MTD E970, 970-979, 950-959, 12A-979L401, E979 Owner’s Manual

YaRD-MaN

OWNER'S GUIDE

Model Series

950-959
970-979

E970-E979

Model Shown E979

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 US.A. FORM NO, 770-0417A

USE THIS PAGE AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SLOPES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY.

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SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE

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A POWER POLE

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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.
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.

SECTION 2: 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 YOUR LAWN MOWER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE
INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL, HEED ITS

WARNING.

DANGER: Your lawn mower 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 lawn mower is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.

Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould result in serious injury or death.

1. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read this owner's guide 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 iL Keep this
manual in a safe place for future and regular

reference and for ordering replacement parts.

• Your rotary mower 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.

• Never allow children under 14 years old to operate a
power mower. Children 14 years old and over should

only operate mower under close parental
supervision. Only responsible individuals who are

familiar with these rules of safe operation should be
allowed to use your mower.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
particularly small children and pets. Stop engine
when they are in the vicinity of your mower to help
prevent blade contact or thrown object injury.
Although the area of operation should be completely
cleared of foreign objects, an object may have been
overlooked and could be accidentally thrown by the
mower in any direction and cause serious personal
injury to the operator or any others allowed in the

area.

• 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 picked
up and thrown by the mower in any direction and
cause serious personal injury to the operator or any
others allowed in the area. Plan your mowing pattern

to avoid discharge of material toward roads,
sidewalks, bystanders and the like. To help avoid a
thrown objects injury, keep children, bystanders and
helpers at least 75 feet from the mower while it is in
operation.

• Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during
operation or while performing an adjustment or

repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects that may
be thrown from the machine in any direction.

• 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. Do not wear loose fitting clothes or

jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts. Never

operate a unit in bare feet, sandals, slippery or light
weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.

° Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.

Keep clear of discharge opening at all times as the
rotating blade can cause injury.

• Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being
pulled over the foot during a fall. Do not hang on to

the mower if you are failing; reIease the handle

immediately.

• Never pull the mower toward you while you are

walking. If you must back the mower away from a

wall or obstruction first look down and behind, and

then follow these steps:

• Step back from the mower to fully extend your arms.

• Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing.

• Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half way
toward you,

• Repeat these steps as needed.

• Do not operate the mower while under the influence

of alcohol or drugs.

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

• 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.

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• Never operate the mower in wet grass. Aways be
sure of your footing. A slip and fail can caus_ serious

personal injury. Keep a firm hold on the h_ ndle and
walk, never run. If you feel you are Io,_ing your

footing, RELEASE THE BLADE CONTROL -{ANDLE

IMMEDIATELY and the blade wilI stop rotat ng within

three seconds.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

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

o if the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally,

stop the engine and check immediately for the
cause. Vibration is generally a warning of tro Jble.

• Shut the engine off and wait until the blade ;omes to
a complete stop before removing the gras:_ catcher
or unclogging the chute. The cutting blade +:ontinues
to rotate for a few seconds after the engin_ is shut
off. Never place any part of the body in tie blade
area until you are sure the blade has stopped
rotating.

• Never operate mower without proper guards, grass
catcher, plates or other safety protective d)vices in
place.

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

• Only use accessories approved for this m_chine by
the manufacturer. Read, understand, and 'ellow all
instructions provided with the approved acce _sory.

• If situations occur which are not oovere J in this
manual, use care end good judgment. Cortact your

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

2, SLOPE OPERATION

For your safety, use the slope gauge included as p ]rt of this
manual to measure slopes before operating this mit on a
sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 1_ degrees
as shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this unit on
that area or serious injury could result.

DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes; never up aid down
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction
on slopes.

• Watch for holes, ruts, hidden objects, or bu'nps. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.

• Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can
cause serious personal injury. If you fee you are
losing your balance release the blade contr 3I handle

immediately and the blade will stop in le,'s than 3

seconds.

DO NOT:

• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or emb_ nkments.
The operator could lose footing or balance.

• Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as
shown on the slope gauge.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could
cause slipping.

3. 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. Never assume that children
will remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator.

• Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area.

Before and while moving backwards, look behind
and down for small children or other objects.

Never allow children under age 14 to operate the
mower. Children 14 years of age and above should
read and understand the operation instructions and
safety rules in this manual

Use extreme care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure your

vision of a child or hazard.

4. SERVICE

Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are extremeIy flammable and the vapors

are explosive.
Use only an approved gasoline container.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is

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

Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe off any
spilled gasoline before starting the engine as it may
cause a fire or explosion.

Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.

Never refuel machine indoors because flammable
vapors will accumulate in the area.
Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame or spark such as a gas

water heater, space heater, or furnace.
Never run an engine inside a closed area.
To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass,

leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage. Allow mower to cool at least 5 minutes
before storing.

Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make
certain the blade and all moving parts have stopped.

Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire
away from the spark plug to prevent accidental

starting.

Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually

inspect blade for damage (e.g., bent, cracked or

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worn). Replace with blade which meets original
equipment specifications listed in this manual.

° Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the

equipment is in safe working condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.

• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,

remove the wire from the spark plug, and thoroughly
inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the

damage before starting and operating the mower,

• Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height
adjustment while the engine is running.

read, 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

Grass catcher components are subject to wear,
damage and deterioration, which could expose

moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For
safety protection, frequently check components and

replace with manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary.

Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when

servicing them.
Do not change the engine governor se_ing or

overspeed the engine. Excessive engine speeds are
dangerous,

DANGER

WARNING

Figure 1 Safety Labels Found On Lawn Mower

SECTION 3: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER

This Owner's Guide is an important part of your new lawn mower. It will help you assemble, prepare and

maintain your mower. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start to prepare your mower for its first use, please locate the model plate and copy the information

from it in this Owner's Guide. The information on the model plate is very important if you need help from your
dealer or the MTD customer support department.

• Every mower has a model plate. You can locate it by standing behind the unit in the operating position
and looking down at the cutting deck.

• ThemodelplatewilllooklikeFigure2.

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XXX-X-XXX-X-XXX XXXXXXXXXXX

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irlc

CLEVELAND, OHIO 441 _6

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

Figure 2

This is where your model number will be.

This is where your serial number will be.

SECTION 4: CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT

If you are having difficulty assembling this product or if you have any question regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this mower, please call the Ct stomer Support Department. You can reach them by calling:

1-800-800-7310

Before you calI, make sure that you have b{,th your model and serial number ready. By having the model and
serial number ready, you help the Customer Support Representative give you faster service. To find your units

model and serial number, see SECTION 3: FI'4DING YOUR MODEL NUMBER.

SECTION 5: UNPACKING INS"RUCTIONS

REMOVE UNIT FROM CARTON

• See Figure 3.

• Remove staples, break glue on top flap_, or cut tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open carton.

• Remove loose parts if included with unii (i.e., owner's manual, etc.).

• Cut along dotted lines and lay carton d_wn flat.

• Remove packing material.

• Roll or slide unit out of carton. Check c lrton thoroughly for loose parts.

REMOVE MANUAL & LOOSE PARTS

Figure 3

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DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE

Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug, and ground it against the
engine by attaching rubber boot to a bolt or metal clip to the grounding post on the engine. See Figure 4.

Figure 4

SECTION 6: SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS

ITEMS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

• Pair of Pliers (Not necessary, but helpful)

• Motor Oil

• Fresh Gasoline

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 isobserved from the operating position.

SET-UPYOUR LAWN MOWER

Follow steps 1 through 9 to set-up your lawn mower.

Step 1. Remove grass bag (model 970-979 only)

from unit and set it out of the way.

Grass

Step 2. Lift upper handle. Align it with lower

handle.

Upper Handle

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Step 3. Tighten wing nuts.

HE11E

Step 4. Raise complete handle assembly until it

clicks into place. Make sure not to kinkthe
control cables.

Handle Assembly

Step 5. Pinch lower handle against moun :ing

bracket with pliers.

Step 7. Attach control cables to handle with pull

ties found on the handle.

Step 6. Move hairpin clip from outer to in ler hole

on left and right handle mounting br ickets.

Inner Hole ....... _

Hairpn Clip

Pinch Here

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Step 8. Squeeze the blade control handle against the upper handle and pull out starter rope, slowly!
Step 9. Thread starter rope into rope gui¢ e.

Blade C_ntrolHandle

Upper Handle

Model

970-979

Start !r Rope

ly

Look Here

Rope Guide

Model

950-959

SECTION 7: CONTROLS

Blade Control Handle

Control

Cutting Height

Adjustment Lever

Drive

Clutch

Control

Figure 5

BLADE CONTROLHANDLE

The blade control handle is located on the upper handle of the mower. See Figure 5. The blade control handle
must be depressed in order to start and operate the unit. Release the bIade control handle to stop the engine and

blade,

blade will be rotating whenever the engine is running.

WARNING: The blade control handle is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass its operations. The

THROTTLE CONTROL
The throttle control is located on the left side of the upper handle. It is used to regulate the engine speed. See

Figure 5,

• Push the throttle lever forward for fast.

• Pull the throttle lever back for slow.

WARNING: The throttle control cannot be used to stop the engine.

IGNITION SWITCH (Electric Start Unit Only)

The ignition switch is located on the left side of the handle panel. It is used for starting only, See Figure 6.

Ignition

.....• switch

Figure 6 Electric Start Unit Only

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RECOIL STARTER

The recoil starter handle is attached to the Io _er handle. See Figure 5. Stand behind the unit in the operating

position to start the unit.

DRIVE CLUTCH CONTROL

Squeezing the drive clutch control engages the,,drive system. Releasing the clutch control disengages the drive
system. Release the clutch control to slow dow ! when negotiating an obstacle, making a turn or stopping.

SHIFT LEVER
The shift lever is located on the drive clutch co itrol housing on the upper handle. See Figure 5. This lever is used

to select the forward speed of the mower. Whe _changing your speed selection, release the drive clutch control.

NOTE: Only move the shift lever when the _ngine is running. Changing the shift lever setting with the engine

off can cause damage to the mower.

CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEIER

Note: Your mower is shipped with the cutting height in the lowest position. Adjust the cutting height as follows.

The cutting height adjustment lever is located _bove the left rear wheel. To adjust the cutting height, pull the lever

out and away from the mower and then move i forward or back to select a new cutting height. See Figure 7.

LOWER

(;utting Height Adjustment Lever

Figure 7

NOTE: For rough or uneven lawns, move th_ height adjustment lever to a higher position. This will help stop

scalping.

ENGINE CONTROLS

See the engine manual for the location and fur ction of the controls located on the engine.

SECTION 8: OPERATION

operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, which can result

WARNING: Keep hands and fee away from the chute area on cutting deck. See Figure 1. The

in severe eye damage. Always wear _afety glasses or eye shields.

NOTE: For best results raise the cutting po:_itionuntil it is determined which height is best for your lawn. See

CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER in he CONTROLS section.

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GAS AND OIL FILL-UP

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual. Read all instructions
carefully.

,_ WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors, with engine running or until the engine has been allowed to

EACH TIME BEFORE YOU START YOUR MOWER
ELECTRIC START UNITS ONLY:

cool for at least two minutes after running.

Warning: The battery contains corrosive fluid and toxic material-HANDLE WITH CARE. Keep awayfrom children. Do not puncture disassemble, mutilate or incinerate. Explosive gasses could be vented

during charging or discharging, use in a well ventilated area, away from sources of ignition,

Charging Instructions: Charge battery for 16 hours before initial use. DO NOT CHARGE LONGER THAN 20

HOURS.

IMPORTANT: Use only the battery charger suppliedwit h this mower. _.

Figure 8

To charge the battery, first remove the protective cap (1) from the end of the battery pack lead. Always plug
charger lead (2) into battery pack lead before inserting battery charger plug into 120 volt standard household

outlet. See Figure 8.
After charging, disconnect battery charger plug from household outlet first, than disconnect charger lead from

battery pack lead.

,_ Warning: Do not remove the battery pack from the handle panel for any reason other thanreplacemenL When replacing the battery pack, refer to the instructions in the maintenance section.

ALL UNITS:

• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire is
fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark plug.

• Check for proper drive clutch operation using the NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT TEST.

NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT TEST

To perform the NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT TEST answer the following questions.

• With the drive clutch control released, push mower forward and pull it backward. Does it move freely?

• Squeeze the drive clutch control and pull the mower backward. Do the rear wheels lock (net turn)?

• Is the drive clutch control cable free of kinks or sharp bends?

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