For one year from the date of original retail purchase, MTD PRODUCTS INC will either
repair or replace, at its option, free of charge, F.O.B. factory or authorized service firm, any
part or parts found to be defective in material or workmanship. Transportation charges
under this warranty must be paid by the purchaser unless return is requested by MTD
PRODUCTS INC.
This warranty will not apply to any part which has become inoperative due to misuse,
excessive use, accident, neglect, improper maintenance, alterations, or unless the unit
has been operated and maintained in accordance with the instructions furnished. This war
ranty does not apply to the engine, motor, battery, battery charger or component parts
thereof. Please refer to the applicable manufacturer’s warranty on these items.
This warranty will not apply where the unit has been used commercially.
Warranty service is available through your local authorized service dealer or distributor. If
you do not know the dealer or distributor in your area, please write to the Customer Service
Department of MTD.
The return of a complete unit will not be accepted by the factory unless prior written per
mission has been extended by MTD.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights which vary
from state to state.
LIMITED WARRANTY
4
3
6
8
Using Your Rotary Mower
Off-Season Storage
Exploded Parts View.....................................................12
Repair Parts List..............................................................13
Parts Information..........................................Back Cover
The equipment which you have just purchased does not have a spark arrester. If this equipment is used on
any forest covered land, brush covered land, or grass covered unimproved land in the State of California,
before using on such land, the California law requires that a spark arrester be provided. In addition, spark
arrester is required by law to be in effective working order. The spark arrester must be attached to the
exhaust system and comply with Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code.
♦
Page 3
IMPORTANT
It is suggested that this manual be read in its entirety before attempting to assemble or operate. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future reference and for ordering replacement parts.
This unit is shipped WITHOUT GASOLINE or OIL. After assembly, see operating section of this manual for
proper fuel and amount.
Your rotary mower is a precision piece of power equipment, not a plaything. Therefore exercise extreme
caution at all times.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR WALK-BEHINO MOWERS
TRAINING
1. Read the Operating and Service Owner’s
Manual carefully. Be thoroughly familiar with
the controls and the proper use of the equip
ment.
2. Never allow children to operate a power
mower. Only persons well acquainted with
these rules of safe operation should be allow
ed to use your mower.
3. Keep the area of operation clear of all per
sons, particularly small children and pets.
Stop engine when they are in the vicinity of
your mower. Although the area of operation
should be completely cleared of foreign ob
jects, a small object may have been overlook
ed and could be accidently thrown by the
mower in any direction.
PREPARATION
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equip
ment is to be used and remove all stones,
sticks, wire, bones and other foreign objects
which could be picked up and thrown by the
mower in any direction.
2. Do not operate equipment when barefoot or
wearing open sandals. Always wear substan
tial footwear.
3. Do not wear loose fitting clothing that could
get caught on the mower.
4. Check the fuel before starting the engine. Do
not fill the gasoline tank indoors, when the
engine is running, or while the engine is still
hot. Wipe off any spilled gasoline before start
ing the engine.
5. Disengage the self-propelled mechanism or
drive clutch on units so equipped before start
ing the engine.
6. Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting
height adjustment while the engine is run
ning.
7. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
8. Never operate the equipment in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing; keep a firm
hold on the handle and walk, never run.
OPERATION
1. Do not change the engine governor settings
or overspeed the engine. Excessive engine
speeds are dangereous.
2. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at
all times.
3. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drive,
walks or roads.
4. After striking a foreign object, stop the
engine, remove the wire from the spark plug.
3 equipment specificatiorfs.
thoroughly inspect the mower for any
damage, and repair the damage before restart
ing and operating the mower.
5. If the equipment should start to vibrate abnor
mally, stop the engine and check immediately
for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning
of trouble.
6. Stop the engine whenever you leave the
mower, before cleaning the mower housing,
and when making any repairs or inspections.
7. When 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 plug to prevent
accidental starting.
