Yard-Man 12A-263D701 Owner’s Manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Engine • Parts Lists • Warranty

A'rO A AL

22=inch Rotary Mower- Model 263

iMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: Thisunit isequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineandshouldnot beusedon or nearany unimprovedforest-covered,brush- coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwithasparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalorstatelaws(if any). If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbythe operator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw (Section4442ofthe CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.Asparkarrester forthe mufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,

Ohio44136-0019.

FORMNO.769-02337

PRINTEDIN U.S.A.

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

01/10/2006

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new lawn mower, it will help you assemble,

prepare, and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.

Table of Contents

Slope Gauge ....................................................... 3

Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4

Setup and Adjustment ....................................... 6

Operating Your Lawn Mower .............................. 8

Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10

MTDLLCreservestherighttochangeproductspecifications,designs,andequipmentwithoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation.

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREASSEMBLINGYOURNEW EQUIPMENT,please locatethe model plateon the equipmentandcopy the infor-

mationto the sample modelplate providedto the right. You can locatethe model plate by standing at the operatingposi-

tion and lookingdown atthe rearofthe deck.This information will be necessaryto use the manufacturer'sweb site, to obtain

assistancefromthe CustomerSupportDepartment,or when contactingan authorizedservicedealer.

Troubleshooting ................................................ 12

Safety Labels .................................................... 13

Parts List ........................................................... 14

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

Model Number Serial Number

,'_ IVITD LLC

www.yardman.com 330-220-4683

% J

P. O. BOX ;3611;31

CLEVELAND,OH 44136

800-800-731 0

Customer Support

Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was

purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.

Ifyou have difficultyassemblingthis productor have anyquestions regardingthe controls, operation,or maintenanceof this unit,youcanseek helpfromthe experts.Choosefrom the options below:

= Visit www.yardman.com. Click on theService & Supportmenuoption.

Ya_oMia_

Phonea CustomerSupport Representativeat 1-800-800-7310.

The engine manufacturer is responsiblefor all engine-relatedissueswith regardsto performance, power-rating,specifica- tions,warranty and service. Pleasereferto the engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packedseparatelywith your unit, for moreinformation.

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WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of its constituents, andcertain vehiclecompo- nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancer and

birth defects or other reproductiveharm.

DANGER: This machinewas built to beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operationin this manual.As with any type of powerequipment,carelessnessor error onthe part ofthe operatorcan result in seriousinjury.This machine is capable of amputatinghands andfeet andthrowingobjects.

Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injuryor death.

RNING

This symbol points out important safety

instructionswhich, if notfollowed, could

endangerthe personal

i safety and/or property

ofyourselfandothers. Readand follow all

instructionsinthis man- ualbeforeattempting to

operatethis machine. Failureto complywith

these instructionsmay

resultin personalinjury.

i When youseethis

symbol.

HEED iTS WARNING

Your

i Flesponsibility

I Restrictthe use i of this power machine

to personswho read.

understand

and followthewarnings

and instructions

in this manual

andon the machine.

Children

Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presence ofchildren.Childrenare oftenattractedtomowerand mowing activity.Theydo notunderstandthe dangers.Neverassume thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.

1. Keepchildrenoutof the mowingareaand underwatchful careof a responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.

2. Bealert andturnmoweroffif achildentersthearea.

3. Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown forsmallchildren.

4. Useextremecare whenapproachingblind corners, doorways,shrubs,trees,or otherobjectsthatmayobscure yourvisionofa childwhomayrunintothe mower.

5. Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycan sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.

6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operatea power mower.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthis manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbya parent.

General Operation

1. Readthis operator'smanualcarefullyin its entiretybefore attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,

andfollowall instructionsonthe machineandin the manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith

thecontrolsandthe properuseof this machinebefore operatingit.Keepthis manualin asafeplaceforfuture andregularreferenceandfororderingreplacementparts.

2. Thismachineisa precisionpieceof powerequipment, nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all times.Yourunithas beendesignedto performonejob: to mowgrass.Do notuseit for anyotherpurpose.

3. Neverallow childrenunder14yearsoldto operatethis machine.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand

understandthe instructionsinthis manualandshould betrainedandsupervisedbya parent.Onlyresponsible

individualswhoarefamiliarwiththese rulesof safe operationshouldbeallowedto usethis machine.

4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto beused.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,bones,toysand otherforeignobjectswhichcouldbetripped overor picked upandthrownbythe blade.Thrownobjectscancause seriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpatternto avoid dischargeof materialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystanders andthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainsta wallorobstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterial toricochetbacktowardtheoperator.

5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactora thrownobjectinjury, stayinoperatorzone behindhandlesandkeepchildren, bystanders,helpers,and petsat least75feet frommower whileit is inoperation.Stop machineifanyoneenters

area.

6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera- tionandwhileperforminganadjustmentor repairtoprotect youreyes.Thrownobjectswhich ricochetcancauseserious injurytothe eyes.

7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fitting slacksandshirts. Shirtsandpantsthatcoverthe armsand legsandsteel-toedshoesare recommended.Neveroperate thismachinein barefeet,sandals, slipperyor lightweight (e.g.canvas)shoes.

8. Do notputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor undercutting deck.Contactwithbladecan amputatehandsandfeet.

9. A missingor damageddischargecovercancause blade contactor thrownobject injuries.

10.Manyinjuriesoccuras a resultofthe mowerbeing pulled overthefoot duringafall causedby slippingortripping. Do notholdontothe mowerifyouarefalling;releasethe handleimmediately.

11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare walking.Ifyoumustbackthe mowerawayfromawallor obstructionfirstlookdownand behindtoavoidtrippingand thenfollowthesesteps:

a. Stepbackfrommowertofully extendyourarms. b. Besureyouare wellbalancedwithsurefooting.

c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,no morethanhalfway

towardyou.

d. Repeatthesestepsas needed.

12.Donotoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof alcoholordrugs.

13.Donotengage theself-propelledmechanismon unitsso equippedwhilestartingengine.

14.Thebladecontrolhandleis asafetydevice.Neverattempt tobypassitsoperation.Doingso makesthesafetydevice inoperativeandmayresult inpersonalinjurythrough contactwiththe rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandle mustoperateeasily in bothdirectionsandautomatically returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.

15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbesureof yourfooting. A slipand fallcancauseseriouspersonal injury.If youfeelyouare losingyourfooting,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe bladewillstop

rotatingwithinthreeseconds.

16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.

17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.

18.Iftheequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe engineandcheckimmediatelyfor the cause.Vibrationis generallya warningoftrouble.

19.Shutthe engineoff andwait untilthe bladecomesto a completestopbeforeremovingthe grasscatcheror unclog- gingthechute. Thecuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefora fewseconds

after theengineisshutoff. Neverplaceanypart ofthe body

inthebladearea untilyouare surethe bladehasstopped rotating.

20. Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,discharge cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandle,or othersafety

protectivedevicesin placeandworking.Neveroperate mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo socan resultin personalinjury.

21. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causeaburn.Do

nottouch.

22.Onlyuseparts andaccessoriesmadefor thismachineby

manufacturer.Failuretodo socanresult inpersonalinjury.

23. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis manual,

usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor

assistance.Telephone1-800-800-7310for the nameofyour

nearestdealer.

Slope Operation

Slopesare amajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidentswhich can resultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyon aslope,donotmowit.Foryour

safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartofthis manualto

measureslopesbeforeoperatingthisunitona slopedor hilly

area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan15degrees,donotmowit.

Do:

1. Mowacrossthe faceofslopes; neverup anddown. Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon

slopes.

2. Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks, hiddenobjects,or bumpswhich can causeyouto slipor trip. Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.

3. Alwaysbesureof yourfooting.A slip andfall cancause seriouspersonalinjury.If youfeelyouarelosingyour

balance,releasethebladecontrolhandleimmediately,and

the bladewill stoprotatingwithin 3seconds.

Do Not:

1. Donot mowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,where you couldloseyour footingorbalance.

2. Donot mowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownon the slopegauge.

3. Donot mowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcause slipping.

Service

Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:

1. To avoidpersonalinjuryorpropertydamageuseextreme care inhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable andthevaporsare explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan occurwhengasolineis spilledonyourselforyourclothes whichcanignite.

2. Wash yourskin andchangeclothesimmediately.

3. Useonly anapprovedgasolinecontainer.

4. Neverfill containersinsideavehicleoron atruckor trailer bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe

groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truck ortrailer

andrefuelit on theground.If thisis notpossible,thenrefuel suchequipmentonatrailerwitha portablecontainer,rather thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.

6. Keepthe nozzleincontactwiththe rimof thefueltank or

containeropeningat alltimesuntilfuelingis complete.Do

notuseanozzlelock-opendevice.

7. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesand othersources

of ignition.

8. Neverfuel machineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswill

accumulatein thearea.

9. Neverremovegascap oradd fuelwhileengineishot or running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwominutesbefore refueling.

10.Neveroverfillfueltank. Filltankto nomorethan Y2inch belowbottomoffiller neckto provideforfuelexpansion.

11.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

12.Ifgasolineis spilled,wipeitoff theengineand equipment. Moveunitto anotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestarting engine.

13.Neverstorethe machineorfuel containernearanopen flame,sparkor pilot lightas onawater heater,space heater,furnace,clothesdryer,orothergas appliances.

14.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass, leaves, orotherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand removeanyfuel soakeddebris.

15.Allowamowerto coolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.

GeneralService:

1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorin apoorlyventilatedarea. Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessand deadlygas.

2. Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspecting,makecertainthe bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe sparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengineto prevent unintendedstarting.

3. Checkthebladeandenginemountingboltsatfrequent intervalsfor propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefor damage(e.g.,bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewiththe originalequipmentmanufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listed inthismanual."Useof partswhichdo notmeetthe original equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformance andcompromisesafety!"

4. Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.Wrapthebladeor wear gloves,anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.

5. Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besurethe equip- mentis insafeworkingcondition.

6. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperopera- tionregularly.

7. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,discon- nectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengine. Thoroughlyinspectthemowerforanydamage.Repairthe damagebeforestartingandoperatingthemower.

8. Neverattempttomakeawheelorcuttingheightadjustment whiletheengineis running.

9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcould expose movingpartsor allowobjectsto bethrown.Forsafety protection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplaceim- mediatelywithoriginal equipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.) partsonly,listedinthis manual."Useof partswhich do notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"

10.Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingor overspeedthe engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating speedoftheengine.

11.Maintainorreplacesafetylabels,asnecessary.

12.Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improper disposaloffluidsand materialscanharmtheenvironment.

WARNING

Thissymbol points out importantsafety instructionswhich, if notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal safety and/or property

ofyourself andothers.

Readand followall

instructions inthisman- ual before attemptingto

operatethis machine.

Failureto comply with

these instructionsmay result in personalinjury. Whenyousee this

symbol.

HEED iTS WARNING

Your

Responsibility

Restrictthe use

ofthis powermachine

to personswho read.

understand

and followthe warnings

and instructions

inthis manual

and on the machine.

WARNING

Thechute retainermust

be removed and discarded before operatingthe

mower.

Eachendofthe lower handlemust be attached

to the handlemounting

brackets atthe same

position.

iMPORTANT:Thisunitis

shipped withoutgasoline or oil intheengine.FUl

up gasolineandoUas instructedinthe accom-

panyingenginemanual BEFOREoperatingyour

mower.

Figure3-1:Removeretainerfromundersideofchute.

Figure3-2:Unfoldhandleandtightenhardware.

1. Beforeassembling,removetheunit fromthecarton. a. Opencartonandremoveloosepartsincludedwith

unit.Donotcrimpcableswhileremovingloose partsortheentireunitfromthe carton.

b. Cutcornersandlaycartondownflat. Remove

packingmaterial.Rollor slideunit outof carton. Checkcartonthoroughlyforlooseparts.

2. For shippingpurposes,thechutedeflectoron your mowerisheldinan uprightpositionbya retainer.

Removetheretaineras follows: a. Pullchutedeflectorupandbacktowardsengine.

Holdingdeflectorin thisposition,removethe retaineranddiscard,Figure3-1.

b. Lowerthechutedeflectorcarefullykeepingyour

fingersoutof theway.

c. If wantingtosidedischargegrassclippings,remove

themulchplug. RefertotheAdjustmentsectionon thefollowingpagefor instructions.

_ WARNING:Thechuteretainermust be

removedanddiscarded before operating the

mower.

3. Performthefollowingsequenceforhandlesetup: a. Liftthe upperhandleupfromthefoldedposition

andpullit backto theextendedposition,Figure 3-2.The handleshouldclickintothisposition.

b. Makesurethecarriageboltis seatedproperlyin

thehandle.Tightenstarknobsto secureupper handletothe lowerhandle

4. Followthe stepsbelowto securethe lowerhandleto thehandlemountingbrackets:

a. Positioneachhandlebracketstudintothetop or

bottomholeinthe lowerhandle,Figure3-3.

b. Tightenthe starknobs.

Note:The handleheightmay be adjusted at anytime by moving the stud on eachbracketto the other hole

on eachside of the lower handle.

Figure3-3:Securelowerhandleto mountingbrackets. Figure3-4:Usecabletietosecurecablestolowerhandle.

Tosecurecablesto lowerhandle,wrapcablesaround lowerhandleusingthecabletie.Pullcabletie tight andtrimexcess,Figure3-4.

Followthestepsbelowto securetherecoilstarter, Figure3-5.

a. Holdthebladecontrolagainsttheupperhandle. b. Slowlypullstarterropeoutof engine.

c. Slipstarterropeintotheropeguide. d. Tightenropeguidewingnut.

Adjustments

Figure3-5:Pullrecoilstarterthroughropeguideandtighten.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Eachwheelhasa heightadjustmentlevertochangethe cuttingheightofthe mower.Followthe stepsbelowto adjustthecuttingheight.NOTE:All wheels must be movedtothe sameposition.Forroughor uneven lawns, movethe height adjustment leverto a higher

position.

1. Depressheightadjustmentlevertowardswheel, Figure3-6.

2. Slidelevertodesiredpositionfora changeincutting height.

3. Releaselevertowardsdeck.

Mulch Plug (if equipped)

Insteadof expellingtheclippingsfromthesidedischarge chute,the mowerhasthe optionof recirculatingthe clippingsbacktothe lawnby installingtheoptional

mulchingplug.

1. Liftupand holdthe sidedischargechute.Insertbot- tomlip ofthe mulchingpluginsidethe chuteopening,

Figure3-7.

2. Snaphookson the mulchingplugoverthe hingepin. Thehooksmustsnapintoplaceonthe hingepin,

lockingthe mulchingplugfirmlyontomower.Release

chutedeflector.

CUTTINGHEIGHT

Forroughor uneven lawns,movethe height adjustmentleverto a

higher position.Thiswill stopscalpingof grass.

MULCHPLUG(if equipped)

Forproperassembly, installbottom lip inside chuteopening before placinghooks overthe hinge pin.

IMPORTANT:Thisunit is shippedwithout gasoline

oroil inthe engine.Fill up gasoline and oil as

instructedinthe accom- panyingenginemanual

BEFOREoperatingyour mower.

Figure3-6:Usethe leverateachwheeltoadjustthecutting

height.

Figure3-7:Installtheoptionalmulchplugtousethe moweras

a mulcher.

Drive Control

Your Lawn

Mower

WARNING

Theblade controlis a safetydevice.Never

attemptto bypassits operations.

Useextremecarewhen

i handlinggasoline.

Gasolineisextremely flammable andthe vapors areexplosive.Neverfuel

the machineindoorsor whUethe engineis hot

i or running.Extinguish

cigarettes,cigars,pipes

and other sourcesof

i ignition.

i Keephandsandfeet

awayfromthe chutearea on cuttingdeck.Referto warninglabelon the unit.

Recoil Starter

HeightAdjustment Levers(oneateach wheel)

Figure4-1:The majorcomponentsonthe mower.

Nowthatyouhavesetupyourlawnmowerforoperation,it'simportanttobecomeacquaintedwithits controlsand features.

Blade Control

Thebladecontrolis attachedtothe upperhandleof themower.Depressand squeezeitagainsttheupper handletooperatetheunit. Releaseittostopengineand

blade.

Cutting Height Adjustment Levers

Oneadjustmentleverislocatedat eachwheelandis usedto adjustthecuttingheight.All fourleversmustbe movedtothe samepositiontoensurea uniformcut.

Recoil Starter

Therecoilstarteris attachedtotherightupperhandle.

_lll ARNING:Thisbladecontrolmechanismis

a safetydevice.Neverattemptto bypassits

operations.

Drive Control

Thedrivecontrolislocatedonthe undersideofthe upperhandleand isusedtoengagethe drive.Squeeze

itagainstthe upperhandleto engagethedrive; release itto slowdownor stopthe mowerfrompropelling.

Standbehindthe unitand pullthe recoilstarterropeto startthe unit.

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

Referto the enginemanualfor instructions.

1. Checkoillevelandaddoilif necessary.

2. Servicethe enginewithgasoline.

Mulch Plug (if equipped)

insteadof collectingthegrassclippingsinthegrass catcher,yourmowerhas theoptionof recirculatingthe clippingsbacktothe lawn.installthemulchplugby followingtheinstructionsintheSetupsection.

WARNING:Useextremecarewhenhandling

gasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable and thevaporsare explosive.Neverfuel the machine indoorsor while the engineishotor running.Extin- guish cigarettes,cigars,pipesandother sourcesof

ignition.

_ ARNING:Theoperationof any lawnmower

can result inforeign objects being thrown

intothe eyes,whichcandamageyoureyesseverely. Alwayswearsafetyglasseswhileoperatingthe mower,orwhile performingany adjustmentsor repairson it.

Starting Engine

,d_lL WARNING:Besureno one otherthanthe

operatorisstandingnearthe lawnmower

whilestartingengineor operatingmower.Never runengineindoorsorin enclosed,poorly ventilated areas.Engine exhaustcontainscarbon monoxide, an odorlessanddeadly gas. Keephands,feet, hair and looseclothing awayfrom any movingpartson engine

and lawnmower.

1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwoseconds betweeneachpush,Figure4-2.In temperature around55°Forbelow,primefivetimes.Do notprime to restarta warmengine.

2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol againstupperhandle,Figure4-2.

3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasp recoil starterhandleand pullropeout witha rapid,continu- ous,fullarm stroke,Figure4-2.Keepinga firmgripon thestarterhandle,letthe roperewindslowly.Repeat untilenginecranks.Letthe roperewindeachtime slowly.

Stopping Engine

Releasebladecontroltostoptheengineand blade.

Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand

groundagainsttheengine.

Figure4-2:Thestepsinvolvedinstartingtheengine.

Using Your Lawn Mower

Besurelawnisclearofstones,sticks,wire,orother objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmoweror engine.

Suchobjectscouldbeaccidentlythrownbythemower inanydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjuryto the operatorandothers.

_bk WARNING:ifyou strike aforeign object,

stop the engine. Removewire from the spark plug,thoroughly inspectmower for any damage, and repair damagebefore restarting and operating. Extensive vibration of mowerduring operation is an

indicationof damage.The unit should be promptly inspectedand repaired.

Your LaWn

MoWer

WARNING

The operationofany

lawnmower canresult inforeign objectsbeing

thrown intothe eyes, which candamageyour eyesseverely.Always

wearsafety glasses whUe operatingthe mower,

or while performingany adjustments or repairs

on it.

,_ WARNING:Waitfor the blade to stopcom-

pletelybefore performingany work on the

mower.

1. Oncetheengineisrunning,squeezethedrive

controlagainsttheupperhandleto propelmower.

* Forbestresults,donotcut wetgrass. * Forahealthierlawn,nevercutoffmorethanone-

thirdof thetotallengthofthe grass.

Using as Mulcher

Formulchinggrass,installmulchplugfollowingthe instructionsin the Setupsection.

* Foreffectivemulching,donotcut wetgrass. * Newor thickgrassmayrequireanarrowercut.

Adjustgroundspeedaccordingtoconditionoflawn.

* If thegrasshasbeenallowedto growinexcessof

fourinches,mulchingisnotrecommended.

Besure no one otherthan theoperator is standing nearthe lawn mower

whilestartingengineor operatingmower.Never run engine indoorsor inenclosed,poorly ventilatedareas.Engine

exhaustcontainscarbon

monoxide,an odorless and deadlygas.Keep hands,feet, hair and loose clothingawayfrom anymoving partson engine and lawnmower.

Deck Care

_ ARNING:Nevertipthemower morethan90°

inanydirectionanddonotleavethemower

tippedfor any lengthof time.Oil can drain intothe upper partof the enginecausing a startingproblem.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn mower,or placea pieceof plasticunderthegascap.

2. Tip mowersothat it restsonthe housing.Keepthe sidewiththe aircleanerfacingup. Holdmowerfirmly.

3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwitha suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.

4. Putthemowerbackonitswheelsonthe ground.If youhadput plasticunderthe gascapearlier,make

sureto removeitnow.

WARNING

Alwaysstopenginel disconnect spark plug

andgroundagainst

engine before performing

any typeof maintenance

Donotuseapressure

washer orgardenhose

to cleanyour unit. These

may causedamageto

electriccomponents,

spindles, pulleys bear,

rags,ortheengine.The useofwaterw resutn

shortenedlifeandreduce

serViceability'

Figure5-1:Areasto lubricateonmower.

General

Recommendations

Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming anymaintenance.

Thewarrantyon thislawnmowerdoesnotcover itemsthathavebeensubjectedto operatorabuse ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty, operatormustmaintainthelawn moweras

instructedhere.

• Changingofengine-governedspeedwillvoid enginewarranty.

• Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce eachseason.

• Periodicallycheckallfastenersandmakesurethese aretight.

_ ARNING:Always stop engine, disconnect

sparkplug,and ground against engine

before performinganytype of maintenance.

Lubrication

• Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolanddrive controlatleastoncea seasonwithlightoil. These controlsmustoperatefreelyinbothdirections, Figure5-1.

• Lubricatethewheelsatleastonceaseasonwith lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany

reason,lubricatesurfaceof thepivotarm andinner surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil, Figure5-1.

• Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointoneach endofthe sidedischargechuteperiodicallywithlight oilto preventrust,Figure5-1.

• Thetransmissionispre-lubricatedandsealedatthe factoryanddoesnot requirelubrication.

• Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforengine lubricationinstructionsand schedule.

Engine Care

Referto the engine manualfor specific instructions.

• Maintainoil levelasinstructedin enginemanual.

• Serviceaircleanerevery25hoursundernormal conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely dustyconditions.

• Cleansparkplugandresetthegaponceaseason. Checkenginemanualforcorrectplugtype andgap specifications.

• Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleanto permit properaircirculation.Removeall grass,dirt, and

combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.

Blade Care

_ ARNING:When removingcuttingblade

for sharpeningor replacement, protectyour

handswith a pair of heavygloves or usea heavy rag to hold blade.

1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn moweronitssidemakingsurethatthe air filterand thecarburetorare facingup.

2. Removebolt,bellbladesupport,andbladefromthe enginecrankshaft,Figure5-2.

3. Thebladecanbesharpenedwitha fileoronagrind-

ingwheel.Donotattemptto sharpenthebladewhile itis stillonthemower.Whensharpeningblade,follow

originalangleofgrindand removemetalfromthe heavysideuntilitbalancesevenly.Balancetheblade

ona roundshaftscrewdrivertocheckforbalance. Grindcuttingedgesequallyto keepbladebalanced.

,_ WARNING:An unbalanced blade will cause

excessivevibration whenrotating at high speeds.It maycausedamageto mower and could breakcausing personal injury.

4. Placethebladeon the adaptersuchthatthe side ofthe blademarked"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber) facesthe groundwhenthe mowerisin theoperating position.Makesurethatthebladeis alignedand seatedon thebladeadapterflanges.

5. Placebell bladesupportonthe blade.Alignnotches on thesupportwithsmallholeson blade.Replacehex boltandtightenhex boltto torque:450in.Ibs.rain.,

600 in.Ibs.max.

Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically checkthe bladeboltfor correcttorque.

Changing the Belt

1. Removethefrontdrivecoverbyslidingoffthe two plasticrivetson eachside ofthecoverwitha screwdriver,Figure5-3.

2. Unhooktheextensionspringfromtheheightadjust- mentplate,Figure5-3.Thiswill loosenthetensionon

thebelt.

3. Pushtransmissionup a littleandslidebeltoffthe transmissionpulley,Figure5-3.

4. Liftmowerto accessbeltfromundersideof mower. Slidebeltoffof enginepulleyandaroundthe blade,

Figure5-4.

5. Replacewithnewbelt,workingaroundblade.Make surebelt isfirmly seatedon enginepulleywhilepulling fromtheothersideand slidingit aroundthetransmis- sionpulley.

6. Putthemowerdownwith allfourwheelsfirmly placed on onelevel.Reattachtheextensionspringand

reassemblethe frontdrivecover.

Off-Season Storage

Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakento prepareyourlawn mowerforstorage.

• Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribed in thelubricationinstructions.Do notusea pressure washeror gardenhoseto cleanyour unit.

• Refertoenginemanualforcorrectenginestorage instructions.

• Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto preventrusting.

• Store mowerin a dry,cleanarea. Donotstorenextto corrosivematerials,suchas fertilizer.

Whenstoringany typeofpowerequipmentina poorly ventilatedormetalstorageshed,care shouldbetakento

rust-proofthe equipment.Usingalight oilor silicone,coat theequipment,especiallycablesandall movingpartsof yourlawnmowerbeforestorage.

Blade

Screw_ 8

Figure5-2:Removebolt,bellbladesupport,andblade.

Figure5-3:Removecover,unhookspring,andpullbeltoffof pulley.

Figure5-4:Removebeltfromaroundtheblade.

Adapter

BellBladeSupport

Maintaining

WAR N!NG

Whenremoving the

cuttingblade or when slidingthe belt around it, protectyour handswith

a pairof heavyglovesor use a heavyrag to hold

the blade,

An unbalancedblade willcauseexcessive

vibrationwhenrotating at highspeeds, it may causedamage to mower and couldbreakcausing personalinjury.

Problem Cause Remedy

Enginefailsto start I ii Biadecontroldisengaged. Engage bladecontro!.

sparkplugWiredisconnected: i 21 c0nnect wireto sPa[kpiugl

For repairs beyond

the minor adjustments

listedhere, contact

an authorized service

!iiii iLi i iiiii I

Engineruns erratic

1. Sparkplugwireloose.

2. Blockedfuel lineor stalefuel.

3. Ventingascap plugged.

4. Wateror dirt infuel system.

5. Dirtyair cleaner.

6. Carburetorout ofadjustment.

1. Connectandtightensparkplugwire.

2. Cleanfuelline; filltank withclean, freshgasoline.

3. Clearvent.

4. Drainfueltank. Refillwithfreshfuel.

5. Referto enginemanual.

6. Referto enginemanual.

Engineoverheats 1. Engineoil levellow. 1. Fillcrankcasewithproperoil

I 2. Airflowrestricted. 2. Removeblowerhousing I andclean.

I 3. Carburetornotadjustedpropery. 3. Referto engne manua.

I I

Occasionalskips 1. Sparkpluggap tooclose. 1. Adjust gapto .030".

(hesitates)at 2. Carburetoridlemixtureadjustment 2. Referto enginemanual.

highspeed improperlyset.

Idlesnoorlv 1 Sparkplugfouled,faultyor gap I 1. Resetgapto .030"or replace

r i I too wide. sparkplug.

I 2. Carburetorimproperlyadjusted. 2 Referto enginemanual.

3. Drtyarceaner, . 3. Refertoengnemanua.

i_i i i ii i i i

Excessive 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tighten bladeandadapter.Balance

Vibration blade.

2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. See anauthorizedservicedealer.

Mowerwillnot I 1. Wetgrass. 1. Donot mowwhengrassis wet;wait

much _rass' f i , untillatertocut,

E uy _d,t I 2. Excessivelyhighgrass. I 2. Mowonce atahigh cuttingheight

q PP ) I then mowagainat desiredheightor

I I makea narrowercuttingpath, I 3. Dub ado. 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.

Unevencut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsin same

heightposition.

2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.

Mowerwillnot I 1. Belt notinstalledproperly. I 1. Checkbeltfor properpuley installation

seIfpropeI ' andmovement.

I 2. Debrsclogg ngdriveoperation. 2, Stop engine,disconnectsparkplug I wireand cleanoutdebris. . 3. Damagedorworn belt. . 3. Inspectand replacebelt.

Safety Labels Found On Your Lawn Mower

Safety

WARNING

DO NOT remove safety

(or any)labels from

mowerfor any reason,

1 747-1161A BladeControl 2 746-1114 ControlCable50.56-inch 3 725-0157 CableTie

4 631-04045 MulchPlug 5 731-1035B SideDischargeChute

6 17032A ChuteDeflectorAdapter 7 732-1014 TorsionSpring 8 747-0710 HingePin 9 931-1034B SideDischargeChuteAssy

10 7510042823 ShoulderScrew#10x .457 11 731-04525 EngineShroud

12 687-02051 LeverAssembly 13 682-3065 HandleBracketAssy- LH

14 732-04049 ExtensionSpring 15 987-02141 LeverAssembly- RH 16 717-1761 SpurGear-LH 17 782-0585A HeightAdjustmentPlate- LH

18 731-04636 TransmissionCover 19 750-04407 SleeveSpacer.550x2.22

20 618-04375 Transmission22-inch 21 750-04406A SleeveSpacer.550x8.51

22 716-0198 RetentionRing 23 748-0390 BearingSpacer

24 754-04100 V-Belt 25 748-04016A BladeAdapter

26 710-1044 HHCap Screw3/8-24x 1.50 27 736-0524B BellBladeSupport 28 742-0742A 22-inchMulchingBlade

29 782-0584 HeightAdjustmentPlate- RH 30 728-0199 PlasticRivet

31 687-02139 PivotArm Assembly 32 732-1026 SpringLever 33 736-0741 BellWasher.760x 1.25x.041 34 731-04643 WheelDustCover

35 715-0221 DowelPin3/16x.75 36 717-1762 SpurGear- RH

37 716-0865 SnapRing.500 38 634-04100 Wheel8 x 1.8SPKBARFWD

39 712-04065 FlangeLockNut3/8-16 40 720-0426 HeightAdjustmentKnob

41 710-0216 HHCap Screw3/8-16x.75 42 748-0455 BearingSupport

43 741-0710 SleeveBearing502x .627x 1 44 710-0599 TT Screw1/4-20x .500

45 736-0270 BellWasher.265x .75x.062 46 710-0654A TT Screw3/8-16x 1

47 682-3064 HandleBracketAssy-RH 48 741-0751 HeightAdjustmentBearing 49 738-1173 ShoulderScrew.75x .625 50 734-04087 Wheel8 x 1.8SPOKEBAR

51 687-02094 PivotArm Assembly 52 687-02046 22-inchSide DischargeDeck 53 17098 HingeClip

54 731-04019 Trailshield 55 720-0408 StarKnob 56 749-04037 LowerHandle

57 710-1174 CarriageBolt5/16-18x2 58 710-1205 EyeBolt

59 720-0279 HandleKnob 60 749-1092A UpperHandle

61 747-1214 DriveControl

Parts List

Toorder

replacement parts;

contact

1:8ooL8oo.73 o

orvisit

wwwiyar man:co.

IMPORTANT:For a proper

workingmachine,use

FactoryApprovedParts.

V-BELTSare specially

designedto engage and

disengagesafely.A

substitute(non-OEM)

V-Beltcanbe dangerous

by not disengaging

completely.

MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR

Thelimitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenby MTDLLCwithrespectto newmerchandisepurchasedandusedin the UnitedStates,itsposses-

sionsandterritories. "MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsin materialandworkmanship

fora periodof two(2) yearscommencingonthedateoforiginalpurchase andwill,atits option,repairor replace,freeofcharge,anypartfoundto bedefectiveinmaterialsorworkmanship.Thislimitedwarrantyshallonly applyif this producthasbeenoperatedandmaintainedinaccordance withtheOperator'sManualfurnishedwiththeproduct,andhasnotbeen subjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,accident,improper maintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft,fire,water,ordamagebecause ofotherperilor naturaldisaster.Damageresultingfromthe installationor useof anypart,accessoryorattachmentnotapprovedbyMTDfor use withtheproduct(s)coveredbythis manualwillvoidyourwarrantyasto anyresultingdamage. Normalwearpartsarewarrantedto befreefromdefectsinmaterialand workmanshipfora periodof thirty(30)daysfromthe dateof purchase. Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuchas: batteries, belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,snow throwerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires. NOWTOOBTAINSERVICE:Warrantyserviceisavailable,WITH PROOFOFPURCHASE,throughyourlocalauthorizedservicedealer.To locatethedealerin yourarea,checkyourYellowPages,orcontactMTD

LLCat RO.Box361131,Cleveland,Ohio44136-0019,or call1-800-800- 7310or logon toourWebsiteatwww.mtdproducts.com.

Thislimitedwarrantydoesnot providecoverageinthefollowingcases: a. Theengineor componentpartsthereof.Theseitemsmaycarrya

separatemanufacturer'swarranty.Refertoapplicablemanufacturer's warrantyfortermsandconditions.

b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershavea separateoneyear

warranty.

c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchaslubricants,filters,blade

sharpening,tune-ups,brakeadjustments,clutchadjustments,deck adjustments,andnormaldeteriorationof theexteriorfinishdueto use

orexposure.

d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthananauthorizedservice

dealer.

e. MTDdoesnotextendanywarrantyforproductssoldor exported

outsideofthe UnitedStates,itspossessionsandterritories,except thosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorizedchannelsofexportdistribution.

f. Replacementpartsthatarenot genuineMTDparts. g. Transportationchargesandservicecalls.

No impliedwarranty,includinganyimpliedwarranty of merchant- ability of fitness for a particularpurpose,applies afterthe applicable periodof expresswritten warranty aboveas to the partsas identi- fied. Noother expresswarranty, whether written or oral, exceptas mentionedabove,givenby any personor entity,includingadealer or retailer,with respect to anyproduct,shallbind MTD.Duringthe periodof the warranty, the exclusive remedyisrepairor replacement of the productas set forth above. Theprovisionsas set forth inthis warranty providethe sole and exclusive remedyarising fromthe sale. MTDshall not be liable for incidentalorconsequential loss or damage including,without limitation, expensesincurredfor substitute or replacementlawncare services or for rentalexpenses to temporarily replaceawarranted

product.

Somestatesdo not allowtheexclusionorlimitationofincidentalor consequentialdamages,or limitationson howlonganimpliedwarranty

lasts,sothe aboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplyto you.

Innoeventshall recoveryof anykind begreaterthantheamountof the purchasepriceof theproductsold.Alterationof safetyfeatures of the productshall void this warranty. Youassumetheriskandliabilityfor loss,damage,orinjurytoyouandyourpropertyand/ortoothersandtheir propertyarisingout ofthe misuseorinabilityto usetheproduct. Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendto anyoneotherthanthe original purchaseror tothe personforwhomitwaspurchasedasa gift.

HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHISWARRANTY: Thislimitedwar-

rantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalso haveotherrights whichvaryfromstateto state. IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofofPurchasetoobtain warrantycoverage.

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136-0019; Phone: 1-800-800-7310

Yard-Man 12A-263D701 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual