Mtd Reel 3000, Reel 3100 User Manual

Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty

OperatOr’s Manual

Reel Mower — Models 3000 & 3100

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.

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

Form No. 769-06424B

(October 25, 2011)

To The Owner

Thank You

Thank you for purchasing an MTD Reel Mower. It was carefully
engineered to provide excellent performance when properly
operated and maintained.

Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.
It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and
maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other
persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the
recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or property damage.

All information in this manual is relative to the most recent
product information available at the time of printing. Review
this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the machine,

its features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator’s

Manual may cover a range of product specifications for various
models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated
in this manual may not be applicable to all models. We reserve
the right to change product specifications, designs and
equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

Table of Contents

Safe Operation Practices ........................................ 3

Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 5

Operation ................................................................. 7

Maintenance & Adjustment .................................. 8

1

If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine,
phone your local authorized MTD service dealer or contact us

directly. MTD’s Customer Support telephone numbers, website

address and mailing address can be found on this page. We want
to ensure your complete satisfaction at all times.

Throughout this manual, all references to right and left side of the
machine are observed from the operating position

Illustrated Parts List ...............................................10

Warranty ..................................................Back Cover

Record Product Information

Before setting up and operating your new equipment, 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 looking near the wheels of the machine. 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

Customer Support

Please do NOT return the machine to the retailer or dealer without first contacting the Customer Support Department.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this machine, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

◊ Visit us on the web at www.mtdproducts..com

See How-to Maintenance and Parts Installation Videos at www.mtdparts.com/KnowledgeCenter

◊ Call a Customer Support Representative at [phone] or [phone]

◊ Write to MTD LLC • P.O. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019

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 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. Carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This
machine is capable of amputating fingers and toes and throwing objects. Failure to observe
the following safety instructions could result in serious injury.

2

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. Keep this manual in a safe
place for future and regular reference and for ordering
replacement parts.

2. Be completely familiar with the proper use of this machine
before operating it.

3. This machine is a precision piece of power equipment,
not a plaything. Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all
times. This machine has been designed to perform one job:
to mow grass. Do not use it for any other purpose.

4. Never allow children under 10 years of age to operate this
machine. Children 10 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and should be trained and supervised
by an adult.

5. Only responsible individuals who are familiar with these
rules of safe operation should be allowed to use this
machine.

6. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be
used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys and other
foreign objects.

7. To help avoid blade contact, stay in operator zone behind
handles and keep children, bystanders, helpers and pets
away from mower while it is in operation. Stop machine if
anyone enters area.

8. 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 light­weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.

9. Do not put hands or feet near rotating blades. Contact with
blades can amputate fingers and toes.

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. Be careful when pulling the machine backward. Look down

and behind to avoid tripping. Be sure you are well balanced

with sure footing.

12. Do not operate the mower while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.

13. Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be sure of
your footing. A slip and fall can cause serious personal
injur y.

14. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. Walk, never
run.

15. The cutting blade may continue to rotate for a few seconds
after the mower has stopped moving. Never place any part
of the body in the blade area until you are sure the blade
has stopped rotating.

16. Use safe lifting practices when moving mower.

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

18. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use
care and good judgement. Contact Customer Support for
assistance or the name of the nearest service 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. 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
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.

3

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.

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 small children. Children are often attracted to the
mower and the mowing activity. Children younger than 10 years­old do not understand the dangers. Never assume that children
will remain where you last saw them.

1. Keep children younger than 10 years-old out of the
mowing area and under watchful care of a responsible
adult other than the operator.

2. Be alert and stop mowing if a child or others enter the area.

3. 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.

4. Never allow children under 10 years of age to operate this
machine. Children 10 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an
adult.

Service

1. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wear gloves, and use
extra caution when servicing them.

2. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.

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

Safety Symbols

This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine before attempting to assemble and operate.

Symbol Description

READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate

DANGER — ROTATING BLADES
To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away.

DANGER — BYSTANDERS
Do not mow when children or others are around.

