MTD 11A-546B029 Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 11A-546B029

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

MTD 11A-546B029 is a 21-inch Hi=Wheel Mower designed for medium-sized lawns. It features a powerful engine for reliable starting and consistent performance, and a durable steel deck for long-lasting use. The mower comes with a variety of features to make mowing your lawn easier, including a single-lever height adjustment system for quick and easy deck height changes, and a mulching option that allows you to recycle grass clippings back into your lawn as a natural fertilizer. The MTD 11A-546B029 is also self-propelled, making it easier to maneuver around your lawn.

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

A O A AL

21" Hi=Wheel Mower- Model Series 540

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.769-00447F

3/22/2007

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

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

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

Warranty ............................................. Back Cover

MTDLLCreservestherighttochangeproductspecifications,designs,andequipmentwithoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation.

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREYOUBEGINTOASSEMBLEYOURNEW

EQUIPMENT,pleaselocatethemodelplateon the

equipmentandcopytheinformationto thesample

modelplateprovidedtothe right.Youcanlocatethe

modelplatebystandingatthe operatingpositionand

lookingdown atthe rearofthedeck.Thisinformation

will benecessaryto usethemanufacturer'sweb

site,to obtainassistancefromtheCustomerSup-

port Department,orwhencontactingan authorized

servicedealer.

Model Number Serial Number

MTD LLC

P.O. BOX 361131

CLEVELAND, OH 44136

330-220-4683

, www.mtdproducts.com 800-800-731

Customer Support

Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was

purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.

Ifyou havedifficultyassemblingthis productorhaveanyquestionsregardingthecontrols,operation,or

maintenanceofthis unit,youcan seekhelpfromtheexperts.Choosefromtheoptionsbelow:

• Visitwww.mtdproducts.com

• PhoneaCustomerSupportRepresentativeat 1.800.800.7310.Spanishspeakingagentsareavailable.

• Theengine manufacturer isresponsibleforall engine-relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-

rating,specifications,warrantyandservice.Pleaserefertothe enginemanufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's

Manual,packedseparatelywithyour 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: Thismachine was builtto be operatedaccordingto the rulesfor safeoperation 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.

1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetween

Standbehindthe mower

as ifyouweregoingto

i operateit. Yourright

handcorrespondsto the

rightsideof the mower;

yourleft hand corre-

spondsto the left sideof

the mower.

Makesureto routecable

outside the lowerhandle.

Donotcrimpcablewhile

lifting the handleup.

IMPORTANT

I Thisunit isshippedwith-

out gasoline or oilinthe

engine. Fillup gasoline

i andoilasinstructed in

i theaccompanying engine

; manual BEFOREoperat-

ing yourmower.

i This Operator'sManual

i maycovera rangeof

, productspecifications

i for variousmodels

I Characteristics,features,

i andenginesdiscussed

i and/or illustratedin

this manualmay notbe

applicable to all models,

MTDLLCreservesthe

rightto changeproduct

i specifications,designs,

I andequipment without

i noticeand withoutincur-

i ringobligation.

Figure3-1:Unfoldhandle,tightenhardware.

Hardware Pack _*_

Wing Nuts (2) Carriage Bolts (2) ..........................................

upperandlowerhandles.

a. Pullupand backon upperhandleasshownin

Figure3-1.Makecertainthelowerhandleisseated

securelyintothehandlemountingbrackets.Donot

crimpcablewhileliftingthehandleup.

b. Tightenstarknobstosecureupperhandleto

lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriageboltis

seatedproperlyinthehandle.

2. Locatethehairpinclipon theweldpinon eachsideof

lowerhandle.

Removehairpinclipfromthis hole.Usinga pair

ofpliers,inserthairpinclipintotheholeon pin

closesttothebracket.SeeFigure3-2.Repeaton

otherside.

b. inserta carriageboltfromthehardwarepackinto

theupperholeonthehandlemountingbracket.

Securewithone plasticwingnut,alsoincluded

inthehardwarepack.Repeatonothersidewith

remainingitemsfromhardwarepack.

Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe

upperhandle.SeeFigure3-3.Loosenthewingnut

whichsecurestheropeguide.

a. Holdbladecontrolagainstupperhandle.

b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releaseblade

control.

c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.

d. Tightenwingnut.

insertpostoncabletieintoholeprovidedon thelower

handle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.SeeFigure

3-4.

Figure3-2:Securelowerhandleto mountingbrackets.

Figure3-3:Pullrecoilstarterthroughropeguideandtighten. Figure3-4:Securecablesto handleusingcabletie.

Followstepsbelowtoassemblethegrasscatcher.

Makecertainbagisturnedrightsideoutbefore

assembling(warninglabelwillbe ontheoutside)

a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside

is atthebottom.

b. Slip plasticchannelofgrassbagoverhookson

theframe.SeeFigure3-5.All theplasticchannels

exceptcentertopofbagattachfromoutsideof

bag.

c. Attachcentertopofbagfrominsideofbag.

Yourmowerisshippedasa mulcher.Toconvertto

sidedischarge,makesuregrasscatcherisoff ofthe

unitand reardischargedoorisclosed.

a. Onthesideofthe mower,lift themulchingplug.

SeeFigure3-7.

b. Slidetwohooksofsidedischargechuteunder

hingepinonmulchingplugassembly.Lowerthe

mulchingplug.Donotremovesidemulchingplug

atanytime,evenwhenyouarenotmulching.

Figure3-7:Liftmulchplugandinstallsidedischargechute.

Figure3-5:Assemblethegrasscatcher.

6. Followthestepsbelowtoattachthegrasscatcher:

a. Liftreardischargedoor.SeeFigure3-6.

b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod.Letgo

ofdischargedoorsothat itrestson thegrass

catcher.

_ ARNING:Neveroperatemowerunless

the hooksonthe grass catcherare

firmly seated on the pivotrod and the

rear discharge door restsfirmly against

top of the grass catcher.

Adjustments

Anadjustingplateandthumbleverateachwheel

providescuttingheightadjustment.

1. Depresslevertowardswheel.

2. Moveittoanyoneofthepositionsfordesiredcutting

height.SeeFigure3-8.Makesurethateachwheelis

positionedatthesameheight.

3. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.

Figure3-6:Attachthegrasscatcher.

Figure3-8:Use leversto adjustcuttingheight.

setupand

WARNING

withoutthe mulching

plug, the grass catcher,

or the discharge chute

NOTE:When adjusting

the cutting height,

allwheelsmust be

positionedatthe same

height.

M0Wer

WARNING

The blade control is a

safety device. Never

attempt to bypass its

operations.

Use extreme care when

handling gasoline.

Gasoline is extremely

flammable and the

vapors are explosive.

i Neverfuel themachine

indoors or while the

engine is hot or running.

Extinguish cigarettes,

, cigars, pipes, and other

sources of ignition.

Keep hands and feet

i away from the cutting

deck. Refer to warning

label on the unit.

Know Your Lawn Mower

f BladeControl

Recoil Starter

CuttingHeight

Adjustment

front

andrear)

MulchPlug

SideDischargeChute ..=======__

Figure4-1:Themajorpartsonthelawnmower.

Nowthatyouhavesetupyourlawnmowerforopera-

tion,readthis sectionto becomeacquaintedwithits

controlsandfeatures.Thisknowledgewillallowyouto

useyournewequipmenttoitsfullestpotential.

Blade Control

Thebladecontrolisattachedtothe upperhandle.

Depressandsqueezeitagainstthe upperhandleto

operatetheunit.Releaseittostopengineandblade.

__k WARNING:Thisblade controlis

a safetydevice. Donot bypass its

operations.

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

Oneadjustmentleverislocatedon eachwheelandis

usedtoadjustthecuttingheight.All fourwheelsmust

beatthesamepositionto ensurea uniformcut.

Recoil Starter

Therecoilstarteris attachedtotherightupperhandle.

Standbehindtheunitand pullthe recoilstarterropeto

startthe unit.

Mulch Plug

Themulchplugisusedformulchingpurposes.Insteadof

collectingthegrassclippingsinagrasscatcheror using

thesidedischargechute,somemowermodelshavethe

optionofrecirculatingtheclippingsbacktothelawn.This

iscalledmulching.

Grass Catcher

Thegrasscatcher,locatedatthe rearofthemower,is

usedtobagthegrassclippingsfordisposalatanother

site.Oncethebagisfull, ithasto beremovedfromthe

mowerandemptiedbeforeanyfurthermowing.

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

1. Checkoillevelandaddoil if necessary.Followengine

owner'smanualforthis.

2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe

engineowner'smanual.

_ ARNING:Useextremecarewhenhan-

dling gasoline.Gasolineisextremely

flammableand the vapors areexplosive.

Neverfuel the machine indoorsor while

the engine ishot or running. Extinguish cigarettes,

cigars, pipes,and other sources of ignition.

Starting Engine

__k ARNING:Besurenoone otherthan

theoperatorisstandingnearthe lawn

mowerwhilestartingengineor operat-

ing mower.Neverrun engineindoorsor

in enclosed,poody ventilatedareas.Engineexhaust

containscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessand deadly

gas. Keephands,feet, hairand looseclothingaway

from any moving partsonengine and lawnmower.

Follow theset of instructionspertainingto your unit.

Referto engine manualfor helpwith theengine.

Briggs & Stratton/Kawasaki Engine:

1. Ifequipped,pushprimerthreetimes(Kawasaki-one

time).Waitabouttwo secondsbetweeneachpush.

See Figure4-2.Intemperaturearound550For below,

primefivetimes.Donotprimeto restarta warm

engine.

2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol

againstupperhandle.SeeFigure4-2.

3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil

starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-

ous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure4-2.Keepinga firm

gripon thestarterhandle,lettheroperewindslowly.

Repeatuntilenginecranks.Letthe roperewindeach

timeslowly.

Honda Engine:

1. Placethefuelvalveleverfoundontheleft sideofthe

engineintotheON(OPEN)position.See Figure4-3.

2. Movethechokelever(ifequipped)all theway

backwardintothechokeposition.

3. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol

againstupperhandle.SeeFigure4-3.Thechokewill

nowbegintoslowlyreturntotheoffchokeposition

afteractivatingthebladecontrol.Therefore,quickly

moveontostepfourbelow.

4. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil

starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-

ous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure4-3.Keepinga firm

gripon thestarterhandlelettheroperewindslowly.

Repeatuntilenginecranks.Letthe roperewindeach

timeslowly.

__1= ARNING:Waitfor the blade to stop

completelybeforeperforminganywork

on the mower or to removethegrass

catcher.

Stopping Engine

1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineand blade.

2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand

groundagainsttheengine.

Figure4-2:StartingtheBriggs&Strattonengine.

Figure4-3:StartingtheHondaengine.

anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjuryto the

operatorandothers.

__k ARNING:if you strikeaforeign

object, stop the engine. Remove

wire from thespark plug,thoroughly

inspectmowerfor anydamage,and

repairdamagebefore restarting andoperating.

Extensive vibration of mowerduring operation isan

indicationof damage.The unit should be promptly

inspectedand repaired.

Using as Mulcher

Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherandside

dischargechutefromthemower.Foreffectivemulching,

do notcutwetgrass.If thegrasshasbeenallowedto

growin excessof fourinches,mulchingisnotrecom-

mended.Usethegrasscatchertobagclippingsinstead.

Using Your Lawn Mower Using Grass Catcher

Besurelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile

objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine, youareoperatingthemower.Refertosetupsectionfor

Suchobjectscouldbe accidentlythrownbythemowerin instructionson attachingthegrasscatcher.

Operating

Mower

WARNING

The operation of any

lawn mower can result

n foreign objects being

thrown intothe eyes,

which can damage your

eyes severely. Always

wear safety glasses

while operating the

mower or while perform-

ing 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. Engine

exhaust contains carbon

monoxide, an odorless

and deadly gas. Keep

hands, feet, hair and

loose clothing away

from any moving parts

on engine and lawn

mower,

/ " Deck Care

lVloWer

Do not useapressure

Washer or garden

hoseto Cleanyour

uniLThese may Cause

damageto eleCtric

componentsi spindles;

pu,eys,bearings;or

theenginel The use

Ofwater Willresu!tin

shortened lifeand

reduce serviceability:

This Operator'sManual

covers severalmodels;

Lawn Mowerfeatures

vary by model:Not

allfeaturesdisCussed

(Orengnespictur

in this manualare

app!icabletoall Lawn

Figure5-1:Areastolubricateonmower.

General Recommendations

• Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming

anymaintenance.

• Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover

itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse

ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,

operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras

instructedhere.

• Changingofengineigovernedspeedwillvoid

enginewarranty.

• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce

eachseason.

• Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese

aretight.

__i ARNING:Alwaysstopengine,discon-

nect spark plug, and ground against

engine before performing anytype of

maintenanceon your machine.

Lubrication

1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolatleast

oncea seasonwithlightoil.Thebladecontrolmust

operatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure5il.

2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith

lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany

reason,lubricatesurfaceofthepivotarmandinner

surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure5il.

3. Lubricatethetorsionspringsandpivotpointonthe

reardischargedoorandsidemulchplugperiodically

withlightoil topreventrust.SeeFigure511.

4. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-

tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.

Cleanundersideofthe mowerdeckaftereachuseto

preventbuild-upofgrassclippingsorotherdebris.Follow

stepsbelowforthisjob.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn

mowerorplacea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.

2. Tipmowersothat itrestsontheengine.Keeptheside

withtheaircleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.

_ ARNING:Nevertip the mower more

than 90° in anydirection anddo not

leavethe mower tipped for any lengthof

time. Oil candrain intothe upper partof theengine

causing a starting problem.

3. Scrapeand cleantheundersideofthedeckwitha

suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.

4. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsontheground.If

youhad putplasticunderthegascapearlier,make

sureto removeitnow.

Engine Care

A listofkeyenginemaintenancejobs requiredforgood

performancebythemowerisgivenbelow.Followthe

accompanyingenginemanualforadetailedlistand

instructions.

• Maintainoil levelasinstructedin enginemanual.

• Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal

conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely

dustyconditions.Poorengineperformanceand

floodingusuallyindicatesthattheaircleanershould

beserviced.Toservicetheaircleaner,refertothe

enginemanual.

• Cleansparkplugand resetthegaponcea season.

Sparkplugreplacementisrecommendedatthestart

ofeachmowingseason.Checkenginemanualfor

correctplugtypeand gapspecifications.

• Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe

topoftheenginecleantopermitproperair circulation.

Removeallgrass,dirt,andcombustibledebrisfrom

mufflerarea.

Blade Care

_i= ARNING:Whenremovingthe cutting

bladefor sharpeningor replacement,

protectyourhandswith a pairof heavy

gloves or usea heavy ragto hold the

blade.

Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,

especiallyif youstrikea foreignobject.Replacewhen

necessary.Followthe stepsbelowforbladeservice.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn

moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand

thecarburetorarefacingup.

2. Removetheboltandthe bladebellsupportwhich

holdthebladeand thebladeadaptertotheengine

crankshaft,Figure5-2.

3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft,

Figure5-2.

4. Thebladecanbe sharpenedwitha fileor on a grind-

ingwheel.Donotattempttosharpenthebladewhileit

isstillonthemower.

Whensharpeningtheblade,followtheoriginalangle

ofgrind.Grindeachcuttingedgeequallyto keepthe

bladebalanced.

5. Totestforbalance,removebladeand balanceon

a roundshaftscrewdriver.Removemetalfromthe

heavysideuntilitbalancesevenly.

Figure5-2:Removethebolt,support,andadaptertoaccess

theblade.

_ WARNING:Anunbalanced bladewill

causeexcessivevibration when rotating

at high speeds. It maycausedamageto

mower and could breakcausing personal

injury.

6. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurface

ofthebladeadapterwithlightoil.Slidetheblade

adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.

7. Placethebladeon theadaptersuchthattheside

oftheblademarked"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)

facesthegroundwhenthemowerisintheoperating

position.Makesurethatthebladeisalignedand

seatedon thebladeadapterflanges.

8. Placebladebellsupportonthe blade.Alignnotches

on thebladebell supportwith smallholesinblade.

9. Replacehexboltandtightenhexboltto torque:450

in.Ibs.rain.,600 in.Ibs.max.

Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically

checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.

Replacing Rear Flap

1. Toremoverearflap,lift reardoor,andpressflapin on

eithersidetoremovefromhole.SeeFigure5-3.

2. Removeflapfromoppositeholeand replacewith new

flapintheoppositeorderandmannerofremoval.

Figure5-3:Removerearflap.

Off-Season Storage

Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakento prepareyour

lawnmowerforstorage.

• Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribed

inthe lubricationinstructions.

• Donotusea pressurewasherorgardenhoseto

cleanyourunit.

Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine

storageinstructions.

Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto

preventrusting.

Storemowerina dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenext

tocorrosivematerials,suchas fertilizer.

Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipmentina poorly

ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetaken

torust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoil or silicone,

coattheequipment,especiallycablesandall moving

partsofyourlawnmowerbeforestorage.

WARNING

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.

An unbalanced blade

will cause excessive

vibration when rotat-

ingat high speeds. It

may cause damage

to mower and could

break causing per-

sonal injury.

Shooting

Forrepairsbeyond

the minoradjustments

listedhere; contact

an authorized service

dealer'

NOTE: Specficationsaid

subjecttochangewith0ut

notificationo[ob!igation,

Imagesrnayn0treflect

yourexactmodeland are

iiiI i_I _ii_iii_iii_!i_ii_i _ _i i_ _ i

Problem Cause Remedy

Engine fails to start ii B!adeControidisengaged, ii EngagebladeC0ntr0

2 Spa[kplugWiredisconnected. 2 connect wiretosparkplugl

3: Fuel tankemptYorstaidfuel &Fill tankWithcleanlfreshgasoiine:

4. Enginenot primed(if equippedwith 4. Primeengineasinstr,u,ctedin operat_

primer)i I ingYourLawnMower:

5. FaultySparkpugl 15 cleanl adjustgaP,0rreP!ace.

6, clean fuellinel

7: Enginefl0oded. Waitafewminutest0 restart bUtdo

& Fue! yalve(ifequipped)CloSed. I Openfuelva!ve,see enginemanna!.

9. EnginenotChoked(ifequippedw/choke). & ChokeenginelSeeenginemanual.

Engine runs erratic 1. Sparkplugwireloose. 1. Connectandtightensparkplugwire.

2. Blockedfuel lineor stalefuel. 2. Cleanfuelline;filltank withclean,

3. Ventingascap plugged.

4. Wateror dirt infuel system.

5. Dirtyair cleaner.

6. Carburetorout ofadjustment.

freshgasoline.

3. Clearvent.

4. Drainfueltank. Refillwithfreshfuel.

5. Refertoenginemanual.

6. Refertoenginemanual.

Engine overheats 1. Engineoil levellow, 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil.

2. Airflow restricted. 2. Cleanaccumulateddebrisfromengine.

3. Carburetornotadjustedproperly. 3. Referto enginemanual.

Occasional skips 1. Sparkpluggap tooclose. 1. Adjustgap to .030-inch.

(hesitates) at high speed 2. Carburetoridlemixtureadjustment 2. Refertoenginemanual.

improperlyset.

I I

Idles poorly 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gaptoo wide. 1. Resetgapto .030-inchor replace

sparkplug.

2. Carburetorimproperlyadjusted. 2. Refertoenginemanual.

3. Dirtyair cleaner. 3. Refertoenginemanual.

Excessive Vibration 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.Balance

blade.

2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. Seeanauthorizedservicedealer.

Mower wil not mulch grass 1. Wetgrass. 1 Donot mowwhengrassiswet wait

untillatertocut.

2 Excessivelyhighgrass. 2. Mowonceata highcuttingheight,

then mowagainatdesiredheightor

makeanarrowercurtngpath.

, 3. Dullblade. , 3. Sharpenor replaceblade,

Uneven cut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsin same

heightposition.

