MTD 12AE469D029, 12AE469A229 Owner’s Manual

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

A O AL

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vShownwithoptionalElectricStart

21" Rotary Mower- Model Series 460

iMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: Thisunit isequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnot beusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush- coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwithasparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalorstatelaws(if any). If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw (Section4442ofthe CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester forthe mufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,

Ohio44136-0019.

FORMNO.769-02882A

PRINTEDIN U.S.A. MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 04/02/2007

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

MTDLLCreservestherightto changeproductspecifications,designs,andequipmentwithoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation.

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREASSEMBLINGYOURNEWEQUIPMENT, pleaselocatethe modelplateon theequipmentand

copythe informationto thesamplemodelplatepro- videdto the right.Youcan locatethe modelplateby standingat theoperatingpositionand lookingdown

atthe rearofthe deck.Thisinformationwillbe neces- saryto usethe manufacturer'swebsite, to obtain

assistancefromthe CustomerSupport Department, orwhen contactingan authorizedservice dealer.

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

Troubleshooting ................................................ 14

Off-Season Storage and Safety Labels .......... 15

Parts List ........................................................... 16

Model Number

www.mtdproducts.com

Serial Number

MTD LLC

PoO= BOX 361131

CLEVELAND, OH 44136 330-220-4683

800-800-7310

Customer Support

Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased, without first

contacting Customer Support.

Ifyou have difficultyassemblingthis productor have anyquestionsregardingthe controls, operation,or maintenanceof this unit,youcanseek helpfromthe experts.Choose from the options below:

• Visit www.mtdproducts.com

• Call a CustomerSupport Representativeat 1-800-800-7310.

• The engine manufacturer is responsiblefor all engine-relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-rating,specifica- tions,warranty and service. Pleasereferto the engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packedseparatelywith

your unit, for moreinformation.

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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 any type of powerequipment,carelessnessor error onthe part ofthe operator

can resultin serious injury.This machine is capable of 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 ofyourselfand others.

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 thewarnings and instructions

=nthis manual and on the machine.

Children

Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presence ofchildren.Childrenare oftenattractedtomowerand mowing activity.Theydonotunderstandthe dangers.Neverassume thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.

1. Keepchildrenoutof the mowingareaand underwatchful careof a responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.

2. Bealert andturn moweroffif achildentersthearea.

3. Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown forsmallchildren.

4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblind corners, doorways,shrubs,trees,or otherobjectsthatmayobscure yourvisionofa childwhomayrun intothe mower.

5. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycan sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.

6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operatea power mower.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthis manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyaparent.

General Operation

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

andfollowall instructionsonthe machineandin the manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith

thecontrolsandthe properuseof this machinebefore operatingit.Keepthis manualin asafeplaceforfuture andregularreferenceandfor orderingreplacementparts.

2. Thismachineisa precisionpieceof powerequipment, nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all times.Yourunithas beendesignedto performonejob: to mowgrass.Do notuseit for anyotherpurpose.

3. Neverallow childrenunder14yearsoldto operatethis machine.Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand

understandthe instructionsinthis manualandshould betrainedand supervisedbya parent.Onlyresponsible

individualswhoarefamiliarwiththese rulesof safe operationshouldbeallowedto usethis machine.

4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto beused.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toys andotherforeignobjects,whichcouldbetrippedover or pickedupandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjects can causeseriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpattern toavoiddischargeof materialtowardroads,sidewalks, bystandersandthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterial againsta wallor obstruction,whichmaycausedischarged materialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.

5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury, stayinoperatorzone behindhandlesandkeepchildren, bystanders,helpersandpetsatleast75feetfrom mower whileit is inoperation.Stop machineifanyoneenters

area.

6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera- tionandwhileperforminganadjustmentor repairtoprotect youreyes.Thrownobjectswhich ricochetcancauseserious injurytothe eyes.

7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fitting slacksandshirts. Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthe armsand legsandsteel-toedshoesare recommended.Neveroperate thismachinein barefeet,sandals, slipperyor light-weight (e.g.canvas)shoes.

