MTD 11A-508N731 Owner's manual

Category
Lawnmowers
Type
Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

Safety Assembly Operation Tips &Techniques Maintenance Troubleshooting Parts Lists Warranty
OF A O A AL
22" Rotary Mower- Model Series 500
iMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyuniiprovedforest-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.770-10334F
11/02/2004
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 ............................ 10
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 12
Trouble Shooting .............................................. 14
Parts List ........................................................... 15
Warranty ............................................................ 16
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREYOU STARTASSEMBLING
YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,
please locatethe modelplate onthe equipmentand copythe
informationtothe sample modelplate providedtothe right.
Youcan locatethe modelplate by standingat the operating
position andlookingdown atthe rear ofthe deck. This
informationwill be necessaryto usethe manufacturer'sweb
site and/or obtain assistancefrom the CustomerSupport
Departmentoran authorizedservice dealer.
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 productor have any
questions regardingthe controls,operationor maintenanceof
this unit,youcanseek help from the 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
separatelywith your 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.
2
Usethis pageas a guide to determineslopes whereyou may notoperatesafely. Do not operate
your lawn mower onsuchslopes.
!
I
!
3
i! i i iii_iii_ _ :iii
WARNING
Do not mowon inclines
with a slope in excess
of 15degrees(a rise
of approximately
2-1/2feet every 10
feet). A riding mower
couldoverturnand
cause seriousinjury.
If operatinga walk-
behindmower onsuch
a slope, it isextremely
difficultto maintain your
footing and youcould
slip, resulting in serious
injury.
Operate RIDING
mowersup and down
slopes, neveracross
the face d slopes.
Operate
WALK-BEHIND
mowersacrossthe
face of slopes, never
upand down slopes.
WARNING
Thissymbolpoints
out importantsafety
instructionswhich,if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
i safetyand/or property
I ofyourselfand others.
Readandfollowall
instructionsinthis
manualbeforeat-
temptingto operate
i this machine.Failure
I to complywiththese
instructionsmay result
i inpersonalinjury.When
youseethis symbol.
i HEED ITS WARNING!
Your Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read,
_understand
ano followthe warnings
and instructions
inthis manual
and on the machine.
WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of itsconstituents,andcertain vehiclecompo-
nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancer and
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: Thismachinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operationin this
manual.As with anytype of powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operatorcan
result inseriousinjury.This machine iscapableof amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.
Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injuryor death.
Children
Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtomowerand mowing
activity.Theydonot understandthe dangers.Neverassume
thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.
1. Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaand underwatchful
careofa responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.
2. Bealertandturnmoweroffif achildentersthearea.
3. Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown
forsmallchildren.
4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,
doorways,shrubs,trees,or otherobjectsthat mayobscure
yourvisionofa child whomayrunintothe mower.
5. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycan
sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.
6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operateapower
mower.Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand
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 manualinasafeplaceforfuture
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.Shirtsandpantsthatcoverthe 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.
4
19.Shuttheengineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto a
completestopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcheror unclog-
ging thechute.
The cuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefor a fewsecondsafter
the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceany partofthe bodyin
the bladearea untilyouaresurethe bladehasstopped
rotating.
20. Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrail shield,discharge
cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafety
protectivedevicesin placeand working.Neveroperate
mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo so,can
resultin personalinjury.
21. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causeaburn.Do
nottouch.
22.Only usepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthismachineby
manufacturer.Failuretodo socanresultinpersonalinjury.
23. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredin thismanual,
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. Mowacrossthefaceofslopes;neverupanddown.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
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. Neverfill containersinsidea vehicleoron 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 oraddfuelwhileengineishot or
running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwominutesbefore
refueling.
10.Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch
belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.
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 mowerfor anydamage.Repairthe
damagebeforestartingandoperatingthemower.
8. Neverattemptto makea wheelor cuttingheightadjustment
whiletheengineis running.
9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail
shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould expose
movingpartsor allowobjectsto bethrown.Forsafety
protection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplaceim-
mediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)
partsonly,listedinthis manual."Useofpartswhich do
notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"
10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor overspeedthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating
speedoftheengine.
11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.
12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper
disposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
5
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.
Failureto comply with
these instructionsmay
result inpersonalinjury.
Whenyou seethis
symbol.
HEED iTS WARNING!
YourResponsibility
Restrictthe use
of this powermachine
to personswho read.
understand
and followthe warnings
and instructions
in this manua
and onthe machine.
Yourmowerisshi
withthehandleinthe
higherheightposition.
NOTEIEaChendof
thelowerhandlemust
beplacedinthesame
relativep0sitionl
WARNING
The chute retainer
mustbe removedand
disCardedbefore
operatngthe mower.
IMPORTANT
This unitisshipped
w thout gasolineor
oilin theengine: Fill
gasolineandoil
as instructedin the
accompanyingengine
manual BEFORE
operating your mower.
Step 1
Step 2
Forshippingpurposes,thechutedeflectoron your
mowerisheldinan uprightpositionbya retainer.
Removetheretaineras follows:
a. Push chutedeflectoruptowardsengine.Holding
deflectorin thisposition,removetheretainerand
discard.SeeStep1.
b. Lowerthechutedeflectorcarefullykeepingyour
fingersoutoftheway.
_ WARNING: The chute retainer
must be removed and discarded
before operating the mower.
.
.
.
Performthefollowingsequenceforhandlesetup:
a. LifttheupperhandleupfromfoldedpositionAand
pullittoextendedpositionBfollowingthearrowin
Step2.Thehandleshouldclickintothisposition.
b. Makesurethecarriageboltis seatedproperly
in thehandle.Tightenwingnutssecuringupper
handletothelowerhandle
If satisfiedwith heightof handle,tightenwingnuts
attheendsofthelowerhandleshownin Step3.For
convenienceof operating,youmayadjustthehandle
heightasfollows:
a. RemovethewingnutsshowninStep3 and remove
thelowerhandle.
b. Positioneachhandlebracketstudintothetophole
in thelowerhandle.SeeStep3 inset.
c. Tightenthewingnuts.
Insertpostoncabletiesintoholesprovidedon the
lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.See
Step4.
Step 3 Step 4
6
.
.
.
RopeguideSetupasfollowsin Step5:
a. Holdthebladecontrolagainsttheupperhandle.
PositionA.
b. Slowlypullstarterropeoutofengine.PositionB.
c. Slipstarterropeintotheropeguide.Tightenrope
guidewingnut.PositionC.
Installrearwheelsasfollowsin Step6:
Placerearofthemowerdeckon raisedblocks.a.
b.
Removelocknutfrompivotarmassembly(on
selectmodels,thesemaybe includedseparately
ina plasticbag).
Slidewheel,withhollowsidein,ontopivotarm
andsecurewithlocknut.
d. Assembletheothersidein thesamemanner.
Eachwheelhasa heightadjustmentlevertochange
thecuttingheightofthe mower.
a. Depressheightadjustmentlevertowardswheel.
b. Slidelevertodesiredpositionfora changein
cuttingheight.SeeStep7.
c. Releaselevertowardsdeck.
If yourmowerisequippedwithan optionalmulching
baffle,installiton therightsideofthedeck.Follow
thesequenceindicatedhere.
a. Lift upandholdtheside-dischargechutedeflector
andinsertbottomlip ofthemulchingbaffleinside
thechuteopeningSeeStep8.
b. Snaphooksd themulchingbaffleoverthehinge
pinofthechutedeflector.Thehooksmustsnap
intoplaceon thehingepin,lockingthemulching
bafflefirmlyontomower.Releasechutedeflector.
Step 5
Step 6
WHEELINSTALL
Step 6
Onselect models,the
frontwheels mayalso
needto be installed.
Installthese in the
same mannerasthe
rearwheels.
CUTTINGHEIGHT
Step 7
Allwheels must be
placedin thesame
relativeposition.For
roughor unevenlawns,
movethe heightadjust-
mentleverto a higher
position.This will stop
scalping of grass.
Step 8
Step 7
7
MULCHINGBAFFLE
(if so equipped)
Step 8
Forproperassembly,
installbottom lipinside
chute opening before
placinghooks overthe
hingepin.
IMPORTANT
This unitis shipped
without gasolineor
oil in the engine. Fill
upgasolineand oil
as instructedinthe
accompanyingengine
manualBEFORE
operatingyour mower.
Mower
WARNING
This bladecontrol
mechanism isa
safety device. Never
attemptto bypass its
operations.
Use extreme care
when handling
gasoline.Gasoline is
extremelyflammable
and the vapors are
explosive. Never fuel
the machine indoors
or while the engine
is hot or running.
Extinguishcigarettes,
cigars, pipes and
other sources of
ignition.
Know Your Lawn Mower
Blade Control
Recoil
Starter
Rope
Oil Fill
Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever
(for each wheel)
/
Mulchinc
Baffle
Gasoline Fill
Figure 1
Now that you have set up your lawn mower for
operation, get acquainted with its controls and
features. These are described below and illustrated
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 the blade control to operate the
unit. Release it to stop engine and blade.
,_ WARNING:This blade control
mechanism is a safety device.
Never attempt to bypass its
operations.
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
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.
Mulching Baffle (if so equipped)
The mulching baffle is used to recirculate grass
clippings back to the lawn. Attach it as instructed on
page 7 of this manual.
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. Serviceenginewithgasolineasinstructedinengine
manual. SeeFigure1aboveforlocationof gascap.
__L WARNING: Use extreme care
when handling gasoline. Gasoline
is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Never fuel
the machine indoorsor while the
engine is hot or running. Extin-
guish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and
other sources of ignition.
8
WARNING:The operationof
mowo,o o,o,o,io /A I
foreignobjectsbeingthrown I_1
intothe eyes, which candamage
your eyesseverely.Alwayswear
safety glasseswhile operating
the mower, orwhile performing
any adjustments or repairson it.
Starting Engine
WARNING: Be sure no one other
than the operator is standing
nearthe lawnmower while
starting engine or operating
mower. Never run engine indoors
or in enclosed,poorly ventilated
areas. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas. Keep hands,
feet, hair and looseclothing away
from any moving parts on engine
and lawnmower.
1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwoseconds
betweeneachpush.See Figure2. Intemperature
around550For below,primefivetimes.Donotprime
to restarta warmengine.
2. Standingbehindthemower,squeezetheblade
controlagainst upperhandle.SeeFigure2.
3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasp
recoilstarterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,
continuous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure2. Keeping
a firmgripon thestarterhandle,lettheroperewind
slowly.Repeatuntilenginecranks.Lettherope
rewindeachtimeslowly.
Stopping Engine
1. Releasebladecontrolto stoptheengineand blade.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainsttheengine.
Using Your Lawn Mower
Be sure the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or
other objects which could damage the lawn mower
or the engine. Such objects could be accidently
thrown by the mower in any direction and cause
serious personal injury to the operator and others.
Figure 2
WARNING: if you strike a foreign
object,stop the engine. Remove
wire from the spark plug, thor-
oughly inspectthe mower for any
damage, and repair the damage
before restarting and operating
the mower. Extensive vibration
of the mower during operation is
an indicationof damage. The unit
should be promptly inspected
and repaired.
Operating Tips
1. Forbestresults,do notcutwetgrass.
2. Newgrass,thickgrass,orwet grassmayrequirea
narrowercut.
3. Fora healthierlawn,nevercutoff morethanone-third
ofthetotallengthofthegrass.
4. Yourlawnshouldbecut inthefallaslongasthere
isgrowth.
5. Foreffectivemulching,donotcutwetgrass.
6. Adjustgroundspeedaccordingto conditionof lawn.
7. Ifthegrasshasbeenallowedtogrowin excessof 4
inches,mulchingis notrecommended.Mowusing
thesidedischargetoreducethegrassheightto3-1/4
inchesor lessbeforemulching.
You r LaWn
M 0Wer
WARNING
The operation of any
lawnmower can result
in foreign objects
being thrown into
the eyes,which can
damage your eyes
severely. Alwayswear
safety glasseswhile
operating the mower,
or while performing
any adjustments or
repairs on it.
Besure no one other
than the operator is
standing near the lawn
mower while starting
engine or operating
mower. Never run
engine indoorsor
in enclosed,poorly
ventilatedareas. En-
ineexhaust contains
_arbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly
gas. Keep hands, feet,
hair and looseclothing
away from any moving
parts on engine and
lawn mower.
9
S?_:?_'_:!_ _' _!b_
Mainta=n
t
Your Lawn
ower
WAR. .G
i
A waysstopengine;
disconnect spark
plug, and ground
againstenginebefore
cleaning, lubricating
or doing any kind of
i
maintenance on your
machine:
Wedo notrecommend
the useof pressure
washersor garden
hose to clean your
unit, Thesemay cause
damagebearings or
the engine:The use
of water willresult in
shortened lifeand
reduceserViCeability.
Lubricate
these points
before
reassembly.
Gas Cap
Figure 3
Oil Cap
Spark Plug
Wire
Air Filter -I
'QuantumEngineShown
Figure 4
General Recommendations
1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
anymaintenance.
2. Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse
or negligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras
instructedhere.
3. Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoid
enginewarranty.
4. Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.
5. Periodicallycheckall fastenersand makesurethese
aretight.
,_ WARNING: Always stopengine,
disconnect spark plug, and
ground against engine before
cleaning, lubricating or doing
any kind of maintenance on your
machine.
Lubrication
1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolhandleat
leastoncea seasonwithlightoil.Thebladecontrol
mustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure3.
2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil (ormotoroil).If wheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatesurfaceoftheaxleboltandinner
surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure3.
3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointonthe
chutedeflectorperiodicallywith lightoilto prevent
rust.See Figure3.
4. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-
tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.
Engine Care
1. Changetheengineoil regularly,as instructedinthe
enginemanual.Checkoil levelbeforestartingengine
everytime.
2. Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal
conditions.Toservicetheaircleaner,refertothe
separateenginemanualpackedwithyourunit.
3. Cleanthesparkplugandresetthegapto.030"at
leastoncea season.Refertotheenginemanualfor
correctsparkplugtype.RefertoFigure4.
Mower Care
Clean underside ofthe mower deck after each
useto prevent build-up of grass clippings or other
debris. Follow steps belowfor this job.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn
mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap
SeeFigure4.
2. Tipthemowersothat itrestsonthehousing.Keep
thesidewiththeaircleanerfacingup.Holdthe
mowerfirmly.
_ ARNING: Never tip the mower
more than 90 degrees inany
directions and do not leave the
mower tipped for any length of
time. Oil can drain intothe upper
part ofthe engine causing a
starting problem.
3. Scrapeandcleanthe undersideofthedeckwitha
suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.
4. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsontheground.If
youhadputplasticunderthegascapearlier,make
sureto removeitnow.
10
Blade Care
,__ WARNING: When removing the
cutting blade for sharpening or
replacement, protect your hands
with a pair of heavy gloves or use
a heavy rag to hold the blade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,
especiallyifyoustrikeaforeignobject.Replacewhen
necessary.Followthestepsbelowforbladeservice.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn
moweronitssidemakingsurethattheair filterand
thecarburetorareup.
2. Removetheboltandthebladebellsupportwhich
holdthebladeandthebladeadaptertotheengine
crankshaft.SeeFigure5.
3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.
4. Thebladecanbesharpenedwithafileor ona
grindingwheel.Donotattemptto sharpentheblade
whileit isstillonthe mower.
5. Whensharpeningtheblade,followtheoriginalangle
ofgrind.Grindeachcuttingedgeequallytokeepthe
bladebalanced.
.
7.
Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.
Balancethebladeon a roundshaftscrewdriverto
check.Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntilit
balancesevenly.
,__ WARNING: An unbalancedblade
will cause excessive vibration
when rotating at high speeds.
itmay cause damage to mower,
and could break causing per-
sonal injury.
Figure 5
Off-Season Storage
Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakento prepareyourlawn
mowerforstorage.
1. Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin
thelubricationinstructions.
2. Wedo notrecommendtheuseofa pressurewasher
or gardenhosetocleanyourunit.
3. Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine
storageinstructions.
4. Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto
preventrusting.
5. Storemowerin adry,cleanarea.Donotstorenextto
corrosivematerials,suchasfertilizer.
Whenstoringanytypeofpowerequipmentin a poorly
ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetakento
rust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoilor silicone,coat
theequipment,especiallycablesandall movingpartsof
yourlawnmowerbeforestorage.
8. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurface
ofthebladeadapterwithlightoil.Slidetheblade
adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.
9. Placethebladeon theadaptersuchthattheside
oftheblademarked"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)
facesgroundwhenthemowerisin theoperating
position.Makesurethatthebladeisalignedand
seatedon bladeadapterflanges.
10.Placebladebellsupportontheblade.Alignnotches
onthebladebellsupportwithsmallholesin blade.
11.Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450
in.Ibs.rain.,600in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically
checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.
11
Maintaining
YourLawn
Mower
WARNING
When removing
the cutting blade
for sharpening or
replacement, protect
your handswith a
pair of heavy gloves
or use a heavy rag to
hold the blade.
An unbalanced blade
will causeexcessive
vibration when rotat-
ing at high speeds, it
maycause damage
to mower, and could
break causing per-
sonal injury.
Forrepairs beyond
the minor adjustments
listed here, contact
an authorized service
dealer.
i
Problem Cause Remedy
En n f ils to start Bladecontrolhandledisengaged
I 1: Engagebladecontrolhandle.
g ea , ....
2. Sparkplugwiredisconnected. 21 connectwireto sparkplug,
&Fuel tankemptyorstalefuel. & Fill tankwith€ieanlfreshgasolinei
41 Enginenotprirned. & Primeengineasinstructedin
OPerating ouiLawnMowei
Fut sark u 5 Cean adjustgap or repace
a y p p!g,
6. Blockedfueliinel 6, Cleanfuelline;
7 Engine flooded 7. Waitafew minutestorestart,but
do notprime.
Engineruns erratic
1. Sparkplugwireloose.
2. Blockedfuellineor stalefuel.
3. Ventingascapplugged.
4. Waterordirt infuelsystem.
5. Dirtyaircleaner.
6. Carburetoroutofadjustment.
1. Connectandtightenspark
plugwire.
2. Cleanfuelline;filltankwithclean,
freshgasoline.
3. Clearvent.
4. Drainfueltank.Refillwith
freshfuel.
5. Refertoenginemanual.
6. Refertoenginemanual.
Engne overheats 1 Engneoil levellow. 1. FIIcrankcasewithproperoil.
2. Airflow restricted• I 2. Removeblowerhousing
! I, andclean•
I 3. Carburetornotadjustedproperly• 3. Referto enginemanual.
Occasionalskips 1. Sparkpluggaptooclose. 1. Adjustgap to.030".
(hesitates)at 2. Carburetoridlemixtureadjustment 2. Refertoenginemanual.
highspeed improperlyset.
Idlespoorly 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyorgap 1. Resetgapto .030"orreplace
toowide. sparkplug
2 Carburetorimproperlyadjusted. 2. Referto enginemanual•
. 3 Dirtyaircleaner. . 3 Referto enginemanual.
Excessive 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.
Vibration Balanceblade.
2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. Seean authorizedservicedealer.
Mowerwill not 1. Wetgrass. 1. Donotmowwhengrassiswet
mulch grass wait untilatertocut.
2 Excessivel' highgrass I 2. Mowonceata highcuttingheight,
Y " thenmowagainatdesiredheight
I I or makea narrowercuttingpath.
3 Dullblade
I " ' I 3. Sharpenorreplaceblade•
Unevencut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeall fourwheelsin same
heightposition.
2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.
12
13
ii i _iI_ii
........... //'
;J
\
J_
¼
J
\
14
1. 747-1161A BladeControl
2. 749-1092A UpperHandle
3. 746-0957 BladeControlCable- 37.25"
746-1130 BladeControlCable- 40"
746-0946 BladeControlCable- 48.25"
4. 710-1205 EyeBolt
5. 720-0279 WingNut
6. 720-0284 WingNut
7. 736-0451 ShoulderWasher.320IDx.93OD
8. 710-1174 CarriageBolt5/16-18x2.0
9. 725-0157 CableTie
10. 749-04037 LowerHandle
11. 731-0981At HubCap(NotShown)
12. 17098 HingeClip
13. 731-2537 TrailShield
14. 682-3062A HandleBracketAssembly- RH
15. 682-3063A HandleBracketAssembly- LH
16. 712-0431 LockNut3/8 -16
17. 710-0654A HexWasherScrew3/8-16x 1.0
18. 687-02048 22" DeckAssembly
19. 736-0270 BellWasher.265x.75
20. 741-0751 HeightAdjusterBearing
21. 687-02094 PivotArmAssembly
22. 748-0376C BladeAdapter
23. 742-0742A 22"Mulching Blade
24. 710-1044 HexCapScrew3/8-24x 1.5
25. 736-0524B BladeBellSupport
26. 738-1172 ShoulderScrew3/8- 16x.302
27. 736-0741 BellWasher.760IDx 1.25OD
28. 734-1988 FrontWheelAssembly7x 1.8
29. 720-0426 HeightAdjusterKnob
30. 732-1026 FrontSpringLever
31. 747-0710 HingePin
32. 732-1014 TorsionSpring
33. 17032A DeflectorChuteAdapter
34. 731-1034B Side DischargeChuteAssembly
35. 710-0216 HexCapScrew3/8-16x .75
36. 741-0717 ThrustBearing.688ID x1.94OD
37. 687-02080 RearPivotArmAssembly- RH
38. 687-02079 RearPivotArmAssembly- LH
39. 732-0984B RearSpringLever
40. 738-1127 ShoulderScrew3/8- 16x.442
41. 710-0599 Screw1/4-20x.50
42. 734-04082 RearWheelAssembly12x 1.8
43. 631-04045 MulchingBaffle
44. 731-1396At EngineShroud
45. 710-12561- Screw,#8-18x 1.25
tIfequipped
15
ii i _iI_ ii
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
  • Page 1 1
  • Page 2 2
  • Page 3 3
  • Page 4 4
  • Page 5 5
  • Page 6 6
  • Page 7 7
  • Page 8 8
  • Page 9 9
  • Page 10 10
  • Page 11 11
  • Page 12 12
  • Page 13 13
  • Page 14 14
  • Page 15 15
  • Page 16 16

MTD 11A-508N731 Owner's manual

Category
Lawnmowers
Type
Owner's manual
This manual is also suitable for

Ask a question and I''ll find the answer in the document

Finding information in a document is now easier with AI