MTD 12A-44MC055 Owner’s Manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips & Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty

OF A O AL

21" Rotary Mower- Model 44M

iMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush- coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any). If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderby theoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw (Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contactthe servicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,

Ohio44136-0019.

FORMNO.769-02768

PRINTEDIN U.S.A.

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

10/13/2006

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.

Table of Contents

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

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

Setup and Adjustment ....................................... 6

Operating Your Lawn Mower .............................. 8

Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10

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

Off Season Storage and Safety Labels ........... 13

MTDLLCreservestherighttochangeproductspecifications,designs,andequipmentwithoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation.

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREYOU BEGINTO ASSEMBLEYOURNEW

EQUIPMENT,pleaselocatethe modelplateon the

equipmentandcopythe informationto the sample

modelplateprovidedto the right.Youcan locatethe

modelplatebystandingat theoperatingpositionand lookingdownatthe rearofthe deck.Thisinformation

willbe necessaryto usethe manufacturer'sweb

site,to obtainassistancefromthe CustomerSup-

portDepartment,or whencontactingan authorized

servicedealer.

Engine Appendix .............................................. 14

Engine Safe Operation Practices ................. 14

Operating Your Engine .................................. 16

Maintaining Your Engine ............................... 18

Parts List ........................................................... 22

Warranty ............................................. Back Cover

Model Number Serial Number

MTD LLC

P.O= BOX 361131

CLEVELAND, OH 44136

330-220-4683

www.mtdproducts.com 800-800-7310

Customer Support

Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was

purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.

Ifyou havedifficultyassemblingthisproductor haveanyquestionsregardingthe controls,operation,or maintenanceof this unit,you canseek helpfromthe experts.Choosefromthe optionsbelow:

= Visitwww.mtdproducts.com

• Call a CustomerSupportRepresentativeat 1-800-800-7310.

!i!_i!il<

Sightandholdthis levelwith a verticaltree...

o9 _D

=5 O

d_ o3

o -5

O9 C5 d_ O3

_ o

c_ 0 o3

c_ _,_

_ or a cornerof a building...

I I

__ or a fence post

I I

-- fir_e (repros _ _ er_ts a 15o

15°

c'_ _

WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of its constituents,and certain vehicle compo- nentscontain or emit chemicals known to Stateof Californiato cause cancer and

birth defects or other reproductiveharm.

DANGER: This machinewas builtto be operatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operation inthis manual.As with anytypeof powerequipment,carelessnessor erroron the part of the operator

can resultin serious injury.Thismachine is capableof amputatinghandsand feet and throwing objects. Failureto observethe following safety instructionscouldresult in seriousinjury ordeath.

WARNING

Thissymbolpoints out importantsafety

instructionswhich,if notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal

i safetyand/or property I ofyourselfandothers.

Readandfollowall instructionsinthis

manualbeforeat-

temptingto operate

i this machine.Failure I to complywith these

instructionsmayresult

i inpersonalinjury.When

youseethis symbol.

i HEED ITS WARNING!

i Your Responsibility

Restrictthe use ofthis powermachine

to personswho read.

i understand

andfollow the warnings and instructions

=nthis manual and on the machine.

Children

Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presence ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtomowerandmowing activity.Theydonot understandthe dangers.Neverassume thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.

1. Keepchildrenoutof the mowingareaandunderwatchful careof a responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.

2. Bealert andturn moweroff if a childentersthearea.

3. Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown forsmallchildren.

4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners, doorways,shrubs,trees,or otherobjectsthatmayobscure yourvisionofachild whomayrunintothe mower.

5. Keepchildrenawayfromhotorrunningengines.Theycan sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.

6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operateapower mower.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthis manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbya parent.

General Operation

1. Readthis operator'smanualcarefullyin its entiretybefore attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,

andfollowall instructionsonthemachineandin the manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith

thecontrolsandthe properuseofthis machinebefore operatingit.Keepthis manualin asafeplaceforfuture andregularreferenceandfor orderingreplacementparts.

2. Thismachineisaprecisionpieceof powerequipment, nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all times.Yourunithas beendesignedto performonejob: to mowgrass.Do notuseitfor anyotherpurpose.

