MTD 12A-446B729 Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 12A-446B729

Type: Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

440 Series

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

OF A O AL

21" Rotary Mower- Model 446

iMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon 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.769-01471A

12/14/2005

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

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

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREYOU STARTASSEMBLING

YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,

please locatethe modelplate onthe equipmentand copythe

informationtothe sample modelplate providedtothe right.

Youcan locatethe modelplateby standing at the operating

position andlookingdown atthe rear ofthe deck. This

informationwill be necessaryto usethemanufacturer'sweb

site and/or obtain assistancefrom the CustomerSupport

Departmentoran authorizedservicedealer.

Model Number

www.mtdproducts.com

Serial Number

MTD LLC

P.O. BOX 361131

CLEVELAND, OH 44136

330-220-4683

800=800=7310

Customer Support

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

purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.

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

unit,youcanseek helpfromthe experts.Choosefrom the options below:

1. Visit mtdproducts.com. Click on theCustomer

Support menu option.

2. Phonea Customer Support Representative

at (800) 800-7310.

3. The engine manufacturer isresponsiblefor all engine-

relatedissueswithregards to performance,power-rating,

specifications,warranty andservice. Pleasereferto the

engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator'sManual, packed

separatelywith your unit,for moreinformation.

l_ _!!_!i_i!_ 1

Usethispageasaguidetodetermineslopeswhereyoumaynotoperatesafely.Donotoperate

yourlawnmoweronsuchslopes.

i! i i iii_iii_ _ :iii

WARNING

Do not mowon inclines

with a slope in excess

of 15degrees(a rise

of approximately

2-1/2feet every 10

feet). A riding mower

couldoverturnand

cause seriousinjury.

If operatinga walk-

behindmoweronsuch

a slope, it isextremely

difficultto maintainyour

footing and youcould

slip, resulting in serious

injury.

Operate RIDING

mowersupand down

slopes, neveracross

the face d slopes.

Operate

WALK-BEHIND

mowersacrossthe

face of slopes, never

upand down slopes.

RNING

This symbol points

i out important safety

instructionswhich, if

notfollowed, could

endangerthe personal

i safetyand/or property

I ofyourself and others.

Readand follow all

instructionsinthis man-

ualbeforeattemptingto

operatethis machine.

Failureto complywith

these instructionsmay

i resultin personalinjury.

i When youseethis

_symbol.

HEED ITS WARNING

Your

Responsibility

Restrictthe use

i ofthis powermachine

i to personswho read,

understand

andfollow the warnings

and instructions

inthis manual

andon the machine.

WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of itsconstituents,andcertain vehicle compo-

nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand

birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.

DANGER: Thismachinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operationin this

manual.As with anytype of powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operatorcan

result inseriousinjury.This machine iscapableof amputatinghands andfeet andthrowingobjects.

Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injuryor 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,orotherobjectsthatmayobscure

yourvisionofachildwhomayrunintothe 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. Thismachineisaprecisionpieceof powerequipment,

nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all

times.Yourunithas beendesignedto performonejob: to

mowgrass.Donotuseit 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,toysand

otherforeignobjectswhichcouldbetripped overor picked

upandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjectscancause

seriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpatternto avoid

dischargeof materialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystanders

andthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainsta

wallorobstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterial

toricochetbacktowardtheoperator.

5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury,

stayinoperatorzonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,

bystanders,helpers,andpetsat least75feetfrommower

whileit is inoperation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters

area.

6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera-

tionandwhile performinganadjustmentor repairtoprotect

youreyes.Thrownobjectswhich ricochetcancauseserious

injurytothe eyes.

7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesand close-fitting

slacksandshirts.Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthe armsand

legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended.Neveroperate

thismachineinbarefeet,sandals,slipperyor lightweight

(e.g.canvas)shoes.

8. Donotputhandsorfeetnearrotatingpartsor undercutting

deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.

9. Amissingor damageddischargecovercancause blade

contactor thrownobjectinjuries.

10.Manyinjuriesoccurasa resultofthe mowerbeingpulled

overthefoot duringafall causedbyslippingor tripping.

Do notholdontothe mowerifyouarefalling;releasethe

handleimmediately.

11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare

walking.Ifyoumustbackthe mowerawayfroma wallor

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 notengage theself-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. Aslipand fall cancauseseriouspersonal

injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourfooting,releasethe

bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyand the bladewillstop

rotatingwithinthreeseconds.

16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.

17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.

18.If theequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe

engineandcheckimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis

generallya warningoftrouble.

19.Shutthe engineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto a

completestop beforeremovingthe grasscatcheror unclog-

gingthechute.

The cuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefora fewsecondsafter

the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceany partofthe bodyin

the bladearea untilyouaresurethe bladehasstopped

rotating.

20. Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,discharge

cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandle,or othersafety

protectivedevicesin placeandworking.Neveroperate

mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo socan

resultin personalinjury.

21. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causeaburn.Do

nottouch.

22.Only usepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthismachineby

manufacturer.Failuretodo socanresultinpersonalinjury.

23. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredin thismanual,

usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor

assistance.Telephone1-800-800-7310forthe nameofyour

nearestdealer.

Slope Operation

Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidentswhich

can resultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra

caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyon aslope,do notmowit.Foryour

safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthis manualto

measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunitonaslopedor hilly

area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donot mowit.

Do:

1. Mowacrossthe faceofslopes; neverup anddown.

Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon

slopes.

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

can causeyouto slipor trip.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.

3. Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slip andfall cancause

seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosingyour

balance,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediately,and

the bladewill stoprotatingwithin3seconds.

Do Not:

1. Donot mowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,where

you couldloseyourfootingor balance.

2. Donot mowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownon

the slopegauge.

3. Donot mowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcause

slipping.

Service

Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:

1. To avoidpersonalinjury orpropertydamageuseextreme

care inhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable

andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan

occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselforyourclothes

whichcanignite.

2. Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.

3. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.

4. Neverfillcontainersinsideavehicleoron atruckor trailer

bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe

groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truckortrailer

andrefuelit onthe ground.Ifthisis notpossible,thenrefuel

suchequipmentonatrailerwitha portablecontainer,rather

thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.

6. Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimofthefueltank or

containeropeningat alltimesuntilfuelingis complete.Do

notuseanozzlelock-opendevice.

7. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesand othersources

ofignition.

8. Neverfuel machineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswill

accumulatein thearea.

9. Neverremovegascap oradd fuelwhileengineishotor

running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwo minutesbefore

refueling.

10.Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch

belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.

11.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

12.If gasolineis spilled,wipeitoff theengineand equipment.

Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting

engine.

13.Neverstorethe machineorfuel containernearanopen

flame,sparkor pilotlightasona waterheater,space

heater,furnace,clothesdryer,orothergas appliances.

14.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,leaves,

orother debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand

removeanyfuel soakeddebris.

15.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.

GeneralService:

1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorin apoorlyventilatedarea.

Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessand

deadlygas.

2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthe

bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe

sparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe engineto prevent

unintendedstarting.

3. Checkthe bladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent

intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefor

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

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

inthismanual."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe original

equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformance

andcompromisesafety!"

4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor wear

gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.

5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip-

mentis insafeworkingcondition.

6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperopera-

tionregularly.

7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,discon-

nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.

Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerforanydamage.Repairthe

damagebeforestartingandoperatingthemower.

8. Neverattemptto makea wheelor cuttingheightadjustment

whiletheengineis running.

9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail

shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould expose

movingpartsor allowobjectsto bethrown.Forsafety

protection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplaceim-

mediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)

partsonly,listedinthis manual."Useofpartswhich do

notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto

improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"

10.Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor overspeedthe

engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating

speedoftheengine.

11.Maintainor replacesafetylabels,asnecessary.

12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper

disposaloffluidsandmaterialscanharmtheenvironment.

Practices

WARNING

Thissymbol points

out importantsafety

instructionswhich, if

notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal

safety and/or property

of yourselfand others.

Readand followall

instructions inthis man-

ual beforeattemptingto

operatethis machine.

