MTD 500 Series Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 500 Series

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

11A-508H731

MTD 500 Series rotary mower is a versatile and powerful machine designed to make lawn care easier. With its 22-inch cutting deck, it can handle even the toughest mowing jobs. The self-propelled feature makes it easy to maneuver, while the adjustable cutting height allows you to customize the cut to your liking. The MTD 500 Series also features a grass catcher for easy cleanup.

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

OF A O AL

22" Rotary Mower- Model Series 500

iMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyuniiprovedforest-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.770-10334G

12/2005

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new lawn mower, it will help you assemble,

prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.

Table of Contents

Slope Gauge ....................................................... 3

Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4

Setup and Adjustment ....................................... 6

Operating Your Lawn Mower .............................. 8

Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10

Trouble Shooting .............................................. 12

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

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

Warranty ............................................................ 16

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREYOU STARTASSEMBLING

YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,

please locatethe modelplate onthe equipmentand copythe

informationtothe sample modelplate providedtothe right.

Youcan locatethe modelplate by standingat theoperating

position andlookingdown atthe rear ofthe deck. This

informationwill be necessaryto usethemanufacturer'sweb

site and/or obtain assistancefrom the CustomerSupport

Departmentoran authorizedservice dealer.

Model Number

www.mtdproducts.com

Serial Number

MTD LLC

P.O= BOX 361131

CLEVELAND, OH 44136

330-220-4683

800-800-7310

Customer Support

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

purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.

Ifyou havedifficultyassembling this productor haveany questionsregardingthecontrols, operation,or maintenanceof this

unit,youcan seek helpfrom theexperts. Choosefromthe optionsbelow:

1. Visitmtdproducts.com. Click onthe Service& Support menu option.

2. Phone a Customer Support Representative at 1 (800) 800-7310.

3. Theengine manufacturer isresponsiblefor allengine-related issueswithregards to performance,power-rating,specifica-

tions,warrantyand service. Pleaserefer tothe engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator'sManual, packedseparatelywith

your unit,for more information.

MTD _n_r_tic_

Aw_4 Winning ?red_ts

@r Company i _rivacy P'd_y'

C,@n_ac_U_

Ser,,,ice 8: Suppo_±

Product Registration

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WARNING

Thissymbolpoints

out importantsafety

instructionswhich,if

notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal

i safetyand/or property

I ofyourselfand others.

Readandfollowall

instructionsinthis

manualbeforeat-

temptingto operate

i this machine.Failure

I to complywiththese

instructionsmay result

i inpersonalinjury.When

youseethis symbol.

i HEED ITS WARNING!

Your Responsibility

Restrictthe use

ofthis powermachine

to personswho read,

_understand

ano followthe warnings

and instructions

inthis manual

and on the machine.

WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of itsconstituents,andcertain vehiclecompo-

nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand

birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.

DANGER: Thismachinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operation in this

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

result inseriousinjury.This machine iscapableof amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.

Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injury or death.

Children

Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presence

ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtomowerand mowing

activity.Theydonot understandthe dangers.Neverassume

thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.

1. Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaand underwatchful

careofa responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.

2. Bealertandturnmoweroffif achildentersthearea.

3. Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown

forsmallchildren.

4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,

doorways,shrubs,trees,or otherobjectsthatmayobscure

yourvisionofa child whomayrunintothe mower.

5. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycan

sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.

6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operateapower

mower.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand

understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthis

manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyaparent.

General Operation

1. Readthis operator'smanualcarefullyin its entiretybefore

attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,

andfollowall instructionsonthe machineandin the

manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith

thecontrolsandthe properuseofthis machinebefore

operatingit. Keepthis manualina 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 usethis machine.

4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto

beused.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toys

andotherforeignobjects,whichcouldbetrippedoveror

pickedupandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjectscan

causeseriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpattern

toavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,sidewalks,

bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial

againsta wallor obstruction,whichmaycausedischarged

materialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.

5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,

stayinoperatorzonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,

bystanders,helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrom mower

whileit is inoperation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters

area.

6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera-

tionandwhile performinganadjustmentor repairtoprotect

youreyes.Thrownobjectswhich ricochetcancauseserious

injurytothe eyes.

7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fitting

slacksandshirts. Shirtsandpantsthatcoverthe armsand

legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended.Neveroperate

thismachineinbarefeet,sandals,slipperyor light-weight

(e.g.canvas)shoes.

8. Donotputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor undercutting

deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.

9. Amissingor damageddischargecovercancause blade

contactor thrownobjectinjuries.

10.Manyinjuriesoccurasa resultofthe mowerbeingpulled

overthefoot duringafall causedby slippingor tripping.

Do notholdontothe mowerifyouarefalling;releasethe

handleimmediately.

11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare

walking.Ifyoumustbackthe mowerawayfromawallor

obstructionfirstlookdownand behindtoavoidtrippingand

thenfollowthesesteps:

a. Stepbackfrommowertofully extendyourarms.

b. Besureyouarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.

c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,no morethanhalfway

towardyou.

d. Repeatthesestepsas needed.

12.Do notoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof

alcoholordrugs.

13.Do notengagetheself-propelledmechanismon unitsso

equippedwhilestartingengine.

14.Thebladecontrolhandleisasafetydevice.Neverattempt

tobypassitsoperation.Doingso makesthe safetydevice

inoperativeandmayresultin personalinjurythrough

contactwiththe rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandle

mustoperateeasilyin bothdirectionsandautomatically

returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.

15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwet grass.Alwaysbesureof

yourfooting. A slipand fallcancauseseriouspersonal

injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourfooting,releasethe

bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe bladewillstop

rotatingwithinthreeseconds.

16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.

17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.

18.Iftheequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe

engineandcheckimmediatelyforthe cause.Vibrationis

generallya warningoftrouble.

19.Shuttheengineoff andwait untilthebladecomesto a

completestopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcheror unclog-

ging thechute.

The cuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefor a fewsecondsafter

the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceany partofthe bodyin

the bladearea untilyouaresurethe bladehasstopped

rotating.

20. Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrail shield,discharge

cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafety

protectivedevicesin placeandworking.Neveroperate

mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo socan

resultin personalinjury.

21. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causeaburn.Do

nottouch.

22.Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthismachineby

manufacturer.Failuretodo socanresultinpersonalinjury.

23. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredin thismanual,

usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor

assistance.Telephone1-800-800-7310forthe nameofyour

nearestdealer.

Slope Operation

Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidents,which

can resultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra

caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyon aslope,do notmowit.Foryour

safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthis manualto

measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunitona slopedor hilly

area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donot mowit.

Do:

1. Mowacrossthefaceofslopes;neverupanddown.Exercise

extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

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

can causeyouto slipor trip.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.

3. Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slip andfall cancause

seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyour

balance,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediately,and

the bladewill stoprotatingwithin3 seconds.

Do Not:

1. Donot mowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,you

could loseyourfootingorbalance.

2. Donot mowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownon

the slopegauge.

3. Donot mowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcause

slipping.

Service

Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:

1. To avoidpersonalinjury orpropertydamageuseextreme

care inhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable

andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan

occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselforyourclothes,

whichcanignite.

2. Washyourskin andchangeclothesimmediately.

3. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.

4. Neverfill containersinsidea vehicleoron atruckor trailer

bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainerson the

groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truckortrailer

andrefuelit onthe ground.Ifthisis notpossible,thenrefuel

suchequipmentonatrailerwitha portablecontainer,rather

thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.

6. Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimofthefueltank or

containeropeningat alltimesuntilfuelingis complete.Do

notusea nozzlelock-opendevice.

7. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources

ofignition.

8. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill

accumulatein thearea.

9. Neverremovegascap oradd fuelwhileengineishot or

running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwominutesbefore

refueling.

10.Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch

belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.

11.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

12.Ifgasolineis spilled,wipeitoff theengineand equipment.

Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting

engine.

13.Neverstorethemachineorfuel containernearanopen

flame,sparkor pilotlightasona waterheater,space

heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.

14.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,

orother debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand

removeanyfuel soakeddebris.

15.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.

GeneralService:

1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorin apoorlyventilatedarea.

Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessand

deadlygas.

2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe

bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe

sparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe engineto prevent

unintendedstarting.

3. Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent

intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefor

damage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewiththe

originalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listed

inthismanual."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe original

equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformance

andcompromisesafety!"

4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor wear

gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.

5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip-

mentis insafeworkingcondition.

6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperopera-

tionregularly.

7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,discon-

nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.

Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerfor anydamage.Repairthe

damagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower.

8. Neverattemptto makea wheelor cuttingheightadjustment

whiletheengineis running.

9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail

shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould expose

movingpartsor allowobjectsto bethrown.Forsafety

protection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplaceim-

mediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)

partsonly,listedinthis manual."Useofpartswhich do

notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto

improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"

10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe

engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating

speedoftheengine.

11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.

12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper

disposaloffluidsand materialscanharmtheenvironment.

Operation

WARNING

Thissymbol points

out importantsafety

instructions,which if

notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal

safety and/or property

of yourselfand others.

Readand followall

instructions inthis man-

ual beforeattemptingto

operatethis machine.

Failureto comply with

these instructionsmay

result inpersonalinjury.

Whenyou seethis

symbol.

HEED IT'S WARNING!

YourResponsibility

Restrictthe use

of this powermachine

to personswho read.

understand

and followthe warnings

and instructions

in this manua

and onthe machine.

Adjustment

WAR N!NG

The chute retainer

must be removedand

discarded before

3peratingthe mower:

IMPORTANT

This unit isshipped

without gasolineor

oil in the engine. Fill

upgasolineand oil

as instructedin the

accompanyingengine

manual BEFORE

operating your mower.

Step 1

Step 2

Forshippingpurposes,thechutedeflectoron your

mowerisheldinan uprightpositionbya retainer.

Removetheretaineras follows:

a. Push chutedeflectoruptowardsengine.Holding

deflectorin thisposition,removetheretainerand

discard.SeeStep1.

b. Lowerthechutedeflectorcarefullykeepingyour

fingersoutoftheway.

,_ WARNING: The chute retainer

must be removed and discarded

before operating the mower.

Performthefollowingsequenceforhandlesetup:

a. Lifttheupperhandleupfromthefoldedpositionto

theextendedpositionfollowingthearrowin Step2.

Thehandleshouldclickintothis position.

b. Makesurethecarriageboltis seatedproperlyin

thehandle.Tightenstarknobssecuringupper

handletothelowerhandle

If satisfiedwith heightof handle,tightenstarknobs

attheendsofthelowerhandleshownin Step3.For

convenienceof operating,youmayadjustthehandle

heightasfollows:

a. Removethestar knobsshownin Step3and

removethelowerhandle.

b. Positioneachhandlebracketstudintothetophole

in thelowerhandle.SeeStep3 inset.

c. Tightenthestarnuts.

Insertpostoncabletiesintoholesprovidedon the

lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.See

Step4.

........

Step 3 Step 4

5. RopeguideSetupasfollowsin Step5:

a. Holdthebladecontrolagainsttheupperhandle.

b. Slowlypullstarterropeoutofengine.

c. Slipstarterropeintotheropeguide.Tightenrope

guidewingnut.

6. Installrearwheelsasfollowsin Step6 (wheelsmaybe

alreadyinstalledatfactory,if sodisregardStep6):

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.SeeStep7.

c. Releaselevertowardsdeck.

8. If yourmowerisequippedwithan optionalmulching

baffle,installiton therightsideofthedeck.Follow

thesequenceindicatedhere.

a. Lift upandholdtheside-dischargechutedeflector

andinsertbottomlip ofthemulchingbaffleinside

thechuteopeningSeeStep8.

b. Snaphooksd themulchingbaffleoverthehinge

pinofthechutedeflector.Thehooksmustsnap

intoplaceon thehingepin,lockingthemulching

bafflefirmlyontomower.Releasechutedeflector.

Step 5

Step 6

Step 8 Step 7

AdjUstment

WHEELINSTALL

Step 6

Onselect models,the

frontwheelsmayalso

needto be installed.

Installthese inthe

same mannerasthe

rearwheels.

CUTTINGHEIGHT

Step 7

Allwheels must be

placedinthe same

relativeposition. For

roughor unevenlawns,

movethe heightadjust-

mentleverto a higher

position.This will stop

scalping of grass.

MULCHINGBAFFLE

(if so equipped)

Step 8

Forproperassembly

installbottom Ipinside

chute opening before

placinghooks overthe

hingepin.

IMPORTANT

This unitisshipped

without gasolineor

oil in the engine. Fill

upgasolineand oil

as instructedinthe

accompanyingengine

manua BEFORE

operatingyour mower.

Mower

WARNING

This blade control

mechanism isa

safety device. Never

attemptto bypass its

operations.

Use extreme care

when handling

gasoline.Gasoline is

extremelyflammable

and the vapors are

explosive.Never fuel

the machine indoors

or while the engine

is hot or running.

Extinguishcigarettes,

cigars, pipes and

other sources of

ignition.

Know Your Lawn Mower

BladeControl

Recoil

Starter Oil Fill

Mulching

Baffle

Cutting Height

Adjustment Lever

(for eachwheel)

Gasoline Fill

Figure 1

Nowthatyouhavesetup yourlawnmowerforopera-

tion,getacquaintedwithits controlsandfeatures.These

aredescribedbelowandillustratedthispage.This

knowledgewillallowyoutouseyournewequipmentto

itsfullestpotential.

Blade Control

Thebladecontrolisattachedtotheupperhandleofthe

mower.Depressthe bladecontroltooperatetheunit.

Releaseittostopengineandblade.

_ WARNING:This blade control

mechanism is a safety device.

Never attempt to bypass its

operations.

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

Oneadjustmentleveris locatedoneachwheelandis

usedtoadjustthecuttingheight.All fourlevershaveto

beatthesamerelativepositiontoensureuniformcut.

Recoil Starter

Therecoilstarterisattachedtotherightupperhandle.

Standbehindtheunitand pullthe recoilstarterropeto

starttheunit.

Mulching Baffle (if so equipped)

Themulchingbaffleisusedtorecirculategrassclippings

backtothelawn.Attachitasinstructedon page7ofthis

manual.

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

1. Checkoillevelandaddoil if necessary.Followengine

manualforthis.SeeFigure1aboveforlocationofthe

oilfill.

2. Serviceenginewithgasolineasinstructedinengine

manual. SeeFigure1aboveforlocationof gascap.

WARNING: Use extreme care

when handling gasoline. Gasoline

is extremely flammable and the

vapors are explosive. Never fuel

the machine indoorsor while the

engine is hot or running. Extin-

guish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and

other sources of ignition.

WARNING:Theoperationof

I..°mowo,o..,o.o,i. /A I

foreignobjectsbeingthrown ('

intothe eyes, which can damage

your eyesseverely. Always wear

Starting

safety glasseswhile operating

the mower, orwhile performing

any adjustments or repairs on it.

Engine

WARNING: Be sure no one other

than the operator is standing

nearthe 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.

1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwoseconds

betweeneachpush.See Figure2. Intemperature

around550For below,primefivetimes.Donotprime

to restarta warmengine.

2. Standingbehindthemower,squeezetheblade

controlagainst upperhandle.SeeFigure2.

3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasp

recoilstarterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,

continuous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure2. Keeping

a firmgripon thestarterhandle,lettheroperewind

slowly.Repeatuntilenginecranks.Lettherope

rewindeachtimeslowly.

Stopping Engine

1. Releasebladecontrolto stoptheengineand blade.

2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand

groundagainsttheengine.

Using Your Lawn Mower

Besurethelawnisdear ofstones,sticks,wire,or other

objectswhichcoulddamagethelawnmoweror the

engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidentlythrownby

themowerin anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonal

injuryto theoperatorandothers.

Figure 2

WARNING: If you strike a foreign

object, stop the engine. Remove

wire from the spark plug, thor-

oughly inspectthe mower for any

damage, and repair the damage

before restarting and operating

the mower. Extensive vibration

of the mower during operation is

an indicationof damage. The unit

should be promptly inspected

and repaired.

Operating Tips

1. Forbestresults,do notcutwetgrass.

2. Newgrass,thickgrass,orwet grassmayrequirea

narrowercut.

3. Fora healthierlawn,nevercutoff morethanone-third

ofthetotallengthofthegrass.

4. Yourlawnshouldbecut inthefallaslongasthere

isgrowth.

5. Foreffectivemulching,donotcutwetgrass.

6. Adjustgroundspeedaccordingto conditionof lawn.

7. Ifthegrasshasbeenallowedtogrowin excessof 4

inches,mulchingis notrecommended.Mowusing

thesidedischargetoreducethegrassheightto3-1/4

inchesor lessbeforemulching.

WARNING

The operation of any

lawn mower can result

in foreign objects

being thrown into

the eyes,which can

damage your eyes

severely. Alwayswear

safety glasseswhile

operating the mower,

or while performing

any adjustments or

repairs on it.

Besure no one other

than the operator is

standing near the lawn

mower while starting

engine or operating

mower. Never run

engine indoorsor

in enclosed, poorly

ventilatedareas. En-

ine exhaust contains

aarbon monoxide, an

odorless and deadly

gas. Keep hands, feet,

hair and loose clothing

away from any moving

parts on engine and

lawn mower.

S?_:?_'_:!_ _' _!b_

Mainta=n

Your Lawn

ower

WAR. .G

A waysstopengine;

disconnect spark

plug, and ground

againstenginebefore

cleaning, lubricating

or doing any kind of

maintenance on your

machine:

Wedo notrecommend

the useof pressure

washersor garden

hose to clean your

unit, Thesemay cause

damagebearings or

the engine:The use

of water willresult in

shortened lifeand

reduceserViCeability.

Lubricate

these points

before

reassembly.

Cap

Spark Plug

Wire

Air Filter

antumEngine

Figure 4

General Recommendations

1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming

anymaintenance.

2. Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover

itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse

or negligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,

operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras

instructedhere.

3. Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoid

enginewarranty.

4. Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce

eachseason.

Periodicallycheckall fastenersand makesurethese

aretight.

,__ WARNING: Always stop engine,

disconnect spark plug, and

ground against engine before

cleaning, lubricating or doing

any kind of maintenance on your

machine.

Lubrication

1. Lubricatepivotpointsonthe bladecontrolatleastonce

a seasonwith lightoil.Thebladecontrolmustoperate

freelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure3.

2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith

lightoil (ormotoroil).If wheelsareremovedforany

reason,lubricatesurfaceoftheaxleboltandinner

surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure3.

3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointonthe

chutedeflectorperiodicallywith lightoilto preventrust.

SeeFigure3.

4. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrication

scheduleand instructionforenginelubrication.

Engine Care

1. Changetheengineoil regularly,as instructedinthe

enginemanual.Checkoil levelbeforestartingengine

everytime.

2. Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormalcondi-

tions.Toservicetheaircleaner,referto theseparate

enginemanualpackedwithyourunit.

