MTD 11B-084E031, 11A-084R229, 11A-084D000 Owner’s Manual

Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty

Push Mower m Moclel Series 080

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

PrintedIn USA FormNo.769-05319

(August24,2009)

ToTheOwner

ThankYou

Thank you for purchasing a Lawn Mower manufactured by MTD LLC. It was carefully engineered to provide excellent

performance when properly operated and maintained. Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.

It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could

result in personal injury or property damage. All information in this manual is relative to the most recent

product information available at the time of printing. Review this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the machine,

its features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator's Manual may cover a range of product specifications for various

models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated in this manual may not be applicable to all models. MTD LLC

reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

Table of Contents

Safe Operation Practices ........................................ 3

Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 9

Controls & Features ................................................ 12

Operation ................................................................ 13

Maintenance &Adjustment. ................................. 14

If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine, phone your local authorized MTD service dealer or contact us

directly. MTD's Customer Support telephone numbers, website address and mailing address can be found on this page. We want to ensure your complete satisfaction at all times.

Throughout this manual, all references to right and left side of the machine are observed from the operating position

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

machine, for more information.

Service ..................................................................... 15

Troubleshooting ..................................................... 16

Replacement Parts ................................................. 17

Warranty ................................................................. 18

Spanish .................................................................... 19

RecordProductinformation

Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the equipment and record the

information in the provided area to the right. You can locate the model plate by standing at the operator's position and looking down at the rear of the deck. This information will be necessary, should you seek technical support via our web site, Customer Support Department, or with a local authorized service dealer.

MODEL NUMBER

NIqE]IqE]IqE]IqE]IqD

SERIALNUMBER

F1NF1NF1NF1NF1ND

CustomerSupport

Plea;e do NOTreturn the machine to the retailer ordealer without fir;t contacting our Cu;tomer Support Department.

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

0 Visit us on the web at www.mtdproducts.com

0 Call a Customer Support Representative at (800) 800-7:310 or (330) 220-468:3 0 Write us at MTD LLC • RO. Box :3611:31 • Cleveland, OH • 441:36-0019

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!

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

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.

WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead

compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices 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 fingers, hands,

toes and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could

result in serious injury or death.

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

manuals) before operation. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering

replacement parts.

2. Be completely familiar with the controls and the proper use of this machine before operating it.

3. This machine is a precision piece of power equipment, not a plaything. Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all times. This machine has been designed to perform one job: to mow grass. Do not use it for any other purpose.

4. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand

the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual and on the machine and should be trained and supervised

by an adult.

5. Only responsible individuals who are familiar with these rules of safe operation should be allowed to use this

machine.

6. 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.

7. 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 back

toward the operator.

8. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, stay in operator zone behind handles and keep children, bystanders, helpers and pets at least 75 feet from mower while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters area.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with blade can amputate fingers, hands, toes and feet.

12. Amissingordamageddischargecovercancauseblade 27. contactorthrownobjectinjuries.

13. Manyinjuriesoccurasaresultofthemowerbeingpulled overthefootduringafallcausedbyslippingortripping.

Donotholdontothemowerifyouarefalling;releasethe handleimmediately. 28.

14. Neverpullthemowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare walking.Ifyoumustbackthemowerawayfromawallor

obstructionfirstlookdownandbehindtoavoidtripping andthenfollowthesesteps:

a. Stepbackfrommowertofullyextendyourarms. b. Besureyouarewellbalancedwithsurefooting. c. Pullthemowerbackslowly,nomorethanhalfway

towardyou.

Slope Operation

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. For your

safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual to measure slopes before operating this machine on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees, do not mow it.

d. Repeatthesestepsasneeded.

15. Do not operate the mower while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 1.

16. Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on machines so equipped while starting engine. 2.

17. 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 3. contact with the rotating blade. The blade control handle must operate easily in both directions and automatically

return to the disengaged position when released.

18. Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be sure of Do Not: your footing. A slip and fall can cause serious personal

injury. If you feel you are losing your footing, release the blade control handle immediately and the blade will stop

rotating within three seconds.

19.

Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. Walk, never run.

20.

Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.

21.

If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine and check immediately for the cause. Vibration

is generally a warning of trouble.

22.

Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to acomplete stop before removing the grasscatcher or

unclogging the chute. The cutting blade continues to rotate for afew seconds after the blade control is released.

Never place any part of the body in the blade area until you are sure the blade hasstopped rotating.

23.

Never operate mower without proper trail shield, discharge cover, grasscatcher, blade control handle or other safety

protective devices in place and working. Never operate mower with damaged safety devices. Failure to do socan result in personal injury.

24.

Muffler and engine become hot and can causea burn. Do not touch.

25.

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

26.

Only use parts and accessories made for this machine by the manufacturer. Failure to do so can result in personal injury.

Do:

1. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments, you

2. Do not mow slopes greater than 15degrees asshown on

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

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.

When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly. Rapid retraction of starter cord (kickback) will pull hand and arm toward engine faster than you can let go. Broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains

could result. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual,

use care and good judgement. Contact Customer Support for assistance or the name of the nearest service dealer.

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 three (3) seconds.

could lose your footing or balance.

the slope gauge.

slipping.

Keep children out of the mowing area and under 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. Use extreme care when approaching blind corners,

doorways, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure your vision of a child who may run into the mower.

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

Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand

the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an

adult.

4 I SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

Service

SafeHandling OfGas01ine:

I. To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme

care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can

occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes, which can ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.

2. Use only an approved gasoline container.

3. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the

ground away from your vehicle before filling.

4. Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible,

then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

5. 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.

Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

Never fuel machine indoors because flammable vapors will accumulate in the area.

Never remove gas cap or add fuel while engine is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before

refueling.

9. Never overfill fuel tank. Filltankto no more than I inch below bottom of filler neck to provide for fuel expansion.

I0. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely. 1I. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment.

Move machine to another area. Wait 5 minutes before starting engine.

12. Never store the machine or fuel container near an open flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances.

13. To reduce fire hazard, keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.

14. Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.

GeneralService:

I. 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's governor setting or over-speed the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine.

11. Check fuel line, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks or leaks. Replace if necessary.

12. Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.

13. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.

14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations. Improper disposal of fluids and materials can harm the environment.

15. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),

this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years, or 140 hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful Life have the machine inspected annually by an authorized service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety

systems are working properly and not worn excessively. Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.

Donot modify engine

To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway

engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper with factory setting of engine governor.

SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES S

Notice Regarding Emissions

Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment)

are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and may include the following emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

SparkArrestor

i_ll WARNING: This machine is equipped with an

Ira 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 attester for the muffler is available through your

nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service department, RO. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

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).

6 I SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

Safety Symbols

This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before attempting to assemble and operate.

READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S) Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to

assemble and operate

DANGER -- ROTATING BLADES

To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away. Do not operate unless discharge cover or grass catcher is in its proper place. If damaged, replace immediately.

i|1_

Do not mow when children or others are around.

IRFS

_1_ DANGER-- HAND/FOOT CUT

Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts.

DANGER -- THROWN DEBRIS Remove objects that can be thrown by the blade in any direction. Wear safety glasses.

DANGER -- SLOPES Use extra caution on slopes. Do not mow slopes greater than 15°.

,_ _ WARNING--GASOLINEIS FLAMMABLE

__\_%._ and muffler to cool before touching.

Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

WARNING-- CARBON MONOXIDE

Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.

WARNING-- HOT SURFACE

Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine

follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

Ii_ WARNING: Your Responsibility--Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and |

SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!

SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES 7

-4

Sight and hold this levelwith avertical tree...

,_ or a corner of a building...

I I i I

' FOldo, ',

' diine

__ orafencepost

--Lepre_n

, tsa15 o

I I

15°

Usethis page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely.

WARNING: Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes. 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. 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.

Assembly& Set-Up

Contents of Carton

One Lawn Mower One Engine Operator's Manual

One Lawn Mower Operator's Manual One Mulching Baffle (If Equipped)

Assembly

NOTE:This lawn mower is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Fill up the gasoline and oil as instructed in the accompanying engine manual BEFOREoperating your mower.

1. For shipping purposes, the chute deflector on your mower is held in an upright position by a retainer. Remove the

retainer as follows:

a. Push the chute deflector up towards the engine.

Holding the deflector in this position, remove the retainer and discard. See Fig. 3-1.

b. Lower the chute deflector carefully keeping your

fingers out of the way.

I 0! It

One Bottle of Oil

Handle

Perform the following sequence for the handle setup: NOTE:Your mower is shipped with the handle in the higher

height position.

a. Lift the upper handle up from folded position and

pull it to extended position following the arrow in Fig.3-2.The handle should click into this position.

Figure 3-1

Figure 3-2

b. Make sure the carriage bolt is seated properly in the

handle. Tighten the star knobs securing the upper handle to the lower handle.

If satisfied with the height of the handle, tighten the star knobs atthe ends of the lower handle shown in Fig. 3-3. For convenience of operation, you may adjust the handle

height as follows:

Position the recoil starter by following the steps below:

a. Hold the blade control against the upper handle. b. Slowly pull the starter rope out of the engine. See

Fig. 3-4.

Figure 3-3

NOTE: Each end of the lower handle must be placed in the same position on the mounting brackets.

a. Remove the star knobs shown in Fig. 3-3 and remove

the lower handle.

b. Position each handle bracket stud into the top hole

in the lower handle.

c. Tighten the star knobs.

Figure 3-4

c. Slip the starter rope into the rope guide. d. Tighten the rope guide wing nut.

4. Use the cable tie provided to secure cable to the lower handle. Pull the cable tie tight and trim excess. See Fig. 3-5.

,°I

L J

Figure 3-5

SECTION3 -- ASSEMBLY& SET-UP

MulchingBaffle(ifEquipped)

1. If your mower is equipped with an optional mulching baffle, install it on the right side of the deck. Follow the

sequence indicated here.

a. Lift up and hold the side-discharge chute deflector

and insert the bottom lip of the mulching baffle inside the chute opening See Fig. 3-6.

b. Snap the hooks of the mulching baffle over the

hinge pin of the chute deflector. The hooks must snap into place on the hinge pin, locking the

mulching baffle firmly onto the mower. Release the chute deflector.

Adjustments

CuttingHeight

Each wheel has a height adjustment lever to change the cutting height of the mower.

I. Depress the height adjustment lever towards wheel.

2. Slide the lever to the desired position for a change in cutting height. See Fig. 3-7.

F "

Figure 3-6

Figure 3-7

3. Release the lever towards deck.

IMPORTANT:When adjusting the cutting height, be sure to set all four wheels at the same height. For rough or uneven lawns, move the height adjustment lever to a higher position to prevent scalping of the grass.

Set-Up

GasandOilFill-Up

Refer to the separate engine owner's manual for additional engine information.

I. Add oil provided before starting unit for the first time out

of the box.

Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in the separate engine owner's manual.

gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the

_ WARNING: Use extreme care when handling

vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine

indoors or while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and any other

sources of ignition.

SECTION3 -- ASSEMBLY& SET-UP 11

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