MTD 549 User Manual
Operator’s Manual
21” Hi-Wheel Mower
Model 549
Warning:
ered, 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 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-cov-
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
Form No.
769-01515.fm
(11/2004)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices 3
Slope Gauge 6
Assembling Your Lawn Mower 7
Know Your Lawn Mower 9
Operating Your Lawn Mower 10
Making Adjustments 11
Content Page
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower 12
Servicing Your Mower 12
Troubleshooting 13
Illustrated Parts List 14
Warranty 16
Espanol 17
FINDING MODEL NUMBER
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. A sample model plate is
also given below. You can locate the model plate by standing at the operating position and
looking down at the rear of the deck. This information will be necessary to use the manufacturer’s
web site and/or help from the Customer Support Department or an authorized service dealer.
Copy the model number here:
www.mtdproducts.com
MTD LLC
P. O. BOX
CLEVELAND,OH
330-220-4683
800-800-7310
361131
44136
Copy the serial number here:
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer from where it was purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:
Visit mtdproducts.com for many useful suggestions. Click on Customer Support button and
you will get the four options reproduced here. Click on the appropriate button and help is
immediately available.
The answer you are
looking for could be just
a mouse click away!
To reach a Customer Support Representative, please call 1(800) 800-7310.
The answer you are
looking for could be just
a mouse click away!
Engine
Manual
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to
performance, power-rating, specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine
manufacturer’s Owner’s/Operator’s Manual, packed separately with your unit, for more
information.
2
SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
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: 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.
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.
General Operation
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
safe operation rules should use this machine.
4. Thoroughly inspect the area where 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 bystanders, helpers, children and pets at
least 75 feet from the machine while it is in
operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
6. Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes
during equipment operation and while performing
an adjustment or repair. Thrown objects which
ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.
7. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and closefitting 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 being
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. If you must back the mower away from
a wall 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.
3
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 in daylight or good artificial light; walk, not run.
17. Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives,
walkways or roads.
18. If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine and check immediately for the
cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
19. Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes
to a complete stop 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 blade has
stopped rotating.
20. Never operate mower without proper trail shield,
discharge cover, grass catcher, blade control
handle or other safety protective devices in place
and working. 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
burn. Do not touch.
22. Only use parts and accessories made by the
original equipment manufacturer (O.E.M). Failure
to do so can result in personal injury.
23. If situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your
dealer for assistance. Call 1-800-800-7310 for the
name of your nearest dealer.
Do Not:
1. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments, you could lose your footing or
balance.
2. Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as
shown on the slope gauge.
3. Do not mow on wet grass. Unstable footing could
cause slipping.
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
obscure your vision of a child who may run into the
mower.
5. Keep children away from hot or running engines.
They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.
6. 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.
Slope Operation
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. Before operating this unit on a
slope or hilly area, use the slope gauge on page 6 to
measure slopes. 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 caution when changing direction.
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.
Service
Safe Handling of Gasoline:
1. To avoid personal injury or property damage use
extreme 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.
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
trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground away from your vehicle
before filling.
5. If possible, remove gas-powered equipment from
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.
6. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel
tank or container opening at all times until fueling is
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
4
7. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
8. Never fuel machine indoors because flammable
vapors will accumulate in the area.
9. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine
is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two
minutes before refueling.
10. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½
inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for
fuel expansion.
11. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
12. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.
13. 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.
14. To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass,
leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.
15. Allow mower to cool 5 minutes before storing.
General Service:
1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly
ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make
certain the blade and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground against the engine to prevent unintended
starting.
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
lead to 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 all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
6. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.
7. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against
the engine. Thoroughly inspect the mower for any
damage. Repair the damage before starting and
operating the mower.
8. Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height
adjustment while the engine is running.
9. Grass catcher components, discharge cover, and
trail shield are subject to wear and damage which
could expose moving parts or allow objects to be
thrown. For safety protection, frequently check
components and replace immediately with original
equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts only,
listed here. Use of parts which do not meet the
original equipment specifications may lead to
improper performance and compromise safety.
10. Do not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed 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 proper disposal laws and regulations.
Improper disposal of fluids and materials can harm
the environment.
Your Responsibility
• 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.
1299 AC
5
SECTION 2: SLOPE GAUGE
Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely. Do not operate your lawn mower
on such slopes.
Operate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.
Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.
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
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.
F
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A CORNER OF A BUILDING
OR A FENCE POST
SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
A POWER POLE
WARNING
15°
A
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5
°
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6
SECTION 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR LAWN MOWER
Removing Unit From Carton
• Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut
tape at carton end and open carton.
• Remove loose parts if included with unit (i.e.,
operator’s manual, etc.)
• Cut along corners, lay the carton down flat, and
remove all packing material.
• Roll or slide unit out of carton and check carton
thoroughly for loose parts.
Loose Parts in Carton
•Grass Bag
• Side Discharge Chute
• Rear Wheels
• Hardware Pack
• Bottle of Oil
Hardware Pack
Please identify each piece
of the hardware pack as
shown here.
Carriage
Bolt
Wing Nut
• Make sure that carriage bolt through the upper and
lower handles on each side is properly seated.
Tighten the wing nuts. See Figure 2.
Carriage
Tighten these
wing nuts
Carriage
Bolt
Figure 2
• Remove hairpin clip from the outer hole of the weld
pin on each handle brackets. Using a pair of pliers,
squeeze one leg of the lower handle against the
handle bracket. Insert the hairpin clip into the inner
hole on the weld pin. Repeat on the other side. See
Figure 3.
Bolt
Carriage Bolt
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the mower
is observed from the operating position.
Setting Up Your Lawn Mower
Assembling Handle
• Lift up and pull back on the upper handle to raise
the handle into the operating position. See Figure
1. Make certain the lower handle is seated securely
into the handle bracket assemblies.
Lower Handle
Upper
Handle
Figure 1
Handle
Bracket
Wing Nut
Hairpin Clip
Figure 3
• After moving the hairpin clip, insert the carriage
bolt, from the hardware pack, in the upper hole on
the handle mounting bracket and secure with
plastic wing nut from the hardware pack. See
Figure 3. Repeat on the other side.
Weld Pin
7
• Fasten the cable to the lower handle with the two
cable ties found on the lower handle. Pull the cable
ties tight and trim off the excess. See Figure 4.
• Slip the rope through the rope guide as shown
below. Tighten the wing nut holding the rope guide
to the upper handle.
Cable Tie
Lower
Handle
Figure 4
NOTE: Your mower is shipped with the handle in the
higher position. If you wish to lower the height of the
handle, refer to the Adjustment Section at this time.
Attaching Rear Wheels (If Not Already Attached)
• Remove the hex flanged nut on the rear axle from
each side and place the rear wheel on the axle. See
Figure 5. Reinsert the flanged nut into the axle as
shown, and tighten securely. Repeat on other side.
Rear Wheel
Rear Axle
Assembling Grass Catcher
NOTE: If the grass catcher came pre-assembled,
proceed to the next section. If it came unassembled,
follow the steps below to assemble it first, before
attaching to the mower.
• Insert frame into grass bag with the black plastic
side on the bottom of bag. See Figure 7.
• Slip the openings in the side of the plastic channel
on bag over the hooks on the grass catcher frame.
Secure bag to the frame by working the six plastic
channels on bag over frame. All of the plastic channels except the center top of the bag attach from
the outside of bag. The center top of the bag
attaches from inside the bag. See Figure 7.
Grass Catcher
Frame
Insert frame
into bag
Hex
Nut
Figure 5
Attaching Starter Rope
The rope guide is already attached to the right side of
the upper handle of your mower. See Figure 6.
Wing Nut
Upper Handle
Starter Rope
Rope Guide
Figure 6
• With the spark plug wire disconnected and
grounded, hold the blade control handle against the
upper handle, and pull the rope out of the engine.
Lower Handle
Grass Bag
Plastic
Channel
Figure 7
Grass Catcher
Assembly
Complete
Attaching Grass Catcher & Chute
WARNING: Never operate the mower
unless the hooks on the grass catcher are
firmly seated on the chute pivot rod, and the
rear discharge door rests firmly against the top
of the grass catcher.
IMPORTANT:
the handle so that it is not in the way when attaching the
grass catcher.
Make sure cable is routed to the outside of
8
• Lift the rear discharge door on the mower.
• Place the hooks, found on both sides of the grass
catcher frame, over the chute door pivot rod at the
rear of the mower. Release the rear discharge door.
See Figure 8.
Rear Discharge Door
Attaching Side-Discharge Chute
• Remove the grass catcher and let the discharge
door close.
• On the right side of the mower, lift the mulching
plug and slide the two hooks of the side-discharge
chute under the hinge pin on the mulching plug
assembly. Lower the mulching plug. See Figure 9.
IMPORTANT:
time, even when you are not mulching.
Grass Catcher
Figure 8
• To remove the grass catcher, lift the rear discharge
door on the mower, lift the grass catcher up and off
the pivot rod. Release the rear discharge door.
Using Mulch Plug
• Lift the mulch plug and remove the discharge chute
SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
Do not remove the mulching plug at any
Mulching
Plug
Hinge
Pin
Side
Chute
Deflector
Figure 9
up and away from the mower. Let mulch plug rest
against the deck. Operate mower without the grass
catcher. Refer to page 11.
Upper Handle
Side-Discharge
Chute
Recoil
Starter
Grass
Catcher
Mulching
Plug
Blade Control
Handle
Rear Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever
Front Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever
Figure 10
9
Read this operator’s manual and safety rules before
operating your lawn mower. Compare the illustration in
Figure 10 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.
Blade Control Handle
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.
WARNING: This blade control mechanism is
a safety device. Never attempt to bypass its
operations.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
These levers are located on each wheel and are used
to adjust the cutting height. These levers have to be at
the same relative position to ensure uniform cut.
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter is attached to the right upper handle.
Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil starter rope to
start the unit.
Grass Catcher
The grass catcher, located at the rear of the mower, is
used to bag the grass clippings for disposal at another
site. Once the bag is full, it has to be removed from the
mower and emptied before any further mowing.
Mulching Plug
Instead of collecting grass clippings in a grass catcher,
this mower has the option of recirculating the clippings
back to the lawn. This is called mulching. Remove the
grass catcher and the side-discharge chute from the
mower, and operate with the mulching plug only for this
purpose.
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all
instructions and warnings on the machine and
in this manual before operating.
NOTE: You must service the engine with oil and
gasoline before starting the mower for the first time.
Check oil and gasoline levels and fill up as necessary
for subsequent starts.
Gas & Oil Fill-Up
• Check oil level and add oil if necessary. Follow
relevant instructions in the engine manual for this.
• Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in
the engine manual.
WARNING: Use extreme care when
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never
fuel the machine indoors or while the engine is
hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars,
pipes and other sources of ignition.
Before Starting Mower
• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain
the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire
(inside the rubber boot) is fastened securely over
the metal tip on the spark plug.
Starting Engine
• Push primer three times. Wait about two seconds
between each push. In cold weather around 55
or below, prime five times. Do not prime to restart a
warm engine after a short shutdown.
• Standing behind the mower, depress the blade
control handle and hold it against the upper handle.
• Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until
engine reaches the start of compression cycle
(rope will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the
rope rewind slowly.
• Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke.
Keeping a firm grip on the starter handle, let the
rope rewind slowly.
WARNING: Be sure no one other than the
operator is standing near the lawn mower while
starting engine or operating mower.
WARNING: Never run engine indoors or in
enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas.
WARNING: Keep hands, feet, hair and
loose clothing away from any moving parts on
engine and lawn mower.
o
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