MTD 829 Owner's manual

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

OF A'rO AL

_lllllll IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII• _,,_=_=L

21" Rotary Mower- Model 829

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.769-01607

1/4/2005

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 .............................................. 14

Safety Labels .................................................... 15

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

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 theoperating

position andlookingdown atthe rear ofthe deck. This

informationwill be necessaryto usethemanufacturer'sweb

site and/or obtain assistancefrom the CustomerSupport

Departmentoran authorizedservicedealer.

Model Number

Serial Number

P. O. BOX 361131

CLEVELAND,OH44136

www.yardman.com 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 regardingthecontrols, operationor maintenanceof

this unit,youcanseek helpfromthe experts.Choosefrom the

options below:

1. Visit yardman.corn for many usefulsuggestions.Click

on CustomerSupport buttonand you will getthe four

options reproducedinthis sampleto the right.Click on the

appropriate buttonand help is immediatelyavailable.

2. Phonea Customer Support Representative

at 1(800) 800-7310.

3. The engine manufacturer is responsiblefor all engine-

relatedissueswith regardsto performance, power-rating,

specifications,warranty and service. Pleasereferto the

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

separatelywithyour unit,for more information.

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 determineslopeswhereyou 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-

behindmoweronsuch

a slope, it isextremely

difficultto maintainyour

footing and youcould

slip, resulting in serious

injury.

Operate RIDING

mowersupand down

slopes, neveracross

the face d slopes.

Operate

WALK-BEHIND

mowersacrossthe

face of slopes, never

upand down slopes.

RNING

This symbol points

i out important safety

instructionswhich, if

notfollowed, could

endangerthe personal

i safetyand/or property

I ofyourself and 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 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 iscapable of amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.

Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injury or death.

Children

Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presence

ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtomowerand mowing

activity.Theydonot understandthe dangers.Neverassume

thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.

1. Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaandunderwatchful

careofa responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.

2. Bealertandturnmoweroffif achildentersthearea.

3. Beforeand whilemovingbackwards,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 asafeplaceforfuture

andregularreferenceandfor orderingreplacementparts.

2. Thismachineisaprecisionpieceof powerequipment,

nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all

times.Yourunithas beendesignedto performonejob: to

mowgrass.Do notuseit foranyotherpurpose.

3. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operatethis

machine.Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand

understandthe instructionsinthismanualandshould

betrainedand supervisedby a parent.Onlyresponsible

individualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe

operationshouldbeallowedto usethismachine.

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. Do notputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor undercutting

deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.

9. A missingor damageddischargecovercancause blade

contactor thrownobjectinjuries.

10.Manyinjuriesoccurasa resultofthe mowerbeingpulled

overthefoot duringafall causedby slippingor tripping.

Do notholdontothe mowerifyouarefalling;releasethe

handleimmediately.

11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare

walking.Ifyoumustbackthe mowerawayfromawallor

obstructionfirstlookdownand behindtoavoidtrippingand

thenfollowthesesteps:

a. Stepbackfrommowertofully extendyourarms.

b. Besureyouarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.

c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,no morethanhalfway

towardyou.

d. Repeatthesestepsas needed.

12.Do notoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof

alcoholordrugs.

13.Do 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 untilthebladecomesto a

completestop beforeremovingthe grasscatcheror unclog-

gingthechute.

The cuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefor afewsecondsafter

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 causea burn.Do

nottouch.

22.Only usepartsand accessoriesmadeforthismachineby

manufacturer.Failuretodo socanresultinpersonalinjury.

23. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredin this manual,

usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor

assistance.Telephone1-800-800-7310for the 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

suchequipmentona trailerwitha 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 coolatleasttwo minutesbefore

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. Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stopthe engine,discon-

nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.

Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerforanydamage.Repairthe

damagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower.

8. Neverattemptto makeawheelor cuttingheightadjustment

whiletheengineis running.

9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail

shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould expose

movingpartsor allowobjectsto bethrown.Forsafety

protection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplaceim-

mediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)

partsonly,listedinthis manual."Useofpartswhichdo

notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto

improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"

10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor overspeedthe

engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating

speedoftheengine.

11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.

12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper

disposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.

Practices

WARNING

Thissymbol points

out importantsafety

instructionswhich, if

notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal

safety and/or property

of yourselfand others.

Readand followall

instructions inthis man-

ual beforeattemptingto

operatethis machine.

Failuretocomply with

these instructionsmay

result inpersonalinjury.

