METRO®21
ForSerialNos.
790,000&Higher
PartNo.4500-400Rev.A
WARNING
CALIFORNIA
Proposition65Warning
Theengineexhaustfromthisproduct
containschemicalsknowntotheStateof
Californiatocausecancer,birthdefects,or
otherreproductiveharm.
Important:Whenthemowerisusedoroperated
onanyCaliforniaforest,brushorgrasscovered
land,aworkingsparkarrestermustbeattached
tothemufer.Ifnot,theoperatorisviolating
statelaw,Section4442PublicResourceCode.To
acquireasparkarresterforyourunit,seeyour
EngineServiceDealer.
ThissparkignitionsystemcomplieswithCanadian
ICES-002Cesystèmed’allumageparètincellede
vèhiculeestconformeàlanormeNMB-002du
Canada
TheenclosedEngineOwner’sManualis
suppliedforinformationregardingTheU.S.
EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)and
theCaliforniaEmissionControlRegulationof
emissionsystems,maintenanceandwarranty.
KeepthisengineOwner’sManualwithyourunit.
ShouldthisengineOwner’sManualbecome
damagedorillegible,replaceimmediately.
Replacementsmaybeorderedthroughthe
enginemanufacturer.
Exmarkreservestherighttomakechangesor
addimprovementstoitsproductsatanytime
withoutincurringanyobligationtomakesuch
changestoproductsmanufacturedpreviously.
Exmark,oritsdistributorsanddealers,accept
noresponsibilityforvariationswhichmaybe
evidentintheactualspecicationsofitsproducts
andthestatementsanddescriptionscontained
inthispublication.
©2008—ExmarkMfg.Co.,Inc.
IndustrialParkBox808
Beatrice,NE68310
2
Contactusatwww.Exmark.com.
PrintedintheUSA
AllRightsReserved
Introduction
CONGRATULATIONSonthepurchaseofyour
ExmarkMower.Thisproducthasbeencarefully
designedandmanufacturedtogiveyouamaximum
amountofdependabilityandyearsoftrouble-free
operation.
Thismanualcontainsoperating,maintenance,
adjustment,andsafetyinstructionsforyourExmark
mower.
BEFOREOPERATINGYOURMOWER,
CAREFULLYREADTHISMANUALINITS
ENTIRETY.
Byfollowingtheoperating,maintenance,andsafety
instructions,youwillprolongthelifeofyourmower,
maintainitsmaximumefciency,andpromotesafe
operation.
Ifadditionalinformationisneeded,orshouldyou
requiretrainedmechanicservice,contactyour
authorizedExmarkequipmentdealerordistributor.
AllExmarkequipmentdealersanddistributorsare
keptinformedofthelatestmethodsofservicing
andareequippedtoprovidepromptandefcient
serviceintheeldorattheirservicestations.They
carryamplestockofservicepartsorcansecurethem
promptlyforyoufromthefactory.
AllExmarkpartsarethoroughlytestedandinspected
beforeleavingthefactory,however,attentionis
requiredonyourpartifyouaretoobtainthefullest
measureofsatisfactionandperformance.
Wheneveryouneedservice,genuineExmarkparts,
oradditionalinformation,contactanAuthorized
ServiceDealerorExmarkCustomerServiceandhave
themodelandserialnumbersofyourproductready.
Figure1identiesthelocationofthemodelandserial
numbersontheproduct.Writethenumbersinthe
spaceprovided.
Figure1
1.Modelandserialnumberlocation
ModelNo.
SerialNo.
3
Contents
Introduction...........................................................3
Safety.....................................................................5
SafetyAlertSymbol.........................................5
SafeOperatingPractices..................................5
SafetyandInstructionalDecals.......................9
Specications.......................................................12
ModelNumbers............................................12
Systems.........................................................12
Dimensions...................................................12
ProductOverview................................................13
Operation.............................................................14
Controls........................................................14
Pre-Start........................................................15
OperatingInstructions..................................16
Maintenance.........................................................23
RecommendedMaintenanceSchedule(s)...........23
PeriodicMaintenance.......................................24
CheckEngineOilLevel.................................24
CheckingtheBladeBrakeClutch(For
UnitswithaBladeBrakeClutch
Only).........................................................24
ChecktheMowerBlade.................................24
CheckforLooseHardware............................26
ServiceAirFilter(KawasakiUnits).................26
ServiceAirFilter(HondaUnits).....................27
ChangeEngineOil........................................28
ChangingtheOilFilter(KawasakiUnits
Only):........................................................28
ServicingtheWheels.....................................29
CheckConditionOfBelt(Self-Propelled
UnitsOnly)...............................................29
LubricatethePivotArms...............................29
LubricatetheGearCase(Self-Propelled
UnitsOnly)...............................................30
CheckSparkPlugs.........................................30
Adjustments.....................................................31
AdjustingtheSelf-Propel
Drive(Self-PropelledUnitsOnly)...............31
AdjustingtheBladeBrakeCable....................31
Cleaning...........................................................32
CleanGrassBuild-UpUnderDeck................32
CleaningtheDischargeTunneland
Plug...........................................................32
CleaningUndertheBelt
Cover(Self-PropelledModelsOnly)...........33
CleaningtheBladeBrakeClutch
Shield........................................................33
EmptyingtheFuelTankandCleaning
theFuelFilter(KawasakiUnits
Only).........................................................34
WasteDisposal..............................................34
Storage.................................................................35
PreparingtheFuelSystem..............................35
PreparingtheEngine.....................................35
GeneralStorageInformation.........................35
RemovingtheLawnMowerfrom
Storage......................................................35
Troubleshooting...................................................36
4
Safety
Safety
SafetyAlertSymbol
ThislawnmowermeetsorexceedstheCPSCblade
safetyrequirementsforwalk-behindrotarymowers
andtheB71.4specicationsoftheAmericanNational
StandardsInstituteineffectatthetimeofproduction
Exmarkdesignedandtestedthislawnmowertooffer
reasonablysafeservice;however,failuretocomply
withthefollowinginstructionsmayresultinpersonal
injury.
ThisSafetyAlertSymbol(Figure2)isusedbothin
thismanualandonthemachinetoidentifyimportant
safetymessageswhichmustbefollowedtoavoid
accidents
Thissymbolmeans:ATTENTION!BECOME
ALERT!YOURSAFETYISINVOLVED!
Figure2
1.Safetyalertsymbol
Thesafetyalertsymbolappearsaboveinformation
whichalertsyoutounsafeactionsorsituations
andwillbefollowedbythewordDANGER,
WARNING,orCAUTION.
DANGER:Whitelettering/Redbackground.
Indicatesanimminentlyhazardoussituationwhich,if
notavoided,Willresultindeathorseriousinjury.
WARNING:Blacklettering/Orangebackground.
Indicatesapotentiallyhazardoussituationwhich,if
notavoided,Couldresultindeathorseriousinjury.
CAUTION:Blacklettering/Yellowbackground.
Indicatesapotentiallyhazardoussituationwhich,if
notavoided,Mayresultinminorormoderateinjury.
Thismanualusestwootherwordstohighlight
information.Importantcallsattentiontospecial
mechanicalinformationandNoteemphasizes
generalinformationworthyofspecialattention.
SafeOperatingPractices
Training
•ReadtheOperator’sManualandothertraining
material.Iftheoperator(s)ormechanic(s)can
notreadEnglishitistheowner’sresponsibilityto
explainthismaterialtothem.
•Becomefamiliarwiththesafeoperationofthe
equipment,operatorcontrols,andsafetysigns.
•Alloperatorsandmechanicsshouldbetrained.
Theownerisresponsiblefortrainingtheusers.
•Neverletchildrenoruntrainedpeopleoperate
orservicetheequipment.Localregulationsmay
restricttheageoftheoperator.
•Theowner/usercanpreventandisresponsible
foraccidentsorinjuriesoccurringtohimselfor
herself,otherpeopleorproperty.
Preparation
•Evaluatetheterraintodeterminewhataccessories
andattachmentsareneededtoproperlyand
safelyperformthejob.Onlyuseaccessoriesand
attachmentsapprovedbyExmark.
•Wearappropriateclothingincludingsafetyglasses,
substantialfootwear,longtrousers,andhearing
protection.DoNotoperatewhenbarefootor
whenwearingopensandals.Longhair,loose
clothingorjewelrymaygettangledinmoving
parts.
CAUTION
Thismachineproducessoundlevelsin
excessof85dBAattheoperator’searand
cancausehearinglossthroughextended
periodsofexposure.
Wearhearingprotectionwhenoperatingthis
machine.
•Inspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobe
usedandremoveallrocks,toys,sticks,wires,
bones,andotherforeignobjectswhichcanbe
thrownbythemachineandmaycausepersonal
injurytotheoperatororbystanders.
5
Safety
DANGER
Incertainconditionsgasolineisextremely
ammableandvaporsareexplosive.
Areorexplosionfromgasolinecanburn
you,others,andcausepropertydamage.
•Fillthefueltankoutdoorsinanopen
area,whentheengineiscold.Wipeup
anygasolinethatspills.
•Neverrellthefueltankordrainthe
machineindoorsorinsideanenclosed
trailer.
•DoNotllthefueltankcompletely
full.Addgasolinetothefueltankuntil
thelevelis1/4to1/2inch(6–13mm)
belowthebottomofthellerneck.This
emptyspaceinthetankallowsgasoline
toexpand.
•Neversmokewhenhandlinggasoline,
andstayawayfromanopenameor
wheregasolinefumesmaybeignitedby
spark.
•Storegasolineinanapprovedcontainer
andkeepitoutofthereachofchildren.
•Addfuelbeforestartingtheengine.
Neverremovethecapofthefueltankor
addfuelwhenengineisrunningorwhen
theengineishot.
•Iffuelisspilled,DoNotattempttostart
theengine.Moveawayfromtheareaof
thespillandavoidcreatinganysourceof
ignitionuntilfuelvaporshavedissipated.
