MTD R, Q Operator's Manual
Safe Operation Practices • Assembly • Operation • Service • Troubleshooting
OperatOr’s Manual
Self Propelled Mower
Rear Wheel Drive
Model Series Q & R
Record Product Information
Before setting up and operating your new mower, please locate
the model plate on the equipment and record the information
in the provided area to the right. You can locate the model plate
by standing at the operator’s position and looking down at
the rear of the deck. This information will be necessary, should
you seek technical support via our web site, Customer Support
Department, or with a local authorized service dealer.
Model NuMber
Serial NuMber
Table of Contents
Safe Operation Practices ........................................ 2
Assembly ................................................................. 8
Adjustment .............................................................. 9
Operation ................................................................10
Service and Maintenance ......................................12
Troubleshooting .....................................................12
Spanish ....................................................................15
Parts/Warranty .............. See Separate Supplement
WARNING
Read and follow all safety rules and instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply
with these instructions may result in personal injury - SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
WARNING
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
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.
NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models. Features may vary by model. Not all features in this manual are applicable to all
models and the model depicted may differ from yours.
Form No. 769-18650A
(January 17, 2019)
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!
DANGER
This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices 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 fingers, hands, toes and feet and throwing debris. Failure to observe
the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
General Information
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
mower and in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe
place for future and regular reference and for ordering
replacement parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.
3. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this
mower. Children 14 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this
manual and on the mower and should be trained and
supervised by an adult.
4. Never allow adults to operate this mower without proper
instruction.
5. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual,
use care and good judgment. Contact your customer
service representative for assistance.
6. According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety
Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), this product has an estimated useful life of
seven (7) years, under ordinary use conditions. At the end
of its useful life, have the product inspected annually to
ensure all mechanical and safety systems are operating
properly, safely, and are not worn excessively. Failure to
do so may result in accident, injury, or death.
Preparation before Operating
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the mower 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(s). Thrown objects can
cause serious personal injury.
2. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, stay
in the operator zone behind the mower handles. Keep
helpers at least 75 feet (23 meters) from the mower while
it is in operation. Keep bystanders, children and pets
inside while the mower is in operation. Stop mower if
anyone enters the area.
3. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge
direction and do not point the mower discharge at
anyone.
4. 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.
5. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting
slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes, jewelry and long
hair can be caught in moving parts. Shirts and pants
that cover the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are
recommended.
6. Never operate mower in bare feet, sandals, slippery or
light-weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.
7. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than 1” (2.5
cm) below bottom of filler neck to allow space for fuel
expansion.
8. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
9. Use only accessories and attachments approved for this
mower by the mower manufacturer. Read, understand
and follow all instructions provided with the approved
accessory or attachment.
Operating
1. Data indicates that operators, age 65 years and above, are
involved in a large percentage of mower-related injuries.
These operators should evaluate their ability to operate
the mower safely enough to protect themselves and
others from serious injury.
2. 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 losing your
balance or footing; immediately release the handle.
3. 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 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.
4. Do not engage the drive control (if equipped) while
starting engine.
2
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
5. The blade control 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 must
operate freely in both directions and automatically return
to the disengaged (off) position when released. The
cutting blade continues to rotate for up to three seconds
after the blade control is released. Never place any part of
the body in the blade area until you are certain the blade
has stopped rotating.
6. If the mower should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
engine and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is
generally a warning of trouble.
7. Never operate mower without the proper trail shield,
discharge cover, grass catcher, blade control 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.
8. When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance
is felt, then pull rapidly. Rapid retraction of starter cord
(kickback) will pull hand and arm toward engine faster
than you can let go. Broken bones, fractures, bruises or
sprains could result.
9. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the
cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate
hands and feet.
10. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain or hidden objects could cause a
slip and/or trip accident. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
11. Your mower is designed to cut normal residential grass
of a height no more than 7” (17.5 cm). Do not attempt
to mow through unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture) or
piles of dry leaves.
12. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material
toward roads, sidewalks, helpers and the like. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or obstruction which
may cause discharged material to ricochet back toward
the operator.
