MTD 11A-588C755 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 AL
_WHH
21" Rotary Mower- Model 588
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.770-10111H
10/2005
This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new lawn mower, it will help you assemble,
prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Table of Contents
Slope Gauge ....................................................... 3
Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4
Setup and Adjustment ....................................... 6
Operating Your Lawn Mower .............................. 8
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10
Trouble Shooting .............................................. 12
Safety Labels .................................................... 13
Parts List ........................................................... 14
Finding and Recording Model Number
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
YaRD-MaN)f(
P. O. BOX ;361131
CLEVELAND,OH44136
www.yardman.com 330-220-4683
800-800-731 0
%, J
Customer Support
Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
Ifyou have difficultyassemblingthis productor have any
questions regardingthe controls, operationor maintenanceof
this unit, youcanseek help fromthe experts.Choosefrom the
options below:
1. Visit yardman.com for many usefulsuggestions.Click
on CustomerSupport buttonand you will getthe four
options reproducedinthis sampleto the right.Click on the
appropriate buttonand help is immediatelyavailable.
2. Phonea Customer Support Representative
at 1(800) 800-7310.
3. The engine manufacturer isresponsiblefor all engine-
relatedissueswith regardsto performance, power-rating,
specifications,warranty and service. Pleasereferto the
engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packed
separatelywith your unit,for more information.
Click here to search our knowledge base.
Search by product, keyword, or phrase.
Login to check the status of your questions, modify
your inquiries, or update your personal profile.
Need local assistance? Click here to find authorized
service centers in your area.
Need a manual and/or parts list? Download
literature from recent model years.
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also
I
15°
WARNING
Thissymbolpoints
out importantsafety
instructionswhich,if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
i safetyand/or property
I ofyourselfand others.
Readandfollowall
instructionsinthis
manualbeforeat-
temptingto operate
i this machine.Failure
I to complywiththese
instructionsmayresult
i inpersonalinjury.When
youseethis symbol.
i HEED ITS WARNING!
Your Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read,
_understand
ano followthe warnings
and instructions
inthis manual
and on the machine.
WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of its constituents,andcertain vehiclecompo-
nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: This machinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operation in this
manual.As with anytypeof powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operatorcan
result inseriousinjury.This machine iscapableof amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.
Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injury 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,toys
andotherforeignobjects,whichcouldbetrippedoveror
pickedupandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjectscan
causeseriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpattern
toavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,sidewalks,
bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial
againsta wallor obstruction,whichmaycausedischarged
materialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.
5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,
stayinoperatorzonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,
bystanders,helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrom mower
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 light-weight
(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 notengagetheself-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. A slipand fallcancauseseriouspersonal
injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourfooting,releasethe
bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthreeseconds.
16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.
18.Iftheequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineandcheckimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis
generallya warningoftrouble.
4
19.Shuttheengineoff andwait untilthebladecomesto a
completestopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcheror unclog-
ging thechute.
The cuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefor afewsecondsafter
the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceany partofthe bodyin
the bladearea untilyouaresurethe bladehasstopped
rotating.
20. Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrail shield,discharge
cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafety
protectivedevicesin 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 slipandfallaccidents,which
can resultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra
caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyon aslope,do notmowit.Foryour
safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthis manualto
measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunitonaslopedor hilly
area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donot mowit.
Do:
1. Mowacrossthefaceofslopes;neverupanddown.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.
2. Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks, hiddenobjects,or bumpswhich
can causeyouto slipor trip.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
3. Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slip andfall cancause
seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyour
balance,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediately,and
the bladewill stoprotatingwithin3seconds.
Do Not:
1. Donot mowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,you
could loseyourfootingorbalance.
2. Donot mowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownon
the slopegauge.
3. Donot mowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcause
slipping.
Service
Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:
1. To avoidpersonalinjury orpropertydamageuseextreme
care inhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable
andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan
occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselforyourclothes,
whichcanignite.
2. Washyourskin andchangeclothesimmediately.
3. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
4. 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 machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill
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,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.