4 Section 2 — impo rtant Safe operation practiceS

Assembly & Set-Up

Contents of Crate

• One Upper Handle • Two Mid Handles • One Lower Handle

• Six Carriage Bolts • Six Wing Knobs • Six Saddle Washers

• One Grass Catcher (Model 3100) • One Operator’s Manual • One Product Registration Card

Mower Set-Up

Attaching the Handle

1. Secure the upper handle to the mid handles with two
carriage bolts, two saddle washers and two wing knobs.
See Fig. 3-1.

3

Figure 3-1

2. Secure the handle assemb led in step 1 to the lower handle w ith
four carriage bolts, four saddle washers and four wing
knobs. See Fig. 3-2.

3. Position the complete handle assembly over the studs on
the rear of the mower frame. See Fig. 3-3.

Figure 3-2

Figure 3-3

5

Adjusting the Cutting Height

The cutting height can be adjusted to between approximately
/-inch and 2/-inches.

1. Move the right-hand height adjustment lever outward and

then position it forward (to lower the cutting height) or
rearward (to raise the cutting height) before releasing it
into the notch for your desired height. See Fig. 3-4.

Attaching the Grass Catcher (Model 3100)

1. Expand the grass catcher from its collapsed position by
opening up the hinges found on the inside of its frame.

2. Position the grass catcher hooks over the rod on the rear of
the mower. See Fig. 3-5.

Figure 3-5

Figure 3-4

2. Repeat Step 1 on the lef t-hand side making sure to release the
height adjustment lever into the corresponding notch.

3. Position the strap through the grass catcher’s handle and over

the mower’s lower handle crossbar to support the rear

of the grass catcher. See Fig. 3-6. Adjust the length of the
strap so that the bag is low to the ground but not dragging
on the ground.

Figure 3-6

6 Section 3 — ASSemb ly & Set-Up

Operation

Using Your Lawn Mower

Please observe the following when operating your reel mower.

• Be sure lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects

which could damage lawn mower or engine.

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.

• Mow the lawn when the grass is relatively dry. Attempting

to mow wet grass can result in an uneven cut.

• Maintain a consistent walking pace while pushing the

mower in straight passes.

• Slightly overlap each pass to even the cut and avoid leaving

uncut strips.

• Mow the lawn regularly, at least once a week during the

growing season. Mow more frequently than you would
with a conventional rotary lawn mower.

• Always mow with the blade height adjusted to cut no more

than / the total height of grass.

• If the height of your lawn’s grass exceeds four inches,

adjust the blade height to its highest position before
mowing. After mowing, readjust the blade to your
preferred cutting height and mow the lawn a second time
within the next one or two days.

4

Transporting the Mower

During normal operation, the blade reel will turn anytime the

mower’s front wheels are turning. To safely move the mower

from one location to another without the blade reel turning,
simply pivot the handle over the reel and push the mower
from the opposite side. See Fig. 4-1. Pushing the mower in this
manner (transport mode) prohibits the blade reel from turning.

Using Grass Catcher (Model 3100)

You can use the grass catcher to collect clippings while you are
operating the mower.

1. Attach grass catcher following instructions in the Assembly

& Set-Up section. Grass clippings will automatically collect
in catcher as you operate the mower. The faster you push
the mower, the more effectively it will collect clippings.

Operate the mower till grass catcher is full.

2. Remove the grass catcher’s strap from the lower handle’s

crossbar and lift the grass catcher up and away from the
mower to remove the bag. Dispose of the grass clippings
and reinstall the bag when complete.

WARNING: If you strike a foreign object,

thoroughly inspect mower for any damage. Repair
any damage before operating.

Figure 4-1

7

Maintenance & Adjustments

5

Maintenance

General Recommendations

• Always observe safety rules when performing any

maintenance.

• The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that

have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To
receive full value from warranty, operator must maintain
the lawn mower as instructed here.

• All adjustments should be checked at least once each

season.

• Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these are

tight.

• Regularly apply lubricant to mower’s cutting surfaces,

cutting reel axle shaft and wheels.

