MTD 11A-508N731 Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 11A-508N731

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.

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.

Usethis pageas a guide to determineslopes whereyou may notoperatesafely. Do not operate

your lawn mower onsuchslopes.

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.

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.

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

RopeguideSetupasfollowsin Step5:

a. Holdthebladecontrolagainsttheupperhandle.

PositionA.

b. Slowlypullstarterropeoutofengine.PositionB.

c. Slipstarterropeintotheropeguide.Tightenrope

guidewingnut.PositionC.

Installrearwheelsasfollowsin Step6:

Placerearofthemowerdeckon raisedblocks.a.

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

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.

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.

S?_:?_'_:!_ _' _!b_

Mainta=n

Your Lawn

ower

WAR. .G

A waysstopengine;

disconnect spark

plug, and ground

againstenginebefore

cleaning, lubricating

or doing any kind of

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ii i _iI_ii

........... //'

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

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

MTD 11A-508N731 Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 11A-508N731

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

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