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
the movement of any power equipment unit or attachment are the responsibility of the pur
chaser. Transportation charges for any parts submitted for replacement under this warran
ty 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, ex
cessive use, accident, neglect, improper maintenance, alterations, or unless the unit has
been operated and maintained in accordance with the instructions furnished. This warran
ty 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.
NOTE: The use of any accessory on this Rotary Mower other than those manufactured by the mower
manufacturer is not recommended.
GRASS CATCHER Model 004 is available as optional equipment for the mowers shown in this manual.
Î'A^ARNINgÎ
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.
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
^ WARNING \
To reduce the potential for any injury, comply with the following safety instructions. Failure to comply with
(D
the instructions may result in personal injury.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR WALK-BEHIND 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.
Your rotary mower is a precision piece of
2.
power equipment, not a plaything. Therefore,
exercise extreme caution at all times.
Read this Owner’s Manual carefully. Be
3.
thoroughly familiar with the controls and the
proper use of the equipment.
Never allow children to operate a power
4.
mower. Only persons well acquainted with
these rules of safe operation should be al
lowed to use your mower.
Keep the area of operation clear of all per
5.
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.
Do not operate equipment when barefoot or
2.
wearing open sandals. Always wear substan
tial footwear.
Do not wear loose fitting clothing that could
3.
get caught on the mower.
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.
Disengage the self-propelled mechanism or
5.
drive clutch on units so equipped before start
ing the engine.
Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting
6.
height adjustment while the engine is run
ning.
Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
7.
Never operate the equipment in wet grass.
8.
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 ehgine. Excessive engine
speeds are dangeroiJS.
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
2.
parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at
all times as the rotating blade can cause in
jury.
Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives,
3.
walks or roads.
After striking a foreign object, stop the
4.
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.
If the equipment should start to vibrate abnor
5.
mally, stop the engine and check immediately
for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning
of trouble.
Stop the engine whenever you leave the
6.
mower, before cleaning the mower housing,
and when making any repairs or inspections.
When cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make
7.
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.
Before attempting to unclog the mower or
8.
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.
Do not run the engine indoors.
9.
Shut the engine off and wait until the blade
10.
comes to a complete stop before removing
the grass catcher or unclogging chute.
Mow across the face of slopes, never up-and-
11.
down. Exercise extreme caution when chang
ing direction on slopes. Do not mow ex
cessively steep slopes.
Always disconnect electric mowers (line
12.
operated) before cleaning, repairing or ad
justing.
Never operate mower without proper guards,
13.
plates or other safety protective devices in
place.
Keep washout ports and other mower-housing
14.
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
f*' reach an open flame or spark. Allow the
engine to coot.'.before storing in any.,
s. ’■ enclosure. . -. ,
i: 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 deterioratioji. For safety protection,
^ only with new bag meeting original
> equipment specificdtiohs.
Page 4
FIGURE 1.
Inner
Hole
Lower
Handle
ASSEMBLY
INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE
This unit is shipped WiTHOUT GASOLiNE or OIL. After assembiy, see
operating section of this manual for
proper fuel and engine oil recom
mendations.
-Contents of Hardware Pack: (See Figure 1)
A (2) Hand Knobs
B (2) Curved Head Carriage Bolts
C (2) Hairpin Cotters
D (1) Hex Bolt 1/4-20 x 1.50" Long
E (1) Hex Lock Nut V4-20 Thread
F (2) Cable Ties
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 which is attached to
the engine and place on the floor. Be careful
not to bend or kink control wire.
Outer
Hole
Weld Pin
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 3.
3. Fasten hole in lower handle over weld pins in
handle mount brackets on deck. Secure with
hairpin cotters (C) in inner hole on weld pin.
----
See figure 2.
NOTE
There are two (2) holes in the handle
mount brackets. Place the hairpin
cotter in the inner hole for opera
tion. Outer hole is for storage.
NOTE
It may be necessary to pull open the
ends of the lower handle to obtain
a tight fit when assembled into
handle mount brackets.
There are two height positions for the handle.
Place upper handle in position over lower han
dle, selecting hole for either high or low posi
tion. See figure 8.
■Secure with two carriage bolts (B) and hand
knobs (A) as shown in figure 3. The knobs may
be assembled either to the inside or the out
side of the handle.
Page 5
FIGURE 4.
5. Place the throttle control in position on right
side of upper handle. Secure with hex bolt (D)
—and lock nut (E). See figure 4.
NOTE
Reference to right and left hand
sides of the unit is observed from
the operating position.
6. Secure throttle control cable to upper and
lower handles with cable ties (F) provided. See
—figure 5.
7. Check ALL nuts and bolts for correct
tightness.
FIGURE 5.
FIGURE 6.
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 6.
CAUTION
Page 6
OPERATION
ЖКККmКККmtmКККККm
Caution
FIGURE 7.
Keep hands and feet away from the chute area on
cutting deck. See figure 7.
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 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-30.
Place the engine level. Remove oil filler plug.
FILL THE OIL SUMP TO POINT OF
OVERFLOW. Pour slowly. Capacity 1 V4 pints.
2. Fill fuel tank using clean, fresh, 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.
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
If you strike 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.
USING YOUR ROTARY MOWER
For best results, do not cut wet grass because it
tends to stick to the underside of the mower,
preventing proper discharge of grass clippings. If
wet grass must be cut, reduce walking speed to
help distribute the clippings more effectively.
New grass, thick grass or wet grass may require a
narrower cut. Blade speeds should be adjusted to
the condition of the lawn.
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 best results, cut off one-third or less of the
total length of the grass. Lawn should be cut in
the fall as long as there is growth.
ADJUSTMENTS
CAUTION
A
Do not at any time make any adjust
ment to lawn mower without first
stopping engine and disconnecting
spark plug wire.
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
Page 7
one hole to another. Simply depress thumb lever
towards wheel and move wheel and lever
assembly to desired position. All wheels must be
placed in the same relative position.
HANDLE POSITION
The upper handle can be adjusted to a high or low
position. The operator of the lawn mower can easi
ly adjust the handle position by unscrewing the
two knobs, removing the two bolts and reassem
bling in the other position. No tools are necessary
to make this adjustment. See figure 8.
High
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.
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS
\ 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.
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.
FIGURE 8.
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 9.
FIGURE 9.
2. Move throttle control lever on handle to
“FAST” position.
To adjust the carburetor, refer to the separate
engine manual packed with your mower.
LUBRICATION
IMPORTANT
Always stop engine and disconnect
spark plug wire before cleaning,
lubricating or doing any kind of
work on lawn mower.
Wheels—Wheel bearings are of self-lubricating
Fortiflex. They 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.
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.
Page 8
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
CUTTING BLADE
A. Removal for Sharpening or Replacement
ivi^RNING J
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.
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, may cause damage
to the mower and could break, causing personal
injury.
The biade 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.
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.
CAUTION
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. See figure 10.
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 1V4 pints.
Page 9
FIGURE 10.
AIR CLEANER
Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal
conditions. Clean every few hours under extreme
ly dusty conditions. Poor engine performance and
flooding usually indicates that the air cleaner
should be serviced. To service the air cleaner,
refer to the separate engine manual packed with
your mower.
SPARK PLUG
The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap
reset once a season. Spark plug replacement is
recommended at the start of each mowing
season; check engine manual for correct plug
type and gap specification.
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. 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 2. 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.
The handle may also be folded away completely
for storage.
1. Remove hairpin cotters from inner hole on
weld pins on handle mount brackets. Place in
outer hole.
2. Loosen the two hand knobs on each side of
the handle.
3. Pull inward on the bottom of each side of the
lower handle and push forward.
4. Fold the upper handle back and down as
shown.
To Take the Handle Out of Storage Position.
1. Lift the upper handle up and towards the rear
as shown.
2. Pull the handle back until it locks into the
operator’s position.
3. Tighten the two hand knobs securely.
4. Move the hairpin cotters to the inner hole on
the weld pins.
Page 10
Models 152 and 162
54
IF YOU WRITE TO US ABOUT THIS ARTICLE
OR IF YOU ORDER REPLACEMENT PARTS AL
WAYS MENTION THIS MODEL & SERIAL NO
MODEL
Color
F^etl -M'..
Gray
Part No.
731-0124
731-025^731-0354
731-0355
NOTE V?
This instruction rnanuaicovers various
and all specifications shown do not necessari
ly apply to your model. Specifications subject
to change without notice or obligation.
■»O.j
Page 11
Models 152 and 162
PARTS LIST FOR MODELS 152 AND 162 ROTARY MOWERS
REF.
PART NO.
NO.
(Model 152)
731-0275731-0275
3
COLOR
CODE
4710-0289
—
5
710-0654710-0654Hex Wash. Hd. Self-Tap Scr. 3/8-16 x .88" Lg.
6
712935
812428
-46212421
910938
736-0119736-0119
10
712-0123712-0123
11
714-0365714-0365
12
1310769
14742-0123
736-0217736-0217
15
710-0459710-0459
16
14082
18
736-0219736-0219
19
20712-0116
710-0209710-0209
21
10937
22
10935
23
10934
2410941
710-0117710-0117
25
736-0105
26
27734-0876
738-0102738-0102Axle Bolt
28
1076910769
29
30
11679
-46211679-462
31732-0253
32710-0603
PART NO.
(Model 162)
710-a289
—
12935
10938
10769
742-0125Blade
14082
712-0116
10937Pivot Bar
10935
10934
10941
736-0105
734-0661
732-0253
712-0603Hex Wash. Hd. Self-Tap Scr. 5/16-24 x .50" Lg.
34711-0555711-0555
710-0567710-0567
35
3611130
-462
11130
37726-0106726-0106Push-On Flange Palnut
714-0104714-0104Hairpin Cotter
38
1293612936Handle Mtg. Brkt. Ass’y.
39
4012251-462
42726-0188
14084
726-0188
43746-0229746-0229Conduit and Wire
710-0227710-0227
45
47746-0202746-0202Throttle Control Comp.
712-0107712-0107
48
49710-0405710-0405Curved Hd. Bolt 5/16-18 x 1.75" Lg.
500996609966Hand Knob
51710-0606710-0606Hex Bolt V4-20 X 1.50" Lg.*
52731-0344731-0344Plastic Cover
*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,
(462—Red Flake)
When ordering parts, if color or finish is important use the ap
propriate color code shown above, (e.g. Red Flake
Finish—12609(462).)
11
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.
Check the “Yellow Pages” of
your telephone book under
“Engines—Gasoline.”
Find It Fast
In The
Yellow Pages
Page 12
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 servi
should be handled by your nearest authsrized engine service tiri
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
that immediate replacement can be made.
ALABAMA
Auto Electric & Carburetor Co.
ARKANSAS
Mity Mite Motors, Inc
Sutton's Lawn Mower Shop
CALIFORNIA PORTERVILLE
Billious.........................................................75 North D Street
COLORADO DENVER
Spitzer Industrial Products Co. . . . 6601 N. Washington St.,
FLORIDA JACKSONVILLE
Radco Distributors
Small Eng. Dist
GEORGIA EAST POINT
East Point Cycle & Key....................... 2834 Church St................30344
ILLINOIS LYONS
Keen Edge Co
INDIANA ELKHART
Parts & Sales Inc...................................2101 Industrial Pkwy.. .46514
Power Pac......................................301 E. 29th St
...................................
..................................
........................................
...................................
....................
.............................
.........................
....................
..................
..................
..........................
.....................
..........................
................
..................
GREENSBORO
335 N. Green ....
CLEVELAND
7900 Lorain Ave
WADSWORTH
687 Seville Rd
YOUNGSTOWN
Box 929 .......................44501
605 S. Cherokee
PHILADELPHIA
5222-24 N. Fifth St
PITTSBURGH
11125 Frankstown Rd. . 15235
PUNXSUTAWNEY
R.D. 2...........................15767
2000 Western Ave
MEMPHIS
423 E. Jefferson
FORT WORTH
1702 N. Sylvania
HOUSTON
2409 Commerce St. ... 77003
437 E. 9th St
180 Flynn Ave..............05401
Lake Ridge Park,
101 Cedar Run Dr........23005
233 Virginia St., E
..............
...............
..............
..............
...........
...........
.......
.....
..........
........
.......
.27530
.27402
44102
44281
74401
19120
37921.,.
75203
76111
84111
98102
25301
54449
WARRANTY PARTS AND SERVICE POLICY
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.