MTD 12B-569Q755 Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 12B-569Q755

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

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

OF A O AL

21" Rotary Mower- Model Series 560

iMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush-

coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).

If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw

(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester

forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,

Ohio44136-0019.

PRINTEDIN U.S.A.

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

FORMNO.770-10347G

10/18/2006

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

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

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MTDLLCreservestherighttochangeproductspecifications,designs,andequipmentwithoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation.

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREASSEMBLINGYOURNEWEQUIPMENT,

pleaselocatethe modelplateon theequipmentand

copythe informationto thesamplemodelplatepro-

videdto the right.Youcan locatethe modelplateby

standingat theoperatingpositionand lookingdown

atthe rearofthe deck.Thisinformationwillbe neces-

saryto usethe manufacturer'swebsite,toobtain

assistancefromtheCustomerSupportDepartment,

orwhencontactingan authorizedservicedealer.

Model Number

www.mtdproducts.com

Serial Number

MTD LLC

PoO= BOX 361131

CLEVELAND, OH 44136

330-220-4683

800-800-7310

Customer Support

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

contacting Customer Support.

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

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

• Visit www.mtdproducts.com

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

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

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

your unit,for moreinformation.

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Sightandholdthis levelwith a verticaltree...

_ or acornerof a building...

__ or a fence post

I I

-- fir_e (repros

_ _ er_ts a 15o

15°

WARNING

Thissymbolpoints

out importantsafety

instructionswhich,if

notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal

i safetyand/or property

I ofyourselfand others.

Readandfollowall

instructionsinthis

manualbeforeat-

temptingto operate

i this machine.Failure

I to complywith these

instructionsmayresult

i inpersonalinjury.When

youseethis symbol.

i HEED ITS WARNING!

i Your Responsibility

Restrictthe use

ofthis powermachine

to personswho read.

i understand

andfollow thewarnings

and instructions

=nthis manual

and onthe machine.

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

nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand

birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.

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

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

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

objects. Failureto observethefollowing safety instructionscould result in seriousinjury ordeath.

Children

Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presence

ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtomowerand mowing

activity.Theydonot understandthe dangers.Neverassume

thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.

1. Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaand underwatchful

careofa responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.

2. Bealertandturnmoweroffif achildentersthearea.

3. Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown

forsmallchildren.

4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,

doorways,shrubs,trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscure

yourvisionofa child whomayrunintothe mower.

5. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycan

sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.

6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operateapower

mower.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand

understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthis

manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyaparent.

General Operation

1. Readthisoperator'smanualcarefullyin its entiretybefore

attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,

andfollowall instructionsonthe machineandin the

manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith

thecontrolsandthe properuseofthis machinebefore

operatingit. Keepthis manualin a safeplaceforfuture

andregularreferenceandfor orderingreplacementparts.

2. Thismachineisa precisionpieceof powerequipment,

nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all

times.Yourunithas beendesignedto performonejob: to

mowgrass.Do notuseit foranyotherpurpose.

3. Neverallow childrenunder14yearsoldto operatethis

machine.Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand

understandthe instructionsinthismanualandshould

betrainedand supervisedby a parent.Onlyresponsible

individualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe

operationshouldbeallowedto usethismachine.

4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto

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

andotherforeignobjects,whichcouldbetrippedoveror

pickedupandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjectscan

causeseriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpattern

toavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,sidewalks,

bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial

againsta wallor obstruction,whichmaycausedischarged

materialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.

5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,

stayinoperatorzonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,

bystanders,helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrom mower

whileit is inoperation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters

area.

6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera-

tionandwhile performinganadjustmentor repairtoprotect

youreyes.Thrownobjectswhich ricochetcancauseserious

injurytothe eyes.

7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fitting

slacksandshirts. Shirtsandpantsthatcoverthe armsand

legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended.Neveroperate

thismachineinbarefeet,sandals,slipperyor light-weight

(e.g.canvas)shoes.

8. Donotputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor undercutting

deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.

9. Amissingor damageddischargecovercancause blade

contactor thrownobjectinjuries.

10.Manyinjuriesoccurasa resultofthe mowerbeingpulled

overthefoot duringafall causedby slippingor tripping.

Do notholdontothe mowerifyouarefalling;releasethe

handleimmediately.

11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare

walking.Ifyoumustbackthe mowerawayfromawallor

obstructionfirstlookdownand behindtoavoidtrippingand

thenfollowthesesteps:

a. Stepbackfrommowertofully extendyourarms.

b. Besureyouarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.

c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,no morethanhalfway

towardyou.

d. Repeatthesestepsas needed.

12.Do notoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof

alcoholordrugs.

13.Do notengagetheself-propelledmechanismon unitsso

equippedwhilestartingengine.

14.Thebladecontrolhandleisasafetydevice.Neverattempt

tobypassitsoperation.Doingso makesthe safetydevice

inoperativeandmayresultin personalinjurythrough

contactwiththe rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandle

mustoperateeasilyin bothdirectionsandautomatically

returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.

15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwet grass.Alwaysbesureof

yourfooting. A slipand fallcancauseseriouspersonal

injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourfooting,releasethe

bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe bladewillstop

rotatingwithinthreeseconds.

16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.

17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.

18.Ifthe equipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe

engineandcheckimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis

generallya warningoftrouble.

19.Shutthe engineoffand waituntilthe bladecomestoa

completestopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcherorunclog-

gingthe chute.

Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotateforafewsecondsafter

the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceany partofthe bodyin

the bladeareauntilyouaresurethe bladehasstopped

rotating.

20.Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,discharge

cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleorothersafety

protectivedevicesin placeand working.Neveroperate

mowerwith damagedsafetydevices.Failureto dosocan

resultin personalinjury.

21.Mufflerand enginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Do

nottouch.

22.Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthis machineby

manufacturer.Failuretodoso can resultin personalinjury.

23. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis manual,

usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor

assistance.

Slope Operation

Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedtoslip andfall accidents,which

canresultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra

caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyonaslope,do notmowit. Foryour

safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthis manualto

measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisuniton aslopedorhilly

area.Ifthe slopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donotmowit.

Do:

1. Mowacrossthefaceofslopes;neverupand down.Exercise

extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

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

whichcancauseyouto slipor trip.Tallgrasscan hide

obstacles.

3. Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slipand fallcan cause

seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeel youarelosingyour

balance,releasethebladecontrolhandleimmediately,and

the bladewill stoprotatingwithin3seconds.

Do Not:

1. Do notmowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments,you

could loseyourfootingor balance.

2. Donotmowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownon

the slopegauge.

3. Donotmowonwet grass.Unstablefootingcouldcause

slipping.

Service

Safe Handling Of Gasoline:

1. Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextreme

carein handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable

andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjury can

occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselfor yourclothes,

whichcanignite.Washyourskin andchangeclothes

immediately.

2. Useonlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.

3. Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehicleor ona truckortrailer

bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe

groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

4. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truckor trailer

andrefueliton theground.Ifthisisnot possible,thenrefuel

suchequipmenton atrailer withaportablecontainer,rather

thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.

5. Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimofthe fueltankor

containeropeningatall timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Do

not useanozzlelock-opendevice.

6. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources

ofignition.

7. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill

accumulatein thearea.

8. Neverremovegascap oraddfuelwhileengineishot or

running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwominutesbefore

refueling.

9. Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch

belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.

10.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

11.Ifgasolineis spilled,wipeitoff theengineand equipment.

Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting

engine.

12.Neverstorethemachineorfuel containernearanopen

flame,sparkor pilotlightasona waterheater,space

heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.

13.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,

orother debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand

removeanyfuel soakeddebris.

14.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.

GeneralService:

1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorin a poorlyventilatedarea.

Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorless

anddeadlygas.

2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe

bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe

sparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe engineto prevent

unintendedstarting.

3. Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent

intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectblade

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

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

listedinthis manual."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe

originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improper

performanceandcompromisesafety!"