3. Cleanthesparkplugandresetthegapto.030"at least

oncea season.Refertotheenginemanualforcorrect

sparkplugtype.RefertoFigure4.

Mower Care

Cleanundersideofthe mowerdeckaftereachuseto

preventbuild-upofgrassclippingsorotherdebris.Follow

stepsbelowforthisjob.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn

mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap

SeeFigure4.

2. Tipthemowersothat itrestsonthehousing.Keep

thesidewiththeaircleanerfacingup.Holdthemower

firmly.

_ ARNING: Never tip the mower

more than 90 degrees inany

directions and do not leave the

mower tipped for any length of

time. Oil can drain intothe upper

part ofthe engine causing a

starting problem.

3. Scrapeandcleanthe undersideofthedeckwitha

suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.

4. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsontheground.Ifyou

hadputplasticunderthegascapearlier,makesureto

removeit now.

Blade Care f

Figure 5

,__ 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.

Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,

especiallyifyoustrikeaforeignobject.Replacewhen

necessary.Followthestepsbelowforbladeservice.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn

moweronits sidemakingsurethattheair filterand

thecarburetorareup.

2. Removetheboltandthebladebellsupportwhich

holdthebladeandthebladeadaptertotheengine

crankshaft.SeeFigure5.

3. Removebladeandadapterfromthecrankshaft.

4. Thebladecanbesharpenedwithafileor ona

grindingwheel.Donotattemptto sharpentheblade

whileit isstillonthe mower.

5. Whensharpeningtheblade,followtheoriginalangle

ofgrind.Grindeachcuttingedgeequallytokeepthe

bladebalanced.

Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.

Balancethebladeon a roundshaftscrewdriverto

check.Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntilit

balancesevenly.

,__ WARNING: An unbalancedblade

will cause excessive vibration

when rotating at high speeds.

itmay cause damage to mower,

and could break causing per-

sonal injury.

Off-Season Storage

Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakentoprepareyourlawn

mowerforstorage.

1. Cleanand lubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin

thelubricationinstructions.

2. Wedo notrecommendtheuseof a pressurewasher

orgardenhosetocleanyourunit.

3. Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine

storageinstructions.

4. Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto

preventrusting.

5. Storemowerin a dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenextto

corrosivematerials,suchasfertilizer.

Whenstoringanytypeofpowerequipmentina poorly

ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetakento

rust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoilor silicone,coat

theequipment,especiallycablesandall movingpartsof

yourlawnmowerbeforestorage.

8. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurface

ofthebladeadapterwithlightoil.Slidetheblade

adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.

9. Placethebladeon theadaptersuchthattheside

oftheblademarked"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)

facesgroundwhenthemowerisin theoperating

position.Makesurethatthebladeisalignedand

seatedon bladeadapterflanges.

10.Placebladebellsupportontheblade.Alignnotches

onthebladebellsupportwithsmallholesin blade.

11.Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450

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

Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically

checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.

MoWer

WARNING

When removing

the cutting blade

for sharpening or

replacement, protect

your handswith a

pair of heavy gloves

or use a heavy rag to

hold the blade.

An unbalanced blade

will causeexcessive

vibration when rotat-

ing at high speeds, it

maycause damage

to mower, and could

break causing per-

sonal injury.

repairsbeyond

theminoradjustments

listed here, contact

an authorizedservice

_iiii _ ii _ _ i _ _i _ i

i i i ¸ ! !

i_ i_ _i!: _ i ii _ii__ii_I iiiii_

Problem Cause Remedy

Engine fails to Start i. Blade controldisengaged. Engagebiadecontrol

sparkp!ugwiredisconnected: I conBect WiretoSparkp!ug_

3. Fueltankemptyorstalefuel. 3. FiItankwith clean,freshgasoline.

4. Enginenotchoked. 4. Chokeengineas instructedinthe

OPe[atingYOU[LawnMower section•

5: Faultysparkpug 5, Clean,adjustgap,or replace.

6. BlOCkedfuel linel 6, cieanfueliinel

7: Engineflooded. 7: Wait afew minutesto iestart,but do

I notprime:

Enginerunserratic 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.

Engine overheats 1 Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil.

2....A rfow restrcted I 2 Removebower housngandcean

3. Carburetornotadjustedpropery. 3• Refertoengne manua.

Occasional skips 1. Sparkpluggap tooclose. 1. Adjust gapto .030-inch.

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

improperlyset.

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

sparkpug.

2 Carburetorimproperlyadjusted 2. Refertoenginemanual.

. 3. Dirtyair cleaner. 3. Refertoenginemanual.

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

blade.

2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. See anauthorizedservicedealer.

Mower will not mulch grass 1 Wetgrass• 1. Donot mowwhengrassiswet wait

untillatertocut.

2. Excessivelyhighgrass. 2. Mowonceata highcuttingheight,

then mowagainatdesiredheightor

I makeanarrowercuttingpath.

, 3. Du bade. , 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.

Uneven cut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsin same

heightposition.

2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

iii i_ _ iiii

ii i _iI_ii

Model Series 500

747-1161A BladeControl 742-0642A

749-1092A UpperHandle 24. 710-1044

746-0957 BladeControlCable-37.25" 25. 736-0524B

746-1130 BladeControlCable-40" 26. 738-1172

746-0946 BladeControlCable- 48.25" 27. 736-0741

22"MulchingBlade

HexCapScrew3/8-24x 1.5

BladeBellSupport

ShoulderScrew3/8- 16x.302

BellWasher.760IDx 1.25OD

4. 710-1205 EyeBolt 28. 734-1988 FrontWheelAssembly7x 1.8

5. 720-0279 WingNut 29. 720-0426 HeightAdjusterKnob

6. 720-04072 StarKnob 30. 732-1026 FrontSpringLever

7. 631-04045t MulchingBaffle 31. 747-0710 HingePin

8. 710-1174 CarriageBolt5/16-18x2.0 32. 732-1014

9. 725-0157 CableTie 33. 17032A

10. 749-04037 LowerHandle 34. 731-1034B

11. 731-0981At HubCap(NotShown) 35. 710-0216

12. 17098 HingeClip 36. 741-0717

13. 731-2537 TrailShield 37. 687-02080

14. 682-3062A HandleBracketAssembly-RH 38. 687-02079

TorsionSpring

DeflectorChuteAdapter

Side DischargeChuteAssembly

HexCapScrew3/8-16x .75

ThrustBearing.688IDx 1.94OD

RearPivotArmAssembly- RH

RearPivotArmAssembly- LH

Parts List

UENUINH

_FACTORY PARTS

Toorder replacement

parts, contact

1,800_800-7310

www.rntdproducts,com

15. 682-3063A HandleBracketAssembly-LH 39. 732-0984B RearSpringLever

16. 712-04065 LockNut3/8-16 40. 738-1127 ShoulderScrew3/8- 16x.442

17. 710-0654A HexWasherScrew3/8-16x 1.0 41. 710-0599 Screw1/4-20x.50

18. 687-02048 22"DeckAssembly 42. 734-04082 RearWheelAssembly12x 1.8

19. 736-0270 BellWasher.265x.75 43. 751B281440t EngineShroud

20. 741-0751 HeightAdjusterBearing 731-1396At EngineShroud

21. 687-02094 PivotArmAssembly 44. 710-1256t Screw,#8-18x 1.25

22. 748-0376C BladeAdapter 45. 731-1035B HingedChuteDeflector

t ifequipped

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.

NOW 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,appliesafter the

applicable periodof expresswritten warranty aboveasto the

partsasidentified.Nootherexpresswarranty, whetherwritten or

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 product shallvoid 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.

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136=0019; Phone: 1=800=800=7310, 1=330=220=4683

MTD 500 Series Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 500 Series

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

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MTD 500 Series Owner's manual

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