Whenyou see this

symbol.

HEED iTS WARNING

Your

Responsibility

Restrictthe use

ofthis powermachine

to personswho read,

understand

and follow the warnings

and instructions

inthis manual

and onthe machine.

NOTEiStandbehind

themowerasifyou

weregoingtooperate

LYourrighthand€0r:

respondstotheright

sidedthemoWeryour

lefthandcorresp0nds

totheleftsideofthe

purposesyourmower

iSsetWiththewheels

inalowcutting

heightpostionlFor

best resultsraisethe

Cuttingpositionuntilit

isdeterminedwhich

heightiSbestforyour

lawnlsee Step7

detail&

IMPORTANT

DO NOTcr mpthe

Cab esWhen ft ngthe

handleup.

Thisunitis shipped

without gasolineor

oil in the engine.Fil!

• ,

up gasolineand oil

as instructedin the

accompanying engine

manual BEFORE

Figure 1

1. Removegrasscatcherandanypackingmaterial

whichmaybe betweenupperand lowerhandles.

a. Removehandknobsfromhandlebracketsand

pullupand backon upperhandleasshownin

Figure1.Makecertainthelowerhandleisseated

securelyintothehandlemountingbrackets.

b. Tightenhandknobssecuringupperhandleto

lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriageboltis

seatedproperlyin thehandle.

2. Replaceandtightenhandknobsremovedearlier

securinglowerhandleto handlebrackets.SeeFigure

Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe

upperhandle.Loosenthewingnutwhichsecuresthe

ropeguide.SeeFigure3.

a. Holdthebladecontrolagainstupperhandle.

b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releasethe

bladecontrol.

c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.Tightenwingnut.

Attachcablestothelowerhandlewiththecableties

alreadyonthe lowerhandle.Insertpegsoncableties

intotheholeson thelowerhandle.Pullcabletiestight

andcutoff theextra.

5. Followstepsbelowtoattachgrasscatcher:

a. Lift reardischargedoorand removemulching

baffle.

b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod.Letgo

ofdischargedoorsothatit restsonthegrass

catcher.See Figure4.

Figure 2

Figure 3 Figure 4

_ ARNING: Never operatemower

unlessthe hooks onthe grass

catcherare firmly seated in the

slotson the handlebracketas-

semblies,and the rear discharge

doorrestsfirmly against top of

the grass catcher.

6. Followstepsbelowtoinstallthemulchingbaffle:

a. Liftthereardischargedoorandlift thegrass

catcherupandoff ofthepivotrod,if installed.

b. Insertthemulchingbaffleasshownin Figure5

and releasethereardischargedoor.

7. Thecuttingheightadjustmentleveris locatedabove

the rearleftwheel.SeeFigure6.

a. Pulltheleveroutandawayfromthemower.

b. Movethe leverforwardor backfordesiredcutting

height.

c. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.

8. Theadjustmentwheelis locatedinthedrivecontrol

handlehousingandisusedtotightenor loosenthe

drivebelt. Youwillhavetoadjustthedrivecontrolif

anyofthefollowinghappens:

a. Themowerdoesnotpropelitselfwiththedrive

controlengaged.

b. Themower'sdrivewheelshesitatewiththedrive

controlengaged.

Ifeitheroftheseconditionsoccur,rotatetheadjustment

wheelclockwisetotightenthecableandcounter-clock-

wiseto loosenthecabletoadjustthedrivecontrol.See

Figure7.

Figure 5

pand

i _i I

ustment

CU NG.E G"T

'rough oi uneven

lawns; move the heigh!

adjustment levertoa

higher position.This

will help preventscalp,

ingof the grass.

Forsome peoplethe

drive contiol maynot

tightening

ment wheel.

Figure 6

Figure 7

WARNING

Never operatemower

unless the hooks on

the grass catcherare

firmly seated in the

on the handle

bracket assemblies,

and the rear dis:

e door rests

firmly against top of

the grass catcher,

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

C0ntr01

Drive C0ntr01

Recoil

Height Adjustment Lever

Grass

GasolineFill

Figure 8

Now that you have set up your lawn mower for

operation, get acquainted with its controls and fea-

tures. 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.

_ WARNING:Thisbladecontrolmecha-

nism isa safetydevice. Neverattempt

to bypass itsoperations.

Drive Control

The drive control is located on the upper handle.

Squeeze the drive control to engage the drive

system. Release it to disengage the drive system.

