MTD 11A-439R729 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

21" Rear & Side Discharge

Mulching Lawn Mower

Model Series 430

IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.

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

covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any), If a spark arrester is used, it should 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
similar laws, Federal laws apply on federal lands, A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P,O, Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019,

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

PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-10179F

(12/8/2004)

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Content

Important Safe Operation Practices
Slope Gauge
Assembling Your Lawn Mower

Know Your Lawn Mower
Operating Your Lawn Mower

Maintaining Your Lawn Mower

Page Content Page

3 Servicing Your Lawn Mower 13

6 Making Adjustments 14

7 Off Season Storage 15
9 Trouble Shooting 15

10 Illustrated Parts List 16
12 Espanol 21

FINDINGMODELNUMBER

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.

Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the
equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below. A sample model plate is
also given below. You can locate the model plate by standing at the operating position and
looking down at the rear of the deck. This information will be necessary to use the
manufacturer's web site and/or help from the Customer Support Department or an authorized

service dealer.

Copy the model number here:

_ff MTB LLG

k www.mtdproducts.com goo-goo-7310

P. O. BOX 361131

CLEVELAND,OH 44136

330-220-4683

Copy the serial number here:

CUSTOMERSUPPORT

Please doNOTreturntheunit totheretailer fromwhereit waspurchased,withoutfirstcontactingCustomerSupport.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

Visit mtdproducts.com for many useful suggestions. Click on Customer Support button and
you will get the four options reproduced here. Click on the appropriate button and help is

immediately available.

_RsweY you _;_ye

fookin9 for could be just

a mouse c#ck aw_y!

If you prefer to reach a Customer Support Representative, please call 1-800-800-7310.

a mouse crick aw_y!

M nual

En ine

The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to
performance, power-rating, specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine

manufacturer's Owner's/Operator's Manual, packed separately with your unit, for more
information.

SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES

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 this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal
injury. When you see this symbol--HEED ITS WARNING

WARNING: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this

manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in
serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to
observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or
emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other

reproductive harm.

GeneralOperation

1. 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 parts.

2. This machine 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.

3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate

this machine. Children 14 years old and over

should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual and
should be trained and supervised by a parent. Only
responsible individuals who are familiar with these
safe operation rules should use this machine.

4. 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 tripped over or picked up and thrown by the
blade. Thrown objects can cause serious personal
injury. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge
of material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders
and the like. Also, avoid discharging material
against a wall or obstruction which may cause
discharged material to ricochet toward operator.

5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object
injury, stay in the operator zone behind the handles
and keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at

least 75 feet from the machine while it is in
operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

6. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles
during operation and while performing an
adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown

objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to
the eyes.

7. 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. Never operate this machine in bare

feet, sandals, slippery or light weight (e.g. canvas)
shoes.

8. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or

under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade can

amputate hands and feet.

9. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause
blade contact or thrown object injuries.

10. Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being
pulled over the foot during a fall caused by slipping
or tripping. Do not hold on to the mower if you are
falling; release the handle immediately.

11. Never pull the mower back toward you while you
are walking. Ifyou must back the mower away from

a wall or obstruction first look down and behind to
avoid tripping and then follow these steps:

a. Step back from the mower to fully extend

your arms.

b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure

footing.

c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than

half way toward you.

d. Repeat these steps as needed.

12. Do notoperate the mower while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.

13. Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on

units so equipped while starting engine.

14. The blade control handle is a safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its operation. Doing so makes
the safety device inoperative and may result in
personal injury through contact with the rotating
blade. The blade control handle must operate
easily in both directions and automatically return to
the disengaged position when released.

15.Neveroperatethemowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbe
sureofyourfooting.Aslipandfallcancause
seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosing
yourfooting,releasethebladecontrolhandle
immediatelyandthebladewillstoprotatingwithin

threeseconds.

16.Mowindaylightorgoodartificiallight.Walk,never
run.Stopthebladewhencrossinggraveldrives,
walkwaysorroads.

17.Iftheequipmentshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,
stoptheengineandcheckimmediatelyforthe
cause.Vibrationisgenerallyawarningoftrouble.

18.Shuttheengineoffandwaituntilthebladecomes

toacompletestopbeforeremovingthegrass

catcheroruncloggingthechute.Thecuttingblade
continuestorotateforafewsecondsafterthe

engineisshutoff.Neverplaceanypartofthebody
inthebladeareauntilyouaresurethebladehas
stoppedrotating.

19.Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,
dischargecover,grasscatcher,bladecontrol
handleorothersafetyprotectivedevicesinplace
andworking.Neveroperatemowerwithdamaged
safetydevices.Failuretodoso,canresultin
personalinjury.

20.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea
burn.Donottouch.

21.Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthis
machinebytheoriginalequipmentmanufacturer
(O.E.M).Failuretodosocancausepersonalinjury.

22.Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis
manual,usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyour

dealerforassistance.Telephone[phone]for

thenameofyournearestdealer.

DoNot:

1. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments, you could lose your footing or

balance.

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

3. Do not mow on wet grass. Unstable footing could
cause slipping.

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. They do not

understand the dangers. Never assume that children

will remain where you last saw them.

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

2. Be alert and turn mower off ifa child enters the
area.

3. Before and while moving backwards, look behind
and down for small children.

4. Use extreme care when approaching blind corners,
doorways, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may
obscure your vision of achild who may run into the

mower.

5. Keep children away from hot or running engines.
They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.

6. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
a power mower. Children 14 years old and over
should read and understand the operation

instructions and safety rules in this manual and

should be trained and supervised by a parent.

SlopeOperation

Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall
accidents which can result in severe injury. Operation
on slopes requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a
slope, do not mow it. Before operating this unit on a
slope or hilly area, use the slope gauge on page 6 to
measure slopes. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees,

do not mow it.

Do:

1.

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

,

Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or
bumps which can cause you to slip or trip. 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 rotating

within 3 seconds.

Service

SafeHandlingofGasoline

1. To avoid personal injury or property damage use
extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Serious personal injurycan occur when gasoline is
spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite.

2. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.

3. Use only an approved gasoline container.

4. Never fill containers insidea vehicle or on a truck or
trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place

containers on the ground away from your vehicle
before filling.

5. Ifpossible, remove gas-powered equipment from

the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. Ifthis

isnot possible, then refuel such equipment on a

trailer with a portable container, rather than from a
gasoline dispenser nozzle.

6. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel
tank or container opening at all times until fueling is
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

7. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandother
sourcesofignition.

8. Neverfuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammable

vaporswillaccumulateinthearea.

9. Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhiletheengine
ishotorrunning.Allowenginetocoolatleasttwo
minutesbeforerefueling.

10.Neveroverfillfueltank.Filltanktonomorethan_/2
inchbelowbottomoffillernecktoprovidespacefor

fuelexpansion.

11.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

12.Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitofftheengineand
equipment.Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5
minutesbeforestartingtheengine.

13.Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainerinside
wherethereisanopenflame,sparkorpilotlightas

onawaterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothes
dryerorothergasappliances.

14.Toreducefirehazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,
leaves,orotherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoilorfuel
spillageandremoveanyfuelsoakeddebris.

15.Allowamowertocoolatleast5minutesbefore
storing.

GeneralService

1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly

ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon

monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.

2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make
certain the blade and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground against the engine to prevent unintended
starting.

3. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at

frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also,
visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., bent,

cracked, worn) Replace blade with the original
equipment manufacture's (O.E.M.) blade only,
listed in this manual. "Use of parts which do not
meet the original equipment specifications may

lead to improper performance and compromise

safety!"

4. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when
servicing them.

5. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.

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

7. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against
the engine. Thoroughly inspect the mower for any
damage. Repair the damage before starting and
operating the mower.

8. Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height
adjustment while the engine is running.

