Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips & Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
OF A 'rO
AL
f
21" Rotary Mower- Model Series 440
iMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush-
coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).
If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderby theoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw
(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester
forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contactthe servicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,
Ohio44136-0019.
FORMNO.769-00540G
PRINTEDIN U.S.A.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
12/2005
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
Slope Gauge ....................................................... 3
Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4
Setup and Adjustment ....................................... 6
Operating Your Lawn Mower .............................. 8
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower ......................... 10
Finding and Recording
BEFOREYOUSTARTASSEMBLING
YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,
please locatethe modelplate onthe equipmentand copythe
informationtothe sample modelplate providedtothe right.
Youcan locatethe model plate by standing at the operating
position and lookingdown atthe rear of the deck. This
informationwill be necessaryto usethe manufacturer'sweb
site and/or obtain assistancefrom theCustomerSupport
Departmentor an authorizedservice dealer.
Contents
Trouble Shooting .............................................. 12
Off-Season Storage / Safety Labels ................ 13
Parts List ........................................................... 14
Warranty ............................................................ 16
Model Number
Model Number
www.yardman.com 330-220-4683
Serial Number
P. O. BOX :361131
CLEVELAND,OH44136
800-800-731 0
Customer Support
Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
If you havedifficulty assemblingthis product or haveany questions regardingthe controls, operation,or maintenanceof this
unit,youcan seek helpfrom the experts. Choose from the options below:
1. Visit mtdproducts.com. Click on the Service& Support menu option.
2. Phonea Customer Support Representative at 1 (800) 800-7310.
3. Theengine manufacturer isresponsiblefor allengine-relatedissueswith regards to performance,power-rating,
specifications,warrantyand service. Please referto the engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator'sManual,packed
separatelywithyour unit, for more information.
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WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of its constituents,andcertain vehicle compo-
nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand
birth defects or other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: This machinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operation in this
manual.As with anytypeof power equipment,carelessnessor error on the part of the operator can
result in seriousinjury.This machine iscapableof amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.
Failureto observethe followingsafetyinstructionscould result in serious injury or death.
RNING
This symbol points
i out important safety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed, could
endangerthe personal
i safetyand/or property
I ofyourselfand others.
Readand follow all
instructionsinthis man-
ualbefore attempting to
operatethis machine.
Failureto complywith
these instructionsmay
i resultin personal injury.
i When youseethis
_symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
i of this powermachine
i to personswho read,
understand
andfollow the warnings
and instructions
inthis manual
andon the machine.
Children
Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalertto presence
ofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtomowerandmowing
activity.Theydonot understandthe dangers.Neverassume
thatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsawthem.
1. Keepchildrenoutof the mowingareaandunderwatchful
careof a responsibleadultotherthanthe operator.
2. Bealert andturn moweroff if a childentersthearea.
3. Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddown
forsmallchildren.
4. Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,
doorways,shrubs,trees,or otherobjectsthatmayobscure
yourvisionofachild whomayrunintothe mower.
5. Keepchildrenawayfromhotorrunningengines.Theycan
sufferburnsfroma hotmuffler.
6. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operateapower
mower.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand
understandoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesinthis
manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbya parent.
General Operation
1. Readthis operator'smanualcarefullyin its entiretybefore
attemptingtoassemblethismachine.Read,understand,
andfollowall instructionsonthemachineandin the
manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletelyfamiliarwith
thecontrolsandthe properuseofthis machinebefore
operatingit.Keepthis manualin asafeplaceforfuture
andregularreferenceandfor orderingreplacementparts.
2. Thismachineisaprecisionpieceof powerequipment,
nota plaything.Therefore,exerciseextremecautionat all
times.Yourunithas beendesignedto performonejob: to
mowgrass.Do notuseitfor anyotherpurpose.
3. Neverallow childrenunder 14yearsoldto operatethis
machine.Children14yearsoldand overshould readand
understandthe instructionsinthismanualandshould
betrainedand supervisedbya parent.Onlyresponsible
individualswhoarefamiliarwiththeserulesofsafe
operationshouldbeallowedto usethis machine.
4. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto
beused.Removeallstones,sticks,wire,bones,toysand
otherforeignobjectswhichcouldbetrippedoverorpicked
upandthrownby the blade.Thrownobjectscancause
seriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpatternto avoid
dischargeof materialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystanders
andthe like.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainsta
wallorobstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterial
toricochetbacktowardtheoperator.
5. Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,
stayinoperatorzone behindhandlesand keepchildren,
bystanders,helpers,and petsat least75feetfrommower
whileitis inoperation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters
area.
6. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringopera-
tionandwhile performinganadjustmentor repairto protect
youreyes.Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseserious
injurytothe eyes.
7. Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesand close-fitting
slacksandshirts. Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthe armsand
legsandsteel-toedshoesarerecommended.Neveroperate
thismachinein barefeet,sandals,slipperyorlightweight
(e.g.canvas)shoes.
8. Do notputhandsorfeet nearrotatingpartsor undercutting
deck.Contactwithbladecanamputatehandsandfeet.
9. A missingor damageddischargecovercancauseblade
contactor thrownobject injuries.
10.Manyinjuriesoccuras a resultofthemowerbeing pulled
overthefoot duringa fall causedbyslippingor tripping.
Do notholdontothe mowerifyouarefalling;releasethe
handleimmediately.
11.Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyouwhileyouare
walking.Ifyoumust backthe mowerawayfroma wallor
obstructionfirstlookdownandbehindtoavoidtrippingand
thenfollowthesesteps:
a. Stepbackfrommowertofullyextendyourarms.
b. Besure youarewellbalancedwithsurefooting.
c. Pullthe mowerbackslowly,no morethan half way
towardyou.
d. Repeatthesestepsas needed.
12.Donotoperatethe mowerwhileunderthe influenceof
alcoholordrugs.
13.Donotengage theself-propelledmechanismon unitsso
equippedwhilestartingengine.
14.Thebladecontrolhandleisasafetydevice.Neverattempt
tobypassitsoperation.Doingso makesthe safetydevice
inoperativeandmayresult in personalinjurythrough
contactwiththe rotatingblade.Thebladecontrolhandle
mustoperateeasily in bothdirectionsandautomatically
returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.
15.Neveroperatethe mowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbesureof
yourfooting. A slipandfall cancauseseriouspersonal
injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourfooting,releasethe
bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyand the bladewillstop
rotatingwithinthreeseconds.
16.Mowonlyin daylightor goodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.
17.Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.
18.Iftheequipmentshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe
engineandcheckimmediatelyforthe cause.Vibrationis
generallya warningoftrouble.
19.Shutthe engineoff andwaituntilthebladecomesto a
completestopbeforeremovingthegrasscatcheror unclog-
gingthechute.
4
The cuttingbladecontinuesto rotatefor a fewsecondsafter
the engineisshutoff.Neverplaceany partofthe bodyin
the bladearea untilyou are surethe blade hasstopped
rotating.
20. Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,discharge
cover,grasscatcher,bladecontrolhandle,or othersafety
protectivedevicesin placeandworking.Neveroperate
mowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failuretodo so can
resultin personalinjury.
21. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causeaburn.Do
nottouch.
22.Onlyusepartsand accessoriesmadeforthis machineby
manufacturer.Failuretodo so canresultinpersonalinjury.
23. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis manual,
usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealerfor
assistance.Telephone1-800-800-7310for the nameofyour
nearestdealer.
Slope Operation
Slopesare amajorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidentswhich
can resultinsevereinjury.Operationonslopesrequiresextra
caution.Ifyoufeeluneasyona slope,do notmowit.Foryour
safety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartof this manualto
measureslopesbeforeoperatingthis unitonaslopedor hilly
area.Iftheslopeisgreaterthan 15degrees,donot mowit.
Do:
1. Mowacrossthefaceofslopes; neverup anddown.
Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirectionon
slopes.
2. Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks, hiddenobjects,or bumpswhich
can causeyouto slipor trip.Tallgrass canhideobstacles.
3. Alwaysbesureofyourfooting.A slip andfallcancause
seriouspersonalinjury.Ifyoufeelyouare losingyour
balance,releasethebladecontrolhandleimmediately,and
the bladewill stoprotatingwithin 3seconds.
Do Not:
1. Donot mowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments,where
you couldloseyourfootingor balance.
2. Donot mowslopesgreaterthan 15degreesasshownon
the slopegauge.
3. Donot mowon wetgrass.Unstablefootingcouldcause
slipping.
Service
Safe HandlingOf Gasoline:
1. To avoidpersonalinjury orpropertydamageuseextreme
care inhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable
andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan
occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselforyourclothes
whichcanignite.
2. Wash yourskin andchangeclothesimmediately.
3. Useonly anapprovedgasolinecontainer.
4. Neverfillcontainersinsideavehicleoron atruckor trailer
bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe
groundawayfromyourvehicle beforefilling.
5. Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck ortrailer
andrefuelit onthe ground.Ifthis is notpossible,thenrefuel
suchequipmenton a trailerwitha portablecontainer,rather
thanfroma gasoline dispensernozzle.
6. Keepthe nozzleincontactwiththe rimofthefueltank or
containeropeningat alltimesuntil fuelingis complete.Do
notuseanozzlelock-opendevice.
7. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars, pipesandothersources
ofignition.
8. Neverfuel machineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswill
accumulatein thearea.
9. Neverremovegascap oraddfuelwhileengineishot or
running. Allowengineto coolatleasttwo minutesbefore
refueling.
10.Neveroverfillfueltank.Filltankto nomorethanY2inch
belowbottomoffiller neckto providefor fuelexpansion.
11.Replacegasolinecap andtightensecurely.
12.Ifgasolineis spilled,wipeitoff theengineandequipment.
Moveunitto anotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestarting
engine.
13.Neverstorethe machineorfuel containernearanopen
flame,sparkor pilot lightasona waterheater,space
heater,furnace,clothesdryer,orothergasappliances.
14.Toreducefire hazard,keepmowerfreeof grass,leaves,
orotherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand
removeanyfuel soakeddebris.
15.Allowa mowertocool at least5 minutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService:
1. Neverrunanengineindoorsorina poorlyventilatedarea.
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessand
deadlygas.
2. Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspecting,makecertainthe
bladeandall movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthe
sparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe engineto 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. Neverattemptto makeawheelor cuttingheightadjustment
whiletheengineis running.
9. Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrail
shieldaresubjecttowear anddamagewhichcouldexpose
movingpartsor allowobjectsto bethrown.Forsafety
protection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplaceim-
mediatelywithoriginal equipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)
partsonly,listedinthis manual."Useofpartswhich do
notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"
10.Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingor overspeedthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperating
speedoftheengine.
11.Maintainorreplacesafetylabels,asnecessary.
12.Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improper
disposaloffluidsand materialscanharmtheenvironment.
Practices
WARNING
Thissymbol points
out importantsafety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safety and/or property
of yourselfand others.
Readand followall
instructions inthis man-
ual before attemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failuretocomply with
these instructionsmay
result in personalinjury.
Whenyou see this
symbol.
HEED iTS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read,
understand
and follow thewarnings
and instructions
inthis manual
and on the machine.
5
NOTE:Standbehind
themowerasifyou
i weregoingtooperate
i it.Yourrighthandcot-
} respondstotheright
sideofthemower:your
i lefthandcorresponds
totheleftsideofthe
mower.
IMPORTANT
i DONOTcrimpthe
cableswhenliftingthe
handleup.
Step 1
HardwarePack
Wing Nuts (2) CarriageBolts(2)
1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetween
upperandlowerhandles.
a. Pullupand backon upperhandleasshownin
Step1.Makecertainthe lowerhandleis seated
securelyintothehandlemountingbrackets.
b. Tightenhandknobssecuringupperhandleto
lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriageboltis
seatedproperlyinthehandle.
2. Locatehairpinclip inone holeon theweldpinon each
sideof lowerhandle.
a. Removehairpinclipfromthis hole.Usingapairof
pliers,inserthairpinclipintotheotherholeon the
weldpin. Repeaton otherside.
b. Insertacarriageboltfromthehardwarepackinto
theupperholeonthehandlemountingbracket.
Securewithone plasticwingnut,alsoincluded
inthehardwarepack.Repeatonothersidewith
remainingitemsfromhardwarepack.
.
Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe
upperhandle.Loosenthewingnutwhichsecuresthe
ropeguide.
a. Holdthebladecontrolagainstupperhandle.
b. Pullstarterropeoutofthe engine.Releasethe
bladecontrol.
c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.Tightenwingnut.
4. Insertpostoncabletiesintoholes providedon the
lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.
IMPORTANT
I Thisunitisshipped
withoutgasolineor
oilintheengine.Fill
upgasolineandoil
asinstructedinthe
accompanyingengine
manualBEFORE
i operatingyourmower.
Step 2
Step 3 Step 4
6
5. An adjustingplateandthumbleverateachwheel
positionprovidescuttingheightadjustment.
a. Depresslevertowardswheel.
b. Moveittoanyof theninepositionsfordesired
cuttingheight.SeeStep5.
c. Releaselevertowardsmowerdeck.
6. Followstepsbelowto assemblethegrasscatcher:
a. Placebagoverframesothat itsblackplasticside
is at thebottom.
b. Slip plasticchannelof grassbagoverhooksonthe
frame.SeeStep6.All theplasticchannelsexcept
centertopof bagattachfromoutsideofbag.
c. Attachcentertopofbagfrominsideofbag.
7. Followstepsbelowto attachgrasscatcher:
a. Liftreardischargedoor.
b. Placegrasscatcheron thepivotrod.Letgo
ofdischargedoorsothatit restson thegrass
catcher.SeeStep7.
Toremovegrasscatcherorconverttoa mulcher(if
equipped),liftreardischargedooronthe moweras
showninStep8. Liftgrasscatcherupandoutofthe pivot
rod.Releasereardischargedoorto allowittocloserear
openingofmower.