•DoNotoperatewithoutentireexhaust
systeminplaceandinproperworking
condition.
DANGER
Incertainconditionsduringfueling,static
electricitycanbereleasedcausingaspark
whichcanignitegasolinevapors.Areor
explosionfromgasolinecanburnyouand
othersandcausepropertydamage.
•Alwaysplacegasolinecontainersonthe
groundawayfromyourvehiclebefore
lling.
•DoNotllgasolinecontainersinsidea
vehicleoronatruckortrailerbedbecause
interiorcarpetsorplastictruckbedliners
mayinsulatethecontainerandslowthe
lossofanystaticcharge.
•Whenpractical,removegas-powered
equipmentfromthetruckortrailerand
refueltheequipmentwithitswheelson
theground.
•Ifthisisnotpossible,thenrefuelsuch
equipmentonatruckortrailerfroma
portablecontainer,ratherthanfroma
gasolinedispensernozzle.
•Ifagasolinedispensernozzlemustbe
used,keepthenozzleincontactwiththe
rimofthefueltankorcontaineropening
atalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.
WARNING
Gasolineisharmfulorfatalifswallowed.
Long-termexposuretovaporshascaused
cancerinlaboratoryanimals.Failuretouse
cautionmaycauseseriousinjuryorillness.
•Avoidprolongedbreathingofvapors.
•Keepfaceawayfromnozzleandgas
tank/containeropening.
•Keepawayfromeyesandskin.
•Neversiphonbymouth.
•Checkthattheoperator’spresencecontrols,
safetyswitches,andshieldsareattachedand
functioningproperly.DoNotoperateunlessthey
arefunctioningproperly.
6
Safety
Operation
WARNING
Operatingengineparts,especiallythe
mufer,becomeextremelyhot.Severeburns
canoccuroncontactanddebris,suchas
leaves,grass,brush,etc.cancatchre.
•Allowengineparts,especiallythemufer,
tocoolbeforetouching.
•Removeaccumulateddebrisfrommufer
andenginearea.
•Installandmaintaininworkingordera
sparkarresterbeforeusingequipment
onforest-covered,grass-covered,or
brush-coveredunimprovedland.
WARNING
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,
whichisanodorlessdeadlypoisonthatcan
killyou.
DoNotrunengineindoorsorinasmall
connedareawheredangerouscarbon
monoxidefumescancollect.
•Operateonlyindaylightorgoodarticiallight,
keepingawayfromholesandhiddenhazards.
•Starttheenginecarefullyaccordingtoinstructions
withfeetwellawayfromtheblades.
•Neverraisedeckwithbladesrunning.
•Neveroperatethemowerwithdamagedguards,
shields,orcovers.Alwayshavesafetyshields,
guards,switchesandotherdevicesinplaceandin
properworkingcondition.
•Nevermowwiththedischargedeectorraised,
removedoralteredunlessthereisagrass
collectionsystemormulchkitinplaceand
workingproperly.
•Grasscatchercomponentsaresubjecttowear,
damageanddeterioration,whichcouldexpose
movingpartsorallowobjectstobethrown.
Frequentlycheckthecomponentsandreplace
themwiththemanufacturer’srecommendedparts
whennecessary.
•DoNotchangetheenginegovernorsettingor
overspeedtheengine.
•Neverattempttomakewheelheightadjustments
whiletheengineisrunning.
•Stopengine,waitforallmovingpartstostop,
removethesparkplugwire(s)and/orremovekey.
–Beforechecking,cleaningorworkingonthe
mower.
–Afterstrikingaforeignobjectorabnormal
vibrationoccurs(inspectthemowerfor
damageandmakerepairsbeforerestarting
andoperatingthemower).
–Beforeclearingblockages.
–Wheneveryouleavethemower.
•Stopengine,waitforallmovingpartstostop:
–Beforerefueling.
–Beforedumpingthegrasscatcher.
–Beforemakingheightadjustments.
WARNING
Hands,feet,hair,clothing,oraccessoriescan
becomeentangledinrotatingparts.Contact
withtherotatingpartscancausetraumatic
amputationorseverelacerations.
•DoNotoperatethemachinewithout
guards,shields,andsafetydevicesin
placeandworkingproperly.
•Keephands,feet,hair,jewelry,orclothing
awayfromrotatingparts.
•Keepclearofthedischargeopeningatalltimes.
•Toextendthelifetheenginebrake,placethe
throttlecontrolinthe“slow”position;thenstop
theengine.
•Thismowerwasdesignedforoneoperator
only.Keepallothersawayfrommowerduring
operation.
•DONOToperatethemowerwhenpeople,
especiallychildren,orpetsareinthearea.
•Bealert,slowdownandusecautionwhenmaking
turns.Lookbehindandtothesidebefore
changingdirections.
•Stoptheblades,slowdown,andusecautionwhen
crossingsurfacesotherthangrassandwhen
transportingthemowertoandfromtheareato
bemowed.
7
Safety
•Beawareofthemowerdischargepathanddirect
dischargeawayfromothers.