8. Before attempting to unclog the mower or
discharge chute, stop the engine and be sure
the blade(s) have stopped completely. Discon
nect the spark plug wire and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent accidental start
ing.
9. Do not run the engine indoors.
10. Shut the engine off and wait until the blade
comes to a complete stop before removing
the grass catcher or unclogging chute.
11. Mow across the face of slopes, never up-anddown. Exercise extreme caution when chang
ing direction on slopes. Do not mow ex
cessively steep slopes.
12. Always disconnect electric mowers (line
operated) before cleaning, repairing or ad
justing.
13. Never operate mower without proper guards,
plates or other safety protective devices in
place.
14. Keep washout ports and other mower-housing
service openings closed when mowing.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness.
2. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be
sure the equipment is in safe working condi
tion.
3. Never store the equipment with gasoline in
the tank inside of a building where fumes may
reach an open flame or spark. Allow the
engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
4. To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of
grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
5. Check the grass catcher bag frequently for
wear or deterioration. For safety protection
replace only with new bag meeting original
Page 4
Inner
Hole
Outer
Hole
Lower
Handle
N ■.
ASSEMBLY
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Extend throttle control which is attached to
the engine at the rear of the mower and place
on the floor. Be careful not to bend or kink
control wire.
2. Fasten lower handle in position over weld
pins in handle mount brackets on deck.
—Secure with hairpin cotters in inner hole on
weld pin. See figure 1.
Weld Pin
FIGURE 1.
Handle
Bracket
NOTE
There are two (2) holes in the handle
mount brackets. Place the lower
handle against the brackets and
secure with hairpin cotter in the in
ner hole. Inner hole is for operation.
Outer hole is for storage.
NOTE
It may be necessary to pull open the
ends of the lower handle. This will
insure a tight fit when assembled in
to handle mount brackets.
3. Assemble upper handle to lower handle.
— Secure with two carriage bolts and hex lock
nuts as shown in figure 2.
NOTE
There are two height positions for
the handle. See adjustment section.
FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 3.
Place the throttle control in position on right
side of upper handle. Secure with hex bolt and
lock nut. See figure 3.
NOTE
■Reference to right and left hand
sides of the unit is observed from
the operating position.
Page 5
FIGURE 4.
Shipping Biock
To Be Removed
Chute Deflector
5. Secure throttle control cable to handle with
ties provided. See figure 4.
6. Check ALL nuts and bolts for correct
tightness.
CAUTiON
A
Please note that the chute deflector
on your mower is in an upright posi
tion. It is held in that position by a
shipping block. This block is used
for shipping purposes only. It must
be removed and discarded before
your mower is put into operation.
See figure 5.
FIGURE 5.
Page 6
OPERATION
A
CAUTION
DO NOT OPERATE
MOWER UNLESS
GUARD OR ENTIRE
GRASS CATCHER IS
IN ITS PROPER PLACE.
DIRECTIONS: Place the engine level. Remove oil
filler plug. FILL THE OIL SUMP TO POINT OF
OVERFLOW. Pour slowly. Capacity 1V4 pints.
2. FILL FUEL TANK—Use clean, fresh, lead-free
or leaded “regular” grade automotive
gasoline. Fill tank completely!
DO NOT MIX OIL WITH GASOLINE.
3. When ready to start engine, place throttle con
trol lever on handle in “START” position and
start engine in accordance with instructions
in engine manual. After engine starts, move
throttle control lever on handle to desired
engine speed. The engine is stopped by plac
ing control lever on handle in the “STOP”
position.
4. Be sure that lawn is clear of stones, sticks,
wire, or other objects which could damage
lawn mower or engine. For best results and to
insure more even grass distribution, do not
mow when lawn is excessively wet.
IMPORTANT
After striking a foreign object, stop
the engine. Remove wire from spark
plug, thoroughly inspect the mower
for any damage, and repair the
damage before restarting and
operating the mower.
FIGURES.
Keep hands and feet away from the chute area on
cutting deck. See figure 6.
NOTE
For shipping purposes your mower
is set with the wheels in a low cut
ting height position. For best
results raise the cutting position un
til it is determined which height is
best for your lawn. See adjustment
section.
1. FILL SUMP WITH OIL—Use a high quality
detergent oil classified “For Service SC, SD,
SE or MS”. Nothing should be added to the
recommended oil.
SUMMER
(Above 40° F.)
Use SAE 30
If not available,
Use SAE 10W-30
or
SAE 10W-40
Use SAE 5W-20 or SAE 5W-30
Use SAE 10W or SAE 10W-30
WINTER
(Under 40° F.)
If not available,
ADJUSTMENTS
^CAUTION
A
Do not at any time make any adjust
ment to lawn mower without first
stopping engine and disconnecting
spark plug wire.
EASY CUTTING HEIGHT
An adjusting plate and thumb lever at each wheel
position provides cutting height adjustment. Each
adjusting plate has five holes. Height of cut will
be changed when the thumb lever is moved from
one hole to another. Simply depress thumb lever
towards wheel and move wheel and lever
assembly to desired position. All wheels must be
positioned in relative height of cut positions.
HANDLE POSITION
The upper handle can be adjusted to a high or low
position, the adjustment is made by removing the
hex lock nuts and curved carriage bolts and
reassembling in the other position. A Va" wrench
is required. See figure 7.
Page 7
Low Position
\ WARNING j
If any adjustments are made to the
engine while the engine is running
(e.g. carburetor), disengage all clut
ches and blades. Keep clear of all
moving parts and be careful of
heated surfaces and muffler.
High Position
FIGURE/.
THROTTLE
If adjustment becomes necessary, the throttle
control wire assembly can be reset as follows:
1. Loosen, but do not remove, screw securing
throttle control wire assembly at engine. See
figure 8.
2. Move throttle control lever on handle to
“FAST” position.
3. Move lever, to which control wire is fastened
at engine, to full open position and retighten
screw to secure throttle control wire
assembly.
Throttle
Control Wire
Screw On
Engine
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS (See figure 9.)
Minor carburetor adjustment may be required to
compensate for differences in fuel, temperature,
altitude and load.
All carburetor adjustments should be made with
the air cleaner on engine. Air cleaner mounting
screw must be in carburetor when engine is run.
Best adjustment is made with a fuel tank half full
of gasoline.
To Adjust Carburetor:
1. Start engine and run long enough to warm it to
operating temperature. If engine is out of ad
justment so that it will not start, close the nee
dle valve by turning it clockwise. Then open
needle valve 1V2 turns counterclockwise.
2. Move engine control to run engine at normal
operating speed.
a. Turn needle valve in clockwise until engine
starts to lose speed (lean mixture).
b. Then slowly turn needle valve out
counterclockwise past the point of
smoothest operation until engine just
begins to run unevenly (rich mixture).
c. Turn needle valve back in clockwise very
slowly till engine runs evenly.
d. Final adjustment of the needle valve
should be slightly to the rich side (turn
counterclockwise) of the mid-point.
3. Move engine control to “SLOW’.Turn idle ad
justing screw until a fast Idle is
obtained—(1750 R.P.M.).
FIGURES.
4. To check adjustment move engine control
from “SLOW” to “FAST” speed. Engine
should accelerate smoothly. If engine tends
to stall or die out, increase idle speed or re
adjust carburetor, usually to a slightly richer
mixture.
Page 8
LUBRICATION
IMPORTANT
Always stop engine and disconnect
spark plug wire before cieaning,
lubricating or doing any kind of work
on lawn mower.
Wheels—Wheel bearings are of self-lubricating
Fortiflex. They require no lubrication. If your unit
is provided with optional ball bearing wheels,
lubricate at least once a season with light oil.
Protective Shield—The pivot points on the protec
tive shield should be lubricated periodically with
light oil to prevent any rust or binding.
Chute Deflector—The torsion spring and pivot
point should be lubricated periodically with light
oil to prevent any rust or binding. Deflector must
work freely.
Engine—Follow engine manual for lubrication in
structions.
Throttle—Periodically lubricate throttle control
lever and throttle wire assembly with a few drops
of light oil (SAE No. 10 or 20) for ease of operation.
MAINTENANCE
. I
When sharpening blade, follow the original angle
of grind as a guide. It is extremely important that
each cutting edge receives an equal amount of
grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade. An un
balanced blade will cause excessive vibration
when rotating at high speeds and may cause
damage to the mower.
To insure safe operation of your unit, ALL nuts
and bolts must be checked periodically for correct
tightness.
DECK
The underside of mower deck should be cleaned
after each period of use as grass clippings, ieaves,
dirt and other matter will accumulate. This ac
cumulation of grass clippings, etc., is undesirable
as 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 for
ward or on its side and scraping clean with a
suitable tool or by washing with a stream of water
from a garden hose.
A
Do not direct the stream of water at
a hot engine as damage to the
engine may result.
ENGINE OIL
CHECK OIL LEVEL before starting engine and
after every 5 hours of operation.
ADD oil as necessary to keep level FULL TO
POINT OF OVERFLOWING.
Before removing oil fill plug, clean area around
plug to prevent dirt from entering oil fill hole.
Engine should be in a level position when check
ing oil.
CHANGE OIL after first 5 hours of operation.
Thereafter change every 25 hours. Change oil
while engine is warm. Oil may be drained thru
drain on bottom of engine. To drain completely,
always place engine level when draining thru the
bottom. Oil capacity 1-1/4 pints. See figure 10.
CAUTION
CUTTING BLADE
The blade may easily be removed for grinding or
replacement as follows;
1. Remove bolt and lockwasher holding blade
and blade adapter to engine crankshaft.
2. Remove blade and blade adapter from engine
crankshaft.
3. Remove two bolts, lockwashers and nuts
holding blade to blade adapter (if necessary).
Page 9
AIR CLEANER
CLEAN AIR CLEANER and re-oil element every 25
hours under normal conditions. Clean every few
hours under extremely dusty conditions. Poor
engine performance and flooding usually in
dicates that the air cleaner should be serviced.
See figure 11.
1. Remove screw.
2. Remove air cleaner carefully to prevent dirt
from entering carburetor.
3. Take air cleaner apart and clean.
a. WASH foam element in kerosene or a liq
uid detergent and water to remove dirt.
b. DRY foam completely by wrapping and
squeezing in a cloth.
c. SOAK foam with engine oil. Squeeze to
distribute and remove excess oil.
4. Reassemble parts and fasten to carburetor.
Screws
Assemble
One of Thes^
Low Points
Towards
Narrow
Edge of
Element
Cup
030"
eeler Gauge .
Spark
Plug
FIGURE 13.
SPARKPLUG
The spark plug gap should be cleaned (see figure
12) and reset to a 0.030-inch clearance once a
season (see figure 13). Spark plug replacement is
recommended at the start of each mowing
season; check engine parts list for correct plug
type.
Assemble Element So
Lip Extends Over Edge,^
of Air Cleaner
Lip Will Form
Protective Seal
When Cover Is
Assembled
CLEAN AIR CLEANER
FIGURE11.
FIGURE 12.
‘'jm-'
^■^NOTE
Whenever the spark plug is removed
for cleaning, it is advisable to
replace the spark plug gasket with a
new gasket.
USING YOUR ROTARY
MOWER
For the best results do not cut wet grass because
it tends to stick to the underside of the mower,
thus preventing proper discharge of grass clipings. If wet grass must be cut, reduce walking
speed to help distribute the clippings more effec
tively.
New grass should be treated as wet grass, other
wise a normal walking speed is about the right
pace for efficient mowing.
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.
Lawn should be cut in the fall as long as there is
growth.
Page 10
OFF SEASON STORAGE
HANDLE 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. Place blocks under deck to raise tires clear of
floor.
5. Store mower in a dry, clean area.
The handle may be placed in an upright position
for storage.
Move the hairpin cotters to the outer hole on weld
pins. See figure 1. Press inward on the bottom of
the lower handle and push forward. The handle
will lock in this position.
Reverse the above procedure to place the handle
in the operating position.
10
Page 11
NOTE
The manufacturer DOES NOT recommend the use
of any accessory on this Rotary Mower other than
those manufactured by the mower manufacturer.
GRASS CATCHER Model No. 190-003A is available as optional equip
ment for the mowers shown in this manual.
f WARNING J
1. The mower should not be operated without the entire grass catcher
or chute deflector in place.
2. The mower should not be operated without the protective shield on
the rear of the deck in place.
NOTE
Under normal usage bag material is subject to wear and should be
checked periodically. Be sure any replacement bag complies with the
mower manufacturer’s recommendations.
For replacement bags, use only factory authorized replacement bag No.
764-0176.
“For faster service obtain standard nuts, bolts and washers
locally. If these items cannot be obtained iocaiiy, order by
part number and size as shown on parts iist.
The engine is not under warranty by the mower manufacturer. If repairs or service is needed on the
engine, please contact your nearest authorized engine service outlet. Check the “Yellow Pages” of
your telephone book under “Engines — Gasoline.”
This instruction manual covers various models
and all specifications shown do not necessariiy apply to your model. Specifications subject
to change without notice or obligation.
When ordering parts, if color or finish is important use the ap
propriate coior code shown above (e.g. Red Flake
Finish—11409 (462).)
NOTE
13
(462- Red Flake)
Find It Fast
In The
Yellow Pages
Page 14
PARTS INFORMATION
POWER EQUIPMENT PARTS AND SERVICE
Parts and service for all MTD manufactured power equipment are
available through the authorized service firms listed below. All orders
should specify the model number of your unit, parts number,
description of parts and the quantity of each part required.
ALABAMA BIRMINGHAM
Auto Electric & Carburetor Co...............2625 4th Ave. S
ARKANSAS FORT SMITH
MIty Mite Motors, Inc.............................4515 South 16th Street 72901
NORTH LITTLE ROCK
Sutton’s Lawn Mower Shop
..................
Rt. 4 Box 368
CALIFORNIA PORTERVILLE
Billious...................................................75 North D Street.... 93257
RBI Corp................................................963 Myers St
................
23260
WASHINGTON SEATTLE
Bailey’s Inc
............................................
1414 14th Ave
..............
98102
WEST VIRGINIA CHARLESTON
Young’s, Inc
...........................................
233 Virginia St., E
.......
25301
WISCONSIN APPLETON
Automotive Supply Co...........................123 S. Linwood Ave... 54911
WARRANTY PARTS AND SERVICE POLICY
The purpose of warranty is ,o protect the customer from defects in workmanship and materials, defects which are NOT detected at the time of
manufacture. It does not provide for the unlimited and unrestricted replacement of parts. Use and maintenance are the responsibility of the
customer. The manufacturer cannot assume responsibility for conditions which it has no control. Simply put, if it's the manufacturer s fault, it s
the manufacturer’s responsibility: it it's the customer's fault, it's the customer's responsiblity,
CLAIMS AGAINST THE MANUFACTURER’S
WARRANTY INCLUDES
1. Replacement of Missing Ports on new equipment.
2. Replacement of Defective Ports within the warranty period.
3. Repair of Defects within the warranty period.
All claims MUST be substantiated with the following information:
1. Model Number of unit involved.
2. Dote unit was purchased or first put into service.