4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor

weargloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.

5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip-

mentis insafeworkingcondition.

6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproper

operationregularly.

7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,discon-

nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.

Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerforanydamage.Repairthe

damagebeforestartingandoperatingthe mower.

8. Neverattemptto makeawheelor cuttingheightadjust-

mentwhilethe engineisrunning.

9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail

shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould

exposemovingpartsor allowobjectstobethrown.For

safetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsand re-

placeimmediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's

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

whichdo notmeetthe originalequipmentspecifications

mayleadtoimproperperformanceand compromise

safety!"

10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe

engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating

speedoftheengine.

11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,as necessary.

12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper

disposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.

Practices

WARNING

Thissymbol points

out importantsafety

instructions,which if

notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal

safety and/or property

of yourselfand others.

Readand followall

instructions inthis man-

ual beforeattemptingto

operatethis machine.

Failureto comply with

these instructionsmay

result inpersonalinjury.

Whenyousee this

symbol.

HEED iT'S WARNING!

Your Responsibility

Restrictthe use

of this powermachine

to personswho read.

understand

and followthe warnings

and instructions

in this manua

and onthe machine.

NOTE:ThisOperator's

}Manualcoversseveral

models.LawnMower

featuresvaryby

model.Notallfeatures

discussed(orengines

pictured)inthismanual

areapplicabletoall

LawnMowermodels.

NOTE:Standbehind

themowerasifyou

i weregoingtooperate

it.Yourrighthandcor-

respondstotheright

sideofthemower;your

i lefthandcorresponds

i totheleftsideofthe

mower.

I NOTE:Yourmower

isshippedwiththe

handleinthehigher

i heightposition.

I NOTE:Eachendof

thelowerhandlemust

beplacednthesame

reativeposition.

I IMPORTANT

DO NOTcrimp the

i cableswhen liftingthe

handleup. Makesure

i to routethe cables

inside the lowerhandle.

Figure 3=1

Hardware Pack

Wing Nuts (2) CarriageBolts (2)

Figure 3=2

1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetween

upperandlowerhandles.

a. Pullupand backon upperhandleasshownin

Figure3-1.Makecertainthelowerhandleisseated

securelyintothehandlemountingbrackets.

b. Tightenhandknobssecuringupperhandleto

lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriageboltis

seatedproperlyin thehandle.

2. Locatehairpinclipinone holeon theweldpinon each

sideof lowerhandle.

a. Removehairpinclipfromthis hole.Usinga pairof

pliers,inserthairpinclipintotheotherholeon the

weldpin.Repeaton otherside.SeeFigure3-2.

b. Inserta carriageboltfromthehardwarepackinto

theupperholeonthehandlemountingbracket.

Securewithone plasticwingnut,alsoincluded

inthehardwarepack.Repeatonothersidewith

remainingitemsfromhardwarepack.

Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe

upperhandle.Loosenthewingnutwhichsecuresthe

ropeguide.

a. Holdthebladecontrolagainstupperhandle.

b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releasethe

bladecontrol.SeeFigure3-3.

c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.

d. Tightenwingnut.

Insertpostoncabletiesintoholesprovidedon the

lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.

Anadjustingplateandthumbleverateachwheel

positionprovidescuttingheightadjustment.

a. Depresslevertowardswheel.

b. Moveitto anyoftheninepositionsfordesired

cuttingheight.SeeFigure3-5.

c. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.

k,.

Figure 3-3 Figure 3-4

6. Followstepsbelowtoassemblethegrasscatcher:

a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside

is atthebottom.

b. Slip plasticchannelofgrassbagoverhookson

theframe.SeeFigure3-6.All theplasticchannels

exceptcentertopofbagattachfromoutsideof

bag.

c. Attachcentertopofbagfrominsideofbag.

7. Followstepsbelowtoattachgrasscatcher:

a. Liftreardischargedoor.

b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod.Letgo

ofdischargedoorsothat itrestson thegrass

catcher.SeeFigure3-7.

Toremovegrasscatcherorconverttoa mulcher(if

equipped),lift reardischargedooronthemoweras

showninFigure3-7.Liftgrasscatcherupandoutofthe

pivotrod.Releasereardischargedoortoallowit toclose

rearopeningofmower.

_ WARNING:Neveroperatemower

unless the hookson the grass catcher

arefirmly seatedinthe slotson the

handlebracketassemblies, and the rear

dischargedoorrests firmly againsttop

of thegrass catcher.

ifcovertingtosidedischarge,makesuregrass

catcherisoff unitand reardischargedoorisclosed.

a. Liftmulchingplugon therightsideof mower.

b. Slidetwohooksofsidedischargechuteunder

thehingepinonthe mulchingplugassemblyand

lowerthesidemulchingplug.See Figure3-8.

i i

J /

Figure 3-5

NOTE:Donotremovethesidemulchingplugatanytime,

evenwhenyouarenotmulching.

Figure 3=6

setup and

ustment

CUTTINGHEIGHT

A!l Wheelsmust be

placed inthe same

relativeposition.

GRASSCATCHER

!in bag is

turned right side Out

beforeassembling

_elwill be

_, ,J

Figure 3=8 Figure 3-7

he grasscatcher.

WARNING

The bladecontrol

mechanismisa

safety device. Never

attemptto bypassits

operations.

; Useextreme care

when handling

gasoline.Gasolineis

extremely flammable

and the vapors are

explosive. Never fuel

the machine indoors

or while the engine

is hot or running.

I Extinguish cigarettes,

cigars, pipesand

other sources of

ignition.

Keep hands and feet

away from the chute

area on cutting deck.

Referto warning

label onthe unit.

Know Your Lawn Mower

BladeControl

e Control

Recoil

Starte

Plug

Heigh! Adjustment

Lever

Figure 4-1

Nowthatyouhavesetupyourlawnmowerforopera-

tion,getaquaintedwithits controlsandfeatures.These

aredescribedbelowandillustratedonthis page.This

knowledgewillallowyoutouseyournewequipmentto

itsfullestpotential.

Blade Control

Thebladecontrolisattachedtothe upperhandleof

themower.Depressand squeezeitagainsttheupper

handletooperatetheunit. Releaseittostopengineand

blade.SeeFigure4-1.

_ WARNING:This blade controlmecha-

nism isa safetydevice. Neverattempt

to bypass itsoperations.

Drive Control

Thedrivecontrolislocatedontheundersideofthe

upperhandleand isusedtoengagethedrive.Squeeze

itagainsttheupperhandleto engagethedrive; release

ittoslowdownor stopmowerfrompropelling.

Mulching Plug

Themulchingplugisusedonlyformulchingpurposes.

Insteadofcollectingthegrassclippingsinthegrass

catcher,yourmowerhastheoptionof recirculating

theclippingsbacktothelawn.Makesurethatthe

reardischargedoorisclosedandthegrasscatcheris

removedfromunitwhilemulching.

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

Oneadjustmentleverislocatedon eachwheelandis

usedtoadjustthecuttingheight.All fourlevershaveto

beatthesamerelativepositiontoensurea uniformcut.

Recoil Starter

The recoil starter isattached to the right upper

handle.Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil

starter ropeto start the unit.

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

1. Checkoillevelandaddoil if necessary.Followengine

manualforthis.

2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe

enginemanual.SeeEnginemanualforlocationofoil

andgasfill.

_ ARNING:Useextremecarewhenhan-

dling gasoline.Gasolineisextremely

flammable and thevapors are explosive.

Neverfuel the machineindoorsor while

the engine ishot or running.Extinguish cigarettes,

cigars, pipesand other sources of ignition.

WARNING:The operation of any lawnmower can

resultinforeign objects being thrown intothe eyes,

which candamageyour eyesseverely.Alwayswear

safety glasses while operating the mower,or while

performinganyadjustments orrepairson it.

Starting Engine

_kk ARNING:Besurenoone otherthan

theoperatorisstandingnearthe lawn

mowerwhilestarting engine or operat-

ingmower.Neverrun engine indoorsor

in enclosed,poorly ventilatedareas.Engineexhaust

containscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessand deadly

gas. Keephands, feet, hairand looseclothingaway

from any moving partsonengine and lawnmower.

Followtheset ofinstructionspertainingto yourunit.

Referto enginemanualfor helpwith theengine.

Briggs & Stratton/Tecurnseh Engine:

1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwoseconds

betweeneachpush.SeeFigure4-2.Intemperature

around550For below,primefive times.Donotprime

to restarta warmengine.

2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol

againstupperhandleasshowninFigure4-2.

3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil

starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-

ous,fullarmstroke.Keepingafirm griponthestarter

handle,lettheroperewindslowly.Repeatuntilengine

cranks.Lettheroperewindeachtimeslowly.

Honda Engine:

1. Placethefuelvalveleverfoundontheleft sideofthe

engineintotheON(OPEN)position.

2. Movethechokeleverall thewaybackwardintothe

chokeposition.SeeFigure4-3.

3. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol

againstupperhandleasshowninFigure4-3.The

chokewill nowbeginto slowlyreturntotheoffchoke

positionafteractivatingthebladecontrol.Therefore,

quicklymoveontostepfourbelow.

4. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil

starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-

ous,fullarmstroke.Keepingafirm griponthestarter

handleletthe roperewindslowly.Repeatuntilengine

cranks.Lettheroperewindeachtimeslowly.

_ ARNING:Waitfor the bladeto stop

completelybeforeperforminganywork

on the mower or to removethegrass

catcher.

Figure 4=2

Figure 4=3

,__ WARNING:If you strikeaforeign

object, stop the engine. Remove

wire from thesparkplug,thoroughly

inspectmowerfor anydamage,and

repairdamagebeforerestarting andoperating.

Extensive vibration of mowerduring operation isan

indicationof damage.The unit should be promptly

inspectedand repaired.

Stopping Engine

1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineand blade.

2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand

groundagainsttheengine.

UsingYour Lawn Mower

Besurelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other

objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine.

Suchobjectscouldbe accidentlythrownbythemower

in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytothe

operatorandothers.

Using as Mulcher

Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherandside

dischargechutefromthemower.Foreffectivemulching,

do notcutwetgrass.If thegrasshasbeenallowedto

growin excessof fourinches,mulchingisnotrecom-

mended.Usethegrasscatchertobagclippingsinstead.

Using Grass Catcher

Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile

youareoperatingthemower.Refertosetupsectionfor

instructionson attachingthegrasscatcher.

perating

MoWer

The operation of any

lawnmower can result

inforeign objects

being thrown into

the eyes,which can

damage your eyes

severely. Always wear

safety glasseswhile

operatingthe mower,

or while performing

any adjustments or

repairs on it.

Be sure no one other

than the operator is

standing near the lawn

mower while starting

engine or operating

mower. Never run

engine indoors or

in enclosed, poorly

ventilated areas. En-

gine exhaust contains

carbon monoxide, an

odorless and deadly

]as. Keep hands, feet,

lair and loose clothing

_wayfrom any moving

partson engine and

lawn mower.

Maintaining

Always stop engine,

disconnectspark

andground

againstenginebefore

cleaning,lubricating

ordoinganykindof

maintenance onyour

We dori0

the use of pressure

washersoi garden

hoseto cleanyour

uniLThese may cause

damageto electric

component&spindles,

pul!eys,beanngs;or

theenginelThe use

OfWaterWillresultin

shortened Ifeand

reduceserviceability.

NOTE: This Operators

Manualcoversseveral

model&Lawn Mower

featuresvary by

model Not allfeatures

discussed (orengines

pictured)in this manual

are applicabletoa!l

,,,oLawn,M0we[,,mode.!s,L,,,,_

Lubrication

1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolatleast

oncea seasonwithlightoil.Thebladecontrolmust

operatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure5-1.

2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith

lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany

reason,lubricatesurfaceofthepivotarmandinner

surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure5-1.

3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointoneach

endofthereardischargedoorandthesidemulching

plugperiodicallywithlightoil topreventrust.See

Figure5-1.

4. Thetransmissionispre-lubricatedand sealedatthe

factoryanddoesnotrequirelubrication.

5. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-

tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.

Figure 5=1

Deck Care

1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn

mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.

2. Tipmowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe

sidewiththeair cleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.

_ ARNING:Nevertip the mowermore

than 90 degreesin anydirections and

do not leavethe mower tipped for any

length of time. Oil can drain intothe

upper part of the enginecausing a

startingproblem.

Figure 5=2

3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwitha

suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.

4. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsontheground.If

youhad putplasticunderthegascapearlier,make

sureto removeitnow.

General Recommendations

1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming

anymaintenance.

2. Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover

itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse

ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,

operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras

instructedhere.

3. Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid

enginewarranty.

4. Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce

eachseason.

Engine Care

1. Maintainoil levelasinstructedin enginemanual.

2. Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal

conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely

dustyconditions.Refertoenginemanual.

3. Cleansparkplugand resetthegaponcea season.

Checkenginemanualforcorrectplugtype andgap

specifications.

4. Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe

coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleantopermit

properaircirculation.Removeall grass,dirtand

combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.

5. Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese

aretight.

,_l_!_ ILWARNING:Alwaysstopengine,

disconnect sparkplug, and ground

against enginebeforecleaning,

lubricating or doing any kind of

maintenanceon yourmachine.

Replacing Rear Flap

1. Toremoverearflap,lift reardoor,and pressflapinon

eithersideto removefromhole.SeeFigure5-2.

2. Removeflapfromoppositeholeand replacewithnew

flapintheoppositeorderandmannerof removal.

Blade Care

_ ARNING:Whenremovingcutting

bladefor sharpening or replacement,

protect your hands with a pair of heavy

gloves or usea heavy ragto hold blade.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn

moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand

thecarburetorareup.

2. Removebolt,bladebellsupport,blade,andblade

adapterfromtheenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure5-3.

3. Thebladecanbe sharpenedwitha fileor on a grind-

ing wheel.Donotattempttosharpenthebladewhile

it isstillon themower.Whensharpeningblade,follow

originalangleofgrind.Grindcuttingedgesequallyto

keepbladebalanced.

4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.

Balancethebladeona roundshaftscrewdriverto

check.Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntilit

balancesevenly.

_ WARNING:An unbalancedblade will

causeexcessivevibrationwhen rotating

at high speeds, it maycause damage

to mower,and could break causing

personalinjury.

5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurface

ofthebladeadapterwithlightoil.Slidetheblade

adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.Placetheblade

on theadaptersuchthatthesideoftheblademarked

"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)facesthegroundwhen

themowerisin theoperatingposition.Makesurethat

bladeisalignedandseatedon bladeadapterflanges.

6. Placebladebellsupportonthe blade.Alignnotches

on thebladebell supportwith smallholesin blade.

Replacehexboltandtightenhexboltto torque:450

in.Ibs.min.,600 in.Ibs.max.

Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically

checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.

Belt Care

1. Removetwoshoulderscrewssecuringfrontdrive

covertomowerdeck.SeeFigure5-4. Pressinwardon

sidesoffrontdrivecoverand releasetabsthat secure

ittotheheightadjusterbrackets.Removedrivecover

frommower.

Loosenscrewholdingbelttensionspringtotransmis-

sion.SeeFigure5-4inset.Donotremovescrew

completely.Asyouloosenit, tensiononthebeltwillbe

released.

Pushtransmissionup a littleandslidebeltoffthe

transmissionpulley.Lift mowertoaccessbeltfrom

undersideofmower.Slidebeltoff ofenginepulleyand

aroundtheblade.SeeFigure5-5.

Figure 5=3

Figure 5=4

Figure 5=5

4. Replacewith newbelt,workingaroundblade.Make

surebeltisfirmlyseatedonenginepulleywhile

pullingfromtheothersideand slidingitaroundthe

transmissionpulley.Tightenscrewloosenedearlier

tosecurebelttensionspringtothetransmission.

Reassemblefrontdrivecover.

WARNING

When removing

the cutting blade

for sharpening or

replacementor

when sliding the belt

around it, protect

your hands with a

pairof heavy gloves

or use a heavy rag to

hold the blade.

An unbalanced blade

will cause excessive

vibration when rotat-

ing at high speeds. It

may cause damage

to mower, and could

break causing per-

sonal injury.

Troub.le

Shooting

For repairs beyond

the minor adjustments

listed here, contact

an authorized service

¸¸7¸¸¸¸¸¸¸: Ziiiiiiii: [

Problem Cause Remedy

Engine failstostart Bladecontroldisengaged.' 11 Engage bladecontrOL

2. sparkplugw redisconnected, z connect wiretosparkplugl

3. Fueltankemptyorstalefue!. . 3. Fil!tankwith clean freshgasoline.

4. Engine not piimed: 4. pr meengne as Ustructedn operat,

ing YourLawnMower!!.

5. Faultysparkpug. 5, Clean adjustgap orreplacel

Blockedfuel line: [6. clean fuel

7; Engineflooded. 7: Wait afewminutesto restartbut do

notprme

Engineruns 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.

- Engineoverheats 1. Engineoil levellow.- 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil.

2. Airflow restricted. 2. Removeblowerhousing

andclean.

[ 3. Carburetornotadjustedproperly. [ 3. Referto enginemanua.

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

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

highspeed improperlyset.

des Door v 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gap 1. Resetgapto .030"or replace

" " too wide. sparkplug.

2. Carburetorimproperlyadjusted. [ 2. Referto enginemanual.

i 3 Dirtyair cleaner 3 Referto enginemanual

. " , . " ,

Excessive 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.Balance

Vibration blade.

2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. Seeanauthorizedservicedealer.

Mowerwill not 1. Wetgrass. 1. Donot mowwhengrassiswet;wait

much _rass' f _ _ untillatertocut.

E 9 .:t 2. Excessivelyhighgrass. 2. Mowonceata highcutt ngheight

quppeo) then mowagainatdesiredheightor

makea narrowercuttng path.

. 3. Dullblade. . 3. Sharpenor replaceblade

Unevencut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsin same

heightposition.

2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

Mowerw not 1. Beltnotinstalledproperly. 1. Checkbeltfor properpuleyinstallation

If r I ' , andmovement

se p ope

2. Debrscloggingdriveoperation. 2. Stopengine,disconnectsparkplug

[ [ w reand cean outdebrs

i 3. Damagedorworn belt. ' 3. Inspectand replacebelt.

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

Off=Season Storage 4. Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto

Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakentoprepareyourlawn

mowerforstorage.

1. Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin

thelubricationinstructions.

2. Wedonotrecommendtheuseofa pressurewasher

or gardenhosetocleanyourunit.

3. Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine

storageinstructions.

preventrusting.

5. Storemowerina dry,cleanarea.Donotstorenext

tocorrosivematerials,suchas fertilizer.

Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipmentin a poorly

ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetaken

torust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoil or silicone,

coattheequipment,especiallycablesandall moving

partsofyourlawnmowerbeforestorage.

Safety Labels Found On Your Lawn Mower

WARNING

DO NOTremove safety

(or any) labels from

mower for any reason.

iVlodel Series 560

Ref. PartNo. Description

No.

1 747-1214 DriveControl

2 710-0599 TT Screw1/4-20x0.5

3 736-0270 BellWasher.265x 0.75

4 17032A DeflectorChuteAdapter

5 732-1014 TorsionSpring

6 618-04376A TransmissionAssembly

7 747-1161A BladeControl

8 749-1092A UpperHandle

9 731-04177 ChuteDeflector

10 687-02055 MulchPlugComplete

11 747-0710 HingePin

12 710-0286 Screw,Machine,1/4-20x.500

13 720-0279 HandleKnob

14 720-04072 StarKnob

15 710-1205 EyeBolt

16 746-1113 ControlCable-37.750"

17 710-1174 CarriageBolt5/16-18x2.0

18 736-0250 Washer,Fiat,1.00x 1.25x.107

19 726-0240 CableTie

20 714-0104 CotterPin

21 710-0654A Self-TappingSeresScrew

22 746-04203 DriveCable-51"

23 664-04027 GrassbagAssembly

24 710-1650 ShoulderScrew# 12-24

25 682-0015 FrontBearingAssembly

26 710-1241 Screw,1/4-15x 1.000

27 687-02194 HeightAdjustmentAss'y-RH

687-02193 HeightAdjustmentAss'y- LH

28 787-01278 21"Deck

29 731-04150C RearBaffle

30 712-0397 WingNut

31 750-04595 Slev.Spacer1.4"Lg.

32 710-0216 HexScrew,3/8-16x.75

33 732-04090A TorsionSpring-RH

34 712-04065 FlangeLockNut,3/8-16

35 731-05132A TransmissionCover- Black

731-05021A TransmissionCover-Yellow

36 782-5002B FrontBaffle

37 754-0637A V-Belt

38 736-0447 WaveWasher

39 750-04594 SleeveSpacer8.985"Lg.

40 748-04082 BladeAdapter

41 742-0741 21"MulchingBlade

Ref. PartNo. Description

No. i

42 736-0524B BladeBellSupport

43 687-02044 PivotPlateAssembly

44 710-1257HexScrew3/B-24x2.50

45749-0928A LowerHandle I- ClIII i._ I!..11_,

46 732-1043 BeltTensionSpring

47 720-0426 AdjustmentKnob

4948634-019073604173Wash,Sprg,FrontWheel,1.005x 1.825x.0488x1.8,Bar,Gray

634-04100 FrontWheel,8 x 1.8,Bar,Yellow

734-2042 FrontWheel,8 x 2.125,Zag

50 710-04531 Screw,1/4-20x.390

51 717-1762 Gear14TRHFWD

717o1761 Gear 14TLHFWD

52 747-04080 GrassBagFrame

53 710-0703 CarriageBolt1/4-20

54 756-04160 Pulley,Half To order replacement

partsicall

55 710-1652 TTScr.w/Washer1/4-20x.625

1'800'800,7310

56687-02280 HandleBracketAssembly- LH orvisit uson

687-02279 HandleBracketAssembly- RH the web at

57 715-0221 DowelPin

58 736-0474 Washer www,mtdproducts:com

59 687-02039A PivotArmAssembly- RH

687-02040A PivotArmAssembly- LH

60 732-0866 RearSpringLever

61 720-0312 FoamGrip

62 738-0507B ShoulderScr.500Did.x.434

63 734-04082 RearWheel,12x 1.8,Bar,Gray

734-04089 RearWheel,12x 1.8,Bar,Yellow

734-04093 RearWheel,12x 2.125,Zag IMPORTANT

64 782-01298 HeightAdjusterPlate-RH For a properworking

782-01299 HeightAdjusterPlate-LH machine, useFactory

65 732-0706 FrontLever- RH Approved Parts:

732-0707 FrontLever-LH ViBELTS arespeCia!iy

66756-04161 Pulley,Half designedto engage

and disengage safely:

67 731-05642 RearTrailingShield

A substitute(nonOEM)

68 747-04588 PivotRod V_BeltCan bedanger_

69 716-0102 SnapRing

ousby not disengaging

70 631-04225 RearDischargeDoor completely:

71 782-7551A WheelDustCap

72 _750-04438A Spcr,Slev,25ramx 1.375x .620

73 731-0981At HubCap

74 731-2626t DeluxeBailCover

75 736-0182t Washer,Sprg,.500x 1.00x.022

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

MTD 12B-569Q755 Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 12B-569Q755

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

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MTD 12B-569Q755 Owner's manual

MTD 12B-569Q755 Owner's manual

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