•DoNotoperatethemowerundertheinuence
ofalcoholordrugs.
•Useextremecarewhenloadingorunloadingthe
machineintoatrailerortruck.
•Usecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,shrubs,
trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscurevision.
SlopeOperation
UseExtremecautionwhenmowingand/orturning
onslopesaslossoftractionand/ortip-overcould
occur.Theoperatorisresponsibleforsafeoperation
onslopes.
DANGER
Operatingonwetgrassorsteepslopescan
causeslidingandlossofcontrol.Lossof
controland/orlossofoperator’sfooting
couldresultinafallwithanarmorleg
gettingunderthemowerorenginedeck
whichmayresultinseriousinjury,deathor
drowning.
•Mowacrossslopes,neverupanddown.
•DoNotmowslopeswhengrassiswet.
•DoNotmowneardrop-offsornearwater.
•DoNotmowexcessivelysteepslopes.
•Reducespeedanduseextremecaution
onslopes.
•Avoidsuddenturnsorrapidspeed
changes.
•Whenfeasible,avoidoperatingtheequipmentin
wetgrass.
•Progressivelygreatercareisneededastheslope
increases.
•Removeormarkobstaclessuchasrocks,tree
limbs,etc.fromthemowingarea.Tallgrasscan
hideobstacles.
•Watchforditches,holes,rocks,dipsandrisesthat
changetheoperatingangle,asroughterraincould
overturnthemachine.
•Useextremecarewithgrasscatchersor
attachments.Thesecanchangethestabilityofthe
machineandcauselossofcontrol.
MaintenanceandStorage
•Stoptheengineandremovethesparkplugwire(s)
and/orremovekey.Waitforallmovementto
stopbeforeadjusting,cleaningorrepairing.
•Keepengineandengineareafreefrom
accumulationofgrass,leaves,excessivegrease
oroil,andotherdebriswhichcanaccumulate
intheseareas.Thesematerialscanbecome
combustibleandmayresultinare.
•LetenginecoolbeforestoringandDoNotstore
nearameoranyenclosedareawhereopenpilot
lightsorheatappliancesarepresent.
•Shutofffuelwhilestoringortransporting.Do
Notstorefuelnearamesordrainindoors.
•Parkmachineonlevelground.Neverallow
untrainedpersonneltoservicemachine.
•Removesparkplugwirebeforemakingany
repairs.
•Usecarewhencheckingblades.Wraptheblade(s)
orweargloves,andusecautionwhenservicing
them.Onlyreplaceblades.Neverstraightenor
weldthem.
•Keephandsandfeetawayfrommovingparts.
Ifpossible,DoNotmakeadjustmentswiththe
enginerunning.
•Keepallguards,shieldsandallsafetydevicesin
placeandinsafeworkingcondition.
•Checkallboltsfrequentlytomaintainproper
tightness.
•Frequentlycheckforwornordeteriorating
componentsthatcouldcreateahazard.
•Allreplacementpartsmustbethesameas
orequivalenttothepartssuppliedasoriginal
equipment.
8
Safety
SafetyandInstructionalDecals
•Keepallsafetysignslegible.Removeallgrease,
dirtanddebrisfromsafetysignsandinstructional
labels.
•Replaceallworn,damaged,ormissingsafety
signs.
•Whenreplacementcomponentsareinstalled,be
surethatcurrentsafetysignsareafxedtothe
replacedcomponents.
•Ifanattachmentoraccessoryhasbeeninstalled,
makesurecurrentsafetysignsarevisible.
•Newsafetysignsmaybeobtainedfrom
yourauthorizedExmarkequipmentdealeror
distributororfromExmarkMfg.Co.Inc.
•Safetysignsmaybeafxedbypeelingoffthe
backingtoexposetheadhesivesurface.Apply
onlytoaclean,drysurface.Smoothtoremove
anyairbubbles.
•Familiarizeyourselfwiththefollowingsafetysigns
andinstructionlabels.Theyarecriticaltothesafe
operationofyourExmarkcommercialmower.
