MTD 034D Operator's Manual

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

A O A AL

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22=inch Rotary Mower- Model Series 030

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: Thisunit isequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnot beusedon or nearany unimprovedforest-covered,brush-

coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwithasparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalorstatelaws(if any).
If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbythe operator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw
(Section4442ofthe CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester
forthe mufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,

Ohio44136-0019.

PRINTEDIN U.S.A

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

Model034Dshown

iMPORTANT

FORMNO.769-00901B

01/24/2006

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

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

Table of Contents

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

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

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

Operating Your Lawn Mower ............................ 12

Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 14

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREASSEMBLINGYOURNEW EQUIPMENT,please
locatethe model plateon the equipmentandcopy the infor-

mationto the sample model plate providedto the right. You
can locatethe model plate by standing atthe operatingposi-
tion and lookingdown atthe rearofthe deck.This information

will be necessaryto use the manufacturer'sweb site, to obtain
assistancefromthe CustomerSupport Department, or when

contactingan authorizedservicedealer.

Troubleshooting ................................................ 16

Safety Labels .................................................... 17

Parts List ........................................................... 18

Warranty ............................................ Back Cover

r

Model Number

Serial Number

MTD LLC

P.O= BOX 361131

CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330-220-4683

www.mtdproducts.corn

800-800-731 0

Customer Support

Please do IVOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased, without first

contacting Customer Support.

Ifyou havedifficultyassemblingthis productor haveany questionsregardingthecontrols, operation,or maintenanceof this

unit,youcan seek helpfrom the experts. Choosefrom the optionsbelow:

• Visit www.mtdproducts.com. Click the Service& Supportmenuoption.

MTD _n_er#ati_e_ Awa_g Wi_ni¢-_ Prod_f_ O#r Compalr_'y

'.Service 8_Support
Product Registration

o

Phonea Customer Support Representativeat 1-800-800-7310.

o

The enginemanufactureris responsiblefor all engine-relatedissueswith regardsto performance, power-rating,specifica-
tions,warranty,and service. Please refertothe enginemanufacturer's0wner's/0perator's Manual, packedseparately with
your unit,for more information.

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WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of its constituents, andcertain vehiclecompo-
nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancer and

birth defects or other reproductiveharm.

DANGER: This machinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operation in this
manual.As with any type of powerequipment,carelessnessor error onthe part ofthe operatorcan
result in seriousinjury.This machine is capable of amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.

Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injuryordeath.

WARNING

Thissymbolpoints
out importantsafety

instructionswhich,if
notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal

i safetyand/or property
I ofyourselfand others.

Readandfollowall
instructionsinthis

manualbeforeat-

temptingto operate

i this machine.Failure
I to complywiththese

instructionsmayresult

i inpersonalinjury.When

youseethis symbol.

i HEED ITS WARNING!

Your Responsibility

Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine

to personswho read,

_understand

ano followthe warnings
and instructions

inthis manual

and on the machine.

Children

Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presence
ofchildren.Childrenare oftenattractedtomowerand mowing
activity.Theydo notunderstandthedangers.Neverassume
thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.

1. Keepchildrenoutof the mowingareaand underwatchful
careof a responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.

2. Bealert andturn moweroffif achildentersthearea.

3. Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown
forsmallchildren.

4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblind corners,
doorways,shrubs,trees,or otherobjectsthatmayobscure
yourvisionofa childwhomayrunintothe mower.

5. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycan
sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.

6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operatea power
mower.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand
understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthis
manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyaparent.

General Operation

1. Readthis operator'smanualcarefullyin its entiretybefore
attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,

andfollowall instructionsonthe machineandin the
manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith

thecontrolsandthe properuseof this machinebefore
operatingit.Keepthis manualin asafeplaceforfuture
andregularreferenceandfor orderingreplacementparts.

2. Thismachineisa precisionpieceof powerequipment,
nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all
times.Yourunithas beendesignedto performonejob: to
mowgrass.Do notuseit for anyotherpurpose.

3. Neverallow childrenunder14yearsoldto operatethis
machine.Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand

understandthe instructionsinthis manualandshould
betrainedand supervisedbya parent.Onlyresponsible

individualswhoarefamiliarwiththese rulesof safe
operationshouldbeallowedto usethis machine.

4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto
beused.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toys
andotherforeignobjects,whichcouldbetrippedover or
pickedupandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjects can
causeseriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpattern
toavoiddischargeof materialtowardroads,sidewalks,
bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial
againsta wallor obstruction,whichmaycausedischarged
materialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.

