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.
Login to check the status of your questions, modify
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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Sightandholdthis levelwith a verticaltree...
also
I
15°
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.
4
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.
5
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.
.
5.
c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.Tightenwingnut.
Insertpostoncabletiesintoholesprovidedon the
lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.
Anadjustingplateandthumbleverateachwheel
positionprovidescuttingheightadjustment.
a. Depresslevertowardswheel.
b. Moveitto anyoftheninepositionsfordesired
cuttingheight.SeeStep5.
c. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.
Step 3 Step 4
6
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
J
f
Step 8 Step 7
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.
8
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.
9
Maintaining
WARNING
A vaysstope,g ne;
disconnect spark
pluglandground
againstenginebefore
cleaning,lubricating
ordoinganyk ndof
maintenanceonV0ur
machine!
I
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.
.
4.
5.
,A
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.
10
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.
11
_ _ 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.
H
I
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
m
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.
12
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
13
_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;
14
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
25
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
41
42
43
44
&
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
15
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
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