MTD 030 Series Owner's manual

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

A O A AL

Model034Dshown

22=inch Rotary Mower- Model Series 030

iMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush-

coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).

If a sparkarresterisused,itshouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator.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.769-00901B

01/24/2006

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 ............................ 12

Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 14

Troubleshooting ................................................ 16

Safety Labels .................................................... 17

Parts List ........................................................... 18

Warranty ............................................ Back Cover

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREASSEMBLINGYOURNEW EQUIPMENT,please

locatethe model plateon the equipmentandcopy the infor-

mationto thesample modelplate providedto theright.You

can locatethe modelplate by standingatthe operatingposi-

tion and lookingdown atthe rear ofthe deck. This information

will be necessaryto usethemanufacturer'swebsite, to obtain

assistancefromthe CustomerSupportDepartment,orwhen

contactingan authorizedservice dealer.

Model Number

www.mtdproducts.corn

Serial Number

MTD LLC

P.O= BOX 361131

CLEVELAND, OH 44136

330-220-4683

800-800-731 0

Customer Support

Please do IVOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased, without first

contacting Customer Support.

Ifyou havedifficultyassemblingthis productor haveany questionsregardingthe controls, operation,or maintenanceof this

unit,youcan seek helpfrom theexperts. Choosefromthe optionsbelow:

• Visit www.mtdproducts.com. Click the Service& Supportmenu option.

MTD _n_er#ati_e_ Awa_g Wi_ni¢-_ Prod_f_ O#r Compalr_'y

'.Service 8_Support

Product Registration

Con_ac_ Us i Privacy Po,_k_

Phonea CustomerSupport Representativeat 1-800-800-7310.

The enginemanufactureris responsiblefor all engine-relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-rating,specifica-

tions,warranty,and service. Please refertothe engine manufacturer's0wner's/0perator's Manual, packedseparatelywith

your unit,for more information.

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WARNING

Thissymbolpoints

out importantsafety

instructionswhich,if

notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal

i safetyand/or property

I ofyourselfandothers.

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 cancerand

birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.

DANGER: Thismachinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operation in this

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

result inseriousinjury.This machine iscapableof amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.

Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injury ordeath.

Children

Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presence

ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtomowerand mowing

activity.Theydonot understandthedangers.Neverassume

thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.

1. Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaand underwatchful

careofa responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.

2. Bealertandturnmoweroffif achildentersthearea.

3. Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown

forsmallchildren.

4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,

doorways,shrubs,trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscure

yourvisionofachildwhomayrunintothe mower.

5. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycan

sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.

6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operateapower

mower.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand

understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthis

manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyaparent.

General Operation

1. Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyin its entiretybefore

attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,

andfollowall instructionsonthe machineandin the

manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith

thecontrolsandthe properuseofthis machinebefore

operatingit. Keepthis manualinasafeplaceforfuture

andregularreferenceandfor orderingreplacementparts.

2. Thismachineisa precisionpieceof 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 usethismachine.

4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto

beused.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toys

andotherforeignobjects,whichcouldbetrippedoveror

pickedupandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjectscan

causeseriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpattern

toavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,sidewalks,

bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial

againsta wallor obstruction,whichmaycausedischarged

materialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.

5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,

stayinoperatorzonebehindhandlesand keepchildren,

bystanders,helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrom mower

whileit is inoperation.Stop machineifanyoneenters

area.

6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera-

tionandwhile performinganadjustmentor repairtoprotect

youreyes.Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseserious

injurytothe eyes.

7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesand close-fitting

slacksandshirts. Shirtsandpantsthatcoverthe armsand

legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended.Neveroperate

thismachineinbarefeet,sandals,slipperyor light-weight

(e.g.canvas)shoes.

8. Donotputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor 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.Ifyoumustbackthemowerawayfroma wallor

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 notengagetheself-propelledmechanismon unitsso

equippedwhilestartingengine.

14.Thebladecontrolhandleisa safetydevice.Neverattempt

tobypassitsoperation.Doingso makesthe safetydevice

inoperativeandmayresultin personalinjurythrough

contactwiththe rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandle

mustoperateeasilyin bothdirectionsandautomatically

returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.

15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbesureof

yourfooting. A slipand fallcancauseseriouspersonal

injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourfooting,releasethe

bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe bladewillstop

rotatingwithinthreeseconds.

16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.

17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.

18.Iftheequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe

engineandcheckimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis

generallya warningoftrouble.

19.Shuttheengineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto a

completestopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcheror unclog-

ging thechute.

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 socan

resultin personalinjury.

21. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causeaburn.Do

nottouch.

22.Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthismachineby

manufacturer.Failuretodo socanresultinpersonalinjury.

23. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,

usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor

assistance.Telephone1-800-800-7310forthe nameofyour

nearestdealer.

Slope Operation

Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidents,which

can resultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra

caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyon aslope,do notmowit.Foryour

safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthismanualto

measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunitonaslopedor hilly

area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donot mowit.

Do:

1. Mowacrossthefaceofslopes;neverupanddown.Exercise

extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

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

can causeyouto slipor trip.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.

3. Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slip andfall cancause

seriouspersonalinjury.If youfeelyouarelosingyour

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.Alwaysplacecontainerson the

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

notusea nozzlelock-opendevice.

7. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesand othersources

ofignition.

8. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill

accumulatein thearea.

9. Neverremovegascap oradd fuelwhileengineishot or

running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwominutesbefore

refueling.

10.Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch

belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.

11.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

12.Ifgasolineis spilled,wipeitoff theengineand equipment.

Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting

engine.

13.Neverstorethemachineorfuel containernearanopen

flame,sparkor pilotlightas ona waterheater,space

heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.

14.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,

orother debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand

removeanyfuel soakeddebris.

15.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.

GeneralService:

1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorin apoorlyventilatedarea.

Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessand

deadlygas.

2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe

bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe

sparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe engineto prevent

unintendedstarting.

3. Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent

intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefor

damage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewiththe

originalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listed

inthismanual."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe original

equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformance

andcompromisesafety!"

4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor wear

gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.

5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip-

mentis insafeworkingcondition.

6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperopera-

tionregularly.

7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,discon-

nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.

Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerforanydamage.Repairthe

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 over-revthe

engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating

speedoftheengine.

11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.

12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper

disposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.

Operation

WARNING

Thissymbol points

out importantsafety

instructions,which 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 IT'S WARNING!

YourResponsibility

Restrictthe use

of this powermachine

to personswho read.

understand

and followthe warnings

and instructions

in this manua

and onthe machine.

Loose Parts

Cartoncontentsinclude:wheels,handles(upper&lower),bladecontrolhandle,chutedeflector,anda hardware

pack.Becertaintoremoveall loosepartsbeforediscardingthecarton.Forconvenienceofassembly,identifyand

separatethepiecesin thehardwarepackaccordingto Figure3-1below.A setofadjustablewrencheswillbe needed

forassembly.

Adjustment

Referenceto right, left

front, or backof the

lawnmower is from

the operatingposition

only, unlessotherwise

stated.

IMPORTANT:

This unit isshipped

without gasolineor oil

in theengine. Fill up

gasolineand oil as

instructedinthe accom-

panyingengine manual

BEFOREoperatingyour

mower.

iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

Qty. 4

Qty. 2 Qty. 2

Figure3-1:ContentsoftheHardwarePack.

Qty. 2

iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii_i

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!_

Qty. 1

Blade Control *blade

control may

Handle* be detached

UpperHandle

LowerHandle

Figure3-2:Theupperandlowerhandles.

Figure3-3:Attachthelowerhandletothe bracketsondeck.

Spark Plug Wire

Disconnectsparkplugwirefromthesparkplugand

groundit againsttheengine.If engineisequippedwitha

rubberboot,attachrubberboottoa bolton theengine.

Thiswillpreventtheenginefromfiringduringassembly.

Attaching The Handles

Thelowerhandlehastwo flatendswiththreeholeseach,

onesmallandtwolarge.Theupperhandlehasindented

endswithone holeand mayhavethebladecontrol

handleattached,Figure3-2.

Attaching Lower Handle

NOTE:Usethe hardwarein Group 1 toattachthelower

handle.

1. Placethelowerhandleoverthehandlebracket

assembliesandpositioneachbracketstudintothe

topor bottomhole,Figure3-3.

2. Securewiththestarknobs,Figure3-3.Eachsideof

thelowerhandlemustbe positionedontothestudat

thesameposition.

Attaching Upper Handle

NOTE:Usethe hardwarein Group 2 toattachtheupper

handle.

1. Placetheupperhandleinpositionoverthelower

handlekeepingthe bladecontrolhandlefacingup.

2. Securetheupperhandletothelowerhandleusingthe

carriageboltsandstar knobs,Figure3-4.Makesure

thatthecarriageboltheadsgoon theoutsideofthe

handle.

Referenceto right,left,

front, or backof the

lawn mower isfrom

theoperating position

only,unlessotherwise

stated.

Figure3-4:Attachtheupperhandletothelowerhandle.

-- Attaching Blade Control

Curve, E., Ifthebladecontrolhandlebecamedisplacedeitherduring

cableis attachedtothe

enginefrom the factory.

Youwill needto attach

thefree endof the cable

o the upper handle.

Figure3-5:Installthe bladecontrolhandle(ifneeded).

Figure3-6:Attachthe bladecontrolcable.

Figure3-7:Securecabletolowerhandleusingacabletie.

shippingorduringassembly,reassembleitnow.Ifthe

bladecontrolhandleisfirmlyinplace,youmayproceedto

thenextstep.

1. Insertthecurvedendofthebladecontrolhandleinto

therighthole,StepA Figure3-5.Squeezethehandle

in andinsertthestraightendof thebladecontrol

handleintothe leftholeoftheupperhandle,StepB

Figure3-5.

2. Squeezethebladecontrolhandleagainsttheupper

handletocheckforproperassembly.Theholeinthe

bladecontrolhandlemustbeon theleftsideandthe

controlhandlemusttouchtheupperhandlewhen

squeezed.

Attaching Blade Control

Cable

1. Routethecableunderthelowerhandle.Pressthe

snapfittingintotheholeon theupperhandleas

shownin Figure3-6.

2. Hookthe"Z"endof thebladecontrolcableintothe

bladecontrolhandlefromtheoutsidetotheinside,

Figure3-6.

Securing the Cable

NOTE:UsethehardwareinGroup 3 to securetheblade

controlcable.

Thecablemustberoutedproperlytoavoidcontactwith

allsharpedgesand hotsurfaces.Suchcontactsdamage

thecableandrenderthecontrolsinoperative.

1. Securethecabletothelowerleft handlenearthe

baseoftheunitwith acabletie,Figure3-7.Trimoff

-_ anyexcess.

Attaching Wheels

NOTE:UsethehardwareinGroup4 to securethe

wheels.

1. Placethemoweron blocksupoff oftheground.

2. Placethelargertwowheelsonthe rearpivotarm

axlesandsecurewiththeflangedlocknuts,Figure

3-8.

3. Repeatwiththetwo smallerwheelsonthefrontpivot

armaxles,Figure3-8.

4. Removeblocksand putthemoweronground.

IMPORTANT:

Thisunit isshipped

without gasolineor

oil inthe engine. Fill

up gasolineand oil

_sinstructedinthe

accompanyingengine

"nanualBEFORE

operatingyour mower.

Figure3-8:Installthewheels.

Figure3-9:Installthe chutedeflector.

.....; ..... •...... ,,

1. Aligntheholesonthechutedeflectorwiththe

correspondingholeson thedeck.

2. Securewithself-tappingscrewsandbellwashers

fromundersideofthedeckandupthroughthechute

deflector,Figure3-9.

Attaching Recoil Starter

NOTE:Usethe hardwarein Group 6 tosecuretherecoil

starter.

1. Looselyattachtheropeguidetotheoutsideofthe

upperhandleandthreadthewingnutonlyafew

turns,Figure3-10.Donottighten.

2. Depressthebladecontrolhandle.

3. Pulltherecoilstarteroutoftheengine.

4. Slipthe ropethroughthe ropeguideas shownin

Figure3-10.Tightenthewingnuttosecuretherope

guide.

Reattach The Spark Plug

Wire

Reattachthesparkplugwiretothesparkplug.if engine

isequippedwitha rubberboot,makesuretherubber

bootsnapsdownontothesparkplug.

iMPORTANT:

i This unitisshipped

without gasolineoroil

inthe engine. Fill up

} gasolineand oil as

i instructedinthe accom-

i panyingenginemanual

BEFOREoperatingyour

i mower.

Figure3-10:Securetherecoilstarter.

WARNING

Alwaysstop engine,

disconnect spark plug,

and ground against

engine beforeperform-

ing adjustments.

IMPORTANT:

Allwheels must be

placed inthe same

position. Forroughor

uneven lawns,movethe

wheelsto a higher posi-

[ionto preventscalping

of grass.

Adjustments

_l lways stop engine, disconnect

spark plug, and groundagainst

engine before performing

adjustments.

Cutting Height

Eachwheelhasa heightadjustmentlevertochangethe

cuttingheightof themower.

1. Depressthelevertowardsthewheelandslidethe

leverassemblytodesiredpositiontochangethe

cuttingheight,Figure3-11.

IMPORTANT:Allwheelsmustbepositionedatthe

sameheight.

Handle Height

Forconvenienceofoperating,youmayadjustthehandle

heightasfollows:

1. Removethestarterropefromtheropeguide.

2. Removethestar knobsshownin Figure3-12and

removethelowerhandles.

3. Positioneachhandlebracketstudintotheappropriate

holeinthelowerhandle,Figure3-12.Eachendof the

lowerhandlemustbe placedin thesameposition.

4. Attachandtightenthestarknobs.

5. Reinsertstarterropeintoropeguide.Forinstructions,

refertopage9.

Remembertoattachthesparkplugwireaftercompleting

theadjustmentsand beforeoperatingyourmower.

Figure3-11:Adjustingthe cuttingheight. Figure3-12:Adjustingthehandleheight.

NOTES

Your LaWn

Know Your Lawn Mower

BladeControl Handle

RecoilStarter

WARNING

Height

Adjustment

Lever(front

and rear)

This blade con|rol isa

_afety device. Do not

bypass itsoperations.

Useextreme care

when handling

gasoline. Gasoline is

extremelyflammable

andthe vapors are

explosive. Neverfuel

the machine indoors

or while the engine

is hot or running.

Extinguish cigarettes,

cigars, pipes and

other sources of

ignition.

ChuteDeflector

Figure4-1:Themaincomponentsonthemower.(Model034Dshown)

Nowthatyouhaveassembledyourlawnmower,it's importanttobecomeaquaintedwithits controlsandfeatures.

Blade Control Handle

Thebladecontrolhandleisattachedtotheupper

handle.Depressand squeezeitagainsttheupper

handletooperatetheunit.Releaseittostoptheengine

andblade.

_ WARNING:This blade control handle is

a safety device. Neverattempt to bypass

itsoperations.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Levers

Oneadjustmentleveris locatedoneachwheelandis

usedtoadjustthecuttingheight.All fourwheelsmustbe

movedtothesameheighttoensurea uniformcut.

Recoil Starter

Therecoilstarterisattachedtotherightupperhandle.

Standbehindtheunit,depressbladecontrol,and pull

therecoilstarterropeto starttheunit.

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

1. Checkoillevelandaddoil if necessary.Followengine

manualforthis.

2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe

enginemanual.

,_ WARNING:Useextremecarewhen

handlinggasoline. Gasolineisextremely

flammableand thevapors are explosive.

Neverfuel the machine indoorsor while the engine is

hot or running.Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes

and other sources of ignition.

iiiii iii! ii ii! iiiiiii il!

