Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips &Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
OF A O AL
22" Rotary Mower- Model Series 260
iMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush-
coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).
If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw
(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester
forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,
Ohio44136-0019.
PRINTEDIN U.S.A.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
FORMNO.769-02337A
11/15/2006
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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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
I.
=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.
4
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.
5
WARNING
The chute retainer
must be removed
and discarded before
operating the mower,
NOTE: Eachend of
lowerhandemust be
attached to thehandle
mountingbiackets at
thesame position
IMPORTANT:This
unitis Shippedwithout
gasoline or oil inthe
enginel Fill Upgasoline
and oil as instructed
inthe accompanying
enginemanual BE-
FORE operatingyour
mower:
F" \
Figure3-1:Removeretainerfromundersideofchute.
Forshippingpurposes,thechutedeflectoron your
mowerisheldin anuprightpositionbya retainer.
Removetheretaineras follows:
a. Pullchutedeflectorupandbacktowardsengine.
Holdingdeflectorinthisposition,removethe
retaineranddiscard.SeeFigure3-1.
b. Lowerthechutedeflectorcarefullykeepingyour
fingersoutoftheway.
c. If wantingtosidedischargegrassclippings,remove
themulchplug.RefertotheAdjustmentsectionon
thefollowingpageforinstructions.
_ WARNING:Thechuteretainermust be
removedand discarded before operating the
mower.
.
.
Performthefollowingsequenceforhandlesetup:
a. Lifttheupperhandleupfromthefoldedposition
andpullit backtotheextendedposition.See
Figure3-2.Thehandleshouldclickintothis
position.
b. Makesurethecarriageboltis seatedproperlyin
thehandle.Tightenstarknobsto secureupper
handletothelowerhandle
Followthestepsbelowto securethelowerhandleto
thehandlemountingbrackets:
a. Positioneachhandlebracketstudintothetopor
bottomholeinthelowerhandle.SeeFigure3-3.
b. Tightenthestarknobs.
Figure3-2:Unfoldhandleandtightenhardware.
NOTE:Thehandleheightmaybeadjustedatanytimeby
movingthe studon eachbrackettotheotherholeon each
sideofthelowerhandle.
4. Tosecurecablesto lowerhandle,wrapcablesaround
lowerhandleusingthecabletie.Pullcabletietightand
trimexcess.See Figure3-4.
Figure3-3:Securelowerhandletomountingbrackets. Figure3-4:Usecabletietosecurecablestolowerhandle.
6
,
Followthestepsbelowto securetherecoilstarter,
SeeFigure3-5,
a, Holdthebladecontrolagainsttheupperhandle,
b, Slowlypullstarterropeoutofengine,
c, Slipstarterropeintotheropeguide,
d, Tightenropeguidewingnut,
Figure3-5:Pullrecoilstarterthroughropeguideandtighten.
Adjustments
Cutting Height Adjustment
Eachwheelhasa heightadjustmentlevertochangethe
cuttingheightofthemower.Followthestepsbelowto
adjustthecuttingheight.
NOTE:Allwheelsmustbemovedtothesameposition.
Forroughor unevenlawns,movetheheightadjustment
levertoa higherposition,
1. Depressheightadjustmentlevertowardswheel.See
Figure3-6.
2. Slidelevertodesiredpositionfora changein cutting
height.
3. Releaselevertowardsdeck.
Mulching Baffle (if equipped)
Insteadofexpellingtheclippingsfromthesidedischarge
chute,themowerhastheoptionofrecirculatingthe
clippingsbacktothelawnbyinstallingtheoptional
mulchingbaffle.
1. Liftupandholdthesidedischargechute.Insert
bottomlipof themulchingbaffleinsidethechute
opening.See Figure3-7.
2. Snaphookson themulchingbaffleoverthe hinge
pin.Thehooksmustsnapintoplaceon thehinge
pin,lockingthemulchingbafflefirmlyontomower.
Releasechutedeflector.
Figure3-6:Usethe leverateachwheeltoadjustthecutting
height.
Figure3-7:Installtheoptionalmulchingbaffletousethemower
asamulcher.
iCUTTING HEIGHT
Forrough or uneven
lawns,movethe height
iadjustmentleverto a
higher position.This will
stopscalping of grass.
MULCH BAFFLE (if
_equipped)
i Forproperassembly,
iinstallbottomlip inside
chuteopening before
_placing hooksoverthe
hinge pin,
IMPORTANT:This
unit isshippedwithout
gasolineoroil in the
engine. Fill upgasoline
and oilas instructed
in theaccompanying
enginemanual BE-
FOREoperating your
mower.
7
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
DriveControl
MulchingBaffle
Figure4-1:Controlsandfeatures.
HeightAdjustment
Levers
Nowthatyouhavesetupyourlawnmowerforopera-
tion,getaquaintedwithits controlsandfeatures.These
aredescribedbelowandillustratedonthis page.This
knowledgewillallowyoutouseyournewequipmentto
itsfullestpotential.
Blade Control
Thebladecontrolisattachedtothe upperhandleof
themower.Depressand squeezeitagainsttheupper
handletooperatetheunit. Releaseittostopengineand
blade.
_ WARNING:Thisblade control mecha-
nism isa safetydevice. Neverattempt
to bypass itsoperations.
Drive Control
Thedrivecontrolislocatedontheundersideofthe
upperhandleand isusedtoengagethedrive.Squeeze
itagainsttheupperhandleto engagethedrive; release
ittoslowdownor stopmowerfrompropelling.See
Figure4-1.
Mulching Baffle
insteadofcollectingthegrassclippingsinthegrass
catcher,yourmowerhastheoptionof recirculatingthe
clippingsbacktothelawn.Removegrasscatcher(if
applicable),andoperatewiththemulchingbaffleonly
forthispurpose.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
Oneadjustmentleverislocatedon eachwheelandis
usedtoadjustthecuttingheight.All fourlevershaveto
beatthesamerelativepositiontoensurea uniformcut.
Recoil Starter
Therecoilstarterisattachedtotherightupperhandle.
Standbehindtheunitand pullthe recoilstarterropeto
startthe unit.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
1. Checkoillevelandaddoil if necessary.Followengine
manualforthis.
2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe
enginemanual. Seeenginemanualforlocationofoil
andgasfill.
__ ARNING:Useextremecarewhenhan-
dling gasoline.Gasolineis extremely
flammableand the vapors areexplosive.
Neverfuel the machine indoorsor while
the engine ishot or running. Extinguish
cigarettes, cigars, pipesand other
sources of ignition.
8
_ ARNING:The operationof any lawn /f"
mowercanresult inforeign objects
being thrownintothe eyes,whichcan
damageyoureyesseverely.Always
wearsafetyglasseswhileoperating
the mower,or whileperforming any
adjustmentsor repairson it.
Starting Engine
WARNING:Besureno one otherthan
,__ theoperatorisstandingnearthe lawn
mowerwhilestartingengine or operat-
r ingmower.Neverrun engineindoors
orin enclosed,poorly ventilatedareas.
Engine exhaustcontainscarbon monox-
ide,an odorlessand deadly gas. Keep
hands, feet,hair and loose clothing
awayfrom any moving partson engine
and lawnmower.
1. Pushprimer(ifequipped)threetimes.Waitabout
two secondsbetweeneachpush.SeeFigure4-2. In
temperaturearound550For below,primefivetimes.
Donotprimetorestarta warmengine.
2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol
againstupperhandle.SeeFigure4-2.
3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil
starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-
ous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure4-2.Keepinga firm
gripon thestarterhandle,lettheroperewindslowly.
Repeatuntilenginecranks.Letthe roperewindeach
timeslowly.
Stopping Engine
1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineand blade.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainsttheengine.
__k ARNING:Waitfor the blade to stop
completelybeforedoing anywork
on the mower or to removethegrass
catcher.
Figure4-2:Startingengine.
Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orother
objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmoweror engine.
Suchobjectscouldbeaccidentlythrownbythemower
inanydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytothe
operatorandothers.
__i= ARNING:Ifyou strikeaforeign
object, stopthe engine.Remove
wire from thespark plug,thoroughly
inspectmowerfor anydamage,and
repairdamagebeforerestarting and
operating. Extensive vibration of
mower during operation isan indica-
tion of damage.The unit should be
promptlyinspectedand repaired.
1. Oncetheengineis running,squeezethedrive
controlagainsttheupperhandleto propelmower.
2. Forbest results,do notcut wetgrass.
3. Fora healthierlawn,nevercut offmorethanone-
thirdofthetotallengthofthegrass.
UsingYour Lawn Mower
_ ARNING:Neveroperateyour mower
without eitherthe rear door or the entire
grass catcher assembly firmly secured.
Using as Mulcher
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcher(if
apllicable)andinstallmulchingbafflefollowinginstruc-
tionsin"SetupandAdjustment".
1. Foreffectivemulching,do notcut wetgrass.
2. Newor thickgrassmayrequirea narrowercut.
Adjustgroundspeedaccordingtoconditionoflawn.
3. If thegrasshasbeenallowedto growinexcessof
4 inches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethe
grasscatchertobagclippingsinstead.
perating
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.
9
Your Lawn
NOTE:We do not
recommendthe use
of pressurewashers
or gardenhoseto
i
cleanyour unit,These
maycausedamageto
electric components
spindles; pulleys, bear:
ings orthe engine:The
use of WaterWillresult
in shortened life and
reduce serviceability:
Lubrication
1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolanddrive
controlatleastoncea seasonwithlightoil.These
controlsmustoperatefreelyin bothdirections.See
Figure5-1.
2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatesurfaceofthepivotarmandinner
surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure5-1.
3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointoneach
endofthesidemulchingbaffle/chutedeflector
periodicallywithlightoil topreventrust.SeeFigure
5-1.
4. Thetransmissionis pre-lubricatedand sealedatthe
factoryanddoesnotrequirelubrication.
5. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-
tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.
Figure5-1:Lubricationareas.
General Recommendations
1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
anymaintenance.
2. Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse
ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras
instructedhere.
3. Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid
enginewarranty.
4. Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.
5. Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese
aretight.
__L ARNING:Alwaysstop engine,
disconnect spark plug, and ground
against enginebeforecleaning,
lubricating ordoing any kind of
maintenanceonyour machine.
Deck Care
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn
mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.
2. Tipmowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe
sidewiththeair cleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.
WARNING:Nevertip the mowermore
than 90 degreesin anydirections and
do not leavethe mower tipped for any
lengthof time. Oil can drain intothe
upper partof the engine causing a
starting problem.
3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwitha
suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.
4. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsontheground.If
youhad putplasticunderthegascapearlier,make
sureto removeitnow.
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.
10
Blade Care /,I _,_
__lk ARNING:Whenremovingcutting
blade for sharpeningor replacement,
protectyourhands witha pairof heavy
glovesor usea heavy ragto hold blade.
1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn
moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand
thecarburetorareup.
2. Removebolt,bellwasher,blade,andbladeadapter
fromtheenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure5-2.
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.
8
k,.. j
Figure5-2:Removingbladeandhardware.
_lll WARNING:Anunbalanced bladewill
cause excessive vibration when rotating
athigh speeds,it maycausedamage
to mower,and couldbreakcausing
personalinjury.
5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurface
ofthebladeadapterwithlightoil.Slidetheblade
adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.Placetheblade
on theadaptersuchthatthesideoftheblademarked
"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)facesthegroundwhen
themowerisin theoperatingposition.Makesurethat
bladeisalignedandseatedon bladeadapterflanges.
6. Placebellwasheronthe blade.Replacehexboltand
tightenhexbolttotorque:450in.Ibs.rain.,600 in.Ibs.
max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically
checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.
Belt Care
1. Removethefrontdrivecoverbyslidingoffthe
two plasticrivetson eachsideofthecoverwitha
screwdriver.SeeFigure5-3.
2. Disconnectbelttensionspringfromtransmission.See
Figure5-3.
3. Pushtransmissionup a littleandslidebeltoffthe
transmissionpulley.Lift mowertoaccessbeltfrom
undersideofmower.Slidebeltoff ofenginepulleyand
aroundtheblade.SeeFigure5-4.
4. Replacewithnewbelt,workingaroundblade.Make
surebeltisfirmlyseatedon enginepulleywhile
pullingfromtheothersideandslidingitaroundthe
transmissionpulley.Securebelttensionspringtothe
transmission.Reassemblefrontdrivecover.
Figure5-3:Removingfrontdrivecover.
f
k,_ j
Figure5-4:Removingbelt.
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.
11
Problem Cause Remedy
Ena nefa sto start 1. Bladecontroldisengaged, i. Engagebladecontro!.
sParkPiugwiie disconnected: conneO!wiretOsparkplugl
3. Fueltankemptyorstalefuel. & Filltankwith clean,freshgasolinel
4. Enginenot piimed(if equippedwth 4. primeengineaSinstr,u,ctedin Operat,
primer)i ing YourLawnMower.
Faultysparkp ugl c ean adjustgap or repiacel
61 BloCkedfuel linel clean fuellinel
7: Engineflooded. 7. Wait afewminutesto restait,but do
I notprimel
" 8. Fue!valve(ifequipped)closed, & Openfuelva!ve:See enginemanuaI.
........... 91 Enginenotchoked(ifequippedw/choke). 9. Chokeengine:Seeenginemanual.
For repairsbeyond
minor adjustments
listed here, contact
an authorized service
dealer.
Engineruns erratic
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.
Engne overheats 1. Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil.
2. Airflow restricted. 2. Removeblowerhousing
andc ean.
3. Carburetornotadjustedproperly. 3. Referto enginemanual.
I
Occasionalskips 1. Sparkpluggap tooclose. 1. Adjustgap to .030".
(hesitates)at 2. Carburetoridlemixtureadjustment 2. Referto enginemanual.
highspeed improperlyset.