Release the drive control to slow down when ap-

proaching an obstacle, making a turn, or stopping.

See Figure 8.

Cutting Height Adjustment Lever

The cutting height adjustment lever is located above

the left rear wheel. To adjust the cutting height, refer

to the Adjustment Section on page 7.

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 8 above for location of the

oil fill.

2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe

enginemanual. SeeFigure8 aboveforlocationof

gasfill.

_ ARNING:Useextremecarewhenhan-

dling gasoline.Gasolineis extremely

flammableand the vapors areexplosive.

Neverfuel the machine indoorsor while

the engine ishot or running. Extinguish

cigarettes, cigars, pipesand other

sources of ignition.

/_ WARNING:The operationof any lawn

being thrownintothe eyes,whichcan

mowercanresult inforeign objects

damageyoureyesseverely.Always

wearsafetyglasseswhile operating

the mower,or whileperformingany

adjustments or repairson it.

Starting Engine

,__ WARNING:Besure no one otherthan

theoperatorisstanding nearthe lawn

mowerwhilestarting engine or operat-

ingmower.Neverrun engine indoors

or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas.

Engine exhaustcontains carbon monox-

ide,an odorless and deadly gas. Keep

hands, feet,hair and loose clothing

awayfrom any moving partson engine

and lawnmower.

1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwoseconds

betweeneachpush.SeeFigure9. Intemperature

around550For below,primefive times.Donotprime

to restarta warmengine.

2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol

againstupperhandle.SeeFigure9.

3. Grasprecoilstarterhandleand pullropeoutwith

a rapid,continuous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure9.

Keepinga firmgriponthestarterhandle,letthe rope

rewindslowly.Repeatuntilenginecranks.Letthe rope

rewindeachtimeslowly.

Stopping Engine

1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineand blade.

2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand

groundagainsttheengine.

_ ARNING:Waitfor the blade to stop

completelybeforedoing anywork

on the mower or to removethegrass

catcher.

UsingYour Lawn Mower

_ 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 9

_ ARNING:ifyou strikeaforeign

object, stop the engine.Remove

.wirefrom thespark plug,thoroughly

respect mowerfor anydamage,and

repairdamagebeforerestarting and

operating. Extensive vibration of

mower during operation isan indica-

tion of damage.The unit should be

promptly inspectedand 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. If thegrasshasbeenallowedto growinexcessof

4 inches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethe

grasscatchertobagclippingsinstead.

Using Grass Catcher

Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile

youareoperatingthemower.

1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionson page

7.Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectinbagas

yourunmower.Operatemowertillgrassbagisfull.

2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingtheblade

control.Makesurethattheunithascometoa

completestop.

3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagup andaway

fromthe mowertodisposeofthegrassclippings.

Mower

WARNING

The operation of any

lawn mower can result

inforeign objects

being thrown into

the eyes, whichcan

damage your eyes

severely. Always wear

safety glasseswhile

operating the mower,

or whileperforming

any adjustments or

repairs on it.

Be sureno one other

than the operator is

standing near the lawn

mower while starting

engine or operating

mower. Never run

engine indoorsor

n enclosed, poorly

ventilated areas. En-

gineexhaust contains

carbon monoxide, an

odorless and deadly

gas. Keep hands,feet,

hair and loose clothing

away from any moving

partson engine and

lawn mower.

Maintaining

Your LaWn

_edo not recommend

ihe useof pressuie

bashers or gardenhose

i0 clean yourunitl These

_ay cause damage to

_lectriccomponents;

_pindes; puleys,beai:

!ngs or the engine:The

bse0fWaterWillresultin

}hortened life andreduce

Lubricate these

points before

Figure 10

Lubrication

1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolatleast

oncea seasonwithlightoil.Thebladecontrolmust

operatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure10.

2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith

lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany

reason,lubricatesurfaceoftheaxleand innersurface

ofthewheelwith lightoil.SeeFigure10.

3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointontherear

dischargedoorandsidemulchplugperiodicallywith

lightoil topreventrust.SeeFigure10.

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.

WARNING:Nevertip the mowermore

than 90 degreesin anydirections and

do not leavethe mower tipped for any

length of time. Oil can drain intothe

upper part of the enginecausing a

starting problem.

Figure 11

General Recommendations

1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming

anymaintenance.

2. Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover

itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse

ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,

operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras

instructedhere.

3. Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid

enginewarranty.

4. Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce

eachseason.

5. Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese

aretight.

,_hllL WARNING:Alwaysstopengine,

disconnect spark plug, and ground

against engine beforecleaning,

lubricatingor doing any kind of

maintenanceon your machine.

3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwitha

suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.

4. Putthemowerbackonitswheelsontheground.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. Toreplacerearflap,lift up reardoor.

2. Removetwoself-tappingscrewswhichsecurerear

flapto thedeck.SeeFigure11.

Replacewith newflapand secureto deckwiththetwo

self-tappingscrewsremovedearlier.

Blade Care f

__k ARNING:Whenremovingcutting

bladefor sharpeningor replacement,

protectyourhandswitha pairof heavy

gloves or usea heavy ragto hold blade.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn

moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand

thecarburetorareup.

2. Removebolt,bladebellsupport,blade,andblade

adapterfromtheenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure12.

NOTE:Whenremovingtheblade,bladeadapter,etc.,be

carefulnotto removeorlosepartsaboveit associated

withtheenginepulley.

3. Thebladecanbe sharpenedwitha fileor on a grind-

ing wheel.Donotattempttosharpenthebladewhile

it isstillon themower.Whensharpeningblade,follow

originalangleofgrind.Grindcuttingedgesequallyto

keepbladebalanced.

4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.

Balancethebladeona roundshaftscrewdriverto

check.Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntilit

balancesevenly.

Figure 12

_ WARNING:Anunbalanced bladewill

causeexcessivevibration whenrotating

athigh speeds. It may 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. Disconnectthesparkplugwireandgrounditagainst

theengine.

2. Drainthefueltankorplacea pieceof plasticbeneath

thecaptopreventgasolineleakage.

3. Tipmoweron itsside(aircleanersideofengineup).

4. Removeblade,bladeadapter,and relatedhardware

asinstructedin BladeCareabove.

Figure 13

Figure 14

5. Loosenself-tappingscrewthatsecuresdeckbaffle

tothedeck.SeeFigure13.

6. Workingfromtherearofthemowercarefullyremove

beltfromtransmissionpulley.

7. Oncebeltisofftransmissionpulley,pushdownon

deckbaffletoaccessenginepulleyandslidebeltoff

thispulleyandoutfromunderdeck.SeeFigure14.

8. Replacewith newbelt,workingitbetweenthedeck

andbaffle,firstaroundthetransmissionpulleyand

thentheenginepulley.

Your LaWn

ower

WARNING

When removing

the cutting blade

for sharpening or

replacement or

when slidingthe belt

around it, protect

your hands with a

pair of heavy gloves

or 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.

i F'-'--q NOTE: Makecertainthatbeltisseatedcorrectlyand Off-Season Storage

} ! _ thatitis ridingsmoothlyon theenginepulleyandisnot Thefollowingstepsshouldbe takentoprepareyourlawn

i L_ _ pinchedbetweenthelowerand upperpulleyhalves, mowerforstorage.

_ ) 1. Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin

9. Tightenself-tappingscrewsecuringdeckbaffle thelubricationinstructions.

Maintaining

Your Lawn

Mower

loosenedearlier.

10.Replaceblade,bladeadapter,andassociated

hardware.Followinstructionsin BladeCaresection

forproperassembly.

11.Tipmowerbackontoitswheelsand removepieceof

plasticfromundergascap(if applicable).

2. Wedo notrecommendtheuseofa pressurewasher

orgardenhosetocleanyourunit.

3. Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine

storageinstructions.

4. Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto

preventrusting.

5. Storemowerina dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenextto

corrosivematerials,suchasfertilizer.

Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipmentin a poorly

ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetakento

rust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoil or silicone,coat

theequipment,especiallycablesandall movingpartsof

yourlawnmowerbeforestorage.

Notes

Maintaining

ii i ii i

ii i_ _i_ii_ii!ii_ _!_

i i i i i i ii

ii i _i I_ ii

Shooting

For repairs beyond

thembor

ments fisted here,

contact an authorized

service dealer.

i_i/_ii!_iiii_i iii_i_iii!iiii !iii! i_i!

i_i i i ii i i i

_ - _ -]

Problem Cause Remedy

Enginefails to start 1. Bladecontrolhandledisengaged• 1. Engagebladecontrolhandle•

2. Sparkplugwiredisconnected, 2. Connectwireto sparkplug•

3. Fueltankemptyorstalefuel• 3. Fil tankwthclean,freshgasoline•

4. Engne notprimed• 4. Primeengineasinstructedin

"OperatngYourLawnMower"•

5. Faultysparkplug. 5. Cean adjustgap or repace.

6. Bockedfuelline, 6. Cleanfuel ine.

..... 7 Wat afew mnutestorestart but

/ t-ngne Tooaea. 1 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.

