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.
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.
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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.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights which vary
from state to state.
WARNING t
TO PURCHASERS
OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE EQUIPPED
MACHINERY OR DEVICES IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
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Page 3
^ WARNING \
To reduce the potential for any injury, comply with the
the instructions may result in personal injury.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
TRAINING
1. It is suggested that this manuai be read in its
entirety before attempting to assembie or
operate this unit. Keep this manuai in a safe
place for future reference and for ordering
repiacement parts.
2. Your rotary mower is a precision piece of
power equipment, not a plaything. Therefore,
exercise extreme caution at aii 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 smali object may have been over-
iooked 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. 3
following safety Instructions. Failure to comply with
FOR WALK-BEHIND MOWERS
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
Inner
Hole
Outer
Hole
Weld Pin
Lower
Handle
ASSEMBLY
INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE
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.
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.
FIGURE 1.
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 3.
4. 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 Block
^ To Be Removed
Cable
Chute Deflector
5. Secure throttle control cable to handle with
— ties provided. See figure 4.
6. Check ALL nuts and boits for correct
tightness.
\
CAUTION
A
Please note that the chute deflector
on your mower is in an upright posi
tion. it is heid in that position by a
shipping biock. 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
CAUTION
DO NOT OPERATE
MOWER UNLESS
GUARD OR ENTIRE
GRASS CATCHER IS
IN ITS PROPER PLACE.
2. FILL FUEL TANK using clean, fresh, regular
grade automotive gasoline. Fill tank com
pletely!
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, and thoroughly inspect the
mower for any damage, and repair
the damage before restarting and
operating the mower.
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 wheeis in a iow cut
ting height position. For best
resuits raise the cutting position untii it is determined which height is
best for your lawn. See adjustment
section.
1. FILL SUMP WITH OIL using a high quaiity
detergent oii classified “For Service SC, SD,
SE or MS.” Nothing shouid be added to the
recommended oii.
Use SAE 30 oil. If not available, use SAE
10W-30 or 10W-40 oil.
Place the engine level. Remove oil filler plug.
FILL THE OIL SUMP TO POINT OF
OVERFLOWING. Pour slowly. Capacity 1-1/4
pints.
ADJUSTMENTS
CAUTION
Do not at any time make any adjust
ment to lawn mower without first
stopping engine and disconnecting
spark plug wire.
CUTTING HEIGHT
Adjustment may be made by removing and moving
axle bolts to desired position. Cutting heights will
be raised as axle 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.
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 V2" wrench
is required. See figure 7.
Page 7
Low Position
t, warning j
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 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.
Move throttle control lever on handle to
2.
“FAST” position.
Move lever, to which control wire is fastened
3.
at engine, to full open position and retighten
screw to secure throttle control wire
assembly.
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 1 Va 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.
FIGURE 8.
3. Move engine control to “SLOW.” Turn idle ad
justing screw until a fast idle is
obtained—(1750 R.P.M.).
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
FIGURE 9.
LUBRICATION
IMPORTANT
CUTTING BLADE
A. Removal for Sharpening or Replacement
I 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.
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.
Always stop engine and disconnect
spark piug wire before cleaning,
iubricating or doing any kind of
work on lawn mower.
Wheels—The wheels require no lubrication.
However, if the wheeis are removed for any
reason, iubricate the surface of the axle bolt and
the inner surface of the wheel with light oii. A4oz.
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 {
Disconnect spark plug wire and
ground it against the engine be
fore performing any repairs or main
tenance.
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 place on the crankshaft.
Page 9
Blade Mounting Torque
3/8" Dia. Bolt 375 in. ib. min., 450 in. lb. max.
5/16" Dia. Boit 150 in. ib. min., 250 in. Ib. max.
To insure safe operation of your unit, ALL nuts
and bolts must be checked periodical ly 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.
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
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.
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 indicates 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.
Screwi
Assemble Element So
Lip Extends Over Edge,4
of Air Cleaner Body.
Lip Will Form
Protective Seal
When Cover Is
Assembled
FIGURE 11.
Assemble
One of These^
Low Points
Towards
Narrow
Edge of
Element
CLEAN AIR CLEANER
Cup
FIGURE 12.
Clean
Electrode
Page 10
FIGURE 13.
SPARK PLUG
The spark plug should be cleaned (see figure 12)
and the gap 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 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.
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 Section 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.
HANDLE STORAGE
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.
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.
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. 191-003A is available as optional equip
ment for the mowers shown in this manual.
\ WARNING j
d)
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.
5/16-18 X 1.75" Lg.
41712-0107Hex Cent. L-Nut V4-20 Thd.
NEW
PART
‘For faster service obtain standard nuts, boits and washers
localiy. 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.”
NOTE
This instruction manual covers various models
and all specifications shown do not neces
sarily apply to your model. Specifications sub
ject to change without notice or obligation.
When ordering parts, if color or finish is important use the ap
propriate color code shown above, (e.g. Red Flake
Finish—15206 (462).)
(462—Red Flake)
Find It Fast
In The
Yellow Pages
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. Repiacement 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.