MTD 190-116 User Manual
Operator’s Manual
Mulch Kit
For 600-series tractors with a 38-inch or 42-inch Deck
Model
OEM-190-116
MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO.
770-10435.fm
(8/2000)
SECTION 1: TO THE OWNER
The Model 116 mulch kit replaces the Model 112 kit. It is designed for use with 38-inch or 42-inch cutting decks on
600-series lawn tractors manufactured after 1996 ONLY. It will NOT fit on tractors with decks made in 1996 or prior.
If you should own such a tractor and would like to convert the deck to a mulcher, purchase kit OEM-190-096 (38inch decks) or kit OEM-190-097 (42-inch decks). If you are unsure of the exact manufacturing date of your tractor,
you may contact the Customer Support department by dialing 1(800) 800-7310. Have your tractor’s model number
and serial number ready for prompt service.
NOTE: References to LEFT and RIGHT indicate the left and right sides of the tractor when facing forward in the
operator’s position. Reference to the FRONT indicates the grille end; to the REAR the drawbar end.
SECTION 2: CONTENTS OF CARTON
Before beginning installation, remove all parts from the carton and compare them to Figure 1. Carton contents are
listed below with part numbers in parentheses. Tools required for kit installation are listed in the inset of Figure 1.
One Mulch Plug (731-2363)
One LH Skirt for 38-inch Decks (783-1300)
One RH Skirt for 38-inch Decks (783-1299)
One LH Skirt for 42-inch Decks (783-1258A)
One RH Skirt for 42-inch Decks (783-1259A)
Six 1/4-20 x .5 Self-tapping Screws (710-0599)
One 1/4-20 x .6 Carriage Screw (710-0134)
One 1/4-20 x .6 Hex Screw (710-0751)
One Bell Washer (736-0270)
One 1/4-20 Plastic Wing Nut (712-3087)
One Mulch Plug Drill Guide (726-0211)
Self-tapping Screws
LH Skirt (38-inch decks)
Carriage Screw
Hex Screw
Bell Washer
RH Skirt (38-inch decks)
Plastic Wing Knob
Drill Guide
LH Skirt (42-inch decks)
RH Skirt (42-inch decks)
Mulch Plug
NOTE: The numeral “38” is stamped into the BOTTOM of each deck skirt to be used on 38-inch decks.
Conversely, the numeral “42” is stamped into the TOP of each deck skirt to be used on 42-inch decks.
Tools Required
Socket Wrench (Ratchet)
3/8” Socket
†7/16” Socket
†Hammer
† Center Punch or Large Nail
† C-clamps or Locking Pliers
† Electric Drill
† 1/8-inch Metal Drill Bit
† 7/32-inch Metal Drill Bit
† 9/32-inch Metal Drill Bit
Necessary only when installing
†
the mulch kit on an older-style
(1997-2000)cutting deck.
Figure 1
NOTE: Due to the fact that OEM-190-116 mulch kit is designed for use on both 38-inch cutting decks and 42-inch
cutting decks, not all of the contents of the carton will be used for your tractor’s deck application.
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SECTION 3: INSTALLING THE MULCH KIT
NOTE: Tractors with older-style cutting decks
(manufactured between 1997 and 2000) do NOT have
holes pre-drilled for mounting the mulch plug and deck
skirts. All tractors manufactured in 2001 or later will
have pre-drilled holes in the cutting deck.
Installing the Mulch Plug
The following instructions apply to both 38-inch cutting
decks and 42-inch cutting decks.
Tractor’s Manufactured in 2001 or later (with pre-drilled holes)
1. Locate the square hole found in the cutting deck
surface by pivoting the discharge chute upward.
2. Install the mulch plug and secure it in place with the
carriage screw, bell washer and plastic wing nut as
illustrated in Figure 2.
Tractor’s Manufactured Prior to 2001 (without pre-drilled holes)
1. Place the mulch plug drill guide included with this
kit in place on the surface (NOT over the lip) of the
mulch plug as shown in Figure 3.
2. Pivot the discharge chute upward and place the
mulch plug (with the drill guide still resting in the
hole on its surface) inside the discharge chute
opening. The drill guide will slide smoothly over the
top lip of the discharge chute opening.
3. Mark the location on the cutting deck surface
through the drill guide opening with a hammer and
center punch or large nail.
4. Remove the mulch plug and discard the drill guide.
5. Using a 1/8” bit, carefully drill a pilot hole into the
cutting deck surface where the mark was made in
the step 3.
6. Using a 9/32” bit, carefully drill out the pilot hole just
made.
7. Reposition the mulch plug in place over the
discharge chute opening and fasten it with the hex
screw, bell washer and plastic wing nut as
illustrated in Figure 4.
8. Secure the mulch plug by snugging the hex screw
(NOT one of the self-tapping screws) with a 7/16inch wrench.
Drill Guide
Mulch Plug
Carriage Screw
Bell
Washer
Plastic Wing Nut
Figure 2
Figure 3
Hex Screw
Bell
Washer
Plastic Wing Nut
Figure 4
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