MTD 979, 12A-979L062 Owner’s Manual

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OPERATOR'S MANUAL

21" Self-Propelled

Mower

Model Number

979

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IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

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 arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester 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 arrester for the muffler is available through your 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

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FORM NO. 770-10075B

(lo/oo)

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Content Page

Important Safe Operation Practices ................................................................... 3

Slope Gauge ...................................................................................................... 6

Assembling Your Lawn Mower ........................................................................... 7

Know Your Lawn Mower .................................................................................... 8

Operating Your Lawn Mower ............................................................................. 9

Making Adjustments .......................................................................................... 11

Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ........................................................................... 12

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 16

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 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) (Sedal Number)

__ MTD PRODUCTS INC

CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

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: 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.

DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this

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.

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 rules of safe operation should be allowed to 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 back toward the operator.

5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, stay
in the operator zone behind the handles and keep
children, bystanders, helpers and pets at least 75 feet
from the mower 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 beiog 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. Ifyou must back the mower away from awall 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.

12. Do not operate the mower while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.

13. Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on units so
equipped while starting engine.

14. 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.

15. Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be sure of
your footing. A slip and fall can cause serious personal
injury. If you feel you are losing your footing, release the
blade control handle immediately and the blade will stop
rotating within three seconds.

16. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light. Walk, never
run.

17. Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks or
roads.

18. If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop
the engine and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally awarning of trouble.

19. Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to a
complete stop before removing the grass catcher or

uncloggingthechute.Thecuttingbladecontinuesto
rotateforafewsecondsaftertheengineisshutoff.Never
placeanypartofthebodyinthebladeareauntilyouare 5.
surethebladehasstoppedrotating.

20.Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield, 6.
dischargecover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandleor
othersafetyprotectivedevicesinplaceandworking.
Neveroperatemowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.
Failuretodoso,canresultinpersonalinjury.

21.Mufflerandenginebecemehotandcancauseaburn.Do
nottouch. Service

22. Only use parts and accessories made for this machine by
the manufacturer. Failure to do so, can result in personal

injury.

23. If situations occur which are not covered inthis manual,
use care and good judgment. Contact your dealer for

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

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. For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part
of this manual to measure slopes before operating this unit on
a sloped or hilly area. 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.

Safe HandlingOfGasoline:

1. To avoid personal injuryor property damage use extreme

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

5. When practical, remove gas-powered equipment from

6. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or

7. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources

8. Never fuel machine indoors because flammable vapors

9. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot

10. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch

DoNot:

1. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments, you
could lose your footing or balance.

2. Do notmow slopes greater than 15 degrees as shown on

the slope gauge.

3. Do notmow on wet grass. Unstable footing could cause

slipping.

11. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

12. Ifgasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment.

13. Never store the machine or fuel container inside where

Children

Tragic accidents can occur if the 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 a child 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

14. To reduce fire hazard, keep mower freeofgrass, leaves,

15. Allow a mower to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.

GeneralService:

1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated

2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain

obscure your vision of a child who may run into the
mower.

Keep children away from hot or running engines. They

can suffer burns from a hot muffler.

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.

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.

trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on
the ground away from your vehicle before filling.

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.

container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.

of ignition.

will accumulate in the area.

or running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes
before refueling.

below bottom of filler neck to provide space for fuel
expansion.

Move unit to another area. Wait 5 minutes before starting

the engine.

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 debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and
remove any fuel soaked debris.

area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas.

the blade and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect
the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.

3. Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent

9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail
intervalsforpropertightness.Also,visuallyinspectblade
fordamage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replaceblade
withtheoriginalequipmentmanufacture's(O.EM.)blade
only,listedinthismanual."Useofpartswhichdonot
meettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"

4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor
weargloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.

5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstighttobesurethe

10. Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed

equipmentisinsafeworkingcondition.

6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproper
operationregularly.

11. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as

7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,disconnect
thesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.

12. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations. Improper

Thoroughlyinspectthemowerforanydamage.Repair
thedamagebeforestartingandoperatingthemower.

8. Neverattempttomakeawheelorcuttingheight
adjustmentwhiletheengineisrunning.

understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine,

WARNING - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read,

NOTE: Not all safety labels shown may apply to yourlawn mower.

shieldaresubjecttowearanddamagewhichcould
exposemovingpartsorallowobjectstobethrown.For
safetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsand

replace immediately with original equipment
manufacturer's (O.EM.) 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!"

the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of the engine.

necessary.

disposal of fluids and materials can harm the
environment.

SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE

' ql A POWER POLE

A CORNER OF A BUILDING

OR A FENCE POST

_D

O

15°

03

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._. 5 WARNING

O3

CO •

¢0 _ 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 could

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a. --_ and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.

r_ o, overturn and cause serious injury. Ifoperating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is extremely difficult to maintain your footing

'-_ "= 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.

C

SECTION3: ASSEMBLINGYOURLAWNMOWER

IMPORTANT:This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil
in the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline
and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual
before operating your mower.

NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the mower

is observed from the operating position.

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, oil, etc.)
Cut along corners, lay carton down flat, and remove
packing material

Roll or slide unit out of carton and check carton
thoroughly for loose parts.

LoosePartsinCarton

Grass Bag
Grass Bag Adapter
Side Discharge Chute

Hardware Pack

Assembly

Wing N_at

Handle Mountin
Bracket

Figure 2

Remove the hairpin clips from the outer hole in the

weld pins on the handle mounting brackets. Using a

pair of pliers, squeeze one leg of the lower handle
against the handle mounting bracket. Insert the
hairpin clip into the inner hole on the weld pin.
Repeat on other side. See Figure 3.
After moving the hairpin clip, insert the carriage bolt

from hardware pack in the upper hole on the handle

mounting bracket and secure with plastic wing nut

from the hardware pack. Repeat on other side.

DisconnectingSparkPlugWire

Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect the

spark plug wire from the spark plug and ground
against the engine. See Figure 1.

Wire

Spark

Figure 1

SettingUpYourLawnMower

Remove grass bag and other loose parts from unit
and set it aside.

Lift up and pull back on the upper handle to raise
the handle into the operating position. Make
certain the lower handle is seated securely intothe
handle mounting brackets. Tighten the wing nuts
on each side of the handle (carriage bolts must be
seated properly into the handle). See Figure 2.

NOTE: Your mower is shipped with the handle in the
higher height position. Ifyou wish to lower the height of
the handle, refer to the Adjustment Section at this time.

Wing

Handle Mountin
Bracket

Figure 3

Fasten the cables to the lower handle with the two
cable ties found on the lower handle. Be sure to

insert the post on the cable ties into the holes
provided on the lower handle. These holes may be

found on either the inside or outside of the handles.

Pull the cable ties tight and trim off the excess.
See Figure 4.

Cable Tie.

Handle

Figure 4

Clip

NOTE: Make certain the drive cable is routed around

the outside and above the lower handle so it does not
interfere with attaching the grass bag.

The rope guide, which is connected to the support
rod, is located on the right side of lower handle.

See Figure 5.
With the spark plug wire disconnected and

grounded, hold the blade control handle against the
upper handle, and pull the starter rope out of the

engine. Release the blade control handle. Slip the
starter rope into the rope guide.

Starter
Rope

SECTION4: KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER

Rope
Guide

Figure 5

Read this operator's manual and safety rules before
operating your lawn mower. Compare the illustrations
in Figure 6 with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself
with the location of various controls and adjustments.

Save this manual for future reference.

WARNING: The operation of any lawn
mower can result in foreign 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.

Recoil Starter
The recoil starter isattached to the right lower handle.

Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil starter to start
the unit. See Figure 6.

BladeControlHandle

The blade control handle is located on the upper handle
of the mower. The blade control handle must be

depressed in order to operate the unit. Release blade
control handle to stop engine and blade. See Figure 6.

is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass

WARNING: This blade control mechanism

its operations.

ShiftLever

The shift lever is located on the drive clutch control
housing on the upper handle. This lever is used to

select the forward speed of the mower. When changing
speed selection, release the drive clutch control. See
Figure 6.

NOTE: Move the shift lever only when the engine is
running. Changing the shift lever setting with the
engine off can cause damage to the mower.

EngineControls

See the separate engine manual for the location and
function of the controls on the engine.

StoppingEngine

Release blade control handle to stop the engine
and the blade.

Disconnect spark plug wire and ground it to the
post on the engine.

Blade Control
Handle

CuttingHeightAdjustmentLever

The cutting height adjustment lever islocated above
the left rear wheel. To adjust the cutting height, refer to
the Adjustment Section inthis manual. See Figure 6.

Drive Clutch Control
The drive clutch control is located on the upper handle.

Squeeze the drive control to engage the drive system.

Release the clutch control to disengage the drive
system. Release the clutch control to slow down when
approaching an obstacle, making a turn, or stopping.
See Figure 6.

Mulching

Starter

Discharge

Chute

Figure 6