MTD 070 User Manual
OWNEirS GUIDE
AMERICAN
MADE
AMERICAN
OWNED
OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT
Important: Read Safety Rules and Instructions Carefully
IMPORTANT: Record the exact Model No. and Serial No.
which appear on the rear of your unit (on the deck) in the
space below. You must have these numbers, along with the
date of purchase, in order to receive warranty or service.
MEETS ANSI SAFETY STANDARDS
MODEL NO. SERIAL NO.
ROTARY MOWERS
20" and 22"
Model Series
iiD-o[
WARNiNG: This unit is equipped with an internai combustion engine 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
with a spark arrester meeting appiicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be
maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by iaw (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code).
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
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-8553L
070 thru 088
IMPORTANT
THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY NSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF NOT FOLLOWED, COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL
SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE
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ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE YOUR LAWN MOWER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL
INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL— ^
Your lawn mower was I uilt to be operated according to the rules tor safe operation in this manual. As
DANGER:
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with any type of power i quipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious
injury. This iawn mower is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe
the following safety insti actions could result in serious injury or death.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
HE ED ITS WARNING.
Al. GENERAL OPERATION
Read this owner’s guide carefully in its entirety bef rre attempt
ing to assemble this machine. Read, understand, aid follow all
instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) b ifore opera
tion. Be completely familiar with the controls anc the proper
use of this machine before operating it. Keep this manual in a
safe place for future and regular reference and or ordering
replacement parts.
2. Your rotary mower is a precision piece of power equipment,
not a plaything. Therefore, exercise extreme c; ution at all
times. Your unit has been designed to perform one job: to
mow grass. Do not use it for any other purpose.
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operite a power
mower. Children 14 years old and over should i niy operate
mower under close parental supervision. Only respinsible indi
viduals who are familiar with these rules of sale operation
should be allowed to use your mower.
4. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly
small children and pets. Stop engine when ther are in the
vicinity of your mower to help prevent blade conta it or thrown
object injury. Although the area of operation sho ild be com
pletely cleared of foreign objects, an object ma' have been
overlooked and could be accidentally thrown by t le mower in
any direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator
or any others allowed in the area.
5. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipmmt is to be
used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, to; s and other
foreign objects which could be picked up and th own by the
mower in any direction and cause serious persoial injury to
the operator or any others allowed in the area. Pla i your mow
ing pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads, side
walks, bystanders and the like. To help avoid a thiown objects
injury, keep children, bystanders and helpers at east 75 feet
from the mower while it is in operation.
Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles duri ig operation
6.
or while performing an adjustment or repair, to irotect eyes
from foreign objects that may be thrown from thi machine in
any direction.
Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close- itting slacks
7.
and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover the arms; nd legs and
steel-toed shoes are recommended. Do not wear loose fitting
clothes or jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts. Never
operate a unit in bare feet, sandals, or sneakers.
8. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep
clear of discharge opening at all times as the rotati ig blade can
cause injury.
9. Many injuries occur as a result of the mower bein i pulled over
the foot during a tall. Do not hang on to the mower if you are
falling; release the handle immediately.
10. Never pull the mower toward you while you are w ilking. If you
must back the mower away from a wall or obs ruction first
look down and behind, and then follow these steps:
a. Step back from the mower to fully extend your; rms.
b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing
c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than hat way toward
you.
d. Repeat these steps as needed.
11. Do not operate the mower while under the influen :e of alcohol
or drugs.
12. Disengage the self-propelled mechanism or dri ^e clutch on
units so equipped before starting the engine.
The blade control handle is a safety device. Never attempt to
13.
bypass its operation. Doing so makes the safety device inoper
ative and 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.
14.
Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be sure of your
footing. A slip and fall can cause serious personal injury. Keep
a firm hold on the handle and walk, never run. Mow only in
daylight or in good artificial light.
15.
Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
16.
engine and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is gen
erally a warning of trouble.
Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to a com
17.
plete 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 in
the blade area until you are sure the blade has stopped rotat
ing.
Never operate mower without proper guards, grass catcher,
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plates or other safety protective devices in place.
Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not
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touch.
Only use accessories approved for this machine by the manu
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facturer. Read, understand, and follow all instructions provided
with the approved accessory.
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.
If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use
care and good judgment. Contact your dealer for assistance.
Jl. SLOPE OPERATION
* For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual
to measure slopes before operating this unit on a sloped or hilly
area. If the slope is greater than 15°, as shown on the slope gauge,
do not operate this unit on that area or serious injury could result.
DO:
• Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down. Exercise
extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
• Watch for holes, ruts, hidden objects, or bumps. Tall grass can
hide obstacles.
• Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause serious
personal injury.
DO NOT:
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The opera
tor could loose footing or balance.
• Do not mow slopes greater than 15° as shown on the slope
gauge.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause slipping.
III. CHILDREN
^Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the pres
ence of children. Children are often attracted to the mower and the
mowing activity. 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 adult 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. Never allow children under age 14 to operate the mower.
5. Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure your vision of a child
or hazard.
IV. SERVICE
A.
1. Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They
are extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
a. Use only an approved container.
b. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is
running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before
refueling.
c. Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe off any spilled
gasoline before starting the engine as it may cause a fire or
explosion.
d. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of
ignition.
e. Never refuel machine indoors because flammable vapors
will accumulate in the area.
f. Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame or spark such as a gas water heater,
space heater, or furnace.
2. Never run an engine inside a closed area.
3. To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow
mower to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.
Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the
blade and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark
plug wire, and keep the wire away from the spark plug to pre
vent accidental starting.
Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent
intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade for
damage (e.g., bent, cracked). Replace with blade which meets
original equipment specifications.
Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment
is in safe working condition.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation
regularly.
After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove the wire
from the spark plug, and thoroughly inspect the mower for any
damage. Repair the damage before starting and operating the
mower.
Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height adjustment
while the engine is running.
10.
Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage and
deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow
objects to be thrown. For safety protection, frequently check
components and replace with manufacturer’s recommended
parts, when necessary.
11.
Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
12.
Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the
engine. Excessive engine speeds are dangerous.
OWNER’S
MANUAL
SAFETY LABEL
UNPACKING
TO REMOVE UNIT FROM CARTON
1. Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut
tape at carton end and peel along top flap to
open carton.
2. Remove loose parts if included with unit (i.e.,
owner’s manual, etc.).
3. Cut along dotted lines and lay carton down flat.
4. Remove packing material.
5. Roll or slide unit out of carton. Check carton
thoroughly for loose parts.
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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.
WARNING — YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Spark
Plug
Spark Plug Wire
Vith Rubber Boot
Briggs & Stratton Engines
Wire
Retaining
Post
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
Pair of Pliers (Not necessary, but helpful).
DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE
Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect the
spark plug wire from the spark plug, and ground it
against the engine. See figure 1.
NOTE: On engines with a rubber boot, attach rubber
boot to a bolt on the engine to ground.
Spark Plug
Spark Plug Wire
All Engines with
Rubber Boot
Tecumseh Engines
FIGURE 1.—Grounding the Spark Plug Wire
SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS
This owner’s guide covers various modeis of
mowers. Foliow oniy those instructions which
pertain to your unit.
iMPORTANT: This unit is shipped WITHOUT
GASOLINE or OIL in the engine. Be certair to ser
vice engine with gasoline and oil before 0| terating
your mower.
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand sid! of the
mower is observed from the operating pos tion.
HOW TO SET-UP YOUR LAWN MOWER
(Refer to Figure 2)
1, Remove any cardboard pieces which may be
between the upper and lower handles for shipping
purposes.
2. Pull up and back on the upper handle to aise the
handle into the operating position. Makr certain
the lower handle is seated securely nto the
handle mounting brackets. Tighten tl e hand
knobs on each side of the handle (carric ge bolts
must be seated properly into the handle).
NOTE: Your mower is shipped with the hanc le in the
higher height position. If you wish to lower the height of
the handle, refer to the Adjustment Section at t lis time.
Remove the hairpin clips from the outer hole In
3.
the weld pins on the handle mounting brackets.
Using a pair of pliers, squeeze one leg of the
lower handle against the handle mounting brack
et. Insert the hairpin clip into the inner hole on
the weld pin. Repeat on other side.
The rope guide and wing nut are attached to the
starter rope, on top of the engine. Remove the
wing nut from rope guide. Remove the rope guide
from the starter rope.
With the spark plug wire disconnected and
5.
grounded, hold the blade control handle against
the upper handle, and pull the starter rope out of
the engine. Release the blade control handle.
Hold the rope guide as shown so the opening in
the rope guide is toward the front of mower. Slip
the rope guide around the starter rope and into
the right side of upper handle using the hole
shown. Secure using the wing nut.
The chute deflector on your mower is held in an
upright position by a retainer for shipping
purposes only. To remove the shipping chute
retainer, move the spring-loaded chute toward the
engine by pushing above the retainer. Remove
the retainer and carefully lower the chute into
operating position, keeping fingers out of the way.
WARNING: The shipping chute retainer
must be removed and discarded before
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operating the mower.
Rope
Guide
Starter
Rope
Shipping
Chute
Retainer
Wing Nut
Upper-
Handie
Ro )e
Guide
Lower
Handle
Handle
Mounting
Bracket
.ower
i landle
Handie
n lounting
Bracket
Chute
Deflector
FIGURE 2.
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