MTD 445, 12A-446T163 Owner’s Manual
Operator's Manual
21" Rear-Discharge
Lawn Mower
Model 445
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 attester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark attester 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, 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. 769-00540
(10/2002)
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices ................................................................................... 3
Slope Gauge ...................................................................................................................... 6
Assembling Your Lawn Mower .......................................................................................... 7
Know Your Lawn Mower .................................................................................................... 10
Operating Your Lawn Mower ............................................................................................. 11
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ........................................................................................... 12
Service .......................................................................................................................... 13
Making Adjustments .......................................................................................................... 15
Off- Season Storage .......................................................................................................... 16
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................. 17
Parts List .......................................................................................................................... 18
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. The information on
the model plate is very important if you need help from our Customer Support Department or
an authorized dealer.
You can locate the model number by standing behind the unit in the operating position and looking
down at the rear of the deck. A sample model plate is explained below. For future reference, please
copy the model number and the serial number of the equipment in the space below.
(Model Number) (Serial Number)
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
ENGINEINFORMATION
The engine manufacturer isresponsible 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.
CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.
Call 1- (330) 220-4MTD (4683) or 1- (800)-800-7310 to reach a Customer Support
representative. Please have your unit's model number and serial number ready when you
call. See previous section to locate this information. You will be asked to enter the serial
number in order to process your call.
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 inthis
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. If you 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.
5. Do not operate the mower while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
6. Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on
units so equipped while starting engine.
7. 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.
8. Neveroperatethemowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbe
sureofyourfooting.Aslipandfallcancause
seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouarelosing
yourfooting,releasethebladecontrolhandle
immediatelyandthebladewillstoprotatingwithin
threeseconds.
9. Mowindaylightorgoodartificiallight.Walk,never
run.Stopthebladewhencrossinggraveldrives,
walkwaysorroads.
10.Iftheequipmentshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,
stoptheengineandcheckimmediatelyforthe
cause.Vibrationisgenerallyawarningoftrouble.
11.Shuttheengineoffandwaituntilthebladecomes
toacompletestopbeforeremovingthegrass
catcheroruncloggingthechute.Thecuttingblade
continuestorotateforafewsecondsafterthe
engineisshutoff.Neverplaceanypartofthebody
inthebladeareauntilyouaresurethebladehas
stoppedrotating.
12.Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,
dischargecover,grasscatcher,bladecontrol
handleorothersafetyprotectivedevicesinplace
andworking.Neveroperatemowerwithdamaged
safetydevices.Failuretodoso,canresultin
personalinjury.
13.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea
burn.Donottouch.
14.Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthis
machinebytheoriginalequipmentmanufacturer
(O.EM).Failuretodosocancausepersonalinjury.
15. If situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your
dealer for assistance. Telephone 1-800-800-7310
for the name of your nearest dealer.
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 ifthe 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 if achild 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 a child 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.
2. Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or
bumps which can cause you to slip or trip. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
3. 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
Safe Handling of Gasoline
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 injury can 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 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.
5. If possible, 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.
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. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
8. Never fuel machine indoors because flammable
vapors will accumulate in the area.
9. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine
is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two
minutes before refueling.
10. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½
inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for
fuel expansion.
11. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
12. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.
13. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light as
on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes
dryer or other gas appliances.
14. To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass,
leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.
15. Allow a mower to cool at least 5 minutes before
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.EM.) 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 aforeign 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.
_D
I--
w
WARNING
Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-I12 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.
ToolsRequired
Pair of Pliers
Funnel
Set of adjustable wrenches
DisconnectingSparkPlug
Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect the
spark plug wire from the spark plug, and ground it to
a bolt, retaining post or V-slot on the engine. See
Figure 1.
Spark Plug
All Engines with Rubber Boot
Figure 1
Raise the lower handle, as shown in Figure 3, until
it snaps into place.
Raise the upper handle as shown in Figure 3.
Tighten the two wing nuts which are already on the
handle. See Figure 3.
Tighten these
wing nuts
Lower
Upper
Handle
Figure 3
NOTE: Make sure to route the cables outside the lower
handle. Also do not crimp the cables while lifting the
handle up.
For shipping purposes, the hairpin clip is placed in
the outer hole of the weld pin on the lower handle.
Remove the hairpin clip from the outer hole of the
weld pin.
Using a pair of pliers, insert the hairpin clip into the
inner hole in the weld pin. Repeat on the other side.
See Figure 4.
Lower
Hail
Handle
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 3.
Lift lower handle
Grass Bag
Upper Handle
Lift
handle
Figure 2
Inner Hole
Figure 4
Insert post of cable ties that are on lower handle
into the holes provided on the lower handle. The
holes may be on the inside or outside. Pull cable
ties tight and cut off the extra. See Figure 5 below.
Cable Tie
AssemblingSoftGrassBag
Join the rear frame and front frame assembly as
shown in Figure 7A.
Place the bag over the frame (black plastic side is
the bottom of bag). Slip the openings in the side of
the plastic channels on the bag over the hooks on
the grass catcher frame.
Secure bag to frame by working the plastic
channels on bag over frame as shown in Figure 7B.
All of the plastic channels except the center top of
the bag attach from the outside of bag. The center
top of the bag attaches from inside the bag.
Figure 5
AttachingStarterRope
The rope guide is already attached to the right side of
the lower handle of your mower. See Figure 6.
With the spark plug wire disconnected and
grounded, hold the blade control handle against the
upper handle, and pull the starter rope up to the
rope guide. See Figure 6.
Slip the rope through the rope guide as shown
below. Tighten the wing nut holding the rope guide
to the lower handle.
Slip rope into
Wing Nut
rope g_i_R
Guide
[] []
Frame
Hook
_ar
Frame Frame
Assembly
Figure 7
AttachingGrassCatcher
If your mower is equipped with a mulching plug, and
it is in place on the mower, lift the rear discharge
door and remove the rear mulching plug from the
mower. See Figure 8.
Plastic
Channels
Figure 6
GrassCatcherAssembly
NOTE: Make certain the grass bag is turned right side
out before assembling (waming label will be on the
outside).
Partsfor SoftGrassBag
1. Front Frame
2. Rear Frame
3. Bag
Rear
Mulching
Plug
Figure 8
NOTE: Make sure that the cables are routed to the
outside of the handle when attaching the grass catcher.
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