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
20.
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.
OPTIONAL MULCHING BAFFLE
A mulching kit is available for the mowers shown in
this manual. To obtain a mulching kit, refer to the
back cover of this manual.
If your mower is equipped with the optional mulching
baffle, install as follows.
1. Lift the chute deflector on the mower. Slide the
notches in the bottom of the mulching baffle over
the lip of the discharge opening. See figure 3.
2. Push the hooks on the top of the baffle until they
snap over the hinge on the discharge chute.
Release the chute deflector.
FINAL ASSEMBLY
Make certain all nuts and bolts are tightened securely.
CONTROLS
BLADE CONTROL HANDLE
WARNING: This control mechanism is a
safety device. Never attempt to bypass
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The blade control handle is located on the upper
handle of the mower. See figure 4. The blade control
handle must be depressed in order to operate the
unit. Release the blade control handle to stop the
engine and blade.
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THROHLE CONTROL
The throttle control is located on the side of the upper
handle. It is used to regulate the engine speed.
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its operations.
WARNING: The blade will be rotating
whenever the engine is running.
WARNING: The throttle control cannot be
used to stop the engine.
FIGURE 4.
RECOIL STARTER
The recoil starter is attached to the handle and is
used to start the engine. See figure 4.
OPERATION
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY, DO N
OPERATE MOWER UNLESS REAR TRAILI
SHIELD AND THIS GUARD OR ENTI
GRASS CATCHER IS IN ITS PROPER PLAC
DANGER
KEEP HANDS and FEET AWAY
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FIGURE 5.
Keep hands and feet away from the chute area on
cutting deck. See figure 5.
The operation of any lawn mower can resu It in for
eign objects being thrown into the eye:, which
can result in severe eye carnage.
Always wear safety glasses or eye
shields. We recommend wide vision
safety mask for over spect icles or
standard safety glasses.
/
4. Standing behind the unit, depress the blade
control handle and hold It against the upper
handle as shown. See figure 6.
5. Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until
engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope
will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the rope
rewind slowly.
6. Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke.
Keep a firm grip on starter handle. Return it
slowly to the rope guide.
7. After engine starts, move throttle control to
desired engine speed. (Mower is designed to be
operated at full throttle.)
NOTE: If any problems are encountered, refer to the
Trouble Shooting Guide on page 10.
NOTE: For best results raise the cutting pos tion untii
it is determined which height is best for yc ur lawn.
See cutting height adjustment section.
GAS AND OIL FILL-UP
Service the engine with gasoline an J oil as
instructed in the separate engine manual pac ked with
your mower. Read instructions carefully.
WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors,
with engine running or until the engine
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TO START ENGINE AND ENGAGE BLADE
1. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. If unit is
2. Move throttle control lever all the way for vard.
3. If unit is equipped with a primer, prime i ngine as
has been allowed to cool for at I »ast two
minutes after running.
equipped with a rubber boot over the e id of the
spark plug wire, make certain the mete I cap on
the end of the spark plug wire (inside tf e rubber
boot) is fastened securely over the me al tip on
the spark plug.
instructed in the separate engine manual
TO STOP ENGINE AND BLADE
1. Release the blade control handle to stop the
engine and blade.
WARNING: The blade continues to rotate
for a few seconds after the engine is shut
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2. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
USING YOUR ROTARY MOWER
Be sure that lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or
other objects which could damage lawn mower or
engine. Such objects could be accidently thrown by
the mower in any direction and cause serious person
al injury to the operator and others.
For the best results, do not cut wet grass because it
tends to stick to the underside of the mower, prevent
ing proper discharge of grass clippings, and could
cause you to slip and fall. New grass, thick grass or
wet grass may require a narrower cut. Blade speed
should be adjusted to the condition of the lawn.
off.
against the engine to prevent accidental starting
while equipment is unattended.
The best mowing pattern is one that allows the
clippings to discharge towards the uncut part of the
lawn. This permits recutting of the clippings to further
pulverize them. When cutting high weeds, discharge
towards cut portion, then recut at right angles to first
direction.
For a healthy lawn, never cut more than one-third
of the total length of the grass at any one cutting.
Lawn should be cut in the fall as long as there is
growth.
