Mtd OEM-190-116 owners guide

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 1/4-20 x .6 Carriage Screw

(710-0134)

One LH Skirt for 38-inch Decks

(783-1300)

One 1/4-20 x .6 Hex Screw

(710-0751)

One RH Skirt for 38-inch Decks

(783-1299)

One Bell Washer

(736-0270)

One LH Skirt for 42-inch Decks

(783-1258A)

One 1/4-20 Plastic Wing Nut

(712-3087)

One RH Skirt for 42-inch Decks

(783-1259A)

One Mulch Plug Drill Guide

(726-0211)

Six 1/4-20 x .5 Self-tapping Screws

(710-0599)

Self-tapping Screws

LH Skirt (38-inch decks)

Carriage Screw

Hex Screw

Bell Washer

RH Skirt (38-inch decks)

Plastic Wing

Drill Guide

Tools Required

Socket Wrench (Ratchet)

3/8” Socket

†

7/16” Socket

†

Hammer

LH Skirt (42-inch decks)

†

Center Punch or Large Nail

† C-clamps or Locking Pliers

†

Electric Drill

† 1/8-inch Metal Drill Bit

RH Skirt (42-inch decks)

†

7/32-inch Metal Drill Bit

† 9/32-inch Metal Drill Bit

Mulch Plug

† Necessary only when installing

the mulch kit on an older-style

(1997-2000)cutting deck.

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.

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.

2

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.

Carriage Screw

Bell

Washer

Plastic Wing Nut

Figure 2

Drill Guide

Mulch Plug

Figure 3

Hex Screw

Bell

Washer

Plastic Wing Nut

Figure 4

3