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."Useofpartswhichdo
notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"
10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating
speedoftheengine.
11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,as necessary.
12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper
disposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.
5
Operation
WARNING
Thissymbol points
out importantsafety
instructions,which if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safety and/or property
of yourselfand others.
Readand followall
instructions inthis man-
ual beforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failureto comply with
these instructionsmay
result inpersonalinjury.
Whenyou seethis
symbol.
HEED IT'S WARNING!
YourResponsibility
Restrictthe use
of this powermachine
to personswho read.
understand
and followthe warnings
and instructions
in this manua
and onthe machine.
Adjustment
NOTE:Stand behind
the mower as il you
were goingto operate
it. Yourrighthand cor-
respondsto the right
i sideof the mower;your
left handcorresponds
to the left sideof the
mower.
NOTE:"(ourmower
isshippedwith the
handlein the higher
heightposition.
NOTE: Eachend of
i the lower handlemust
be placedin the same
i relativeposition.
iMPORTANT
I
This unitisshipped
i without gasolineor
i oil inthe engine. Fill
!iupgasolineand oil
as instructedinthe
i accompanyingengine
manual BEFORE
operatingyour mower.
Step 1
HardwarePack
Wing Nuts (2)
Step 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.
.
.
5.
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. Holdbladecontrolhandleagainstupperhandle.
b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releaseblade
controlhandle.
c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.
d. Tightenwingnut.
Insertpostoncabletiesintoholesprovidedon the
lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.
Installrearwheelsasfollowsin Step5: (maybe
alreadyinstalled)
a. Placerearof themowerdeckon raisedblocks.
b. Removelocknutfrompivotarmassembly(on
selectmodels,thesemaybeincludedseparately
ina plasticbag).
c. Slidewheel,withhollowsidein,ontopivotarmand
securewithlocknut.
d. Assembletheothersideinthe samemanner.
Step 3 Step 4
6
6. An adjustingplateandthumbleverateachwheel
positionprovidescuttingheightadjustment.
a. Depresslevertowardswheel.
b. Moveittoanyof theninepositionsfordesired
cuttingheight.SeeStep6.
Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.
C.
f
J
Step 5
7. Followstepsbelowtoassemblethegrasscatcher:
a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside
is atthebottom.
b. Slip plasticchannelofgrassbagoverhooksonthe
frame.SeeStep7.All theplasticchannelsexcept
centertopof bagattachfromoutsideofbag.
c. Attachcentertopofbagfrominsideofbag.
8. Followstepsbelowtoattachgrasscatcher:
a. Liftreardischargedoor.
b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod.Letgo
ofdischargedoorsothat itrestson thegrass
catcher.SeeStep8.
Toremovegrasscatcherorconverttoa mulcher,lift rear
dischargedooron themowerasshowninStep8. Lift
grasscatcherupandoutofthepivotrod.Releaserear
dischargedoortoallowittocloserearopeningof mower.
_ ARNING: Never operate mower
unless the hooks on the grass
catcher are 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 6
J
Step 7
Step 8
CUTTING
S,ep8
All Wheelsmust be
placed in the same
relative pos!tionl
Step 7
Makecertainbagis
turned rightside out
before assembling
(waming labe!will be
on theoutside):
WARNING
ii_i _ _ _i ii_ i_ i _i!_ _ii
.everoperatemower
unless the hooks on
the grass catcher are
firmly seated in the
slots on the handle
bracket assembiiesl
and the rear dis:
charge doorrests
firmly against topof
thegrass catcher:
7
Know Your Lawn Mower
WARNING
The blade control
mechanism is a
safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its
operations.
Use extreme care
i when handhng
gasoline.Gasoline is
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive. Never fuel
the machine indoors
or while the engine
is hotor running.
Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipesand
other sources of
ignition.
Blade Control
Recoil
Starter
Upper Handle
LowerHandle
Starter Rope-
Oil Fill
Grass Catcher
Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever
(for each wheel)
Gasoline Fill
Figure 1
Now that you have set up your lawn mower for op-
eration, get aquainted with its controls and features.
