MTD 074 Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 074

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

Safety o Assembly o Operation oTips &Techniques oMaintenance *Troubleshooting o Parts Lists oWarranty

22" Rotary Mower -- Model Series 074

READ SAFETY RULES AND mNSTRUCTmONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATmON

Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush=

coveredor grass=coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwithasparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalorstatelaws(ifany),

If a sparkarresterisused,itshouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator,Inthe StateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw

(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode),Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws,Federallawsapplyonfederallands,A sparkarrester

forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO,Box361131Cleveland,

Ohio44136=0019,

FORMNO,769=01538C

PRINTEDIN U,S,A MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136-0019 10/2005

This Operator's Manua_ is an important part of your new lawn mower, mtwH_ he_p you assembJe,

prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

Safety Labels .................................................... 13

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

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

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREYOU STARTASSEMBLING

YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,

please locatethe modelplateonthe equipmentand copythe

informationtothe samplemodel plate providedto the righL

Youcan locatethe modelplate by standingatthe operating

positionand lookingdownat the rearof the deck. This

informationwill be necessaryto usethe manufacturer'sweb

site and/or obtainassistancefrom the CustomerSupport

Departmentoran authorizedservicedealer.

Modem Number

www, mtdproducts,com

SeriaJ Number

MTD LLC

P.O. BOX 361131

CLEVELAND, OH 44136

330-220-4683

8;00-800-731 0

Customer Support

P_ease do NOTreturn the unit to the retai_er from which it was

purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.

if you havedifficulty assemblingthis productor haveanyquestions regardingthe controls, operation,ormaintenanceof this

unit,youcan seek helpfrom theexperts. Choosefromthe optionsbelow:

1. Visit mtdproducts.com Clickon the Service& Support menu option.

2. Phonea Customer Support Representative at (800) 800=7310.

3. The engine manufacturer is responsiblefor all engine=relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power=rating,specifica=

tions,warrantyandservice. Please referto the engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator'sManual,packed separatelywith

your unit,for more information.

MID _r_r#r_ti_e_ Aw_d Wk_ni_@Pld#ct_ O_._rC_mpa#,y

C_n_ac_ Us

:S_eH;ice _ SJpp:_±

Produ_ P,egistration

?riwc" t, P_y

yourlawnmoweronsuchslopes.

WARNING

Do not mowon inclines

with a dope in excess

of 15degrees(a rise

of approximately

2-"

feet). A riding r

couldoverturnand

cause seriousinjury.

if operatinga walb

behindmoweron such

a dope, it isextremely

footing and youcould

dip, resultingin serious

injury.

OperateRiDiNG

mowersupand down

dopes, neveracross

theface of dopes.

Operate

WALK-BEHIND

mowersacrossthe

face of dopes, never

up and down slopes.

WARNING:EngineExhaust,someofitsconstituents,andcertainvehiclecompo_

nentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateofCaliforniatocausecancerand

birthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm.

DANGER:Thismachinewasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingtotherubsforsafeoperationinthis

manuakAswithanytypeofpowerequipment,carelessnessorerroronthepartoftheoperatorcan

Sa.'_e resultinseriousinjury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatinghandsandfeetandthrowingobjects.

,, Failuretoobservethefollowingsafetyinstructionscouldresultinseriousinjuryordeath.

Operation

Children 6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera-

WARNING

_utimportantsafety

endangerthe personal

safetyand/orproperty

ofyourselfandothers.

qead andfollowall

manualbeforeat-

temptingto operate

this machine.Failure

in personalinjury,When

youseethis symbol.

HEED roTSWARNING!

Your Responsibility

Restrictthe use

sf this powermachine

to personswho read.

understand

andfollow thewarnings

and instructions

in this manual

and onthe machine.

Tragicaccidentscan occurifoperatorisnotalerttopresence

ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedto mowerandmowing

activity.Theydonot understandthe dangers.Neverassume

thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.

1. Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaandunderwatchful

careof aresponsibleadultotherthanthe operator.

2. Bealertandturnmoweroffif achildentersthearea.

3. Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown

forsmallchildren.

4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,

doorways,shrubs,trees,orotherobjectsthat may'obscure

yourvisionofachildwhomayrunintothemower.

5. Keepchildrenawayfromhot orrunningengines.Theycan

sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.

6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operateapower

mower.Children14yearsold andovershouldreadand

understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesin this

manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbya parent.