13. 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 up to three seconds after the blade control is
released. Never place any part of the body in the blade
area until you are certain the engine is off and the blade
has stopped rotating.
14. A missing or damaged discharge door, chute or mulch
plug can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries.
15. Do not operate the mower without the discharge door,
chute, mulch plug or the entire grass catcher in its proper
place.
16. Stop the mower blade when crossing gravel drives, walks,
or roads and while not cutting grass.
17. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
18. Do not operate the mower while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
19. The muffler and engine become very hot and can cause
serious burn injuries. Do not touch. Allow the mower to
cool for at least five minutes before storing or attempting
any service.
20. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated
area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas.
Children
1. 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.
2. Keep bystanders, children and pets inside while
the mower is in operation under watchful care of a
responsible adult other than the operator. Stop mower if
anyone enters the area.
3. Be alert and turn mower off if a child or bystander enters
the area.
4. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this
mower. Children 14 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this
manual and on the mower and should be trained and
supervised by an adult.
5. This mower is a precision piece of power equipment, not
a plaything. Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all
times. This mower has been designed to perform one job:
to mow grass. Do not use it for any other purpose.
6. Use extreme care when approaching blind corners,
doorways, shrubs, trees or other objects that may block
your vision of a child who may run into the path of the
mower.
7. Keep children away from hot or running engines. They
can suffer burns from a hot engine or muffler.
8. If your mower is equipped with an Electric Start Push
Key, remove the key when the mower is unattended to
prevent unauthorized operation. Make certain the key is
inaccessible to small children.
Slope Operation for Walk-Behind Mowers
1. Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents
which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on the slope, do
not mow it.
2. For your safety, measure any slope before using the
mower on the sloped area. Use a slope measuring device
in addition to the slope gauge included as part of this
manual to measure slopes before operating this mower
on a sloped or hilly area. Smart phone applications can be
also utilized to measure slopes. If the slope is greater than
15 degrees (25%) as shown on the slope gauge or a slope
measuring device, do not operate this mower on that area
or serious injury could result.
3. Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees (25%).
3
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
4. Only mow across slopes, never mow up and down slopes.
5. The mower may speed up when turning downhill, always
turn uphill. Maintain control of the mower at all times.
6. Do not mow on wet grass. Unstable footing could cause
slipping.
7. Do not operate the mower under any conditions where
traction or stability is in question. Always be sure of your
footing. A slip and fall can cause serious personal injury.
If you feel you are losing your balance or footing, release
the blade control handle immediately and the blade will
stop rotating within three (3) seconds.
8. Stay at least 3 feet (1 meter) from drop-offs, ditches,
embankments or the edge of water. You could lose your
balance or footing.
Fire & Fuel
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. Wash your skin
and change clothes immediately.
2. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources
of ignition.
3. Only use an approved portable fuel (gasoline) container.
Use only containers certified by EPA, CARB, and/or OSHA.
4. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot
or running. Allow engine to cool at least five minutes
before refueling.
5. Never fuel the mower indoors.
6. Never store the mower 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.
7. If fuel is spilled, wipe it off the engine and mower. Clean
up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.
Move the mower to another area. Wait at least 5 minutes
before starting the engine.
8. To reduce fire hazards, keep mower free of grass, leaves,
or other debris build-up. Follow the “Maintenance
Schedule” in the Service and Maintenance section to keep
your mower free of debris.
9. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than 1”
(25mm) below bottom of filler neck to allow space for fuel
expansion.
10. Replace gas cap and tighten securely.
11. Allow a mower to cool at least five minutes before fueling
or storing.
12. 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.
13. When practical, 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.
14. 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.
Service
1. Keep the mower in good working order. Replace worn or
damaged parts.
2. To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in
any way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead
to a runaway engine and cause it to operate at unsafe
speeds. Never tamper with factory setting of engine
governor. Do not change the engine governor settings
or over-speed the engine. The governor controls the
maximum safe operating speed of the engine.
3. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves,
and use extra caution when servicing them.
4. 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.
5. Ensure the blade comes to a complete stop within (3)
three seconds after operating the blade control. If the
blade do not stop in less than three seconds, your mower
must be serviced professionally by an authorized service
dealer. Check for proper operation per the Maintenance
Schedule in the Service and Maintenance section.
6. Regularly check the safety interlock system for proper
function, as described later in this manual. If the safety
interlock system does not function properly, have your
mower serviced professionally by an authorized service
dealer.
7. Never tamper with the blade control safety interlock or
other safety devices. Check for proper operation per the
Maintenance Schedule in the Service and Maintenance
section.
8. Check the mower blade and engine mounting bolt torque
in accordance to the Maintenance Schedule in the Service
and Maintenance section in this manual. Also, visually
inspect blade for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent,
cracked). Replace the blade with the original equipment
manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) blade only.
9. Use of service parts which do not meet the original
equipment specifications may lead to improper
performance and compromise safety.
10. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition. Check all
hardware for tightness per the Maintenance Schedule in
the Service and Maintenance section.
4
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
11. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the
engine. Thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage.
Repair the damage before starting and operating
12. Never attempt to make wheel cutting height adjustments
or repairs to the mower while the engine is running.
13. Grass catcher components and the discharge cover 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”
14. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
15. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil,
etc. to protect the environment.
Notice Regarding Emissions
Engines which are certified to comply with California and
federal EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road
Equipment) are certified to operate on regular unleaded
gasoline, and may include the following emission control
systems: Engine Modification (EM) and Three Way Catalyst
(TWC) if so equipped.
When required, models are equipped with low permeation fuel
lines and fuel tanks for evaporative emission control. California
models may also include a carbon canister. Please contact
Customer Support for information regarding the evaporative
emission control configuration for your model.
Spark Arrestor
WARNING
This mower is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not
be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grasscovered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark
arrestor meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).
If a spark arrestor 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 arrestor 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.
5
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
SAFETY SYMBOLS
This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this mower. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the mower before attempting to
assemble and operate.
Symbol Description
WARNING – READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand and follow all the safety rules and instructions in the manual(s) and on the mower before
attempting to operate this mower. Failure to comply with this information may result in personal injury or
death. Keep this manual in a safe location for future and regular reference.
DANGER — AVOID AMPUTATION INJURY
Do not put hands or feet near or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade can amputate hands and feet.
DANGER — AVOID CHILD RUNOVER/BLADE INJURY
Do not mow when children or others are around. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, stay in
the operator zone behind the mower handles. Keep helpers at least 75 feet (23 meters) from the mower while
it is in operation. Keep bystanders, children and pets inside while the mower is in operation. Stop mower if
anyone enters the area.
DANGER — AVOID THROWN OBJECT INJURY
Keep helpers at least 75’ (23 meters) from mower during operation. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones,
toys, and other foreign objects which could be picked up and thrown by the blade(s). Do not operate the
mower without the discharge cover or entire grass catcher in its proper place.
DANGER — AVOID SLIP AND FALL ON SLOPES
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes
require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on the slope, do not mow it. Do not mow on slopes greater than 15
degrees (25%). Only mow across slopes, never mow up and down slopes.
WARNING—GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least five minutes before refueling.
WARNING— AVOID BURN INJURY
The muffler and engine become very hot and can cause serious burn injuries. Do not touch. Allow the mower to
cool for at least five minutes before storing or attempting any service.
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.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
6
To check the slope, proceed as follows:
1. Remove this page and fold along the dashed line.
2. Locate a vertical object on or behind the slope (e.g. a pole, building, fence, tree, etc.)
3. Align either side of the slope gauge with the object (See Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).
4. Adjust gauge up or down until the left corner touches the slope (See Figure 1 and Figure 2).
5. If there is a gap below the gauge, the slope is too steep for safe operation (See Figure 2 above).
SLOPE GAUGE
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution.
If you feel uneasy on the slope, do not mow it. Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees (25%). Only mow across slopes, never
mow up and down slopes.
IF A SLOPE IS TOO STEEP FOR SAFE OPERATION!
USE THIS SLOPE GAUGE TO DETERMINE
(OK) (TOO STEEP)
15°/25% dashed line
Slope Gauge
15°/25% Slope
WARNING
Figure 2Figure 1
15°/25%
Slope
7
ASSEMBLY
b
(a)
c
(a)
a
Figure 4
IM PORTANT: This mower is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Be certain
to service engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the Operation section of the
Engine Manual before starting or operating your mower.
NOTE: Reference to right and left hand side of the Lawn Mower is observed from the
operating position.
Unpacking
Opening Carton
1. Cut each corner of the carton vertically from top to bottom.
2. Remove all loose parts:
• Grass Catcher
• Engine Oil
3. Remove loose packing material.
Removing Mower From Carton
1. Lift mower from the rear to detach it from underlying carton material and roll
mower out of carton.
2. Check carton thoroughly for any other loose parts.
Assembly
Attaching The Handle
1. Remove any packing
material which may be
between upper and lower
handles.
2. Turn the handle
adjustment levers to the
unlocked position to lif t
the handle. See Figure 1.
3. Place the handle into one
of the three handle height
positions, low (a), medium
(b) or high (c), located on
the handle brackets. See
Figure 2.
4. Turn the handle
adjustment levers to the
locked position to secure
the handle.
5. The rope guide is attached
to the right side of the
upper handle. Loosen
the wing knob (a) which
secures the rope guide.
See Figure 3.
Figure 1
(a)
(b)
(c)
a. Hold blade control
against upper handle.
b. Slowly pull recoil
starter rope handle
from engine and slip
starter rope into the
rope guide.
c. Tighten rope guide
wing knob (a).
IM PORTANT: To reduce wear and
allow for proper operation, make
sure to leave some slack in the
Figure 3
upper portion of the cables.
Attaching the Grass Catcher
B
1. Follow steps below to
assemble the grass catcher.
Make certain bag is turned
right side out before
assembling (warning label
will be on the outside). See
Figure 4.
A
a. Place bag over frame
so that its black
plastic side is at the
bottom.
A
b. Slip plastic channel of
grass bag over hooks
on the frame.
2. Follow steps below to
B
attach grass catcher. See
Figure 5.
a. Lift mower rear
discharge door.
b. Remove the mulch
C
plug.
c. Place grass catcher
into the slots
in the handle
C
brackets. Let go of
discharge door so that
it rests on the grass
Figure 5
catcher.
NOTE: To remove grass catcher reverse STEP 2. Lift mower rear discharge door. Lift
grass catcher up and of f the slots in the handle brackets. Reinstall the mulch plug
and lower the rear discharge door.
Figure 2
8
ADJUSTMENTS
1
2
3
Lower
Higher
Adjustments
Cutting Height
There are two cutting height adjustment configurations. Refer to the section
applicable to your mower.
Single Lever
The single lever cutting height
adjustment is located above the rear
left wheel. See Figure 6.
1. Carefully pull the height
adjustment lever outward
towards wheel (mower will
tend to fall when lever is moved
outward).
2. Move lever to desired position
for a change in cutting height.
3. Release lever towards deck.
Dual Lever
The dual lever cutting height adjustment levers are located above the front and rear
left wheel. See Figure 7.
1. Carefully pull the height
adjustment lever outward
towards wheel (mower will
tend to fall when lever is
moved outward).
NOTE: The front and rear
height adjustment levers
move in the opposite
direction to adjust.
2. Move lever to desired
position for a change in
cutting height.
3. Release lever towards deck.
IM PORTANT: All wheels must be placed in the same position. For rough or uneven
lawns, move each height adjustment lever to a higher position. This will prevent you
from cutting the grass too close to the ground.
Lower
r
Higher
Figure 6
Figure 7
Higher
3
2
Lower
1
Handle Pitch
For convenience of operation, you
may adjust the pitch of the handle
as follows:
1. Turn the handle adjustment
levers to the unlocked
position to lift the handle.
See Figure 8.
2. Place the handle into one
of the three handle height
positions, low (a), medium
(b) or high (c), located on
the handle brackets.
3. Turn the handle adjustment
levers to the locked position
to secure the handle.
NOTE: A fourth handle height
position (d) is used for storing
the mower with the handle in the
upright position. See Figure 9.
(a)
(b)
(c)
Figure 8
(d)
Figure 9
9
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