MTD 500 Series Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 500 Series

Type: Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

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.770-10334H

10/10/2006

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

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

lookingdownatthe rearofthedeck. This information

will benecessaryto usethemanufacturer'sweb

site,to obtainassistancefromtheCustomerSup-

port Department,orwhencontactinganauthorized

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 seekhelpfromthe experts.Choosefromtheoptionsbelow:

= Visitwww.mtdproducts.com

• CallaCustomerSupportRepresentativeat 1-800-800-7310.

• 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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Sightandholdthis levelwith a verticaltree...

_ or acornerof a building...

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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

instructionsmay result

i inpersonalinjury.When

youseethis symbol.

i HEED ITS WARNING!

i Your Responsibility

Restrictthe use

ofthis powermachine

to personswho read.

i understand

andfollow the warnings

and instructions

=nthis manual

and onthe machine.

WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of its constituents,and certain vehiclecompo-

nentscontain or emit chemicals known to Stateof Californiato cause cancer and

birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.

DANGER: Thismachine 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 capable of amputatinghandsand feet and throwing

objects. Failureto observethefollowing safety instructionscould result in seriousinjury 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. Thismachineisaprecisionpieceof 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.Thrownobjects can

causeseriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpattern

toavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,sidewalks,

bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial

againsta wallor obstruction,whichmaycausedischarged

materialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.

5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury,

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. Donotputhandsorfeetnearrotatingpartsor undercutting

deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.

9. Amissingor damageddischargecovercancause blade

contactor thrownobjectinjuries.

10.Manyinjuriesoccurasa resultofthe mowerbeingpulled

overthefoot duringa fall causedbyslippingor 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.If the equipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe

engineandcheckimmediatelyforthe cause.Vibrationis

generallya warningoftrouble.

19.Shutthe engineoffandwaituntilthe 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.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Do

nottouch.

22.Only usepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthis machineby

manufacturer.Failuretodosocan 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,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediately,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. Neverfillcontainersinsideavehicleor ona truck ortrailer

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 coolatleasttwo minutesbefore

refueling.

9. Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch

belowbottomoffiller neckto providefor fuelexpansion.

10.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

11.If gasolineis spilled,wipeitoff theengineand equipment.

Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting

engine.

12.Neverstorethe machineorfuel 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 apoorlyventilatedarea.

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

performanceand compromisesafety!"

4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor

weargloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.

5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip-

mentis insafeworkingcondition.

6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproper

operationregularly.

7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,discon-

nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.

Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerfor anydamage.Repairthe

damagebeforestartingandoperatingthemower.

8. Neverattemptto makea wheelor 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,asnecessary.

12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper

disposaloffluidsand materialscanharmtheenvironment.

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.

The huteretainer

must beremovedand

discarded before

operating themoWer:

i_ i_ ii i

IMPORTANT

This unitisshipped

without gasolineor

oilin the engine:Fill

upgasolineand Oil

as instructedin the

accompanying engine

manual BEFORE

operating your mowerl

NOTE:This Operator's

Manual coversseveral

models! LawnMoWer

featuresvary by

model Notill features

discussed(or engines

pictured)in thismanual

are applicableto all

Forshippingpurposes,thechutedeflectoron your

mowerisheldin anuprightpositionbya retainer.

Removetheretaineras follows:

a. Push chutedeflectoruptowardsengine.Holding

deflectorin thisposition,removetheretainerand

discard.See Figure3-1.

b. Lowerthechutedeflectorcarefullykeepingyour

fingersoutoftheway.

,_ WARNING: The chute retainer

must be removed and discarded

before operating the mower.

k'_, j

Figure 3=1

Figure 3=2

Performthefollowingsequenceforhandlesetup:

a. Lifttheupperhandleupfromthefoldedpositionto

theextendedpositionfollowingthearrowin Figure

3-2.Thehandleshouldclickintothisposition.

b. Makesurethecarriageboltis seatedproperlyin

thehandle.Tightenstarknobssecuringupper

handletothelowerhandle

If satisfiedwith heightof handle,tightenstarknobs

attheendsofthelowerhandle.Forconvenienceof

operating,youmayadjustthehandleheightasfollows:

a. Removethestar knobsshownin Figure3-3 and

removethelowerhandle.

b. Positioneachhandlebracketstudintothetophole

in thelowerhandle.SeeFigure3-3 inset.

c. Tightenthestarknobs.

Insertpostoncabletiesintoholesprovidedon the

lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.See

Figure3-4.

Figure 3=3 Figure 3=4

5. RopeguideSetupasfollowsin Figure3-5:

a. Holdthebladecontrolagainsttheupperhandle.

b. Slowlypullstarterropeoutofengine.

c. Slipstarterropeintotheropeguide.

d. Tightenropeguidewingnut.

6. Installrearwheelsasfollowsin Figure3-6 (wheels

maybealreadyinstalledatfactory,if sodisregardthis

step):

a. Placerearofthemowerdeckon raisedblocks.

b. Removelocknutfrompivotarmassembly(on

selectmodels,thesemaybe includedseparately

ina plasticbag).

c. Slidewheel,withhollowsidein,ontopivotarm

andsecurewithlocknut.

d. Assembletheothersidein thesamemanner.

7. Eachwheelhasa heightadjustmentlevertochange

thecuttingheightofthe mower.

a. Depressheightadjustmentlevertowardswheel.

b. Slidelevertodesiredpositionfora changein

cuttingheight.SeeFigure3-7.

c. Releaselevertowardsdeck.

8. If yourmowerisequippedwithan optionalmulching

baffle,installiton therightsideofthedeck.Follow

thesequenceindicatedhere.

a. Lift upandholdtheside-dischargechutedeflector

andinsertbottomlip ofthemulchingbaffleinside

thechuteopening.See Figure3-8.

b. Snaphooksofthemulchingbaffleoverthehinge

pinofthechutedeflector.Thehooksmustsnap

intoplaceon thehingepin,lockingthemulching

bafflefirmlyontomower.Releasechutedeflector.

Figure 3-5

Figure 3-6

WHEELINSTALL

Onselect models,the

frontwheels mayalso

needto be installed.

Installthese in the

same mannerasthe

rearwheels.

CUTTINGHEIGHT

Allwheels must be

placedin thesame

relativeposition.For

roughor unevenlawns,

movethe heightadjust-

pent leverto a higher

osition.This will stop

scalping of grass.

MULCHINGBAFFLE

(if so equipped)

Figure 3=8 Figure 3-7

Forproperassembly,

installbottom lipinside

chute opening before

placinghooks overthe

hingepin.

IMPORTANT

This unitis shipped

without gasolineor

oil in the engine. Fill

upgasolineand oil

as instructedinthe

accompanyingengine

manualBEFORE

operatingyour mower.

Operating

r Lawn

MoWer

WARNING

This blade control

mechanism isa

safety device. Never

attemptto bypass its

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.

Extinguishcigarettes,

cigars, pipesand

other sourcesof

ignition.

Know Your Lawn Mower

BladeContrd

Recoil

Starter

Mulching

Baffle

Cutting Height

Adjustment Lever

(for eachwheel)

Figure 4-1

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.AttachitasinstructedintheAssembly

sectionof thismanual.

Gas and Oil Fill-lip

1. Checkoillevelandaddoil if necessary.FollowEngine

manualforthis.

2. Serviceenginewithgasolineasinstructedin Engine

manual. SeeseparateEnginemanualforlocationof

gasolineandoil fillforyourunit.

__k 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: The operationof

any lawn mower can result in

foreign objects being thrown

intothe eyes, which can damage

your eyesseverely. Always wear

safety glasseswhile operating

the mower, or while performing

any adjustments or repairs on it.

Starting 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 Figure4-2.Intemperature

around550For below,primefivetimes.Donotprime

to restarta warmengine.

2. Standingbehindthemower,squeezetheblade

controlagainst upperhandle.SeeFigure4-2.

3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasp

recoilstarterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,

continuous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure4-2.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 4=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. Always wear

safety glasses while

operating the 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

engineor operating

mower. Never run

engine indoorsor

inenclosed, poorly

ventilated areas. En-

gineexhaust 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.

WARNING

d sconnectspark

against engine before

cleaningi lubricating

ordo nganyk ,dof

maintenance on your

We do not recommend

theUseof pressure

waShersOrgarden

hose tOcleanyour

uniLThese may cause

damagebearings;or

theengine.The use

of Waterwill resultin

shortened lifeand

reduceserViCeabiltyl

NOTE: ThisOperator's

ManualCovers

severalmodels: Lawn

Mower featuresvary by

model: Notall features

discussed(or engines

Figure 5=1

General Recommendations

1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming

anymaintenance.

2. Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover

itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse

or negligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,

operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras

instructedhere.

3. Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoid

enginewarranty.

4. Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce

eachseason.

5. Periodicallycheckall fastenersand makesurethese

aretight.

_ ARNING: Alwaysstop 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.SeeFigure5-1.

2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith

lightoil (ormotoroil).If wheelsareremovedforany

reason,lubricatesurfaceoftheaxleboltandinner

surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure5-1.

3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointonthe

chutedeflectorperiodicallywith lightoilto preventrust.

SeeFigure5-1.

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.

Mower Care

Cleanundersideofthe mowerdeckaftereachuseto

preventbuild-upofgrassclippingsorotherdebris.Follow

stepsbelowforthisjob.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn

mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.

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.

pictured) inthis manual

are applicabletoall

Lawn Mowermodels.

Blade Care f "_

,_ WARNING: Whenremovingthe

cutting blade for sharpeningor

-- 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

moweronitssidemakingsurethattheair filterand

thecarburetorareup.

2. Removetheboltandthebladebellsupportwhich

holdthebladeandthebladeadaptertotheengine

crankshaft.SeeFigure5-2.

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.

v.. j

Figure 5-2

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)

facesgroundwhenthemowerisintheoperating

position.Makesurethatthebladeisalignedand

seatedon bladeadapterflanges.

10.Placebladebellsupportontheblade.Alignnotches

onthebladebellsupportwithsmallholesinblade.

