Yard-Man 12AV829C755 Owner’s Manual

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

A O A AL

21=inch Rotary Mower- Model 829

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.769-01607B

PRINTEDIN U.S.A

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

10/14/05

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

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 and/or obtainassistance from the Customer Support Departmentor

an authorizedservice dealer.

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

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

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

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

Model Number

www.yardman.com 330-220-4683

Serial Number

P. O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND,OH44136

800-800-7310

Customer Support

Please do IVOTreturn 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, operationor maintenanceofthis unit,

you canseek helpfromthe experts.Choosefrom the options below:

1. Visit www.yardman.comfor manyusefulsuggestions.Click the Customer Support menu option.

2. Phonea CustomerSupportRepresentativeat 1-800-800-7310.

3. The engine manufactureris responsiblefor all engine-related issueswith regards to performance,power-rating, specifications,warranty,and service. Pleasereferto the engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator'sManual,packed sepa-

ratelywith your unit,for moreinformation.

Sightandholdthis levelwith a verticaltree...

>:.

(13

O3 (13

(13 O-

O O

(--

(13 (13

also

o3 (13

O- O

o3 (13

(]3

(13

O- O

(13

-5

('5

O3 O5

(13

t"b

(13 O9

15°

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

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.

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.Telephone1-800-800-7310forthe 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, 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.

NOTE:Standbehind

themowerasifyou weregoingtooperate

it.Yourrighthand

i correspondstotheright i sideofthemower;your

lefthandcorresponds

i totheleftsideofthe

mower.

i NOTE:Forshipping

purposesyourmower

i issetwiththewheels

" in a lowcutting

heightposition. For bestresults raisethe

cutting positionuntil it

i is determinedwhich

height isbest for your

i lawn.See Adjustment i section,

Figure3-1:Lift handleandtightenhardware.

Figure3-2:Securehandletohandlemountingbrackets.

1. Removegrasscatcherandany packingmaterial whichmaybebetweenupperandlowerhandles.

a. Removehandknobsfromhandlemounting

bracketsand pullupandbackonupperhandle asshownin Figure3-1.Makecertainthelower handleisseatedsecurelyintothehandlemounting

brackets.

b. Tightenhandknobstosecureupperhandleto

lowerhandle.Makesurethateachcarriageboltis seatedproperlyinthehandle.

Replaceandtightenhandknobsremovedearlierto securelowerhandleto handlebrackets,Figure3-2.

Theropeguideisattachedtotherightsideofthe upperhandle.Loosenthewingnutwhichsecuresthe ropeguide,Figure3-3.

a. Holdthebladecontrolagainstupperhandle. b. Pullstarterropeoutofthe engine.Releasethe

bladecontrol.

c. Slipstarterropeintoropeguide. d. Tightenwingnut.

Securecablesto thelowerhandlewiththecabletie alreadyonthe lowerhandle.Insertpegoncabletie

intothe holeonthe lowerhandle.Pullcabletiestight andcutoffexcess.

Followthestepsbelow,if needed,toassemblethe grasscatcher,Figure3-4.

a. Placebagoverframesothatits blackplasticside

isatthebottom.

Slipplasticchanneloverhooksontheframe. Alltheplasticchannelsexceptcentertopofbag attachfromoutsideofbag.

c. Attachcentertopofbagfrominsideof bag.

6. Beforeattachingthegrasscatcher,themulching

bafflemustbe removed,Figure3-5. a. Lift reardischargedoor. b. Removemulchingbaffle.

IMPORTANT

DO NOTcrimp the cableswhen liftingthe

i handleup.

IMPORTANT

Thisunit isshipped

iwithout gasolineor oil i inthe engine. Fill up

gasolineandoil as

i instructedin the accom-

panyingengine manual BEFOREoperatingyour

mower.

Thegrass

bagonyour unitmaybe

assembled.

Figure3-3:Pullrecoilstarterthroughropeguideandtighten. Figure3-4:Grassbagassembly(if needed)

+ 14 hidden pages

Yard-Man 12AV829C755 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual