MTD 520 Series Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 520 Series

Type: Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

12A-527G030

MTD 520 Series is a rotary mower designed for efficient grass cutting and maintenance. With its powerful engine, it provides reliable performance and clean cuts. The mower features a 22-inch cutting width, allowing you to cover a significant area in less time. It comes equipped with a versatile discharge system, enabling you to choose between mulching, side discharge, or rear bagging options to suit your preferences and needs. The adjustable cutting height allows you to achieve the desired grass length, while the sturdy construction ensures durability and longevity.

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

OF A O AL

22" Rotary Mower- Model Series 520

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.770-10349H

11/17/2006

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

Troubleshooting ................................................ 12

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

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

MTDLLCreservestherighttochangeproductspecifications,designs,andequipmentwithoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation.

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREASSEMBLINGYOURNEWEQUIPMENT,

pleaselocatethe modelplateon theequipmentand

copythe informationto thesamplemodelplatepro-

videdto the right.Youcan locatethe modelplateby

standingat theoperatingpositionand lookingdown

atthe rearofthe deck.Thisinformationwillbe neces-

saryto usethe manufacturer'swebsite,toobtain

assistancefromtheCustomerSupportDepartment,

orwhencontactingan authorizedservicedealer.

Model Number

www.mtdproducts.com

Serial Number

MTD LLC

PoO= BOX 361131

CLEVELAND, OH 44136

330-220-4683

800-800-7310

Customer Support

Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased, without first

contacting Customer Support.

Ifyou have difficultyassemblingthis productor have anyquestions regardingthe controls, operation,or maintenanceof this

unit,youcanseek help from the experts.Choosefrom the options below:

• Visit www.mtdproducts.com

• Call a CustomerSupport Representativeat 1-800-800-7310.

• The engine manufacturer is responsiblefor all engine-relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-rating,specifica-

tions,warranty and service. Pleasereferto the engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packedseparatelywith

your unit,for moreinformation.

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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 complywith these

instructionsmayresult

i inpersonalinjury.When

youseethis symbol.

i HEED ITS WARNING!

i Your Responsibility

Restrictthe use

ofthis powermachine

to personswho read.

i understand

andfollow thewarnings

and instructions

=nthis manual

and onthe machine.

WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of its constituents,and certainvehiclecompo-

nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand

birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.

DANGER: This machine was builtto be operatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operation in this

manual.As with anytypeof powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operator

can resultin serious injury.This machine is capableof amputatinghandsand feet and throwing

objects. Failureto observethefollowing safety instructionscould result in seriousinjury ordeath.

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.Ifthe equipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe

engineandcheckimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis

generallya warningoftrouble.

19.Shutthe engineoffand waituntilthe bladecomestoa

completestopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcherorunclog-

gingthe chute.

Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotateforafewsecondsafter

the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceany partofthe bodyin

the bladeareauntilyouaresurethe bladehasstopped

rotating.

20.Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,discharge

cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleorothersafety

protectivedevicesin placeand working.Neveroperate

mowerwith damagedsafetydevices.Failureto dosocan

resultin personalinjury.

21.Mufflerand enginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Do

nottouch.

22.Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthis machineby

manufacturer.Failuretodoso can resultin personalinjury.

23. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis manual,

usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor

assistance.

Slope Operation

Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedtoslip andfall accidents,which

canresultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra

caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyonaslope,do notmowit. Foryour

safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthis manualto

measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisuniton aslopedorhilly

area.Ifthe slopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donotmowit.

Do:

1. Mowacrossthefaceofslopes;neverupand down.Exercise

extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

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

whichcancauseyouto slipor trip.Tallgrasscan hide

obstacles.

3. Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slipand fallcan cause

seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeel youarelosingyour

balance,releasethebladecontrolhandleimmediately,and

the bladewill stoprotatingwithin3seconds.

Do Not:

1. Do notmowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments,you

could loseyourfootingor balance.

2. Donotmowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownon

the slopegauge.

3. Donotmowonwet grass.Unstablefootingcouldcause

slipping.

Service

Safe Handling Of Gasoline:

1. Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextreme

carein handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable

andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjury can

occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselfor yourclothes,

whichcanignite.Washyourskin andchangeclothes

immediately.

2. Useonlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.

3. Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehicleor ona truckortrailer

bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe

groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

4. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truckor trailer

andrefueliton theground.Ifthisisnot possible,thenrefuel

suchequipmenton atrailer withaportablecontainer,rather

thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.

5. Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimofthe fueltankor

containeropeningatall timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Do

not useanozzlelock-opendevice.

6. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources

ofignition.

7. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill

accumulatein thearea.

8. Neverremovegascap oraddfuelwhileengineishot or

running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwominutesbefore

refueling.

9. Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch

belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.

10.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

11.Ifgasolineis spilled,wipeitoff theengineand equipment.

Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting

engine.

12.Neverstorethemachineorfuel containernearanopen

flame,sparkor pilotlightasona waterheater,space

heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.

13.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,

orother debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand

removeanyfuel soakeddebris.

14.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.

GeneralService:

1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorin a poorlyventilatedarea.

Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorless

anddeadlygas.

2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe

bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe

sparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe engineto prevent

unintendedstarting.

3. Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent

intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectblade

fordamage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewith

theoriginalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,

listedinthis manual."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe

originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improper

performanceandcompromisesafety!"

4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor

weargloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.

5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip-

mentis insafeworkingcondition.

6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproper

operationregularly.

7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,discon-

nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.

Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerforanydamage.Repairthe

damagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower.

8. Neverattemptto makeawheelor cuttingheightadjust-

mentwhilethe engineisrunning.

9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail

shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould

exposemovingpartsor allowobjectstobethrown.For

safetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsand re-

placeimmediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's

(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedin this manual."Useofparts

whichdo notmeetthe originalequipmentspecifications

mayleadtoimproperperformanceand compromise

safety!"

10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe

engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating

speedoftheengine.

11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,as necessary.

12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper

disposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.

Practices

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.

Whenyousee this

symbol.

HEED iT'S WARNING!

Your Responsibility

Restrictthe use

of this powermachine

to personswho read.

understand

and followthe warnings

and instructions

in this manua

and onthe machine.

WARNING

Thechute retainer

must be removedand

discardedbefore

operatingthe mowerl

NOTE: Yourmower

isshippedwiththe

handlein the

heightpositionl

the lower handlemust

_eplaced inthe same

relativepositionl

NOTE:ThisOperator!s

Manual coversseveral

modelsl LawnMower

featuresvary by

model:Not all features

disCuSsed(orengines

pictured)in this manual

are applicableto all

LawnMowermodelsl

Forshippingpurposes,thechutedeflectoron your

mowerisheldin anuprightpositionbya retainer.

Removetheretaineras follows:

a. Push chutedeflectoruptowardsengine.Holding

deflectorin thisposition,removetheretainerand

discard.See Figure3-1.

b. Lowerthechutedeflectorcarefullykeepingyour

fingersoutoftheway.

,_ WARNING: The chute retainer

must be removed and discarded

before operating the mower.

Figure 3-1

Figure 3=2

Performthefollowingsequenceforhandlesetup:

a. LifttheupperhandleupfromfoldedpositionAand

pullittoextendedpositionBfollowingthearrow

in Figure3-2.Thehandleshouldclickintothis

position.

b. Makesurethecarriageboltis seatedproperlyin

thehandle.Tightenstarknobssecuringupper

handletothelowerhandle

If satisfiedwith heightof handle,tightenstarknobsat

theendsofthelowerhandleshownin Figure3-3.For

convenienceof operating,youmayadjustthehandle

heightbyremovingthestarknobsandremovingthe

lowerhandle.

a. Positioneachhandlebracketstudintothetophole

in thelowerhandle.SeeFigure3-3 inset.

b. Tightenthestarknobs.

Insertpostoncabletiesintoholesprovidedon the

lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.See

Figure3-4.

Figure 3=3

Figure 3=4

5. RopeguideSetupasfollowsin Figure3-5:

a. Holdthebladecontrolagainsttheupperhandle.

b. Slowlypullstarterropeoutofengine.

c. Slipstarterropeintotheropeguide.

d. Tightenropeguidewingnut.

6. If notalreadyon theunit,installrearwheelsasfollows

in Figure3-6:

a. Placerearofthemowerdeckon raisedblocks.

b. Removelocknutfrompivotarmassembly(on

selectmodels,thesemaybe includedseparately

ina plasticbag).

c. Slidewheel,withhollowsidein,ontopivotarm

andsecurewithlocknut.

d. Assembletheothersidein thesamemanner.

7. Eachwheelhasa heightadjustmentlevertochange

thecuttingheightofthe mower.

a. Depressheightadjustmentlevertowardswheel.

b. Slidelevertodesiredpositionfora changein

cuttingheight.SeeFigure3-7.

c. Releaselevertowardsdeck.

8. Installmulchingbaffleonthe rightsideofthemower

followingthestepsbelow:

a. Lift upandholdtheside-dischargechutedeflector

andinsertbottomlip ofthemulchingbaffleinside

thechuteopening.See Figure3-8.

b. Snaphooksofthemulchingbaffleoverthehinge

pinofthechutedeflector.Thehooksmustsnap

intoplaceon thehingepin,lockingthemulching

bafflefirmlyontomower.Releasechutedeflector.

Figure 3=8

i ii iiii

Figure 3=5

Figure 3=6

_., =J

Figure 3W

i CUTTINGHEIGHT

Allwheels must be

placedin the same

i relativeposition. For

roughor unevenlawns,

i movethe heightadjust-

i mentleverto a higher

i positon This will stop

i scalping of grass.

MULCHINGBAFFLE

Forproperassembly,

installbottom lipinside

chute opening before

placinghooks overthe

hingepin.

IMPORTANT

Thisunit isshipped

without gasolineor

oil inthe engine.Fill

up gasolineand oil

as instructed inthe

accompanyingengine

manual BEFORE

operatingyour mower.

WARNING

The bladecontrol

mechanismisa

safety device. Never

attemptto bypassits

operations.

; Useextreme care

when handling

gasoline.Gasolineis

extremely flammable

and the vapors are

explosive. Never fuel

the machine indoors

or while the engine

is hot or running.

I Extinguish cigarettes,

cigars, pipesand

other sources of

ignition.

Keep hands and feet

away from the chute

area on cutting deck.

Referto warning

label onthe unit.

Know Your Lawn Mower

BladeControl

DriveControl

RecoilStarter

Mulching Baffle

4eightAdjustment

Levers

Figure 4-1

Nowthatyouhavesetupyourlawnmowerforopera-

tion,getaquaintedwithits controlsandfeatures.These

aredescribedbelowandillustratedonthis page.This

knowledgewillallowyoutouseyournewequipmentto

itsfullestpotential.

Blade Control

Thebladecontrolisattachedtothe upperhandleof

themower.Depressand squeezeitagainsttheupper

handletooperatetheunit. Releaseittostopengineand

blade.

_ WARNING:Thisblade control mecha-

nism isa safetydevice. Neverattempt

to bypass itsoperations.

Drive Control

Thedrivecontrolislocatedontheundersideofthe

upperhandleand isusedtoengagethedrive.Squeeze

itagainsttheupperhandleto engagethedrive; release

ittoslowdownor stopmowerfrompropelling.See

Figure4-1.

Mulching Baffle

insteadofcollectingthegrassclippingsinthegrass

catcher,yourmowerhastheoptionof recirculatingthe

clippingsbacktothelawn.Removegrasscatcher(if

applicable),andoperatewiththemulchingbaffleonly

forthispurpose.

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

Oneadjustmentleverislocatedon eachwheelandis

usedtoadjustthecuttingheight.All fourlevershaveto

beatthesamerelativepositiontoensurea uniformcut.

Recoil Starter

Therecoilstarterisattachedtotherightupperhandle.

Standbehindtheunitand pullthe recoilstarterropeto

startthe unit.

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

1. Checkoillevelandaddoil if necessary.Followengine

manualforthis.

2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe

enginemanual. SeeEnginemanualforlocationofoil

andgasfill.

_ ARNING:Useextremecarewhenhan-

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:The operationof any lawn

mowercan result inforeign objects

being thrownintothe eyes,whichcan

damageyoureyesseverely.Always

wearsafetyglasseswhileoperating

the mower,or whileperforming any

adjustmentsor repairson it.

Starting Engine

WARNING:Besureno one otherthan

theoperatorisstandingnearthe lawn

mowerwhilestartingengine or operat-

ingmower.Neverrun engine indoors

or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas.

Engine exhaustcontains carbon monox-

ide,an odorless and deadly gas. Keep

hands,feet,hairand loose clothing

awayfrom any moving partson engine

and lawnmower.

1. Pushprimer(ifequipped)threetimes.Waitabout

two secondsbetweeneachpush.SeeFigure4-2. In

temperaturearound550For below,primefivetimes.

Donotprimetorestarta warmengine.

2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol

againstupperhandle.