39-5770
ForUnitswithoutaBladeBrakeClutch
(MPKA21,MPKA21CA,MSKA21,MSKA21CA,
andMSHN21)
43-8480
ForUnitswithaBladeBrakeClutch
(MSKA21B,MSHN21B,andMSKA21BCA)
52-2610
ForPushUnits
(MPKA21andMPKA21CA)
52-2620
ForSelf-PropelledUnits
(MSKA21,MSKA21CA,MSKA21B,MSKA21BCA,
MSHN21,andMSHN21B)
68-7410
CommontoAllUnits
9
Safety
74-1970
ForSelf-PropelledUnits
(MSKA21,MSKA21CA,MSKA21B,MSKA21BCA,
MSHN21,andMSHN21B)
1.Transmissionspeeds2.Neutral
77-0500
CommontoAllUnits
93-7398
CommontoAllUnits
103-6327
ForMPKA21,MSKA21,andMSHN21UnitsOnly
1.Choke3.Continuousvariable
setting
2.Fast
4.Slow
103-6328
ForMSKA21BandMSHN21BUnitsOnly
1.Choke4.Slow
2.Fast5.Engine—stop
3.Continuousvariable
setting
104-1329
CommontoAllUnits
104-8585
CommontoAllUnits
10
Safety
109-8190
OnMPKA21CAandMSKA21CAUnitsOnly
1.Fast
3.Slow
2.Continuousvariable
setting
109-8191
OnMPKA21CA,MSKA21CA,
andMSKA21BCAUnitsOnly
109-8194
OnMSKA21BCAUnitsOnly
1.Fast
3.Slow
2.Continuousvariable
setting
4.Engine—stop
11
Specications
Specications
ModelNumbers
SerialNos:790,000andHigher
MPKA21;MPKA21CA;MSKA21;MSKA21CA;MSKA21B;MSKA21BCA;MSHN21;MSHN21B
Systems
Engine
•EngineSpecications:SeeyourEngineOwner’s
Manual
•RPM:3300(NoLoad)
FuelSystem
•Capacity:
MPKA21,MSKA21,andMSKA21BUnits:
4.0qt(3.8L)
MPKA21CA,MSKA21CA,andMSKA21BCA
Units:2.1qt(2.0L)
HondaUnits:2.1qt(2.0L)
•TypeofFuel:Regularunleadedgasoline,87
octaneorhigher.
•FuelFilter:Non-replaceable,intank
•FuelShut-OffValve:MPKA21,MSKA21,and
MSKA21BandHondaUnits:In-line1/4turn
increments.
MPKA21CA,MSKA21CA,andMSKA21BCA
UnitsDoNothaveashut-offvalve.
SafetyInterlockSystem
ForunitswithoutaBladeBrakeClutch:Operator
musthavethebladecontrolbaildepressedtostart
theengine.Releasingthebladecontrolbailwillcause
theenginetostop.
Transmission(SelfPropelledUnits)
3speedsforward
SpeedRange:
•1st–2.0mph(3.2km/hr)
•2nd–2.9mph(4.6km/hr)
•3rd–4.1mph(6.6km/hr)
CuttingDeck
•CuttingWidth:21inches(53.3cm)
•BladeBrake:Whenthebladeengagementcontrol
ismovedtothedisengagedpositionafriction
brakepadstopstherotationoftheblades.
•BladeSize:(1ea.):20.88inches(53.0cm)
•Deck:21inchesrigid.Deckdesignallowsfor
bagging,mulchingorsidedischarge.
•CuttingHeightAdjustment:
Adjustsfrom3/4inches(1.9cm)to31/4inches
(8.3cm)in1/2inch(1.3cm)increments.
•MulchingKit:Standard
•SideDischargeKit:Optional
Dimensions
CurbWeight:
122lb(55kg)Weightsmayvaryslightlydepending
onengineoption.
OverallWidth:
22.25inches(56.5cm)
12
ProductOverview
OverallLengthandHeightat
21/4inchCuttingHeight:
HandleSettingLengthHeight
High60.50inches
(153.7cm)
42.75inches
(108.6cm)
Medium
64.25inches
(163.2cm)
40.38inches
(102.6cm)
Low
67.00inches
(170.2cm)
37.88inches
(96.2cm)
OverallLengthandHeightat
AlternateHandleMountingPosition:
HandleSettingLengthHeight
High62.63inches
(159.1cm)
37.50inches
(95.3cm)
Medium
64.38inches
(163.5cm)
35.50inches
(90.2cm)
Low
66.25inches
(168.3cm)
33.63inches
(85.4cm)
ProductOverview
Figure3
1.Sparkplug
8.DriveBail
(Self-PropelledUnits
Only)
2.Oilll/dipstick9.Throttle/Chokecontrol
3.Dischargedoorhandle10.Fueltank
4.Grassbag11.Oillter
5.BladeControlLever
(BladeBrakeUnitsOnly)
12.Airlter
6.BladeControlBail13.Cuttingheightlever
7.Handle
13
Operation
Operation
Note:Determinetheleftandrightsidesofthe
machinefromthenormaloperatingposition.
Controls
BladeControlBail
LocatedontheupperhandleasshowninFigure4.
Whenthebladecontrolbailisdepressed,thesystem
sensesthattheoperatorisinthenormaloperator’s
position.
•ForUnitswithaBladeBrakeClutch:When
thebladecontrolbailisreleased,thesystem
sensesthattheoperatorhasmovedfromthe
normaloperatingpositionandwillstoptheblade.
•ForUnitswithoutaBladeBrakeClutch:
Whenthebladecontrolbailisreleased,thesystem
sensesthattheoperatorhasmovedfromthe
normaloperatingpositionandwillkilltheengine.
Figure4
1.Throttle-ChokeControl
4.Handle
2.BladeControlLever
(BladeBrakeUnitsOnly)
5.DriveBail
(Self-PropelledUnits
Only)
3.BladeControlBail
Self-PropelDriveBail(For
Self-PropelledUnitsOnly)
LocatedontheupperhandleasshowninFigure4.