General Operation

1. Readthis operator'smanualcarefullyin its entiretybefore

attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,

andfollow allinstructionsonthe machineandin the

manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith

thecontrolsandthe properuseofthismachinebefore

operatingit.Keepthismanualin asafeplaceforfuture

andregularreferenceandfor orderingreplacementparts.

2. Thismachineisa precisionpieceof powerequipment,

nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all

times.Yourunithasbeendesignedto performonejob: to

mowgrass.Donotuseitfor anyotherpurpose.

3. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operatethis

machine.Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand

understandthe instructionsinthismanualandshould

betrainedand supervisedbya parent.Onlyresponsible

individualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe

operationshouldbeallowedtousethismachine.

4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto

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

andotherforeignobjects,which couldbetrippedoveror

pickedupandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjectscan

causeseriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpattern

toavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,sidewalks,

bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial

againsta wallor obstruction,whichmaycausedischarged

materialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.

5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,

stayinoperatorzonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,

bystanders,helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrommower

whileit isin operation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters

area.

tionandwhile performinganadjustmentor repairtoprotect

youreyes.Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseserious

injurytothe eyes.

7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesand close-fitting

slacksandshirts. Shirtsandpantsthat coverthe armsand

legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended.Neveroperate

thismachineinbarefeet,sandals,slipperyor light-weight

(e.g.canvas)shoes.

8. Donotputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor undercutting

deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.

9. Amissingor damageddischargecovercancauseblade

contactor thrownobjectinjuries.

10.Manyinjuriesoccurasa resultofthe mowerbeingpulled

overthefoot duringafall causedbyslippingortripping.

Do notholdontothe mowerifyouarefalling;releasethe

handleimmediately.

11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare

walking.Ifyoumustbackthe mowerawayfromawallor

obstructionfirstlookdownandbehindtoavoidtrippingand

thenfollowthesesteps:

a. Stepbackfrommowertofully extendyourarms.

b. Besureyou arewellbalancedwithsurefooting.

c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,no morethanhalfway

towardyou.

d. Repeatthesestepsasneeded.

12.Do notoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof

alcoholor drugs.

13.Do notengagethe self-propelledmechanismon unitsso

equippedwhilestartingengine.

14.Thebladecontrolhandleis asafetydevice.Neverattempt

tobypassits operation.Doingsomakesthe safetydevice

inoperativeandmay resultinpersonalinjurythrough

contactwiththe rotatingblade.The bladecontrolhandle

mustoperateeasilyin bothdirectionsandautomatically

returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.

15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbesureof

yourfooting. A slipand fallcan causeseriouspersonal

injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourfooting,releasethe

bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe bladewillstop

rotatingwithinthreeseconds.

16.Mowonlyindaylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.

17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.

18.Ifthe equipmentshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,stopthe

engineandcheckimmediatelyforthe cause.Vibrationis

generallyawarningoftrouble.

19.Shuttheengineoffandwaituntilthebladecomestoa 7. Extinguishallcigarettes cigars pipesandothersources _ i

completestop beforeremovingthe grasscatcheror unclog- ofignition. L{'_ "_

grogthechute. 8. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill --J /,'

Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefor a fewsecondsafter accumulatein the area. ///

the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceanypartofthe body'in 9. Neverremovegascap oradd fuelwhileengineishot or

the bladeareauntilyouaresurethe bladehasstopped running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwominutesbefore

rotating, refueling.

20.Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrail shield,discharge

cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafety

protectivedevicesin placeandworking.Neveroperate

mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo socan

resultin personalinjury.

21.Mufflerandenginebecomehotand cancauseaburn.Do

nottouch.

22.Onlyusepartsand accessoriesmadeforthismachineby

manufacturer.Failureto dosocanresultinpersonalinjury.

23.Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenot coveredin thismanual,

usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor

assistance.Telephone1-800-800-7310forthe nameofyour

nearestdealer.

SJope Operation

Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidents,which

canresultinsevereinjury'.Operationonslopesrequiresextra

caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyonaslope,donotmowit.Foryour

safety,usethe slopegaugeincludedaspartofthis manualto

measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunitonaslopedor hilly

area.Iftheslopeis greaterthan15degrees,do notmowit.

Do:

1. Mowacrosstheface ofslopes;neverupanddown.Exercise

extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

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

can causeyou toslipor trip.Tallgrasscan hideobstacles.

3. Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slip andfall cancause

seriouspersonalinjury.If youfeelyouarelosingyour

balance,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediately,and

the bladewillstop rotatingwithin 3seconds.

Do Not:

1. Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,you

could loseyourfootingor balance.

2. Donotmowslopesgreaterthan15degreesasshownon

the slopegauge.

3. Donotmowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcause

slipping.

Service

Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:

1. To avoidpersonalinjury or propertydamageuseextreme

carein handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable

andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan

occurwhengasolineis spilledonyourselforyourclothes,

whichcanignite.

2. Washyourskinand changeclothesimmediately.

3. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.

4. Neverfill containersinsideavehicleor onatruckor trailer

bedwith aplasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe

groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truckortrailer

andrefuelit onthe ground.Ifthis is notpossible,then refuel

suchequipmentonatrailerwitha portablecontainer,rather

thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.

6. Keepthe nozzlein contactwith therim ofthefueltank or

containeropeningat alltimesuntilfuelingis complete.Do

notusea nozzlelock-opendevice.

10.Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethan_/_inch

belowbottomoffillerneckto provideforfuelexpansion.

11.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

12.Ifgasolineis spilled,wipeit offthe engineandequipment.

Moveunitto anotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting

engine.

13.Neverstorethe machineorfuel containernearanopen

flame,sparkorpilotlightas onawaterheater,space

heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.

14.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,

or otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuel spillageand

removeanyfuel soakeddebris.

15.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.

General Service:

1. Neverrunanengineindoorsor inapoorlyventilatedarea.

Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessand

deadlygas.

2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe

bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe

sparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengineto prevent

unintendedstarting.

3. Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent

intervalsforpropertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefor

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

originalequipmentmanufacture's(O.EM.) bladeonly',listed

inthismanual.Use ofpartswhichdo notmeettheoriginal

equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformance safety and!or property

andcompromisesafety!"

4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeorwear

gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.

5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstight tobesurethe equip-

mentisin safeworkingcondition.

6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperopera- ual beforeattemptingto

tionregularly.

7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,discon- Fai!ureto ComplyWith

nectthe sparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.

Thoroughly'inspectthe mowerforanydamage.Repairthe these instructionsmay

damagebeforestartingandoperatingthemower, resu!t !npersonalinjury,

8. Neverattempttomakeawheelorcuttingheightadjustmerlt WhenYouseethis

whilethe engineis running.

9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail symbo.

shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould expose

movingpartsorallow objectsto bethrown.Forsafety' YOUr HeSpOtlS _l Ity_ i'T-

protection,frequentlycheckcomponentsand replaceim-

mediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)

partsonly,listedin thismanual.'Use of partswhichdo Of this powermachine

not meettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto

improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"

10.Donot changetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe

engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating

speedofthe engine.

11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.

12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper

disposaloffluidsand materialscanharmtheenvironment.

1, Forshippingpurposes,thechutedeflectoronyour

Yourmoweris

Step 1

Step 2

mowerisheldin anuprightpositionbya retainer,

Removethe retainerasfollows:

a, Pushchutedeflectoruptowardsengine,Holding

deflectorinthis position,removetheretainerand

discard,SeeStep1,

b, Lowerthechutedeflectorcarefullykeepingyour

fingersoutoftheway,

WARNING:The chute retainer

must be removed and discarded

before operating the mower.

2, Performthefollowingsequenceforhandlesetup:

a, Liftthe upperhandleupfromfoldedpositionA and

pullittoextendedpositionB followingthearrowin

Step2,Thehandleshouldclickintothisposition,

b, Makesurethecarriageboltisseatedproperly

inthe handle,Tightenwingnutssecuringupper

handletothelowerhandle

3, if satisfiedwithheightof handle,tightenwingnuts

attheendsofthelowerhandleshownin Step3,For

convenienceofoperating,youmayadiustthehandle

heightasfollows:

a, Removethewingnutsshownin Step3and remove

thelowerhandle,

b, Positioneachhandlebracketstudintothetophole

inthe lowerhandle,SeeStep3 inset,

c, Tightenthewingnuts,

4, insertpostoncane ties intoholesprovidedon the

lowerhandle,Pullcane tietightandtrimexcess,See

Step4,

WARNING

IMPORTANT

without gasolineor

Step 3

s "h

Step 4

5, RopeguideSetupasfollowsin Step5:

a, Holdthebladecontrolagainsttheupperhandle,

PositionA,

b, Slowlypullstarterropeoutof engine,PositionB,

c, Slipstarterropeintotheropeguide,Tightenrope

guidewingnut,PositionC,

6, Installwheelsasfollowsin Step6:

a, Usinghardwarefromhardwarepack,securethe

wheeltothedeckasshowninStep6,Thesmall

bellwashershouldbeinstalledwiththecrown

sidefacingthewheel

b, Securethewheeltothedeckwiththelargebell

washerandnut,Repeatonothersides,

7, Eachwheelcanbeadiustedto changethecutting

heightofthemower,

a, Removethecarriageboltsand relatedhardware

fromthewheelsasshowninStep7,

b, Reattachthewheelswithcarriageboltsin oneof

thethreeavailablehobson thedeck,Remember

toattachALLwheelsatthesamerelativeposition

toensurean evencut,Refertoinstructionsfor

attachingthewheelsinthepreviousstep,Fora

highercuttingheight,usethelowerhob; fora

lowercuttingheight,usetheupperhob,

Step 5

,,._ j

Step 6

._ j

Step 7

WHEELiNSTALL

Step 6

The holesin the deck

_rovidethree cutting

heights.Use the same

holefor all fourwheels

whenassembling,

CUTTINGHEIGHT

Step7

All wheelsrrlJst be

)lacedinthe same

relativeposition, For

roughor unevenlawns.

movethe wheels toa !

higher position.This

will stop scalpingof

grass,

IMPORTANT

Thisunitis shipped

without gasolineor

oil in the engine. Fill

up gasolineand oil

as instructedinthe

accompanyingengine

manualBEFORE

operating yourmower,

WARNING

This blade control

mechanism is a

safety device. Never

attempt to bypass its

operations.

Use extreme care

when handJing

gasoJine. GasoJine is

extremely flammable

and the vapors are

expJosive. Never fueJ

the machine indoors

or while the engine

is hot or running.

Extinguish cigarettes,

cigars, pipes and

other sources of

ignition.

Figure 1

Now that you have set up your lawn mower

for operation, get acquainted with its controls

and features, These are described beUowand

[[[ustrated this page, This knowUedge wiU[aUUow

you to use your new equipment to its fuUUest

potential,

Blade Control

The blade control is attached to the upper han-

dle of the mower, Depress the blade control to

operate the unit, Release it to stop engine and

Made,

WARNiNG:This blade eontroJ

mechanism is a safety device.

Never attempt to bypass its

operations.

Chute Deflector

The chute deflector discharges grass clippings

beside each cutting lap,

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, Checkoil[eve[andaddoHifnecessary,Followengine

manualforthis,SeeFigure1aboveforlocationofthe

oilfill,

2, Serviceenginewithgasolineas instructedinengine

manual SeeFigure1aboveforlocationofgascap,

WARNING: Use extreme care

when handling gasoJine. Gasoline

isextremeJy flammable and the

vapors are explosive. Never fueJ

the machine indoors or while the

engine is hot or running. Extin-

guish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and

other sources of ignition.

WARNING:Theoperationof

anylawnmowercanresultin

foreign objects being thrown

into the eyes, which can damage

your eyes severely. Always wear

safety glasses while operating

the mower, or while performing

any adjustments or repairs on it.

Starting Engine

WARNING: Be sure no one other

than the operator is standing

near the lawnmower while

starting engine or operating

mower. Never run engine indoors

or in enclosed, poorly ventilated

areas. Engine exhaust contains

carbon monoxide, an odorless

and deadly gas. Keep hands,

feet, hair and loose clothing away

from any moving parts on engine

and lawn mower.

1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwoseconds

betweeneachpush.SeeFigure2.Intemperature

around55° For below,primefivetimes.Donotprime

to restarta warmengine.

2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezetheblade

controlagainst upperhandle.SeeFigure2.

3. Holdingthesetwohandlestogetherfirmly,grasp

recoilstarterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,

continuous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure2.Keeping

a firmgripon thestarterhandle,lettheroperewind

slowly.Repeatuntilenginecranks.Lettherope

rewindeachtimeslowly.

Stopping Engine

1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineandblade.

2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand

groundagainsttheengine.

Using Your Lawn Mower

Be sure the lawn is dear of stones, sticks,

wire, or other objects which could damage the

lawn mower or the engine. Such objects could

be acc[dent[y thrown by the mower in any

direction and cause serious persona[ injury to

the operator and others.