Engineoverheats 1. Engineo level low 1. Fillcrankcasewth properoil.

2. Airflow restrcted. 2. Removeblowerhousing

I I andclean.

• 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"or replace

toowide. sparkplug.

2. Carburetorimproperlyadjusted 2. Referto enginemanual

'3 (Dr'ty:;c re_ne; -;3 _efer:o en_n: m:nnua

Excessive 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.

Vibration Balanceblade.

2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. Seean authorizedservicedealer.

Mowerwillnot 1. Wetgrass. 1. Donotmowwhengrassiswet;

mulch grass wait untillatertocut.

I 2 Excessivel h-h _rass 2. Mowonceata highcuttingheight

• y u u thenmowagainatdesiredheight

or makea narrowercuttingpath.

I 3 Dullblade I

• " 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.

Unevencut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeall fourwheelsin same

heightposition.

2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

Mowerwi not 1. Beltnotinstalledpropery. 1 Checkbeltforproperpulleyinstal-

f r aton and movement

se pope I I . . "

2 Stopengine disconnectsparkpluc

2. Debriscloggingdriveoperation. • . .

3. Damagedorwornbelt. I w reanaceanou,aeDrs

3. InspectanarepaceDet.

Safety Labels Found On Your Lawn Mower

Labels

WARNINC

DONOT remove safety

(or any)labels from

mowerfor any reason,

Shown For Reference

j j/

'\ •7)

1 618-04229 TransmissionAssembly

2 710-04223 Screw,M6x 1.0

3 715-0221 DowelPin

4 717-04184 SpurGear,14T-LH

5 717-04192 SpurGear,14T-RH

6 732-0611 ExtensionSpring,.38ODx3.6

7 736-0414 FiatWasher,.570x 1.120x .062

8 741-0710 SleeveBearing,.502x .627x 1.00

9 748-04073 TransmissionBearingSupport

10 750-04317 ClipSpacer

11 754-04078A V-Belt,3Lx35.5

12 782-7551A WheelDustCover

13 787-01262 TransmissionCableBracket

14 634-04209 RearWheel

15 734-04087 FrontWheel

16 687-02133 FrontBracketAssembly

17 687-02134 RearBracketAssembly

18 687-02148 HandleBracketAssembly- RH

19 687-02149 HandleBracketAssembly- LH

20 710-0599 TT Screw,1/4-20x.500

21 712-0431 FlangeLockNut,3/8-16

22 714-0174 CotterPin

23 720-0223 Grip

24 732-04261 SpringLever

25 732-04271 ExtensionSpring,.500IDx 6.85Lg

26 741-04136 SplitHexFlangeBearing

27 750-04305 Spacer

28 787-01235 CrossBracket

29 787-01251 StopBracket

1 721-04107 OilSeal

2 741-04106 PlasticBushing

3 707-04409 ShiftFork

4 707-04540 TransmissionBracket

5 710-04329 Screw,.159ODx.610

6 710-04374 HexScrew,.159ODx.43

7 711-04386 OutputShaft

8 711-04394 inputShaft

9 712-0411 HexLockNut,5/16-24

10 715-0129 SpirolPin

11 715-04030 DowelPin

12 717-04194 PlasticGear,28T

13 756-04151 Pulley,3.36OD

14 721-04110 O-Ring

15 726-04043 PushNut,3/8 IDx3/40D

16 731-04883 LowerHousing

17 731-05099 UpperHousing

18 731-05100 ClutchLever

19 732-04278 CompressionSpring,.525IDx.588

20 736-0105 BeilWasher,.375x .870x .063

21 736-04170 FiatWasher,.508IDx 1.00OD

22 736-04178 FeltSIottedWasher

23 736-0572 FiatWasher,.510x 1.00x .060

24 736-0864 ThrustWasher,.375x.812x.060

25 741-04116 BaliBearing

Parts List

To order replacement

parts, contact 1-800-

800-7310 orvisitwww.

mtdproducts.com.

1 747-1161A BladeControl

2 746-04195 DriveCable

3 746-04213 ControlCable

4 710-1667 Screw,#10-16x .625

5 731-0620 DriveControlLever

6 731-1057 UpperControlCover

7 731-1058 LowerControlCover

8 731-1059 MountingCap

9 710-1174 CarriageBolt,5/16-18x 2.0

10 710-1205 EyeBolt

11 720-0279 WingNut

12 720-0284 HandleKnob

13 725-0157 CableTie

14 736-0451 SaddleWasher,.320x.93x .060

15 749-04202 LowerHandle

16 749-04209 UpperHandle

17 787-01230 21"Deck

18 647-04048 GrassCatcherFrame

19 664-04038 GrassCatcher

20 731-05017 RearDoor

21 710-0260A CarriageBolt,5/16-18x.62

22 710-1241 Screw,1/4-15x 1.00

23 710-0599 TTScrew,1/4-20x.500

24 710-0653 TTScrew,1/4-20x.375

25 710-0654A Screw,3/8-16x 1.00

26 710-0703 CarriageScrew,1/4-20x.75

27 710-1044 Screw,3/8-24x 1.50

28 710-1802 Screw,1/4-20x2.00

29 711-04374 DoorPivotRod

30 711-0993 BeltGuardPin

31 712-04064 FlangeLockNut,1/4-20

32 712-3004A FlangeLockNut,5/16-18

33 712-3027 FlangeLockNut,1/4-20

34 731-05154 DeckBaffle

35 731-05157 MulchPlug

36 731-05185 Trailshield

37 732-04264 DoorTorsionSpring- RH

38 732-04265 DoorTorsionSpring- LH

39 736-0463 FiatWasher,.25x .630x .0515

40 736-0513 SpringWasher,.890x 1.70x .048

41 736-0514 FiatWasher,.885x 1.850x.060

42 736-0524B BladeBellSupport

43 742-0741 21"MulchingBlade

44 748-0358 EngineSpacer

45 748-0376C BladeAdapter

46 756-04156 LowerEnginePulley

47 756-04157 UpperEnginePulley

48 787-01224 FrontDeckBaffle

49 735-0226 RubberGromet

Parts List

Toorder replacement

parts, contact 1-800-

800-7310or visit www.

mtdproducts.com.

iMPORTANT

Fora properworking

machine,use Factory

ApprovedParts.

V-BELTSare specially

designedto engage

anddisengagesafely.

Asubstitute (non OEM)

V-Beltcanbe danger-

ousby notdisengaging

completely.

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.

HOWTOOBTAINSERVICE:Warrantyserviceisavailable,WITH

PROOFOFPURCHASE,throughyourlocalauthorizedservicedealer.To

locatethedealerin yourarea,checkyourYellowPages,orcontactMTD

LLCatRO.Box361131,Cleveland,Ohio44136-0019,or call1-800-800-

7310or logon toourWebsiteatwww.mtdproducts.com.

Thislimitedwarrantydoesnot providecoverageinthefollowingcases:

a. Theengineor componentpartsthereof.Theseitemsmay

carrya separatemanufacturer'swarranty.Refertoapplicable

manufacturer'swarrantyfortermsandconditions.

b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershavea separateone

yearwarranty.

c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchaslubricants,filters,blade

sharpening,tune-ups,brakeadjustments,clutch adjustments,

deckadjustments,andnormaldeteriorationoftheexteriorfinish

duetouseorexposure.

d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthananauthorizedservice

dealer.

MTDdoesnotextendanywarrantyforproductssoldor

exportedoutsideoftheUnitedStates,its possessionsand

territories,exceptthosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorized

channelsofexportdistribution.

ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts.

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,given by anypersonor entity,includinga dealer

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

periodof the warranty, the exclusiveremedyisrepairor replacement

of the productas setforth above.

Theprovisionsas setforth inthis warrantyprovidethe soleand

exclusiveremedyarising from the sale.MTDshallnot be liable

for incidentalor consequentialloss or damageincluding,without

limitation, expensesincurredfor substituteor replacement lawncare

servicesor for rentalexpensesto temporarily replacea warranted

product.

Somestatesdo notallowtheexclusionor limitationofincidentalor

consequentialdamages,or limitationson howlonganimpliedwarranty

lasts,sotheaboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplytoyou.

Innoeventshallrecoveryofanykindbegreaterthantheamountofthe

purchasepriceoftheproductsold.Alterationof safety features 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

MTD 829, 829 Series Owner's manual

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