Yard-Man 12AE445G701 Owner’s Manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips & Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty

OF A O A AL

21=inch Rotary Mower- Model E445

iMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon 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.769-01686B

PRINTEDIN U.S.A.

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

01/16/2006

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

MTDLLCreservesthe rightto changeproductspecifications,designsandequipmentwithoutnoticeandwithoutincurringobligation.

Finding and Recording Model Number

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

mationto the sample model plate providedto the right.You can locatethe model plate by standing atthe operatingposi- tion and lookingdown atthe rear ofthe deck.This information

will be necessaryto use the manufacturer'swebsite, to obtain assistancefrom the CustomerSupport Department, or when

contactingan authorizedservice dealer.

Troubleshooting ................................................ 14

Safety Labels .................................................... 15

Parts List ........................................................... 16

Notes Page ........................................................ 18

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

Model Number Serial Number

IVITD LLC P. O. BOX ;3611;31

CLEVELAND,OH 44136

www.yardman.com 330-220-4683

800-800-7310

Customer Support

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

purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.

Ifyou have difficulty assemblingthis product or have any questions regardingthe controls, operation,or maintenanceof this unit,youcanseek helpfromthe experts.Choosefrom the options below:

• Visit www.yardman.com. Click on the Service & Support menu option.

Phonea Customer Support 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'sManual,packedseparatelywith your unit, for moreinformation.

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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 operationin 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 out important safety

instructionswhich, if notfollowed, could

endangerthe personal

i safety and/or property

ofyourself and others. Readand follow all

instructionsinthis man- ualbefore attempting 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 powermachine

to personswho read.

understand

and followthe warnings

and instructions

in this 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. Thecuttingblade continuesto rotatefor a fewseconds

after theengineisshutoff. Neverplaceanypartofthe body

inthebladeareauntilyouaresurethe bladehasstopped 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.Telephone1-800-800-7310forthe 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,pipesand othersources

of ignition.

8. Neverfuelmachineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswill

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.

WARNING

Thissymbol points out importantsafety instructionswhich, if notfollowed,could

endangerthe personal safety and/or property

ofyourself andothers.

Readand followall

instructions inthis man- 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.

NOTE:Standbehind

themowerasifyou

i weregoingtooperate

it. Yourrighthand cot-

' respondsto the right

sideof the mower;your left hand corresponds

to the left side ofthe

mower.

, IMPORTANT i DO NOTcrimp the

cableswhen liftingthe

handleup.

Hardware Pack

CarriageBolts(2)

Step 1

1. Removeanypackingmaterialwhichmaybebetween upperandlowerhandles.

a. Pullupand backon upperhandleasshownin

Step1.Makecertainthe lowerhandleis seated securelyintothehandlemountingbrackets.

b. Tightenstarknobssecuringupperhandleto

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 lowerhandle.Loosenthewingnutwhichsecuresthe ropeguide.

a. Holdthebladecontrolagainstupperhandle. b. Pullstarterropeoutofthe engine.Releasethe

bladecontrol.

c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide.Tightenwingnut.

4. Insertpostoncabletiesintoholes providedon the lowerhandle.Pullcabletietightandtrimexcess.

IMPORTANT

This unit isshipped without gasoline or

oil inthe engine. Fill

up gasolineandoil as instructedin the

accompanyingengine manual BEF(JRE

operatingyour mower.

Step 2

Step 3 Step 4

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