12A-556Q713
Operator's Manual
21" Self Propelled
Mulching Mower
Model Series 556
IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.
Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-
covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any), If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator,
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code), Other states may have
similar laws, Federal laws apply on federal lands, A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P,O, Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019,
MTD LLC,P.O.BOX361131CLEVELAND,OHIO44136-0019
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO. 769-01608
(2/3/2005)
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content
Important Safe Operation Practices
Slope Gauge
Assembling Your Lawn Mower
Know Your Lawn Mower
Operating Your Lawn Mower
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower
Page Content Page
3 Service & Adjustments 13
6 Off Season Storage 14
7 Trouble Shooting 15
9 Illustrated Parts List 16
10 Warranty 20
11
FINDINGMODELNUMBER
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.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the
equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below. A sample model plate is
also given below. You can locate the model plate by standing at the operating position and
looking down at the rear of the deck. This information will be necessary to use the
manufacturer's web site and/or help from the Customer Support Department or an authorized
service dealer.
Copy the model number here:
WITD LLCYaRD-MaN,f/P o Box3o,,3,
www.yardman.com 330-220-4683
CLEVELAND,OH 44136
800-800-7310
Copy the serial number here:
CUSTOMERSUPPORT
Please doNOTreturntheunitto the retailer fromwhereit waspurchased,withoutfirstcontactingCustomerSupport.
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:
Visit yardman.corn for many useful suggestions. Click on Customer Support button and you
will get the four options reproduced here. Click on the appropriate button and help is
immediately available.
answer you a__?
a mouse crick away!
NeeJ li}al as._ista_c÷ ? Click _e_e te f_
_uals O_li_e
If you prefer to reach a Customer Support Representative, please call 1-800-800-7310.
answer you az_s
looking Mr could be just
a mouse crick away!
En ine
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to
performance, power-rating, specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine
manufacturer's Owner's/Operator's Manual, packed separately with your unit, for more
information.
SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES
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.
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit
chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this
manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in
serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to
observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
GeneralOperation
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. Be
completely familiar with the controls and the proper
use of this machine before operating it. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference and for ordering replacement parts.
2. This machine is a precision piece of power
equipment, not a plaything. Therefore, exercise
extreme caution at all times. Your unit has been
designed to perform one job: to mow grass. Do not
use it for any other purpose.
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
this machine. Children 14 years old and over
should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules inthis manual and
should be trained and supervised by a parent. Only
responsible individuals who are familiar with these
safe operation rules should use this machine.
4. Thoroughly inspect the area where equipment is to
be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones,
toys and other foreign objects which could be
tripped over or picked up and thrown by the blade.
Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.
Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of
material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and
the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a
wall or obstruction which may cause discharged
material to ricochet back toward the operator.
5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object
injury, stay inthe operator zone behind the handles
and keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at
least 75 feet from the machine while it is in
operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
6. Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes
during equipment operation and while performing
an adjustment or repair. Thrown objects which
ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.
7. 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 light weight (e.g. canvas)
shoes.
8. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or
under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade can
amputate hands and feet.
9. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause
blade contact or thrown object injuries.
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. Never pull the mower back toward you while you
are walking. If you must back the mower away from
a wall or obstruction first look down and behind to
avoid tripping and then follow these steps:
a. Step back from the mower to fully extend
your arms.
b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure
footing.
c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than
half way toward you.
d. Repeat these steps as needed.
5. Do not operate the mower while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
6. Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on
units so equipped while starting engine.
7. The blade control handle is a safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its operation. Doing so makes
the safety device inoperative and may result in
personal injury through contact with the rotating
blade. The blade control handle must operate
easily in both directions and automatically return to
the disengaged position when released.
8. Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be
sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause
serious personal injury. If you feel you are losing
yourfooting,releasethebladecontrolhandle
immediatelyandthebladewillstoprotatingwithin
threeseconds.
9. Mowindaylightorgoodartificiallight;walk,notrun.
10.Stopthebladewhencrossinggraveldrives,
walkwaysorroads.
11.Iftheequipmentshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,
stoptheengineandcheckimmediatelyforthe
cause.Vibrationisgenerallyawarningoftrouble.