WARNING: Never operate mower
unlessthe hooks on the grass
catcherare firmly seated in the
slots on the handle bracket as-
semblies, and the rear discharge
door rests firmly against top of
the grass catcher.
setupand
ustment
Step 5
Step 6
Makecertain bag is
turned rightside out
before assembling
(warning labelwill be
onthe outside)i
i¸¸¸!: i / !i
J
Step 6
WARNING
Neveroperatemower
unlessthehookson
the grasscatcher are
firmly seated in
slots on the handle
bracket assembiiesl
and the rear dis:
charge doorrests
firmly against topof
the grass catcher:
Step 7
7
Recoil Starter
Grass Bag
Know Your Lawn Mower
)4==-- Blade Control
-- Drive Control
Oil Fill/Dipstick
WARNING
The blade control
mechanism is a
safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its
operations.
I Use extreme care
when handling
gasoline.Gasoline is
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive. Never fuel
the machine indoors
or while the engine
is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes and
other sources of
ignition.
Keep hands and feet
away from the chute
area on cutting deck.
Referto warning
label onthe unit.
HeightAdjustment
Levers
Gasoline
Height
Adjustment
Levers
Figure 1
Now that you have set up your lawn mower for op- Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
eration, get aquainted with its controls and features. One adjustment lever is located on each wheel and
These are described below and illustrated on this is used to adjust the cutting height. All four levers
page. This knowledge will allow you to use your have to be at the same relative position to ensure a
new equipment to its fullest potential, uniform cut.
Recoil Starter
Blade Control
The blade control is attached to the upper handle
of the mower. Depress and squeeze it against the
upper handle to operate the unit. Release it to stop
engine and blade.
_ WARNING:Thisblade controlmecha-
nism isa safety device. Neverattempt
to bypass itsoperations.
The recoil starter is attached to the right upper
handle. Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil
starter rope to start the unit.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
1. Check oil level and add oil if necessary. Follow engine
manual for this. See Figure 1 above for location of the
oil fill.
2. Servicethe enginewithgasolineasinstructedinthe
enginemanual. SeeFigure1abovefor locationof
gasfill.
Drive Control
The drive control is located on the underside of
the upper handle and is used to engage the drive.
Squeeze it against the upper handle to engage the
drive; release it to slow down or stop mower from
propelling. See Figure 1.
_ ARNING:Useextremecarewhen han-
dling gasoline.Gasolineis extremely
flammableand the vapors areexplosive.
Neverfuel the machine indoors orwhile
the engine is hot or running. Extinguish
cigarettes, cigars, pipesand other
sources of ignition.
8
WARNING:The operationof any lawn
mowercan result inforeignobjects
being thrownintothe eyes,whichcan
damageyoureyesseverely.Always
wearsafetyglasseswhileoperating
the mower,or whileperforming any
adjustmentsor repairson it.
Starting Engine
WARNING:Besureno one otherthan
theoperatorisstandingnearthe lawn
mowerwhilestartingengine or operat-
ingmower. Neverrun engine indoors
or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas.
Engine exhaustcontains carbon monox-
ide,an odorless and deadly gas. Keep
hands,feet,hair andloose clothing
awayfromany moving partson engine
and lawnmower.
1. Pushprimerthreetimes.Waitabouttwoseconds
betweeneachpush.SeeFigure2. Intemperature
around550For below,primefivetimes.Donotprime
to restarta warmengine.
2. Standingbehindthe mower,squeezethebladecontrol
againstupperhandle.SeeFigure2.
3. Holdingthesetwo handlestogetherfirmly,grasp recoil
starterhandleand pullropeoutwitha rapid,continu-
ous,fullarmstroke.SeeFigure2.Keepinga firm
grip onthestarterhandle,letthe roperewindslowly.
Repeatuntilenginecranks.Letthe roperewindeach
timeslowly.
Stopping Engine
1. Releasebladecontrolto stoptheengineand blade.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainsttheengine.
__lk ARNING:Waitfor the blade to stop
completelybeforedoing any work
on the mower or to removethegrass
catcher.
UsingYour Lawn Mower
,__lh WARNING:Neveroperateyour mower
Besurelawnisclearof stones,sticks,wire,or other
objectswhichcoulddamagelawnmowerorengine.
Suchobjectscouldbe accidentlythrownbythemower
in anydirectionandcauseseriouspersonalinjurytothe
operatorandothers.
without eitherthe rear door or the entire
grass catcher assembly firmly secured.
Figure 2
_klL ARNING:if you strikeaforeign
1. Oncetheengineis running,squeezethedrive
controlagainsttheupperhandleto propelmower.