3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil

starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-

ous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure4-2.Keepinga firm

gripon thestarterhandle,lettheroperewindslowly.

Repeatuntilenginecranks.Letthe roperewindeach

timeslowly.

Stopping Engine

1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineand blade.

2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand

groundagainsttheengine.

,_l_k WARNING:Waitfor the blade to stop

completelybeforedoing anywork

on the mower or to removethegrass

catcher.

Figure 4=2

Using Your Lawn Mower

Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orother

objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmoweror engine.

Suchobjectscouldbeaccidentlythrownbythemower

inanydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytothe

operatorandothers.

WARNING:If you strikeaforeign

object,stopthe engine.Remove

wire from thespark plug,thoroughly

inspectmowerfor anydamage,and

repairdamagebeforerestarting and

operating. Extensive vibration of

mower during operation isan indica-

tion of damage.The unit should be

promptlyinspectedand repaired.

1. Oncetheengineis running,squeezethedrive

controlagainsttheupperhandleto propelmower.

2. Forbest results,do notcut wetgrass.

3. Fora healthierlawn,nevercut offmorethanone-

thirdofthetotallengthofthegrass.

Using as Mulcher

Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcher(if

apllicable)andinstallmulchingbafflefollowinginstruc-

tionsin"SettingUpYourLawnmower".

1. Foreffectivemulching,do notcut wetgrass.

2. Newor thickgrassmayrequirea narrowercut.

Adjustgroundspeedaccordingtoconditionoflawn.

3. If thegrasshasbeenallowedto growinexcessof

4 inches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethe

grasscatchertobagclippingsinstead.

perating

The operation of any

lawnmower can result

inforeign objects

being thrown into

the eyes,which can

damage your eyes

severely. Always wear

safety glasseswhile

operatingthe mower,

or while performing

any adjustments or

repairs on it.

Be sure no one other

than the operator is

standing near the lawn

mower while starting

engine or operating

mower. Never run

engine indoors or

in enclosed, poorly

ventilated areas. En-

gine exhaust contains

carbon monoxide, an

odorless and deadly

]as. Keep hands, feet,

lair and loose clothing

_wayfrom any moving

partson engine and

lawn mower.

Mower

Wedo notrecommend

the useof preSsure

washersorgarden

hose to Ccan

uniL These maycause

damageto electric

components spindles

theengine, The use

of WaterWillresultin

shortenedlifeand

,reduce serViceabilityl

-, Lubrication

Figure 5=1

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.

1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolanddrive

controlatleastoncea seasonwithlightoil.These

controlsmustoperatefreelyin bothdirections.See

Figure5-1.

2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith

lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany

reason,lubricatesurfaceofthepivotarmandinner

surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure5-1.

3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointoneach

endofthesidemulchingplug/chutedeflectorperiodi-

callywithlightoil topreventrust.SeeFigure5-1.

4. Thetransmissionis pre-lubricatedand sealedatthe

factoryanddoesnotrequirelubrication.

5. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-

tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.

Deck Care

1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn

mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.

2. Tipmowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe

sidewiththeair cleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.

_ ARNING:Alwaysstopengine,

disconnect sparkplug, and ground

against enginebeforecleaning,

lubricating ordoing any kind of

maintenanceonyourmachine.

,,_I_II_IL WARNING:Nevertip the mowermore

than 90 degreesin anydirections and

do not leavethe mower tipped for any

lengthoftime. Oil candrain intothe

upper part ofthe engine causinga

starting problem.

3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwitha

suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.

4. Putthemowerbackonitswheelsontheground.If

youhad putplasticunderthegascapearlier,make

sureto removeitnow.

Engine Care

1. Maintainoil levelasinstructedin enginemanual.

2. Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal

conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely

dustyconditions.Refertoenginemanual.

3. Cleansparkplugand resetthegaponcea season.

Checkenginemanualforcorrectplugtype andgap

specifications.

4. Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe

coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleantopermit

properaircirculation.Removeall grass,dirtand

combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.

Blade Care /,I _'_

__k ARNING:Whenremovingcutting

bladefor sharpeningor replacement,

protectyourhandswitha pairof heavy

gloves or usea heavy ragto hold blade.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn

moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand

thecarburetorareup.

2. Removebolt,bellwasher,blade,andbladeadapter

fromtheenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure5-2.

3. Thebladecanbe sharpenedwitha fileor on a grind-

ing wheel.Donotattempttosharpenthebladewhile

it isstillon themower.Whensharpeningblade,follow

originalangleofgrind.Grindcuttingedgesequallyto

keepbladebalanced.

4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.

Balancethebladeona roundshaftscrewdriverto

check.Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntilit

balancesevenly.

k,.. j

Figure 5=2

__i WARNING:Anunbalanced bladewill

causeexcessivevibration whenrotating

athigh speeds, itmay causedamage

to mower,and could breakcausing

personalinjury.

5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurface

ofthebladeadapterwithlightoil.Slidetheblade

adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.Placetheblade

on theadaptersuchthatthesideoftheblademarked

"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)facesthegroundwhen

themowerisin theoperatingposition.Makesurethat

bladeisalignedandseatedon bladeadapterflanges.

6. Placebellwasheronthe blade.Replacehexboltand

tightenhexbolttotorque:450in.Ibs.rain.,600 in.Ibs.

max.

Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically

checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.

Figure 5=3

Belt Care

1. Removethefrontdrivecoverbyslidingoffthe

two plasticrivetson eachsideofthecoverwitha

screwdriver.SeeFigure5-3.

2. Disconnectbelttensionspringfromtransmission.See

Figure5-3.

3. Pushtransmissionup a littleandslidebeltoffthe

transmissionpulley.Lift mowertoaccessbeltfrom

undersideofmower.Slidebeltoff ofenginepulleyand

aroundtheblade.SeeFigure5-4.

4. Replacewithnewbelt,workingaroundblade.Make

surebeltisfirmlyseatedon enginepulleywhile

pullingfromtheothersideandslidingitaroundthe

transmissionpulley.Securebelttensionspringtothe

transmission.Reassemblefrontdrivecover.

Figure 5-4

Maintaining

WARNING

When removing

the cutting blade

for sharpening or

replacementor

when sliding the belt

around it, protect

your hands with a

pairof heavy gloves

or use a heavy rag to

hold the blade.

An unbalanced blade

will causeexcessive

vibrationwhen rotat-

ing at high speeds. It

may cause damage

to mower, and could

break causing per-

sonal injury.

Problem Cause Remedy

Ena nefa sto start 1. Bladecontroldisengaged, i. Engagebladecontro!.

sParkPiugwiie disconnected: conneO!wiretOsparkplugl

3. Fueltankemptyorstalefuel. & Filltankwith clean,freshgasolinel

4. Enginenot piimed(if equippedwth 4. primeengineaSinstr,u,ctedin Operat,

primer)i ing YourLawnMower.

Faultysparkp ugl c ean adjustgap or repiacel

61 BloCkedfuel linel clean fuellinel

7: Engineflooded. 7. Wait afewminutesto restait,but do

I notprimel

" 8. Fue!valve(ifequipped)closed, & Openfuelva!ve:See enginemanuaI.

........... 91 Enginenotchoked(ifequippedw/choke). 9. Chokeengine:Seeenginemanual.

For repairsbeyond

minor adjustments

listed here, contact

an authorized service

dealer.

Engineruns erratic

1. Sparkplugwireloose.

2. Blockedfuel lineor stalefuel.

3. Ventingascap plugged.

4. Wateror dirt infuel system.

5. Dirtyair cleaner.

6. Carburetorout ofadjustment.

1. Connectandtightensparkplugwire.

2. Cleanfuelline;filltank withclean,

freshgasoline.

3. Clearvent.

4. Drainfueltank. Refillwithfreshfuel.

5. Refertoenginemanual.

6. Refertoenginemanual.

Engne overheats 1. Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil.

2. Airflow restricted. 2. Removeblowerhousing

andc ean.

3. Carburetornotadjustedproperly. 3. Referto enginemanual.

Occasionalskips 1. Sparkpluggap tooclose. 1. Adjustgap to .030".

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

highspeed improperlyset.

Idlespoorly 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gap 1. Resetgapto .030"or replace

- - too wide. _ sparkplug.

I 2. Carburetorimproperlyadjusted. 2. Referto enginemanual.

3 Dirtyair cleaner. 3. Refertoenginemanual.

Excessive 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.Balance

Vibration blade.

2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. Seeanauthorizedservicedealer.

Mowerwill not 1. Wetgrass. 1. Donot mowwhengrassLswet;walt

mulch clrass/If I I untillatertocut.

._ ,_" I 2 Excessvey hghgrass 2. Mowonceata highcuttingheight

_-qulppea_ then mowagainatdesiredheight'or

I makeanarrowercuttingpath.

I 3. Dullblade. I 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.

Unevencut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsin same

heightposition.

2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

1. Beltnotinsialledproperly. 1. Checkbeltfor properpulleyinstallation

Mowerwill not

seIfpropeI ' , andmovement.

2. Debrsclogg ngdriveoperation 2. Stopengine,disconnectsparkplug

wireand cleanoutdebris.

3. Damagedor wornbelt. 3. Inspectand replacebelt.

S".............

Off=Season Storage 4. Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto

Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakentoprepareyourlawn

mowerforstorage.

1. Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin

thelubricationinstructions.

2. Wedonotrecommendtheuseofa pressurewasher

or gardenhosetocleanyourunit.

3. Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine

storageinstructions.

preventrusting.

5. Storemowerina dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenext

tocorrosivematerials,suchas fertilizer.

Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipmentin a poorly

ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetaken

torust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoil or silicone,

coattheequipment,especiallycablesandall moving

partsofyourlawnmowerbeforestorage.

Safety Labels Found On Your Lawn Mower

WARNING

DO NOTremove safety

(or any) labelsfrom

mower for any reason.

Model Series 520

_4_

WheelTreads

ZagTread BarTread

Ref. PartNo. Description

No.

1. 747-1214 DriveControl

2. 747-1161A BladeControl

3. 746-1132 BladeControlCable- 40.75"

746-04389 BladeControlCable- 42.0"

4. 746-04204 DriveControlCable

5. 749-1092A UpperHandle

6. 710-1205 EyeBolt

7. 720-0279 WingNut,1/4-20

8. 687-02141 FrontLeverAssembly- RH

687-02140 FrontLeverAssembly- LH

9. 736-0182t SprgWasher,.500x 1.00x.022

10. 710-1174 CarriageBolt5/16-18x2.0

11. 731-04859t BailCover- Gray

731-2626t BailCover- Black

12. 720-04072 WingNut

13. 749-04037 LowerHandle

14. 725-0157 CableTie

15. 17098 HingeClip

16. 731-2537 TrailShield

17. 710-0599 HexScrew,1/4-20x.500

18. 682-3062A HandleBracketAssy- RH

19. 687-02052 RearHgt.Adj.LeverAssembly

20. 712-04065 LockNut3/8-16

21. 682-3063A HandleBracketAssembly-LH

22. 687-02046 22"DeckAssembly

23. 710-0654A HexWasherScr., 3/8-16x 1.0

24. 754-04100 V-Belt,3Lx32.90

25. 782-0585A ForwardHeightAdj.Plate- LH

26. 728-0199 Rivet

27. 750-04407 SleeveSpacer,.550IDx 2.22

28. 716-0198 RetainerRing

29. 618-04375A TransmissionAssemblyComp.

Ref. Part No. Description

No.

30. 750-04406A SleeveSpacer,.550IDx7.42

31. 731-04014 TransmissionCover-Gray

731-0073 TransmissionCover- Black

32. 748-04016A BladeAdapter

33. 742-0742A 22"MulchingBlade

34. 736-0452 Washer,Bell,.396x 1.140x .095

35. 710-1044 HexCapScrew3/8-24x 1.5

36. 782-0584 ForwardHght.Adj.Plate- RH

37. 731-0981At HubCap

38. 710-0216 HexCapScrew3/8-16x.75

39. 720-0426 AdjustmentKnob

40. 748-0390 BearingSupportSpacer

41. 731-04643 WheelDustCover

42. 715-0221 Pin

43. 717-1762 SpurGear14T- RH

717-1761 SpurGear14T- LH

44. 732-04049 Ext.Spring.47ODx2.50

45. 734-2042 FrontWheel,8 x2.125,Zag

46. 747-0710 HingePin

47. 732-1014 TorsionSpring

48. 731-1034B SideDischargeAssembly

49. 736-0270 BellWasher.265IDx.75OD

50. 17032A DeflectorChuteAdapter

51. 631-04045 MulchingBaffle

52. 741-0717 ThrustBrg.688IDx 1.938OD

53. 732-0984B SpringLever

54. 687-02080 RearPivotArmAssy- RH

687-02079 RearPivotArmAssembly- LH

55. 738-1127 ShoulderScrew3/8-16

56. 716-0865 SnapRing.500

57. 734-04093 RearWheel,12x2.125,Zag

tif Equipped

!ii(]_i_i__i_ii!__i_iii __ _i!IiI_i_ii__I

£NUIN£

_FACTORY PARTS

iiii iii i

To order replacement

parts,

1"800:800:7310

www,mtdproducts:com

iMPORTANT

Fora properworking

machine,use Factory

ApprovedParts.

