MTD 11A-414E729 Owner’s Manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips & Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty

OF A O AL

21" Rotary Mower- Model 414

iMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush- coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any). If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderby theoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw (Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contactthe servicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,

Ohio44136-0019.

FORMNO.769-01468

PRINTEDIN U.S.A.

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

3/28/2005

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new lawn mower, it will help you assemble,

prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.

Table of Contents

Slope Gauge ....................................................... 3

Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4

Setup and Adjustment ....................................... 6

Operating Your Lawn Mower .............................. 8

Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREYOUSTARTASSEMBLING YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,

please locatethe modelplate onthe equipmentand copythe informationtothe sample modelplate providedtothe right. Youcan locatethe model plate by standing at the operating

position and lookingdown atthe rear of the deck. This informationwill be necessaryto usethe manufacturer'sweb site and/or obtain assistancefrom theCustomerSupport

Departmentor an authorizedservice dealer.

Trouble Shooting .............................................. 12

Safety Labels .................................................... 13

Parts List ........................................................... 14

Warranty ............................................................ 16

f _x,

Model Number

Serial Number

MTD LLC

P.O= BOX 361131

CLEVELAND, OH 44136 330-220-4683

www.mtdproducts.com

800-800-7310

Customer Support

Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was

purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.

Ifyou havedifficulty assemblingthis productor haveany questionsregarding the controls, operation, or maintenanceof this

unit,youcan seek helpfrom the experts. Choose from the options below:

1. Visit mtdproducts.com. Click on the Service& Support menu option.

2. Phonea Customer Support Representative at 1 (800) 800-7310.

3. Theengine manufacturer isresponsiblefor all engine-related issueswith regards to performance,power-rating,specifica- tions,warrantyand service. Pleaserefer to the engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator'sManual, packedseparatelywith your unit,for more information.

MTB H',n_r_tie_a A_a_d Wi_n i_g ?_d_d_ Oo4rCamp_y

Service 8_ Suppor_ Product. Registration

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WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of its constituents,andcertain vehicle compo- nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand

birth defects or other reproductiveharm.

DANGER: This machinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operationin this manual.As with anytypeof power equipment,carelessnessor error on the part of the operator can result in seriousinjury.This machine iscapableof amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.

Failureto observethe followingsafetyinstructionscould result in serious injury or death.

WARNING

Thissymbolpoints out importantsafety

instructionswhich,if notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal

i safetyand/or property I ofyourselfandothers.

Readandfollowall instructionsinthis

manualbeforeat-

temptingto operate

i this machine.Failure I to complywiththese

instructionsmayresult

i inpersonalinjury.When

youseethis symbol.

i HEED ITS WARNING!

Your Responsibility

Restrictthe use ofthis powermachine

to personswho read,

_understand

ano followthe warnings and instructions

inthis manual

and on the machine.

Children

Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presence ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtomowerandmowing activity.Theydonot understandthe dangers.Neverassume thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.

1. Keepchildrenoutof the mowingareaandunderwatchful careof a responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.

2. Bealert andturn moweroff if a childentersthearea.

3. Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown forsmallchildren.

4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners, doorways,shrubs,trees,or otherobjectsthatmayobscure yourvisionofachild whomayrunintothe mower.

5. Keepchildrenawayfromhotorrunningengines.Theycan sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.

6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operateapower mower.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthis manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbya parent.

General Operation

1. Readthis operator'smanualcarefullyin its entiretybefore attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,

andfollowall instructionsonthemachineandin the manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith

thecontrolsandthe properuseofthis machinebefore operatingit.Keepthis manualin asafeplaceforfuture andregularreferenceandfor orderingreplacementparts.

2. Thismachineisaprecisionpieceof powerequipment, nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all times.Yourunithas beendesignedto performonejob: to mowgrass.Do notuseitfor anyotherpurpose.

3. Neverallow childrenunder 14yearsoldto operatethis machine.Children14yearsoldand overshould readand

understandthe instructionsinthismanualandshould betrainedand supervisedbya parent.Onlyresponsible

individualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe operationshouldbeallowedto usethis machine.

4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto beused.Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toys andotherforeignobjects,whichcouldbetrippedoveror pickedupandthrownbytheblade.Thrownobjectscan causeseriouspersonalinjury.Planyour mowingpattern toavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,sidewalks, bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial againsta wall or obstruction,whichmaycausedischarged materialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.

5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury, stayinoperatorzone behindhandlesand keepchildren, bystanders,helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrom mower whileitis inoperation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters

area.

6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera- tionandwhile performinganadjustmentor repairto protect youreyes.Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseserious injurytothe eyes.

7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesand close-fitting slacksandshirts. Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthe armsand legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended.Neveroperate thismachinein barefeet,sandals,slipperyorlight-weight (e.g.canvas)shoes.

8. Do notputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor undercutting deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.

9. A missingor damageddischargecovercancauseblade contactor thrownobject injuries.

10.Manyinjuriesoccuras a resultofthemowerbeing pulled overthefoot duringa fall causedbyslippingor tripping. Do notholdontothe mowerifyouarefalling;releasethe handleimmediately.

11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare walking.Ifyoumust backthe mowerawayfroma wallor obstructionfirstlookdownandbehindtoavoidtrippingand thenfollowthesesteps:

a. Stepbackfrommowertofullyextendyourarms. b. Besure youarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.

c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,no morethan half way

towardyou.

d. Repeatthesestepsas needed.

12.Donotoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof alcoholordrugs.

13.Donotengagetheself-propelledmechanismon unitsso equippedwhilestartingengine.

14.Thebladecontrolhandleisasafetydevice.Neverattempt tobypassitsoperation.Doingso makesthe safetydevice inoperativeandmayresult in personalinjurythrough contactwiththe rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandle mustoperateeasily in bothdirectionsandautomatically returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.

15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbesureof yourfooting. A slipandfall cancauseseriouspersonal injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourfooting,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyand the bladewillstop

rotatingwithinthreeseconds.

16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.

17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.

18.Iftheequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe engineandcheckimmediatelyforthe cause.Vibrationis generallya warningoftrouble.

19.Shuttheengineoff andwait untilthebladecomesto a completestopbeforeremovingthegrasscatcheror unclog- ging thechute. The cuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefor a fewsecondsafter the engineisshutoff.Neverplaceany partofthe bodyin the bladearea untilyou are surethe blade hasstopped

rotating.

20. Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrail shield,discharge cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafety

protectivedevicesin placeandworking.Neveroperate mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo so can resultin personalinjury.

21. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causeaburn.Do

nottouch.

22.Onlyusepartsand accessoriesmadeforthis machineby

manufacturer.Failuretodo so canresultinpersonalinjury.

23. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis manual,

usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor

assistance.Telephone1-800-800-7310forthe nameofyour

nearestdealer.

Slope Operation

Slopesare amajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidents,which can resultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra

caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyona slope,do notmowit.Foryour safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartof this manualto

measureslopesbeforeoperatingthis unitonaslopedor hilly

area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan 15degrees,donot mowit.

Do:

1. Mowacrossthefaceof slopes;neverupanddown.Exercise extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

2. Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks, hiddenobjects,or bumpswhich can causeyouto slipor trip.Tallgrass canhideobstacles.

3. Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slip andfallcancause seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouare losingyour

balance,releasethebladecontrolhandleimmediately,and

the bladewill stoprotatingwithin 3seconds.

Do Not:

1. Donot mowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,you could loseyourfootingorbalance.

2. Donot mowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownon the slopegauge.

3. Donot mowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcause slipping.

Service

Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:

1. To avoidpersonalinjury orpropertydamageuseextreme care inhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselforyourclothes, whichcanignite.

2. Wash yourskin andchangeclothesimmediately.

3. Useonly anapprovedgasolinecontainer.

4. Neverfillcontainersinsideavehicleoron atruckor trailer bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe

groundawayfromyourvehicle beforefilling.

5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck ortrailer

andrefuelit onthe ground.Ifthis is notpossible,thenrefuel suchequipmenton a trailerwitha portablecontainer,rather thanfroma gasoline dispensernozzle.

6. Keepthe nozzleincontactwiththe rimofthefueltank or

containeropeningat alltimesuntil fuelingis complete.Do

notuseanozzlelock-opendevice.

7. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars, pipesandothersources ofignition.

8. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill accumulatein thearea.

9. Neverremovegascap oraddfuelwhileengineishot or running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwo minutesbefore refueling.

10.Neveroverfillfueltank.Filltankto nomorethanY2inch belowbottomoffiller neckto providefor fuelexpansion.

11.Replacegasolinecap andtightensecurely.

12.Ifgasolineis spilled,wipeitoff theengineandequipment. Moveunitto anotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting engine.

13.Neverstorethe machineorfuel containernearanopen flame,sparkor pilot lightasona waterheater,space heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.

14.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeof grass,leaves, orotherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand removeanyfuel soakeddebris.

15.Allowa mowertocool at least5 minutesbeforestoring.

GeneralService:

1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorina poorlyventilatedarea. Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessand deadlygas.

2. Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspecting,makecertainthe bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe sparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe engineto prevent unintendedstarting.

3. Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefor

damage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewiththe originalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listed

inthismanual."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe original equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformance

andcompromisesafety!"

4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor wear gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.

5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip- mentis insafeworkingcondition.

6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperopera- tionregularly.

7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,discon- nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.

Thoroughlyinspectthemowerforanydamage.Repairthe damagebeforestartingandoperatingthemower.

8. Neverattemptto makeawheelor cuttingheightadjustment whiletheengineis running.

9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcouldexpose movingpartsor allowobjectsto bethrown.Forsafety protection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplaceim- mediatelywithoriginal equipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.) partsonly,listedinthis manual."Useofpartswhich do notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"

10.Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating speedoftheengine.

11.Maintainorreplacesafetylabels,asnecessary.

12.Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improper disposaloffluidsand materialscanharmtheenvironment.

Operation

WARNING

Thissymbol points out importantsafety instructions,which if notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal safety and/or property

of yourselfand others.

Readand followall

instructions inthis man- ual before attemptingto

operatethis machine.

Failureto comply with

these instructionsmay result in personalinjury.

Whenyou seethis symbol.

HEED IT'S WARNING!

YourResponsibility

Restrictthe use

of this powermachine to personswho read.

understand and followthe warnings and instructions

in this manua and on the machine.

NOTE:Standbehind

themowerasilyou weregoingtooperate

it.Yourrighthandcor- respondstotheright

i sideofthemower;your

lefthandcorresponds

totheleftsideofthe

mower.

Step 1

ardware Pack

Wing Nuts (2) CarriageBolts (2)

1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetween upperandlowerhandles.

a. Pullupand backon upperhandleasshownin

Step1.Makecertainthe lowerhandleis seated securelyintothehandlemountingbrackets.

b. Tightenhandknobssecuringupperhandleto

lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriageboltis seatedproperlyinthehandle.

2. Locatehairpinclip inone holeon theweldpinon each sideof lowerhandle.

a. Removehairpinclipfromthis hole.Usingapairof

pliers,inserthairpinclipintotheotherholeon the weldpin. Repeaton otherside.

b. Insertacarriageboltfromthehardwarepackinto

theupperholeonthehandlemountingbracket. Securewithone plasticwingnut,alsoincluded inthehardwarepack.Repeatonothersidewith remainingitemsfromhardwarepack.

Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe upperhandle.Loosenthewingnutwhichsecuresthe ropeguide.

a. Holdbladecontrolhandleagainstupperhandle. b. Pullstarterropeoutofthe engine.Releaseblade

controlhandle.

c. Slipstarterropeinto ropeguide.Tightenwingnut.

4. Insertpostoncabletiesintoholes providedon the lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.

NOTE:"(ourmower isshippedwiththe

handleinthehigher heightpositicn,

NOTE:Eachendof

ithelowerhandlemust

beplacedinthesame

i relativeposition.

iMPORTANT

This unit isshipped

i without gasolineor i oil inthe engine. Fill

!iupgasolineand oil

as instructedinthe

i accompanyingengine

manual BEFORE operatingyour mower.

Step 2

Step 3 Step 4

5. An adjustingplateandthumbleverateachwheel positionprovidescuttingheightadjustment.

a. Depresslevertowardswheel. b. Moveittoanyof theninepositionsfordesired

cuttingheight.SeeStep5.

c. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.

6. Followstepsbelowto assemblethegrasscatcher: a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside

is at thebottom.

b. Slip plasticchannelof grassbagoverhooksonthe

frame.SeeStep6.All theplasticchannelsexcept centertopof bagattachfromoutsideofframe.

c. Attachcentertopofbagfrominsideof frame.

7. Followstepsbelowto attachgrasscatcher: a. Liftreardischargedoor.

b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod.Letgo

ofdischargedoorsothatit restson thegrass catcher.SeeStep7.

Toremovegrasscatcherorconverttoa mulcher,lift rear dischargedooron themowerasshowninStep8. Lift grasscatcherupandoutof thepivotrod.Releaserear dischargedoortoallowittocloserearopeningof mower.

__IK ARNING: Never operate mower

unlessthe hooks on the grass catcherare firmly seated onthe

pivot rod, and the rear discharge doorrests firmly against top of

the grass catcher.

Step 5

uStment

CUTTING HEIGHT

Step5

All wheelsmust be placedin the same relative positionl

GRASSCATCHER

Stepe

Makecertain bagis turned right side out before assembling

(warninglabel Willbe

onthe outside):

Step 6

..... J

Step 7

WARNING

Never operate mower

unless the hooks on

the grasscatcher are

firmly seated on the

_ivot rod, and the

rear discharge door

rests firmly against

top of the grass

catcher.

WARNING

The blade control mechanism is a

safety device. Never attempt to bypass its

operations.

I Use extreme care

when handling gasoline.Gasoline is

extremely flammable and the vapors are

explosive. Never fuel the machine indoors

or while the engine

is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes,

cigars, pipes and other sources of

ignition.

Know Your Lawn Mower

BladeControl

Recoil

Starter

Rope Grass

Catcher

GasolineFill

Now that you have set up your lawn mower for op- eration, get aquainted with its controls and features.

These are described below and illustrated on this page. This knowledge will allow you to use your

new equipment to its fullest potential.

Blade Control

The blade control is attached to the upper handle of the mower. Depress and squeeze it against the upper handle to operate the unit. Release it to stop

engine and blade.

)er Handle

Handle

Oil Fill/Dipstick

Cutting Height Adjustment Lever

(for each wheel)

Plug

Figure 1

Recoil Starter

The recoil starter is attached to the right upper handle. Stand behind the unit, depress blade control, and pull the recoil starter rope to start the unit.

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

1. Check oil level and add oil if necessary. Follow engine manual for this. See Figure 1 above for location of the

oil fill.

2. Servicethe enginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe enginemanual. SeeFigure1abovefor locationof gasfill.

Keep hands and feet

away from the chute area on cutting deck.

Referto warning label onthe unit.

__1 WARNING:Thisbladecontrolmecha-

nism isa safety device. Neverattempt to bypass itsoperations.

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

One adjustment lever is located on each wheel and is used to adjust the cutting height. All four levers have to be at the same relative position to ensure a

uniform cut.

_ ARNING:Useextremecarewhenhan-

dling gasoline.Gasolineis extremely flammableand the vapors areexplosive.

Neverfuel the machine indoorsor while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish

cigarettes, cigars, pipesandother sources of ignition.

WARNING:The operationof any lawn mowercan result inforeign objects being thrownintothe eyes,whichcan

damageyoureyesseverely.Always

wearsafetyglasseswhileoperating

the mower,or whileperforming any adjustmentsor repairson it.

Starting Engine

WARNING:Besureno one otherthan theoperatorisstandingnearthe lawn

mowerwhilestartingengine or operat- ingmower. Neverrun engine indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaustcontains carbon monox-

ide,an odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands,feet,hair andloose clothing

awayfromany moving partson engine and lawnmower.

1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwoseconds betweeneachpush.SeeFigure2. Intemperature around550For below,primefivetimes.Donotprime to restarta warmengine.

2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol againstupperhandle.SeeFigure2.

3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasp recoil starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu- ous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure2.Keepinga firm grip onthestarterhandle,letthe roperewindslowly.

Repeatuntilenginecranks.Letthe roperewindeach

timeslowly.

_L_kl ARNING:Waitfor the blade to stop

completelybeforedoing any work on the mower or to removethegrass

catcher.

Stopping Engine

1. Releasebladecontrolto stoptheengineand blade.

2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand groundagainsttheengine.

UsingYour Lawn Mower

_kl= WARNING:Neveroperateyour mower

Besurelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine. Suchobjectscouldbe accidentlythrownbythemower in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytothe operatorandothers.

without eitherthe rear door or the entire

grass catcher assembly firmly secured.

Figure 2

_klL ARNING:Ifyou strikeaforeign

1. Forbest results,do notcut wetgrass.

2. Fora healthierlawn,nevercut offmorethanone- thirdof thetotallengthofthegrass.

object, stopthe engine.Remove wire from the spark plug,thoroughly

inspectmowerfor anydamage,and repairdamagebeforerestarting and

operating. Extensive vibration of mower during operation is an indica- tion of damage.The unit should be promptlyinspectedand repaired.

Using as Mulcher

Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherfromthe mower.The reardischargedoorshouldbeclosed.

1. Foreffectivemulching,do notcut wetgrass.

2. Newor thick grassmayrequirea narrowercut. Adjustgroundspeedaccordingtoconditionoflawn.

3. If thegrasshasbeenallowedto growinexcessof 4 inches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethe grasscatcherto bagclippingsinstead.

Using Grass Catcher

Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile youareoperatingthemower.

1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionson page

7. Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectinthe bagasyourunthe mower.Operatethemowertill the grassbagisfull.

2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingtheblade controlhandle.Makesurethattheunithascometo

a completestop.

3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagup andaway fromthe mowertodisposeofthegrassclippings.

WARNING

The operation of any

lawn mower can result inforeign objects

being thrown into

the eyes, which can damage your eyes

severely. Always wear safety glasseswhile

operating the mower, or while performing any adjustments or

repairs on it.

Be sureno one other

than the operator is

standing near the lawn mower while starting

engine or operating

mower. Never run

engine indoorsor

n enclosed, poorly

ventilated areas. En-

gineexhaust contains

carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands,feet,

hair and loose clothing

away from any moving

partson engine and lawn mower.

Maintaining

Lubricatethese

)ointsbefore

reassembiy.

Deck Care

Clean underside of the mower deck after each use

to prevent build-up of grass clippings or other debris.

Follow steps below for this job.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn mower,or placeapieceof plasticunderthegascap.

2. Tip mowersothat it restsonthe housing.Keepthe sidewiththeaircleanerfacingup.Hold mowerfirmly.

WARNING

A waysstope,g ne;

disconnect spark

plugl andground

against enginebefore

cleaning,lubricating

Wedo notrecommend

the useof pressure

washersor garden hoseto cleanyour

unit. These may cause

damageto electric

Componentsspindles

pulleys;bearings the enginel The use of waterwill resultin

shortened lifeand

Figure 3

General Recommendations

1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhen performing anymaintenance.

2. Thewarrantyonthislawnmowerdoesnotcover itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty, operatormustmaintainthelawn moweras

instructedhere.

3. Changingofengine-governedspeedwill void enginewarranty.

4. Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce eachseason.

5. Periodicallycheckallfastenersand makesurethese aretight.

,_ WARNING: Alwaysstop engine,

disconnect spark plug, and groundagainst engine before

cleaning, lubricating or doing

any kind of maintenanceon your machine.

Lubrication

1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolhandleat leastoncea seasonwith lightoil.Thebladecontrol mustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure3.

2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastonceaseasonwith lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany

reason,lubricatesurfaceof thepivotarmandinner surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure3.

3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointonthe reardischargedoorperiodicallywithlightoil to preventrust.SeeFigure3.

4. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica- tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.

_ ARNING" Never tip the mower

more than 90 degrees inany directions and do not leave the

mower tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain intothe upper

part ofthe engine causing a starting problem.

3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwitha suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.

4. Putthemowerbackonitswheelsonthe ground.If youhadputplasticunderthegascapearlier,make

sureto removeitnow.

Engine Care

A listofkeyenginemaintenancejobs requiredforgood performanceby themowerisgivenbelow.Followthe accompanyingenginemanualforadetailedlistand

instructions.

1. Maintainoillevelasinstructedinenginemanual.

2. Serviceaircleanerevery25hoursundernormal conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely dustyconditions.Poorengineperformanceand floodingusuallyindicatesthattheaircleanershould

beserviced.Toservicetheaircleaner,referto the enginemanual.

3. Cleansparkplugandresetthegaponcea season. Sparkplugreplacementisrecommendedat thestart ofeachmowingseason.Checkenginemanualfor correctplugtypeand gapspecifications.

4. Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleantopermit properaircirculation.Removeall grass,dirtand

combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.

+ 22 hidden pages

MTD 11A-414E729 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual