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Operator’s Manual
Mulch Kit
For Garden Tractors with a 54-inch Deck
Model
OEM-190-841
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO.
770-10591.fm
(1/02)
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CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.
Call 1- (330) 220-4MTD (4683) or 1- (800)-800-7310 to reach a Customer Support representative.
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.
For more details about this unit, visit our website at www.mtdproducts.com
CONTENTS OF CARTON
Before beginning installation, remove all parts from the
carton to make sure everything is present. Carton
contents are listed below. Part numbers are shown in
parentheses.
SECTION 1: INSTALLATION
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.
WARNING: Before beginning installation,
place the tractor on a firm and level
surface. Place the PTO in the disengaged
(OFF) position, stop the tractor engine and
set the parking brake.
WARNING: Cutting blades are sharp.
Always protect hands by wearing heavy
leather work gloves to grasp blades.
Mounting The Mulching Blades
• Remove the cutting deck from beneath the tractor,
(refer to DECK REMOVAL in the MAINTENANCE
section of your tractor’s Operator’s Manual for
detailed instructions) then gently flip the deck over
to expose its underside.
• Place a block of wood between the center deck
housing baffle and the cutting blade to act as a
stabilizer. See Figure 1.
• Use a 15/16" wrench to remove the hex flange nut
that secures the blade to the spindle assembly.
NOTE: The hex flange nut has a right-handed thread
pattern. Do NOT attempt to force the nut in the incorrect
direction. Doing so may damage the nut and create a
safety hazard.
One Mulching Baffle (603-0396)
Three 18.50” Mulching Blades (742-0678)
Three 3/8-16 Flange Lock Nut (712-0431)
Two 3/8-16 x 2.75 Hex Cap Screw (710-3022)
One 3/8-16 x 1.75 Hex Cap Screw (710-0347)
Hex Flange Nut
Spindle Assembly
• Install the new blades packed with the mulcher. Be
sure to install the blade with the side of the blade
marked ‘‘Bottom’’ (or with a part number stamped in
it) facing the ground when the mower is in the
operating position.
IMPORTANT:
spindle hex flange nut to between 70 foot-pounds and
90 foot-pounds.
• Remount the cutting deck.
Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade
Wood Block
Figure 1
Inserting The Mulch Plug
• After mounting the new blades, remove the chute
deflector and insert the mulching baffle into the
discharge opening.
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• Secure the narrow end of the baffle with the 1.75”
hex cap screw and lock nut. Insert the screw from
the bottom of the deck.
• Secure the discharge end of the baffle with the two
2.75” hex cap screws and lock nuts. Align the baffle
Deflector
Chute
Lock Nuts
1.75” Hex Cap Screw
Mulching Baffle
2.75” Hex Cap Screws
holes with the chute deflector holes and insert the
two screws from the bottom.
• Carefully remount the cutting deck to the tractor
once installation is complete.
Lock Nuts
Mulching Baffle
Figure 2
SECTION 2: OPERATION
This mulch kit incorporates special blades in a process
of recirculating grass clippings repeatedly beneath the
cutting deck. After which, the ultra-fine clippings are
forced back into the lawn where they act as a natural
fertilizer. Regard the following recommendations for the
best results when mulching.
• Clear the lawn of all debris prior to mowing.
Running over stick, rocks, children’s toys, etc. can
damage the mulching blades and make them less
effective. Such objects can also be thrown by the
mower and cause serious personal injury or
damage to surrounding property, even with the
mulch plug in place.
• Never attempt to mulch if the lawn is damp. Wet
grass tends to stick to the underside of the cutting
deck preventing proper mulching of the clippings.
• Do NOT attempt to mulch more than 1/3 the total
height of the grass or approximately 1-1/2 inches.
Doing so will cause the clippings to clump up
beneath the deck and not be mulched effectively.
WARNING: Do NOT under any
circumstances attempt to mow through
grass which exceeds ten inches in height.
