MTD 370 THRU 389, 12A-377B062 Owner’s Manual

Operators Manual

Model Series

370 thru 389

Rotary Mowers

IMPORTANT:READSAFETYRULESANDINSTRUCTIONSCAREFULLY

Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and _hou[d not be used on or near ally unimproved foresl-

CoMered, _3FUSII_Covor ed Or g_a_s-_v_rgd IB+ndfJrl(ess IE1__noit3_'s exhaust Sy_tsyt_ is {_qul{3p_ WItll _ _p_ fl/_Ir_t_r m¢3OliD_

addllo_dle Iooal or Glat_ raw8 Ill any). if a spark arrestor is used, II sl_ouid be malnlait_ hi eflectIve working order by the operator,

In the SLat_ Of Oalifornl_.Ih_ abavo is required DV law ISeclion 4442 of the CEtlilorr_ia Public Resources Code) Other st_te,_ rosy hays
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal land_. A spa_ arrestor for tile muffler is awii_ble Ihro_lgh your nearest _nglne =lktlhorlz ed
service de_ler or conlact the service dep_rtmer_t, PO. 19o_ 368022 _levoland. Ohio 44136-g722

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

PRINTED rN U.S.A.

FORM NO. 770-10114

(10/98)

SECTION 1: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER

This Operator's ManL_al is an important pert of your new walk behhld. It will help you assemble, prepare alqd

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

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

ihformaiien from It in this Operator's Manual. The Information on the model pla[e is very important if you need

help from your dealer or the MTD CLlstomer support department.

Every' walk behind has a model plate, You can Io_afe it by standing behirM the unit in the operating

position and looking down at the rear of the deck. See Figure 1.

This is where your model number will be.

×XX-X-XXX-X-XXX XXXXXXXXXXX

- This is where your serial number will be.

Copy the model nLImber here:

Copy the serial number here:

Figure 1

SECTION 2: CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT

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

YOUR MODEL NUMBER.

• If you are having dLfficulty assembling this product or if you have any questions regarding t_e controls,

operation or maintenance Of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department,

• Customer Support can be reached by dialing: 1- 1330) 2204MTD

(4683)

or

1- (800)-800-7310

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

• Although both numbers are irnport_nt, you Wffl be asked to enter only your sofia/number before your

ee.II can be processed.

SECTION 3: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

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

,ik

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

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

HEED ITS WARNING,

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

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

this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator

DANGER= Your lawn mower was built to be operated according to the rulas for safe operation in

can result in serious injury. TMs lawn mower is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing
objects. Failure to observe the following safety i£struotlons could result in serious injury or deatl)

1. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read this operator's manual carefully in its entirety
before attempting to a68emble 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,

• Your rotary mower is a preelston piece of power
equipment, not a plaything. Therefore, exorcise

extreme cautton aL all limes. Your unit has been

designed to perform one job: to mow gross• DO not
use if for any other purpose,

• Never allow children under 14 yea_s old to operate

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

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

allowed to use your mower,

, Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,

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

prevent blade contact or th_wn object inJury,
Although the area of operation should he

compLetely cleared of foreign objects, an object
may have been ovedeoked and could he

accldenlally thrown by the mower in any direc_ton
and cause serious personal injury to the operator or

any others allowed in the area.

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

the arms and legs and steel-teed shoes are

recommended. Do noL wear loose fitting clelhes or

Jewelry They can be caught In moving parts, Never
operate a unit in bare feet, sandals, slippery or light

weighL(eg cenvas) shoes

• Always wear eatery glasses or safely goggles
during operation or while pertorrning an adjustment

or repair, to prefect eyes from foreign objects that
may be thrown from the machine in any direction.

• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment
i_ to he used¸ Remove all stones, sticks, wire,

I_o_nes, toys and other foreign ebject_ which could

be picked up and thrown by the mowe_ in any

direction and cause serfou8 personal injury to the
operator or any Others allowed in the areEt, Plan
your mowing pattern to avoid dl_charg_ of material

toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like,
TO help avoid a thrown objects Injury. keep

children, by6thnd_rs anrf helpers at least 75 feet

Sore the mower while g i6 i_ opertalon.

° DO riot put band8 or leer near or under rotating

ports¸ Keep clear of discharge opening at al! times
e_ the rotating blade can cause injury.

• Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being
pulled over the foot dudng a fall. Do not hang on to

the mower if you are falling; release the h_ndIe
iinmediately

• Never pull the mower toward you while you are

walking If you must back the mower away from a
walt or obstruction first took down and behind, and

then fellow these 8tops:

. Step back from the mower to, frilly extend your

arm_.

• Be SLate you are well balanced with sure
fooling.

• Puff the mower back slow_y, no moRe than haq
way toward yOL_.

• Repeat these siege a9 needed¸

• Do n_l e_eralo the mower while under Ihe
Influence o_ alcohol or drugs.

• DO not engage the self-prabelled mechanism cn

units so equipped while sthrLing engine,

• The blade control handle is a safety device Never

attempt to bypass its operagon. Doing so makes
the safety device inoperative and may result in

personal in{ury through contact with the rotating
blade. The blade control handle must operate

easily in both direntions and autornatically return te

the disengaged poaltfon when released,

• Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be
sure of your footing. A slip and far can cause

sedous personal thjur), Keep a firm hold on the

handle and walk, never run. If you feel you are
losing your footing, RELEASE THE BLADE

CONTROL HANDLE IMMEDIATELY and the blade
will stop rofahng within three seconds.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

• Stop the blade when croe81ng gravel drives, walks

or roads,

• If the equipment shoald start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine and check immediately for the

cause, Vibration is generally a warning at trouble,

• Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes
to a complete stop before removing the grass

eel=her er unclogging the chute, The cut_ng blade
continues to rotate for a few seconds after the

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

stopped rotabng,

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

place.

• Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a

burn, DO not touch.

losing your balance release the blade control
handle immediately and the blade will stop in less

than 3 seconds.

DO NOT:

• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments, The operator could [ose foogng or

balance.

• De net mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as

shown on the slope gauge.

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

3. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children, Children are eden aLtracted to the

mower and the mowing activity. Never assume thai
children will remain where you last _aw them,

• Keep children out of the mowmg ares and under

the watabthl care of a responsible adult other than
the operator.

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

area,

• Before and while moving backwards, look behind

and down for small children or othe_" object _.

• Never atlow children under age14 to operate the
mower. Children 14 years of age and above

should read and understand the operation
instrucgons and safety rules in this rns.nuaL

• Use extreme care when approaching blind comets.

shrLths_ trees, or other objeOt_ that may obscure
your vision of a child or hazard,

4. SERVICE

• Only use accessories approved for this machine by
the manufaablrer. Read, understand, and Iollow all

]nstruc_ens provided wgh the abprovab accessory.

• If siluations occur which are not covered Jn this
manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your

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

2, SLOPE OPERATION

For your safety, use the slope gauge included as pad of
this manual _e measure sJopes before oper_ing fhfs unit

on a eloped or hilly area. If the _lope is greater than 15
degrees as shown on the slabe gauge, do not operate this

ung on that area or serious inlury could result.

DO:

• Mew across the face of slopes; never uo and down.
E_ercise extreme osugen when changing direction

on slopes.

• Watch for holes, ruts, hidden objects, or bumps.

Tall grass can hide obstacles.

• Use extreme care in handling gasolthe and other
feels. They are extremely flammable and the

vapors are explosive.

• Use only an 8pthoved gasoline co[ltathe_

• Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine
is running, Allow engine to cool at least two

minutes before refueling.

• Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe off any
spbled gasoline before starting the engine as [t may

cause a fire or explosion,

• Ext]nguiab all cigarettes, cigars, pipe8 and other

sources of ignition

• Never retoel machine indoors because flammable

vapors will ,_ccumala[e in the area,

• Never store the machine or fuel ¢o_iner inside

where there is an open flame or spark such as a.

gas water heater, space heater or furnace.

• Never run _.n engine inside & calsed ares.,

• A_ways be sur_ of your footing. A alip and fall can
cause serious personal injury¸ if you feel you are

• TO reduce life hazard, _eep mower free of grass,
leaves, or other deeds build-up. Clean up oil or fuer

spillage. Allow m_Jwer to cool at least 5 minutes
LgefQre storing.

• Before cleanirlg, repairitTg, or inspecting, make
c_rtain the blade _rld eli moving parts have

stopped. Disconnect the 3park plug wire, and keep
the wire away from the 8park plug to prevent

accidental _tartfog.

• Chock the blade and engine mounting bolt_ at
Irequent intervals for proper tlghtne._s. Also,

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

original equipment spec_ficeffons listed in this

marlua].

• Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment Is In safe working condition.

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

• After striking a foreign object, stop the etlglne,
remove the wire from the spark p_u_, and

thoroughly inspect _he mower for any damage.

Repair the damage before stantng and eperefing

the mow0r.

• Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height

adiustment while the engine is runr_ing

• Grass catcher components are subject to wear,

damage arid dcterioreffon, which could expose

movirlg patts or alfow objects to be thrown. For

safety protection, frequently check components and

replace with manuf&ct[Jrer's recommended parts,

whgn necessary.

• Mower btedes are sharp and can cut. Wrap the

blade(s) or wear gfov_'s, and t_e extra cautfo_
when servicing them.

• Do not change th_ engine gawmor setting or

overs_oeq the engine. Excessive engine speeds

are dartgereus.

re_d, undersandaag o owthewarnmgsaed nsructons n h'smaRu_aRdonthemachne.

WARNING - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: RestrFct the use of this power machine to persons who

DANGER

Figure 2 Safety Labels Found On Lawn Mower

SaopeGauge

6

SECTION 4: UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

REMOVE UNIT FROM CARTON

• See Figure 3,

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

carton.

• Remove loose parts if Included with unit (i.e., owner's manual, etc.).

• Cut along dotted lines and lay carton down flat.

• Remove packing material

Roll or slide unit out of carlon. Check carton thoroughly for loose parts.

REMOVE MANUAL & LOOSE PARTS

Figure 3

DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE

Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug, and ground it against

the engine by attaching rubber boot to a bolt or metal clip to the grounding post on the engine, See Figure 4.

Spark Plug

Figure 4

SECTION 5: SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS

This guide covers models 370 - 379 single speed self propelled mowers and 380 - 389
six speed self propelled mowers. Much of this guide pertains to both models.

However, there are some areas where only one model is covered. Use only the

information that is appropriate for your model.

ITEMS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

• PairefPliers(Notnocessary, butheipful)

• Motel Oil

• Fresh Gasoline

IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped WITHOUI GASOLINE or OIL {ll the e!_gine. Be certain to service

engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual before operating your mower.
NOTE; Relerence to right or loft hand side of the mower is observed from the operating position,

SET-UP YOUR LAWN MOWER

Follow steps 1 through10 to set up your lawn mower.

S_ep_'_ Re;er_ve grass bag from unit and set It

out of the way.

Grass Bag -.

\

IStep 2, Lift upper handle. Align it with lower

I UpperC,':

Step 3. Tighten wing nuts.

Step 4, Raise complete handle assembly until It

clicks into place. Make sure not to kink
the control cables.

Handle Assembly

Step 5.

Step 6.

Pinch lower handle against mounting
bracket with pliers,

Move hairpin clip from outer to inner
hole on handle mounting bracket.

Step 7, Attach control cables to handle with pull

ties found on the handle.

NE== 7

PINCH ERE

Step 8. Loosen the wing nut holding the rope guide to the upper handle.

G

Step g. Squeeze the blade control handle against the upper handle and pull out starter rope, slowly!
Step 10. Thread starter rope into rope guide.

Step 11. Tighten wing nut.

Blade Control Hat, die

Upper Nandle

Starter Rope

_Rope Guide /

9

SECTION 6: CONTROLS

Recoil Starter , , _ five Clutch Control

All Models Models 380 - 389

(If Equipped) "'

Blade Conlrol HaNdl+__

Throttle Control

Figure 5

BLADECONTROLHANDLE

The blade control handle is located on the upper handle of the mower, See Figure 5. The blade control

handle must he depressed in order to 8tart _nd operate the unit. Release the blade control handle to stop the
engine and blade.

The blade will he rotaling whenever the engine is running,

WARNING; The blade control handle is a salety device. Never attempt to byp_.ss its operations.

OPTIONAL THROTTLE CONTROL

Your unit may be equipped with 1 of 3 throttle controls. Follow instructions which pertains to your unit.

• The throttle control is located on the left side of tile upper handle. It is used to regul&te the engine
speed.

• The throttle control is located on the engine, it [s used to regulate the engine speed.

• Your engine Is equipped wgh a constant speed thretlle, which is set at full throttle for best performance.

located on the engine, do not adjust the throftle control with the engine running.

WARNING; The throttle control cannot be used to stop the engine If your throttle control is

RECOIL STARTER

The recoil starter handle Is attached to the upper handle. See Figure 5. Stand behind the unit In the operating
position to start the unit.

DRIVE CLUTCH CONTROL

Squeezing the drive clutch control engages the ddve eystem. Releasing the clutch control disengages the
drive system Release the clutch control to slow down when negotiating an obstacle, making a turn or

stopping.

SHIFT LEVER (Models 380 - 389)

The shift lever is located on the drive clutch control housing an the upper handle. See Figure 5. This lever is
used to select the ferwald speed of the mower, When changing your speed selection, release the drive

clulch control.

10