2. Forbest results,do notcut wetgrass.
3. Fora healthierlawn,nevercut offmorethanone-
thirdof thetotallengthofthegrass.
object,stopthe engine.Remove
wire from the spark plug,thoroughly
inspectmowerfor anydamage,and
repairdamagebeforerestarting and
operating. Extensive vibration of
mower during operation is an indica-
tion of damage.The unit should be
promptlyinspectedand repaired.
Using as Mulcher (if Equipped)
Formulchinggrass,removethegrasscatcherfromthe
mower.The reardischargedoorshouldbeclosed.
1. Foreffectivemulching,do notcut wetgrass.
2. Newor thick grassmayrequirea narrowercut.
Adjustgroundspeedaccordingtoconditionoflawn.
3. if thegrasshas beenallowedto growinexcessof
4 inches,mulchingisnot recommended.Usethe
grasscatcherto bagclippingsinstead.
Using Grass Catcher
Youcanusethegrasscatchertocollectclippingswhile
youareoperatingthemower.
1. Attachgrasscatcherfollowinginstructionson page
7.Grassclippingswill automaticallycollectinbagas
yourunmower.Operatemowertillgrassbagisfull.
2. Stopenginecompletelybyreleasingtheblade
controlhandle.Makesurethattheunithascometo
a completestop.
3. Liftdischargedoorandpullgrassbagup andaway
fromthe mowertodisposeofthegrassclippings.
Mower
WARNING
The operation of any
lawn mower can result
inforeign objects
being thrown into
the eyes, which can
damage your eyes
severely. Always wear
safety glasseswhile
operating the mower,
or while performing
any adjustments or
repairs on it.
Be sureno one other
than the operator is
standing near the lawn
mower while starting
engine or operating
mower. Never run
engine indoorsor
n enclosed, poorly
ventilated areas. En-
gineexhaust contains
carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly
gas. Keep hands,feet,
hair and loose clothing
away from any moving
partson engine and
lawn mower.
9
Maintaining
WARNING
A vaysstope,g ne;
disconnect spark
pluglandground
againstenginebefore
cleaning,lubricating
ordoinganyk ndof
maintenanceonV0ur
machine!
I
We do notrecommend
the used pressure
washers or garden
hoseto cleanyour
uniL These maycause
damage to electric
componentsspindles
pu eys;bear ngs, or
the engine. The use
of water will result in
Lubricate
before
Figure 3
Figure 4
General Recommendations
1. Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhen performing
anymaintenance.
2. Thewarrantyonthislawnmowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse
ornegligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthelawn moweras
instructedhere.
3. Changingofengine-governedspeedwill void
enginewarranty.
4. Alladjustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonce
eachseason.
.
Periodicallycheckallfastenersandmakesurethese
aretight.
WARNING:Alwaysstop engine,
A
disconnect spark plug, andground
against engine beforecleaning,
lubricatingor doing any kind of
maintenanceon your machine.
Lubrication
1. Lubricatepivotpointson thebladecontrolhandleat
leastoncea seasonwith lightoil.Thebladecontrol
mustoperatefreelyinbothdirections.SeeFigure3.
2. Lubricatethewheelsatleastonceaseasonwith
lightoil (ormotoroil). If wheelsareremovedforany
reason,lubricatesurfaceof thepivotarmandinner
surfaceof thewheelwithlightoil.SeeFigure3.
3. Lubricatethetorsionspringandpivotpointonthe rear
dischargedoorperiodicallywithlightoil toprevent
rust.See Figure3.
4. Thetransmissionis pre-lubricatedandsealedatthe
factoryanddoesnotrequirelubrication.
5. Followtheaccompanyingenginemanualforlubrica-
tionscheduleandinstructionforenginelubrication.
Deck Care
1. Disconnectsparkplugwire.Draingasolinefromlawn
mower,or placeapieceof plasticunderthegascap.
2. Tip mowersothat itrestsonthe housing.Keepthe
sidewiththeaircleanerfacingup.Hold mowerfirmly.
than 90 degrees in anydirections and
l_k ARNING:Nevertip the mowermore
do not leavethe mower tipped for any
length of time. 0il can drain intothe
upper part of the enginecausinga
starting problem.
3. Scrapeandcleantheundersideofthedeckwitha
suitabletool.Donotspraywithwater.
4. Putthemowerbackonits wheelsontheground.If
youhadputplasticunderthegascapearlier,make
sureto removeitnow.
Engine Care
1. Maintainoillevelasinstructedin enginemanual.
2. Serviceaircleanerevery25hoursundernormal
conditions.Cleaneveryfewhoursunderextremely
dustyconditions.Refertoenginemanual.
3. Cleansparkplugandresetthegaponcea season.
Checkenginemanualforcorrectplugtypeandgap
specifications.
4. Cleanengineregularlywitha clothorbrush.Keepthe
coolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)cleantopermit
properaircirculation.Removeall grass,dirtand
combustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.
Replacing Rear Flap
1. Toremoverearflap,cutoffthe flatendofthewire rod
whichsecuresit tothedeck.SeeFigure4.
2. Attachthenewflapand newrodto deck,bendingthe
endsof thenewrodovertosecureto deck.
shortened lifeand
i reduceserViceabilityl
10
Blade Care
r
I
__IL ARNING:Whenremovingcutting
1. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug.Turn
moweron itssidemakingsurethattheairfilterand
thecarburetorareup.
2. Removebolt,bladebellsupport,blade,andblade
adapterfromthe enginecrankshaft.SeeFigure5.
3. The bladecanbe sharpenedwithafileor on a grind-
ing wheel.Donotattempttosharpenthebladewhile
it is stillonthemower.Whensharpeningblade,follow
originalangleofgrind.Grindcuttingedgesequallyto
keepbladebalanced.
4. Removebladefromtheadapterfortestingbalance.
Balancethebladeona roundshaftscrewdriverto
check.Removemetalfromtheheavysideuntilit
balancesevenly.
_ WARNING:Anunbalanced bladewill
5. Lubricatetheenginecrankshaftandthe innersurface
ofthebladeadapterwithlightoil. Slidetheblade
adapterontotheenginecrankshaft.Placetheblade
on theadaptersuchthatthesideoftheblademarked
"Bottom"(orwithpartnumber)facesthegroundwhen
themowerisintheoperatingposition.Makesurethat
bladeisalignedandseatedon bladeadapterflanges.
6. Placebladebellsupportonthe blade.Alignnotches
on thebladebell supportwith smallholesinblade.
Replacehexboltandtightenhexboltto torque:450
in.Ibs.rain.,600in.Ibs.max.
Toensuresafeoperationofyourmower,periodically
checkthe bladeboltforcorrecttorque.
bladefor sharpeningor replacement,
protectyourhandswitha pairof heavy
gloves or usea heavy ragto hold blade.
causeexcessivevibration whenrotating
athigh speeds, itmay causedamage
to mower,andcould break causing
personalinjury.
Belt Care
1. Removetwoshoulderscrewssecuringfrontdrive
covertomowerdeck.SeeFigure6. Pressinwardon
sidesoffrontdrivecoverand releasetabsthatsecure
it to theheightadjusterbrackets.Removedrivecover
frommower.
.
Loosenscrewholdingbelttensionspringtotrans-
mission.SeeFigure6 inset.Donotremovescrew
completely.As youloosenit,tensiononthebeltwillbe
released.
.
Pushtransmissionup a littleandslidebeltoffthe
transmissionpulley.Lift mowertoaccessbeltfrom
undersideofmower.Slidebeltoffof enginepulleyand
aroundtheblade.SeeFigure7.
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
4. Replacewithnewbelt,workingaroundblade.Make
surebelt isfirmlyseatedonenginepulleywhile
pullingfromtheothersideand slidingitaroundthe
transmissionpulley.Tightenscrewloosenedearlier
tosecurebelttensionspringtothetransmission.
Reassemblefrontdrivecover.
_ _ i i i iii _ _ ii _i ii ii
Maintaining
You r LaWn
MOwer
WARNING
When removing
the cutting blade
for sharpening or
replacement or
when sliding the belt
around it, protect
your hands with a
pair of heavy gloves
or use a heavy rag to
hold the blade.
An unbalanced blade
will cause excessive
vibrationwhen rotat-
ing at high speeds. It
may cause damage
to mower, and could
break causing per-
sonal injury.
11
Troub.le
shooti
Problem Cause Remedy
Engine failsto start I ii Biadecontroldisengaged. Engagebiade control.
21spark plugwiredisconnected, connect wireto spark plug.
3: Fueitankempty orstaiefuel. I 3: FilltankWithcleanlfreshgasiline:
I 4. Enginenot primed, 41 Primeengineas instricted in !operat,
I ingY0U[LaWnMowe[.
5. Faultyspark p!ug. 5. Olean,adjustgap;0rreplacel
61 BloCkedfuel line: 61clean fuellinel
I 7: Enginefieoded, wait afewm nutesto restart,but do
J nolplim
For repairs beyond
the minor adjustments
listedhere, contact
an authorized service
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;fill tank withclean,
freshgasoline.
3. Clearvent.
4. Drainfueltank. Refillwithfreshfuel.
5. Refertoenginemanual.
6. Refertoenginemanual.
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.
I 3. Drtyarceaner. 3. Refertoengnemanua.
\_i, 3J
Excessive 1. Cuttingbladelooseor unbalanced. 1. Tightenbladeandadapter.Balance
Vibration blade.
2. Bentcuttingblade. 2. See anauthorizedservicedealer.
Mowerwillnot I 1. Wetgrass. 1. Donot mowwhengrassiswet;
wait
much -rass ' f i _ until latertocut.