12.Shuttheengineoffandwaituntilthebladecomes
toacompletestopbeforeremovingthegrass
catcheroruncloggingthechute.Thecuttingblade
continuestorotateforafewsecondsafterthe
engineisshutoff.Neverplaceanypartofthebody
inthebladeareauntilyouaresurethebladehas
stoppedrotating.
13.Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,
dischargecover,grasscatcher,bladecontrol
handleorothersafetyprotectivedevicesinplace
andworking.Neveroperatemowerwithdamaged
safetydevices.Failuretodosocanresultin
personalinjury.
14.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea
burn.Donottouch.
15.Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadebythe
originalequipmentmanufacturer(O.E.M).Failure
todosocanresultinpersonalinjury.
16.Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis
manual,usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyour
dealerforassistance.Telephone1-800-800-7310
forthenameofyournearestdealer.
SlopeOperation
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. Before operating this unit on a
slope or hilly area, use the slope gauge on page 6 to
measure slopes. 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.
,
Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or
bumps which can cause you to slip or trip. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
,
Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can
cause serious personal injury. If you feel you are
losing your balance, release the blade control
handle immediately, and the blade will stop rotating
within 3 seconds.
DoNot:
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 as
shown on the slope gauge.
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 children. Children are often attracted to
the mower and the mowing activity. They do not
understand the dangers. Never assume that children
will remain where you last saw them.
1. Keep children out of the mowing area and under
the watchful care of a responsible adult other than
the operator.
2. Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the
area.
3. Before and while moving backwards, look behind
and down for small children.
4. 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.
5. Keep children away from hot or running engines.
They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.
6. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
a power mower. Children 14 years old and over
should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual and
should be trained and supervised by a parent.
Service
SafeHandlingofGasoline:
1. To avoid personal injury or property damage use
extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Serious personal injurycan occur when gasoline is
spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite.
2. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.
3. Use only an approved gasoline container.
4. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or
trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground away from your vehicle
before filling.
5. Ifpossible, remove gas-powered equipment from
the truck or trailerand refuel it on the ground. Ifthis
isnot possible, then refuel such equipment on a
trailer with a portable container, rather than from a
gasoline dispenser nozzle.
6. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel
tank or container opening at all times until fueling is
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
7. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
8. Never fuel machine indoorsbecause flammable
vapors will accumulate in the area.
9. Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhiletheengine
ishotorrunning.Allowenginetocoolatleasttwo
minutesbeforerefueling.
10.Neveroverfillfueltank.Filltanktonomorethan_/2
inchbelowbottomoffillernecktoprovidespacefor
fuelexpansion.
11.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
12.Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitofftheengineand
equipment.Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5
minutesbeforestartingtheengine.
13.Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainerinside
wherethereisanopenflame,sparkorpilotlightas
onawaterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothes
dryerorothergasappliances.
14.Toreducefirehazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,
leaves,orotherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoilorfuel
spillageandremoveanyfuelsoakeddebris.
15.Allowamowertocoolatleast5minutesbefore
storing.
GeneralService:
1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly
ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make
certain the blade and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground against the engine to prevent unintended
starting.
3. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also,
visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., bent,
cracked, worn) Replace blade with the original
equipment manufacture's (O.E.M.) blade only,
listed in this manual. "Use of parts which do not
meet the original equipment specifications may
lead to improper performance and compromise
safety!"
4. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when
servicing them.
5. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
6. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.
7. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against
the engine. Thoroughly inspect the mower for any
damage. Repair the damage before starting and
operating the mower.
8. Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height
adjustment while the engine is running.
9. Grass catcher components, discharge cover, and
trail shield are subject to wear and damage which
could expose moving parts or allow objects to be
thrown. For safety protection, frequently check
components and replace immediately with original
equipment manufacturer's (O.E.M.) parts only,
listed in this manual. "Use of parts which do not
meet the original equipment specifications may
lead to improper performance and compromise
safety!"
10. Do not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine. The governor controls the
maximum safe operating speed of the engine.
11. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
12. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations.
Improper disposal of fluids and materials can harm
the environment.
YourResponsibility
• Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and
instructions inthis manual and on the machine.
#ANaSR
/ WARNING
|,ql
SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
A POWER POLE
A CORNER OF A BUILDING
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09
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15 o
L
_ WARNING
Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower
could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is extremely difficult to maintain
your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.
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