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.

_ ARNING:Nevertip the mowermore

than 90 degreesin anydirections and

do not leavethe mower tipped for any

length of time. Oil can drain intothe

upper partof the engine causing a

starting problem.

3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwitha

suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.

4. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsontheground.If

youhadputplasticunderthegascapearlier,make

sureto removeitnow.

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,dirtand

combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.

Replacing Rear Flap

1. Toremoverearflap,cutoff theflatendofthewirerod

whichsecuresittothedeck.SeeFigure4.

2. Attachthenewflapand newrodtodeck,bendingthe

endsofthenewrodovertosecuretodeck.

Blade Care

__i= 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. Thebladecanbe sharpenedwitha fileor on a grind-

ing wheel.Donotattempttosharpenthebladewhile

it isstillon themower.Whensharpeningblade,follow

originalangleofgrind.Grindcuttingedgesequallyto

keepbladebalanced.

4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.

Balancethebladeona roundshaftscrewdriverto

check.Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntilit

balancesevenly.

_ 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.

Belt Care

1. Removetwoshoulderscrewssecuringfrontdrive

covertomowerdeck.SeeFigure6. Pressinwardon

sidesoffrontdrivecoverand releasetabsthat secure

it totheheightadjusterbrackets.Removedrivecover

frommower.

Loosenscrewholdingbelttensionspringtotrans-

mission.SeeFigure6 inset.Donotremovescrew

completely.Asyouloosenit, tensiononthebeltwillbe

released.

Pushtransmissionup a littleandslidebeltoffthe

transmissionpulley.Lift mowertoaccessbeltfrom

undersideofmower.Slidebeltoff ofenginepulleyand

aroundtheblade.SeeFigure7.

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

4. Replacewith newbelt,workingaroundblade.Make

surebeltisfirmlyseatedonenginepulleywhile

pullingfromtheothersideand slidingitaroundthe

transmissionpulley.Tightenscrewloosenedearlier

tosecurebelttensionspringtothetransmission.

Reassemblefrontdrivecover.

_ _ i i i iii _ _ ii _i ii ii

Maintaining

You r LaWn

MOwer

WARNING

When removing

the cutting blade

for sharpening or

replacement or

when sliding the belt

around it, protect

your hands with a

pair of heavy gloves

or use a heavy rag to

hold the blade.

An unbalanced blade

will cause excessive

vibrationwhen rotat-

ing at high speeds. It

may cause damage

to mower, and could

break causing per-

sonal injury.

Shooting

For repairs beyond

thembo

ments fisted here,

contact anauthorized

service dealer.

i_ii_ii!_i_iii_i _iii_i_iii!iiii_!ii_i!_i_i!

i_i i i ii i i i

Problem Cause Remedy

Enginefails to start I 1. Bladecontroldisengaged• 1. Engagebladecontrol•

I 2. wiredisconnected. 2. Connectwireto sparkplug.

Spark

plug

I 3, Fueltank orstalefue 3. Fil tankwithclean freshgasoline•

empty

I 4. Enginenotprimed• 4. Primeengineasinstructedin

I "OperatingYourLawnMower".

5 ault s ark lu 5. Cean adjustgap orrepace.

I .F yp pg.

H R

6. Cleanfuel inc.

I 6. BIockedfue line. I

I 7 En ne fcoded I 7. Waitafew minutestorestart,but

J- g' " J do notprime_

Engineruns erratic 1. Sparkplugwireloose. 1. Connectandtightenspark

plugwire.

2. Blockedfuellineor stalefuel. 2. Cleanfuelline;filltankwithclean,

freshgasoline.

3. Ventingascapplugged. 3. Clearvent.

4. Waterordirt infuelsystem. 4. Drainfueltank.Refillwith

freshfuel.

5. Dirtyaircleaner. 5. Refertoenginemanual.

6. Carburetoroutofadjustment. 6. Refertoenginemanual.

I I

Engineoverheats 1. Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewth properoil.

2. Airf owrestricted. 2. Removeblowerhousing

I I andclean.

3. Carburetornotadjustedproperly, i 3. Referto enginemanual.

Occasionalskips 1. Sparkpluggaptooclose. 1. Adjustgap to.030".

(hesitates)at 2. Carburetoridlemixtureadjustment 2. Refertoenginemanual.

highspeed improperlyset.

des poory I 1. Sparkplugfouled faultyorgap 1. Resetgapto .030' or replace

I toowide. sparkplug.

2. Carburetorimproperlyadjusted. I 2. Referto enginemanual.

3. Dirtyaircleaner. _l 3. Referto enginemanual.

Excessive 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.

Vibration Balanceblade.

2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. Seean authorizedservicedealer.

not I 1. Wetgrass. 1. Donotmowwhengrassiswet

Mowerwill

much grass(If I wet unt aterto cut.

Equpped) I 2 Excessivel hi h rass 2 Mowonceata h ghcuttngheght

• y gg . •

thenmowagainatdesiredheight

I I or makea narrowercuttingpath.

I 3 Du bade I

• " 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.

Unevencut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeall fourwheelsin same

heightposition.

2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

Mowerw not I 1. Beltnotinstalledproperly. 1 Checkbeltforproperpulleyinstal-

f r aton and movement

se pope I I . . "

I 2 Stopengne,dsconnectsparkpuc

2. Debriscloggingdriveoperation. I •

I w reandceanoutdebrs

I 3. Damagedorwornbelt, I

I 3. nspectandrepacebet.

Off-Season Storage

Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakentoprepareyourlawn

mowerforstorage.

1. Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin

thelubricationinstructions.

2. Wedonotrecommendtheuseofa pressurewasher

or gardenhosetocleanyourunit.

3. Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine

storageinstructions.

4. Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto

preventrusting.

5. Storemowerina dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenext

tocorrosivematerials,suchas fertilizer.

Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipmentin a poorly

ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetaken

torust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoil or silicone,

coattheequipment,especiallycablesandall moving

partsofyourlawnmowerbeforestorage.

Safety Labels Found On Your Lawn Mower

_i _i i _iii i__ i iii ii_

DONOTremove safety

(or any) labelsfrom

mower for any reason.

',_ y_

_3_

_2_,

'k-y

'_m' (82

_.-,., _._

' _ y;

1 747-1214 DriveControl 46 732-1043 BeltTensionSpring

2 710-0599 TTScrew1/4-20x 0.5 47 720-0426 AdjustmentKnob

3 736-0270 BellWasher.265x0.75 48 732-04089A TorsionSpring- LH

4 17032A DeflectorChuteAdapter 49 734-2042 FrontWheel8 x2.125

5 732-1014 TorsionSpring 50 716-0865 SnapRing

6 731-2626 DeluxeBailCover 51 717-1762 Gear14TRHFWD

7 747-1161A BladeControl 717-1761 Gear14TLHFWD

8 749-1092A UpperHandle 52 747-04080 GrassBagFrame

9 731-04177 ChuteDeflector 53 736-0451 SaddleWasher

10 687-02055 MulchPlugComplete 54 712-3005 HexFlangeLockNut3/8-16

11 747-0710 HingePin 55 710-1652 TT Scr.w/Washer1/4-20x.625

12 712-04064 FlangeLockNut,1/4-20 56 687-02057 HandleBracketAssembly- LH

13 720-0279 HandleKnob 687-02056 HandleBracketAssembly- RH

14 720-0284 HandleKnob 57 715-0221 DowelPin

15 710-1205 EyeBolt 58 736-0474 Washer

16 746-1113 ControlCable- 37.75" 59 687-02039 PivotArmAssembly-RH

17 710-1174 CarriageBolt5/16-18x2.0 687-02040 PivotArmAssembly-LH

18 687-02033 HandleBracket-RH 60 732-0866 RearSpringLever

687-02031 HandleBracket-LH 61 720-0312 FoamGrip

19 726-0240 CableTie 62 738-0507B ShoulderScr.500Dig.x.434

20 714-0104 CotterPin 63 734-04093 RearWheel,12x2.125

21 710-0654A Self-TappingSeresScrew 64 782-0512B HeightAdjusterPlate- RH

22 746-04112A DriveCable-50.50" 782-0511A HeightAdjusterPlate- LH

23 664-04007 GrassbagAssembly 65 732-0706 FrontLever- RH

24 710-1650 ShoulderScrew# 12-24 732-0707 FrontLever- LH

26 710-04371 Screw,1/4-15x 1.25 67 731-04998 RearTrailingShield

27 710-0286 Screw,1/4-20x.500 68 747-0996 PivotRod

28 787-01278 21"Deck 69 716-0102 SnapRing

29 731-04150B RearBaffle 70 731-04134A RearDischargeDoor

30 731-0981A HubCap 71 782-7551A WheelDustCap

31 750-1166 Slev.Spacer2.1"Lg. 72 756-04017 inputPulley

32 710-0216 HexScrew,3/8-16x.75 73 750-04162 Spacer.375x.50x 1.02"Lg.