E U_j _d ,t I 2. Excessivelyhighgrass. I 2. Mowonce ata highcurtngheight
q PP ) I then mowagainatdesiredheight or
I I makea narrowerCuttingpath.
I 3. Du bade. 3. Sharpenor replaceblade.
Unevencut 1. Wheelsnotpositionedcorrectly. 1. Placeallfour wheelsinsame
heightposition.
2. Dullblade. 2. Sharpenor replaceblade.
Mowerwillnot I 1. Beltnotinstalledproperly. I 1. Checkbeltfor properpuleyinstallation
seIfpropeI ' and movement.
I 2. Debrsclogg ngdriveoperation. 2. Stop engine,disconnectsparkplug
I wireand cleanoutdebris.
. 3. Damagedorworn belt. . 3. Inspectand replacebelt.
12
Off-Season Storage
Thefollowingstepsshouldbetakentoprepareyourlawn
mowerforstorage.
1. Cleanandlubricatemowerthoroughlyasdescribedin
thelubricationinstructions.
2. We donotrecommendtheuseofa pressurewasher
or gardenhoseto cleanyour unit.
3. Referto enginemanualforcorrectengine
storageinstructions.
Safety Labels Found On Your Lawn Mower
4. Coatmower'scuttingbladewithchassisgreaseto
preventrusting.
5. Storemowerinadry,cleanarea.Donotstorenext
tocorrosivematerials,suchas fertilizer.
Whenstoringanytypeof powerequipmentina poorly
ventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbetaken
torust-prooftheequipment.Usingalightoil or silicone,
coattheequipment,especiallycablesandall moving
partsofyourlawnmowerbeforestorage.
_i _i i _iii i__ i iii ii_
WARNING
DONOTremove safety
(or any) labels from
mower for any reason.
13
14
1 747-1161A BladeControlHandle
2 749-1092A UpperHandle
3 747-04080 GrassCatcherFrame
4 749-0928A LowerHandle
5 720-0279 WingNut
6 710-1205 RopeGuide
7 710-1174 CarriageBolt,5/16-18x 2
8 664-04027 GrassBagAssembly
9 720-0284 HandKnob
10 736-0451 SaddleWasher
11 726-0240 CableTie
12 710-0703 CarriageBolt,I/4-20
13 731-04134A RearDischargeDoor
14 750-04162 Spacer
15 732-04089A TorsionSpring- LH
16 732-04090A TorsionSpring- RH
17 734-04087 RearWheel,8"x 1.8"
18 731-04150C RearBaffle
20 787-01277 Deck- 21"
22 782-5002B FrontBaffle
23 748-04015A BladeAdapterw/Pulley
24 742-0741 21"StandardCutBlade
25 710-1257 HexBolt, 3/8-24x 2.5
26 687-02044 PivotPlateAssembly
27 736-0524B BladeBellSupport
28 787-01298 HeightAdjustmentPlate- RH
787-01299 HeightAdjustmentPlate- LH
29 720-0426 AdjustmentLeverKnob
30 732-0706 FrontLever-RH
732-0707 FrontLever- LH
31 738-04136 ShoulderScrew
32 634-04100 FrontWheel,8" x 1.8"
33 710-04371 Screw,1/4-15x 1.250
34 746-1132 ControlCable-40.75"
746-1114 ControlCable- 50.56"
36 731-04998 Trailshield
37 732-0700 TrailshieldWire
38 712-0397 WingNut,1/4-20
39 747-04035 RearDoorPivotRod
40 732-04175 SpringLever
41 687-02071A PivotArmAssembly-RH
687-02070A PivotArmAssembly-LH
42 710-1652 ABScrew
43 712-04065 FlangeLockNut,3/8-16
44 714-0104 HairpinClip
45 710-0654A TT SemsScrew,3/8-16x 1.00
46 687-02193 Ht. Adj.Assy.Front- LH
687-02194 Ht. Adj.Assy.Front- RH
47 687-02069 RearHandleBracketAssy.- LH
687-02068 RearHandleBracketAssy.- RH
48 747-1214 LowerBail Handle
49 710-1650 ShoulderScrew
50 746-04203 DriveCable51"
51 754-04101 V-Belt
52 618-04376 TransmissionAssembly
53 731-05021A FrontDriveCover
54 732-1043 BeltTensionSpring
55 682-0015 BearingAssembly
56 736-0447 WaveWasher
57 710-0216 HexScrew
58 715-0221 DowelPin
59 717-1762 Gear,14T-RH
717-1761 Gear,14T-LH
60 710-04531 Screw1/4-20
61 782-7551A WheelDustCap
62 716-0102 SnapRing
63 736-0474 Washer,1.5"OD
64 750-04594 SleeveSpacer- LH
65 750-04595 SleeveSpacer- RH
66 715-04030 Roll Pin
67 756-04151A inputPulley
68 787-01292 HandleBracket-RH
787-01291 HandleBracket-LH
69 731-2626 DeluxeBaleCover
Parts List
iMPORTANT
For a properworking
machine, use Factory
Approved Partsl
V..BELTSarespecially
designedto engage
and disengagesafely.
A substitute(non OEM)
V_aelt can bedanger,
ousby notdisengaging
completely.
_FACTORY PARTS
Toorder replacement
parts,call
1-800-800-7310
orvisit
www.mtdproducts.com.
NOTE:Forpaintedparts,pleaserefertothelist of
colorcodesbelow. Pleaseaddtheapplicablecolor
code,whereverneeded,tothepartnumbertoorder
a replacementpart. Forinstance,ifa partnumbered
700-xxxxis paintedGreen,thepartnumbertoorder
wouldbe 700-xxxx-0665.
Green 0665
PowderBlack:0637
15
MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR
YaRD-MaN,
ThelimitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenbyMTDLLCwithrespectto
newmerchandisepurchasedandusedin theUnitedStates,itsposses-
sionsandterritories.
"MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsin materialandworkmanship
fora periodoftwo(2)yearscommencingonthe dateof originalpurchase
andwill,atits option,repairor replace,freeof charge,anypartfoundto
bedefectiveinmaterialsor workmanship.Thislimitedwarrantyshallonly
applyif this producthasbeenoperatedandmaintainedinaccordance
withtheOperator'sManualfurnishedwiththeproduct,andhasnotbeen
subjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,accident,improper
maintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft,fire,water,ordamagebecause
ofotherperilornaturaldisaster.Damageresultingfromtheinstallationor
useof anypart,accessoryorattachmentnotapprovedbyMTDforuse
withtheproduct(s)coveredbythis manualwillvoidyourwarrantyasto
anyresultingdamage.
Normalwearpartsarewarrantedto befreefromdefectsinmaterialand
workmanshipfora periodofthirty(30)daysfromthedateof purchase.
Normalwearpartsinclude,butarenotlimitedto 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,orcall 1-800-800-
7310or logon toourWebsiteat www.mtdproducts.com.
Thislimitedwarrantydoesnot providecoverageinthefollowingcases:
a. Theengineorcomponentpartsthereof.Theseitemsmay
carryaseparatemanufacturer'swarranty.Referto applicable
manufacturer'swarrantyfortermsandconditions.
b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershavea separateone
yearwarranty.
c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchaslubricants,filters,blade
sharpening,tune-ups,brakeadjustments,clutch adjustments,
deckadjustments,andnormaldeteriorationofthe exteriorfinish
duetouseorexposure.
d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthananauthorizedservice
dealer.
e.
f.
g.
No impliedwarranty, includinganyimpliedwarranty of merchant-
ability of fitness for a particularpurpose,applies afterthe applicable
periodof expresswritten warranty above as to the partsas identi-
fied. Noother expresswarranty, whether written or oral, exceptas
mentionedabove,given byany personor entity,includinga dealer
or retailer,with respect to anyproduct,shallbindMTD.Duringthe
periodof the warranty, the exclusive remedyisrepairor replacement
of the productas setforth above.
Theprovisionsas setforth inthis warrantyprovidethe soleand
exclusiveremedyarising from the sale.MTDshallnot beliable
for incidentalorconsequentialloss or damageincluding,without
limitation, expensesincurredfor substituteorreplacement lawncare
servicesor for rentalexpensesto temporarily replacea warranted
product.
Somestatesdo not allowtheexclusionor limitationofincidentalor
consequentialdamages,or limitationson howlonganimpliedwarranty
lasts,sotheaboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplytoyou.
Innoeventshallrecoveryofany kindbegreaterthantheamountof the
purchasepriceof theproductsold.Alterationof safetyfeatures of the
productshall void this warranty. Youassumetheriskandliabilityfor
loss,damage,orinjurytoyouandyour propertyand/ortoothersandtheir
propertyarisingout ofthemisuseor inabilitytouse theproduct.
Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendto anyoneotherthantheoriginal
purchaseror tothepersonforwhomitwaspurchasedasa gift.
HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHiSWARRANTY: Thislimitedwar-
rantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalso haveotherrights
whichvaryfromstatetostate.
IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofofPurchasetoobtain
warrantycoverage.
MTDdoesnotextendanywarrantyforproductssoldor
exportedoutsideoftheUnitedStates,itspossessionsand
territories,exceptthosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorized
channelsofexportdistribution.
ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts.
Transportationchargesand servicecalls.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136=0019; Phone: 1=800=800=7310
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