MTD 12A-263F800 Owner’s Manual

Safety • Setup • Adjustments • Operation • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty

A O A AL

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21" Rotary Mower- Model Series 260

iMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: Thisunitis equippedwithaninternalcombustionengineandshouldnot beusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush-
coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwithasparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).
If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderby theoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw
(Section4442ofthe CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester
forthe mufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,

Ohio44136-0019.

ForUSCustomers: MTDLLC,P.O.BOX361131CLEVELAND,OHIO44136-0019 772C0797

PRINTEDIN U.S.A. ForCanadianCustomers:MTDProducts Ltd.,P.O.Box 1386,KITCHENER,ONTARION2G4J1 10/15/2005

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

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

Table of

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

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

Set-Up & Adjustments ........................................ 6

Operation ............................................................. 8

Finding and Recording IVlodel Number

BEFOREYOU STARTASSEMBLING
YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,
please locatethe modelplate onthe equipmentand copy the
themodel number andthe serialnumber tothe sample model

plate provided to the right. You can locatethe model plate by
standing atthe operatingposition and looking downatthe rear

of the deck.

Contents

Maintenance & Off-Season Storage ................ 10

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

Warranty ............................................................ 13

illustrated Parts Lists ....................................... 14

Model Number Serial Number

Num6ro de module Num6ro de s_rie

XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX

__ MTD LLC

USA-www.mtdproducts.com 1-800-800-7310
CAN-www.mtdcanada.com 1-800-668-1238

CLEVELAND, OH 44136

MTD PRODUCTS LIMITED

KITCHENER, ON N2G 4J1

Customer Support

Please do NOTretum the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased,

without first contacting Customer Support.

Ifyou havedifficulty assembling this productor haveany questionsregarding the controls, operationor maintenanceof thisunit,

pleasecall a CustomerSupport Representative.

For US Customers: 1-330-220-4MTD (4683)or 1-800-800-7310
For Canadian Customers: 1-800-668-1238

Pleasehaveyour unit's modelnumberand serialnumber ready when you call. See previoussection to locate this information.

Youwill beasked to enterthe serial numberinorderto processyour call.

The engine manufactureris responsiblefor all enigne-relatedissueswith regardsto performance, power-rating,specifications,
warrantyand service. Please referto the enginemanufacturer'sOwner's/Operator'sManual,packedseparatelywith your unit,
for more information.

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WARNING:EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehiclecomponentscontainor

tiveharm.

DANGER:Thismachinewasbuiltto beoperatedaccordingtotherulesforsafeoperationinthismanual.Aswith
anytypeof powerequipment,carelessnessor erroron the partoftheoperatorcanresultinseriousinjury.This
machineiscapableofamputatinghandsandfeetandthrowingobjects.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafety
instructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryor death.

WARNING

Thissymbolpoints
out importantsafety

instructionswhich,if
notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal

i safetyand/or property
I ofyourselfand others.

Readandfollowall
instructionsinthis

manualbeforeat-

temptingto operate

i this machine.Failure
I to complywith these

instructionsmayresult

i inpersonalinjury.When

youseethis symbol.

HEED iTS WARNING!

i Your Responsibility
i Restrictthe use

i ofthis powermachine

to personswho read,

understand

and follow the warnings
and instructions

, in this manual

I and onthe machine.

General Operation

1. Readthis operator'smanual carefully inits entiretybefore
attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,

andfollowall instructionsonthe machineandin the
manual(s) beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith

thecontrolsandthe properuseof this machinebefore
operatingit.Keepthis manualin a safeplaceforfuture

andregularreferenceandfororderingreplacementparts.

2. Thismachineisa precisionpieceof powerequipment,
nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all
times.Yourunithas beendesignedto performonejob: to
mowgrass.Do notuseit for anyotherpurpose.

3. Neverallow childrenunder14yearsoldto operatethis
machine.Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand

understandthe instructionsinthis manualandshould
betrainedand supervisedbya parent.Onlyresponsible

individualswhoarefamiliarwiththese rulesofsafe
operationshouldbeallowedto usethismachine.

4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto
beused.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toysand

otherforeignobjectswhichcouldbetripped overorpicked
upandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjectscancause
seriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpatternto avoid

dischargeof materialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystanders
andthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainsta
wallorobstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterial
toricochetbacktowardtheoperator.

5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury,
stayinthe operatorzonebehindthe handlesand keep

children,bystanders,helpersand petsatleast75feet
fromthe mowerwhileit isin operation.Stopmachineif
anyoneentersthe area.

6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduring
operationandwhileperforminganadjustmentor repair

toprotectyoureyes.Thrownobjectswhich ricochetcan
causeseriousinjurytothe eyes.

7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fitting
slacksandshirts. Shirtsandpantsthatcoverthe arms
and legsand steel-toedshoesare recommended.Never
operatethismachinein barefeet,sandals,slipperyor light

weight(e.g.canvas)shoes.

8. Do notputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor underthe
cuttingdeck.Contactwiththe blade canamputatehands

andfeet.

9. A missingor damageddischargecovercancause blade
contactor thrownobject injuries.

10.Manyinjuriesoccuras a resultof the mowerbeingpulled
overthefoot duringafall causedby slippingor tripping.
Do notholdontothe mowerifyouare falling;releasethe

handleimmediately.

11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare
walking.Ifyou mustbackthemowerawayfromawall or
obstructionfirstlookdownand behindtoavoidtripping
andthen followthesesteps:

a. Stepbackfromthe mowerto fullyextendyourarms.
b. Be sureyouare wellbalancedwithsurefooting.
c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,no morethanhalf way

towardyou.

d. Repeatthesestepsas needed.

12.Donotoperatethemowerwhileunderthe influenceof
alcoholordrugs.

13.Donotengagetheself-propelledmechanismon unitsso
equippedwhilestartingengine.

14.Thebladecontrolhandleis asafetydevice.Neverattempt
tobypassitsoperation.Doingso makesthe safetydevice

inoperativeandmayresult in personalinjurythrough
contactwiththe rotatingblade.The bladecontrolhandle
mustoperateeasily in bothdirectionsandautomatically
returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.

15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwet grass.Alwaysbesureof
yourfooting. A slipand fall cancauseseriouspersonal

injury.If youfeelyou arelosingyourfooting,releasethe
bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyand the bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthreeseconds.

16.Mowonlyin daylightorin goodartificiallight.Walk,never
run.Stopthebladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor

roads.

17.Iftheequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineandcheck immediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis

generallya warningoftrouble.

18.Shutthe engineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto
acompletestopbeforeremovingthegrass catcheror
uncloggingthe chute.The cuttingbladecontinuesto rotate

fora few secondsafterthe engineisshutoff. Neverplace
anypartofthe bodyin the bladeareauntilyou aresurethe
bladehasstoppedrotating.

19.Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,discharge
cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor othersafety
protectivedevicesin placeandworking.Neveroperate

mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failureto doso,can
resultinpersonalinjury.

20.Mufflerandenginebecomehotand cancauseaburn.Do
nottouch.

21.Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadefor thismachineby
the manufacturer.Failuretodo socan resultin personal
injury.

22.Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis manual,use
careand goodjudgment. Call customerassistancefor the

nameofyournearestservicingdealer.

Slope Operation

Slopesare a majorfactor relatedtoslip andfallaccidentswhich
canresultinsevereinjury.Operationon slopesrequiresextra

caution.Ifyoufeel uneasyona slope,do notmowit. Foryour
safety,usethe slopegaugeincludedas partof this manualto
measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisuniton aslopedor hilly

area.Ifthe slopeisgreaterthan15degrees,do not mowit.

4

Do:

1. Mowacrossthe faceofslopes; neverup anddown.
Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon

slopes.

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

3. Alwaysbesureof yourfooting.A slip andfall cancause
seriouspersonalinjury.If youfeelyouare losingyour

balance,releasethebladecontrolhandleimmediately,and

the bladewill stoprotatingwithin3 seconds.

Do Not:
I. Donot mowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,you

could loseyour footingorbalance.

2. Donot mowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownon
the slopegauge.

3. Donot mowon wetgrass. Unstablefootingcouldcause
slipping.

Children

Tragicaccidentscanoccurifthe operatorisnot alertto the

presenceofchildren.Childrenare oftenattractedtothe mower

andthe mowingactivity.Theydo notunderstandthe dangers.

Neverassumethatchildrenwillremainwhereyou lastsaw

them.

1. Keepchildrenout ofthe mowingareaandunderthewatch-
ful careof a responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.

2. Be alertandturnmoweroff if achild entersthe area.

3. Beforeand whilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown
forsmallchildren.

4. Useextremecare whenapproachingblindcorners,
doorways,shrubs,trees,or otherobjectsthatmayobscure
yourvisionof a childwhomayrunintothe mower.

5. Keepchildrenawayfrom hotor runningengines.Theycan
suffer burnsfroma hotmuffler.

6. Neverallowchildrenunder14 yearsoldto operatea power

mower.Children14yearsold andovershouldreadand
understandthe operationinstructionsand safetyrulesin

this manualandshould betrainedand supervisedbya

parent.

Service

Safe Handling Of Gasoline:

1. To avoidpersonalinjuryorpropertydamageuseextreme
care inhandlinggasoline.Gasolineis extremelyflammable

andthevaporsare explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan
occurwhengasolineis spilledonyourselforyour clothes
whichcanignite.

2. Wash yourskin andchangeclothesimmediately.

3. Useonly anapprovedgasolinecontainer.

4. Neverfill containersinsidea vehicleoron atruckor trailer
bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe

groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truck ortrailer

andrefuelit onthe ground.Ifthis is notpossible,then refuel
suchequipmentonatrailerwitha portablecontainer,rather

thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.

6. Keepthe nozzleincontactwiththe rimofthefueltank or

containeropeningat alltimesuntilfuelingis complete.Do

notuseanozzlelock-opendevice.

7. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesand othersourcesof
ignition.

8. Neverfuel machineindoorsbecauseflammablevapors
willaccumulateinthearea.

9. Neverremovegascap oraddfuelwhilethe engineis
hotor running. Allowengineto cool atleasttwo minutes

beforerefueling.

10.Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethan Y2inch
belowbottomoffiller neckto providefor fuelexpansion.