V-BELTSare specially

designedto engage

anddisengagesafely.

A substitute (nonOEM)

V-Beltcanbe danger-

ousby not disengaging

completely.

MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR

ThelimitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenbyMTDLLCwithrespect

tonewmerchandisepurchasedandusedin theUnitedStates,its

possessionsandterritories.

"MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsinmaterialandworkman-

shipfora periodoftwo (2)yearscommencingonthedateoforiginal

purchaseandwill,at itsoption,repairor replace,freeofcharge,any

partfoundto bedefectiveinmaterialsorworkmanship.Thislimitedwar-

rantyshallonlyapplyifthisproducthasbeenoperatedand maintained

inaccordancewiththeOperator'sManualfurnishedwiththeproduct,

andhasnotbeensubjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,

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

ordamagebecauseofotherperilor naturaldisaster.Damageresulting

fromthe installationor useofanypart,accessoryor attachmentnot

approvedby MTDforusewiththeproduct(s)coveredbythis manual

willvoidyourwarrantyastoanyresultingdamage.

Normalwearpartsarewarrantedto befreefromdefectsinmaterialand

workmanshipfora periodofthirty(30)daysfromthedateof purchase.

Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuchas: batter-

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

snowthrowerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.

HOW TO OBTAINSERVICE: Warrantyservice isavailable,WITH

PROOFOF PURCHASE,throughyour localauthorized service

dealer.Tolocate the dealer in yourarea, check yourYellowPages,

or contact MTDLLCat RO. Box361131,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. Theengineor componentpartsthereof.Theseitemsmaycarrya

separatemanufacturer'swarranty.Refertoapplicablemanufacturer's

warrantyfortermsandconditions.

b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershavea separateoneyear

warranty.

c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchaslubricants,filters,blade

sharpening,tune-ups,brakeadjustments,clutchadjustments,deck

adjustments,andnormaldeteriorationoftheexteriorfinishdueto

useor exposure.

d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthananauthorizedservice

dealer.

e. MTDdoesnotextendanywarrantyforproductssoldor exported

outsideoftheUnitedStates,its possessionsandterritories,except

thosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorizedchannelsofexportdistribution.

f. ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts.

g. Transportationchargesandservicecalls.

Noimpliedwarranty,includingany impliedwarranty of mer-

chantabilityof fitness for a particular purpose,applies after the

applicable periodof expresswritten warranty aboveasto the

partsasidentified.Nootherexpresswarranty, whetherwrittenor

oral, exceptas mentioned above,givenby anypersonor entity,

includinga dealeror retailer, withrespect to any product,shall

bindMTD.Duringthe periodof the warranty,the exclusiveremedy

isrepairor replacementof the productas setforth above.

Theprovisionsasset forth inthis warrantyprovidethesoleand

exclusiveremedy arising from the sale.MTDshallnot be liable

for incidentalor consequentiallossor damageincluding,without

limitation, expensesincurredfor substituteor replacementlawn

careservicesor for rentalexpensesto temporarily replacea

warranted product.

Somestatesdo notallowtheexclusionor limitationofincidentalor

consequentialdamages,orlimitationsonhowlongan impliedwarranty

lasts,sotheaboveexclusionsorlimitationsmaynotapplytoyou.

Innoeventshallrecoveryofanykindbegreaterthantheamountofthe

purchasepriceof theproductsold.Alterationof safetyfeaturesof

the productshallvoid this warranty. Youassumetheriskandliability

forloss,damage,or injurytoyouandyourpropertyand/ortoothersand

theirpropertyarisingoutofthemisuseor inabilitytousethe product.

Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendtoanyoneotherthantheoriginal

purchaserorto thepersonforwhomitwas purchasedasa gift.

HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHISWARRANTY:This limited

warrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,and youmayalsohaveother

rightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.

IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofof Purchasetoobtain

warrantycoverage.

IViTDLLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136-0019; Phone: 1=800=800-7310, 1-330=220-4683

MTD 520 Series Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 520 Series

Type: Owner's manual

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MTD 520 Series Owner's manual

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MTD 520 Series Owner's manual

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