Debris may build up on the mowing deck
and come into contact with belts and
other moving parts or the engine’s
exhaust system presenting a potential fire
hazard.
• Maintain a slow ground speed to allow the grass
clippings more time to effectively be mulched.
• To allow the blades to mulch properly, ALWAYS
keep the engine at full throttle.
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MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR:
The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD LLC with
respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the
United States, its possessions and territories.
MTD LLC warrants this product against defects for a period of
two (2) years commencing on the date of original purchase
and will, at its option, repair or replace, free of charge, any
part found to be defective in materials or workmanship. This
limited warranty shall only apply if this product has been operated and maintained in accordance with the Operator’s Manual furnished with the product, and has not been subject to
misuse, abuse, commercial use, neglect, accident, improper
maintenance, alteration, vandalism, theft, fire, water, or damage because of other peril or natural disaster. Damage
resulting from the installation or use of any accessory or
attachment not approved by MTD LLC for use with the product(s) covered by this manual will void your warranty as to any
resulting damage.
Normal wear parts or components thereof are subject to separate terms as follows: All normal wear parts or component
failures will be covered on the product for a period of 90 days
regardless of cause. After 90 days, but within the two year
period, normal wear part failures will be covered ONLY IF
caused by defects in materials or workmanship of OTHER
component parts. Normal wear parts and components
include, but are not limited to: batteries, belts, blades, blade
adapters, grass bags, rider deck wheels, seats, snow thrower
skid shoes, shave plates, auger spiral rubber, tires.
HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE: Warranty service is available,
WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE, through your local authorized
service dealer. To locate the dealer in your area, check your
Yellow Pages, or contact MTD LLC at P.O. Box 361131,
Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019, 1-800-800-7310, 1-330-2204683 or log on to our Web site at www.mtdproducts.com.
This limited warranty does not provide coverage in the following cases:
a. The engine or component parts thereof. These items
carry a separate manufacturer’s warranty. Refer to the
applicable manufacturer’s warranty for terms and conditions.
b. Log splitter pumps, valves, and cylinders have a sepa-
rate one year warranty.
c. Routine maintenance items such as lubricants, filters,
blade sharpening, tune-ups, brake adjustments, clutch
adjustments, deck adjustments, and normal deterioration
of the exterior finish due to use or exposure.
d. MTD LLC does not extend any warranty for products
sold or exported outside of the United States, its possessions and territories, except those sold through MTD
LLC’s authorized channels of export distribution.
e. Parts that are not genuine MTD parts are not covered by
this warranty.
f. Service completed by someone other than an authorized
service dealer is not covered by this warranty.
g. Transportation charges and service calls are not
covered.
No implied warranty, including any implied warranty of
merchantability of fitness for a particular purpose,
applies after the applicable period of express written warranty above as to the parts as identified. No other
express warranty, whether written or oral, except as mentioned above, given by any person or entity, including a
dealer or retailer, with respect to any product, shall bind
MTD LLC. During the period of the warranty, the exclusive remedy is repair or replacement of the product as
set forth above.
The provisions as set forth in this warranty provide the
sole and exclusive remedy arising from the sale. MTD
LLC shall not be liable for incidental or consequential
loss or damage including, without limitation, expenses
incurred for substitute or replacement lawn care services
or for rental expenses to temporarily replace a warranted
product.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or limitations on how long
an implied warranty lasts, so the above exclusions or limitations may not apply to you.
In no event shall recovery of any kind be greater than the
amount of the purchase price of the product sold. Alteration
of safety features of the product shall void this warranty.
You assume the risk and liability for loss, damage, or injury to
you and your property and/or to others and their property
arising out of the misuse or inability to use the product.
This limited warranty shall not extend to anyone other than
the original purchaser or to the person for whom it was purchased as a gift.
HOW STATE LAW RELATES TO THIS WARRANTY: This
limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you
may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 1-800-800-7310
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