Yard-Man 450 SERIES Owner's manual

Category
Lawnmowers
Type
Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

Safety Assembly Operation Tips &Techniques Maintenance Troubleshooting Parts Lists Warranty
OF A 'rO
f
AL
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
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
I
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.
4
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.
5
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
6
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
J
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:
7
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.
8
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.
9
Maintaining
WARNING
A vaysstope,g ne;
disconnect spark
pluglandground
againstenginebefore
cleaning,lubricating
ordoinganyk ndof
maintenanceonV0ur
machine!
I
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.
A
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.
10
I
r
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.
11
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.
12
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
13
_i _i i _iii i__ i iii ii_
WARNING
DONOTremove safety
(or any) labels from
mower for any reason.
14
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
15
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.
e.
f.
g.
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
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Yard-Man 450 SERIES Owner's manual

Category
Lawnmowers
Type
Owner's manual
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