_ ARNING:The operationof any lawn

mowercan result in foreign objects being

thrownintothe eyes,whichcandamage

youreyesseverely.Alwayswearsafetyglasses

whileoperatingthe mower orwhileperformingany

adjustmentsor repairsonit.

Starting Engine

_ WARNING:Besurenooneotherthan the

operatorisstandingnearthe lawnmower

whilestarting engineoroperating mower.

Neverrunengine indoorsor inenclosed,poorly

ventilatedareas.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon

monoxide,an odorless and deadly gas.Keephands,

feet, hair and looseclothingaway from any moving

partson engineand lawnmower.

1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwo seconds

betweeneachpush,Figure4-2.Intemperature

around55°Forbelow,primefivetimes.Donotprime

torestarta warmengine.

NOTE:Forthe locationof the primeron yourmower,

refertothe enginemanualshippedwith yourunit.

Standingbehindthemower,squeezetheblade

controlhandleagainstupperhandle,Figure4-2.

Holdingthesetwohandlestogetherfirmly,grasp

recoilstarterhandleandpull ropeoutwitha rapid,

continuous,fullarmstroke,Figure4-2.Keepinga firm

griponthestarterhandle,letthe roperewindslowly.

Repeatuntilenginecranks.Lettheroperewindeach

timeslowly.

Using Your Lawn Mower

Besurethelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other

objectswhichcoulddamagethelawnmoweror the

engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidentlythrownbythe

mowerin anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjury

totheoperatorandothers.

,_11 WARNING:if youstrikeaforeign object,

stop the engine.Removewire from the

spark plug, thoroughly inspectthemower

for any damage,and repair the damagebefore

restartingand operating the mower.Extensive vibra-

tion of the mowerduring operation isan indicationof

damage.The unit shouldbe promptlyinspectedand

repaired.

Operating Tips

Forbestresults,do notcutwetgrass.

Newgrass,thickgrass,orwet grassmayrequirea

narrowercut.

• Fora healthierlawn,nevercutmorethanone-thirdof

thetotallengthofthegrass.

• Yourlawnshouldbecut inthefallaslongasthere

isgrowth.

• Adjustgroundspeedaccordingto conditionof lawn.

Figure4-2:Tostartmower,primetheengine,squeezeblade

controlhandle,andpullrecoilstarter.

Stopping Engine

1. Releasebladecontrolhandleto stoptheengineand

theblade.

2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand

groundagainsttheengine.

Your LaWn

Mower

WARNING

The operationof any

lawn mower 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

anyadjustments or

repairs on it.

Be sure no one other

than the operator is

standing nearthe lawn

mower while starting

engine or operating

mower.Never run

engineindoors or

in enclosed, poorly

ventilated areas. En-

gineexhaust contains

carbonmonoxide, an

odorless and deadly

gas. Keep hands, feet,

hair and loose clothing

away from any moving

parts on engine and

lawn mower.

WARNING

Always stopengine,

disconnect spark

plug, and ground

against engine before

performingany type

of maintenance on

your machine.

Nevertip the mower

morethan900inany

directionanddonot

leavethe mowertipped

for anylengthoftime.

Oilcandraininto

the upperpartofthe

engine.

NOTE:Donot usea

pressurewasheror

gardenhoseto clean

the mower.These

maycausedamageto

electriccomponents,

spindles,pulleys,bear-

ings,orthe engine.The

useofwaterwUlresult

inshortenedlifeand

reduceserviceability.

Recommendations

• Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming

maintenancework.

Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover

itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse

or negligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,

operatormustmaintainthelawnmowerasinstructed

here.

• Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoidengine

warranty.

• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce

eachseason.

_ ARNING:Alwaysstopengine,disconnect

sparkplug, and ground against engine

beforecleaning,lubricating, or performinganykind

of maintenanceon yourmachine.

Lubrication

• Lubricatepivotpointsonthe bladecontrolhandleat

leastoncea seasonwithlightoil.Thebladecontrol

mustoperatefreelyinbothdirections,Figure5-1.

• Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith

lightoil (or motoroil).Ifwheelsareremovedforany

reason,lubricatesurfaceoftheaxleboltandinner

surfaceofthewheelwithlightoil,Figure5-1.

• Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointonthe

chutedeflectorperiodicallywith lightoilto prevent

rust,Figure5-1.

• Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforengine

lubricationscheduleand instructions.

Figure5-1:Lubricationareasonthemower.

Cleaning the Mower

Cleanundersideofthe mowerdeckaftereachuseto

preventbuild-upofgrassclippingsorotherdebris.

_ ARNING:Nevertip the mowermorethan 90°

inany directionand do not leavethe mower

tipped for any length of time. Oil can drainintothe

upper partof the enginecausingastartingproblem.

NOTE:Referto Engine Manualfor location of engine

components.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.

2. Draingasolineor placea pieceofplasticunderthegas

cap.

3. Tipthemowersothat itrestsonthehousing.Keep

thesidewiththeaircleanerfacingup.Holdthemower

firmly.

4. Scrapeandcleanthe undersided thedeckwitha

suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.

5. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsontheground.Ifyou

hadputplasticunderthegascapearlier,makesureto

removeit now.

Blade Care

,_lk WARNING:Whenremovingthe cutting blade

for sharpeningor replacement, protectyour

handswith a pairof heavy gloves or usea heavy rag

to hold the blade.

Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,

especiallyifyoustrikea foreignobject.Replacewhen

necessary.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn

moweronitssidemakingsurethat theair filterand the

carburetorareup.

2. Removetheboltandthebladebellsupportwhich

holdthebladeandthebladeadaptertotheengine

crankshaftFigure5-2.

Figure5-2:Thebladeandcorrespondinghardware.

3, Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft,

Figure5-2.

4, Thebladecanbesharpenedwitha fileor ona grind-

ingwheel.Donotattempttosharpenthebladewhile

itis stillonthemower.Whensharpeningtheblade,

followtheoriginalangleofgrind.Grindeachcutting

edgeequallytokeepthebladebalanced,

5. Removebladefromtheadapterandbalanceon a

roundshaftscrewdriverfortestingbalance.Remove

metalfromtheheavysideuntilit balancesevenly.

,_ WARNING:Anunbalanced bladewill

cause

excessivevibration when rotating at high

speeds, it maycause damageto mower and could

breakcausing personal injury.

6. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurface

ofthebladeadapterwith lightoil.Slidetheblade

adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.

7. Placethebladeontheadaptersuchthattheside

oftheblademarked"Bottom"(or withpartnumber)

facesgroundwhenthemowerisintheoperating

position.Makesurethat thebladeisalignedand

seatedonbladeadapterflanges.

8. Placebladebellsupporton theblade.Align notches

onthebladebellsupportwithsmallholesinblade.

9. Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450

in.Ibs.rain.,600in.Ibs.max.

Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically

checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.

Off-Season Storage

Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakento prepareyourlawn

mowerforstorage.

• Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin

thelubricationinstructions.

• Donotusea pressurewasheror gardenhoseto

cleanyourunit.

Refertoenginemanualforcorrectenginestorage

instructions.

Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto

preventrusting.

Storemowerin adry,cleanarea.Donotstorenextto

corrosivematerials,suchasfertilizer.

Whenstoringanytypeofpowerequipmentin a poorly

ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetakento

rust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoilor silicone,coat

theequipment,especiallycablesandall movingpartsof

yourlawnmowerbeforestorage.

WARNING

When removingthe

cutting blade for

sharpening or replace-

ment, protect your

hands with a pair of

heavy gloves or use a

heavy rag to hold the

blade.

An unbalancedblade

will cause excessive

vibrationwhen rotat-

ing at high speeds, it

may cause damage

to mower and could

break causing per-

sonal injury.