Whentheself-propeldrivebailissqueezed,theunit
willmoveforwardatthespeedsetonthespeed
controllever.Whenthisbailisreleasedtheunitwill
stopmoving.
Throttle-ChokeControl
Thethrottle-chokecontrolislocatedontheleftside
ofthehandlesasshowninFigure4.
Theleverisusedtocontrolenginespeed.Moving
thelevertothefullforward(Choke)positionwill
placetheleverinthechokeposition.Thechokeaids
instartingacoldengine.Movingthethrottlecontrol
forwardwillincreaseenginespeedandmovingitto
therearwilldecreaseenginespeed.
ForunitswithaBladeBrakeControl:The
throttle-chokecontrolalsoincludesanenginekill
position.Movingtheleverintothefullrearward
(Off)positionwillkilltheengine.
Note:MPKA21CA,MSKA21CA,and
MSKA21BCAUnitsDoNothaveachoke.
BladeControlLever(BladeBrake
ClutchUnitsOnly):
Thebladecontrolleverislocatedontherightsideof
thehandlenexttotheBladeControlBailasshown
inFigure4.
Movingthebladecontrolleverintothefullforward
positionwhiledepressingthebladecontrolbail
engagestheblade.Releasingthebladecontrolbail
automaticallydisengagestheblades.
GroundSpeed(Shifter)Control
(Self-PropelledUnitsOnly):
Thegroundspeedcontrolislocatedattherearofthe
beltcoverasshowninFigure5.
Thegroundspeedcontrolhasthreesettingswhich
controlthegroundspeedofthemower:1isslow,2
ismedium,and3isfast.
14
Operation
Figure5
1.Groundspeedcontrol
FuelShut-OffValve
ForMPKA21,MSKA21,andMSKA21BUnits:
Thefuelshutoffvalveisinstalledonthefuelline
midwaybetweenthefueltankandtheengineas
showninFigure6.
Figure6
MPKA21,MSKA21,andMSKA21BUnits
1.Fuelline
3.Elbowtting
2.Fuelvalve
ForMSHN21andMSHN21BUnits:Thefuel
shutoffvalveislocatedontheengineasshownin
Figure7.
Figure7
MSHN21andMSHN21BUnits
1.Fuelvalve
ForMPKA21CA,MSKA21CA,andMSKA21BCA
Units:Donothaveafuelshutoffvalve.
Thefuelshutoffvalveshutsofftheowoffuel
whenthemachinewillnotbeusedforafewdays,
whenparkinginsideabuilding,andduringtransport
toandfromthejob.Rotatethevalve1/4turn
clockwisetoshutofffuel.Rotatethevalve1/4turn
counterclockwisetoturnonfuel.
Pre-Start
Fillfueltank.Forbestresultsuseonlyclean,fresh
regulargradeunleadedgasolinewithanoctanerating
of87orhigher.Toensurefreshness,purchaseonly
thequantityofgasolinethatyouexpecttousein
30days.Usingunleadedgasolineresultsinfewer
combustiondepositsandlongerenginelife.See
EngineOwner’sManual.
DoNotaddoiltogasoline.
DoNotusemethanol,gasolinecontainingmethanol,
gasoholcontainingmorethe10%ethanol,premium
gasolineorwhitegas.Usingthesefuelscandamage
theengine’sfuelsystem.
DoNotusegasolinethathasbeenstoredsincethe
lastmowingseasonorlonger.
DoNotoverllfueltank.Neverllthefueltankso
thatthefuellevelrisesabovealevelthatis1/2inch
belowthebottomofthellernecktoallowforfuel
expansionandpreventfuelspillage.
15
Operation
Makesureyouunderstandthecontrols,their
locations,theirfunctions,andtheirsafety
requirements.
RefertotheMaintenancesectionandperformallthe
necessaryinspectionandmaintenancesteps.
OperatingInstructions
HandleAdjustment
Thehandlemaybeadjustedtodifferentheightsfor
comfortableoperation.Standbehindthehandleto
determinetheheight.toadjustthehandleheight,
positionthecapscrewsandthelocknutsthatsecure
thehandlelatchestothehandleintotheother
mountingholesinthelatches.
SeeFigure8Aforthehighestpossiblehandleheights.
SeeFigure8Bforthelowestpossiblehandleheights.
Figure8
1.Handlelatch
4.Springdiscwasher
2.Adjustmentholesin
upperendofhandle
latch
5.5/16-18x13/8inchhex
capscrew
3.Handle
6.5/16-18x11/4inchhex
capscrew
1.Installthehardwareinthelowerholesinthe
handleandlatchesasshowninFigure8.
2.Installhardwareinoneofthethreeadjustment
holesintheupperendsofeachofthehandle
latchestoobtainthedesiredhandleheightwithin
theselectedrange.
3.Slidethebagsupportrodthroughintotheupper,
middle,orlowermountingholesinthehandle
andsecureeachendwithacaplocknut.Thebag
supportrodmountingholelocationcorresponds
withthemountingholelocationforthehandle
latchesasshowninthetable.
