MTD 11A-060A062 Owner’s Manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

Model Series

060

IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

Warning: This unit is equipped with an internaI combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-

covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land uniess the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any), if a spark attester is used, it sho[lld be maintained in effective working order by the operator.

In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have
simitar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands, A spark attester for the mufPer is available through your nearest engine authorized

service dealer or contact the service department, PO Box 368022 CleveIand, Ohio 44136-9722.

MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722

PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO.770-10107

(10/98)

SECTION 1: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new walk behind. It will help you assemble, prepare and

maintain your walk behind. Please read and understand what it says.

Before you start to prepare your walk behind for its first use, please locate the model plate and copy the

information from it in this Operator's Manual. The information on the model plate is very important if you need

help from your dealer or the MTD customer support department.

• Every walk behind has a model plate. You can locate it by standing behind the unit in the operating
position and looking down at the rear of the deck. See Figure 1.

This is where your model number will be.

XXX-X-XXX-X-XXX XXXXXXXXXXX

This is where your serial number will be.

MTD PRODUCTS INC

Copy the model number here:

P.O. BOX368022

k_

CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136 .,

Copy the serial number here:

Figure 1

SECTION 2: CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT

• LOCATE YOUR MODEL NUMBER AND SERIAL NUMBER -- Record this information in the space
provided. To find your unit's specific model number and serial number, see SECTION 1: FINDING

YOUR MODEL NUMBER.

• If you are having difficulty assembling this product or if you have any questions regarding the controls,
operation or maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.

• Customer Support can be reached by dialing: 1- (330) 220-4MTD

(4683)

or

1- (800)-800-7310

• Please have your modei number and serial number ready when you call.

• Although both numbers are important, you will be asked to enter only your serial number before your
call can be processed.

SECTION 3: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

WARNING; THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF

NOT FOLLOWED, COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF
YOURSELF AND OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE YOUR LAWN MOWER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH

THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL,

HEED ITS WARNING.

WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

DANGER: Your lawn mower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in

this manuat. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator
can result in serious injury. This lawn mower is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing

objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

1. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read this operator's manual carefully in its entirety •
before attempting to assemble this machine. Read,

understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before operation. Be
completely familiar with the controls and the proper •

use of this machine before operating it. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future and regular

reference and for ordering replacement pads.

• Your rotary mower is a precision piece of power
equipment, not a plaything, Therefore, exercise

extreme caution at all times. Your unit has been
designed to perform one job: to mow grass. Do not

use it for any other purpose.

• Never allow children under 14 years otd to operate

a power mower. Children 14 years old and over
should only operate mower under close parental

supervision. Only responsible individuals who are
familiar with these rules of safe operation should be

allowed to use your mower.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,

particularly small children and pets. Stop engine
when they are in the vicinity of your mower to help

prevent blade contact or thrown object injury.
Although the area of operation should be
completely cleared of foreign objects, an object
may have been overlooked and could be
accidentally thrown by the mower in any direction
and cause serious personal injury to the operator or

any others allowed in the area,

• Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-
fitting slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover

the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are

recommended. DO not wear loose fitting clothes or
jewelry. They can be caught in moving pads. Never
operate a unit in bare feet, sandals, slippery or light

weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.

Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles
during operation or while performing an adjustment
or repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects that
may be thrown from the machine in any direction.

Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment
is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire,

bones, toys and other foreign objects which could
be picked up and thrown by the mower in any
direction and cause serious personal injury to the

operator or any others allowed in the area. Plan
your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material
toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like.
To help avoid a thrown objects injury, keep
children, bystanders and helpers at least 75 feet

from the mower while it is in operation.

Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
pads, Keep clear of discharge opening at all times

as the rotating blade can cause injury.
Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being

pulled over the foot daring a fall. Do not hang on to
the mower if you are falling; release the handle
immediately.

Never pull the mower toward you while you are
walking. If you must back the mower away from a

wall or obstruction first look down and behind, and
then follow these steps:

Step back from the mower to fully extend your
arms.

Be sure you are well balanced with sure

footing.

Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half

way toward you.

Repeat these steps as needed,

• Do not operate the mower while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Donetengagetheself-propelledmechanismon
unitssoequippedwhilestartingengine.

• Thebladecontrolhandleisasafetydevice.Never
attempttobypassitsoperation.Doingsomakes

thesafetydeviceinoperativeandmayresultin
personalinjurythroughcontactwiththerotating
blade.Thebladecontrolhandlemustoperate
easilyinbothdirectionsandautomaticallyreturnto
thedisengagedpositionwhenreleased.

• Neveroperatethemowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbe
sureof yourfooting.A slipandfallcancause
seriouspersonalinjury.Keepafirmholdonthe
handleandwalk,neverrun.If youfeelyouare
losingyour footing,RELEASETHE BLADE

CONTROLHANDLEIMMEDIATELYandtheblade

willstoprotatingwithinthreeseconds.

• Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificiallight.

• Stopthebladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walks
orroads.

• Iftheequipment should start to vibrate abnormally,

stop the engine and check immediately for the

cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

• Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes
to a complete stop before removing the grass
catcher or unclogging the chute. The cutting blade

continues to rotate for a few seconds after the

engine is shut off. Never place any part of the body
in the blade area until you are sure the blade has

stopped rotating.

• Never operate mower without proper guards, grass
catcher, plates or other safety protective devices in

place,

• Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a
burn, Do not touch.

• Only use accessories approved for this machine by
the manufacturer. Read, understand, and follow all
instructions provided with the approved accessory.

• If situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgment, Contact your

dealer for assistance. Telephone [phone]
for the name of your nearest dealer.

2. SLOPE OPERATION

For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of
this manual to measure slopes before operating this unit
on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15
degrees as shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this
unit on that area or serious injury could result,

DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction
on slopes,

• Watch for holes, ruts, hidden objects, or bumps.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.

• Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can
cause serious personal injury. If you feel you are
losing your balance release the blade control
handle immediately and the blade will stop in less

than 3 seconds.

DO NOT:

• Do not mow near drop-offs_ ditches or
embankments. The operator could Iose footing or

balance.

• Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as
shown on the slope gauge.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could
cause slipping.

3. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the

presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
mower and the mowing activity. Never assume that

children will remain where you last saw them,

• Keep children out of the mowing area and under
the watchful care of a responsible adult other than

the operator.

• Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the

area.

• Before and while moving backwards, look behind
and down for small children or other objects.

• Never allow children under age 14 to operate the
mower. Children 14 years of age and above should
read and understand the operation instructions and

safety rules in this manual.

• Use extreme care when approaching blind corners,

shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
your vision of a child or hazard,

4. SERVICE

• Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other

fuels. They are extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.

• Use only an approved gasoline container.

• Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine

is running. Allow engine to cool at least two
minutes before refueling.

• Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe off any

spilled gasoline before starting the engine as it may
cause a fire or explosion.

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other

sources of ignition

• Never refuel machine indoors because flammable

vapors will accumulate in the area.

• Never store the machine or fuel container inside

where there is an open flame or spark such as a
gas water heater, space beater, or furnace.

• Never run an engine inside a closed area.

4

° To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass,

leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage. Allow mower to cool at least 5 minutes

before storing.

• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make
certain the blade and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep
the wire away from the spark plug to prevent

accidental starting.

• Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at

frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also,

visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., bent,
cracked or worn). Replace with blade which meets

original equipment specifications listed in this
manual.

• Keep alt nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the

equipment is in safe working condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.

After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
remove the wire from the spark plug, and
thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage.
Repair the damage before starting and operating

the mower.
Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height

adjustment while the engine is running.
Grass catcher components are subject to wear,

damage and deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For
safety protection, frequently check components and
replace with manufacturer's recommended parts,

when necessary.

Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the

blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution
when servicing them.

Do not change the engine governor setting or
overepeed the engine, Excessive engine speeds

are dangerous.

,_ WARNING - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who

read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine,

DANGER

Figure 2 Safety Labels Found On Lawn Mower

5

USE THIS PAGE AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SL ES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY.

SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE

I

'411

I

I

A POWER POLE

A CORNER OF A BUILDING

Ot_ _WARNING

4/

Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower

i

I--

O

I&l

could overturn and cause serious injury, If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is extremely difficult to maintain
your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.

Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes,
Operate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.