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
for any parts submitted for replacement under this warranty must be paid by the purchaser
unless such 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
warranty 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.
LIMITED WARRANTY
6
3
4
8
Using Your Rotary Mower.........................................10
Off-Season Storage
Expioded Parts View
Repair Parts List
Parts Information
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
permission has been extended by MTD.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights which vary
from state to state.
\ WARNING \
TO PURCHASERS
OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE EQUIPPED
MACHINERY OR DEVICES IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
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
WARNjNG {
I
To reduce the potentiai for any injury, compiy with the
the instructions may resuit in personal injury.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR WALK-BEHINO MOWERS
TRAINING
1. It is suggested that this manual be read in its
entirety before attempting to assemble or
operate this unit. Keep this manual in a safe
place for future reference and for ordering
replacement parts.
2. Your rotary mower is a precision piece of
power equipment, not a plaything. Therefore,
exercise extreme caution at all times.
3. Read this Owner’s Manual carefully. Be
thoroughly familiar with the controls and the
proper use of the equipment.
4. Never allow children to operate a power
mower. Only persons well acquainted with
these rules of safe operation should be al
lowed to use your mower.
5. 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 over
looked and could be accidently thrown by the
mower in any direction and cause injury,
PREPARATION
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equip
ment is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks,
wire, bones and other foreign objects which
could be picked up and thrown by the mower
in any direction and cause injury.
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.
Gasoline is an extremely flammable fuel. Do
not fill the gasoline tank indoors, while the
engine is running, or while the engine is still
hot. Wipe off any spilled gasoline before start
ing the engine as it may cause a fire or explo
sion.
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 dangerous.
2. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at
all times as the rotating blade can cause in
jury.
3. Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, ~
walks or roads.
following safety instructions. Failure to compiy with
4. 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 restarting
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 has stopped completely. The cut
ting 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 un
til you are sure the blade has stopped rotating.
Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep the
wire away from the plug to prevent accidental
starting.
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
equipment specifications.
Page 4
A
S-
FIGURE 1.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
í^^
B
Jk I
V
Tools Required for Assembly:
(1) Adjustable Wrench
V
G
(1) 7/16" Open End or Box Wrench
(1) 3/4" Open End or Box Wrench
-Contents of Hardware Pack; (See Figure 1)
A (5) HexBolts 1/4-20 XIV2" Long
C (1) Hex Bolt1/4 -20 x 13/4 " Long
D (2) Cable Ties
E (4) Shoulder Bolts (Axles)
F (4) Belleville Washers
G (2) Hairpin Cotters
H (2) Hand Grips (Not Shown)
This unit is shipped WITHOUT GAS
OLINE or OIL. After assembly, see
operating section of this manual for
proper fuel and engine oil recom
mendations.
B (6) Hex Lock Nuts V4-20 Thread
NOTE
FIGURE 2.
Shoulder Bolt (E)
Belleville Washer (F)
Four
Cutting
Heights
Loose Parts in Carton: (See Figure 2)
I (4) Wheels
J (2) Upper Handles
K (1) Lower Handle
-1. Remove lawn mower and all parts from the
carton. Make certain that all loose parts and
literature have been removed before the car
ton is discarded.
2. Extend throttle control assembly which is at
tached to engine at the rear of the mower and
place on floor.
A CAUTION
Do not bend or kink control wires.
3. Your mower has four height settings. Use the
same hole for all four wheels when assem
bling. See figure 3.
4. Place shoulder bolt (E) through wheel (I). See
—figure 3.
5. Place crown side of belleville washer (F)
towards the wheel (away from deck). See
figure 3.
6. Secure wheel to deck, using a 3/4" wrench.
Wheel (I)
FIGURE 3.
Page 5
Lower
Handle (K)
------
► /
7. Place the upper slotted hole in lower handle
(K) over studs located in front of each rear
wheel. Secure with hairpin cotter (G) provided
— in hardware pack. See figure 4.
NOTE
It may be necessary to bend the
ends of the lower handle inward
slightly to assure a snug fit against
the deck mounting area.
NOTE
FIGURE 4.
Bolts (A)'
Hex Bolts (A)
'^I^ld Stud
On Deck
Hex
-Upper Handle
Halves (J)
Hex Lock Nuts
4^
(B)
Hex Lock
Nuts (B)
Figure 4 was photographed with the
rear wheel removed for clarity, it is
not necessary to remove wheel for
handle assembly.
8. Assemble the upper handle halves (J) to lower
— handle using five hex bolts (A) and lock nuts
(B). Only tighten finger tight. See figure 5.
FIGURE 5.
FIGURE 6.
Hex Lock
Nut (B)
9. Place the tab on throttle control between the
upper handle halves at top hole. Secure with
hex bolt (C) and hex lock nut (B) provided in
------
hardware pack. See figure 6.
10. Tighten securely all six hex bolts and hex lock
nuts with 7/16" wrench.
Page 6
Tie (D)
FIGURE 7.
Cable
11. Secure throttle control wire to handle with
two cable ties (D) provided in hardware pack.
------
See figure 7.
12. Slip hand grips (H) on the upper end of each
handle. They will slip on more easily if you
first soak them in warm, soapy water.
13. Check all nuts and bolts for correct tightness.
Chute Deflector
. 'À.
■
Shipping Block
To Be Removed
FIGURE 8.
OPERATION
Keep hands and feet away from the chute area on
cutting deck. See figure 9.
^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 8.
CAUTION
DO NOT OPERATE
MOWER UNLESS
GUARD OR ENTIRE
GRASS CATCHER IS
IN ITS PROPER PUtCE.
FIGURE 9.
Page 7
1. FILL SUMP WITH OIL using a high quality
detergent oil classified “For Service SC, SD,
SE or MS.” Nothing should be added to the
recommended oil.
Use SAE 30 oil. If not available, use SAE
10W-30or10W-40oil.
Place the engine ievel. Remove oil filler plug.
FILL THE OIL SUMP TO POINT OF OVER
FLOWING. Pour slowly. Capacity 1-1/4 pints.
2. FILL FUEL TANK using clean, fresh,
regular grade automotive gasoiine. 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.
Be sure that lawn is clear of stones, sticks,
4.
wire, or other objects which couid damage
lawn mower or engine. For best results and to
insure more even grass distribution, do not
mow when lawn is excessively wet.
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 10.
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.
IMPORTANT
After striking a foreign object, stop
the engine. Remove wire from spark
plug and thoroughly inspect the
mower for any damage. Repair the
damage before restarting and
operating the mower.
ADJUSTMENTS
A
Do not at any time make any adjust
ment to lawn mower without first
stopping engine and disconnecting
spark plug wire.
CUTTING HEIGHT
Adjustment is made by removing and moving
axle bolts to desired position. Cutting heights will
be raised as axie bolts are moved to a lower hole
and lowered as axle bolts are moved to a higher
hole in the deck. All axle bolts must be mounted in
the same relative position to the deck. See figure
3.
CAUTION
FIGURE 10.
\ WARNING {
If any adjustments are made to the
engine while the engine is running
(e.g. carburetor), disengage all
clutches and blades. Keep clear of
all moving parts. Be careful of
heated surfaces and muffler.
Page 8
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS (See Figure 11)
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 1-1/2 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 ob
tained—(1750 R.P.M.).
4. To check adjustment, move engine control
from SLOW to FAST speed. Engine shouid ac
celerate smoothly. If engine tends to stall or
die out, increase idle speed or readjust car
buretor, usually to a slightly richer mixture.
LUBRICATION
IMPORTANT
Always stop engine and disconnect
spark plug wire before cleaning,
lubricating or doing any kind of
work on lawn mower.
Wheels—The wheels require no lubrication.
However, if the wheels are removed for any
reason, lubricate the surface of the axle bolt and
the inner surface of the wheel with light oil. A 4 oz.
plastic bottle of light oil lubricant is available.
Order part number 737-0170. Engine oil may also
be used.
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 for ease of operation.
MAINTENANCE
WARNING i
Disconnect spark plug wire
and ground it against the engine
before performing any repairs
or maintenance.
FIGURE 11.
CUTTING BLADE
A. Removal for Sharpening or Replacement
^ WARNING {
Be sure to disconnect and ground
the spark plug wire before working
on the cutting blade to prevent
accidental engine starting.
1. Remove the large bolt and lock washer which
holds the blade and adapter to the engine
crankshaft.
2. Remove the blade and adapter from the
crankshaft. Be careful not to lose the key on
the crankshaft.
Page 9
3. If the blade or blade adapter needs replacing,
remove the two small bolts, lock washers and
nuts which hold the blade to the adapter.
B. Sharpening
Remove the cutting blade by following the direc
tions of the preceding section.
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 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.
The blade can be tested for balance by balancing
it on a round shaft screwdriver. Remove metal
from the heavy side until it balances evenly.
NOTE
It is recommended that the blade
always be removed from the adapter
for the best test of balance.
C. Reassembly
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. Lubricating the bolt holes,
bolts and inner surface of the nuts with light oil is
also recommended. A 4 oz. plastic bottle of light
oil lubricant is available. Order part number
737-0170. Engine oil may also be used.
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. Make certain
key is in piace on the crankshaft.
Blade Mounting Torque
3/8" Dia. Bolt 375 in. lb. min., 450 in. lb. max.
5/16" Dia. Bolt 150 in. lb. min., 250 in. lb. max.
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, leaves,
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
CAUTION
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
whileengine is warm. Oil may be drained through
drain on bottom of engine. To drain completely,
always place engine level when draining through
the bottom. Oil capacity 1-1/4 pints. See figure 12.
FIGURE 12.
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 13.
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.
Page 10
Screw Assemble
One of These
Low Points
Towards
Narrow
Edge of
Element
Assemble Element So
Lip Extends Over Edge
of Air Cleaner Body
Lip Will Form
Protective Seal
When Cover Is
Assembled
CLEAN AIR CLEANER
FIGURE 13.
IB
FIGURE 14.
»-
Clean
Electrode
Body
SPARK PLUG
The spark plug should be cleaned (see figure 14)
and the gap reset to a 0.030-inch clearance once a
season (see figure 15). Spark plug replacement is
recommended at the start of each mowing
season; check engine manual for correct plug
type.
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 clip
pings. 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.
FIGURE 15.
030"
eeler Gauge
Spark
Plug
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 preceding 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.
10
Page 11
NOTE
The use of any accessory on this Rotary Mower
other than those manufactured by the mower
manufacturer is not recommended.
GRASS CATCHER Model No. 191-003A is available as optional equip
ment for the mowers shown in this manuai.
I WARNING \
1. The mower should not be operated without the entire grass catcher
or chute defiector 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.
L-Wash. 3/8" Scr. H.D.
Hex Scr. 3/8-24 X 11/2" Lg.
Hex Scr. 5/16-24 x 1" Lg.
L-Wash. 5/16" Scr.
Wheel Ass’y.—Complete
Chute Deflector Ass’y.
—456
Adapter Plate
Hex Cent. L-Nut V4-20 Thd.
Lower Handle
Upper Handle (2 Req’d.)
Throttle Control Ass’y.
Hex Scr. 1/4-20 X 1.75" Lg.*
Grip
Hex Cent. L-Nut Va-20 Thd.
DESCRIPTION
Comp.
Comp.
NEW
PART
*For faster service obtain standard nuts, bolts and washers
locally. If these items cannot be obtained locally, order by
part number and size as shown on parts list.
(456—Radiant Tangerine) When ordering parts if color or
finish is important, use the appropriate color code shown at
left. (e.g. Radiant Tangerine Finish—11402 (456).)
NOTE
This instruction manual covers various
models and ail specifications shown do not
necessariiy apply to your model. Specifica
tions subject to change without notice or
obligation.
NOTE: The engine is not under warranty by
the mower manufacturer ... If repairs or
service is needed on the engine, please
contact your nearest author- ——ized engine service outlet. Find It Fast
Check the “Yellow Pages” of In The
your telephone book under Yellow Pages
“Engines—Gasoline.”
13
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, part
numbers, description of parts and the quantity of each part re
quired.
BRIGGS AND STRATTON, TECUMSEH AND PEERLESS PARTS
AND SERVICE
Briggs & Stratton, Tecumseh and Peerless parts and service
should be handled by your nearest authorized engine service firm
Check the yellow pages of your telephone directory under the
listing Engines—Gasoline, Briggs & Stratton or Tecumseh
Lauson.
NOTE: If any parts are found to be missing or defective upon assembly of this unit, write to advise the factory so
The purpose of warranty is to 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 respon
sibility of the customer. The manufacturer cannot assume responsibility for conditions over which it has no control. Simply put, if it’s
the manufacturer’s fault, it’s the manufacturer’s responsibility; if it’s the customer’s fault, it’s the customer’s responsibility.
CLAIMS AGAINST THE MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY
INCLUDES:
1. Replacement of Missing Parts on new equipment.
2. Replacement of Defective Parts 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. Date unit was purchased or first put into service.