These are described below and illustrated on this
page. This knowledge will allow you to use your
new equipment to its fullest potential.
Blade Control
The blade control is attached to the upper handle
of the mower. Depress and squeeze it against the
upper handle to operate the unit. Release it to stop
engine and blade.
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.
__ WARNING:This blade control mecha-
nism isa safetydevice. Neverattempt
to bypass itsoperations.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
One adjustment lever is located on each wheel and
is used to adjust the cutting height. All four levers
have to be at the same relative position to ensure a
uniform cut.
_ ARNING:Useextreme carewhenhan-
dling gasoline.Gasolineis extremely
flammableand the vapors areexplosive.
Neverfuel the machine indoorsor while
the engine ishot or running. Extinguish
cigarettes, cigars, pipesand other
sources of ignition.
8
WARNING:Theoperationof any lawn
mowercan result inforeign objects
being thrownintotheeyes,whichcan
damageyoureyesseverely. Always
wearsafetyglasseswhileoperating
the mower,or while performingany
adjustments or repairson it.
Starting Engine
WARNING:Be sureno one otherthan
the operatorisstanding near the lawn
mower while starting engine or operat-
ingmower.Neverrun engine indoors
or inenclosed, poorly ventilated areas.
Engineexhaustcontains carbon
monoxide, an odorless anddeadly
gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and loose
clothing awayfrom anymoving partson
engine and lawn mower.
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.
,_ WARNING:Wait for the blade to stop
completely beforedoing any work
__ on themower or to removethe grass
catcher.
Stopping Engine
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineand blade.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainsttheengine.
UsingYour Lawn Mower
,__k WARNING:Neveroperateyour mower
without either the rear door or the entire
grass catcherassembly firmly secured.
Besurelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other
objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine.
Suchobjectscouldbe accidentlythrownbythemower
in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytothe
operatorandothers.
Figure 2
_klL ARNING:ifyou strike a foreign
object,stop theengine.Remove
wire from the sparkplug,thoroughly
inspect mower for any damage,and
repair damagebefore restarting and
operating. Extensivevibration of
mowerduring operation isan indica-
tion of damage.Theunit should be
promptlyinspectedand repaired.
1. Forbest results,do notcut wetgrass.
2. Fora healthierlawn,nevercut offmorethanone-
thirdofthetotallengthofthegrass.
Using as Mulcher
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherfromthe
mower.Thereardischargedoorshouldbeclosed.
1. Foreffectivemulching,do notcut wetgrass.
2. Newor thickgrassmayrequirea narrowercut.
Adjustgroundspeedaccordingtoconditionoflawn.
3. If thegrasshasbeenallowedto growinexcessof
4 inches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethe
grasscatchertobagclippingsinstead.
Using Grass Catcher
Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile
youareoperatingthemower.
1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionson page
7. Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectinthe
bagasyourunthe mower.Operatethemowertillthe
grassbagisfull.
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 waysstope,g ne;
disconnect spark
plugl andground
against enginebefore
cleaning,lubricating
Wedo notrecommend
the useof pressure
washersorgarden
hoseto cleanyour
unit. These may cause
i
damageto electric
Componentsspindles
pulleys;bearings
the enginel The use
of waterwill resultin
shortened lifeand
d
Figure 3
General Recommendations
1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
anymaintenance.
2. Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse
ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras
instructedhere.
3. Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid
enginewarranty.
4. Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.
5. Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese
aretight.
,_ WARNING: Alwaysstop engine,
disconnect spark plug, and
groundagainst engine before
cleaning, lubricating or doing
any kind of maintenanceon your
machine.
Lubrication
1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolhandleat
leastoncea seasonwith lightoil.Thebladecontrol
mustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure3.
2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatesurfaceofthepivotarmandinner
surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure3.
3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointonthe
reardischargedoorperiodicallywithlightoil to
preventrust.SeeFigure3.
4. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-
tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.