Failuretocomply with

these instructionsmay

result inpersonalinjury.

Whenyou see this

symbol.

HEED iTS WARNING

Your

Responsibility

Restrictthe use

ofthis powermachine

to personswho read,

understand

and follow thewarnings

and instructions

inthis manual

and onthe machine.

NOTE:Standbehind

themowerasifyou

weregoingtooperate

it.Yourrighthandcor-

respondstotheright

sideofthemower;your

lefthandcorresponds

totheleftsideofthe

mower.

NOTE:Yourmower

i isshippedwiththe

handleinthehigher

I heightposition.

NOTE:Eachendof

thelowerhandlemust

beplacedinthesame

i relativeposition.

IMPORTANT

DO NOTcrimp the

I cables when lifting the

handleup.

I IMPORTANT

Thisunit isshipped

i without gasolineor

::oil inthe engine. Fill

up gasolineand oil

as instructedin the

accompanyingengine

manual BEFORE

operatingyour mower.

Step 1

ardware Pack

Wing Nuts (2)

1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetween

upperandlowerhandles.

a. Pullupand backon upperhandleasshownin

Step1.Makecertainthe lowerhandleis seated

securelyintothehandlemountingbrackets.

b. Tightenhandknobssecuringupperhandleto

lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriageboltis

seatedproperlyin thehandle.

2. Locatehairpinclipinone holeon theweldpinon each

sideof lowerhandle.

a. Removehairpinclipfromthis hole.Usinga pairof

pliers,inserthairpinclipintotheotherholeon the

weldpin.Repeaton otherside.

b. Inserta carriageboltfromthehardwarepackinto

theupperholeonthehandlemountingbracket.

Securewithone plasticwingnut,alsoincluded

inthehardwarepack.Repeatonothersidewith

remainingitemsfromhardwarepack.

Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe

upperhandle.Loosenthewingnutwhichsecuresthe

ropeguide.

a. Holdthebladecontrolagainstupperhandle.

b. Pullstarterropeoutoftheengine.Releasethe

bladecontrol.

c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.

d. Tightenwingnut.

Insertpostoncabletiesintoholesprovidedon the

lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.

Step 2

Step 3 Step 4

5. An adjustingplateandthumbleverateachwheel

positionprovidescuttingheightadjustment.

a. Depresslevertowardswheel.

b. Moveittoanyof theninepositionsfordesired

cuttingheight.SeeStep5.

c. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.

6. Followstepsbelowtoassemblethegrasscatcher:

a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside

is atthebottom.

b. Slip plasticchannelofgrassbagoverhooksonthe

frame.SeeStep6.All theplasticchannelsexcept

centertopof bagattachfromoutsideofbag.

c. Attachcentertopofbagfrominsideofbag.

7. Followstepsbelowtoattachgrasscatcher:

a. Liftreardischargedoor.

b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod.Letgo

ofdischargedoorsothat itrestson thegrass

catcher.SeeStep7.

Toremovegrasscatcherorconverttoa mulcher(if

equipped),lift reardischargedooronthe moweras

showninStep8. Liftgrasscatcherupandoutofthepivot

rod.Releasereardischargedoortoallowittocloserear

openingofmower.

,_b, WARNING: Never operate mower

unlessthe hooks on the grass

catcherare firmly seated in the

slots on the handle bracket as-

semblies, and the rear discharge

door rests firmly against top of

the grass catcher.

,.. j

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

uStment

CUTTING HEIGHT

Step5

All wheelsmust be

placedin thesame

relative positionl

GRASSCATCHER

Step8

Makecertain bag is

turned right side out

before assembling

(warninglabelWillbe

onthe outside)i

WARNING

Never operatemower

unlessthe hooks on

the grasscatcher are

firmlyseatedin

slots on thehandle

bracket assemblies,

and the rear dis-

charge doorrests

f rm yagainsttOpof

the grasscatcher:

WARNING

The blade control

mechanism is a

safety device. Never

attempt to bypass its

operations.

I Useextreme care

when handling

gasoline.Gasoline is

extremely flammable

and the vapors are

explosive. Never fuel

the machine indoors

or while the engine

is hot or running.

Extinguish cigarettes,

cigars, pipes and

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

/'I BladeControl

-- DriveControl

Recoil

Starter

OilFill/Dipstick

GrassBag

GasolineFill

Height

Adjustment

Levers J

Figure 1

Nowthatyouhavesetupyourlawnmowerforopera-

tion,getaquaintedwithits controlsandfeatures.These

aredescribedbelowandillustratedonthis page.This

knowledgewillallowyoutouseyournewequipmentto

itsfullestpotential.

Blade Control

Thebladecontrolisattachedtothe upperhandleof

themower,Depressand squeezeitagainsttheupper

handletooperatetheunit. Releaseittostopengineand

blade,

_ WARNING:This blade control mecha-

nism isa safety device. Neverattempt

to bypass itsoperations.

Drive Control

Thedrivecontrolislocatedontheundersideofthe

upperhandleand isusedtoengagethedrive.Squeeze

itagainsttheupperhandleto engagethedrive; release

ittoslowdownor stopmowerfrompropelling.See

Figure1.

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.SeeFigure1abovefor locationofthe

oilfill.

2. Servicetheenginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe

enginemanual. SeeFigure1aboveforlocationof

gasfill.

_ ARNING:Useextremecarewhen han-

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.

/i_k WARNING:The operationof any lawn

mowercan result inforeign objects

beingthrownintothe eyes,whichcan

damageyoureyesseverely.Always

wearsafetyglasseswhileoperating

the mower,or whileperforming any

adjustmentsor repairson it.

Starting Engine

WARNING:Besureno one otherthan

theoperatorisstandingnearthe lawn

mowerwhilestartingengine or operat-

ingmower.Neverrun engine indoors

orin enclosed,poorly ventilatedareas.

Engine exhaustcontainscarbon monox-

ide,an odorlessand deadly gas. Keep

hands, feet,hair and looseclothing

awayfrom any moving partson engine

and lawnmower.

1. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol

againstupperhandle.SeeFigure2.

2. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasprecoil

starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-

ous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure2.Keepinga firm

grip onthestarterhandle,lettheroperewindslowly.

Repeatuntilenginecranks.Letthe roperewindeach

timeslowly.

Stopping Engine

1. Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineand blade.

2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand

groundagainsttheengine.

4_ WARNING:Waitfor the blade to stop

completely beforedoing anywork

on the mower or to removethegrass

catcher.

UsingYour Lawn Mower

Figure 2

,_ WARNING:If you 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.

Using as Mulcher (if Equipped)

Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherfromthe

mower.Thereardischargedoorshouldbeclosed.

1. Foreffectivemulching,do notcut wetgrass.

2. Newor thickgrassmayrequirea narrowercut.

Adjustgroundspeedaccordingtoconditionoflawn.

3. ifthegrasshasbeenallowedto growinexcessof

4 inches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethe

grasscatchertobagclippingsinstead.

_ ARNING:Neveroperateyour mower

without eitherthe rear door or the entire

grass catcher assembly firmly secured.

Besurelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other

objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine.

Suchobjectscouldbe accidentlythrownbythemower

in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytothe

operatorandothers.

Using Grass Catcher

Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile

youareoperatingthemower.

1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionson page

7.Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectinbagas

yourunmower.Operatemowertillgrassbagisfull.

2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingtheblade

controlhandle.Makesurethattheunithascometo

a completestop.

3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagup andaway

fromthe mowertodisposeofthegrassclippings.

Mower

WARNING

The operation of any

lawn mower can result

inforeign objects

being thrown into

the eyes, whichcan

damage your eyes

severely. Always wear

safety glasseswhile

operating the mower,

or whileperforming

any adjustments or

repairs on it.

Be sureno one other

than the operator is

standing near the lawn

mower while starting

engine or operating

mower. Never run

engine indoorsor

n enclosed, poorly

ventilated areas. En-

gineexhaust contains

carbon monoxide, an

odorless and deadly

gas. Keep hands,feet,

hair and loose clothing

away from any moving

partson engine and

lawn mower.

Maintaining

WARNING

A vaysstope,g ne;

disconnect spark

pluglandground

againstenginebefore

cleaning,lubricating

ordoinganyk ndof

maintenanceonV0ur

machine!

We do notrecommend

the used pressure

washers or garden

hoseto cleanyour

uniL These maycause

damage to electric

componentsspindles

pu eys;bear ngs, or

the engine. The use

of waterwill result in

shortened lifeand

i reduceserViceabilityl

Figure 3

Lubrication

1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolatleast

oncea seasonwithlightoil.Thebladecontrolmust

operatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure3.

2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith

lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany

reason,lubricatesurfaceofthepivotarmandinner

surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure3.

3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointontherear

dischargedoorperiodicallywithlightoil toprevent

rust.See Figure3.

4. Thetransmissionis pre-lubricatedandsealedatthe

factoryanddoesnotrequirelubrication.

5. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-

tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.

Deck Care

1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn

mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.

2. Tipmowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe

sidewiththeaircleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.

_ ARNING:Nevertip the mowermore

than 90 degreesin anydirections and

do not leavethe mower tipped for any

length of time. Oil can drain intothe

upper part of the enginecausing a

starting problem.

Figure 4

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.

,_1_1 WARNING:Alwaysstop engine,

disconnect spark plug, and ground

against engine beforecleaning,

lubricatingor doing any kind of

maintenanceon your machine.

3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwitha

suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.

4. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsontheground.If

youhadputplasticunderthegascapearlier,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.

Replacing Rear Flap

1. Toremoverearflap,cutoff theflatendofthewirerod

whichsecuresittothedeck.SeeFigure4.

2. Attachthenewflapand newrodtodeck,bendingthe

endsofthenewrodovertosecuretodeck.

_lllk ARNING:Whenremovingcutting

bladefor sharpeningor replacement,

protectyourhands witha pairof heavy

gloves or usea heavy ragto hold blade.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn

moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand

thecarburetorareup.

2. Removebolt,bladebellsupport,blade,andblade

adapterfromtheenginecrankshaft.SeeFigure5.

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.

Figure 5

,_/lli WARNING:Anunbalanced bladewill

causeexcessivevibration whenrotating

athigh speeds, itmay causedamage

to mower,and could breakcausing

personalinjury.

5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandtheinnersurface

ofthebladeadapterwithlightoil.Slidetheblade

adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.Placetheblade

on theadaptersuchthatthesideoftheblademarked

"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)facesthegroundwhen

themowerisin theoperatingposition.Makesurethat

bladeisalignedandseatedon bladeadapterflanges.

6. Placebladebellsupportonthe blade.Alignnotches

on thebladebell supportwith smallholesin blade.

Replacehexboltandtightenhexboltto torque:450

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

Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically

checkthebladeboltforcorrecttorque.

Figure 6

Belt Care

1. Removetwoshoulderscrewssecuringfrontdrive

covertomowerdeck.SeeFigure6. Pressinwardon

sidesoffrontdrivecoverand releasetabsthat secure

it totheheightadjusterbrackets.Removedrivecover

frommower.

Loosenscrewholdingbelttensionspringtotrans-

mission.SeeFigure6 inset.Donotremovescrew

completely.Asyouloosenit, tensiononthebeltwillbe

released.

3. Pushtransmissionup a littleandslidebeltoffthe

transmissionpulley.Lift mowertoaccessbeltfrom

Figure 7

undersideofmower.Slidebeltoffofenginepulley

andaroundtheblade.SeeFigure7.

4. Replacewith newbelt,workingaroundblade.Make

surebeltisfirmlyseatedonenginepulleywhile

pullingfromtheothersideand slidingitaroundthe

transmissionpulley.Tightenscrewloosenedearlier

tosecurebelttensionspringtothetransmission.

Reassemblefrontdrivecover.

_ _ i i i iii _ _ ii _i ii ii

Maintaining

You r LaWn

WARNING

When removing

the cutting blade

for sharpening or

replacement or

when sliding the belt

around it, protect

your hands with a

pair of heavy gloves

or use a heavy rag to

hold the blade.

An unbalanced blade

will cause excessive

vibrationwhen rotat-

ing at high speeds. It

may cause damage

to mower, and could

break causing per-

sonal injury.

For repairs beyond

the minor adjustments

listedhere, contact

an authorized service

!iiii iLi i iiiii I

i_i i i ii i i i

Problem Cause Remedy

Enginefailsto start I ii Biadecontroldisengaged. Engage bladecontro!.

sparkplugWiredisconnected: i 21 c0nnect wiretosPa[kpiugl

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.

Engineoverheats 1. Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewith properoil

I 2. Airflow restricted. 2. Removeblowerhousing

I andclean.

I 3. Carburetornotadjustedpropery. 3. Referto engne manua.

I I

Occasionalskips 1. Sparkpluggap tooclose. 1. Adjust gapto .030".

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

highspeed improperlyset.

Idlesnoorlv 1 Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gap I 1. Resetgapto .030"or replace

r i I too wide. sparkplug.

I 2. Carburetorimproperlyadjusted. 2 Referto enginemanual.

3. Drtyarceaner, . 3. Refertoengnemanua.

Excessive 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.Balance

Vibration blade.

2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. Seeanauthorizedservicedealer.

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

much _rass' f i , untillatertocut,

E uy _d,t I 2. Excessivelyhighgrass. I 2. Mowonceatahigh cuttingheight

q PP ) I then mowagainatdesiredheightor

I I makea narrowercuttingpath,

I 3. Dub ado. 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.

Unevencut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsinsame

heightposition.

2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

Mowerwill not I 1. Beltnotinstalledproperly. I 1. Checkbeltforproperpuleyinstallation

seIfpropeI ' andmovement.

I 2. Debrsclogg ngdriveoperation. 2, Stopengine,disconnectsparkplug

I wireand cleanoutdebris.

. 3. Damagedorworn belt. . 3. Inspectand replacebelt.

Off-Season Storage

Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakentoprepareyourlawn

mowerforstorage.

1. Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin

thelubricationinstructions.

2. Wedonotrecommendtheuseofa pressurewasher

or gardenhosetocleanyourunit.

3. Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine

storageinstructions.

4. Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto

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

_i _i i _iii i__ i iii ii_

DONOT remove safety

(or any) labelsfrom

mower for any reason.

Model 446

)

1 747-1161A BladeControl

2 749-1092A UpperHandle

3 747-04080 GrassCatcherFrame

4 749-0928A LowerHandle

5 720-0279 WingNut

6 710-1205 RopeGuide

7 710-1174 CarriageBolt,5/16-18x 2

8 664-04007A GrassBagAssembly

9 720-04072 HandKnob

10 750-04594 SleeveSpacer- RH

11 726-0240 CableTie

12 710-0703 CarriageBolt,I/4-20

13 731-04134A RearDischargeDoor

14 750-04162 Spacer

15 732-04089A TorsionSpring- LH

16 732-04090A TorsionSpring- RH

17 734-1987 RearWheel

18 731-04150C RearBaffle

19 750-04595 SleeveSpacer- LH

20 787-01277 Deck- 21"

21 736-0474 Washer,1.5"0D

22 782-5002B FrontBaffle

23 748-04015A BladeAdapterw/Pulley

24 742-0741 21"MulchingBlade

25 710-1257 HexBolt, 3/8-24x 2.5

26 687-02044 PivotPlateAssembly

27 736-0524B BladeBellSupport

28 787-01298 HeightAdjustmentPlate- RH

787-01299 HeightAdjustmentPlate- LH

29 720-0426 AdjustmentLeverKnob

30 732-0706 FrontLever-RH

732-0707 FrontLever- LH

31 738-04136 ShoulderScrew

32 634-0190 FrontWheel

33 710-04371 Screw,1/4-15x 1.250

34 746-1132 ControlCable-40.75"

35 716-0102 SnapRing

36 731-04998 Trailshield

37 732-0700 TrailshieldWire

38 712-0397 WingNut,1/4-20

39 747-04035 RearDoorPivotRod

40 732-04175 SpringLever

41 687-02071 PivotArmAssembly-RH

687-02070 PivotArmAssembly-LH

42 782-7551A WheelDustCap

43 712-04065 FlangeLockNut,3/8-16

44 714-0104 HairpinClip

45 710-0654A TT SemsScrew,3/8-16x 1.00

46 687-02193 Ht.Adj.Assy.Front- LH

687-02194 Ht.Adj.Assy.Front- RH

47 687-02069 RearHandleBracketAssy.- LH

687-02068 RearHandleBracketAssy.- RH

48 747-1214 DriveControl

49 710-1650 ShoulderScrew

50 746-04203 DriveCable

51 754-04101 V-Belt

52 618-04376 TransmissionAssembly

53 731-05196A FrontDriveCover

54 732-1043 BeltTensionSpring

55 682-0015 BearingAssembly

56 736-0447 WaveWasher

57 710-0216 HexScrew

58 715-0221 DowelPin

59 717-1762 Gear,14T-RH

717-1761 Gear,14T-LH

60 710-04531 Screw,1/4-20x.390

61 710-04329 TorxScrew

62 715-0129 SpirolPin

63 715-04030 Dowelpin

64 710-0969 Screw,#12-16x 1.00

65 756-04132 Pulley,3.82x .313x .68

66 736-0105 BellWasher,.325x.930x .45

MPORTANT

Fora proper WQrking

machine;use Factory

Approved Parts:

V-BELTSareSpecially

designed to engage

and disengagesafelyl

A substitute(nOnOEM)

ViBelt canbedangeri

ous by not dsengaging

completely.

Toorder replacement

parts,contact

1-800-800-7310

or visit

www.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.

NOW TO OBTAINSERVICE: Warrantyservice isavailable,WITH

PROOFOF PURCHASE,throughyour localauthorized service

dealer.Tolocate the dealer in yourarea, check yourYellowPages,

or contact MTDLLCat RO. Box361131,Cleveland,Ohio 44136-

0019,or call 1-800-800-7310or 1-330-220-4683 or log on to our

Website at www.mtdproducts.com.

Thislimitedwarrantydoesnotprovidecoverageinthefollowingcases:

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 impliedwarrantyof mer-

chantabilityof fitness for a particular purpose,applies after the

applicable periodof expresswritten warranty aboveasto the

partsasidentified.Nootherexpresswarranty, whetherwritten or

oral, exceptas mentioned above,givenby anypersonor entity,

includinga dealeror retailer, withrespect to any product,shall

bindMTD.Duringthe periodof the warranty,the exclusiveremedy

isrepairor replacementof the productas setforth above.

Theprovisionsasset forth inthis warrantyprovidethesoleand

exclusiveremedy arising from the sale.MTDshallnot be liable

for incidentalor consequentiallossor damageincluding,without

limitation, expensesincurredfor substituteor replacementlawn

careservicesor for rentalexpensesto temporarily replacea

warranted product.

Somestatesdo notallowtheexclusionor limitationofincidentalor

consequentialdamages,or limitationsonhowlongan impliedwarranty

lasts,sotheaboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplytoyou.

Innoeventshallrecoveryofanykindbegreaterthantheamountofthe

purchasepriceof theproductsold.Alterationof safetyfeaturesof

the product shallvoid this warranty. Youassumetheriskand liability

forloss,damage,or injurytoyouandyourpropertyand/ortoothersand

theirpropertyarisingoutofthemisuseor inabilitytousethe product.

Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendtoanyoneotherthantheoriginal

purchaserorto thepersonforwhomitwas purchasedasa gift.

HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHISWARRANTY:This limited

warrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,and youmayalsohaveother

rightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.

IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofof Purchasetoobtain

warrantycoverage.

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

MTD 12A-446B729 Owner's manual

Brand: MTD

Model: 12A-446B729

Type: Owner's manual

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440 Series

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MTD 12A-446B729 Owner's manual

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