BagSupportRod
MountingHoleLocation
HandleLatchMounting
HoleLocation
LowerLower
MiddleMiddle
UpperUpper
OpentheFuelShut-OffValve
Rotatethevalve1/4turncounterclockwisetoturn
thefuelon.
StartingtheEngine
1.Connectthewiretothesparkplug.
ForMSHN21andMSHN21BUnits:see
Figure9.
ForMPKA21,MSKA21,MSKA21B,
MPKA21CA,MSKA21CA,andMSKA21BCA
Units:seeFigure10.
16
Operation
Figure9
AllHondaUnits
1.Oilll/dipstick
4.Aircleaner
2.Recoilstarterhandle
5.Sparkplug
3.Fueltankcap
Figure10
AllKawasakiUnits
1.Mufer5.Oillter
2.Oilll/dipstick
6.Aircleaner
3.Fueltankcap
7.Sparkplug
4.Recoilstarterhandle
2.Openthefuelvalve.
ForMPKA21,MSKA21,andMSKA21BUnits:
seeFigure6.
ForMSHN21andMSHN21BUnits:see
Figure7.
MPKA21CA,MSKA21CA,andMSKA21BCA
Units:DoNothaveafuelvalve.
3.ForMSHN21MSHN21B,MPKA21,MSKA21,
andMSKA21BUnits:Movethethrottle-choke
controltotheChokeposition.
Note:DoNotusethechokewhentheengineis
warmsup.
ForMPKA21CA,MSKA21CA,and
MSKA21BCAUnits:Movethethrottlecontrol
totheFastposition.Presstheprimerbulbtwo
times(seeFigure11).
Figure11
4.ForunitswithoutaBladeBrakeClutch:Hold
thebladecontrolbailtothehandle.
5.Pullthestarterhandlelightlyuntilyoufeel
resistance,thenpullitsharply.Allowtheropeto
returnslowly.
6.Whentheenginestarts,movethethrottlecontrol
totheFastposition,andsetthegroundspeed
controlasdesired.
Note:Iftheenginefailstostartafterthreepulls,
repeatsteps3through6).
StoppingtheEngine
1.Bringtheunittoafullstop.
•ForunitswithoutaBladeBrakeClutch:
Releasethebladecontrolbail.Boththe
engineandthebladeshouldstopwithinthree
seconds.
•ForunitswithaBladeBrakeClutch:
Releasethebladecontrolbail.Theblade
shouldstopwithinthreeseconds.Movethe
throttletothe(Off)positiontokilltheengine.
17
Operation
Note:Ifthebladedoesnotstopwithin3
secondsafterreleasingthebladecontrolbail,
contactanAuthorizedServiceDealer.
2.Closethefuelshut-offvalve,ifequippedwith,
whenthemachinewillnotbeinuseforafew
days,whentransporting,orwhentheunitis
parkedinsideabuilding.
UsingtheSelf-PropelDrive
(Self-PropelledUnitsOnly)
Thelawnmowerhasthreegroundspeeds:1isslow,
2ismedium,and3isfast.
1.Starttheengine.
2.Usingthegroundspeedcontrol,selectthedesired
groundspeed.
3.Squeezethedrivebailagainstthehandle(see
Figure4).
Note:DoNotshiftspeedswhilesqueezingthe
groundspeedcontrolagainstthehandle.This
candamagethetransmission.Releasetheground
speedcontrolbeforechangingspeeds.
Note:Youcanvarythegroundspeedby
increasingordecreasingthedistancebetweenthe
groundspeedcontrolandthehandle.Lowerthe
controlbartodecreasethegroundspeedwhen
youaremakingaturnorifthelawnmoweris
movingtoofastforyou.Ifyoulowerthecontrol
bartoofarthelawnmowerstopsself-propelling.
Squeezethegroundspeedcontrolclosertothe
handletoincreasethegroundspeed.When
youholdthegroundspeedcontroltightagainst
thehandle,thelawnmowerself-propelsatthe
maximumgroundspeed.Movethegroundspeed
controltotheNeutralpositionwhenyouusethe
lawnmowerfortrimmingorwheneveryouleave
thelawnmower.
OperatingtheBladeControlLever
(BladeBrakeClutchUnitsOnly)
1.Starttheengine.
2.Squeezethebladecontrolbailagainstthehandle
(Figure4).
3.Movethebladecontrollevertothefullforward
Latchposition.Bladesshouldengage.
4.Releasethebladecontrolbailtodisengagethe
blades.
Note:Thebladecontrolleverwillreleaserapidly
whenthebladecontrolbailisreleased.Toavoid
minorinjury,keephandsclearofthebladecontrol
leverwhenthebladecontrolbailisreleased.
UsingtheDischargeTunnel
1.Stoptheengineandwaitforallmovingpartsto
stop.
2.Inserttheplug.(RefertoInstallingthe
DischargePlugsection).
3.Toremovetheplug,movethedischargedoor
handlerearwardandliftupthespringcliponthe
bottomoftheplug.Whentheplugisunlocked,
pullitoutofthedischargetunnel.