Cleaning the Mower

To prevent the build-up of grass clippings or other debris, clean
the mower by wiping it down with a damp cloth after each use.

• Scrape and clean the mower with a suitable tool (e.g. a

plastic scraper or brush).

• Do not use a pressure washer or garden hose to clean the

mower.

• Remove deposits from the wheel tread.

Adjustments

WARNING: Mower blades are sharp and can cut.

Wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
them. Any wheel rotation can cause the blade reel
to rotate.

Blade Clearance Adjustment

The blade reel is adjusted for proper clearance from the cutting
bar at the factory. However, after extended periods of mowing or
as part of annual maintenance, it is recommended that the blade
clearance be readjusted.

• If blade clearance is too wide, the cutting pattern will be
rough and uneven.

• If blade clearance is too narrow, the machine will be noisy
and difficult to push while operating.

To adjust blade clearance, proceed as follows:

1. Locate the adjustment bolts found on the underside of the
cutting bar on the rear of the mower.

2. Using a 13mm wrench, tighten the adjustment bolts (one
on each end) /-turn. See Fig. 5-1.

CAUTION: Do not overtighten the adjusting

screws, as this could damage the cutter bar. Tighten
both screws during final adjustment.

Blade Care

WARNING: Mower blades are sharp and can cut.

Wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
them.

Periodically sharpen the blades as follows:

1. Spread a thin layer of lapping compound (100 - 240 grit) on
the front edge of the reel blades.

2. Adjust the cutter bar so that the blade has light but firm
contact across the full width of the cutter bar. Refer to

Blade Clearance Adjustment later in this section.

3. Operate the mower on a paved surface until the front edge

of the cutter bar blade is polished.

4. Clean any grinding compound or debris from the cutter bar
blade, reel blade, pinions, and pawls.

Figure 5-1

8

3. To test for proper adjustment:

a. Lean the mower all the way back so that it’s resting

on the handle.

b. Use one hand to slowly rotate the wheel of the

mower, causing the blade reel to slowly turn. If the
wheel is too difficult to turn, slightly loosen each
adjustment screw.

c. While the blade reel is turning, insert a sheet of

paper between the blade reel and the cutting bar.
See Fig. 5-2. The paper should shear evenly along
the entire length of the cutter bar, as if being cut by

scissors. If the paper doesn’t shear, slightly tighten

each adjustment screw and repeat the test.

Figure 5-2

9Section 5 — Mainte nance & adjuStMentS

Models 15A-3000 & 15A3100

10

Models 15A-3000 & 15A-3100

Ref.

Part Number Description

1 720 -0 4167 Grip, Handle, 26 x 16 x 630

2 749 - 04 811 Handle, Upper

3 749 - 04812 Handle, Middle

4 720 -0 4169 Knob, Orange

5 749 - 04813 Handle, Lower (Model 3000)

5 749- 0 4 814 Handle, Lower (Model 3100)

6 710- 05321 Bolt, M6 x 35gb/T12

7 711-05531 Shaft, Rear, Black (Model 3000)

7 711-05533 Shaft, Rear, Black (Model 3100)

8 712- 04292 Nut, M8, Gb/T6172.2

9 736-04563 Washer, 17 x 8.2 x 1.2

10 711-05534 Pin, (Model 3000)

10 711-05535 Pin, (Model 3100)

11 710-05322 Screw, M8-16gbt70.2

12 787- 01986 Bracket, Rear, LH, Black

13 787-02085 Handle, Adjustment, RH, Orange

787-02084 Handle, Adjustment, LH, Orange

14 734-04605 Wheel, Rear

15 736-04564 Washer, 17 x 8.2 x 1.2

16 736-04565 Washer, Gb/T955

17 736-04566 Washer, 20 x 13 x 1

18 710-05323 Bolt, M8 x 24

19 787- 01965

19 787- 01967

20 712- 042 93 Nut, M8 x 1

21 732-04854 Spacer, 65mm, 17 x 4 x 48

Bracket, Lower Blade, Black
(Model 3000)

Bracket, Lower Blade, Black
(Model 3100)

Ref.