Idlespoorly 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gap 1. Resetgapto .030"or replace
- - too wide. _ sparkplug.
I 2. Carburetorimproperlyadjusted. 2. Referto enginemanual.
3 Dirtyair cleaner. 3. Refertoenginemanual.
Excessive 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.Balance
Vibration blade.
2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. Seeanauthorizedservicedealer.
Mowerwill not 1. Wetgrass. 1. Donot mowwhengrassLswet;walt
mulch clrass/If I I untillatertocut.
._ ,_" I 2 Excessvey hghgrass 2. Mowonceata highcuttingheight
_-qulppea_ then mowagainatdesiredheight'or
I makeanarrowercuttingpath.
I 3. Dullblade. I 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.
H
Unevencut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsin same
heightposition.
2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.
1. Beltnotinsialledproperly. 1. Checkbeltfor properpulleyinstallation
Mowerwill not
seIfpropeI ' , andmovement.
2. Debrsclogg ngdriveoperation 2. Stopengine,disconnectsparkplug
wireand cleanoutdebris.
3. Damagedor wornbelt. 3. Inspectand replacebelt.
M
12
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) labelsfrom
mower for any reason.
13
Model Series 260
\Y
Zag Tread BarTread
14
Ref. PartNo. Description
No,
1. 747-1214 DriveControl
2. 747-1161A BladeControl
3. 746-1113 ControlCable-37.75"
746-1114 ControlCable- 50.56"
4. 746-04204 DriveControlCable
5. 749-1092A UpperHandle
6. 710-1205 EyeBolt
7. 720-0279 WingNut,1/4-20
8. 732-1026 SpringLever
9. 631-04045 MulchingBaffle
10. 710-1174 CarriageBolt,5/16-18x2.0
11. 748-0390 BearingSupportSpacer
12. 720-04072 WingNut
13. 749-04037 LowerHandle
14. 725-0157 CableTie
15. 17098 HingeClip
16. 731-04019 TrailShield
17. 710-0599 HexScrew,1/4-20x.500
18. 682-3064 HandleBracketAssy- RH
19. 736-0741 BellWasher,.760x 1.25x.041
20. 712-04065 LockNut,3/8-16
21. 682-3065 HandleBracketAssembly- LH
22. 687-02046 22"DeckAssembly
23. 710-0654A HexWasherScr.,3/8-16x 1.0
24. 754-04100 V-Belt,3Lx32.90
25. 782-0585A ForwardHeightAdj.Plate- LH
26. 728-0199 Rivet
27. 750-04407 SleeveSpacer,.550IDx2.22
28. 716-0198 RetainerRing
29. 618-04375A TransmissionAssy.Comp.
30. 750-04406A SleeveSpacer,.550IDx8.51
Ref. PartNo. Description
No.
31. 731-0073 TransmissionCover
731-04636 TransmissionCover- Yellow
32. 748-04016A BladeAdapter
33. 742-0742A 22"MulchingBlade
34. 736-0452 Washer,Bell,.396x 1.140x .095
35. 710-1044 HexCapScrew,3/8-24x 1.5
36. 782-0584 ForwardHght.Adj.Plate-RH
37. 7344987 RearWheel,8 x 1.8,Bar
734-04087 RearWheel,8x 1.8,Bar- Yellow
38. 710-0216 HexCapScrew,3/8-16x.75
39. 720-0426 AdjustmentKnob
40. 716-0865 SnapRing.500
41. 731-04643 WheelDustCover
42. 715-0221 Pin
43. 717-1762 SpurGear14T- RH
717-1761 SpurGear14T-LH
44. 732-04049 Ext.Spring,.47ODx 2.50
45. 634-0190 FrontWheel, 8 x 1.8,Bar
634-04100 FrontWheel, 8 x 1.8,Bar,Yellow
46. 747-0710 HingePin
47. 732-1014 TorsionSpring
48. 731-1034B SideDischargeAssembly
49. 736-0270 BellWasher,.265ID x.75OD
50. 17032A DeflectorChuteAdapter
51. 741-0751 HeightAdjustmentBearing
52. 687-02051 RearHgt.Adj.LeverAssembly
53. 687-02140 FrontLeverAssembly- LH
687-02141 FrontLeverAssembly- RH
54. 687-02094 RearPivotArmAssembly
55. 738-1173 ShoulderScrew,3/8-16
_FACTORY PARTS
iiii iii i
To order replacement
parts,
1=800:800:7310
Jucts:com
IMPORTANT
Fora properworking
machine,use Factory
ApprovedParts.
V-BELTSare specially
designedto engage
anddisengagesafely.
A substitute (nonOEM)
V-Beltcanbe danger-
ousby not disengaging
completely.
15
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
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