11.Replacehexboltandtightenhexbolttotorque:450

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

Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically

checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.

Maintaining

Your LaWn

WARNING

When removing

the cutting blade

for sharpeningor

replacement, protect

your hands with a

pair of heavy gloves

or usea heavy rag to

hold the blade.

An unbalancedblade

will causeexcessive

vibration when rotat-

ing at high speeds. It

may cause damage

to mower, and could

break causing per-

sonal injury.

i i i_iii _i_'i__ii i/ ii _i_

Forrepairsbeyond

the minoradjustments

listedhere; contact

an authorized service

dealer'

ii ii i _ i i iii i !i_ ii _i

Problem Cause Remedy

Eng=nefalls to start 1. Biadecontroldlsengaged. 1, Engagebladecontrol.

21 sparkplugWiredisconnected. 2, ConnectwiretOsparkplug.

Fue!tankempty0rsta!e!ueL Fil!tankwith C!eanl!reshgaso!inel

Enginenotchoked. & ,Chokeengineasinstructedinthe

I I Operatingyour LawnMower section,

5. Faultysparkp!ug, 5. Clean adjustgap orreplace.

Blockedfuel iinel 61 clean fue!iinel

7 EngineflOoded:. 7 watafewmnutestOrestart butdo

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.

Eng ne overheats 1. Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil.

2. Airflow restricted. 2. Removeblowerhousingand clean.

3. Caburetornotadjustedproperly. 3. Refertoenginemanual

Occasional skips 1. Sparkpluggap tooclose. 1. Adjustgap to .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. Seeanauthorizedservicedealer.

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

untillatertocut.

2. Excessivelyhighgrass. 2. Mowonceata highcuttingheight,

then mowagainatdesirecJheightor

makeanarrowercurt ngpath.

' 3. Dullblade. 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.

Uneven cut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsin same

heightposition.

2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

Subject tochangewithout

notificationor obligation,

Images my not reflect your

exact model and are for

refe[ence purposes oniyl

Safety Labels Found On Your Lawn Mower

Model Series 500

Pin Bar Tread

Zag

K2Tread

747-1161A BladeControl 710-1044

2. 749-1092A UpperHandle 25. 736-0524B

3. 746-0957 BladeControlCable-37.25" 26. 738-1172

746-1130 BladeControlCable- 40" 27. 736-0741

746-0946 BladeControlCable-48.25" 28. 734-04213

4. 710-1205 EyeBolt 734-1988

5. 720-0279 WingNut 734-04176

6. 720-04072 StarKnob 29. 720-0426

7. 631-04045t MulchingBaffle 30. 732-1026

HexCapScrew3/8-24x 1.5

BladeBellSupport

ShoulderScrew3/8- 16x.302

BellWasher.760IDx 1.25OD

FrontWheel,7x 1.8,K2Bar

FrontWheel,7x 1.8,PinBar

FrontWheel,7x 2.125,Zag

HeightAdjusterKnob

FrontSpringLever

8. 710-1174 CarriageBolt5/16-18x2.0 31. 747-0710

9. 725-0157 CableTie 32. 732-1014

10. 749-04037 LowerHandle 33. 17032A

11. 731-0981At HubCap 34. 731-1034B

12. 17098 HingeClip 35. 710-0216

13. 731-2537 TrailShield 36. 741-0717

14. 682-3062A HandleBracketAssembly-RH 37. 687-02080

15. 682-3063A HandleBracketAssembly-LH 38. 687-02079

HingePin

TorsionSpring

DeflectorChuteAdapter

Side DischargeChuteAssembly

HexCapScrew3/8-16x .75

ThrustBrg.,.688IDx 1.94OD

RearPivotArmAssembly- RH

RearPivotArmAssembly- LH

16. 712-04065 LockNut3/8-16 39. 732-0984B

17. 710-0654A HexWasherScrew3/8-16x 1.0 40. 738-1127

18. 687-02048 22"DeckAssembly 41. 710-0599

787-01097 22"DeckAssembly- NoSprig 42. 734-04217

19. 736-0270 BellWasher.265x.75 734-04082

20. 741-0751 HeightAdjusterBearing 734-04093

21. 687-02094 PivotArmAssembly 43. 751B698264t

22. 748-0376C BladeAdapter,#6x 1.19,w/Star 44. 751BO95050t

RearSpringLever

ShoulderScrew3/8- 16x.442

Screw1/4-20x.50

RearWheel,12x 1.8,K2Bar

RearWheel,12x 1.8,PinBar

RearWheel,12x2.125,Zag

EngineShroud

Screw,#8-18x 1.25

748-04096 BladeAdapter,25ramx 1.19 45. 731-04859t BailCover

23. 742-0742At 22"MulchingBlade 46. 736-0504t WaveWasher

742-0642A 22"StandardBlade 47. 736-0182t SpringWasher

t Ifequipped

To order replacement

parts;Contact

1'800'800'7310

_vww,mtdproducts.com

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 dealerin 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,sotheaboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplytoyou.

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 500 Series Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 500 Series

Type: Owner's manual

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