MTD 839 User Manual

Safety • Setup • Adjustments • Operation • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

21” Self-Propelled Rotary Mower — Model Series 839

IMPORTANT:

READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATING EQUIPMENT.

PRINTED IN U.S.A. MTD Products Ltd., P. O. Box 1386, KITCHENER, ONTARIO N2G 4J1

This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new equipment. It will help you assemble,

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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

Set-Up & Adjustments ........................................ 6

Operation ............................................................. 8

Maintenance & Off-Season Storage ................ 10

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFORE YOU START ASSEMBLING YOUR NEW EQUIPMENT, please locate the model plate on the equipment and copy the the model number and the serial number to the sample model plate provided to the right. You can locate the model plate by standing at the operating position and looking down at the rear of the machine.

Trouble Shooting .............................................. 13

Warranty ............................................................ 14

Safety Labels ....................................................15

Illustrated Parts Lists ....................................... 16

Customer Support

Please do

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:

1. Visit www.mtdcanada.ca for many useful suggestions, click on Customer Support button.

2. Call a Customer Support Representative at 1-800-668-1238.

3. 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.

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.

NOT

return the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased,

without ﬁrst contacting Customer Support.

Slope

Gauge

WARNING

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 walkbehind mower on such a slope, it is extremely difficult to maintain your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 instructions 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 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.

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

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

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.

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

22. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment. Call customer assistance for the name of your nearest servicing dealer.

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. 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.

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.

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. 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.

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 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 near 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 a mower to cool at least 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 in this manual. “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 labels, as necessary.

12. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations. Improper disposal of fluids and materials can harm the environment.

Safe

Operation

Practices

WARNING

HEED ITS WARNING!

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.

Setup and

Adjust

NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models. Lawn Mower features vary by model. Not all features discussed (or engines pictured) in this manual are applicable to all Lawn Mower models.

NOTE: Reference to right, left, front and rear of the lawn mower is in relation to the operating position.

Make sure to route cable outside the lower handle. Do not crimp cable while lifting the handle up.

ments

IMPORTANT

Figure 3-1

Figure 3-2

NOTE: The units illustrated may vary slightly from your unit.

1. Remove loose parts and any packing material which may be between upper and lower handles.

a. Remove star knobs from handle mounting brackets

and pull up and back on the upper handle to raise the handle from position A into the operating position B. See Figure 3-1. Make sure the lower handle is seated securly into the handle mounting brackets.

b. Tighten star knobs securing upper handle to

lower handle. Make sure that each carriage bolt is seated properly in the handle.

2. Replace and tighten star knobs removed earlier to secure lower handle to handle backets. See Figure 3-2.

3. Rope guide Setup as follows, see Figure 3-3:

a. Hold the blade control against the upper handle.

Position A.

b. Slowly pull starter rope out of engine. Position B.

c. Slip starter rope into the rope guide. Position C.

d. Tighten rope guide wing nut. Position D.

4. Secure cables to the lower handle using the cable tie. Pull cable tie tight and cut off excess.

5. To assemble the grasscatcher:

a. Place bag over frame (black plastic side is the bot-

tom of bag.) Insert the hooks on the frame through the holes in the side plastic channels of the bag.

b. Secure bag to frame by working the plastic chan-

nels on bag over frame. All of the plastic channels except center top of bag attach from the outside of bag. Center top of bag attaches from the inside of bag.

6. Before attaching the grass catcher, the rear mulching plug must be removed. Refer to Figure 3-4.

a. Lift rear discharge door.

b. Remove rear mulching plug.

IMPORTANT

This unit is shipped

without gasoline or oil in the engine. Fill

up gasoline and oil as instructed in the accompanying engine manual BEFORE operating your mower.

Figure 3-3

7. Attaching Grass Catcher to Mower

a. Lift the rear discharge door.

b. Place the grass catcher on the pivot rod. Let go

of discharge door so that it rests on the grass catcher. See Figure 3-5.

WARNING: Never operate mower

unless the hooks on the grass catcher are firmly seated on the pivot rod, and the rear discharge door rests firmly against top of the grass

catcher.

8. To install the rear mulching plug.

a. Lift rear discharge door and lift grass catcher up

and out, off of the pivot rod.

b. Insert the rear mulching plug as shown in Figure

3-4 and release the rear discharge door.

9. If converting to side discharge, make sure grass catcher is off unit and rear mulching plug is in place.

a. On the side of the mower deck, lift the hinged

mulching plug. See Figure 3-6.

b. Slide the two hooks on the side discharge deflec-

tor under the hinge pin on the hinged mulching plug assembly. Lower the hinged mulching plug.

NOTE: Do not remove the hinged mulching plug at any time, even when you are not mulching.

NOTE: Make certain bag is turned right side out before assembling (warning label will be on

the outside).

NOTE: Make certain cables are routed to the outside of the handle so they are not in the way when attaching the grass catcher.

Adjustments

Drive Control

The adjustment wheel is located in the drive control handle housing and is used to tighten or loosen the drive belt. You will need to adjust the drive control if the mower does not propel itself with the drive control engaged or if the mower’s wheels hesitate with the drive control engaged. If either of these conditions occur, rotate the adjustment wheel clockwise to tighten the cable or counterclockwise to loosen the cable, Figure 3-7.

Figure 3-6

WARNING

Never operate mower unless the hooks on the grass catcher are firmly seated on the pivot rod, and the rear discharge door rests firmly against top of the grass catcher.

All mowers are equipped with a rear protective guard. The guard helps eliminate projectiles thrown by the blade from injuring the operator. DO NOT REMOVE THIS GUARD.

Operating

Your Lawn

Mower

WARNING

Read, understand, and follow all instructions and warnings on the machine and in this manual before operating.

This blade control mechanism is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass its operations.

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.

Know Your Lawn Mower

Figure 4-1

Blade Control Handle

The blade control handle is located on the upper handle of the mower. See Figure 4-1. The blade control handle must be depressed in order to operate the unit. Release the blade control handle to stop the engine and blade.

Drive Control Handle

The drive control handle is located on the upper handle. Squeeze the drive control handle against the upper handle to engage drive system. Release the control handle to disengage the drive system in order to stop, slow down, or backup.

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.

Cutting Height Adjustment Lever

The height adjuster determines the cutting height of the mower. The adjuster is located above the left rear wheel, refer to the Adjustment Section.

Before Starting

1. Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual.

WARNING: 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. 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.

2. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. If unit is equipped with a rubber boot over the end of the spark plug wire, make certain the metal loop on the end of the spark plug wire (inside the rubber boot) is fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark plug.

3. Before each use, check for proper drive clutch operation by performing the following before starting the engine:

a. With the drive control released, push mower

forward. It should move freely. Pull mower backward. It should move with only a small amount of resistance.

b. If it does not the clutch may not be releasing

completely. Do not start the engine until corrections have been made. Check the control cable for severe bend, kinks and binding. Also check for grass build-up around the belt.

Using Your Lawn Mower

Be sure the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects which could damage the lawn mower or the engine. Such objects could be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator and others.

Figure 4-2

To Start Engine and Engage Blade

Refer to the separate engine manual packed with your unit.

1. Place the fuel valve lever found on the left side of the engine into the ON (OPEN) position, Figure 4-2.

2. Move the choke lever all the way backward into the choke position.

3. Standing behind the mower, squeeze the blade control against upper handle, Figure 4-2. The choke will now begin to slowly return to the off choke position after activating the blade control. Therefore, quickly move onto step four below.

4. Grasp the starter handle as shown and pull slowly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly to start engine and avoid kickback. Return it slowly to the rope guide.

5. To engage the drive, squeeze the drive control handle towards the upper handle. Release the drive control to slow down when negotiating an obstacle, making a turn, or stopping.

To Stop Engine

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

WARNING: The blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the engine is shut off.

2. Disconnect and ground the spark plug wire as instructed in the separate engine manual to prevent accidental starting while equipment is unattended.

WARNING: Wait for the blade to stop completely before doing any work on the mower or to remove the grass catcher.

WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove wire from the spark plug, thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and operating the mower. Extensive vibration of the mower during operation is an indication of damage. The unit should be promptly inspected and repaired.

Operating Tips

1. To engage the drive, squeeze the drive control handle towards the upper handle. Release the drive control to slow down when negotiating an obstacle, making a turn, or stopping.

2. For best results do not cut wet grass.

3. New grass, thick grass, or wet grass may require a narrower cut.

4. For a healthier lawn, never cut off more than one-third of the total length of the grass.

5. Your lawn should be cut in the fall as long as there is growth.

6. If the grass has been allowed to grow in excess of 4 inches, mulching is not recommended. Mow using the side discharge to reduce the grass height to 3-1/4 inches or less before mulching.

Operating

Your Lawn

Mower

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.

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. 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.

Maintaining

Your Lawn

Mower

WARNING

Always stop engine, disconnect spark plug, and ground against engine before cleaning, lubricating or doing any kind of maintenance on

your machine.

Figure 5-1

Engine

1. Refer to the separate engine manual for engine maintenance instructions.

2. Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your unit. Read and follow instructions carefully.

3. Under normal conditions service air cleaner as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your unit. Clean every few hours under extremely dusty conditions. Poor engine performance and flooding usually indicates that the air cleaner should be serviced.

4. The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset once a season. Spark plug replacement is recommended at the start of each mowing season; check engine manual for correct plug type and gap specifications.

NOTE: This spark ignition system meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

5. Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the cooling system (blower housing area) clean to permit proper air circulation which is essential to engine performance and life. Be certain to remove all grass, dirt and combustible debris from muffler area.

Deck

The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after each use to prevent a buildup of grass clippings, leaves, dirt or other matter. If this debris is allowed to accumulate, it will invite rust and corrosion, and may prevent proper mulching. The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and scraping clean with a suitable tool (make certain the spark plug wire is disconnected).

IMPORTANT: Do not use a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit. These may cause damage to electric components, spindles, pulleys, bearings, or the engine. The use of water will result in shortened life and reduce serviceability.

Figure 5-2

Lubrication

1. Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control handle at least once a season with light oil. The blade control must operate freely in both directions. See Figure 5-1.

2. If your mower is equipped with ball bearing wheels, lubricate at least once a season with a light oil, all other types require no lubrication. However, if the wheels are removed for any reason, lubricate the surface of the axle bolt and the inner surface of the wheel with light automotive oil.

3. Lubricate the torsion spring and pivot point periodically with light oil to prevent rust. See Figure 5-1.

4. The transmission is pre-lubricated and sealed at the factory and does not require lubrication.

5. Follow the accompanying engine manual for lubrication schedule and instruction.

Rear Flap Replacement

The rear flap is attached to the back of the mower deck, and is designed to minimize the possibility that objects will be thrown from the rear of the mower toward the operator. If the rear flap becomes damaged, replace as follows.

1. To remove the old rear flap, lift rear door, and press flap in on either side to remove from hole. See Figure 5-2.

2. Remove flap from opposite hole and replace with new flap following these steps in reverse order.

Blade Care

Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary. Follow the steps below for blade service:

1. Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine crankshaft. See Figure 5-3.

2. Remove blade and adapter from the crankshaft.

Maintaining

Your Lawn

Mower

WARNING

When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement or 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 cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds. It may cause damage to mower, and could break causing personal injury.

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