11.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

12.Ifgasolineis spilled,wipe itoff theengineand equipment.
Moveunitto anotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting
theengine.

13.Neverstorethemachineorfuel containernearanopen
flame,sparkor pilotlightas ona waterheater,space
heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.

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

removeanyfuel soakeddebris.

15.Allowamowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.

General Service:

1. Neverrunan engineindoorsorin a poorlyventilatedarea.
Engineexhaustcontainscarbon monoxide,anodorless

anddeadlygas.

2. Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspecting,makecertainthe
bladeand allmovingparts havestopped.Disconnectthe

sparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengineto prevent
unintendedstarting.

3. Checkthe bladeand enginemountingboltsat frequent
intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectblade

fordamage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewith
theoriginalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,
listedinthismanual."Useofparts whichdo notmeetthe
originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improper

performanceand compromisesafety!"

4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcan cut.Wrapthe bladeor
weargloves,and useextracautionwhenservicingthem.

5. Keepall nuts,bolts,and screwstightto besurethe
equipmentis insafeworkingcondition.

6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheir proper
operationregularly.

7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,discon-
nectthe sparkplugwireand groundagainsttheengine.
Thoroughlyinspectthemowerfor anydamage.Repairthe
damagebeforestartingand operatingthemower.

8. Neverattemptto makea wheelor cuttingheightadjust-
mentwhilethe engineisrunning.

9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail
shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould

exposemovingpartsor allowobjectsto bethrown.For
safetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandre-
placeimmediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's

(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedin this manual."Useof parts
whichdo notmeetthe originalequipmentspecifications
mayleadtoimproperperformanceandcompromise
safety!"

10.Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingor overspeed
theengine.The governorcontrolsthemaximumsafe

operatingspeedoftheengine.

11.Maintainorreplacesafetylabels,asnecessary.

12.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulations.Improper
disposaloffluidsand materialscan harmtheenvironment.

Practices

WARNING

Thissymbolpoints
outimportantsafety

instructionswhich,if
notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal
safetyand/orproperty

ofyourselfandothers.
Readandfollowall

instructionsinthis
manualbeforeat-

temptingto operate
this machine.Failure

to complywith these

instructionsmayresult
in personalinjury.When

youseethis symbol.

HEED ITS WARNING!

Your Responsibility

Restrictthe use
ofthis power machine

to personswho read,

understand
andfollow the warnings

and instructions
in this manual

andon the machine.

5

set.pand

Yourmowerisshipped
with the handleinthe

higher height position.
NOTE: Eachend of

the lowerhandle must
be placed inthe same

relativeposition.

iMPORTANT

This unit is shipped
WITHOUT GASOLINE

or OiL. After assem-
bly, service engine

with gasolineand

oil as instructedin

the separate engine

manual packedwith

your unit.

_ ARNING: Disconnect and

!

ground the spark plugwire as

instructedinthe separate engine

manual.

1. Thechutedeflectoronyour mowermaybe heldinan
uprightpositionbya blockforshippingpurposesonly.
Thisshippingblockmustbe removedanddiscarded
beforethemoweris putintooperation.SeeFigure1.

a. Pullthechutedeflectoruptowardsengine.
b. Removetheblockandcarefullylowerthe chuteinto

operatingposition,keepingfingersoutofthe way.

2. Performthefollowingsequenceforhandlesetup:
a. Pullupand backon theupperhandleto raisethe

handlefrompositionA intothe operatingposition
B.SeeFigure2.

Figure 1

Figure 2

b. Makesurethecarriageboltis seatedproperlyin

thehandle.Tightenwingnuts(starknobs)securing
upperhandletothe lowerhandle.

NOTE:Onsomemodelswingnutshavebeenreplaced

withstarknobs.Figuresshowwingnutsonly.

3. If satisfiedwith heightof handle,tightenwingnuts(star
knobs)attheendsof the lowerhandleshownin Figure

3. Forconvenienceof operating,youmayadjustthe
handleheightas follows:

a. Removethewing nuts(starknobs)shownin Figure

3 andremovethelowerhandle.

b. Positioneachhandlebracketstudintothetop hole

in thelowerhandle.SeeFigure3 inset.

c. Tightenthewingnuts(starknobs).

.

Insertpostoncable tiesintoholesprovidedon the
lowerhandle.Pullcabletie tightandtrimexcess.See
Figure4.

Figure 3 Figure 4

6

5. RopeguideSetupas follows,seeFigure5:
a. Holdthebladecontrolagainstthe upperhandle.

PositionA.

b. Slowlypullstarterropeoutof engine.PositionB.
c. Slipstarterropeintotheropeguide.PositionC.

d. Tightenropeguidewingnut. PositionD.

,

Eachwheelhasa heightadjustmentleverto change
thecuttingheightofthe mower.Tochangetheheight
ofcut, squeezeadjusterlevertowardthewheel,
movingupor downto selectedheight.SeeFigure6.

7, If yourmoweris equippedwithan optionalmulching

Figure 5

NOTE: All wheels must
bein the sameheight

of cut.

Whencutting inheavy
or moist grass,the rear
of the lawnmowermay

beraisedhigher to
allow beter discharge
ofthe grass.

baffle,installit as shownin Figure7.
a. Lift upandholdthe side-dischargechutedeflector

andinsertbottomlipof themulchingbaffleinside
thechuteopening.

b. Pushthehooksonthe topof thebaffleuntilthey

snapoverthehingeon the dischargechute.
Releasethechutedeflector.

NOTE: Whenyouwishtomowinsteadof mulch,
simplyraisethechutedeflector,graspthehandleonthe
mulchingbaffleandlift upwardto removethebaffle. It is
notnecessarytoremovethe mulchingblade.

Figure 6

Figure 7

7

Your Lawn

Mower

WARNING

Read,understand,

and follow all instruc-
tions and warnings

on the machineand

inthis manual before

operating.

Know Your Lawn Mower

Blade Control Handle

Drive Control Handle

Recoil Starter

i

i

/

Mulching Baffle

Chute Deflector

Height Adjustment

Levers

This blade control

mechanism is a

safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its

operations.

Useextreme care

when handling
gasoline.Gasoline is

trernely 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 so urcesof

ignition.

Figure 8

Blade Control Handle

Thebladecontrolhandleis locatedon theupperhandle
ofthe mower.SeeFigure8.The bladecontrolhandle
mustbedepressedinorderto operatetheunit.Release
thebladecontrolhandleto stoptheengineand blade.

Drive Control Handle

Thedrivecontrolhandleislocatedonthe upperhandle.
Squeezethedrivecontrolhandleagainstthe upper
handletoengagedrivesystem.Releasethecontrol
handletodisengagethedrive systeminorderto stop,
slowdown,or backup.

Recoil Starter

Therecoilstarteris attachedtotherightupperhandle.
Standbehindthe unitand pullthe recoilstarterropeto

startthe unit.

Mulching Baffle

Themulchingbaffleis usedto recirculategrassclip-
pingsbackto thelawn.Attachitas instructedonpage7

ofthismanual.

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

Oneadjustmentleveris locatedoneachwheelandis
usedto adjustthecuttingheight.All fourlevershaveto
beatthe samerelativepositiontoensureuniformcut.

Before Starting

1. Servicethe enginewithgasolineandoilasinstructed
in theseparateenginemanual.

2. Attachsparkplugwireto sparkplug. If unitis
equippedwitha rubberbootovertheendofthe spark
plugwire,makecertainthemetalloopon theend of
thesparkplugwire(insidethe rubberboot)is fastened
securelyoverthemetaltip on thesparkplug.

3. Beforeeachuse,checkforproperdriveclutchopera-
tionby performingthefollowingbeforestartingthe
engine:

a. Withthe drivecontrolreleased,pushmower

forward.Itshouldmovefreely.Pullmowerback-
ward.Itshouldmovewithonlya smallamountof

resistance.
If itdoesnottheclutchmaynotbereleasing

completely.Donotstart theengineuntilcorrections
havebeenmade.Checkthecontrolcablefor

severebend,kinksandbinding.Alsocheckfor
grassbuild-uparoundthebelt.

8

f

Using Your Lawn Mower

Besurethe lawnis clearof stones,sticks,wire,or other

objectswhichcoulddamagethe lawnmowerorthe
engine.Suchobjectscouldbeaccidentlythrownbythe

mowerin anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjury

tothe operatorandothers.

Figure 9

To Start Engine

1. If yourunit isequippedwitha primer,primeengineas
instructedintheseparateenginemanualpackedwith
yourunit.

2. Standingbehindtheunit,depressthebladecontrol
handleandholditagainstthe upperhandleasshown
inFigure9. 3.

3. Graspthe starterhandleas shownand pullslowly
untilresistanceisfelt,then pullrapidlyto startengine 4.
andavoidkickback.Returnitslowlyto theropeguide.

2.

ToStop Engine 5.

1. Releasethebladecontrolhandletostopthe engine
andblade. 6.

__k WARNING: The blade continues

to rotate for a few seconds after
the engine isshut off.

2. Disconnectandgroundthesparkplugwireas
instructedin theseparateenginemanualto prevent
accidentalstartingwhileequipmentisunattended.

2. The warrantyonthislawnmowerdoesnotcover

3. Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid

4. All adjustmentsshouldbecheckedatleastonceeach

5. Periodicallycheckallfastenersandmakesurethese

WARNING: if you strike a foreign
object, stop the engine. Remove

wire from the spark plug, thor-

oughly inspectthe mower for any
damage, and repair the damage
before restarting and operating

the mower. Extensive vibration

of the mower during operation is
an indication of damage. The unit
should be promptly inspected
and repaired.

Toengagethe drive,squeezethedrive controlhandle
towardstheupperhandle.Releasethedrivecontrol
toslowdownwhennegotiatinganobstacle,makinga
turn,or stopping.

Forbestresultsandeffectivemulching,do notcut wet

grass.

Newgrass,thickgrass,orwet grassmayrequirea
narrowercut.

Fora healthierlawn,nevercutoff morethanone-third

ofthe totallengthof thegrass.
Yourlawnshouldbecut inthefall aslongasthere

isgrowth.
Ifthegrasshasbeenallowedtogrowin excessof 4

inches,mulchingis notrecommended.Mowusing

thesidedischargetoreducethegrassheightto3-1/4

inchesor lessbeforemulching.

General Recommendations

1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
anymaintenance.

itemsthathavebeensubjectedto operatorabuse
or negligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthelawnmoweras

instructedhere.

enginewarranty.

season.

aretight.

Operating

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 glasses while

operating the mower,

or while performing

any adjustments or
repairs on it.

Besure no one other
than the operator is

standing near the lawn
mower while starting

engine or operating
mower. Never run

engine indoorsor

in enclosed, poorly

ventilated areas. En-
gine exhaust contains

carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly

gas. Keep hands, feet,

hair and loose clothing

away from any moving
parts on engine and

lawn mower.

9

:wARN!NG

Always stopengine,

disconnectspark

plug,andground

againstenginebefore

cleaning,lubricating

or doing any kindof

maintenanceonyour

machine!

if unit istipped for

easieraccessto

bladeorbeltltip

mowerasspecified

inseparateengine
manual,ifitdoesnot

specifyturnmower

on its sidemaking

sure that the air filter

and the carburetor

cuttinggrassin

sandy soil Condition

causes abrasive wear

to the bladei

Lubricate

thesepoints
before

reasembly.

Figure 10

Lubrication

1. Lubricatethepivotpointsonthebladecontrolhandle
atleastoncea seasonwithlightoil. Theblade
controlmustoperatefreelyin bothdirections.See
Figure10.

2. If yourmoweris equippedwith ballbearingwheels,
lubricateat leastonce a seasonwitha light oil,all
othertypes requireno lubrication.However,ifthe
wheelsareremovedforany reason,lubricatethe

surfaceoftheaxle boltandthe innersurfaceofthe
wheelwithlightautomotiveoil.

3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointperiodi-
callywithlightoil topreventrust.SeeFigure10.

4. Followthe accompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-
tionscheduleandinstruction.

Engine

.

Refertothe separateenginemanualforengine
maintenanceinstructions.

2.

Maintainengineoil asinstructedinthe separate
enginemanualpackedwithyourunit. Readand
followinstructionscarefully.

.

Undernormalconditionsserviceaircleaneras in-
structedintheseparateengine manualpackedwith

yourunit. Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely
dustyconditions. Poorengineperformanceand
floodingusuallyindicatesthattheaircleanershould

be serviced.

4. The sparkplugshouldbecleanedandthegap
resetoncea season. Sparkplugreplacementis
recommendedatthe startof eachmowingseason;
checkenginemanualforcorrectplugtypeandgap
specifications.

NOTE:Thissparkignitionsystemmeetsall require-
mentsof theCanadianInterference-CausingEquipment
Regulations.

.

Cleantheengineregularlywithaclothor brush.
Keepthecoolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)clean
topermitproperair circulationwhichisessentialto
engineperformanceandlife.Becertaintoremoveall
grass,dirt andcombustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.

Deck

Theundersideofthe mowerdeckshouldbecleanedafter
eachuseto preventabuildupof grassclippings,leaves,

dirtorother matter.If thisdebrisisallowedtoaccumulate,
itwill inviterustandcorrosion,and maypreventproper

mulching.
Thedeckmaybecleanedbytiltingthe mowerandscrap-

ingcleanwitha suitabletool (makecertainthesparkplug
wireis disconnected).

Blade Care

Periodicallyinspectthebladeadapterforcracks,especial-
lyif youstrikea foreignobject.Replacewhennecessary.
Followthestepsbelowforbladeservice:

1. Removethebolt andthebladebellsupportwhich
holdthebladeandthe bladeadapterto theengine
crankshaft.SeeFigure11.

2. Removebladeandadapterfromthe crankshaft.

3. Theblademayberesharpenedby removingitand
eithergrindingorfilingthecuttingedgekeepingas
closetotheoriginalbevelaspossible.Donotattempt
tosharpenthebladewhile itis still onthe mower.

4. it is extremely important thateachcuttingedge
receivesanequalamountof grindingto preventan

unbalancedblade.

NOTE:improperbladebalancewillresultin excessive
vibrationcausingeventualdamageto theengineand
mower.Besuretocarefullybalancebladeaftersharpen-
ing.Possibledamageresultingfrombladeunbalance
conditionisnotthe responsibilityof themanufacturer.

NOTE:Alwaysremovebladefromtheadapterfortesting
balance.

5. Thebladecanbetestedforbalancebybalancingit
ona roundshaftscrewdriver.Removemetalfromthe

heavysideuntilit balancesevenly.

6 Beforereassemblingthebladeandthe bladeadapter

tothe unit,lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandthe
innersurfaceofthebladeadapterwithlightoil.

7. Installthebladeadapteron thecrankshaftwiththe
"star"awayfromtheengine.SeeFigure11.Place
thebladewiththe sidemarked"bottom"(orwithpart
number)facingawayfromthe adapter.Aligntheblade
bellsupportoverthe bladewiththetabsin theholesof

thebladeandinsertthe hexbolt.

8. Tightenthe hexbolttothetorquelistedbelow:

Blade Mounting Torque
CenterBolt450 in. lb.rain.,600 in.lb,max.
Toinsuresafeoperationofyourunit,ALLnutsand bolts

mustbecheckedperiodicallyfor correcttightness.

10

/

J

Figure 11

,J

Drive Belt RemovalAnd Replacement

1. Drainthefueltankor placeapieceof plasticbeneath
thecapto preventgasolineleakage.

2. Togeteasieraccesstothe belt,just securelyplace
themoweronraisedblocks.

3. Removethetransmissioncoverbyslidingoff thetwo
plasticrivetswitha screwdriveroneachsideofcover.
SeeFigure12.

4. Removethe belttensionspringfromthefrontheight
adjustmentplateto releasethetensiononthebelt.

5. Pushthetransmissionupa littleandslidethebelt
offthetransmissionpulley.Liftthemowerto access

thebeltfromtheundersideofthe mower.Slidethe
beltoff the enginepulleyandaroundtheblade.See

Figure13.

6. Replacewiththe newbelt,workingaroundtheblade.
Makesurethe beltis firmlyseatedontheengine
pulleywhilepullingfromtheother sideandslidingit
aroundthetransmissionpulley.

7. Putthemowerdownwithallfourwheelsfirmlyplaced
onone level.Tightenthescrew,loosenedearlier,to
securethebelttensionspringto thetransmission,

andreassemblethefrontdrivecover.

Figure 12

Figure 13

Off-Season Storage

Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakento prepareyourlawn

mowerforstorage.

1. Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin
thelubricationinstructions.

2. Wedo notrecommendtheuseof a pressurewasher
or gardenhoseto cleanyourunit.

3. Refertoenginemanualforcorrectengine

storageinstructions.

4. Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto

preventrusting.

5. Storemowerin adry,cleanarea. Donotstorenextto
corrosivematerials,suchasfertilizer.

NOTE:Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipmentin

a poorlyventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshould

betakentorust-prooftheequipment.Usinga lightoilor
silicone,coattheequipment,especiallycablesandall
movingpartsofyourlawnmowerbeforestorage.

WA=.I.G

When removing the

cutting blade or belt,
protect your hands

With a pair of heavy

glovesor use a heavy

rag to hold the blade,

An unbalanced blade

will cause excessive

vibrationwhen rotat'

at highspeeds:It

may cause damage

to mower, and could
break causing per,
sonal injuryl

We do not recommend
the Used pressure

washers or garden

hose tOCleanyour

unit Thesemaycause

damage toe ectrical

components,spindles;
pulleys,bearings;or

the engi!e:The use
of waterwill resultin
Shortened life and

reduceSerViceabilityl

11

Shooting

Problem Cause Remedy

Enginefails tostart i BladeControlhandledisengaged. !. Engagebladecontrolhandlel

2. Spark plugwiredisconnected, connect wiretoSpaAplugl
3 Fueltankemptyor stalefuei. & Filltank Withcleanlfreshgasolinel

Enginenotprimed 4. Refertoenginemanual

&FaUitY sparkp ugl clean adjustgaP oi replacel

Bockedfue ne 61 ceaniue iinel

7. Enginef!ooding_

7: Waitafew minutesto restart,butdonot prime.

For repairs beyond

theminor adjust-

ments listed here;

contactanautho;ized

service dealer.

Enginerunserratic

Engineoverheats 1. Engineoillevel low. 1. Fillcrankcasewithproperoil.

Occasionalskip(hesitates) 1. Sparkpluggaptoo close. 1. Adjustgapto .030".Referto enginemanual.
at highspeed 2. Carburetoridlemixtureadjustment 2. Referto enginemanual.

Excessivevibration 1. CuttingBladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeand adapter.Balanceblade

1. Sparkplugwireloose.

2. Blockedfuel lineorstale fuel.

3. Gascap vent plugged.

4. Wateror dirt infuel system.

5. Dirty aircleaner.

6. Carburetorout ofadjustment.

2. Drty airfilter 2. Refertothe enginemanualpackedwithyour

I 3. Airflow restricted. I 3. Removeblowerhousingandclean.

4. Carburetornotadjustedproperly. 4. Refertoenginemanual.

improperlyset.

1. Sparkpug fouled faulty or gaptoo 1 Resetgapto .030"orreplacesparkplug.
wide. Referto enginemanual.

2. Carburetorimproperlyadjusted. 2. Refertoenginemanual.

3. Dirtyair cleaner. _3. Referto enginemanual.

2. Bent cuttingblade. 2. Replaceblade.

1. Connectandtightenspark
plugwire.

2. Cleanfuel line;fill tankwithclean,fresh
gasoline.

3. Clearvent.

4. Drainfuel tankand carburetor.Refillwithfresh
fuel.

5. Refertoenginemanual.

6. Refertoenginemanual.

unit.

!

i i/_II!IIIIi iil iiii!iiii !iii! i_i!

i_i i i ii i i i

Mowerw notmuch 1 Wetgrass 1. Do notmowwhengrassis wet
grass waituntillaterto cut.

2. Excessivehighgrass. 2. Mowonceata high cuttingheight,then mow
againat desiredheightormakea narrower

I I cuttngpath.
" 3. Dull blade. 3. Sharpenorreplace blade.

Unevencut 1. Wheelsnot positionedcorrectly. 1. Raceall fourwheelsin same heightposition.

2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

WheelswII notpropel 1. Beltnot installedproperly. 1. Checkingbeltfor properpulleyinstallationand

I ' movement

2. Debriscloggingdriveoperation. 2. Cleanout debris.

MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR

Thelimitedwarrantysetforthbelowis givenby MTDLLCwithrespecttonew merchandisepurchasedandusedin theUnitedStatesand/orits territories
and possessions,and by MTDProductsLimitedwithrespecttonewmerchandisepurchasedandusedin Canadaand/oritsterritoriesandpossessions
(eitherentity respectively,"MTD").

MTDwarrantsthis product(excludingitsnormalwearpartsasdescribedbelow)againstdefectsinmaterialandworkmanshipfora periodoftwo(2)
yearscommencingonthe dateof originalpurchaseandwill,at its option,repairor replace,freeofcharge,anypartfoundtobedefectivein materials
or workmanship.Thislimitedwarrantyshallonlyapplyifthis producthasbeenoperatedandmaintainedinaccordancewiththe Operator'sManual
furnishedwiththeproduct,andhasnotbeensubjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,accident,impropermaintenance,alteration,vandalism,
theft,fire,water,ordamagebecauseofother perilornaturaldisaster.Damageresultingfromtheinstallationoruseofany part,accessoryorattachment
notapprovedbyMTDforusewiththeproduct(s)coveredbythis manualwillvoidyourwarrantyasto anyresultingdamage.

Normalwearpartsarewarrantedtobefreefromdefectsin materialandworkmanshipfor a periodofthirty(30) daysfromthe dateofpurchase.Normal
wearpartsinclude,but arenotlimitedto itemssuchas:batteries,belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,snowthrowerskid
shoes,frictionwheels,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.
HOWTOOBTAINSERVICE:Warrantyserviceisavailable,WITHPROOFOFPURCHASE,throughyourlocalauthorizedservicedealer.Tolocatethe
dealerinyourarea;

In the U.S.A.: CheckyourYellowPages,orcontactMTDLLCatRO.Box361131,Cleveland,Ohio44136-0019,orcall 1-800-800-7310or

1-330-220-4683or logon to ourWebsiteatwww.mtdproducts.com.
In Canada: ContactMTDProductsLimited,Kitchener,ON N2G4J1,orcall 1-800-668-1238or logon toourWebsiteatwww.mtdcanada.com.

Thislimitedwarrantydoesnotprovidecoverageinthefollowingcases:
a. The engineorcomponentpartsthereof.Theseitemsmaycarrya separatemanufacturer'swarranty.Referto applicablemanufacturer'swarrantyfor

termsandconditions.

b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershaveaseparateone-yearwarranty.
c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchas lubricants,filters,bladesharpening,tune-ups,brakeadjustments,clutchadjustments,deckadjustments,and

normaldeteriorationoftheexteriorfinishdue to useorexposure.
d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthananauthorizedservicedealer.
e. MTDdoesnotextendanywarrantyforproductssoldor exportedoutsideof theUnitedStatesand/orCanada,andtheirrespectivepossessionsand

territories,exceptthosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorizedchannelsofexportdistribution.
f. ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts.

g. Transportationchargesandservicecalls.
h. If Productsare usedcommercially.(MTDmayseparatelyofferLimitedCommercialWarrantiesoncertainselectproducts.Askyourdealeror retailer

fordetailsor contactMTDServiceformore information.)
No impliedwarranty, includinganyimpliedwarrantyof merchantability of fitness for a particular purpose,appliesafter the applicable period

of expresswritten warranty above asto the partsas identified.Noother expresswarranty,whetherwritten or oral, exceptas mentioned
above, givenby any personor entity,includingadealer or retailer, withrespect to any product,shallbindMTD.Duringthe period of the
warranty, the exclusive remedyisrepairorreplacementof the productassetforth above.

Theprovisions as setforth inthis warrantyprovidethe soleand exclusive remedy arising from thesale. MTDshallnot be liablefor incidental
or consequential lossor damage including,without limitation,expensesincurredfor substituteor replacementlawncareservicesor for
rentalexpensesto temporarily replacea warranted product.

Somejurisdictionsdonotallowthe exclusionorlimitationof incidentalorconsequentialdamages,or limitationson howlonganimpliedwarrantylasts,
sothe aboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynot applytoyou.

Innoeventshall recoveryof anykind begreaterthantheamountofthepurchasepriceof theproductsold.Alterationof safetyfeatures of the
productshall void thiswarranty. Youassumetheriskandliabilityfor loss,damage,orinjuryto youandyourpropertyand/orto othersandtheir
propertyarisingout ofthe misuseorinabilitytouse theproduct.

Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendto anyoneotherthantheoriginalpurchaseror to thepersonforwhomitwaspurchasedasa gift.
NOWLOCALLAWSRELATETOTHIS WARRANTY:Thislimitedwarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightsthatvary

in differentjurisdictions.

iMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofof Purchasetoobtainwarrantycoverage.

MTDLLC,P.O.BOX361131CLEVELAND,OHiO44136-0019;Phone:[phone]

MTDProducts Ltd., P.O.BOX1386,KITCHENER,ONN2G4J1; Phone: [phone]

13

\\\\\

\

\

\

14

REF
NO,

N° DE
REF

I

PART
NO.

N° DE

PIECE

747-1214
747-1161A
746-1114
746-04274
749-1092A
710-1205
720-0279

732-1026
687-02139

710-1174
736-0451
720-0284
749-04037
725-0157

17098
731-04019
710-0599
682-3064
736-0741
712-04065

682-3065
887-02046
710-0654A
754-04100
782-0585A
728-0199
750-04407
716-0198
618-04375
750-04406A

731-0073
748-04016A
742-0742A
736-0524B
710-1044
782-0584
741-0710
710-0216
720-0426
748-0455

731-04643
715-0221
717-1762
717-1761
732-04049
634-0190
747-0710
732-1014
731-1034B
736-0270

17032A
741-0751

687-02051
687-02140
687-02141
887-02094
738-1173
716-0865
734-1987
731-04045
748-0390
731-1035B

720-04072

DESCRIPTION

Drive Control Handle
Blade Control Handle

Blade Control Cable 50.56" Lg.
Drive Control Cable

Upper Handle
Rope Guide Bolt

Knob - ERS Guide 1/4-20
Spring Lever

Pivot Arm Assembly
Carriage Bolt 5/16-18 x 2.0

Saddle Washer .320 ID x .93 OD x .06

Wing Nut

Lower Handle
Cable Tie

Hinge Clip

Trail Shield

Hex Wash S-Tapp Scr 1/4-20 x .50
Handle Bracket Ass'y RH
Cupped Washer .760 ID x 1.25 OD x .041
Flanged Lock Nut 3/8-16
Handle Bracket Ass'y LH
Deck Ass'y
Hex Wash HD Tap Scr 3/8-16 x .88

V-Belt
Forward Height Adjustment plate - LH

Plastic Rivet
Sleeve Spacer .550 ID x 2.22 OD

Retainer Ring

Transmission Assembly Complete

Sleeve Spacer .550 ID x 8.51 OD

Transmission Cover

Blade Adapter
Mulching Blade 22"
Bell Blade Support
Hex Bolt 3/8-24 x 1.5" Lg. (Grade 8)
Forward Height Adjustment plate - RH
Sleeve Brg..502 x .627 x 1.0
Hex Cap Screw 3/8-16 x .75

Knob
Bearing Support

Dust Wheel Cover
Pin

Spur Gear 14T RH
Spur Gear 14T LH
Ext. Spring .47 OD x2.50
Wheel Ass'y Comp. 8 x 1.8 Spoke Bar
Hinge Pin

Torsion Spring

',Side Discharge Assembly

Cupped Washer .25 ID x .88 OD X .062
Chute Adapter
Height Adjuster Bearing
Lever Ass'y
Spring Lever Assembly (LH)
Spring Lever Assembly (RH)
Pivot Arm Assembly

Shoulder Screw 3/8-16
Snap Ring

Wheel Ass'y Comp. 8 x 1.8
Snap Mulching Plug

Bearing Spacer
Chute Deflector

Knob - Star 5/16-18

DESCRIPTION

Poignee de commande d'embrayage de I'entrafnment
Poignee de commande de la lame
C&ble de commande de la lame 50,56 po de Ig.
C&ble de commande d'embrayage de I'entrainement
Guidon superieur
Boulon de guidage de cordon

Bouton - 1/4-20
Levier de ressort
Bras de pivot

Boulon ordinaire 5/16-18 x 2.0
Rondelle selle 0,320 DI x 0,93 DE x 0,06

€:crou & oreilles
Guidon inf@ieur

Attache c&ble
Attache

Abattant de protection arriere
Vis autotaraudeuse & rondelle hex. 1/4-20 x 0,50

Support-droite
Rondelle creuse 0,760 x 1,25 x 0,041

Ecrou de blocage 3/8-16
Support de montage du guidon CG

Plateau de coupe
Vis autotaraudee 3/8-16 x 0,88
Courroie trapezoidale
Plaque de reglage avant - CG
Rivet en plastique
Entretoise 0,550 DI x 2,22 DE
Bague

Transmission
Entretoise 0,550 DI x 8,51 DE

Couvercle de la transmission
Adaptateur de la lame

Lame dechiqueteuse 22 po
Support
Vis & t_te hex. 3/8-24 x 1,50 po de Ig (Qual. 8)
Plaque de reglage avant - CD
Roulement 0,502 x 0,627 x 1,0
Vis & chapeau & six pans de 3/8-16 x 0,75

Bouton
Support

Couvercle
Goupille

Engrenage 14 dents droite
Engrenage 14 dents gauche
Ressort d'extension 0,47 x 2,50
Ensemble de roue complet 8 x 1,80

Axe fixe
Ressort de torsion
Deflecteur lat@ale

Rondelle creuse 0,25 DI x 0,88 DE x 0,062
Adaptateur de la deflecteur

Roulement
Levier

Levier de ressort (CG)
Levier de ressort (CD)
Bras de pivot
Vis & epaulement 3/8-16

Joint
Ensemble de roue complet 8 x 1,80
Deflecteur de dechiquetage

Entretoise
Deflecteur
Bouton - etoile 5/16-18

12A-263

10.25.05

d6tach es

Forparts and/or
accessories refer to

customersupport on
page 2.

Adressez-vous au
,_Serviceapr_s-vente_,

&la page 2 pour ce qui

concerneles pi_ces

et/ou accessoires.

15