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12A-449T401
Owner’s Manual
24 pgs1.12 Mb0

MTD 12A-449T401 Owner’s Manual

YaRD-MaN)//
Operator's Manual
21" Self Starter
Rear-Discharge
Lawn Mower
Model Series
IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.
Warning: This unit isequipped withan internalcombustionengine andshould not be used on or near any unimproved forest-
In the State of Californiathe above isrequiredbylaw (Section4442 ofthe California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply onfederal lands.A sparkattester for the muffler is available throughyour nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
ECO#
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO. 770-10478.fm
(1/2001)
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content Page
ImportantSafe OperationPractices ................................................................... 3
Slope Gauge...................................................................................................... 6
Unpacking .......................................................................................................... 7
Assembling Your Lawn Mower ........................................................................... 7
Know Your Lawn Mower .................................................................................... 10
Operating Your Lawn Mower ............................................................................. 10
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ........................................................................... 13
Servicing Your Lawn Mower .............................................................................. 14
Making Adjustments .......................................................................................... 16
Off- Season Storage .......................................................................................... 17
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 18
Parts List............................................................................................................ 20
FINDINGMODELNUMBER
This Operator'sManual is an important part of your newLawn Mower. Itwill helpyou assemble, prepare
and maintain the unit for best performance. Please readand understand what it says.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate onthe equipmentand copythe informationfromit inthe space providedbelow.The informationon the model plateisvery importantif youneedhelpfromourCustomerSupportDepartmentor
an authorized dealer.
You can locatethe model numberby standingbehind the unitinthe operatingposition and looking
down at the rear of the deck. A sample model plate is explained below. For future reference, please copy the modesnumber and the serial number of the equipment in the space below.
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT
Ifyou have difficulty assemblingthis product or have anyquestions regardingthe controls, operationor 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 haveyourunit'smodelnumberand serial number readywhenyou call.See previoussectiontolocatethisinformation,You will be askedto enterthe serial numberinordertoprocessyourcall.
2
SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES
WARNING: This symbol pointsout importantsafety instructionswhich, if not followed, couldendanger the personalsafetyand/or propertyofyourselfandothers. Read and followallinstructionsinthismanual
beforeattemptingto operatethismachine.Failuretocomplywiththeseinstructionsmay resultin personal injury.Whenyou see thissymbol--HEED ITSWARNING.
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of itsconstituents,and certainvehicle componentscontainor emit
chemicalsknowntoStateof Californiatocausecancerand birthdefectsor otherreproductiveharm.
WARNING: Thismachine was builtto beoperated accordingto the rulesfor safe operationinthis manual.As with
any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in sedous injury. This
machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the followingsafety
instructionscould result in sedousinjuryor 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 manual(s) before operation. Ba completely
familiar with the controls and the proper use of this
machine before operating it. Keep this manual in a safe place for future andregular reference andfor ordedng
replacament parts.
2. This machine is a precision piece of power equipment, not aplaything. Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all
times. Your unithasbeen designedto performonejob: to
mow grass.Do notuse itfor any other purpose.
3. Never allow childrenunder 14 years oldtooperate this machine. Children 14years oldand overshouldread and understandthe operation instructionsandsafety rulesin
this manual and shouldbe trained and supervisedbya
parent,Only responsibleindividualswhoare famUiarwith
these safe operationrulesshoulduse thismachine.
4. Thoroughlyinspectthe area where the equipment isto be used. Remove all stones,sticks,wire,bones,toys and otherforeign objectswhichcould be tdppedoveror pickedup andthrown bythe blade. Thrown objectscan
cause sehous personalinjury.Plan your mowingpattern
to avoiddischargeofmatedal toward reeds, sidewalks,
bystandersand the like. Also, avoid dischargingmatedal againstawallorobstructionwhich may cause discharged matedal to ricochetbacktowardthe operator.
5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown objectinjury,stay inthe operatorzone behind the handles and keep bystanders,helpers,childrenand pets at least75 feet
from the machine while itisin operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
6. Always wear safetyglassesor safety goggles during
operationandwhile performingan adjustmentorrepairto
protectyoureyes. Thrownobjects which dcochetcan
cause sedous injurytothe eyes.
7. Wear sturdy, rough-soledworkshoesand close-fitting
slacksand shirts.Shirtsand pants thatcover the arms and legsand steel-toedshoes are recommended. Never
operate this machine inbare feet, sandals,slipperyor
lightweight (e.g. canvas) shoes.
8. Do notputhandsorfeet near rotatingpartsor underthe
cuttingdeck. Contactwiththeblade can amputatehands and feet.
9. A missingor damaged dischargecover can cause blade contact or thrownobject injudes.
10. Manyinjuriesoccuras a resultofthe mowerbeing pulled overthe footdudog a fall caused byslippingortripping.
Do not holdon to the mower ifyou are falling; release the handleimmediately.
11. Neverpullthemower backtowardyouwhile you are
walking. If you mustbackthe mowerawayfroma wail or obstructionfirstlookdown and behind to avoid tripping
and then followthese steps:
a. Step backfrom the mower tofully extend your
alTRS,
b. Be sureyou are well balancedwithsurefooting.
c. Pullthemowerbackslowly,nomorethan halfway
towardyou.
d. Repeat these stepsas needed.
12. Donotoperate the mower whileunder the influenceof alcoholor drugs.
13. Do notengage the self-propeUedmechanism onunitsso equippedwhilestartingengine.
14. The blade control handle isa safetydevice, Never attemptto bypassitsoperation.Doingso makesthe safety device inoperativeandmay resultinpersonal
injury throughcontact withthe rotatingblade.The blade controlhandlemustoperate easily inboth directionsand automaticallyreturnto the disengagedposition when
released.
15. Never operatethe mowerinwet grass.Always be sureof yourfooting. A slip andfall cancause seriouspersonal
injury.Ifyoufeel you are losingyourfooting, releasethe blade controlhandle immediately and the bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthreeseconds.
16. Mow in daylightorgood artificiallight.Walk, never ran.
17. Stop the blade when crossinggraveldrives,walkways orroads.
18. If the equipment shouldstart to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine and check immediately for the cause. Vibration isgenerally a warning of trouble.
19. Shut the eogine off and wait untilthe blade comes to a completestop before removing the grass catcher or unclogging the chute. The cutting 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 blede has stopped rotating.
20. Never operate mowerwithoutpreper trail shield, 5. discharge cover, grass catcher, blade control handle or other safety protective devices in place and working. 6.
Never operate mower with damaged safety devices. Failure to do so, can result in personal injury.
21. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a bum. Do not touch.
22. Only use parts and accessories made forthis machine by
the original equipment manufacturer(O.E.M). Failureto Service
do so can result in personal injury.
23. Ifsituations 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.
SafeHandlingof Gasoline:
1. To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme
SlopeOperation
Slopes are a major factor related to slipandfall accidents
whichcan resultin severe injury.Operationon slopes
requiresextra caution.Ifyou feel uneasy on aslope, donot mow it.Before operating thisunit on a slope orhillyarea, use the slopegaugeon page 6to measure slopes. Ifthe slope is greaterthan 15 degrees, do not mow it.
Do:
1. Mow acrossthe face ofslopes; neverup and down. Exercise extreme caution when changingdirection on slopes.
2. Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects, or bumps
whichcan cause you toslipor tdp.Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
3. Always be sureofyour fuofing. A slipandfall can cause seriouspersonal injury.If youfeel youare losingyour
balance, releasethe bladecontrolhandle immediately, andthe bladewillstoprotatingwithin3 seconds.
DoNot:
1. Do not mow neardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments,
you could loseyourfooting or balance.
2. Do not mow slopssgreater than 15 degreesas shownon
the slope gauge.
3. Do not mowon wet grass. Unstablefootingcould cause slipping.
Children
Tragic accidentscan occur if the operator is not alerttothe
presence of children.Children are often attractedtothe mowerand the mowingactivity.They do not understandthe
dangers. Never assume that childrenwillremainwhere you lastsaw them.
1. Keep childrenoutofthe mowing area and underthe
watchfulcare of a responsibleadultotherthanthe
operator.
2. Be alert and turn mower off ifachildentersthe area.
3. Before and whilemoving backwards, look behindand downfor smallchildren.
4. Use extreme carewhen approachingblindcomers, doorways,shrubs,trees, orotherobjectsthat may obscureyourvisionofa childwho may runintothe
mower.
2. Wash your skinandchange clothes immediately.
3. Use only an approvedgasoline container.
4. Never fill containersinside a vehicle or on a truck or
5. If possible, remove gas-powered equipment from the
6,
7.
8.
9.
1(3.
11.
12.
13.
14. To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass, leaves,
15. Allow a mower to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.
GeneralService:
1. Never runan engine indoorsorina poody ventilated
2. Before cleaning, repairing,orinspecting,makecertain
Keep childrenaway from hotor running engines. They
can suffer bums from a hot muffler.
Never allow children under 14years 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 betrained and supervised by a parent.
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.Sedous
personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite.
trailer bedwith aplastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.
truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipmenton a trailer with a
portable container, rather than from agasoline dispenser nozzle.
Keep the nozzle incontact with the dm of the fuel tank or container opening atall times until fueling iscomplete.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 inthe area.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch below bottom offiller neck to providespace for fuel
expansion.
Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
Ifgasoline is spilled, wipe itoff the engine and equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5 minutes
before starting the engine.
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.
or other debds build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel soaked debds.
area. Engine exhaust containscarbon monoxide,an ododessand deadly gas.
the blade and all movingparts have stopped. Disconnect the sparkplugwireand groundagainstthe engineto
prevent unintendedstarting.
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 leadto 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 allnuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
6. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regulady.
7. After sthking aforeign object, stop the engine, disconnect
the spark plug wire and de-energize the starter. (See
section "To De-energize Self Starter". Thoroughly inspect
the mower for any damage. Repair the damage before
starting and operating the mower.
8. Never attempt to make awheel or cutting height adjustment while the engine is running.
9. Grass catcher components, discharge cover, and trail
shield are subjectto wearand damage whichcould expose moving parts or allowobjects to be thrown.
For safety protection, frequently check components and replace immediately with odginal equipment
manufacturer's (O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this manual. "Use of parts which do not meet the odginal equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and
compromise safety!"
10.
Do not change the engine governor setting oroverspeed 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 properdisposallawsand regulations.Improper disposal of fluidsand materials can harmthe
environment.
13,
ALWAYS de-energize self starter priorto performingany maintenance or servicetothe engine and or mower,
Followinstructionsboth in the manualand on the engine and ormachine to de-enen:jizestarter.
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.
DANGER
5
9
SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
A POWER POLE
A CORNER OF A BUILDING
OR A FENCE POST
15°
Q_
o_ WARNING
° A
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
Z
O 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.
(_f) Operate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.
SECTION3: UNPACKING
RemovingUnitFromCarton
Remove staples, break glue on top flaps or cut tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open
carton. Remove loose parts if included with unit (i.e., operator's manual, hardware pack etc.).
Cut corners andlay cartondown flat. Remove packing material.
Roll orslideunitout ofcarton.Check carton thoroughlyfor looseparts.
SECTION4: ASSEMBLINGYOURLAWNMOWER
NOTE; Make sure not to crimp the cables while removing the loose parts or the entire unit from the carton.
NOTE: Reference to rightor left hand sideof the mower isobserved from the operating position.
Tools Required
PairofPliers Funnel Set ofadjustablewrenches
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to
preventunintendedstarting.Leave safety key
in lockedposition.
AssemblingHandle
For shipping purposes, the grass bag was placed on top ofthe unit. Remove it from the unit andset it
out of the way. See Figure 2.
UpperHandle
Liftu handle
Lift lowerhandle
GrassBag
DisconnectingSparkPlug
Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect the
spark plugwire fromthe spark plug, and ground itto a bolt, retaining post or V-slot on the engine. See
Figure 1.
Spark Plug
Figure 1
Figure 2
Raise the lower handle, as shown inFigure 2, until
it snaps into place.
Raise the upper handle as shown in Figure 2. Tighten the two wing nuts which are already on the
handle. See Figure 3.
UpparHandle
LowerHandle
n
Nut
Figure 3
NOTE: Make sureto route thecables outside thelower
handle. Also do not crimp the cables while lifting the handle up.
Forshipping 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.
Usinga pair of pliers, insert the hairpin clip into the
inner hole inthe weld pin. Repeat on the other side. See Figure 4.
Move hairpin clipto
this hole --
f
Weld Handle
Pin
Figure 4
Insertpost ofcable tiesthat 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 offthe extra. See Figure 5below.
Cable Tie
Post on
GrassCatcherAssembly
NOTE: Make certain the grass bag is tumed fight side
out before assembling (warning label will be on the
outside).
SoffGrass Bag
Parts for soft grass bag:
1. Front Frame
2. Rear Frame
3. Bag
Assembling soft grass bag:
Jointherear frame and front frame assemblyas showninFigure7A.
Place thebag over theframe (blackplasticsideis the bottomofbag).Sliptheopeningsintheside of
the plasticchannelsonthe bagover thehookson the grasscatcherframe.
Secure bagto frame byworkingthe plastic channelsonbagoverframe asshowninFigure 7B.
All ofthe plasticchannelsexceptthecentertopof the bag attachfrom the outsideof bag.The center top ofthe bag attaches from insidethe bag.
[] []
Figure 5
Attaching Starter Rope
The rope guide is already attached to the right side of the upper handle ofyour mower. See Figure 6.
With the spark plug wire disconnected and grounded, and with the safety key in the locked
position, pull the starter ropeup 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 upper handle.
BladeControl Handle
Recoil
RopeGude
Front Hook
rame
sembly
Rear
Frame Plastic
Figure 7
AttachingGrassCatcher
Ifyour moweris equipped witha mulchingplug,
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.
Rear Mulching
Plug
Channels
Figure 6
Figure 8
NOTE: Make sure that the cables are muted to the
outside of the handle when attaching the grass catcher.
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