Yard-Man 588 Owner's manual

Brand: Yard-Man

Model: 588

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.

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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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.

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.

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

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.

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. An adjustingplateandthumbleverateachwheel

positionprovidescuttingheightadjustment.

a. Depresslevertowardswheel.

b. Moveittoanyof theninepositionsfordesired

cuttingheight.SeeStep6.

Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.

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

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:

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.

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.

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

damageto electric

Componentsspindles

pulleys;bearings

the enginel The use

of waterwill resultin

shortened lifeand

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.

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.

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.

Figure 4

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.

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.

iii i_ _ iiii

ii i _iI_ii

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

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.

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

Yard-Man 588 Owner's manual

Brand: Yard-Man

Model: 588

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

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Yard-Man 588 Owner's manual

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