33 732-04090A TorsionSpring- RH 74 715-04011 RollPin

34 712-04065 FlangeLockNut,3/8-16 75 710-0703 CarriageBolt1/4-20

35 731-05132A TransmissionCover 76 712-0397 WingNut

36 782-5002B FrontBaffle 77 618-0657 TransmissionAssembly

37 754-0637A V-Belt 78 682-0512A HeightAdjustmentAssembly- RH

38 736-0447 WaveWasher 682-0511A HeightAdjustmentAssembly- LH

39 750-04178 SleeveSpacer9.04"Lg. 79 736-0182 SpringWasher,.500x 1.00x .022

40 748-04082 BladeAdapterw/Star 80 736-0250 FiatWasher,1.00x 1.75x .107

682-0015 FrontBearingAssembly J . 66_732-0700 Wire

742-0741 21"MulchingBlade _ _81. 736-04173 SprgWasher,1.005x 1.825x .048

736-0524B BladeBellSupport 82 750-04438A SleeveSpacer

687-02044 PivotPlateAssembly 83 756-04160 KeyHalfPulley

710-1257 HexScrew3/8-24x 2.50 84 756-04161 UpperHalfPulley

749-0928A LowerHandle

MPORTANT

Fora operWorking

machine;use Factory

Approved Parts:

V..BELTS areSpecially

designed to engage

and disengagesafelyl

A substitute(nOnOEM)

VxBelt can bedangeri

ousby not disengaging

completely:

Toorder replacement

parts, contact 1-800-

800-7310or visit www.

yardman.com.

MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR

ThelimitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenbyMTDLLCwithrespectto

newmerchandisepurchasedandusedin theUnitedStates,itsposses-

sionsandterritories.

"MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsin materialandworkmanship

fora periodoftwo(2) yearscommencingonthedateoforiginalpurchase

andwill,atits option,repairor replace,freeofcharge,anypartfoundto

bedefectiveinmaterialsor workmanship.Thislimitedwarrantyshallonly

applyifthis producthasbeenoperatedandmaintainedinaccordance

withtheOperator'sManualfurnishedwiththeproduct,andhasnotbeen

subjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,accident,improper

maintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft,fire,water,ordamagebecause

ofotherperilor naturaldisaster.Damageresultingfromtheinstallationor

useofanypart,accessoryorattachmentnotapprovedbyMTDforuse

withtheproduct(s)coveredbythis manualwillvoidyourwarrantyasto

anyresultingdamage.

Normalwearpartsarewarrantedto befreefromdefectsinmaterialand

workmanshipfora periodofthirty(30)daysfromthedateof purchase.

Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuchas: batteries,

belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,snow

throwerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.

HOW TO OBTAINSERVICE: Warrantyservice isavailable,WITH

PROOFOF PURCHASE,throughyour localauthorized service

dealer.Tolocate the dealer in yourarea, check yourYellowPages, or

contact MTD LLCat RO. Box361131,Cleveland,Ohio 44136-0019,or

call 1-800-800-7310or 1-330-220-4683or log on to our Web site 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,andnormaldeteriorationoftheexteriorfinishduetouse

orexposure.

d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthananauthorizedservice

dealer.

e. MTDdoesnotextendanywarrantyforproductssoldor exported

outsideofthe UnitedStates,itspossessionsandterritories,except

thosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorizedchannelsofexportdistribution.

f. ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts.

g. Transportationchargesand servicecalls.

No impliedwarranty,includinganyimpliedwarranty of merchant-

ability of fitness for a particularpurpose,applies after the applicable

periodof expresswritten warranty aboveas to the partsas identi-

fied. Noother expresswarranty, whether written or oral, exceptas

mentionedabove,givenby anypersonor entity,includinga dealer

or retailer,with respect to anyproduct,shallbind MTD.Duringthe

periodof the warranty, the exclusive remedyisrepairor replacement

of the productas set forth above.

Theprovisionsas set forth inthis warranty providethe sole and

exclusive remedyarising from the sale. MTDshall not be liable

for incidentalor consequential loss or damageincluding,without

limitation, expensesincurredfor substitute or replacementlawncare

services or for rentalexpensesto temporarily replacea warranted

product.

Somestatesdo notallowtheexclusionor limitationofincidentalor

consequentialdamages,or limitationson howlonganimpliedwarranty

lasts,sotheaboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplytoyou.

Innoeventshallrecoveryofanykindbegreaterthantheamountofthe

purchasepriceoftheproductsold.Alterationof safetyfeatures of the

productshallvoid this warranty. Youassumetheriskandliabilityfor

loss,damage,or injurytoyouandyourpropertyand/ortoothersandtheir

propertyarisingoutofthemisuseor inabilitytousetheproduct.

Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendto anyoneotherthantheoriginal

purchaseror tothepersonforwhomitwaspurchasedasa gift.

HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHISWARRANTY: Thislimitedwar-

rantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrights

whichvaryfromstatetostate.

IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofofPurchasetoobtain

warrantycoverage.

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

MTD 12A-566Q795 Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 12A-566Q795

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

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MTD 12A-566Q795 Owner's manual

MTD 12A-566Q795 Owner's manual

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