9. Grass catcher components, discharge cover, and
trail shield are subject to wear and damage which
could expose moving parts or allow objects to be
thrown. For safety protection, frequently check
components and replace immediately with original
equipment manufacturer's (O.E.M.) parts only,

listed in this manual. "Use of parts which do not
meet the original equipment specifications may
lead to improper performance and compromise

safety!"

10. Do not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine. The governor controls the

maximum safe operating speed of the engine.

11. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as

necessary.

12. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations.

Improper disposal of fluids and materials can harm

the environment.

YourResponsibility

• 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.

/ WARNING

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

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15°

_ WARN ING

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 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.

SECTION3: ASSEMBLINGYOURLAWNMOWER

RemovingUnitFromCarton

• Remove staples, break glue on top flaps or cut tape
at carton end and peel top flap to open carton.

• Remove loose parts if included with unit.

• Cut corners and lay carton down flat. Remove
packing material.

• Roll or slide unit out of carton. Check carton

thoroughly for loose parts.

NOTE: Make sure not to crimp cables while removing

the loose parts or the entire unit from the carton.

HardwarePack

Please identify each piece
of the hardware pack as

shown here.

Wing

Nut
1/4-20 (2)

Carriage
Bolt

1/4-20 (2)

ToolsRequired

• Pair of Pliers

• Funnel

NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the mower
is observed from the operating position.

AssemblingHandle

• For shipping purposes, the grass bag was placed
on top of the unit. Remove it from the unit and set it
out of the way. See Figure 1 .

• Tighten the two wing nuts which are already on the
handle. See Figure 2.

Tighten these
wing nuts

Lower

Upper
Handle

Figure 2

NOTE: Make sure to route the cables outside the lower

handle. Also do not crimp the cables while lifting the
handle up.

• Remove the hairpin clips from the outer hole in the

weld pins on the handle bracket assemblies. Using
a pair of pliers, squeeze one leg of the lower handle
against the handle bracket assemblies. Insert the

hairpin clip into the inner hole on the weld pin.
Repeat on other side. See Figure 3.

• After you have moved the hairpin clip, install the

carriage bolt, (carriage bolt must go to the inside of

handle) included in the hardware pack, in the upper
hole on the handle mounting bracket. Secure with

one plastic wing nut, also included inthe hardware
pack. See Figure 3. Repeat process on other side.

Handle

Figure I

• Raise the lower handle, as shown in Figure 1 , until
it snaps into place.

• Raise the upper handle as shown in Figure 1 .

Carriage Bolt

Upper_
Hole

Handle
Mounting

Wing

Move H_ _inClip

Figure 3

Fasten the cable to the lower handle with the two
cable ties found on the lower handle. Pull the cable

ties tight and trim off the excess. See Figure 4.

Cable Tie

Poston
Cable

Figure 4

AttachingStarterRope

• The rope guide is attached to the right side of upper
handle. Loosen the wing nut which secures the rope
guide. See Figure 5.

• With the spark plug wire disconnected and
grounded, hold the blade control against the upper
handle, and pull the starter rope out of the engine.
Release the blade control. Slip the starter rope into

the rope guide. Tighten wing nut.

Insert frame into grass bag with the black plastic

side on the bottom of bag. See Figure 6.

Insertframe

%an%

Figure 6

• Slip the side openings of the plastic channel on the
bag over the hooks on the grass catcher frame.
Secure bag to the frame by working the six plastic
channels on bag over frame.

• All the plastic channels attach from the outside of
bag. See Figure 7.

Plastic

Channel

Grass Catcher

Slip rope into

Wing Nut

rope gu_i_B_R ,

Figure 5

AssemblingGrassCatcher

NOTE: If your mower's grass catcher has been already
assembled before shipping, proceed to the next
section. If itis unassembled, follow the steps below.

Figure 7

AttachingGrassCatcher

• Lift the rear discharge door and place the grass
catcher on the pivot rod. Let go of discharge door so
that itrests on the grass catcher. See Figure 8.

Figure 8

RemovingGrassCatcher

• Lift the rear discharge door on the mower, and lift
the grass catcher up.

• Release the rear discharge door.

ConvertingtoSide-Discharge

• Your mower has been shipped as a mulcher. To
convert it to a side-discharge mower, lift the
mulching plug. Slide the two hooks on the side-
discharge deflector under the hinge pin on the
mulching plug assembly. Lower the mulching plug.
See Figure 9.

Mulching
Plug

Ping e

(Side

Chute
Deflector

Figure 9

• Do not remove the side mulching plug at any time,
even when you are not mulching.

_ ARNING: Never operate the mower

without the mulching cover, the grass catcher

bag, or the discharge chute properly installed.

SECTION4: KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER

Read this owner's manual and safety rules before operating your lawn mower. Compare the illustrations in Figure

0 with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments.

Control

Mulch Plu(

BladeControl
The blade control is located on the upper handle of the

mower. The blade control must be depressed in order
to operate the unit. Release the blade control to stop
the engine and the blade.

Figure 10

_ ARNING: The blade control is a safetydevice. Never attempt to bypass its operations.

i

Height Adjustment
Lever

The blade will be rotating whenever the engine

is running.

CuttingHeightAdjustmentLever

This lever, located at each wheel, lets you adjust cutting
height of the grass. Remember to put all four levers at

the same height to avoid uneven cut.

ThrottleControl

The engine is equipped witha constant speed throttle
for maximum engine and cutting performance.

RecoilStarter

The recoil starter isattached to the handle. Stand
behind the unit and pull the recoil starter to start engine.

Primer

The primer is used to pump gas into the carburetor. Use

it to assist in starting a cold engine, but do not use it

when restarting a warm engine after a short shutdown.

MulchingPlug

The mulching plug is used only for mulching purposes.

Instead of collecting the grass clippings in a grass

catcher, some mower models have the option of

recirculating the clippings back to the lawn. This is

called mulching.

SECTION5: OPERATINGYOURLAWNMOWER

GasandOilFill-Up

_ WARNING" Never fillfueltank indoors, or

• Service the engine with gasoline and oil as

when engine is running or hot. Do not smoke
when filling up the fuel tank.

instructed in the separate engine manual packed
with your mower. Read instructions carefully.

BeforeStartingMower

• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain
the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire is
fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark

plug.

StartingEngine

,_ WARNING" Be sure no one other than theoperator is standing near the lawn mower while

starting engine or operating mower.
WARNING: Never run engine indoors or in

enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an

odorless and deadly gas.

• Push the primer three times. Wait two seconds
between each push. In temperatures below 55 ° F,
prime five times. Do not prime to restart a warm
engine after a short shutdown.

• Standing behind the mower, depress the blade
control and hold it against the upper handle.

• Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until
engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope
will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the rope

rewind slowly. Pull rope with a rapid, continuous,

full arm stroke. Keeping a firm grip on the starter

handle, let the rope rewind slowly.

NOTE: See your engine manual packed with your un#
for more detailed instructions.

StoppingEngine

• Release blade control handle to stop the engine
and the blade.

• Disconnect spark plug wire and move away from
spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

WARNING: Keep hands, feet, hair and

loose clothing away from any moving parts on
engine and lawn mower.

10

OperatingYourLawnMower

• Once engine has started, squeeze blade control
against the upper handle to run lawn mower.

• Do not operate the mower without the mulching
cover, the grass catcher bag, or the discharge
chute properly installed.

• Be sure that the lawn isclear of stones, sticks, wire,
or other objects which could damage lawn mower

or engine. Such objects could be accidently thrown
by the mower in any direction and cause serious
personal injury to the operator and others.

• 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,
poor mulching conditions, and could cause you to
slip and fall. New grass, thick grass, or wet grass
may require a narrower cut.

• For a healthy lawn, always cut off one-third or less
of the total length of the grass. Lawn should be

trimmed in fall as long as there is growth.

_ WARNING" If you strike a foreign object,

stop the engine. Remove spark plug wire from
spark plug, thoroughly inspect the mower for
any damage. Repair the damage before
restarting and operating the mower. Extensive
vibration of the mower during operation is an
indication of damage.

BaggingGrassClippings

You can use the grass catcher bag to collect clippings
while you are operating the mower.

• Attach the grass catcher following instructions on
page 8 of this manual. Grass clippings will
automatically collect in the bag as you run mower.

• Operate mower till the grass bag is full.

• Stop the engine completely by releasing the blade
control. Make sure that the unit has come to a

complete stop.

• Lift discharge door and pull grass bag up and away
from the mower to dispose of the grass clippings.

UsingtheMulcher

• For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass
because ittends to stick to the underside of the

deck, preventing proper mulching of grass
clippings. New or thick grass may require a

narrower cut. The ground speed should be
adjusted to the condition of the lawn. If mowing has
been delayed and the grass has been allowed to
grow inexcess of 4", mulching is not

recommended. Mow using the grass bag (if so
equipped) to reduce the grass height to 3-1/4"

maximum before mulching.

AdjustingCuttingHeight

Refer to height adjustments section of this manual on
page 14 for instruction on how to adjust the cutting
height and the handle height.

• For best results in mowing, keep the cutting height
position high until you have determined which
cutting height is preferred.

11

SECTION6: MAINTAININGYOURLAWNMOWER

IMPORTANT:Make sure to avoid muffler and
WARNING: Always stop engine and
disconnect spark plug wire before performing

any maintenance or adjustments on the mower.

surrounding areas while the mower engine is hot

because temperature of these areas of the engine may

exceed 150° F.

WARNING: Never tip mower more than 90

degrees inany direction and do not leave it
tipped for long. Oil can drain into the upper part
of the engine causing a starting problem.

Cleaningthe LawnMower

• Clean underside of the mower deck after each use
to prevent any build-up of grass. If this debris

accumulates, it will cause rust and corrosion.

NOTE: We do not recommend the use of pressure

washers or garden hose to clean your unit. These may

cause damage to bearings or the engine. The use of

water will result in shortened life and reduced

serviceability.

• Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline from the

mower, or place a piece of plastic under gas cap.

• Tilt the mower so that the side with the air cleaner is
facing up. Hold the mower firmly.

• Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a

suitable tool. Do not spray with water.

• Put mower back on its wheels, remove plastic from

under gas cap, and put gas cap back on.

Lubrication(seeFigure11)

Wheels

• Lubricate the wheels and bearings, if so equipped,
at least once a season with light oil or engine oil.
Also, if the wheels are removed for any reason,

lubricate the inner surface of the wheel with light oil.

ChuteDeflector& RearDischargeDoor

• Lubricate the torsion spring and the pivot point on
each end of the rear discharge door using a light oil.
This will prevent rusting.

Engine

• Follow the engine manual instructions and

recommended schedule for lubricating engine.

Pivot Points

• Lubricate the pivot points on the discharge chute
door, blade control and the cutting height
adjustment lever at least once a season with light
oil. The blade control must operate freely in both
directions. The cutting height adjustment levers
should be able to move easily.

EngineMaintenance

A list of key maintenance jobs required for good
performance by the mower is given below. Follow the
engine manual for detailed list and instructions.

• Change engine oil as specified in the engine
manual. Check oil level before starting engine
every time.

• Service foam filter in the air cleaner as specified in

the engine manual. Service air filter more frequently

in extremely dusty conditions.

• Clean engine periodically. Remove dirt and debris
with a cloth or brush.

• Clean spark plug and reset the gap to.030" at least
once a season or every 50 hours of operation.

• Inspect muffler periodically, and replace if
necessary. Damaged mufflers or spark arresters

can create a fire hazard.

Lubricate

Follow engine manual

for lubrication

Lubricate

Figure 11

12