Part Number Description

22 710- 05324 Bolt, M8 x 1 x 65

23 736-04567 Washer, 25 x 6.5 x 1.5

24 710-05325 Bolt, M6x20, Gb/T5780

25 731-08254 Hub Cap

26 734- 04607 Wheel, Complete

27 787-01969 Bracket, Black

28 736-04568 Washer, Spacer, Gb/T7244

29 787- 01973 Bracket, Support, LH, Black

30 736-04569 Washer, 20x10.2x1.4

31 712- 0 4294 Nut, M10, Gb/T6172.2

32 7 17-0 4917 Gear, 41mm, Pa66

33 787-01976 Support, 19 x 10 x 5

34 736-04570 Washer, 34 x 15.5 x 1

35 741-04514 Bearing, 6002z

36 742-04362 Blade, Roller (Model 3000)

36 742- 0 4363 Blade, Roller (Model 3100)

37 787-01978 Shield, Deflector (Model 3000)

37 787-01980 Shield, Deflector (Model 3100)

38 787- 01982 Bracket, Support, RH, Black

39 711-05536 Axle, Wheel, 19x65.5

40 712-042 95 Nut, M8, Gb/T6170

41 710 - 05326 Bolt, M8x16gb/T5781

42 787-02083 Bracket, Adjustment, 9 Tooth

43 787-01988 Bracket, Rear, RH, Black

44 710- 05327 Bolt, M6x10 Gb/T5780

45 764- 0 4133 Grass Bag (Model 3100)

46 727- 0 4374 Strap, Grass Bag (Model 3100)

47 736-04573 Saddle Washer

11

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
and/or its territories and possessions, and by MTD Products Limited
with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in Canada and/
or its territories and possessions (either entity respectively, “MTD”).

“MTD” warrants this product (excluding its Normal Wear Parts and
Attachments as described below) against defects in material and
workmanship 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 par t, accessory or attachment not approved by MTD for use
with the product(s) covered by this manual will void your warranty as
to any resulting damage.

Normal Wear Parts are warranted to be free from defects in material
and workmanship for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of
purchase. Normal wear parts include, but are not limited to items
such as: batteries, belts, blades, blade adapters, tines, grass bags,
wheels, rider deck wheels, seats, snow thrower skid shoes, friction
wheels, shave plates, auger spiral rubber, engine oil, air filters, spark
plugs and tires.

Attachments — MTD warrants attachments for this product against
defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year,
commencing on the date of the attachment’s original purchase or
lease. Attachments include, but are not limited to items such as:
grass collectors and mulch kits.

HOW TO OBTAIN PARTS AND SERVICE: Warranty service is available,
WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE, through your local authorized service
dealer. To locate the dealer in your area:

In the U.S. A.

Check your Yellow Pages, or contact
Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019, or call 1-800-800-7310, 1-330-220­4683 or log on to our Web site at www.mtdproducts.com

In Canada

Contact MTD Products Limited, Kitchener, ON N2G 4J1, or call 1-800­668-1238 or log on to our Web site at www.mtdcanada.com.

This limited warranty does not provide coverage in the following
cases:

a. Log splitter pumps, valves, and cylinders have a separate one-

year warranty.

b. 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.

MTD LLC at P.O. Box 361131,

.

c. Service completed by someone other than an authorized service

dealer.

d. MTD does not extend any warranty for products sold or exported

outside of the United States and/or Canada, and their respective
possessions and territories, except those sold through MTD’s
authorized channels of export distribution.

e. Replacement parts that are not genuine MTD parts.

f. Transportation charges and service calls.

g. MTD does not warrant this product for commercial use.

No implied warranty, including any implied warranty of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, applies after
the applicable period of express written warrant y 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. 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 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 WARRANT Y: This limited
warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other
rights which vary from state to state.

IMPORTANT: Owner must present Original Proof of Purchase to
obtain warranty coverage.

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019; Phone: [phone]

MTD Canada Limited - KITCHENER, ON N2G 4J1; Phone [phone]

GDOC-100016 REV. C