Craftsman 247375580 Owner’s Manual
YaRD-MaN}/f
._i[iP
Operator's Manual
21" Self Starter
Rear-Discharge
Lawn Mower
Model Series
12A-449T402
IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.
Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustionengine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-
covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped witha spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
Inthe State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public ResourcesCode). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands, A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722,
MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
ECO #
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-10545.fm
(4/2001)
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content Page
ImportantSafe Operation Practices ................................................................... 3
SlopeGauge...................................................................................................... 6
Unpacking.......................................................................................................... 7
Assembling Your Lawn Mower........................................................................... 7
KnowYour Lawn Mower................................................................................... ;10
OperatingYourLawn Mower ............................................................................. 10
MaintainingYour Lawn Mower........................................................................... 13
Servicing Your Lawn Mower .............................................................................. 14
MakingAdjustments .......................................................................................... 16
Off- Season Storage.......................................................................................... 17
Troubleshooting................................................................................................. 18
PartsList............................................................................................................ 20
FINDINGMODELNUMBER
ThisOperator's Manual is an important part of your new Lawn Mower. Itwillhelp you assemble, prepare
and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the
equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below. The information on
the model plate is very important ifyou need help from our Customer Support Department or
an authorized dealer.
You can locate the model number by standingbehind the unitin the operating position and looking
down at the rear of the deck. A sampre model plate is explained below. For future reference, please
copy the model number and the serial number of the equipment in the space below.
p,-
(Model Number)
f" MTD PRODUCTS INC
CLEVELAND, OHIO 441364
(Serial Number)
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT
if you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.
Call 1- (330) 220-4MTD (4683) or 1- (800)-800-7310 to reach a Customer Support
representative.Please have yourunit'smodeJnumberand serialnumberready when you
call.See previous section to locatethisinformation.You willbe askedtoenter the serial
number in order to process your call.
SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES
WARNING: Thissymbol points out importantsafety instructions which, if notfollowed, could endanger
the personalsafety and/or property of yourselfand others. Read andfollow all instructionsinthismanual
beforeattemptingto operatethismachine. Failuretocomplywiththese instructionsmay resultinpersonal
injury.When you see thissymbol--HEED ITS WARNING.
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, andcertain vehicle components contain oremit
chemicalsknownto State ofCaliforniato cause cancer and birthdefectsor otherreproductiveharm.
WARNING: This machine was built to beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operation inthismanual. As with
any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This
machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety
instructionscould resultin sedous injuryordeath.
GeneralOperation
1. Read this operator's manual carefullyin its entirety
before attempting to assemble this machine. Read,
understand, and follow all instructionson the machine
and in the manual(s) before operation, Be completely
familiar with the controlsand the proper use of this
machine before operating it.Keep this manual in a safe
place for future and regular reference andfor ordering
replacement parts.
2. Thismachine isa precisionpiece of power equipment,
nota plaything. Therefore,exerciseextreme cautionat all
times. Your unit has beendesignedto performone job: to
mowgrass. Do not use itfor any other purpose.
3, Never allowchildrenunder 14years oldtooperate this
machine. Children 14years oldand overshouldread and
understandthe operationinstructionsand safety rules in
this manual and should be trainedand supervisedbya
parent.Only responsible individualswhoarefamiliar with
thesesafe operationrules shoulduse this machine.
4. Thoroughlyinspectthe area where the equipmentisto
be used. Remove allstones, sticks,wire, bones, toysand
otherforeign objects whichcouldbe tdppedoveror
picked upand thrownby the blade. Thrownobjectscan
cause sedous personal injury.Plan yourmowing pattern
toavoiddischarge ofmaterialtoward roads,sidewalks,
bystandersand the like. Also, avoiddischargingmaterial
againsta wallor obstructionwhichmay causedischarged
matedal to dcochet back towardthe operator.
5. To help avoidblade contactora thrownobjectinjury,stay
inthe operatorzone behind the handlesand keep
bystanders,helpers, childrenand pets at least75 feet
from the machine while itis inoperation.Stopmachine if
anyone entersthe area.
6. Always wear safety glassesorsafety gogglesduring
operationand while performingan adjustmentorrepair to
protectyoureyes. Thrownobjectswhichricochetcan
cause serious injurytothe eyes.
7. Wear sturdy, rough-soledworkshoesand close-fitting
slacks and shirts.Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthe arms
and legsand steel-toed shoes are recommended. Never
operate thismachine in barefeet, sandals,slipperyor
lightweight (e.g. canvas) shoes.
8. Do not put handsor feet near rotating parts orunder the
cutting deck. Contactwiththe blade can amputate hands
and feet.
9. A missing ordamaged discharge cover can cause blade
contact or thrown object injuries.
10. Many injudes occur asa result of the mower being pulled
over the foot during a fall caused by slipping or tripping.
Do not hold on to the mower if you are falling; release the
handle immediately.
11. Never pull the mower back toward you while you are
walking. Ifyou must back the mower away from a wall or
obstruction first look down and behind to avoid tripping
and then follow these steps:
a. Step back from the mower to fully extend your
arms.
b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing.
c. Pull the mower back slowly, no morethan half way
toward you,
d. Repeatthese steps as needed.
12. Do notoperate the mower while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
13. Do notengage the self-propelred mechanism on units so
equipped while starting engine.
14. Theblade control handle is a safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its operation. Doing so makes the
safety device inoperativeand may result in personal
injury through contact with the rotating blade. The blade
control handle must operate easily in both directions and
automatically return to the disengaged position when
released.
15. Never operate the mower in wetgrass. Always be sure of
your footiog. A slip and fall can cause sedous personal
injury. If you feel you are losing your footing, release the
blade control handle immediately and the blade will stop
rotating within three seconds.
16. Mowin daylight or good artificial light. Walk, never run.
17. Stop the blade when cressing gravel drives, walkways
or roads.
18. Iftheequipmentshouldstarttovibrateabnormally, stop
the engine and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration isgenerally a warning of trouble.
19. Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to a
complete stop before removing the grass catcher or
unclogging the chute. The cutting blade continues to
rotate for a few seconds after the engine is shut off.
Never place any part of the body inthe blade area until
you are sure the blade has stopped rotating.
20. Neveroperate mowerwithoutproper trail shield, 5.
discharge cover, grass catcher, blade control handle or
other safety protective devices in place and working. 6.
Never operate mower withdamaged safety devices.
Failure to do so, can result in personal injury.
21. Muffler and engine become hot and can ceuse abum. Do
not touch.
22. Only use parts and accessories made for this machine by
the original equipment manufacturer (O.E,M). Failure to Service
do so can result in personal injury.
23. If situations occur which are not covered inthis manual,
use care and good judgment. Contact your dealer for
assistance. Telephone 1-800-800-7310 for the name of
your nearest dealer,
SafeHandlingofGasoline:
I. To avoid personal injuryor property damage use extreme
SlopeOperation
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents
which can result in severe injury. Operation on slopes
requires extra caution. Ifyou feel uneasy on aslope, do not
mow it. Before operating this unit on aslope or hilly area, use
the slope gauge on page 6 to measure slopes. Ifthe slope is
greater than 15 degrees, do not mow it.
Do:
1. Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
2. Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or bumps
which can cause you to slip or trip. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
3. Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause
serious personal injury. If you feel you are losing your
balance, release the blade control handle immediately,
and the blade will stop rotating within 3 seconds.
DoNot:
1. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches orembankments,
you could lose your footing or balance.
2. Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degreesas shown on
the slope gauge.
3. Donot mow on wet grass. Unstable footing could cause
slipping.
2. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.
3. Use only an approved gasoline container.
4. Never fill containers inside avehicle or on a truck or
5. if possible, remove gas-powered equipment from the
6. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
7. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources
8. Never fuel machine indoors because flammable vapors
9. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot
In. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch
11. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
mower and the mowing activity. They do not understand the
dangers. Never assume that children will remain where you
last saw them.
1. Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of a responsible adurt other than the
operator.
2. Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area.
3. Before and while moving backwards, look behind and
down for small children.
4. Use extreme care when approaching blind comers,
doorways, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may
obscure your vision of achild who may run into the
mower.
Keep children away from hot or running engines. They
can suffer bums from a hot muffler.
Never allow children under 14years old to operate a
power mower. Children 14years old and over should
read and understand the operation instructions and
safety rules in this manual and should be trained and
supervised by a parent.
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable andthe vapors are explosive. Serious
personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on
yourself or your clothes which can ignite.
trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on
the ground away from your vehicle before filling.
truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not
possible, then refuel such equipment on atrailer with a
portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser
nozzle.
container opening at all times until fueling iscomplete. Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.
of ignition.
will accumulate inthe area.
or running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes
before refueling.
below bottom of filler neck to provide space for fuel
expansion.
12. Ifgasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5 minutes
before starting the engine.
18. Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, spark or pilot light as on awater
heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas
appliances.
14. To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass, leaves,
or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and
remove any fuel soaked debris.
15. Allow a mower to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.
GeneralService:
I. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated
area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas.
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain
the blade and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect
the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.
3. Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent
intervalsforpropertightness.Also,visuallyinspectblade
fordamage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replaceblade
withtheodginalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)blade
only,listedinthismanual."Use of parts which do not
meet the original equipment specifications may lead to
improper performance and compromise safety!"
4. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade or
wear gloves, and usa extra caution when servicing them.
5. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
6. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
7. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect
the spark plug wire and de-energize the starter. (See
section "To De-energize Self Starter". Thoroughly inspect
the mower for any damage. Repair the damage before
starting and operating the mower.
8. Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height
adjustment while the engine is running.
9. Grasscatcher components, dischargecover, and trail
shield are subject towear and damage which could
expose moving parts or allowobjectsto be thrown.
Forsafety protection,frequently check components and
replace immediatelywith originalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.) partsonly,listed inthis manual.
"Useof parts which do notmeetthe originalequipment
specificationsmay leadto improperperformance and
compromisesafety!"
10.
Do notchange the engine governor settingor overspeed
the engine. The governorcontrolsthe maximumsafe
operatingspeed ofthe engine.
11.
Maintainor replace safety and instructionlabels,as
necessary.
12.
Observe properdisposallaws and regulations.Improper
disposalof fluidsand materialscan harm the
environment.
13.
ALWAYS de-energize selfstarter priorto performingany
maintenanceor servicetothe engineand or mower.
Follow instructionsbothinthe manual and on the engine
and ormachine to de-energize starter.
YourResponsibility
Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in
this manual and on the machine.
DANGER
AWARNIHG
5
SIGHTANDHOLDTHISLEVELWITHAVERTICALTREE
APOWERPOLE
ACORNEROFABUILDING
ORAFENCEPOST
15°
l.l.J
O
O'_ WARNING
- A
#q
Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower
could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is extremely difficult to maintain
your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.
Operate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.
SECTION3:UNPACKING
RemovingUnitFromCarton
Remove staples, break glue on top flaps or cut tape
at carton end and peel along top flap to open
carton.
Remove loose parts if included with unit (i.e.,
operator's manual, hardware pack etc.).
Cut corners and laycarton down flat. Remove
packing material.
Roll or slide unit out of carton. Check carton
thoroughly for loose parts.
SECTION4: ASSEMBLINGYOURLAWNMOWER
NOTE: Make sure not to crimp the cables while
removing the loose parts or the entire unit from the
carton.
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the mower
is observed from the operating position.
Tools Required
Pair of Pliers
Funnel
Set of adjustable wrenches
_ WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug
wire and ground it against the engine to
prevent unintended starting. Leave safety key
in locked position.
DisconnectingSparkPlug
Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect the
spark plug wire from the spark plug, and ground itto
a bolt, retaining post or V-slot on the engine. See
Figure 1.
AssemblingHandle
For shipping purposes, the grass bag was placed
on top of the unit. Remove it from the unit and set it
out ofthe way. See Figure 2.
Upper Handle
Liftu
handle
Raise the lower handle, as shown in Figure 2, until
it snaps into place.
Raise the upper handle as shown in Figure 2.
Tighten the two wing nuts which are already on the
handle. See Figure 3.
Lift lowerhandle
GrassBag
Figure 2
Figure 1
Spark Plug
_ _Upper H::dle_Handle
'_ Tighten
WingNut
Figure 3
NOTE: Make sure to route the cables outside the lower
handle. Also do not crimp the cables while rifting the
handle up.
For shipping purposes, the hairpin clip is placed in
the outer hole of the weld pin on the lower handle.
Remove the hairpin clip from the outer hole of the
weld pin.
Using a pair of pliers, insert the hairpin clip into the
inner hole in the weld pin. Repeat onthe other side.
See Figure 4.
Move hairpin clip to
this hole --
Weld Handle
Pin
Figure 4
Insert post of cable ties that are on lower handle
into the holes provided on the lower handle. The
holes may be on the inside or outside. Pull cable
ties tight and cut off the extra. See Figure 5 below.
Cable Tie
Post on
GrassCatcherAssembly
NOTE: Make certain the grass bag is turned fight side
out before assembling (warning label will be on the
outside).
SoftGrassBag
Parts for soft grass bag:
1. Front Frame
2. Rear Frame
3. Bag
Assembling soft grass bag:
Jointhe rearframe andfront frame assemblyas
shown in Figure 7A.
Place thebag overthe frame (blackplasticsideis
the bottomof bag). Slipthe openingsin thesideof
the plasticchannels onthe bag overthe hookson
thegrass catcherframe.
Secure bag toframe byworkingthe plastic
channelson bagoverframe as showninFigure7B.
All of the plasticchannelsexcept the centertopof
the bagattach from theoutsideof bag. The center
top ofthe bag attachesfrom insidethe bag.
Figure 5
AttachingStarter Rope
The rope guide is already attached to the right side of
the upper handle of your mower. See Figure 6.
With the spark plug wire disconnected and
grounded, and with the safety key in the locked
position, pull the starter rope up to the rope guide.
See Figure 6.
Slip the rope through the rope guide as shown
below. Tighten the wing nut holding the rope guide
to the upper handle.
BladeControl
Handle
Upper Handle
Rope Guide
Frame
Assembly
Rear
Frame
Figure 7
Channels
AttachingGrassCatcher
If your mower is equipped with a mulching plug,
and it is in place on the mower, lift the rear
discharge doorand remove the rear mulching plug
from the mower. See Figure 8.
Rear "_
Plug
Mulching _
Hook
Plastic
Figure 6
Figure 8
NOTE: Make sure that the cables are routed to the
outside of the handle when attaching the grass catcher.
Loading...