Deck Care
Clean underside of the mower deck after each use
to prevent build-up of grass clippings or other debris.
Follow steps belowfor this job.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn
mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.
2. Tipmowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe
sidewiththeaircleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.
,_ 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 intothe upper
part ofthe engine causing a
starting problem.
3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwitha
suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.
4. Putthemowerbackonitswheelsontheground.If
youhadputplasticunderthegascapearlier,make
sureto removeitnow.
Engine Care
A listofkeyenginemaintenancejobs requiredforgood
performancebythemowerisgivenbelow.Followthe
accompanyingenginemanualforadetailedlistand
instructions.
1. Maintainoil levelasinstructedinenginemanual.
2. Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal
conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely
dustyconditions.Poorengineperformanceand
floodingusuallyindicatesthattheaircleanershould
beserviced.Toservicetheaircleaner,refertothe
enginemanual.
3. Cleansparkplugand resetthegaponcea season.
Sparkplugreplacementisrecommendedatthestart
ofeachmowingseason.Checkenginemanualfor
correctplugtypeand gapspecifications.
4. Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe
coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleantopermit
properaircirculation.Removeall grass,dirtand
combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.
10
Blade Care
_ ARNING: When removing the
cutting blade for sharpening or
replacement, protect your hands
with a pair of heavy gloves or use
a heavy rag to hold the blade.
Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,
especiallyif youstrikea foreignobject.Replacewhen
necessary.Followthe stepsbelowforbladeservice.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn
moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand
thecarburetorareup.
2. Removetheboltandthe bladebellsupportwhich
holdthebladeand thebladeadaptertotheengine
crankshaft.See Figure4.
3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.
4. Thebladecanbe sharpenedwitha fileor on a grind-
ingwheel.Donotattempttosharpenthebladewhileit
isstillonthemower.
5. Whensharpeningtheblade,followtheoriginalangle
ofgrind.Grindeachcuttingedgeequallyto keepthe
bladebalanced.
.
7.
Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.
Balancethebladeona 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 personal
injury.
8. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurface
ofthebladeadapterwithlightoil.Slidetheblade
adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.
9. Placethebladeon theadaptersuchthattheside
oftheblademarked"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)
facesthegroundwhenthemowerisintheoperating
position.Makesurethatthebladeisalignedand
seatedon thebladeadapterflanges.
10.Placebladebellsupportonthe blade.Alignnotches
on thebladebell supportwith smallholesinblade.
11.Replacehexboltandtightenhexboltto torque:450
in.Ibs.rain.,600 in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically
checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.
L
Figure 4
J
J
Figure 5
Replacing Rear Flap
1. Toremoverearflap,cutoff theflatendofthewire
rodwhichsecuresittothedeck.See Figure5.
2. Attachthenewflapand newrodtodeck,bending
theendsofthenewrodoverto securetodeck.
Off-Season Storage
Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakento prepareyour
lawnmowerforstorage.
1. Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribed
inthe lubricationinstructions.
2. Wedo notrecommendtheuseofa pressurewasher
orgardenhosetocleanyourunit.
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.
Maintaining
Yo ur LaWn
ower
WARNING
When removing
the cutting blade
for sharpening or
replacement, protect
your handswith a
pair of heavy gloves
or use a heavy ragto
holdthe blade.
An unbalanced blade
will causeexcessive
vibration when rotat-
ing at high speeds, it
may cause damage
to mower, and could
break causing per-
sonal injury.
11
Forrepairs beyond
the minor adjustments
listed here, contact
an authorized service
dealer.
iii _iI iii_i/_ i_Iiiii_ i_ iii_i_i_
\_i, 3J
Problem Cause Remedy
En n f r Badecontro dsengaged 1 EngagebadecontrO
g ealstostat :
2. Sparkplugwiredisconnected. 2. Connectwiretosparkplug.
Fuel tankemptyo[Stalefuel. 31 Fi!l tankwithClean,freshgaSeiinel
41 Enginenotpiime& 41 Pime engineasinstructedin
ioperatingYourLawnMowei:
Fau!tySpa!kplug_ adjustgap,
6 Bockedfue ne 6: Cleanfuelline
I 7. Enqineflooded. 7i Waitafew minutestorestart,but
do notprime.
Engineruns erratic
1. Sparkplugwireloose.
2. Blockedfuellineor stalefuel.
3. Ventingascapplugged.
4. Waterordirt infuelsystem.
5. Dirtyaircleaner.
6. Carburetoroutofadjustment.
1. Connectandtightenspark
plugwire.
2. Cleanfuelline;filltankwithclean,
freshgasoline.
3. Clearvent.
4. Drainfueltank.Refillwith
freshfuel.
5. Refertoenginemanual.
6. Refertoenginemanual.
Engne overheats 1. Engineo Ilevelow. 1. Fillcrankcasewithproperoil.
2. Airflow restricted. 2. Removeblowerhousing
. andcean.
u 3. Carburetornotadjustedproperly. 3. Referto enginemanual.
Occasionalskips
(hesitates)at
highspeed
1. Sparkpluggaptooclose.
2. Carburetoridlemixtureadjustment
improperlyset.
1. Adjustgap to.030".
2. Refertoenginemanual.
des poorly 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyorgap 1. Resetgapto .030"orreplace
toowide. sparkplug.
2. Carburetorimproperlyadjusted. 2. Referto enginemanual.
3. Dirtyaircleaner. 3. Referto enginemanual.
Excessive 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.
Vibration Balanceblade.
2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. Seean authorizedservicedealer.
Mowerwill not 1. Wetgrass. 1. Donotmowwhengrassiswet
mulch grass wait untillatertocut.
2 Excessivel hi-h-rass 2. Mowonceata highcuttingheight
y u u thenmowagainatdesiredheight
I or makea narrowercuttingpath.
3 Dullblade
I ' ' 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.
Unevencut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeall fourwheelsin same
heightposition.
2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.
12
iii i_ _ iiii
ii i _iI_ii
13
\
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
9 720-02072 StarKnob
10 710-0599 Screw,1/4-20x.500
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
17 734-04089 RearWheel,12"x 1.8"
18 731-04150C RearBaffle
19 720-0312 SpringLeverGrip
20 787-01276 Deck- 21"
21 782-5002B FrontBaffle
22 748-0377C BladeAdapter
23 742-0741 MulchingBlade
24 710-1257 HexScrew,3/8-24x2.5
25 687-02077A PivotArmAssembly-RH
687-02076A PivotArmAssembly-LH
26 736-0524B BladeBellSupport
27 787-01290 FrontAdjustmentPlate
28 720-0426 AdjustmentLeverKnob
29 732-0866 SpringLever
30 738-0507B ShoulderScrew
31 734-04086 FrontWheel,7"x 1.8"
32 710-04371 Screw,1/4-15x 1.250
33 746-0554 ControlCable-40.5"
34 731-04998 Trailshield
35 732-0700 TrailshieldWire
36 712-0397 WingNut,1/4-20
37 747-0996 RearDoorPivotRod
38 732-0866 SpringLever
39 687-02039A PivotArmAssembly-RH
687-02040A PivotArmAssembly-LH
40 710-1652 ABScrew
41 714-0104 HairpinClip
42 710-0654A TT SemsScrew,3/8-16x 1.0
43 687-02099A Ht.Adj.Assy.Front- LH
687-02100A Ht.Adj.Assy.Front- RH
44 687-02057 RearHandleBracketAssy.- LH
687-02056 RearHandleBracketAssy.- RH
45 712-04065 FlangeLockNut,3/8-16
46 687-02192 HandleBracketAssembly- RH
687-02191 HandleBracketAssembly- LH
47 710-0216 HexScrew,3/8-16x0.75
15
parts;contact
1,800,800'7310
or Visit us onlineat
wwwlmtdproducts.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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MTD 11A-588C755 Owner's manual

Category
Lawnmowers
Type
Owner's manual
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