3. Neverallow childrenunder 14yearsoldto operatethis machine.Children14yearsoldand overshould readand

understandthe instructionsinthismanualandshould betrainedand supervisedbya parent.Onlyresponsible

individualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe operationshouldbeallowedto usethis machine.

4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto beused.Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toys andotherforeignobjects,whichcouldbetrippedoveror pickedupandthrownbytheblade.Thrownobjectscan causeseriouspersonalinjury.Planyour mowingpattern toavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,sidewalks, bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial againsta wall or obstruction,whichmaycausedischarged materialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.

5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury, stayinoperatorzone behindhandlesand keepchildren, bystanders,helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrom mower whileitis inoperation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters

area.

6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera- tionandwhile performinganadjustmentor repairto protect youreyes.Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseserious injurytothe eyes.

7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesand close-fitting slacksandshirts. Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthe armsand legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended.Neveroperate thismachinein barefeet,sandals,slipperyorlight-weight (e.g.canvas)shoes.

8. Do notputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor undercutting deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.

9. A missingor damageddischargecovercancauseblade contactor thrownobject injuries.

10.Manyinjuriesoccuras a resultofthemowerbeing pulled overthefoot duringa fall causedbyslippingor tripping. Do notholdontothe mowerifyouarefalling;releasethe handleimmediately.

11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare walking.Ifyoumust backthe mowerawayfroma wallor obstructionfirstlookdownandbehindtoavoidtrippingand thenfollowthesesteps:

a. Stepbackfrommowertofullyextendyourarms. b. Besure youarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.

c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,no morethan half way

towardyou.

d. Repeatthesestepsas needed.

12.Donotoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof alcoholordrugs.

13.Donotengagetheself-propelledmechanismon unitsso equippedwhilestartingengine.

14.Thebladecontrolhandleisasafetydevice.Neverattempt tobypassitsoperation.Doingso makesthe safetydevice inoperativeandmayresult in personalinjurythrough contactwiththe rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandle mustoperateeasily in bothdirectionsandautomatically returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.

15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbesureof yourfooting. A slipandfall cancauseseriouspersonal injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourfooting,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyand the bladewillstop

rotatingwithinthreeseconds.

16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.

17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.

18.Ifthe equipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe engineandcheckimmediatelyforthe cause.Vibrationis generallya warningoftrouble.

19.Shutthe engineoffand waituntilthe bladecomestoa completestopbeforeremovingthegrasscatcherorunclog- gingthechute. Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotateforafewsecondsafter the engineisshutoff.Neverplaceany partofthe body in the bladeareauntilyouare surethe bladehasstopped rotating.

20.Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,discharge cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleorothersafety protectivedevicesin placeandworking.Neveroperate mowerwith damagedsafetydevices.Failureto doso can resultin personalinjury.

21.Mufflerand enginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Do nottouch.

22.Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthis machineby manufacturer.Failuretodoso can resultin personalinjury.

23. Ifsituationsoccur whichare notcoveredinthis manual, usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyour dealerfor

assistance.

Slope Operation

Slopesare amajorfactorrelatedtoslip andfallaccidents,which canresultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyona slope,do notmowit.Foryour

safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartof this manualto measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisuniton a slopedorhilly area.Ifthe slopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donotmowit.

Do:

1. Mowacrossthefaceof slopes;neverupand down.Exercise extremecautionwhenchangingdirectiononslopes.

2. Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects,or bumps whichcancauseyouto slipor trip. Tallgrasscan hide

obstacles.

3. Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slipandfallcan cause seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeel youare losingyour balance,releasethebladecontrolhandleimmediately,and the bladewill stoprotatingwithin3seconds.

Do Not:

1. Do notmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,you could loseyourfootingor balance.

2. Do notmowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownon the slopegauge.

3. Do notmowonwetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcause slipping.

Service

Safe Handling Of Gasoline:

1. Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextreme carein handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjury can occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselfor your clothes, whichcanignite.Washyourskinandchangeclothes immediately.

2. Use onlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.

3. Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehicleor on a truck ortrailer bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe

groundawayfromyourvehicle beforefilling.

4. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truckor trailer andrefueliton theground.Ifthis isnot possible,thenrefuel suchequipmenton atrailer withaportablecontainer,rather thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.

5. Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimof the fueltankor containeropeningat all timesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Do not useanozzlelock-opendevice.

6. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars, pipesandothersources ofignition.

7. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill accumulatein thearea.

8. Neverremovegascap oraddfuelwhileengineishot or running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwo minutesbefore refueling.

9. Neveroverfill fuel tank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch belowbottomoffiller neckto providefor fuelexpansion.

10.Replacegasolinecap andtightensecurely.

11.Ifgasolineis spilled,wipeitoff theengineandequipment. Moveunitto anotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting engine.

12.Neverstorethe machineorfuel containernearanopen flame,sparkor pilot lightasona waterheater,space heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.

13.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeof grass,leaves, orotherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand removeanyfuel soakeddebris.

14.Allowa mowertocool at least5 minutesbeforestoring.

GeneralService:

1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorina poorlyventilatedarea. Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorless anddeadlygas.

2. Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspecting,makecertainthe bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe sparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe engineto prevent unintendedstarting.

3. Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectblade

fordamage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewith theoriginalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,

listedin thismanual."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improper

performanceand compromisesafety!"

4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor weargloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.

5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip- mentis insafeworkingcondition.

6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproper operationregularly.

7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,discon- nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.

Thoroughlyinspectthemowerforanydamage.Repairthe damagebeforestartingandoperatingthemower.

8. Neverattemptto makeawheelor cuttingheightadjust- mentwhilethe engineisrunning.

9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould exposemovingpartsor allowobjectstobethrown.For safetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandre- placeimmediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's (O.E.M.)partsonly,listedin thismanual."Useofparts whichdo notmeetthe originalequipmentspecifications mayleadto improperperformanceandcompromise safety!"

10.Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingor over-revthe engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating

speedoftheengine.

11.Maintainorreplacesafetylabels,asnecessary.

12.Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improper disposaloffluidsand materialscanharmtheenvironment.

Practices

WARNING

Thissymbol points out importantsafety instructions,which if notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal safety and/or property

of yourselfand others.

Readand followall

instructions inthis man- ual before attemptingto

operatethis machine.

Failureto comply with

these instructionsmay result in personalinjury. Whenyousee this

symbol.

HEED iT'S WARNING!

Your Responsibility

Restrictthe use

of this powermachine to personswho read.

understand and followthe warnings and instructions

in this manua and on the machine.

NOTE:Standbehind

themowerasifyou

weregoingtooperate it.Yourrighthandcor- respondstotheright

sideofthemower;your lefthandcorresponds

totheleftsideofthe

mower.

NOTE:Forshipping purposesyourmower

issetwiththewheels ina lowcuttingheight

position.Forbest

I resultsraisethecutting

positionuntilitisdeter- minedwhichheightis

bestforyourlawn,refer toAdjustmentsection

forinstructions.

Figure3-1:Unfoldhandleand tightenhardware.

HardwarePack

Wing Nuts (2) Carriage Bolts (2)

Figure3-2:Securehandletohandlemountingbrackets.

1. Followthe stepsbelowto positionthe handle. a. Lifttheupperhandleupfromthe foldedposition

andpullit backtothe extendedposition.See Figure3-1.Donotcrimpcables.Thehandle shouldclickintothisposition.

b. Makesurethecarriageboltisseatedproperlyin

thehandle.Tightenstarknobstosecureupper handletothelowerhandle.

2. Followthesestepsto securethe handle: a. Removethe hairpinclipfromthepivotrod.Usinga

pairofpliers,inserthairpinclipintotheotherhole onthe rod.Repeatonotherside.SeeFigure3-2.

b. Insertacarriageboltfromthehardwarepackinto

theupperholeonthehandlemountingbracket. Securewithone plasticwingnut,alsoincludedin thehardwarepack.Repeaton otherside.

3. The ropeguideisattachedtotheright sideof the upperhandle.Loosenthewingnutwhichsecuresthe ropeguide.RefertoFigure3-3.

a. Holdthebladecontrolagainstupperhandle. b. Pullstarterropeoutofthe engine.Releasethe

bladecontrol.

c. Slipstarterropeinto ropeguide. d. Tightenwingnut.

Securecablesto thelowerhandleusingthecable ties.See Figure3-4.insertpostsoncable tiesinto holesprovidedonthelowerhandle.Pullcableties tightandtrimexcess.

iMPORTANT

Thisunitisshipped

withoutgasolineoroil

intheengine.Fillup gasolineandoilas

i instructedintheengine

operationsection BEFOREoperating

i yourmower.

Figure3-3:Pullrecoilstarterthroughropeguideandtighten.!Figure3-4:Usecabletiestosecurecablestolowerhandle.

5. Followstepsbelowto assemblethegrasscatcher: a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside

is at thebottom.Checkthatthebagisturnedright sideoutbeforeassembling(warninglabelwillbe on theoutside).SeeFigure3-5.

b. Slip plasticchannelof grassbagoverhooksonthe

frame.Alltheplasticchannelsexceptcentertopof bagattachfromoutsideofbag.

c. Attachcentertopofbagfrominsideof bag.

6. Toattachthe grasscatcher: a. Liftreardischargedoor.SeeFigure3-6. b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod.Letgo

ofdischargedoorsothatit restson thegrass catcher.

Adjustments

Cutting Height

An adjustingplateandthumbleverateachwheel providescuttingheightadjustment.Eachlevermustbe movedtothesamepositionto ensureanevencut.

1. Pullthe leverout andawayfromthe mower.See Figure3-7.

2. Movetheleverforwardor backfordesiredcutting height.

3. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.

ustment

Figure3-5:Assemblethegrasscatcher(if needed)

WARNING

nless the hooks on

;grass catcher are

rrnly seated onthe

pivot rod and the rear

discharge door rests

firmly against top of

the grass catcher,

Figure3-6:Attachthegrasscatcher.

Figure3-7:Useleverateachwheeltoadjustcuttingheight.

cuTTING HEIGHT: Forroughoruneven

lawnsl movethe height

adjustment leverto a higher positionl Thiswill

help prevent scalping of

i _._ :_i_ii_\!_i_ii_i ¸

WARNING

Thebladecontrolisa

safetydevice. Never

attempttobypass its

operations.

Use extremecare

when handling

gasoline. Gasoline is

extremely flammable

i themachineindoors

i orwhiishotorrunning.letheengine

Extinguishcigarettes,

cigars,pipesand

othersourcesof

ignition.

i Keep hands and feet

_ away from thechute i areaon cutting deck.

Referto warning label ontheunit.

Blade Control

Drive Control

Recoil Starter

Figure4-1:Themaincomponentsonthemower. Nowthatyouhavesetupyour lawnmower,it'simportanttobecomeacquaintedwithitscontrolsand features.

Blade Control

Thebladecontrolisattachedtothe upperhandleof themower,Depressand squeezeitagainsttheupper handletooperatetheunit, Releaseitto stopengineand

blade.

Control

Cutting Height

Adjustment Lever(one at

eachwheel)

Recoil Starter

Therecoilstarterisattachedtothe rightupperhandle. Standbehindthe unitand pullthe recoilstarterropeto

startthe unit.

Choke Control

Thechokecontrolislocatedontheleft sideof thehandle

_ aWARNING:safetydevice.Neverattempt toThisbladecontrolmechaniSmbypassitsiS

operations.

Drive Control

Thedrivecontrolislocatedontheundersideofthe upperhandleand isusedtoengagethedrive.Squeeze

itagainsttheupperhandleto engagethedrive; release ittoslowdownor stopmowerfrompropelling.

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

Oneadjustmentleverislocatedat eachwheelandis usedto adjustthecuttingheight.Allfourleversmustbe movedtothesamepositiontoensurea uniformcut.

andwhenactivated,closesthechokeplateon the carburetorandaidsin startingtheengine,

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

1. Addoilprovidedbeforestartingunitforthe firsttime outd the box.Followengineoperationsectionfor this.See Figure44 aboveforlocationd theoilfill.

2. Servicethe enginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe engineoperationsection.SeeFigure4-1abovefor locationd gasfill.

,_ WARNiNG:gasoline.GasolineUSeextremeisextremelyCarewhenhandlingflammaMe

and thevapors are explosive. Neverfuel the machine indoors or while the engineis hot or running. Extin- guish cigarettes, cigars, pipes andother sources of

ignition.

_ ARNING:Theoperationofany lawnmower

can result inforeign objects beingthrown

intothe eyes,whichcandamageyoureyesseverely. Alwayswearsafetyglasseswhileoperatingthe mower,orwhile performinganyadjustmentsor repairson it.

Starting Engine

_ WARNING:Be sureno one otherthanthe op-

erator is standingnearthe lawnmowerwhile

startingengineoroperatingmower.Never runengineindoorsorin enclosed,poorly ventilated areas.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon monoxide, an odorlessanddeadly gas. Keephands,feet, hair and looseclothing awayfrom any movingpartson engine

and lawnmower.

,d_! WARNING:Alwayskeep handsand feet clear

of equipmentmoving parts.Donot use apres- surized starting fluid. Vaporsareflammable.

1. Pullout thechokeknob locatedon theleftsideof the upperhandle,SeeFigure4-2,

NOTE:Useofthechokemaynotbenecessaryifthe engineiswarmor theairtemperatureishigh.

2. Standingbehindthe mower,depressthebladecontrol and holditagainsttheupperhandle.

3. Pullthe startergriplightlyuntilresistanceis felt, thenpullrapidlytoovercomecompression,prevent kickbackandstartengine.Repeatifnecessary.See

Figure4-2.

IMPORTANT:Donotallowthestartergriptosnap backagainsttheropeguide.Returnit gentlytoprevent damagetothe starter.

4. Whenenginewarmsup,pushinthechokeknob.See

Figure4-2.

Stopping Engine

1. Releasebladecontrolto stoptheengineand blade.

Using Your Lawn Mower

_ik ARNING:Neveroperateyourmower without

either the rear door or the entire grass catcher

assembly firmly secured.

Besurelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine. Suchobjectscouldbe accidentlythrownbythemower in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytothe operatorandothers.

Figure4-2:Stepstostartmower.

_ ARNING:ifyou strikeaforeign object,

stopthe engine.Removewirefrom the spark

plug,thoroughly inspectmower for any damage,

and repair damagebefore restarting and operating. Extensive vibration of mowerduring operation isan

indicationof damage.The unit should be promptly inspectedand repaired.

1. Oncetheengineis running,squeezethedrive controltopropelmower.Forbestresults,do notcut wetgrassandnevercutoff morethanone-thirdof thetotallengthof thegrass.

Using as Mulcher

Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherfromthe mower.Thereardischargedoorshouldbeclosed.

• Foreffectivemulching,do notcutwetgrass.

• Newor thickgrassmayrequirea narrowercut. Adjustgroundspeedaccordingtoconditionoflawn.

• ifthegrasshasbeenallowedto growinexcessof fourinches,mulchingis notrecommended.Usethe grasscatcherto bagclippingsinstead.

Using Grass Catcher

Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile youareoperatingthemower.

1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsinthe Setupsection.Grassclippingswillautomatically collectinbagasyourunmower.Operatemowertill grassbagisfull.

2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingtheblade control.Makesurethattheunithas cometoa

completestop.

3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagup andaway fromthe mowertodisposeofthegrassclippings.

WARNING

The operation of

any lawn mower

can result in foreign

objects being thrown

intothe eyes,which

can damage your

eyes severely.

Always wear safety

glasses while operat-

ing the mower, or

while performing

any adjustments or

repairs on it.

Be sure no one other

than the operator is

standing near the lawn mower while

starting engine or

operating mower.

Never run engine in-

doors or in enclosed,

poorlyventi-

lated areas. Engine

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.

+ 19 hidden pages

MTD 12A-44MC055 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual