MTD 260 Series User manual

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

=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.

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.

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.

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.

_ 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.

Your Lawn

NOTE:We do not

recommendthe use

of pressurewashers

or gardenhoseto

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Model Series 260

Zag Tread BarTread

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.

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 260 Series, 520 Series User manual

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