Figure 2

WARNING: if you strike a foreign

object, stop the engine. Remove

wire from the spark ping, thor°

ough[y inspectthe mower for any

damage, and repair the damage

before restarting and operating

the mower. Extensive vibration

of the mower during operation is

an indication of damage. The unit

should be promptly inspected

and repaired.

Operating Tips

1. Forbestresults,do notcutwetgrass.

2. Newgrass,thickgrass,orwetgrassmayrequirea

narrowercut.

3. Forahealthierlawn,nevercutoff morethanone4hird

of thetotal lengthofthegrass.

4. Yourlawnshouldbe cut inthefallas longasthere

isgrowth.

5. Adjustyourgroundspeedaccordingto conditionof

lawn,

lawn mower can result

in foreign objects

being thrown into

the eyes which can

damage your eyes

severe[y. A[ways wear

safety glasses while

operating the mower,

Besure no one other

thantheopeiatoi

standing near the lawn

mower while starting

engine or operating

mower. Never run

eng ne ndoors or

!nencosed,poor y

ventilated areas,

g! ne exhaust contains

carbon monoxide, an

0do,ossanddooa y

gas: Keep hands, feet,

hair and loose c[othim

away from any moving

parts Onengine and

lawn mower.

ordoinganykindof

' Lubricate these

points before

reassembly.

Figure 3

Air Cleaner

Gas Oap_ Spark Plug

Figure 4

General Recommendations

1, Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming

anymaintenance,

2, Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover

itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse

or negligence,Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,

operatormustmaintainthe lawnmoweras

instructedhere,

3, Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoid

enginewarranty,

4, Alladiustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce

eachseason,

5, Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese

aretight,

WARNING: Always stop engine,

disconnect spark plug, and

groundagainst engine before

cleaning, lubricating or doing

any kindof maintenance on your

machine.Lubrication

1, Lubricatepivotpointsonthe bladecontrolatleast

oncea seasonwithlightoil,Thebladecontrolmust

operatefreelyin bothdirections,SeeFigure3,

2, Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith

lightoil (or motoroil),If wheelsareremovedforany

reason,lubricatesurfaceoftheaxleboltandinner

surfaceofthewheelwithlightoil SeeFigure3,

3, Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointonthe

chutedeflectorperiodicallywith lightoilto prevent

rust,SeeFigure3,

4, Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-

tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication,

Engine Care

1, Changetheengineoil regularly,asinstructedinthe

enginemanual,Checkoil levelbeforestartingengine

everytime,

2, Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal

conditions,Toservicetheaircleaner,referto the

separateenginemanualpackedwithyourunit,

3, Cleanthesparkplugandresetthegapto,030"at

leastoncea season,Refertotheenginemanualfor

correctsparkplugtype,Referto Figure4,

Mower Care

Clean underside of the mower deck after each

use to prevent build-up of grass clippings or

other debris, Follow steps below for this job,

1, Disconnectsparkplugwire,Draingasolinefrom lawn

mower,or placea pieceofplasticunderthegascap

SeeFigure4,

2, Tipthe mowersothatit restsonthe housing,Keep

thesidewiththeaircleanerfacingup,Holdthe

mowerfirmly,

WARNING: Never tip the mower

more than 90 degrees inany

directions and do not leave the

mower tipped for any length of

time. Oil can drain into the upper

part of the engine causing a

starting problem.

3, Scrapeand cleanthe undersideofthedeckwitha

suitabletool Donotspraywithwater,

4, Putthemowerbackon itswheelsontheground,If

youhad putplasticunderthegascapearlier,make

sureto removeit now,

Blade Care

WARNING:Whenremovingthe

cuttingbladeforsharpeningor

replacement,protect your hands

with a pair of heavy gloves or use

a heavy rag to hold the blade.

Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,

especiaNyifyoustrikea foreignobject,Replacewhen

necessary,Followthestepsbelowforbladeservice,

1, Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug,Turn

moweronits sidemakingsurethattheair filterand

thecarburetorareup,

2, Removetheboltandthebladebellsupportwhich

holdthebladeandthebladeadaptertotheengine

crankshaft,SeeFigure5,

3, Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft,

4, Thebladecanbesharpenedwitha fileor ona

grindingwheel Donotattempttosharpentheblade

whileit isstillon themower,

5, Whensharpeningtheblade,followtheodginalangle

ofgrind,Grindeachcuttingedgeequallytokeepthe

bladebalanced,

6, Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance,

7, Balancethebladeon a roundshaftscrewdriverto

check,Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntilit

balancesevenly,

WARNING: An unbalanced blade

will cause excessive vibration

when rotating at high speeds.

It may cause damage to mower,

and could break causing per-

sonal injury.

% \

i i _ i / i

..,._ j

Figure 5

Off-Season Storage

Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakentoprepareyourlawn

mowerforstorage,

1, Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin

thelubricationinstructions,

2, Wedo notrecommendtheuseofa pressurewasher

or gardenhosetocleanyourunit,

3, Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine

storageinstructions,

4, Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto

preventrusting,

5, Storemowerina dry,cleanarea,Donotstorenextto

corrosivematerials,suchasfertiNzer,

Whenstoringanytypeofpowerequipmentina poorly

ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetakento

rust=prooftheequipment,Usinga lightoilor silicone,coat

theequipment,especiallycanes andallmovingpartsof

yourlawnmowerbeforestorage,

8, Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurface

ofthebladeadapterwithNghtoil SNdetheblade

adapterontotheenginecrankshaft,

9, Placethebladeon theadaptersuchthat theside

oftheblademarked"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)

facesgroundwhenthemowerisintheoperating

position,MakesurethatthebladeisaNgnedand

seatedon bladeadapterflanges,

10,Placebladebensupportontheblade,Alignnotches

onthebladebellsupportwithsmallholesin blade,

11,Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450

in,Ibs,min,,600 in,Ibs,max,

Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically

checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque,

WARNING

When removing

the cutting blade

frorsharpening or

placement, 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 rotab

ing at high speeds. It

maycause damage

to mower, and could

break causing per=

sonai injury.

\ /

For repairs beyond

theminor adjustments

listed here, contact

an authorized service

dealer.

do notprime.

1, Sparkplugwireloose,

2, Blockedfuellineor stab fuel

3, Ventingascapplugged,

4, Waterorair[ infue syslem,

5. Dir!, ar c_eaner,

6. CarburetoroutofaajJslmenl,

Engineruns erratic

1, Connectandtightenspark

plugwire,

2, Cban fuelline;filltankwithchart,

freshgasoline,

3, Clearvent,

4, Drainfue tank,Refillwith

freshfuel,

5, Refertoengnemanua

6, Refertoengnemanua

Engineoverheats

1. Engineoillevellow, 1. FillcrankcasewireproperoH.

2. Airflow restricted. 2. RemoveD_ovverhOUSing

anaclean.

8. Carburetornotadjustedproperly, 3. Referto enginemanual

Occasional skips 1, Searkp_uggapleoc_ose, 1, &qus!gapto,030".

thesitatesj at 2. Carburetoriqlemixturead uslmeni 2, Refertoengnemanua

highspeed 'lpropen_se!,

1. SparKplugfouled,faultyor gap

_oowlcle,

2. Carburetor[mpro_enyaq Js_ea,

3. Dirtyairc_eaner.

I. Resetgapto.030"or replace

sparkplug.

2. Referto enginemanua

3. Referto enginemanua

Excessive t, Cuttingbladelooseor uneaanceq, 1, -_gntene_aqeanaaoa.xer,

Vibration 3alanceblade,

2. BentcuttingD_aqe. 2, Seean au_nonzeqserwceqeaer,

F -- "

Unevencul 1. Wheelsnotposmone_correctly !. PlaceallfourwheeB insame

ne_gniposmon.

2, Du blade, 2. Sharpenorreplaceblade.

WARNING

DONOTremove safety

(or any) labeJsfrom

newer for any reasen,

PLACEANDWRRRIDG.iF DAMAGEDREPLACEiMMEDiATELY.

17032A

2 17098

8 687-02145

4 687-02144

5 787-01084A

6 712-3017

7 710-0216

8 710-0599

9 710-0654A

710-1044

710-1174

12 710-1205

13 712-04065

14 720-0279

ChuteHinge

HingeClip

HandleBracketAssembly- RH

HandleBracketAssembly- LH

DeckAssembly,22"

HexNut,3/8-16

HexCapScrew3/8-16x 75

TT Screw1/4-20x 05"

TT Screw3/8-16x 10

HexCapScrew3/8-24x15

CarriageBolt 5/16-18x20

EyeBolt

LockNut3/8-16

WingNut

............... /..................

15 720-04072 StarKnob

.... L]7491O92A

...._#._,j,_l725"0157

18 731-04019

19 /731-1034B

................ @

749-04037

732-1014

....,,22_734-04063

2i748o878c

736-0270

710-1694

26 i736-0524B

27 1736-0105

736-0331

738-0533

74_1161A

742-0642A

UpperHandle

CableTie

TrailShield

HingedChuteDeflectorAssembly

LowerHandle

TorsionSpring

Wheel,7 x15, Star-DiamGray

BladeAdapter

BellWasher265 IDx 75 OD

ClinchStiud

BladeBellSupport

BellWasher,375 x 870 x 063

BellWasher,390 x 113x062

ShoulderScrew,498 x 1.635

BladeControl

StandardBlade,22"

replacement parts,

www.mtdproducts,eom

MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR

Thefimitedwarrantyset forthbelowisgivenbyMTDLLCwithrespect

tonewmerchandisepurchasedandusedin theUnitedStates,its

possessionsandterritories.

"MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsin materialandworkman=

shipfora periodoftwo (2) yearscommencingon thedateoforiginal

purchaseandwill,at itsoption,repairor replace,freeofcharge,any

partfoundtobedefectiveinmaterialsorworkmanship.This limitedwar=

rantyshallonlyapplyifthisproducthasbeenoperatedand maintained

inaccordancewiththeOperator'sManualfurnishedwiththeproduct,

andhasnotbeensubiecttomisuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,

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

ordamagebecauseofotherperilor naturaldisaster.Damageresulting

fromtheinstallationor useofanypart,accessoryor attachmentnot

approvedbyMTDforusewiththeproduct(s)coveredbythis manual

willvoidyourwarrantyastoanyresultingdamage.

Normalwearpartsare warrantedto befreefromdefectsinmaterialand

workmanshipforaperiodofthirty(30)daysfromthedateofpurchase.

Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuchas: batter=

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

snowthrowerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.

NOW TO OBTAmNSERVICE: Warrantyservice is available, WITH

PROOFOF PURCHASE,through your !ocalauthorized service

dealer.Tolocate the dealer in yourarea, check yourYellowPages,

or contact MTDLLCat RO. Box 361131,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. Theengineorcomponentpartsthereof.Theseitemsmaycarrya

separatemanufacturer'swarranty.Referto applicablemanufacturer's

warrantyfortermsand conditions.

b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershavea separateoneyear

warranty.

c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchaslubricants,filters,blade

sharpening,tune=ups,brakeadiustments,clutchadjustments,deck

adiustments,andnormaldeteriorationoftheexteriorfinishdueto

useor exposure.

d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthanan authorizedservice

dealer.

e. MTDdoesnotextendanywarrantyforproductssoldor exported

outsideoftheUnitedStates,itspossessionsandterritories,except

thosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorizedchannelsofexportdistribution.

f. ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts.

g. Transportationchargesandservicecalls.

No impliedwarranty, includingany impliedwarranty of mero

chantability of fitness for aparticular purpose, applies afterthe

applicable period of expresswritten warranty aboveasto the

parts asidentified. Noother express warranty, whether written or

oral, exceptas mentioned above,given by anyperson or entity,

including adealerorretailer,with respect to any product, shall

bind MTD.During the period of the warranty, the exclusive remedy

is repair or replacementof the product as set forth above.

Theprovisions asset forth inthis warranty providethe sole and

exclusive remedy arising from the sale. MTDshall not be liable

for incidental or consequential loss or damageincluding, without

limitation, expenses incurred for substitute or replacementlawn

careservices or for rental expensestotemporarily replacea

warranted product.

Somestatesdo notallowtheexclusionorlimitationof incidentalor

consequentialdamages,or limitationsonhowlongan impliedwarranty

lasts,sotheaboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplytoyou.

in noeventshallrecoveryofanykindbegreaterthantheamountofthe

purchasepriceof theproductsold.Alteration of safetyfeatures of

the product shall void this warranty.Youassumethe riskandliability

forloss,damage,or iniurytoyouandyourpropertyand/orto othersand

theirpropertyarisingoutofthemisuseor inabilitytousetheproduct.

This limitedwarrantyshallnotextendtoanyoneotherthantheoriginal

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 074 Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 074

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

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MTD 074 Owner's manual

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