Yard-Man 12A-978Q755, 12A-978Q701 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

21" Self-Propelled

Mower

Model 978Q

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.769-00596B

(11/2003)

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Content

Important Safe Operation Practices Slope Gauge Assembling Your Lawn Mower

Know Your Lawn Mower Operating Your Lawn Mower

Making Adjustments

Page Content Page

3 Maintaining Your Lawn Mower 13 6 Servicing Your Lawn Mower 14 7 Off-Season Storage 16 9 Troubleshooting 17

10 Illustrated Parts List 18 11 Warranty 24

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:

YaRD-MaN)/2=:°.Lc

www.yardman.com 330-220-4683

P. O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND,OH 44136

800-800-7310

Copy the serial number here:

CUSTOMERSUPPORT

Please doNOTreturntheunit totheretailer 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.com 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.

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To reach a Customer Support Representative, please call 1-800-800-7310.

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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 in this 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 in the 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 your footing, release the blade control handle

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.Call1-800-800-7310forthe

nameofyournearestdealer.

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 inthis manual and

should be trained and supervised by a parent.

Service

SlopeOperation

Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents which can result in severe injury. Operation on slopes requires extra caution. Ifyou 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:

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 15degrees as shown on the slope gauge.

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 injury can 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. If possible, remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this

is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

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 indoors because flammable vapors will accumulate in the area.

9. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine

is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

10.Neveroverfillfueltank.Filltanktonomorethan½ 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.Allowmowertocool5minutesbeforestoring.

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 here. 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.

DAN@mR

/ WARNINGo

i,,II

SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE

A POWER POLE

A CORNER OF A BUILDING

OR A FENCE POST

r,D

15 °

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. Operate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.

SECTION3: ASSEMBLINGYOURLAWNMOWER

RemovingUnitFromCarton

• Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut

tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open carton.

• Remove loose parts, if included with unit (i.e., grass

bag etc.), and save it appropriately.

• Cut along corners, lay the carton down flat, and

remove all packing material.

• Roll or slide unit out of carton and check carton

thoroughly for loose parts.

LoosePartsinCarton

1. Grass Bag

2. Grass Bag Adapter

3. Side Discharge Chute

4. Hardware Pack

HardwarePack

Please identify each piece of the hardware pack as shown in Figure 1.

Carriage Bolt

Wing Nut

Figure 1

BeforeAssembly

• Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect the

spark plug wire from the spark plug. See Figure 2.

SettingUpYourLawn Mower

AssemblingHandle

• Lift up and pull back on the upper handle to raise the handle into the operating position. See Figure

3. Make certain the lower handle is seated securely

into the handle bracket assemblies.

_ Handle Assembly

Wing Nut

Handle Mounting Bracket

Figure 3

Tighten wing nuts on each side of the handle

making sure that the carriage bolts are seated properly into the handle. See Figure 3. Remove hairpin clip from the outer hole of the weld pin on each handle brackets. Using a pair of pliers,

squeeze one leg of the lower handle against the

handle bracket. Insert the hairpin clip into the inner hole on the weld pin. Repeat on the other side. See Figure 4.

After moving the hairpin clip, insert the carriage

bolt, from the hardware pack, in the upper hole on

the handle mounting bracket and secure with

plastic wing nut, also from the hardware pack. See Figure 4. Repeat on the other side.

ff !park Plug

ire X

Figure 2

NOTE: Reference to right or left side of the mower is

observed from the operating position.

_¢_Carriage Bolt

Lower Handle Hole

Wing Nut

Handle Mounting _ Hairpin Bracket Clip

Figure 4

Fasten the cable to the lower handle with the two

• Bag

cable ties found on the lower handle. Pull the cable ties tight and trim off the excess. See Figure 5.

Cable Tie

Lower Handle

Figure 5

AttachingStarterRope

NOTE: Make certain the drive cable is routed around

the outside and above the lower handle so it does not interfere with attaching the grass bag.

The rope guide, which is connected to the support rod, is located on the right side of the lower handle. See Figure 6. With the spark plug wire disconnected and grounded, hold the blade control handle against the upper handle, and pull the starter rope out of the engine. Release the blade control handle. Slip the starter rope into the rope guide.

Rope

Nuts

Figure 7

• Lift chute door on the grass bag adapter and slide grass bag onto the adapter. See Figure 8.

NOTE: The chute door has been designed to move the

starter rope out of the way of the bag when the chute door is opened.

Chute

Door,

Grass

Bag

Figure 8

Rope Guide

Figure 6

AttachingTheGrassBag

The mower was shipped with the mulching baffle installed on the unit. You can keep this baffle on as long as you want to mulch the grass clippings. For bagging purposes, you will have to attach the grass bag and its adapter in place of the mulching baffle.

• Remove three wing nuts holding the mulching baffle or side discharge chute in place and remove the accessory from the unit.

• Replace with grass bag adapter, while making sure the front lip of adapter goes under the edge of

the deck. Secure with wing nuts previously removed. See Figure 7.

AttachingSideDischargeChute

• Remove mulching baffle or grass bag adapter from unit by disconnecting wing nuts.

• Attach side discharge chute to unit and secure with

the three wing nuts. See Figure 9.

Side Discharge

Chute

Figure 9

+ 16 hidden pages