Note:Whengrassisthickandlush,clippings
maycollectonandaroundthedischargetunnel
plug.Thismaymakeremovingtheplugdifcult.
Cleantheplugthoroughlyaftereachuse.
CheckingtheBladeBrakeClutch
(BladeBrakeClutchUnitsOnly)
ChecktheBladeBrakeClutch(BBC)systembefore
eachusetoensurethatitisoperatingproperly.
NormalTest:
1.Stoptheengineandwaitforallmovingpartsto
stop.
2.Movethelawnmowerontoapavedsurfacein
anon-windyarea.
3.Setallfourwheelsintothe21/2inches(6.4cm)
cuttingheight(seeFigure13).
4.SetthegroundspeedselectortotheN(Neutral)
position.
5.Takeahalfsheetofnewspaperandcrumple
itintoballsmallenoughtogounderthedeck
(about3inchesor7.6cmindiameter)asshown
inFigure12.
18
Operation
Figure12
1.Crumplednewspaper2.5inches(12.7cm)
6.Placetheballofnewspaper5inches(12.7cm)in
frontofthelawnmower.
7.Starttheengine.
8.Squeezethebladecontrolbailagainstthehandle.
9.Movethebladecontrollevertothefullforward
Latchposition.Bladesshouldengage.
10.Releasethebladecontrolbail.Youshouldheara
“bang.”Thebladeshouldstopinthreeseconds.
11.Immediatelypushthelawnmoweroverthe
newspaperball.
12.Stoptheengineandwaitforallmovingpartsto
stop.
13.Walkaroundthelawnmowertocheckforthe
newspaperball.Iftheballdidnotgounderthe
deck,repeatsteps7through12.
14.Pullthelawnmowerawayfromthenewspaper.
Ifthenewspaperballunravelsorisshredded,
thebladehasnotproperlystopped,resulting
inanunsafeoperatingcondition.Contactan
AuthorizedServiceDealer.
DANGER
Ifthebladebrakeclutchsystemis
inoperative,thebladewillcontinuetorotate
whenyoureleasethebladecontrolbail.
Contactwiththebladecouldoccur,causing
seriousinjury.
•ChecktheBBCoperationbeforeeach
use.
•NeverusetheBBC-equippedlawnmower
withaninoperativesafetysystem.
•TakeyourlawnmowertoanAuthorized
ServiceDealerforrepairifthesafety
systemfailstooperateproperly.
TestUsingtheGrassBag
1.Installtheemptygrassbagonthedischarge
tunnel.
2.Starttheengine.
3.Squeezethebladecontrolbailagainstthehandle.
4.Movethebladecontrollevertothefullforward
Latchposition.Thebagshouldbegintoinate,
indicatingthatthebladeisengagedandrotating.
5.Releasethebladecontrolbail.Ifthebagdoesnot
immediatelydeate,itindicatesthatthebladeis
stillrotating.Thebladebrakeclutchmechanism
maydeteriorating,and,ifignoredcouldresultin
anunsafeoperatingcondition.Havethelawn
mowerinspectedandservicedbyanAuthorized
ServiceDealer.
AdjustingtheCuttingHeight
Eachwheelisadjustedindividuallywithawheel
heightadjustmentlever.Thecuttingheightsarelisted
inthefollowingtable.
CuttingHeights
3/4inch(19mm)21/4inches(57mm)
11/4inches(32mm)23/4inches(70mm)
13/4inches(44mm)31/4inches(83mm)
19
Operation
WARNING
Adjustingthecuttingheightleverscould
bringyourhandsintocontactwithamoving
blade.Amovingbladecancauseserious
injury.
•Stoptheengineandwaitforallmovement
tostopbeforeadjustingthecutting
height.
•DoNotputyourngersunderthe
housingwhenadjustingthecutting
height.
1.Pullthewheelheightadjustmentlevertoward
thewheel(Figure13)andmoveittothedesired
setting.
Figure13
1.Pulltowardswheel3.Notches
2.WheelHeight
AdjustmentLever
2.Releasethewheelheightadjustmentleverandset
itsecurelyinthenotch.
3.Adjustallthewheelstothesamecuttingheight
setting.
UsingtheGrassBag
Occasionally,youmaywishtousethegrassbagfor
baggingextralonggrass,lushgrass,orleaves.
•InstallingtheGrassBag
1.Stoptheengineandwaitforallmovingparts
tostop.
2.Ensurethatthedischargedoorhandleisfully
forwardandthatthepinisengagedinthe
catch(Figure14).
Figure14
1.BagFrameonretaining
post.
3.Handlefully
forward—discharge
doorclosed.
2.Pinengagedincatch.
3.Slidetheholeinthebagframeontothe
retainingpostonthedischargetunnel.
4.Settherearofthebagframeontothebag
supportrod.
5.Pullthedischargedoorhandleforwarduntil
thepinclearsthecatch,andmovethehandle
rearwarduntilthepinlocksinthebagnotch
(Figure15).
Figure15
1.Pinlockedinbagnotch.
Note:Thedischargedoorinthelawnmower
housingisnowopen.
20
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