8. Do notputhandsorfeetnearrotatingpartsor undercutting deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.

9. A missingor damageddischargecovercancause blade contactor thrownobject injuries.

10.Manyinjuriesoccuras a resultofthe mowerbeingpulled overthefoot duringafall causedby slippingortripping. Do notholdonto the mowerifyouarefalling;releasethe handleimmediately.

11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare walking.Ifyou mustbackthe mowerawayfromawallor obstructionfirstlookdownand behindtoavoidtrippingand thenfollowthesesteps:

a. Stepbackfrommowertofully extendyourarms. b. Besureyouarewell balancedwithsurefooting.

c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,no morethan halfway

towardyou.

d. Repeatthesestepsas needed.

12.Donotoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof alcoholordrugs.

13.Donotengagetheself-propelledmechanismon unitsso equippedwhilestartingengine.

14.Thebladecontrolhandleis asafetydevice.Neverattempt tobypassitsoperation.Doingso makesthesafetydevice inoperativeandmayresult inpersonalinjurythrough contactwiththe rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandle mustoperateeasily in bothdirectionsandautomatically returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.

15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwetgrass. Alwaysbesure of yourfooting. A slipandfall cancauseseriouspersonal injury.If youfeelyouare losingyourfooting,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe bladewillstop

rotatingwithinthreeseconds.

16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.

17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.

18.Ifthe equipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe engineandcheck immediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis generallya warningoftrouble.

19.Shutthe engineoffand waituntilthe bladecomestoa completestopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcherorunclog- gingthe chute. Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefora fewsecondsafter the engineisshutoff. Neverplaceany partofthe bodyin the bladeareauntilyou aresurethe bladehasstopped rotating.

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

21.Mufflerand enginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Do nottouch.

22.Onlyuseparts andaccessoriesmadeforthis machineby manufacturer.Failuretodoso can resultinpersonalinjury.

23. Ifsituationsoccur whichare notcoveredinthis manual, usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor

assistance.

Slope Operation

Slopesare amajorfactorrelatedtoslip andfall accidents,which canresultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra caution.Ifyoufeel uneasyonaslope,do notmowit. Foryour

safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedas partofthis manualto measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisuniton a slopedorhilly area.Ifthe slopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donotmowit.

Do:

1. Mowacrossthefaceofslopes;neverupanddown.Exercise extremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon slopes.

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

obstacles.

3. Alwaysbesureof yourfooting.A slipandfallcan cause seriouspersonalinjury.If youfeel youarelosingyour balance,releasethebladecontrolhandleimmediately,and the bladewill stoprotatingwithin3seconds.

Do Not:

1. Do notmowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments,you could loseyourfootingor balance.

2. Do notmowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesas shownon the slopegauge.

3. Do notmowonwet grass.Unstablefootingcouldcause slipping.

Service

Safe Handling Of Gasoline:

1. Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextreme carein handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable andthevaporsare explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan occurwhengasolineis spilledonyourselfor yourclothes, whichcanignite.Washyourskin andchangeclothes immediately.

2. Use onlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.

3. Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehicleor ona truckortrailer bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe

groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

4. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truckor trailer andrefueliton theground.If this isnot possible,then refuel suchequipmenton atrailer witha portablecontainer,rather thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.

5. Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimofthe fueltankor containeropeningat all timesuntilfuelingis complete.Do not useanozzlelock-opendevice.

6. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars, pipesandothersources ofignition.

7. Neverfuel machineindoorbecauseflammablevaporswill accumulatein thearea.

8. Neverremovegascap oradd fuelwhileengineishot or running. Allowengineto coolat leasttwominutesbefore refueling.

9. Neveroverfill fueltank.Filltankto no morethan Y2inch belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.

10.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

11.Ifgasolineis spilled,wipeitoff theengineandequipment. Moveunitto anotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestarting engine.

12.Neverstorethemachineorfuel containernearanopen flame,sparkor pilot lightas onawater heater,space heater,furnace,clothesdryeror othergasappliances.

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

14.Allowamowertocool at least5 minutesbeforestoring.

GeneralService:

1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorin apoorlyventilatedarea. Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorless anddeadlygas.

2. Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspecting,makecertainthe bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe sparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengineto 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 besuretheequip- mentis insafeworkingcondition.

6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproper operationregularly.

7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,discon- nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine.

Thoroughlyinspectthemowerforanydamage.Repairthe damagebeforestartingandoperatingthemower.

8. Neverattemptto makeawheel orcuttingheightadjust- mentwhilethe engineisrunning.

9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould exposemovingpartsor allowobjectstobethrown.For safetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandre- placeimmediatelywithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's (O.E.M.)partsonly,listedin this manual."Useofparts whichdo notmeettheoriginalequipmentspecifications mayleadtoimproperperformanceandcompromise 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:Yourmower

i isshippedwiththe i handleinthehigher

I heightposition.

NOTE:Eachendof

thelowerhandlemust

iblP lacedinthesame

i eativeposition.

IMPORTANT

DONOTcrimpthe cableswhenliftingthe handleup.Makesure

toroutethecables

insidethelowerhandle.

Figure 3=1

WingNuts (2)

Figure 3=2

HardwarePack

1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetween upperandlowerhandles.

a. Pullupand backon upperhandleas shownin

Figure3-1.Makecertainthelowerhandleisseated securelyintothehandlemountingbrackets.

b. Tightenhandknobssecuringupperhandleto

lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriageboltis seatedproperlyinthe handle.

2. Locatehairpinclip inone holeon theweldpinon each sideof lowerhandle.

a. Removehairpinclipfromthis hole.Usinga pairof

pliers,inserthairpinclipintotheother holeon the weldpin. Repeaton otherside.SeeFigure3-2.

b. Inserta carriageboltfromthehardwarepackinto

theupperholeonthe handlemountingbracket. Securewithone plasticwingnut,also included inthehardwarepack.Repeatonother sidewith remainingitemsfromhardwarepack.

Theropeguideis attachedtotheright sideof the upperhandle.Loosenthewingnutwhichsecuresthe ropeguide.

a. Holdthebladecontrolagainstupperhandle. b. Pullstarterropeoutof theengine.Releasethe

bladecontrol.SeeFigure3-3.

c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide. d. Tightenwingnut.

Insertpostoncable tiesintoholes providedon the lowerhandle.Pullcabletie tightandtrimexcess.

Anadjustingplateandthumbleverateachwheel positionprovidescuttingheightadjustment.

a. Depresslevertowardswheel. b. Moveit to anyofthe ninepositionsfordesired

cuttingheight.SeeFigure3-5.

c. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.

NOTE:ThsOperator's Manualcoversseveral

i models.LawnMower

featuresvaryby

i modelNota.IIfeatures

discussed(orengines pictured)inthismanual

areapplicabletoall LawnMowermodels.

'_.. j

Figure 3=3 Figure 3=4

6. Followstepsbelowto assemblethegrasscatcher: a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside

is at thebottom.

b. Slip plasticchannelof grassbagoverhooksonthe

frame.SeeFigure3-6.All plasticchannelsexcept centertopof bagattachfromoutsideof bag.

c. Attachcentertopofbagfrominsideofbag.

7. Followstepsbelowto attachgrasscatcher: a. Liftreardischargedoor. b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod. Letgo

ofdischargedoorsothat itrestson thegrass catcher.SeeFigure3-7.

Toremovegrasscatcherorconvertto a mulcher(if equipped),liftreardischargedooronthe moweras showninFigure3-7.Liftgrasscatcherupandout ofthe pivotrod.Releasereardischargedoorto allowit toclose

rearopeningofmower.

_ WARNING:Neveroperatemower

8. Ifcovertingtoside discharge,makesuregrass catcheris off unitand reardischargedooris closed.

a. Liftmulchingplugon therightsideof mower. b. Slidetwohooksof sidedischargechuteunder

NOTE:Donotremovethesidemulchingplugat anytime,

evenwhenyouarenot mulching.

9. Ifequipped,chargebatteryfor8 to 10hoursbefore initialuse.Followinstructionsin Maintenancesection.

unless the hookson the grass catcher arefirmly seatedinthe slotson the handle bracketassemblies, and the rear dischargedoorrests firmly againsttop of the grass catcher.

thehingepinonthe mulchingplugassemblyand lowerthe sidemulchingplug.See Figure3-8.

Figure 3-5

WARNING

i i ii ii

Never operate mower

unless the hooks on

the grass catcher are

seated inthe

slotson

bracket assemblies,

and the rear dis'

charge door rests

f rm yagainsttopof

the grass catcher:

Figure 3=6

CUTTING HEIGHT

placed in thesame relativep0sition:

GRASS CATCHER

Make certain bagiS turned right Side out

beforeassembling (warninglabelwill be

onthe outside)i

Figure 3=8

IMPORTANT

Thisunitis shipped without gasOIneer

oil inthe enginel Fill

up gasolineandOil

as instructed inthe

accompanyingengine

Figure 3=7

manUalBEFORE

WARNING

Recoil Starte

Know Your Lawn Mower

BladeControl

Drive Control

Electric Start

Ignition Switch

The blade control

mechanismisa

safety device. Never

attemptto bypassits

operations.

; Useextreme care

when handling

gasoline.Gasoline is

extremely flammable

and the vapors are

explosive. Never fuel the machine indoors

or whilethe engine

is hot or running.

I Extinguish cigarettes,

cigars, pipes and

other sources of

ignition.

Keep hands and feet

away from the chute

area on cutting deck.

Referto warning

label onthe unit.

*Shownwith

Nowthatyouhavesetupyourlawnmowerforopera- tion,getaquaintedwithits controlsandfeatures.These aredescribedbelowandillustratedonthis page.This knowledgewillallowyouto useyournewequipmentto itsfullestpotential.

ElectricStart Mulch Plug

Figure 4-1

Blade Control

Thebladecontrolis attachedtothe upperhandleof themower.Depressand squeezeitagainsttheupper handletooperatetheunit. Releaseittostopengineand

blade.

,__ WARNING:Thisbladecontrolmecha-

nism isa safetydevice. Neverattempt to bypass itsoperations.

Drive Control

Thedrivecontrolislocatedonthe undersideofthe upperhandleand isusedtoengagethedrive.Squeeze

itagainstthe upperhandleto engagethedrive; release itto slowdownor stopmowerfrompropelling.See

Figure4-1.

Mulch Plug

Themulchingplugis usedonly formulchingpurposes. Insteadofcollectingthegrassclippingsinthegrass catcher,yourmowerhas theoptionof recirculating theclippingsbackto thelawn.Makesurethatthe reardischargedoorisclosedandthe grasscatcheris removedfromunitwhile mulching.

Height Adjustment

Levers

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

Oneadjustmentleveris locatedon eachwheelandis usedto adjustthecuttingheight.All fourlevershaveto beatthe samerelativepositiontoensurea uniformcut.

Recoil Starter

Therecoilstarterisattachedtotherightupperhandle. Standbehindthe unitand pullthe recoilstarterropeto

startthe unit.

Electric Start Ignition Switch (if

Equipped) Theignitionswitchis locatedonthe leftsideof thehandle panel.It isusedonlyforthe electricstarter.

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

1. Checkoillevelandaddoil if necessary.Followengine manualforthis.

2. Servicethe enginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe enginemanual. Seeenginemanualforlocationofoil andgasfill.

__kk ARNING:Useextremecarewhenhan-

dling gasoline.Gasolineis extremely flammableand the vapors areexplosive.

Neverfuel the machine indoorsor while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish

cigarettes, cigars, pipesandother sources of ignition.

_ ARNING:Theoperationof any lawn "_

mowercan result inforeign objects being thrownintothe eyes,whichcan

damageyoureyesseverely.Always

wearsafetyglasseswhileoperating

the mower,orwhileperforming any adjustmentsor repairson it.

Starting Engine

perating

_l_llk, l=WARNING:Besurenoone otherthan

1. Pushprimer(ifequipped)threetimes.Waitabout two secondsbetweeneach push.SeeFigure4-2. In temperaturearound550F or below,primefivetimes.

Donot primeto restarta warmengine.

2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol againstupperhandle.SeeFigure4-2.

3. Recoil Start: Grasprecoilstarterhandleandpull rope outwitha rapid,continuous,fullarmstroke.Keeping a firmgripon thestarterhandle,lettheroperewind slowly.Repeatuntilenginecranks.Lettheroperewind eachtime slowly.

Electric Start (If Equipped): Turnignitionkeytothe rightto starttheengine.Releasethekeyafterthe

enginestarts.

theoperatorisstandingnearthe lawn mowerwhilestartingengineor operat-

ingmower. Neverrun engine indoors orin enclosed,poorly ventilatedareas. Engine exhaustcontainscarbon monox- ide,an odorlessand deadly gas. Keep hands, feet,hair and looseclothing awayfrom any moving partson engine

and lawnmower.

Stopping Engine

1. Releasebladecontrolto stoptheengineand blade.

2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand groundagainsttheengine.

_ ARNING:Waitfor the blade to stop

completelybeforedoing any work on the mower or to removethegrass

catcher.

UsingYour Lawn Mower

without eitherthe rear door orthe entire

_ ARNING:Neveroperate your mower

Besurelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other

objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine. Suchobjectscouldbe accidentlythrownbythemower in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjuryto the operatorandothers.

grass catcher assembly firmly secured.

Figure 4=2

_ ARNING:Ifyoustrikeaforeign

1. Oncetheengineis running,squeezethedrive controlagainsttheupperhandleto propelmower.

2. Forbest results,do notcut wetgrass.

3. Fora healthierlawn,nevercut offmorethan one- thirdof thetotallengthofthe grass.

object,stopthe engine.Remove wire from the spark plug,thoroughly

inspectmowerfor anydamage,and repairdamagebefore restarting and

operating. Extensive vibration of mower during operation is an indica- tion of damage.The unit should be promptlyinspectedand repaired.

Using as Mulcher

Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherfromthe mower.Thereardischargedoorshouldbeclosed.

1. Foreffectivemulching,do notcut wetgrass.

2. Newor thick grassmayrequirea narrowercut. Adjustgroundspeedaccordingtoconditionoflawn.

3. if thegrasshas beenallowedto growinexcessof 4 inches,mulchingisnotrecommended.Usethe grasscatcherto bagclippingsinstead.

Using Grass Catcher

Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile youareoperatingthemower.

1. AttachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionsinSetUp. Grassclippingswillautomaticallycollectinbagas yourunmower.Operatemowertillgrassbagisfull.

2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingtheblade controlhandle.Makesurethattheunit hascometo

a completestop.

3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagup andaway fromthe mowertodisposeofthe grassclippings.

The operation of any

lawnmower can result

inforeign objects

being thrown into

the eyes, which can

damage your eyes

severely. Always wear

safety glasseswhile

operatingthe 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 indoors or

in enclosed,poorly

ventilated areas. En-

gine exhaust contains

carbon monoxide, an

odorless and deadly

;tas.Keep hands, feet, lair and loose clothing

_wayfrom any moving

partson engine and

lawn mower.

Your Lawn

Lubrication

1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolatleast oncea seasonwithlightoil.The bladecontrolmust operatefreelyinboth directions.SeeFigure5-1.

2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastoncea seasonwith lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany

reason,lubricatesurfaceof thepivotarm andinner surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil. SeeFigure5-1.

3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointoneach endofthe reardischargedoorandthesidemulching plugperiodicallywithlightoil to preventrust.See Figure5-1.

4. Thetransmissionispre-lubricatedand sealedatthe factoryanddoesnot requirelubrication.

5. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica- tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.

Alwaysstop engine;

d sconneot

plug, andground

against engine before

cleaning,lubricating

ordo nganyk nd

a ntenano onyour

machine.

We donot recommend

the use ofpressure

washers

hose to c danyour

unit.Thesemay cause

damage to electric

components;spindles, pulleys,bedringsl

the engine: The use

of WaterWillresult shortened lifeand

reduce serviceability:

Figure 5-1

Figure 5=2

General Recommendations

1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhen performing anymaintenance.

2. Thewarrantyonthislawnmowerdoesnot cover itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty, operatormustmaintainthelawn moweras

instructedhere.

Changingof engine-governedspeedwillvoid enginewarranty.

Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce eachseason.

Periodicallycheckallfastenersandmakesurethese aretight.

WARNING:Alwaysstop engine, disconnect spark plug, andground against enginebeforecleaning, lubricatingordoing any kind of maintenanceonyour machine.

Deck Care

1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.

2. Tip mowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe sidewiththe air cleanerfacingup.Holdmowerfirmly.

than 90 degrees in anydirections and

__IL ARNING:Nevertip the mowermore

3. Scrapeandcleanthe undersideofthedeckwitha suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.

4. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsonthe ground.If youhad putplasticunderthe gascapearlier,make

sureto removeitnow.

do not leavethe mower tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain intothe upper part of the engine causinga starting problem.

Engine Care

1. Maintainoillevelasinstructedinenginemanual.

2. Serviceaircleanerevery25 hoursundernormal conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely dustyconditions.Refertoenginemanual.

3. Cleansparkplugand resetthegaponce a season. Checkenginemanualforcorrectplugtype andgap specifications.

4. Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleanto permit properaircirculation.Removeall grass,dirtand

combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.

Replacing Rear Flap

1. Toremoverearflap,lift reardoor,andpressflap inon eithersideto removefromhole.SeeFigure5-2.

2. Removeflapfromoppositeholeand replacewithnew flapinthe oppositeorderandmannerof removal.

Blade Care f

__ll ARNING:Whenremovingcutting

1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand thecarburetorareup.

2. Removebolt,bladebellsupport,blade,andblade adapterfromthe enginecrankshaft.SeeFigure5-3.

3. The bladecanbe sharpenedwitha fileor on a grind- ing wheel.Donotattempttosharpenthebladewhile it is stillon themower.Whensharpeningblade,follow originalangleofgrind.Grindcuttingedgesequallyto keepbladebalanced.

4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.

Balancethebladeona roundshaftscrewdriverto

check.Removemetalfromthe heavysideuntil it balancesevenly.

_ WARNING:Anunbalanced bladewill

5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandthe innersurface ofthe bladeadapterwithlightoil.Slidethe blade adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.Placetheblade on theadaptersuchthatthesideofthe blademarked "Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)facesthe groundwhen themoweris in theoperatingposition.Makesurethat bladeisalignedandseatedon bladeadapterflanges.

6. Placebladebellsupportonthe blade.Alignnotches on thebladebell supportwithsmallholesin blade.

Replacehexboltandtightenhexboltto torque:450

in.Ibs. min.,600in. Ibs.max.

Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically checkthe bladeboltfor correcttorque.

blade for sharpeningor replacement, protectyourhandswitha pairof heavy gloves or usea heavy ragto hold blade.

causeexcessivevibration whenrotating athigh speeds. It may causedamage to mower,and could break causing

personalinjury.

Belt Care

1. Removetwoshoulderscrewssecuringfrontdrive covertomowerdeck.SeeFigure5-4. Pressinwardon

sidesoffrontdrivecoverand releasetabsthat secure itto theheightadjusterbrackets.Removedrivecover

frommower.

Loosenscrewholdingbelttensionspringtotransmis- sion.SeeFigure5-4inset. Donot removescrew completely.As youloosenit, tensiononthebelt willbe

released.

3. Pushtransmissionup a littleandslidebeltoffthe transmissionpulley.Lift mowertoaccessbeltfrom undersideofmower.Slidebeltoff ofenginepulleyand aroundtheblade.SeeFigure5-5.

Figure 5=4

Figure 5=5

4. Replacewithnewbelt,workingaroundblade.Make surebelt isfirmlyseatedonenginepulleywhile pullingfromtheothersideand slidingitaroundthe transmissionpulley.Tightenscrewloosenedearlier tosecurebelt tensionspringtothetransmission.

Reassemblefrontdrivecover.

WARNING

When removing

the cutting blade

for sharpening or

replacementor

when sliding the belt

around it, protect

your hands with a

pair of heavy gloves

or use a heavy rag to

hold the blade.

An unbalanced blade

will causeexcessive

vibrationwhen rotat- ing at high speeds. It

may cause damage

to mower, and could

break causing per=

sonal injury.

NOTE: Makecertainthat

be!t is seated€orrectlyand that it isridingSmoothlyon

theenginepulleyandis not

pinchedbetweenthelower anduppei pulleyhalve&

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