MTD 440 Series Owner's manual

Type
Owner's manual

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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.
f
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
2
Usethispageasaguidetodetermineslopeswhereyoumaynotoperatesafely.Donotoperate
yourlawnmoweronsuchslopes.
!
I
!
3
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.
4
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.
5
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
f
i
J
Step 3 Step 4
6
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.
F
,.. j
Step 5
Step 6
J
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:
7
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.
8
=,
/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.
9
Maintaining
WARNING
A vaysstope,g ne;
disconnect spark
pluglandground
againstenginebefore
cleaning,lubricating
ordoinganyk ndof
maintenanceonV0ur
machine!
I
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.
10
_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.
\
J
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.
11
_ _ 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.
12
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
13
_i _i i _iii i__ i iii ii_
DONOT remove safety
(or any) labelsfrom
mower for any reason.
Model 446
\
)
\\
14
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,
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.
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
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MTD 440 Series Owner's manual

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