5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury,
stayinoperatorzone behindhandlesandkeepchildren,
bystanders,helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrom mower
whileit is inoperation.Stop machineifanyoneenters

area.

6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera-
tionandwhileperforminganadjustmentor repairtoprotect
youreyes.Thrownobjectswhich ricochetcancauseserious
injurytothe eyes.

7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fitting
slacksandshirts. Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthe armsand
legsandsteel-toedshoesare recommended.Neveroperate
thismachinein barefeet,sandals, slipperyor light-weight
(e.g.canvas)shoes.

8. Do notputhandsorfeetnearrotatingpartsor undercutting
deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.

9. A missingor damageddischargecovercancause blade
contactor thrownobject injuries.

10.Manyinjuriesoccuras a resultofthe mowerbeingpulled
overthefoot duringafall causedby slippingortripping.
Do notholdontothe mowerifyouarefalling;releasethe
handleimmediately.

11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare
walking.Ifyoumustbackthe mowerawayfromawallor
obstructionfirstlookdownand behindtoavoidtrippingand
thenfollowthesesteps:

a. Stepbackfrommowertofully extendyourarms.
b. Besureyouarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.

c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,no morethanhalfway

towardyou.

d. Repeatthesestepsas needed.

12.Donotoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof
alcoholordrugs.

13.Donotengagetheself-propelledmechanismon unitsso
equippedwhilestartingengine.

14.Thebladecontrolhandleis asafetydevice.Neverattempt
tobypassitsoperation.Doingso makesthesafetydevice
inoperativeandmayresult inpersonalinjurythrough
contactwiththe rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandle
mustoperateeasily in bothdirectionsandautomatically
returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.

15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbesure of
yourfooting. A slipandfallcancauseseriouspersonal
injury.If youfeelyouare losingyourfooting,releasethe
bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe bladewillstop

rotatingwithinthreeseconds.

16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.

17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.

18.Iftheequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineandcheck immediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis
generallya warningoftrouble.

4

19.Shuttheengineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto a
completestopbefore removingthe grasscatcheror unclog-
ging thechute.
The cuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefora fewseconds after
the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceany part ofthe bodyin
the bladearea untilyou aresurethe blade hasstopped

rotating.

20. Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrail shield,discharge
cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafety

protectivedevicesin placeandworking.Neveroperate
mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo socan
resultin personalinjury.

21. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causeaburn.Do

nottouch.

22.Onlyuseparts andaccessoriesmadefor thismachineby

manufacturer.Failuretodo socanresult inpersonalinjury.

23. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis manual,

usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor

assistance.Telephone[phone]for the nameofyour

nearestdealer.

Slope Operation

Slopesare amajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidents,which
can resultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra

caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyon aslope,do notmowit.Foryour
safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedas partofthis manualto

measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunitona slopedor hilly

area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donot mowit.

Do:

1. Mowacrossthefaceof slopes;neverup anddown.Exercise
extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

2. Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks, hiddenobjects,or bumpswhich
can causeyouto slipor trip. Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.

3. Alwaysbesureof yourfooting.A slip andfall cancause
seriouspersonalinjury.If youfeelyouarelosingyour

balance,releasethebladecontrolhandleimmediately,and

the bladewill stoprotatingwithin 3seconds.

Do Not:

1. Donot mowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,you
could loseyourfootingorbalance.

2. Donot mowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownon
the slopegauge.

3. Donot mowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcause
slipping.

Service

Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:

1. To avoidpersonalinjuryorpropertydamageuseextreme
care inhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable
andthevaporsare explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan
occurwhengasolineis spilledonyourselforyourclothes,
whichcanignite.

2. Wash yourskin andchangeclothesimmediately.

3. Useonly anapprovedgasolinecontainer.

4. Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehicleoron atruckor trailer
bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainerson the

groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck ortrailer

andrefuelit on theground.If thisis notpossible,then refuel
suchequipmentonatrailerwitha portablecontainer,rather
thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.

6. Keepthe nozzleincontactwiththe rimof thefueltankor

containeropeningat alltimesuntilfuelingis complete.Do

notuseanozzlelock-opendevice.

7. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars, pipesandothersources
ofignition.

8. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill
accumulatein thearea.

9. Neverremovegascap oradd fuelwhileengineishot or
running. Allowengineto coolat leasttwominutesbefore
refueling.

10.Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch
belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.

11.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

12.Ifgasolineis spilled,wipeitoff theengineandequipment.
Moveunitto anotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestarting
engine.

13.Neverstorethemachineorfuel containernearanopen
flame,sparkor pilot lightas onawater heater,space
heater,furnace,clothesdryerorothergasappliances.

14.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass, leaves,
orotherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand
removeanyfuel soakeddebris.

15.Allowamowerto coolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.

GeneralService:

1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorin apoorlyventilatedarea.
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessand
deadlygas.

2. Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe
sparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengineto prevent
unintendedstarting.

3. Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent
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 besuretheequip-
mentis insafeworkingcondition.

6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperopera-
tionregularly.

7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,discon-
nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.

Thoroughlyinspectthemowerforanydamage.Repairthe
damagebeforestartingandoperatingthemower.

8. Neverattempttomakeawheelorcuttingheightadjustment
whiletheengineis running.

9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail
shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould expose
movingpartsor allowobjectsto bethrown.Forsafety
protection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplaceim-
mediatelywithoriginal equipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)
partsonly,listedinthis manual."Useof partswhich do
notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"

10.Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating
speedoftheengine.

11.Maintainorreplacesafetylabels,asnecessary.

12.Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improper
disposaloffluidsand materialscanharmtheenvironment.

Operation

WARNING

Thissymbol points
out importantsafety
instructions,whichif
notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal
safety and/or property

of yourselfand others.

Readand followall

instructions inthis man-
ual before attemptingto

operatethis machine.

Failureto comply with

these instructionsmay
result in personalinjury.

Whenyou seethis
symbol.

HEED IT'S WARNING!

YourResponsibility

Restrictthe use

of this powermachine
to personswho read.

understand
and followthe warnings
and instructions

in this manua
and on the machine.

5

Adjustment

Referenceto right, left

front, or back of the

lawnmower is from

the operatingposition
only, unlessotherwise

stated.

Loose Parts

Cartoncontentsinclude:wheels,handles(upper&lower),bladecontrolhandle,chutedeflector,anda hardware
pack.Becertainto removeall loosepartsbeforediscardingthecarton. Forconvenienceofassembly,identifyand

separatethepiecesin the hardwarepackaccordingto Figure3-1below.A setof adjustablewrencheswill be needed
forassembly.

IMPORTANT:

This unit isshipped
without gasolineor oil

in the engine. Fill up
gasolineandoilas

instructedinthe accom-
panyingenginemanual

BEFOREoperatingyour
mower.

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Qty. 4

Qty. 2 Qty. 2

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Qty. 2

Qty. 1

Qty. 1

Figure3-1:Contentsof theHardwarePack.

6

Blade Control *blade

Handle* be detached

control may

Spark Plug Wire

Disconnectsparkplugwirefromthesparkplugand

groundit againsttheengine.If engineis equippedwitha

rubberboot,attachrubberboottoa bolton theengine.

Thiswillpreventtheenginefromfiringduringassembly.

Attaching The Handles

Thelowerhandlehastwo flatendswiththreeholeseach,
onesmallandtwolarge.The upperhandlehasindented

endswithone holeand mayhavethebladecontrol

handleattached,Figure3-2.

UpperHandle

Figure3-2:Theupperandlowerhandles.

Figure3-3:Attachthelowerhandleto the bracketsondeck.

LowerHandle

\

Attaching Lower Handle

NOTE:Usethe hardwarein Group 1 to attachthe lower
handle.

J

1. Placethelowerhandleoverthe handlebracket
assembliesandpositioneachbracketstudintothe

topor bottomhole,Figure3-3.

2. Securewiththestarknobs,Figure3-3.Eachsideof
thelowerhandlemustbe positionedontothestudat
thesameposition.

Attaching Upper Handle

NOTE:Usethe hardwarein Group 2 to attachthe upper
handle.

1. Placetheupperhandleinpositionoverthelower
handlekeepingthe bladecontrolhandlefacingup.

2. Securetheupperhandleto thelowerhandleusingthe
carriageboltsandstar knobs,Figure3-4.Makesure
thatthecarriageboltheadsgoon theoutsideof the

handle.

Referenceto right,left,

front, or back of the

lawn mower is from
theoperating position

only,unlessotherwise
stated.

Figure3-4:Attachtheupperhandletothelowerhandle.

7

-- Attaching Blade Control

cableis attachedtothe
enginefrom the factory.

Youwill needto attach
thefree endof the cable

o the upper handle.

Curve, E., Ifthebladecontrolhandlebecamedisplacedeitherduring

Figure3-5:Installthe bladecontrolhandle(ifneeded).

f

shippingorduringassembly,reassembleit now.Ifthe
bladecontrolhandleisfirmlyinplace,youmayproceedto
thenextstep.

1. Insertthecurvedendof thebladecontrolhandleinto
therighthole,StepA Figure3-5.Squeezethehandle

in andinsertthestraightendof the bladecontrol
handleintothe leftholeofthe upperhandle,StepB
Figure3-5.

2. Squeezethebladecontrolhandleagainsttheupper
handletocheckforproperassembly.Theholeinthe

bladecontrolhandlemustbeon theleftsideandthe
controlhandlemusttouchtheupperhandlewhen

squeezed.

Attaching Blade Control

Cable

1. Routethe cableunderthe lowerhandle.Pressthe
snapfitting intothe holeon theupperhandleas

shownin Figure3-6.

2. Hookthe "Z"endof thebladecontrolcableintothe
bladecontrolhandlefromtheoutsideto theinside,
Figure3-6.

IMPORTANT:

Thisunit isshipped
without gasolineor

oil inthe engine. Fill
up gasolineandoil

_sinstructedin the

accompanyingengine

"nanualBEFORE

operatingyour mower.

Figure3-6:Attachthe bladecontrolcable.

f

Securing the Cable

NOTE:Usethe hardwareinGroup3 to securetheblade
controlcable.

Thecable mustberoutedproperlytoavoidcontactwith
allsharpedgesand hotsurfaces.Suchcontactsdamage
thecableandrenderthecontrolsinoperative.

1. Securethecabletothe lowerleft handlenearthe
baseof theunitwith acabletie,Figure3-7.Trimoff

-_ anyexcess.

Attaching Wheels

NOTE:Usethe hardwareinGroup4 to securethe
wheels.

1. Placethemoweronblocksupoff ofthe ground.

2. Placethelargertwowheelsonthe rearpivotarm
axlesandsecurewiththeflangedlocknuts,Figure

3-8.

3. Repeatwiththetwo smallerwheelsonthefrontpivot
armaxles, Figure3-8.

4. Removeblocksandputthemoweronground.

\

Figure3-7:Securecabletolowerhandleusingacabletie.

J

8

Figure3-8:Installthewheels.

.....; ..... •...... ,,

1. Alignthe holesonthe chutedeflectorwiththe
correspondingholeson thedeck.

2. Securewithself-tappingscrewsandbellwashers
fromundersideofthedeckandupthroughthechute
deflector,Figure3-9.

Attaching Recoil Starter

NOTE:Usethe hardwarein Group 6 to securetherecoil
starter.

J

1. Looselyattachtheropeguideto theoutsideof the
upperhandleandthreadthewingnutonlyafew

turns,Figure3-10.Donottighten.

2. Depressthebladecontrolhandle.

3. Pullthe recoilstarteroutof theengine.

4. Slipthe ropethroughthe ropeguideas shownin
Figure3-10.Tightenthewingnutto securetherope

guide.

iMPORTANT:

i This unitisshipped

without gasolineor oil

inthe engine. Fillup

} gasoline and oil as
i instructedinthe accom-
i panyingenginemanual

BEFOREoperatingyour

Figure3-9:Installthe chutedeflector.

f

Reattach The Spark Plug

Wire

Reattachthesparkplugwiretothe sparkplug.if engine
isequippedwitha rubberboot,makesuretherubber
bootsnapsdownontothe sparkplug.

i mower.

Figure3-10:Securetherecoilstarter.

9

WARNING

Alwaysstop engine,
disconnect spark plug,

and ground against

engine beforeperform-

ing adjustments.

Adjustments

_l lways stop engine, disconnect

Cutting Height

Eachwheelhasa heightadjustmentleverto changethe
cuttingheightof the mower.

1. Depressthelevertowardsthewheelandslide the

IMPORTANT:Allwheelsmust bepositionedatthe
sameheight.

f

spark plug,and groundagainst
engine before performing

adjustments.

leverassemblytodesiredpositiontochangethe
cuttingheight,Figure3-11.

Handle Height

Forconvenienceofoperating,youmayadjustthehandle
heightasfollows:

1. Removethestarter ropefromtheropeguide.

2. Removethestar knobsshownin Figure3-12and
removethelowerhandles.

3. Positioneachhandlebracketstudinto theappropriate
holeinthelowerhandle,Figure3-12.Eachendof the
lowerhandlemustbe placedinthe sameposition.

4. Attachandtightenthestarknobs.

5. Reinsertstarterropeinto ropeguide.For instructions,
referto page9.

Rememberto attachthe sparkplugwireaftercompleting
theadjustmentsand beforeoperatingyourmower.

IMPORTANT:
Allwheels must be

placed in thesame
position. Forroughor

uneven lawns,movethe
wheelsto a higher posi-

[ionto prevent scalping
of grass.

J

Figure3-11:Adjustingthe cuttingheight. Figure3-12:Adjustingthehandleheight.

10

NOTES

11

Know Your Lawn Mower

BladeControl Handle

Your LaWn

WARNING

This blade con|rol isa

_afety device. Do not

bypass itsoperations.

Useextreme care
when handling

gasoline. Gasoline is
extremelyflammable

andthe vapors are

explosive. Neverfuel
the machine indoors

or whilethe engine
is hot or running.

Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes and

other sources of
ignition.

RecoilStarter

Height

Adjustment
Lever(front

and rear)

ChuteDeflector

Figure4-1:Themaincomponentsonthemower.(Model034Dshown)

Nowthatyouhaveassembledyour lawnmower,it's importanttobecomeaquaintedwithitscontrolsandfeatures.

Blade Control Handle

Thebladecontrolhandleisattachedto theupper
handle.Depressand squeezeitagainstthe upper
handletooperatetheunit.Releaseit tostopthe engine

andblade.

_ WARNING:This blade control handle is

a safety device. Neverattempt to bypass

itsoperations.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Levers

Oneadjustmentleveris locatedoneachwheelandis
usedto adjustthecuttingheight.All fourwheelsmust be
movedtothe sameheightto ensureauniformcut.

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

1. Checkoillevelandaddoilif necessary.Followengine
manualforthis.

2. Servicethe enginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe
enginemanual.

,_ WARNING:Useextremecarewhen

Neverfuel the machine indoorsor while the engine is
hot or running.Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes
and other sources of ignition.

handlinggasoline. Gasolineisextremely
flammableand the vapors are explosive.

Recoil Starter

Therecoilstarteris attachedtotherightupperhandle.
Standbehindthe unit,depressbladecontrol,andpull
therecoilstarterropeto startthe unit.

12

_ ARNING:Theoperationof any lawn

youreyesseverely.Alwayswearsafetyglasses
whileoperatingthe mower orwhileperformingany
adjustmentsor repairsonit.

mowercan result in foreign objects being
thrownintothe eyes,whichcandamage

Starting Engine

_ WARNING:Besurenooneotherthan the
Neverrunengine indoorsorinenclosed,poorly

ventilatedareas.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon

monoxide,an odorless and deadly gas.Keephands,
feet, hair and looseclothingaway from any moving
partson engineand lawnmower.

1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwo seconds
betweeneachpush,Figure4-2.Intemperature
around55°Forbelow,primefivetimes.Donotprime
torestarta warmengine.

NOTE:For the locationof the primeron yourmower,
refertothe enginemanualshippedwith yourunit.

.

Standingbehindthemower,squeezethe blade
controlhandleagainstupperhandle,Figure4-2.

3.

Holdingthesetwohandlestogetherfirmly,grasp
recoilstarterhandleandpull ropeoutwitha rapid,
continuous,fullarm stroke,Figure4-2.Keepinga firm
griponthestarterhandle,letthe roperewindslowly.
Repeatuntilenginecranks.Lettheroperewindeach
timeslowly.

operatorisstandingnearthe lawnmower

whilestarting engineoroperating mower.

Using Your Lawn Mower

Besurethe lawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other

objectswhichcoulddamagethe lawnmowerorthe
engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidentlythrownbythe

mowerin anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjury

tothe operatorandothers.

,_11 WARNING:if youstrikeaforeign object,
for any damage,and repair the damage before

restartingand operating the mower.Extensive vibra-
tion of the mowerduring operation is an indicationof
damage.The unit shouldbepromptlyinspectedand

repaired.

stop the engine.Removewire from the
spark plug, thoroughly inspectthemower

Operating Tips

o

Forbestresults,donot cutwetgrass.

o

Newgrass,thickgrass,orwet grassmayrequirea
narrowercut.

• Fora healthierlawn,nevercutmorethanone-thirdof

thetotallengthofthe grass.

• Yourlawnshouldbecut inthefallaslongas there

isgrowth.

• Adjustgroundspeedaccordingto conditionof lawn.

iiiii iii! ii ii! iiiiiii il!

Your LaWn

Mower

WARNING

The operationof any
lawn mower can result

in foreign objects
being thrown into

the eyes, which can
damage your eyes

severely. Alwayswear
safety glasseswhile

operating the mower,
or while performing
anyadjustments or

repairs on it.

Figure4-2:Tostartmower,primetheengine,squeezeblade
controlhandle,andpullrecoilstarter.

Stopping Engine

1. Releasebladecontrolhandleto stoptheengineand
theblade.

2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainsttheengine.

Be sure no one other

than the operator is

standing nearthe lawn
mower while starting

engine or operating

mower.Never run
engineindoors or

in enclosed, poorly

ventilated areas. En-

gineexhaust contains
carbonmonoxide, an

odorless and deadly
gas. Keep hands, feet,

hair and loose clothing
away from any moving

parts on engine and
lawn mower.

13

WARNING

Always stop engine,
disconnect spark

plug, and ground

against engine before

performingany type

of maintenance on
your machine.

Nevertip the mower
morethan900inany

directionanddonot

leavethe mowertipped

for anylengthoftime.

Oilcan draininto
the upperpartof the

engine.

Recommendations

• Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
maintenancework.

Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedto operatorabuse
or negligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthelawn mowerasinstructed

here.

• Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoidengine
warranty.

• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.

_ ARNING:Alwaysstopengine,disconnect
beforecleaning,lubricating, or performinganykind

of maintenanceon your machine.

sparkplug, and ground against engine

Lubrication

• Lubricatepivotpointsonthe bladecontrolhandleat
leastoncea seasonwithlightoil.The bladecontrol
mustoperatefreelyinbothdirections,Figure5-1.

• Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith
lightoil (or motoroil). Ifwheelsareremovedforany

reason,lubricatesurfaceof theaxleboltandinner
surfaceofthewheelwithlightoil, Figure5-1.

• Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointonthe
chutedeflectorperiodicallywith lightoilto prevent
rust,Figure5-1.

• Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforengine
lubricationscheduleand instructions.

Cleaning the Mower

Cleanundersideofthe mowerdeckaftereachuse to
preventbuild-upofgrassclippingsorotherdebris.

_ ARNING:Nevertip the mowermore than 90°

tipped for any length of time. Oil can drainintothe
upper partof the enginecausingastartingproblem.

NOTE:Referto Engine Manualfor location of engine
components.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.

2. Draingasolineorplacea pieceof plasticunderthe gas

3. Tip themowersothat itrestsonthehousing.Keep

4. Scrapeandcleanthe undersided thedeckwitha

5. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsonthe ground.Ifyou

inany directionanddo not leavethe mower

cap.

thesidewiththeaircleanerfacingup.Holdthemower
firmly.

suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.

hadputplasticunderthegascapearlier,makesureto
removeit now.

Blade Care

,_lk WARNING:When removingthe cutting blade

handswith a pair of heavy gloves or usea heavy rag
to hold the blade.

Periodicallyinspectthe bladeadapterforcracks,
especiallyifyoustrikea foreignobject.Replacewhen
necessary.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn

2. Removethebolt andthebladebellsupportwhich

for sharpeningor replacement, protectyour

moweronitssidemakingsurethat theair filterand the
carburetorareup.

holdthebladeandthe bladeadapterto theengine
crankshaftFigure5-2.

f

NOTE:Donot usea
pressurewasheror

gardenhoseto clean

the mower.These

maycausedamageto

electriccomponents,
spindles,pulleys,bear-

ings,orthe engine.The

Figure5-1:Lubricationareasonthemower.

useofwaterwUlresult

inshortenedlifeand
reduceserviceability.

Figure5-2:Thebladeandcorrespondinghardware.

14

3, Removebladeandadapterfromthe crankshaft,

Figure5-2.

4, The bladecanbesharpenedwitha fileor ona grind-

ingwheel.Donot attempttosharpenthebladewhile
itis stillonthemower.Whensharpeningtheblade,
followtheoriginalangleof grind.Grindeachcutting
edgeequallyto keepthe bladebalanced,

5. Removebladefromtheadapterandbalanceona
roundshaftscrewdriverfor testingbalance.Remove
metalfromtheheavyside untilit balancesevenly.

,_ WARNING:Anunbalanced bladewill
speeds, it maycause damageto mower and could

breakcausing personal injury.

6. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandthe innersurface

7. Placethebladeonthe adaptersuchthatthe side

8. Placebladebellsupporton theblade.Align notches

9. Replacehexboltandtightenhexboltto torque:450

Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically
checkthe bladeboltfor correcttorque.

excessivevibration when rotating at high

ofthe bladeadapterwithlightoil.Slidetheblade
adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.

ofthe blademarked"Bottom"(or withpartnumber)
facesgroundwhenthemoweris intheoperating
position.Makesurethat thebladeis alignedand
seatedonbladeadapterflanges.

onthebladebellsupportwithsmallholesinblade.

in.Ibs.rain.,600in.Ibs. max.

cause

Off-Season Storage

Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakento prepareyourlawn

mowerforstorage.

• Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin
thelubricationinstructions.

• Donotusea pressurewasheror gardenhoseto
cleanyour unit.

Refertoenginemanualforcorrectenginestorage
instructions.

Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto
preventrusting.

Storemowerinadry,cleanarea.Do notstorenextto

corrosivematerials,suchas fertilizer.

Whenstoringany typeofpowerequipmentin a poorly
ventilatedormetalstorageshed,careshouldbetakento

rust-proofthe equipment.Usingalight oilor silicone,coat
theequipment,especiallycablesandall movingpartsof
yourlawnmowerbeforestorage.

WARNING

When removingthe
cutting blade for

sharpening or replace-
ment, 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.

Do not use a pressure
washer or garden
hoseto clean your

unit. These may cause
damage to electric

components, spindles,
pulleys, bearings, or

the engine. The use
of water will result

in shortened life and
reduce serviceability.

15

Problem Cause Remedy

Engine fails to Start i. Blade controldisengaged. Engagebiadecontrol

sparkp!ugwiredisconnected: I conBect WiretoSparkp!ug_

3. Fueltankemptyorstalefuel. 3. FiItankwithclean,freshgasoline.

4. Enginenotchoked. 4. Chokeengineas instructedinthe
OPe[atingYOU[LawnMower section•

5: Faultyspark pug 5, Clean,adjustgap, orreplace.

6. BloCkedfuel linel 6, cieanfueliinel
7: Engineflooded. 7: Wait afew minutesto iestart,butdo

I notprime:

Enginerunserratic 1. Sparkplugwireloose.

repairsbeyond

Engine overheats 1 Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewithproperoil.

theminoradjustments

listed here, contact

an authorizedservice

Occasional skips 1. Sparkpluggap tooclose. 1. Adjust gapto .030-inch.
(hesitates) at high speed 2. Carburetoridlemixtureadjustment 2. Referto enginemanual.

Idles poorly 1. Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gaptoowide. 1. Resetgapto .030-inchorreplace

Excessive Vibration 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.Balance

Mower will not mulch grass 1 Wetgrass• 1. Donot mowwhengrassiswet wait

1. Connectandtightensparkplugwire.

2. Blockedfuel lineor stalefuel.

3. Ventingascap plugged.

4. Wateror dirt infuel system.

5. Dirtyair cleaner.

6. Carburetorout ofadjustment.

2....Ar fow restrcted I 2 Removebower housngand cean

3. Carburetornotadjustedpropery. 3• Referto engne manua.

improperlyset.

2 Carburetorimproperlyadjusted 2. Referto enginemanual.

. 3. Dirtyair cleaner. 3. Referto enginemanual.

2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. See anauthorizedservicedealer.

2. Excessivelyhighgrass. 2. Mowonceat ahighcutting height,

, 3. Du bade. , 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.

2. Cleanfuelline; filltank withclean,
freshgasoline.

3. Clearvent.

4. Drainfueltank. Refillwithfresh fuel.

5. Refertoenginemanual.

6. Refertoenginemanual.

sparkpug.

blade.

untillatertocut.

then mowagainatdesiredheightor

I makea narrowercuttingpath.

_i_i_i_ i i_ ii_i_ i i_i_ _/_iii_ii

ii_ i!_i_ii_ii_I _ii i ii _i i

NOTE:SpeCifications are

SubjeCt to change without

notification or obligation.

!mage s my not reflect your

exact model and are for

[efe[ence purposes oniy:

Uneven cut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsin same

i

heightposition.

2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

16

iii i_ _ iiii

ii i _iI_ii

17

fJ_

18

1 710-1205 EyeBolt

2 720-0279 WingNut
3 747-1161A BladeControlHandle

4 749-1092A UpperHandle
5 746-0957 BladeControlCable-37.25 inch

746-0946 BladeControlCable-48.25inch
746-1130 BladeControlCable- 40.00inch

6 749-04037 LowerHandle
7 725-0157 CableTie

8 787-01097 DeckAssembly22-inch
9 710-0654A TTScrew3/8-16x 1.0

_FACTORY PARTS

10 748-0376C BiadeAdapter
11 742-0642A StandardBiade22-inch

12 736-0524B BladeBellSupport
13 710-1044 Screw3/8-24x 1.5
14 712-04065 LockNut3/8-16

15 741-0751 HeightAdjusterBearing
16 687-02094 PivotArm

17 687-02051 LeverAssembly
18 736-0741 BeiiWasher.760IDx 1.25OD

19 738-1172 ShoulderScrew
20 734-1988 FrontWheel7 x 1.8
21 710-0599 TT Screw1/4-20x .5

22 736-0270 BellWasher.265IDx .75OD
23 710-0216 Screw3/8-16x .75
24 738-1173 ShoulderScrew

25 734-1987 RearWheel8 x 1.8
26 682-3064 HandleBracketAssemblyRH

682-3065 HandleBracketAssemblyLH

27 720-04072 StarKnob
28 731-04019 Trailshield

29 17098 HingeClip
30 710-1174 CarriageBolt5/16-18x2
31 731-1035B ChuteDeflector

32 732-1014 TorsionSpring
33 17032A ChuteHinge

34 747-0710 HingePin
35 731-1034B HingedChuteDeflectorAssembly

Toorder replacement

parts,call1-800-800-7310

or visitus onthe webat
www.mtdproducts.com

19

MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR

Thelimitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenby MTDLLCwithrespect
tonewmerchandisepurchasedandusedin theUnitedStates,its
possessionsandterritories.
"MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsinmaterialandworkman-
shipfor a periodoftwo (2)yearscommencingonthe dateof original
purchaseandwill,at itsoption,repairor replace,freeofcharge,any
partfoundto bedefectiveinmaterialsorworkmanship.Thislimitedwar-
rantyshallonlyapplyif thisproducthasbeenoperatedand maintained
inaccordancewiththe Operator'sManualfurnishedwiththeproduct,
andhasnotbeensubjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,
accident,impropermaintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft,fire,water,
ordamagebecauseofotherperilor naturaldisaster.Damageresulting
fromthe installationor useof anypart,accessoryor attachmentnot
approvedby MTDforusewiththeproduct(s)coveredbythis manual
willvoid yourwarrantyasto anyresultingdamage.
Normalwearpartsarewarrantedto befreefromdefectsinmaterialand
workmanshipfora periodof thirty(30)daysfromthe dateof purchase.
Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuchas: batter-
ies,belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,
snowthrowerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.
NOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE: Warrantyservice isavailable,WITH
PROOFOF PURCHASE, throughyour localauthorized service
dealer.To locate the dealer in your area, check yourYellow Pages,

or contact MTDLLC at RO. Box 361131,Cleveland, Ohio 44136-
0019,or call 1-800-800-7310or 1-330-220-4683 or log on to our

Website at www.mtdproducts.com.
Thislimitedwarrantydoesnot providecoverageinthe followingcases:
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. MTDdoesnot extendanywarrantyforproductssoldor exported

outsideofthe UnitedStates,its possessionsandterritories,except
thosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorizedchannelsofexportdistribution.

f. ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts.
g. Transportationchargesandservicecalls.

Noimpliedwarranty,includingany impliedwarranty of mer-
chantabilityof fitness for a particular purpose,appliesafter the
applicable periodof express written warranty aboveasto the
partsasidentified.Nootherexpresswarranty, whetherwritten or
oral, except as mentioned above,givenby any personor entity,

includinga dealeror retailer, withrespect to any product,shall
bindMTD.Duringthe periodof the warranty,the exclusiveremedy
isrepairor replacementof the productas setforth above.
Theprovisionsas set 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 notallowthe exclusionor limitationofincidentalor
consequentialdamages,or limitationsonhowlongan impliedwarranty

lasts,sothe aboveexclusionsorlimitationsmaynotapplytoyou.
Innoeventshallrecoveryofany kindbegreaterthanthe amountofthe

purchasepriceof theproductsold.Alterationof safetyfeaturesof
the product shallvoid this warranty.Youassumetheriskandliability
forloss,damage,or injuryto youandyourpropertyand/orto othersand
theirpropertyarisingoutof themisuseor inabilitytousethe product.
Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendto anyoneotherthantheoriginal
purchaserorto the personforwhomitwas purchasedas a gift.

HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHISWARRANTY:This limited
warrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveother

rightswhichvaryfromstateto state.
IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofof Purchaseto obtain
warrantycoverage.

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