MTD 12A-445C701 Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 12A-445C701

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

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

OF A 'rO

21" Rotary Mower- Model Series 440

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,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.769-00540G

12/2005

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

Slope Gauge ....................................................... 3

Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4

Setup and Adjustment ....................................... 6

Operating Your Lawn Mower .............................. 8

Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10

Contents

Trouble Shooting .............................................. 12

Off-Season Storage / Safety Labels ................ 13

Parts List ........................................................... 14

Warranty ............................................................ 16

Finding and Recording

BEFOREYOU STARTASSEMBLING

YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,

please locatethe modelplate onthe equipmentand copythe

informationtothe sample modelplate providedtothe right.

Youcan locatethe modelplate by standingat theoperating

position andlookingdown atthe rear ofthe deck. This

informationwill be necessaryto usethemanufacturer'sweb

site and/or obtain assistancefrom the CustomerSupport

Departmentoran authorizedservice dealer.

Model Number

Serial Number

P. O. BOX :361131

CLEVELAND,OH44136

www.yardman.com 330-220-4683

800-800-731 0

Customer Support

Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was

purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.

If you havedifficultyassemblingthis productor haveanyquestions regardingthe controls, operation,or maintenanceof this

unit,youcan seek helpfrom theexperts. Choosefromthe optionsbelow:

1. Visitmtdproducts.com. Click onthe Service& Support menuoption.

2. Phonea Customer Support Representative at 1 (800) 800-7310.

3. Theengine manufacturer isresponsiblefor all engine-relatedissueswith regards to performance,power-rating,

specifications,warrantyand service. Please refertothe engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator'sManual,packed

separatelywith your unit,for more information.

YardoMa_

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Sightandholdthis levelwith a verticaltree...

also

15°

RNING

This symbol points

i out important safety

instructionswhich, if

notfollowed, could

endangerthe personal

i safetyand/or property

I ofyourselfand others.

Readand follow all

instructionsinthis man-

ualbeforeattempting to

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 its constituents,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 anytype of powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operatorcan

result inseriousinjury.This machine iscapableof 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 mowingareaand underwatchful

careofa responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.

2. Bealertandturnmoweroffif achildentersthearea.

3. Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown

forsmallchildren.

4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,

doorways,shrubs,trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscure

yourvisionofa child whomayrunintothe 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 manualin a safeplaceforfuture

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,toysand

otherforeignobjectswhichcouldbetrippedoveror picked

upandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjectscancause

seriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpatternto avoid

dischargeof materialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystanders

andthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainsta

wallorobstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterial

toricochetbacktowardtheoperator.

5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,

stayinoperatorzonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,

bystanders,helpers,andpetsat least75feet frommower

whileit is inoperation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters

area.

6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera-

tionandwhile performinganadjustmentor repairtoprotect

youreyes.Thrownobjectswhich ricochetcancauseserious

injurytothe eyes.

7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fitting

slacksandshirts. Shirtsandpantsthatcoverthe armsand

legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended.Neveroperate

thismachineinbarefeet,sandals,slipperyor lightweight

(e.g.canvas)shoes.

8. Donotputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor undercutting

deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.

9. Amissingor 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

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.Shutthe engineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto a

completestop beforeremovingthe grasscatcheror unclog-

gingthechute.

The cuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefor afewsecondsafter

the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceany partofthe bodyin

the bladearea untilyouaresurethe bladehasstopped

rotating.

20. Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,discharge

cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandle,or othersafety

protectivedevicesin placeand working.Neveroperate

mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo socan

resultin personalinjury.

21. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causeaburn.Do

nottouch.

22.Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthismachineby

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. Mowacrossthe faceofslopes; neverup anddown.

Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon

slopes.

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

can causeyouto slipor trip.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.

3. Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slip andfall cancause

seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyour

balance,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediately,and

the bladewill stoprotatingwithin3seconds.

Do Not:

1. Donot mowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,where

you couldloseyourfootingor balance.

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. Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehicleoron 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,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.Ifgasolineis spilled,wipeitoff theengineand equipment.

Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting

engine.

13.Neverstorethemachineorfuel containernearanopen

flame,sparkor pilotlightasona waterheater,space

heater,furnace,clothesdryer,orothergas appliances.

14.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,

orother debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand

removeanyfuel soakeddebris.

15.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.

GeneralService:

1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorin a poorlyventilatedarea.

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."Useofpartswhich do

notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto

improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"

10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor overspeedthe

engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating

speedoftheengine.

11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,as necessary.

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.

NOTE:Standbehind

themowerasifyou

i weregoingtooperate

i it.Yourrighthandcot-

} respondstotheright

sideofthemower:your

i lefthandcorresponds

totheleftsideofthe

mower.

IMPORTANT

i DONOTcrimpthe

cableswhenliftingthe

handleup.

IMPORTANT

I Thisunitisshipped

withoutgasolineor

oilintheengine.Fill

upgasolineandoil

asinstructedinthe

accompanyingengine

manualBEFORE

i operatingyourmower.

HardwarePack

Step 1

Wing Nuts (2) CarriageBolts (2)

1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetween

upperandlowerhandles.

a. Pullupand backon upperhandleasshownin

Step1.Makecertainthe lowerhandleis seated

securelyintothehandlemountingbrackets.

b. Tightenhandknobssecuringupperhandleto

lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriageboltis

seatedproperlyin thehandle.

2. Locatehairpinclipinone holeon theweldpinon each

sideof lowerhandle.

a. Removehairpinclipfromthis hole.Usinga pairof

pliers,inserthairpinclipintotheotherholeon the

weldpin.Repeaton otherside.

b. Inserta carriageboltfromthehardwarepackinto

theupperholeonthehandlemountingbracket.

Securewithone plasticwingnut,alsoincluded

inthehardwarepack.Repeatonothersidewith

remainingitemsfromhardwarepack.

Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe

upperhandle.Loosenthewingnutwhichsecuresthe

ropeguide.

a. Holdthebladecontrolagainstupperhandle.

b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releasethe

bladecontrol.

c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.Tightenwingnut.

4. Insertpostoncabletiesintoholesprovidedon the

lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.

Step 2

Step 3 Step 4

5. An adjustingplateandthumbleverateachwheel

positionprovidescuttingheightadjustment.

a. Depresslevertowardswheel.

b. Moveittoanyof theninepositionsfordesired

cuttingheight.SeeStep5.

c. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.

6. Followstepsbelowtoassemblethegrasscatcher:

a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside

is atthebottom.

b. Slip plasticchannelofgrassbagoverhooksonthe

frame.SeeStep6.All theplasticchannelsexcept

centertopof bagattachfromoutsideofbag.

c. Attachcentertopofbagfrominsideofbag.

7. Followstepsbelowtoattachgrasscatcher:

a. Liftreardischargedoor.

b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod.Letgo

ofdischargedoorsothat itrestson thegrass

catcher.SeeStep7.

Toremovegrasscatcherorconverttoa mulcher(if

equipped),lift reardischargedooronthe moweras

showninStep8. Liftgrasscatcherupandoutofthepivot

rod.Releasereardischargedoortoallowittocloserear

openingofmower.

WARNING: Never operate mower

unlessthe hooks on the grass

catcherare firmly seated in the

slots on the handle bracket as-

semblies, and the rear discharge

door rests firmly against top of

the grass catcher.

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

setupand

ustment

Step 6

Makecertain bag is

turned rightside out

before assembling

(warning labelwill be

onthe outside)i

i¸¸¸!: i / !i

WARNING

Neveroperatemower

unlessthehookson

the grasscatcher are

firmly seated in

slots on the handle

bracket assembiiesl

and the rear dis:

charge doorrests

firmly against topof

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

)4==-- Blade Control

-- Drive Control

Recoil Starter

Grass Bag

HeightAdjustment

Levers

Oil Fill/Dipstick

Gasoline

Height

Adjustment

Levers

Figure 1

Now that you have set up your lawn mower for op- Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

eration, get aquainted with its controls and features. One adjustment lever is located on each wheel and

These are described below and illustrated on this is used to adjust the cutting height. All four levers

page. This knowledge will allow you to use your have to be at the same relative position to ensure a

new equipment to its fullest potential, uniform cut.

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:Thisblade controlmecha-

nism isa safety device. Neverattempt

to bypass itsoperations.

Drive Control

The drive control is located on the underside of

the upper handle and is used to engage the drive.

Squeeze it against the upper handle to engage the

drive; release it to slow down or stop mower from

propelling. See Figure 1.

Recoil Starter

The recoil starter is attached to the right upper

handle. Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil

starter rope to start the unit.

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

1. Check oil level and add oil if necessary. Follow engine

manual for this. See Figure 1above for location of the

oil fill.

2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe

enginemanual. SeeFigure1aboveforlocationof

gasfill.

_ ARNING:Useextremecarewhen han-

dling gasoline.Gasolineisextremely

flammableand the vapors areexplosive.

Neverfuel the machine indoors orwhile

the engine is hot or running. Extinguish

cigarettes, cigars, pipesand other

sources of ignition.

WARNING:The operationof any lawn

mowercan result inforeignobjects

being thrownintothe eyes,whichcan

damageyoureyesseverely.Always

wearsafetyglasseswhileoperating

the mower,or whileperforming any

adjustmentsor repairson it.

Starting Engine

WARNING:Besureno one otherthan

theoperatorisstandingnearthe lawn

mowerwhilestartingengine 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,hairand loose clothing

awayfrom any moving partson engine

and lawnmower.

1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwoseconds

betweeneachpush.SeeFigure2. Intemperature

around550For below,primefive times.Donotprime

to restarta warmengine.

2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol

againstupperhandle.SeeFigure2.

3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil

starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-

ous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure2.Keepinga firm

grip onthestarterhandle,lettheroperewindslowly.

Repeatuntilenginecranks.Letthe roperewindeach

timeslowly.

Stopping Engine

1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineand blade.

2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand

groundagainsttheengine.

__lk ARNING:Waitfor the blade to stop

completelybeforedoing anywork

on the mower or to removethegrass

catcher.

UsingYour Lawn Mower

,__lh WARNING:Neveroperateyour mower

without eitherthe rear door or the entire

grass catcher assembly firmly secured.

Besurelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other

objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine.

Suchobjectscouldbe accidentlythrownbythemower

in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytothe

operatorandothers.

Figure 2

_klL ARNING:if you strikeaforeign

object,stopthe engine.Remove

wire from thespark plug,thoroughly

inspectmowerfor anydamage,and

repairdamagebeforerestarting and

operating. Extensive vibration of

mower during operation isan indica-

tion of damage.The unit should be

promptlyinspectedand repaired.

1. Oncetheengineis running,squeezethedrive

controlagainsttheupperhandleto propelmower.

2. Forbest results,do notcut wetgrass.

3. Fora healthierlawn,nevercut offmorethanone-

thirdofthetotallengthofthegrass.

Using as Mulcher (if Equipped)

Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherfromthe

mower.Thereardischargedoorshouldbeclosed.

1. Foreffectivemulching,do notcut wetgrass.

2. Newor thickgrassmayrequirea narrowercut.

Adjustgroundspeedaccordingtoconditionoflawn.

3. ifthegrasshasbeenallowedto growinexcessof

4 inches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethe

grasscatchertobagclippingsinstead.

Using Grass Catcher

Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile

youareoperatingthemower.

1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionson page

7.Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectinbagas

yourunmower.Operatemowertillgrassbagisfull.

2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingtheblade

controlhandle.Makesurethattheunithascometo

a completestop.

3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagup andaway

fromthe mowertodisposeofthegrassclippings.

Mower

WARNING

The operation of any

lawn mower can result

inforeign objects

being thrown into

the eyes, whichcan

damage your eyes

severely. Always wear

safety glasseswhile

operating the mower,

or whileperforming

any adjustments or

repairs on it.

Be sureno one other

than the operator is

standing near the lawn

mower while starting

engine or operating

mower. Never run

engine indoorsor

n enclosed, poorly

ventilated areas. En-

gineexhaust contains

carbon monoxide, an

odorless and deadly

gas. Keep hands, feet,

hair and loose clothing

away from any moving

partson engine and

lawn mower.

Maintaining

WARNING

A vaysstope,g ne;

disconnect spark

pluglandground

againstenginebefore

cleaning,lubricating

ordoinganyk ndof

maintenanceonV0ur

machine!

We do notrecommend

the used pressure

washers or garden

hoseto cleanyour

uniL These maycause

damage to electric

componentsspindles

pu eys;bear ngs, or

the engine. The use

of waterwill result in

shortened lifeand

i reduceserViceabilityl

Figure 3

Figure 4

Lubricate

before

Lubrication

1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolhandleat

leastoncea seasonwith lightoil.Thebladecontrol

mustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure3.

2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith

lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany

reason,lubricatesurfaceofthepivotarmandinner

surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure3.

3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointontherear

dischargedoorperiodicallywithlightoil toprevent

rust.See Figure3.

4. Thetransmissionispre-lubricatedandsealedatthe

factoryanddoesnotrequirelubrication.

5. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-

tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.

Deck Care

1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn

mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.

2. Tipmowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe

sidewiththeaircleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.

l_k ARNING:Nevertip the mowermore

than 90 degreesin anydirections and

do not leavethe mower tipped for any

length of time. 0il can drain intothe

upper part of the enginecausing a

starting problem.

General Recommendations

1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming

anymaintenance.

2. Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover

itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse

ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,

operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras

instructedhere.

3. Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid

enginewarranty.

4. Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce

eachseason.

aretight.

Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese

WARNING:Alwaysstop engine,

disconnect spark plug, and ground

against engine beforecleaning,

lubricatingor doing any kind of

maintenanceon your machine.

3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwitha

suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.

4. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsontheground.If

youhadputplasticunderthegascapearlier,make

sureto removeitnow.

Engine Care

1. Maintainoil levelasinstructedin enginemanual.

2. Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal

conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely

dustyconditions.Refertoenginemanual.

3. Cleansparkplugand resetthegaponcea season.

Checkenginemanualforcorrectplugtype andgap

specifications.

4. Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe

coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleantopermit

properaircirculation.Removeall grass,dirtand

combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.

Replacing Rear Flap

1. Toremoverearflap,cutoff theflatendofthewirerod

whichsecuresittothedeck.SeeFigure4.

2. Attachthenewflapand newrodtodeck,bendingthe

endsofthenewrodovertosecuretodeck.

Blade Care

__IL ARNING:Whenremovingcutting

bladefor sharpeningor replacement,

protectyourhandswitha pairof heavy

gloves or usea heavy ragto hold blade.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn

moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand

thecarburetorareup.

2. Removebolt,bladebellsupport,blade,andblade

adapterfromtheenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure5.

3. Thebladecanbe sharpenedwitha fileor on a grind-

ing wheel.Donotattempttosharpenthebladewhile

it isstillon themower.Whensharpeningblade,follow

originalangleofgrind.Grindcuttingedgesequallyto

keepbladebalanced.

4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.

Balancethebladeona roundshaftscrewdriverto

check.Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntilit

balancesevenly.

_ WARNING:Anunbalanced bladewill

causeexcessivevibration whenrotating

athigh speeds, itmay causedamage

to mower,and could breakcausing

personalinjury.

Figure 5

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.rain.,600 in.Ibs.max.

Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically

checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.

Belt Care

1. Removetwoshoulderscrewssecuringfrontdrive

covertomowerdeck.SeeFigure6. Pressinwardon

sidesoffrontdrivecoverand releasetabsthat secure

it totheheightadjusterbrackets.Removedrivecover

frommower.

Loosenscrewholdingbelttensionspringtotrans-

mission.SeeFigure6 inset.Donotremovescrew

completely.Asyouloosenit, tensiononthebeltwillbe

released.

Pushtransmissionup a littleandslidebeltoffthe

transmissionpulley.Lift mowertoaccessbeltfrom

undersideofmower.Slidebeltoff ofenginepulleyand

aroundtheblade.SeeFigure7.

Figure 6

Figure 7

4. Replacewith newbelt,workingaroundblade.Make

surebeltisfirmlyseatedonenginepulleywhile

pullingfromtheothersideand slidingitaroundthe

transmissionpulley.Tightenscrewloosenedearlier

tosecurebelttensionspringtothetransmission.

Reassemblefrontdrivecover.

_ _ i i i iii _ _ ii _i ii ii

Maintaining

You r LaWn

MOwer

WARNING

When removing

the cutting blade

for sharpening or

replacement or

when sliding the belt

around it, protect

your hands with a

pair of heavy gloves

or use a heavy rag to

hold the blade.

An unbalanced blade

will cause excessive

vibrationwhen rotat-

ing at high speeds. It

may cause damage

to mower, and could

break causing per-

sonal injury.

Troub.le

shooti

For repairs beyond

the minor adjustments

listedhere, contact

an authorized service

\_i, 3J

Problem Cause Remedy

Engine failsto start I ii Biadecontroldisengaged. Engagebiade control.

21spark plugwiredisconnected, connect wiretosparkplug.

3: Fueitankemptyorstaiefuel. I 3: FilltankWithcleanlfreshgasiline:

I 4. Enginenot primed, 41 Primeengineasinstricted in !operat,

I ingY0U[LaWnMowe[.

5. Faultysparkp!ug. 5. Olean,adjustgap;0rreplacel

61 BloCkedfuel line: 61clean fuellinel

I 7: Enginefieoded, wait afewm nutesto restart,but do

J nolplim

Engineruns erratic

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. Referto enginemanual.

6. Referto enginemanual.

Engineoverheats 1. Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil.

I 2. Airflow restricted. 2. Removeblowerhousing

I andclean.

I 3. Carburetornotadjustedpropery. 3. Referto engne manua.

I I

Occasionalskips 1. Sparkpluggap tooclose. 1. Adjust gapto .030".

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

highspeed improperlyset.

Idlesnoorlv 1 Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gap I 1. Resetgapto .030"or replace

r i I too wide. sparkplug.

I 2. Carburetorimproperlyadjusted. 2 Referto enginemanual.

I 3. Drtyarceaner. 3. Refertoengnemanua.

Excessive 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.Balance

Vibration blade.

2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. Seeanauthorizedservicedealer.

Mowerwill not I 1. Wetgrass. 1. Donot mowwhengrassiswet;

wait

much -rass ' f i _ untillatertocut.

E U_j _d ,t I 2. Excessivelyhighgrass. I 2. Mowonceatahighcurtngheight

q PP ) I then mowagainatdesiredheightor

I I makeanarrowerCuttingpath.

I 3. Du bade. 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.

Unevencut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsinsame

heightposition.

2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

Mowerwill not I 1. Beltnotinstalledproperly. I 1. Checkbeltfor properpuleyinstallation

seIfpropeI ' andmovement.

I 2. Debrsclogg ngdriveoperation. 2. Stopengine,disconnectsparkplug

I wireand cleanoutdebris.

. 3. Damagedorworn belt. . 3. Inspectand replacebelt.

Off-Season Storage

Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakentoprepareyourlawn

mowerforstorage.

1. Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin

thelubricationinstructions.

2. Wedonotrecommendtheuseofa pressurewasher

or gardenhosetocleanyourunit.

3. Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine

storageinstructions.

4. Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto

preventrusting.

5. Storemowerina dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenext

tocorrosivematerials,suchas fertilizer.

Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipmentin a poorly

ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetaken

torust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoil or silicone,

coattheequipment,especiallycablesandall moving

partsofyourlawnmowerbeforestorage.

Safety Labels Found On Your Lawn Mower

_i _i i _iii i__ i iii ii_

WARNING

DONOTremove safety

(or any) labels from

mower for any reason.

1 747-1161A BladeControlHandle

2 749-1092A UpperHandle

3 747-04080 GrassCatcherFrame

4 749-0928A LowerHandle

5 720-0279 WingNut

6 710-1205 RopeGuide

7 710-1174 CarriageBolt,5/16-18x 2

8 664-04027 GrassBagAssembly

9 720-0284 HandKnob

10 736-0451 SaddleWasher

11 726-0240 CableTie

12 710-0703 CarriageBolt,I/4-20

13 731-04134A RearDischargeDoor

14 750-04162 Spacer

15 732-04089A TorsionSpring- LH

16 732-04090A TorsionSpring- RH

17 734-04087 RearWheel,8"x 1.8"

18 731-04150C RearBaffle

20 787-01277 Deck- 21"

22 782-5002B FrontBaffle

23 748-04015A BladeAdapterw/Pulley

24 742-0741 21"StandardCutBlade

25 710-1257 HexBolt, 3/8-24x 2.5

26 687-02044 PivotPlateAssembly

27 736-0524B BladeBellSupport

28 787-01298 HeightAdjustmentPlate- RH

787-01299 HeightAdjustmentPlate- LH

29 720-0426 AdjustmentLeverKnob

30 732-0706 FrontLever-RH

732-0707 FrontLever- LH

31 738-04136 ShoulderScrew

32 634-04100 FrontWheel,8"x 1.8"

33 710-04371 Screw,1/4-15x 1.250

34 746-1132 ControlCable-40.75"

746-1114 ControlCable- 50.56"

36 731-04998 Trailshield

37 732-0700 TrailshieldWire

NOTE:Forpaintedparts,pleaserefertothelist of

colorcodesbelow. Pleaseaddtheapplicablecolor

code,whereverneeded,tothepartnumbertoorder

a replacementpart. Forinstance,ifa partnumbered

700-xxxxis paintedGreen,thepartnumbertoorder

wouldbe 700-xxxx-0665.

Green 0665

PowderBlack:0637

38 712-0397 WingNut,1/4-20

39 747-04035 RearDoorPivotRod

40 732-04175 SpringLever

41 687-02071A PivotArmAssembly-RH

687-02070A PivotArmAssembly-LH

42 710-1652 ABScrew

43 712-04065 FlangeLockNut,3/8-16

44 714-0104 HairpinClip

45 710-0654A TT SemsScrew,3/8-16x 1.00

46 687-02193 Ht.Adj.Assy.Front- LH

687-02194 Ht.Adj.Assy.Front- RH

47 687-02069 RearHandleBracketAssy.- LH

687-02068 RearHandleBracketAssy.- RH

48 747-1214 LowerBailHandle

49 710-1650 ShoulderScrew

50 746-04203 DriveCable51"

51 754-04101 V-Belt

52 618-04376 TransmissionAssembly

53 731-05021A FrontDriveCover

54 732-1043 BeltTensionSpring

55 682-0015 BearingAssembly

56 736-0447 WaveWasher

57 710-0216 HexScrew

58 715-0221 DowelPin

59 717-1762 Gear,14T-RH

717-1761 Gear,14T-LH

60 710-04531 Screw1/4-20

61 782-7551A WheelDustCap

62 716-0102 SnapRing

63 736-0474 Washer,1.5"OD

64 750-04594 SleeveSpacer- LH

65 750-04595 SleeveSpacer- RH

66 715-04030 RollPin

67 756-04151A inputPulley

68 787-01292 HandleBracket-RH

787-01291 HandleBracket-LH

69 731-2626 DeluxeBaleCover

Parts List

iMPORTANT

For a proper working

machine, use Factory

Approved Partsl

V..BELTSarespecially

designedto engage

and disengagesafely.

A substitute(non OEM)

V_aelt can bedanger,

ousby not disengaging

completely.

_FACTORY PARTS

Toorder replacement

parts,call

1-800-800-7310

orvisit

www.mtdproducts.com.

MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR

YaRD-MaN,

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.

NOWTOOBTAINSERVICE: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 byanypersonor entity,includinga dealer

or retailer,with respect to anyproduct,shallbindMTD.Duringthe

periodof the warranty, the exclusive remedyisrepairor replacement

of the productas setforth above.

Theprovisionsas setforth inthis warrantyprovidethe soleand

exclusiveremedyarising from the sale.MTDshallnot beliable

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 12A-445C701 Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 12A-445C701

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

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MTD 12A-445C701 Owner's manual

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