2. Dullblade. _ 2. Shar enor re!laceblade.

Safety Labels Found On Your Lawn Mower

iVlodel Series 540

Zag

747-1161A BladeControl 734-04215 FrontWheel,8 x 1.8,K2 Bar

2 749-1092A UpperHandle 734-1988 FrontWheel,7 x 1.8,Bar

3 746-1130 ControlCable,40" 734-1987 FrontWheel,8 x 1.8,Bar

746-04104 ControlCable,40",Snap-On,Kaw 734-2005A FrontWheel,8 x2.125,Zag

746-1137 ControlCable,53" 734-04086 FrontWheel,7 x 1.8,PinBar

726-0240 CableTie 28 738-0507B

664-04007A GrassBagAssembly 29 732-0404

664-04034A GrassBagAssembly-Gray 30 720-0426

664-04027 GrassBagAssembly-Yardman 31 710-0599

747-04080 GrassBagFrame 32 736-0270

720-0279 HandleKnob 33 710-0654A

731-05642 Trailshield 34 710-0216

9 747-04588 PivotRod 35 710-1652

10 731-05865 RearDischargeDoor 36 720-0312

11 687-02280 RearHandleBracketAssy.-LH 37 734-04217

687-02279 RearHandleBracketAssy.- RH 734-04082

12 787-01279 Deck21-inch 734-04093

13 687-02075B FrontHgt.Adj.Assy.,8"Whl.- LH 734-04089

ShoulderScrew,.5Dx .434

FrontSpringLever

HeightAdjustKnob

TT Screw,1/4-20x .500

BellWasher

TT Screw,3/8-16x 1.0

HexScrew,3/8-16x .75

TT Screw,1/4-20x .625

FoamGrip

RearWheel,12x 1.8,K2 Bar

RearWheel,12x 1.8,Bar

RearWheel,12x 2.125,Zag

RearWheel,12x 1.8,PinBar

Parts Li

_FACTORY PARTS

To order replacement

parts, contact

1,800-800'7310

or visit

687-02074B FrontHgt.Adj.Assy.,811Whl.-RH 38 710-1205 EyeBolt www.mtdproducts;com

_687-02099B _ FrontHgt.Adj.Assy.,7 Whl.-LH 39 _ 732-0866 _ RearHi-WheelSpringLever

687-02100B FrontHgt.Adj.Assy.,7"Whl.- RH 40

14 782-5002B FrontBaffle

15 748-0377C BladeAdapterw/Star 41

748-04082 BladeAdapter- 25ram 42

16 742-0741 21-inchMulchingBlade 43

17 736-0524B BellBladeSupport 44

18 710-1257 HexScrew,3/8-24x2.5 45

19 731-04177 SideDischargeChute 46

20 17032A DeflectorChuteAdaptor 47

21 732-1014 TorsionSpring 48

22 747-0710 HingePin 49

687-02039A RearPivotArmAssy- RH

687-02040A RearPivotArmAssy- LH

714-0104 HairpinClip

720-04072 StarKnob

710-0703 CarriageBolt,1/4-20x .75

731-04150C RearBaffle

710-1241 ScrewHL,1/4-15x 1.00

732-04090A TorsionSpring- RH

710-1174 CarriageBolt,5/16-18x2

712-0397 WingNut

749-0928A LowerHandle

23 687-02055 HingedMulchPlugAssembly 50 736-0182t SpringWasher

24 712-04065 FlangeLockNut3/8-16 51 731-04204t DeluxeBailCover- Red

25 787-01290 HeightAdjustmentPlate 731-04859t DeluxeBailCover- Gray

26 687-02337 PivotArmAssyLH(7"wheel) 52 732-04089A TorsionSpring- LH

687-02338 PivotArmAssyRH(7" wheel) 53 738-04266 ShoulderScrew,.500Dia.X .385

687-02337 PivotArmAssyRH(8" wheel) 54 731-0981At HubCap

687-02338 PivotArmAssyLH(8"wheel)

t If Equipped

Mowerfeatures/componentsvarybymodel.NOTall partslistedaboveand picturedon thepreviouspageare

standardequipment.

ii i _iI_ ii

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,or limitationsonhowlongan 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

GDOO-lO0015 REV.A

MTD 11A-546B029 Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 11A-546B029

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

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MTD 11A-546B029 Owner's manual

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