Do not use a pressure

washer or garden

hoseto clean your

unit. These may cause

damage to electric

components, spindles,

pulleys, bearings, or

the engine. The use

of water will result

in shortened life and

reduce serviceability.

repairsbeyond

theminoradjustments

listed here, contact

an authorizedservice

_i_i_i_ i i_ ii_i_ i i_i_ _/_iii_ii

Problem Cause Remedy

Engine fails to Start i. Blade controldisengaged. Engagebiadecontrol

sparkp!ugwiredisconnected: I conBect WiretoSparkp!ug_

3. Fueltankemptyorstalefuel. 3. FiItankwith clean,freshgasoline.

4. Enginenotchoked. 4. Chokeengineas instructedinthe

OPe[atingYOU[LawnMower section•

5: Faultysparkpug 5, Clean,adjustgap,or replace.

6. BloCkedfuel linel 6, cieanfueliinel

7: Engineflooded. 7: Wait afew minutesto iestart,but do

I notprime:

Enginerunserratic 1. Sparkplugwireloose.

2. Blockedfuel lineor stalefuel.

3. Ventingascap plugged.

4. Wateror dirt infuel system.

5. Dirtyair cleaner.

6. Carburetorout ofadjustment.

1. Connectandtightensparkplugwire.

2. Cleanfuelline;filltank withclean,

freshgasoline.

3. Clearvent.

4. Drainfueltank. Refillwithfreshfuel.

5. Refertoenginemanual.

6. Refertoenginemanual.

Engine overheats 1 Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil.

2....Arfow restrcted I 2 Removeb owerhousngandcean

3. Carburetornotadjustedpropery. 3• Refertoengne manua.

Occasional skips 1. Sparkpluggap tooclose. 1. Adjust gapto .030-inch.

(hesitates) at high speed 2. Carburetoridlemixtureadjustment 2. Referto enginemanual.

improperlyset.

Idles poorly 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gaptoo wide. 1. Resetgapto .030-inchorreplace

sparkp ug.

2 Carburetorimproperlyadjusted 2. Refertoenginemanual.

. 3. Dirtyair cleaner. 3. Referto enginemanual.

Excessive Vibration 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.Balance

blade.

2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. Seeanauthorizedservicedealer.

Mower will not mulch grass 1 Wetgrass• 1. Donot mowwhengrassiswet wait

untillatertocut.

2. Excessivelyhighgrass. 2. Mowonceata highcuttingheight,

then mowagainatdesiredheightor

I makea narrowercuttingpath.

, 3. Du bade. , 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.

Uneven cut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsin same

heightposition.

2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

ii_ i!_i_ii_ii_I _ii i ii _i i

NOTE:SpeCifications are

SubjeCt to change without

notification or obligation.

!mage s my not reflect your

exact model and are for

[efe[ence purposes oniy:

iii i_ _ iiii

ii i _iI_ii

fJ_

1 710-1205 EyeBolt

2 720-0279 WingNut

3 747-1161A BladeControlHandle

4 749-1092A UpperHandle

5 746-0957 BladeControlCable-37.25 inch

746-0946 BladeControlCable-48.25inch

746-1130 BladeControlCable-40.00inch

6 749-04037 LowerHandle

7 725-0157 CableTie

8 787-01097 DeckAssembly22-inch

9 710-0654A TTScrew3/8-16x 1.0

10 748-0376C BiadeAdapter

11 742-0642A StandardBiade22-inch

12 736-0524B BladeBellSupport

13 710-1044 Screw3/8-24x 1.5

14 712-04065 LockNut3/8-16

15 741-0751 HeightAdjusterBearing

16 687-02094 PivotArm

17 687-02051 LeverAssembly

18 736-0741 BeiiWasher.760IDx 1.25OD

19 738-1172 ShoulderScrew

20 734-1988 FrontWheel7 x 1.8

21 710-0599 TT Screw1/4-20x .5

22 736-0270 BellWasher.265IDx .75OD

23 710-0216 Screw3/8-16x .75

24 738-1173 ShoulderScrew

25 734-1987 RearWheel8 x 1.8

26 682-3064 HandleBracketAssemblyRH

682-3065 HandleBracketAssemblyLH

27 720-04072 StarKnob

28 731-04019 Trailshield

29 17098 HingeClip

30 710-1174 CarriageBolt5/16-18x2

31 731-1035B ChuteDeflector

32 732-1014 TorsionSpring

33 17032A ChuteHinge

34 747-0710 HingePin

35 731-1034B HingedChuteDeflectorAssembly

_FACTORY PARTS

Toorder replacement

parts,call1-800-800-7310

or visitus onthe webat

www.mtdproducts.com

MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR

ThelimitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenbyMTDLLCwithrespect

tonewmerchandisepurchasedandusedin theUnitedStates,its

possessionsandterritories.

"MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsinmaterialandworkman-

shipfora periodoftwo (2)yearscommencingonthedateoforiginal

purchaseandwill,at itsoption,repairor replace,freeofcharge,any

partfoundto bedefectiveinmaterialsorworkmanship.Thislimitedwar-

rantyshallonlyapplyifthisproducthasbeenoperatedand maintained

inaccordancewiththeOperator'sManualfurnishedwiththeproduct,

andhasnotbeensubjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,

accident,impropermaintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft,fire,water,

ordamagebecauseofotherperilor naturaldisaster.Damageresulting

fromthe installationor useofanypart,accessoryor attachmentnot

approvedby MTDforusewiththeproduct(s)coveredbythis manual

willvoidyourwarrantyastoanyresultingdamage.

Normalwearpartsarewarrantedto befreefromdefectsinmaterialand

workmanshipfora periodofthirty(30)daysfromthedateof purchase.

Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuchas: batter-

ies,belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,

snowthrowerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.

NOW TO OBTAINSERVICE: Warrantyservice isavailable,WITH

PROOFOF PURCHASE,throughyour localauthorized service

dealer.Tolocate the dealer in yourarea, check yourYellowPages,

or contact MTDLLCat RO. Box361131,Cleveland,Ohio 44136-

0019,or call 1-800-800-7310or 1-330-220-4683 or log on to our

Website 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,andnormaldeteriorationoftheexteriorfinishdueto

useor exposure.

d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthananauthorizedservice

dealer.

e. MTDdoesnotextendanywarrantyforproductssoldor exported

outsideoftheUnitedStates,its possessionsandterritories,except

thosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorizedchannelsofexportdistribution.

f. ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts.

g. Transportationchargesandservicecalls.

Noimpliedwarranty,includingany impliedwarranty of mer-

chantabilityof fitness for a particular purpose,appliesafter the

applicable periodof expresswritten warranty aboveasto the

partsasidentified.Nootherexpresswarranty, whetherwritten or

oral, exceptas mentioned above,givenby anypersonor entity,

includinga dealeror retailer, withrespect to any product,shall

bindMTD.Duringthe periodof the warranty,the exclusiveremedy

isrepairor replacementof the productas setforth above.

Theprovisionsasset forth inthis warrantyprovidethesoleand

exclusiveremedy arising from the sale.MTDshallnot be liable

for incidentalor consequentiallossor damageincluding,without

limitation, expensesincurredfor substituteor replacementlawn

careservicesor for rentalexpensesto temporarily replacea

warranted product.

Somestatesdo notallowtheexclusionor limitationofincidentalor

consequentialdamages,or limitationsonhowlongan impliedwarranty

lasts,sotheaboveexclusionsorlimitationsmaynotapplytoyou.

Innoeventshallrecoveryofanykindbegreaterthantheamountofthe

purchasepriceof theproductsold.Alterationof safetyfeaturesof

the product shallvoid this warranty. Youassumetheriskandliability

forloss,damage,or injurytoyouandyourpropertyand/ortoothersand

theirpropertyarisingoutofthemisuseor inabilitytousethe product.

Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendtoanyoneotherthantheoriginal

purchaserorto thepersonforwhomitwas purchasedasa gift.

HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHISWARRANTY:This limited

warrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,and youmayalsohaveother

rightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.

IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofof Purchasetoobtain

warrantycoverage.

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

MTD 030 Series, 034D, 11A-034D731, 11A-034E729 Owner's manual

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