This mower is designed to be operated at full throttle
to give you the best cut and do the most effective job
of bagging the cut grass.
WARNING: If you strike a foreign object,
stop the engine. Remove wire from spark
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plug, thoroughly inspect the mower for
any damage, and repair the damage
before restarting and operating the
mower. Extensive vibration of the mower
during operation is an indication of dam
age. The unit should be promptly
inspected and repaired.
HANDLE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Your mower is shipped with the handle in the higher
height position. To lower the handle height, proceed
as follows.
1.
Remove the starter rope from the rope guide.
2.
Remove the upper handle by removing the hand
knobs and carriage bolts. Lay the upper handle
out of the way, being careful not to bend or kink
the cables.
3.
Remove the hairpin clips from the weld pins on
the handle brackets. Press inward on the legs of
the lower handle and remove it from the mower.
4.
Turn the lower handle around so the notches on
the bottom of the lower handle are facing forward
as shown in figure 8. Reassemble, placing the
bottom holes in the handle over the weld pins in
the handle mounting bracket.
5.
Reassemble the upper handle.
6.
Place the hairpin clips in the inner holes in the
weld pins and attach the starter rope as
instructed in the Set-Up Instructions.
ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING: Do not at any time make any
adjustment to lawn mower without first
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CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
An adjusting plate and thumb lever at each wheel
position provides cutting height adjustment. Each
adjusting plate has nine height positions. Height of cut
will be changed when the thumb lever is moved from
one hole to another. Simply depress the lever towards
wheel and move wheel and lever assembly to desired
position. All wheels must be placed in the same
relative position. See figure 7.
FIGURE 7.
stopping engine and disconnecting spark
plug wire.
Notch
FIGURE 8.
THROTTLE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT
If the throttle control requires adjustment or if it has
been replaced, adjust the throttle control as follows.
1. Remove the screw shown in figure 9. Remove the
cable clamp from the cable.
NOTE: If you have a Tecumseh engine, simply loosen
the screw shown in figure 9B so the cable will move
freely beneath the clamp. It is not necessary to
remove the screw and clamp completely.
2. Push the throve control lever on the handle all
the way fonward as far as it will go, then back it off
one “click”. Make certain the throttle control
lever remains in this position.
3. Push the control lever on the engine as far toward
the rear of the engine as it will go. Secure the
cable in this position with the cable clamp and
screw.
FIGURE 9A.—Briggs & Stratton Engines
Cable
Control
Lever f || j Screw
On Engine
Blade Control—Lubricate the pivot points on the
blade control handle and the brake cable at least
once a season with light oil. See figure 10. The blade
control must operate freely in both directions.
FIGURE 10.
Chute Deflector—The torsion spring and pivot point
should be lubricated periodically with light oil to
prevent any rust or binding. Defiector must work
freely.
Wheels—Mower may be provided with ball bearing
wheels. Lubricate at least once a season with light oil
(or engine oil). Also, if the wheels are removed for any
reason, lubricate the surface of the axle bolt and the
inner surface of the wheel.
Engine—Follow engine manual for lubrication instruc
tions.
FIGURE 9B.—Tecumseh Engines
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING: If any adjustments are made
to the engine while the engine is running
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Minor carburetor adjustments may be re< luired to
compensate for differences in fuel, temperature,
altitude and load. To adjust carburetor, re er to the
separate engine manual packed with your me wer.
NOTE: A dirty air cleaner will cause an eng, ne to run
rough. Be certain air cleaner is clean and at 'ached to
the carburetor before adjusting carburetor.
(e.g. carburetor), keep clear of al moving
parts. Be careful of heated surfs ces and
muffler.
LUBRICATION
MAINTENANCE
WARNING: Be sure to disconnect and
ground the spark plug wire before per
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NOTE: When tipping the unit, empty the fuel tank and
keep engine spark plug side up.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Refer to page 10 of this manual for trouble shooting
information.
CUniNG BLADE
When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or
replacement, protect hands by using heavy gloves or
a rag to grasp the cutting blade. Remove the bolt and
blade support or bell washer which hold the blade and
adapter to the engine crankshaft. Remove the blade
and adapter from the crankshaft.
If the blade is secured to the blade adapter with two
bolts, remove the two small bolts, lock washers and
nuts which hold the blade to the adapter.
forming any repairs or maintenance.
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WARNING: Always stop engine and dis
connect spark plug wire before cleaning,
iubricating or doing any kind of work on
lawn mower.
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WARNING: Periodically inspect the blade
adapter for cracks, especially if you
strike a foreign object. Replace when
necessary.
When sharpening the blade, follow the original angle
of grind as a guide. It is extremely important that
each cutting edge receives an equal amount of grind
ing to prevent an unbalanced blade. An unbalanced
blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at
high speeds, may cause damage to the mower and
could break, causing personal injury.
The blade can be tested by balancing it on a round
shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy side
until it balances evenly. It is recommended that the
blade always be removed from the adapter for the
best test of balance.
Before reassembling the blade and the blade adapter
to the unit, lubricate the engine crankshaft and the
inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil (or
engine oil). Lubricating the bolt holes, bolts and inner
surface of the nuts is also recommended.
When replacing the blade, be sure to install the blade
with the side of the blade marked “Bottom” (or with
part number) facing the ground when the mower is in
the operating position.
On units with the blade secured by one bolt only, be
certain the blade is aligned with and seated onto the
blade support. Then tighten the bolt securely.
Blade Mounting Torque
Center Bolt; 450 in. lbs. min., 600 in. lbs. max.
Blade Adapter Bolts (if applicable): 200 in. lbs. min.,
350 in. lbs. max.
To ensure safe operation of your unit, all nuts and
bolts must be checked periodically for correct tight
ness.
DECK
The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned
after each use to prevent a buildup of grass clippings,
leaves, dirt or other matter. If this debris is allowed to
accumulate, it will invite rust and corrosion, and may
cause an uneven discharge of grass clippings at the
next cutting.
The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and
scraping clean with a suitable tool (make certain the
spark plug wire is disconnected).
ENGINE
Refer to the separate engine manual for engine
maintenance instructions.
Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate
engine manual packed with your unit. Read and follow
instructions carefully.
Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal con
ditions. Clean every few hours under extremely dusty
conditions. Poor engine performance and flooding
usually indicates that the air cleaner should be ser
viced. To service the air cleaner, refer to the separate
engine manual packed with your unit.
The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset
once a season. Spark plug replacement is recom
mended at the start of each mowing season; check
engine manual for correct plug type and gap specifi
cations.
Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush.
Keep the cooling system (blower housing area) clean
to permit proper air circulation which is essential to
engine performance and life. Be certain to remove all
grass, dirt and combustible debris from muffler area.
OFF-SEASON STORAGE
The following steps should be taken to prepare lawn
mower for storage.
1. Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as
described in the lubrication instructions.
2. Refer to engine manual for correct engine storage
instructions.
3. Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis grease
to prevent rusting.
4. Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store
next to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.
NOTE: When storing any type of power equipment in
an unventilated or metal storage shed, care should be
taken to rust-proof the equipment. Using a light oil or
silicone, coat the equipment, especially cables and all
moving parts.
9
TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
Trouble
Engine fails to start
Engine runs erratic
Engine overheats
Occasional skip
(hesitates) at high speed
Idles poorly
Excessive vibration
Mower will not
discharge grass
Uneven cut
Possible Cause( >)
1. Blade control f andle disengaged.
2. Spark plug wir j disconnected.
3. Throttle centre lever not in correct
starting positioi.
4. Fuel tank emp y, or stale fuel.
5. Blocked fuel lii le (if so equipped).
6. Faulty spark p ug.
7. Engine floode< 1.
1. Unit running ir CHOKE or START
position.
2. Spark plug wir 3 loose.
3. Blocked fuel li le (if so equipped) or
stale fuel.
4. Vent in gas ca d plugged.
5. Water or dirt ii fuel system.
6. Dirty air clean';r.
7. Carburetor ou of adjustment.
1. Engine oil lev< I low.
2. Air flow restric :ed.
3. Carburetor no adjusted properly.
1. Spark plug ga 3 too close.
2. Carburetor idl; mixture adjustment
improperly se.
1. Spark plug for led, faulty or gap too wide.
2. Carburetor im jroperly adjusted.
3. Dirty air clean h.
1. Cutting blade oose or unbalanced.
2. Bent cutting b ade.
1. Engine speed too low.
2. Wet grass.
3. Excessively h gh grass.
1. Wheels not pi isitioned correctly.
2. Dull blade.
Corrective Action
1. Engage blade control handle.
2. Connect wire to spark plug.
3. Move throttle lever to correct starting
position.
4. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
5. Clean fuel line.
6. Clean, adjust gap or replace.
7. Crank engine with throttle in FAST
position.
1. Move throttle lever to FAST
position.
2. Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
3. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean,
fresh gasoline.
4. Clear vent.
5. Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
6. Clean air cleaner.f
7. Adjust carburetor.-j-
1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Remove blower housing and clean.t
3. Adjust carburetor.t
1. Adjust gap to .030"
2. Adjust carburetor.t
1. Reset gap to .030" or replace spark plug.
2. Adjust carburetor.t
3. Clean air cleaner.f
1. Tighten blade and adapter.
Balance blade.
2. Replace blade.
1. Set throttle between 3/^ and full throttle.
2. Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until
later to cut.
3. Mow once at a high cutting height, then
mow again at desired height or make a
narrower cutting swath (1/2 width).
1. Place all four wheels in same
height position.
2. Sharpen or replace blade.
fRefer to separate engine manual packed with yo jr unit.
Note: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments li >ted above, contact your local authorized service dealer.
NOTE: The use of any accessory on this Rotar t Mower other than those manufactured by the mower manufacturer is not
recommended. GRASS CATCHER Model 190-110 is available as optional equipment for the mowers shown in this manual.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of i ijury, do not operate mower unless rear trailing shield and guard or
entire grass catcher is in its propei place.
▲
NOTE: Under normal usage bag material is sub ect to wear and should be checked periodically. Be sure to use only factory
authorized replacement bag.
10
USE THIS PAGE AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SLOPES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY.
■ SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
A POWER POLE
A CORNER OF A BUILDING
OR A FENCE POST
.............
1 ........
CO
I
WARNING
...
.................
AC
Do not mow on inclines with a siope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A
riding mower couid overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a waik-behind mower on such a slope, it is
extremeiy difficult to maintain your footing and you couid siip, resuiting 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.
o
o
Copy the informaron from
your model plate here:
Have your ^
model number
available
when you call
: / '4 '! /
EnoineJ^il (SAE 301
' Blade
^Iwuicning Blade (Optional/^
'^^lade Adapter Kit ’ )
MuTPIlliiU Bkllle iODtional) '
^^^ulching Kit Comp. (Optional) J
Throttle Cable (B&S)
Throttle Cable (Tec.)
Brake Cable (B&S)
Brake Cable (Tec.)
Grass Catcher (Ootional)
Illustrated Parts List
t Blade secured by 1 bolt. t1 Blade secured by 3 bolts.
MTD PR OD UCT S IN C
CLEVELAND. C HIO 44136
20" Mowers 22" Mowers
737-0208
742-06401
742-0620tt
742-0740t
742-0720tt
753-0588t
753-0484tt
731-1386A
190-114-000t
190-102-000tt
746-0842 (51")
746-0844 (39")
746-0550 (39")
746-0553 (36")
746-0552 (49") 746-0737 (51")
190-110-000
737-0208
742-0642t
742-0622tt
742-07421
742-0722tt
753-0588t
753-0484tt
731-1386A
190-115-OOOf
190-100-000tt
746-0842 (51")
746-0843 (55")
746-0847 (42")
746-0550 (39")
190-110-000
Order by Complete Model No.
For Paris, Accessories or Service liiformotiofi,
CAILLNOW!
1 (8O0>) 800-7310
8:00 AM io 8:00 IM Monday Through Sohirdoy
1^ Noon #o 0:00 PM Sunday
Eastern Time (winder hours may vary]
The only way to ensure the pei formance of your product
is to use original equipment ps rts and accessories. MTD
designs and engineers quality parts to exacting specifi
cations. When you substitute, you take a chance on
quality, reliability, safety anc performance. Use MTD
original equipment, the be! t buy on the American
Landscape—American Made and American Owned!
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